psychologist, parents share their experience and challenges in raising an autistic child. It’s very helpful to know how other parents cope with their kids and there’s a bonding that takes place between parents who can relate with what others are going through. We also learn what works and what doesn’t work for other parents.
The second action we’ve taken is to get involved with a local autism charity. Besides our financial donation Maggie had been chosen to be on their board. The mission of the charity is to increase the awareness of autism and raise money for autism research that will hopefully lead to successful treatment and eventually a cure. We’ve also met some wonderful people who have become good friends.
Our involvement with the parents group and the charity have substantially increased our knowledge of autism and also taught us that autism is a moving target in several ways. First, children’s behavior can change over time, even to the point of normalcy. Secondly, research is changing acceptable treatment. No onewould think of giving a child LSD, electric shock or other painful treatment as they did in the 60’s. Indeed, anyone who would, should be arrested.
Prescribed medication is currently a very controversial subject and much more research needs to be conducted before any specific medication is widely accepted. The problem is complicated because valid testing takes a long time and considerable expense. With new drugs being invented all the time the standards for testing create a slippery slope, especially if you’re a parent with an autistic child who wants so desperately to help their child. As I reread this paragraph it accurately reflects the complexity and confusion of addressing what to do as a parent of an autistic child.
Like autism itself, Ben’s behavior is a moving target subject to rapid change. We believe his therapy and special classes have helped his learning challenges and definitely have lessened his depression. He also seems to be much more comfortable with the familiar faces at school. We only hope to keep moving forward.
Caroline continues to be an absolute joy. Maggie and I agree her intelligence is far above where we were at her age and that’s been confirmed by both sets of our parents. Besides her smarts she is such a sweet caring little girl who just melts her dad’s heart. I’ve captured some remarkable movies of her interacting with Ben that’s priceless and guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes.
The good news is that everyone in our families had a healthy year. I’ve even started to run. It means I getup at five and run mostly in the dark but it’s been very worthwhile. Besides losing 10 lbs I feel and sleep better. On weekends I run with a neighbor who’s trying to talk me into running a 10k. We’ll see.
Tess, writing a letter on the same date each year to the same person with whom I have such a unique relationship reads like a book or a movie. I continue to believe you’re receiving and reading my letters. Thank you for your silent voice and all you represent.
Hi Tess,
We have recently become a musical family. Caroline asked for and received a guitar for her ninth birthday on July 8. Now, only a month later she’s trying to play the Neil Young songs she already sings. As much as I love his music I’m not sure it’s the best choice for a nine year old girl.
The day after Caroline’s birthday Ben tried to play her guitar like a drum. So, we did the obvious and bought a small drum set for our son. He loves to bang on them and I think it’s almost therapeutic for him. I wish I could say the same for my ears.
In December we took our first long distance family vacation and flew to Disney World. We stayed at the Disney Polynesian Resort and had a great time. Having been to Disneyland a half dozen times I couldn’t believe how big Disney World was. It sure makes Disneyland seem small. Most importantly, Ben seemed to enjoyhimself and any worry we had for
The second action we’ve taken is to get involved with a local autism charity. Besides our financial donation Maggie had been chosen to be on their board. The mission of the charity is to increase the awareness of autism and raise money for autism research that will hopefully lead to successful treatment and eventually a cure. We’ve also met some wonderful people who have become good friends.
Our involvement with the parents group and the charity have substantially increased our knowledge of autism and also taught us that autism is a moving target in several ways. First, children’s behavior can change over time, even to the point of normalcy. Secondly, research is changing acceptable treatment. No onewould think of giving a child LSD, electric shock or other painful treatment as they did in the 60’s. Indeed, anyone who would, should be arrested.
Prescribed medication is currently a very controversial subject and much more research needs to be conducted before any specific medication is widely accepted. The problem is complicated because valid testing takes a long time and considerable expense. With new drugs being invented all the time the standards for testing create a slippery slope, especially if you’re a parent with an autistic child who wants so desperately to help their child. As I reread this paragraph it accurately reflects the complexity and confusion of addressing what to do as a parent of an autistic child.
Like autism itself, Ben’s behavior is a moving target subject to rapid change. We believe his therapy and special classes have helped his learning challenges and definitely have lessened his depression. He also seems to be much more comfortable with the familiar faces at school. We only hope to keep moving forward.
Caroline continues to be an absolute joy. Maggie and I agree her intelligence is far above where we were at her age and that’s been confirmed by both sets of our parents. Besides her smarts she is such a sweet caring little girl who just melts her dad’s heart. I’ve captured some remarkable movies of her interacting with Ben that’s priceless and guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes.
The good news is that everyone in our families had a healthy year. I’ve even started to run. It means I getup at five and run mostly in the dark but it’s been very worthwhile. Besides losing 10 lbs I feel and sleep better. On weekends I run with a neighbor who’s trying to talk me into running a 10k. We’ll see.
Tess, writing a letter on the same date each year to the same person with whom I have such a unique relationship reads like a book or a movie. I continue to believe you’re receiving and reading my letters. Thank you for your silent voice and all you represent.
Hi Tess,
We have recently become a musical family. Caroline asked for and received a guitar for her ninth birthday on July 8. Now, only a month later she’s trying to play the Neil Young songs she already sings. As much as I love his music I’m not sure it’s the best choice for a nine year old girl.
The day after Caroline’s birthday Ben tried to play her guitar like a drum. So, we did the obvious and bought a small drum set for our son. He loves to bang on them and I think it’s almost therapeutic for him. I wish I could say the same for my ears.
In December we took our first long distance family vacation and flew to Disney World. We stayed at the Disney Polynesian Resort and had a great time. Having been to Disneyland a half dozen times I couldn’t believe how big Disney World was. It sure makes Disneyland seem small. Most importantly, Ben seemed to enjoyhimself and any worry we had for
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