What do you see?

When you look at the above picture what colors do you see? Do you know what a child with autism sees? He/She sees black and white. Not only in the above picture, but a child with autism lives in a black and white world. Children with autism are very literal thinkers. If you tell a child with autism, "It's raining cats and dogs outside, they will look outside to see the cats and dogs." Children with autism also live in a world of perception is reality. When you say to Tony, "I will be back in a little while", you better define "a little while". Being the mom of children with autism has taught me so much in life. I have learned to become much more precise in my speech. I talk more literally. I also understand when I tell my sons something, they see it as a promise. I am now working hard on the world to learn this, too.

New Beginnings

After lots of research, sleepless nights, conferences, visits to neuropsychologists, and talks with Brian and Tony, we feel we have found the perfect option for schooling for them. I know a lot of people will question our decision, but we know our boys best and are just plain worn out from fighting with the Lakeville schools. I wish the schools would have been honest with us years ago and told us they really did not have an appropriate program for either Brian or Tony, but to do that would have meant losing tax dollars. We have given the schools ample time to respond, but with budget cutbacks we just can't afford to sit back and wait to see what happens. We were honestly blown away by our meeting with the new school today and the understanding/caring attitude we received. We ended the school year feeling very beaten, down and angry. While the anger is still very much there, we are moving on. We are feeling upbeat, positive, and breathing quite a bit easier now that the decision has been made. Brian and Tony, Mom and Dad love you and continue to fight for you on a daily basis. We will NEVER stop fighting for what you need and deserve. Please be patient with mom as she has to learn yet more computer skills and new programs (hey quit laughing so hard, remember I am technologically challenged!!):) Bridee Boy and Tony Boy you are THE BEST!!! Here's to a GREAT NEW BEGINNING!!!!!

Starting early.........

Ash isn't even born yet, but Uncle Tony is going to make sure his nephew knows all about Marvel characters. I just couldn't pass up this adorable set I found today. Uncle Tony approved of my purchase.

I know, I know, I said I was not going to be buying him more clothes, but he "neeeeeeds" this. Does it count if I was crossing my fingers when I said I was cutting down on my baby clothes obsession???? Oh that's right, I'm the grandma that's why!!!!