Moderate to Severe

I am Still Here!!

2011-11-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

So I have been a bit of a blog slacker lately, but it is because there is sooooo much going on!! Stay Tuned for more details...

A little venting...

2011-08-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

I was recently blessed with the opportunity to attend BlogHer. It was an amazing experience and I promise to write more about it soon. As you may know (if you have not been bored to tears by me yet!) I am involved with an organization called Surfers Healing They take autistic children surfing. They also have a new show on OWN, please check it out.

What got me a bit upset is a few people commented that it was horrible to force kids into the water and it infuriated me. We have to force our kids to shower people! Anything they need to do they usually don't like at one time or another. These people totally missed the beauty and the point of Surfers Healing all together. At the same time showing how much we truly need our community to come together and show the rest of the world that we deserve respect. Sure there are great ways to soothe a child, perhaps a hug? Oh wait, that could set off a far worse tantrum than being forced to do something they end up loving.

HOW do we teach the world that we are doing our best and what looks from the outside like torture to some is what we must do to push our kids to their true potential!?! Thoughts?

Surfers Healing

2011-08-06T17:52:00.001-07:00

We are so blessed to be able to say that this is our 5th.Summer being a part of Surfers Healing. Yes, X sometimes surfs but what I love most is feeling "Home." There is no judgement, no snide remarks, just unfiltered love.

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Without Friends, Where Would We Be??

2011-07-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

I have found new friends through blogging and social networking in the last 6 months or so. They have helped me, and I hope I have returned the favor, in innumerable ways. We find our strength in one another, each of us with our own individualized "Sh*T" we have to deal with or have dealt with in the past. To not feel alone in a world where few people we interact with on a daily level truly understand our pains and struggles.

Although none of walks the exact same path, that is what makes us even stronger. We are a pack of Momma Wolves, not to be tampered with. When one of us has an issue or a question, we call on one another to come together and one of us has an answer or knows someone who may.

We may have different views or avenues of approach to our children's well-being, but I like to think we try to respect the fact that we are all going through so much. We are strong-willed Momma's who are fighting our own fights the best way that we know how, arm-in-arm. (With a cocktail or two for good measure)

Never underestimate the power of friendship to get you through the darkest of nights. I think as Exceptional Needs parents, we often forget how much we NEED to take care of US once in awhile, to be even better for our children. Love you ladies!!!

Autism and Airplanes...

2011-06-26T14:09:00.000-07:00

You are automatically wondering how this post is going to go right? Well, X was my good boy. We told him for weeks what we were going to do (he has flown many times before when he was little) My mom flew out and helped me on the trip "home" to the midwest. This was a HUGE relief and made the flight pretty painless (as much as to be expected with Autism) We met many kind people on our journey, a few snotty looks but nothing we could not handle. I saw someone traveling with a child who I am pretty sure was severely Autistic. I think that for the most part X just looked like a tired kid.

On the way home, it was just me and my boys. The baby was more rambunctious, X was ready to go home to daddy and his computer after a great visit. We had a layover in Dallas that was delayed. I love this airport, as they have a play area for kids AND the waiting area at the gates is more of a room, which means only one way in and out so I was able to let the boys run a bit. We also met some kind people who understood X. One couple had a granddaughter who was autistic, X was curled up practically in her lap by the time our plane FINALLY was ready to board. Showing her his skills on Spot the Dot (an awesome app by Ruckus Media) They all helped me keep an eye on the kids and we boarded our plane, shortly followed by my sweet little guys sprawled out on each other, sleeping happily back home.

*Never fear, there are more adventures where that one came from! Too many for one blog

YouTube Taught My Son To Speak

2011-05-25T17:36:00.000-07:00

We all know that one can find just about anything on YouTube. Far too many things that should never be seen by anyone, let alone millions worldwide. However, I have learned to love that silly site. It is my sons number one learning tool. I realize that makes me sound like a horrible mother. While many may argue that too much time on the computer will rot your child's brain, I argue this fully in the case of X. Of course limits are good and we do make him disconnect and hang out with us but this boy is always learning. He also likes to imitate things but knows what is unacceptable. My favorite was at Easter when he got peanut butter cups. He found the old "No Wrong Way to eat a Reese's" commercials and raced in circles eating his candy like the race car driver on screen.

Back to my point, my son is learning to communicate via YouTube. He ends up saying some funny things at times but echolalia is the first step to building his vocabulary. We monitor what videos he watches, and he can log himself into his account. I must say it is far better than his 3 month long fascination with the OnDemand channel and it's loop of random previews and trivia. We learned a lot of useless information though. The downfall was the Dexter preview stating, "My Daddy's a Serial Killer" that was a time we were glad most people could not understand him fully.

He also enjoys videos of Dora and other Nick Jr. friends. He now randomly says, "Hola, I'm Dora, and I'm Boooots!" Today I asked him to do something for me and when he was done he said, "there you go."

Make no mistake here, I give most of the credit to his intensive therapy sessions and dedicated school faculty, but YouTube gives him a way to search out what he wants to say (he is an avid typist and amazing speller)He listens to the video repeatedly and practices under his breath until he is confident in his speech.

He was intrigued by a guy who would drive around in his semi and film his trips to buy a toy named Diesel Deucy. The guy showed his code to enter a doorway and X pushed every single keypad on his way home from school for weeks, hoping to find the magical door that opened at his command. This led me to teach him our building code and he now proudly opens the door for mommy.

I could tell a million things about X and his love of technology, but that is for any other blogs. I can't wait for him to get his Dynavox Maestro next year and show us what is going on in that big beautiful mind of his.

Happy Birthday X!

2011-05-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

My sweetest Xavier, our Brilliant Light,

Well my little curly haired boy. Exactly 8 years ago from the time I write this, yiu rushed into this big world of ours. There were probably 20 people present when you finally came out. You were much too early, but that did not stop you. Born at 32 weeks and weighing in at 4 lbs. 14 oz. You defied odds from your first breath. You were fairly quick to cry which eased mommies worries a bit, but I still had not seen your face. You had 15 people checking you in every way possible. Luckily you required no oxygen or IV of any kind, although later you would have a feeding tube for 3 weeks because you forgot to breathe when you ate sometimes. The moment I finally saw your face, I was introduced to a love I had never known before.

You have been a warrior from the start. An old soul born into a world of turmoil. Your sweet little wrinkled cheeks and jet black hair mixed with a touch of jaundice made you look like a little old Italian man. We held you close to our skin like a tiny kangaroo and learned to feed and bathe you. All the nurses loved you and you were always being held when we arrived to visit. You were the big man on campus in the NICU. Some of your little roomies were six months old and you were a giant compared to them.

Finally, you got to come home! With one condition, a Heart monitor for the first year of your life. What a pain! But worth it. I slept well knowing that damn thing would surely wake me if there was any problem (which was usually a loose lead that jolted us awake. You have always done things your way, at your pace and we love you just the same, more in fact.

You are learning to talk in your time. We respect this and admire you, for it is not easy. You are wise beyond comprehension and more beautiful than anyone I have ever known. Those brilliant eyes sparkle and I yearn to hear what you are thinking.

Please remember that when the world is scary and overwhelming, we are always nearby love. We try to equip you with the tools you need to be safe and healthy in this chaotic world. Never let anyone tell you that you my boy are less than amazing. Everyone who truly sees you knows this.

You are growing into a wonderful young man. We are proud of you bubba.
You've come a long way, baby.

My beautiful boys

2011-05-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

They teach me every day, patience, love, kindness, determination. When I feel lost or lonely, all I need to do is hear "I Lu you" from X and the world is a bit brighter. Baby Drake still loves his mommy most and is usually calmed just by being held tight by ma ma.

Somedays X is mean and surly to his little brother. He once said "I hay em" (I hate him) when I reminded him that he loves his bubba. There's the catch 22 of Autism. How could I not turn away and smile? Of course it is wrong to hate your brother but that's just "brother stuff" right? Lol Another time, when the baby was crying ALOT, X just turned to him and mocked his crybaby brother. I can't tell you how bright our smiles were from the other room. Of course we reprimand inappropriate behavior so he can learn what's right and wrong but we secretly go to the bathroom, lock the door and do a dance of joy! X is not only accepting his brother but he loves him and teases him like "the normal kids" out there only an ASD parent can fully grasp the amazingness of this. An emotional reaction that is not meltdown is miraculous. Even if it means teasing your annoying baby brother.

X also has the best sense of humor! He is almost 8 so he finds fart noises HILARIOUS. What mom can not indulge this simple silly task of blowing raspberries on my sweet boys cheeks and producing the most beautiful laughter on Earth. For when X and Drakey laugh, my heart smiles.

Drake loves his "Bubba" fiercely. If you ask if he is ready to go get bubba, he shakes his head yes and says " ya, ya, ya, ya" when we arrive at school to get X he excitedly hurries over and gives us his backwards wave ad shouts "HI!" Brothers share the sweetest identical grin on sight!

If the baby finds something to chew that he shouldn't have, brother gently removes it from his mouth and puts it up. He places his lips on brothers little downy soft head and says Muuuwwwaahh. His version of the tenderest kiss. (usually when he knows hes been out of line but hey, I'll take it!) I sometimes wonder if X was not Autistic, would he show this love to his brother at such a young age? I don't need to know though, they are wonderful just the way they are.

I could go on for days. My love for my family fills me up even on the toughest days. They may drive me crazy but I am thankful just the same, as I know I MAY drive them crazy once in awhile ;) I take in stride Autism, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Because the bottom line is this, I Love Someone Amazing who Happens to live with Autism.

Inspire Me!

2011-05-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

I am going to give this a try, hoping for some inspiration!

I'm still here!

2011-05-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I have been slacking on my blogging. But, it was for good reason. I successfully completed my first webinar presentation for Spruce Kids. Hopefully, we will be doing more so stay tuned! I must admit it felt wonderful to be able to help others and it leaves me wanting to do more! What a lucky lady I am to have discovered my passion in helping others. On a selfish note, it truly fills me with sunshine :)

Alright, I'm rambling here. Just want to thank my followers and new friends. It is amazing the support I have found, and for that I am truly thankful.

Stay tuned to www.AutismSupermom.com for lots of updates!

My Dream...

2011-04-23T19:04:00.000-07:00

My dream is big, but what good are dreams if they are not large and seemingly impossible? What better reward than to see them come to fruition out of a labor of love. Just taking the time to sit down and really write out my dream has made me feel empowered and ready to dive into making it happen somehow. I know it will, for I am a believer.

  I cant help but think that I was put on this Earth to do great things for others, to warm hearts and share smiles. The greatest rewards I feel in life cannot be measured monetarily or on a chart. They are measured by the kind of warmth that fills your soul to the brim with light and love.

  I am a student of life. Autism, my greatest teacher. I want to help other parents and people living with Autism. When my oldest son was diagnosed with moderate to severe Autism, I felt so alone and clueless. I was filled with a bitterness and sense of emptiness. Luckily in the last 5 years a lot has changed but we need to keep the ball rolling. We must educate the world to accept and embrace people living on the spectrum. I think that if we can educate our youth, we could change the future.

  I dream of creating a center for people with special needs and their families, with a focus on Autism. An affordable daycare with therapy in-house and nothing but love surrounding their child. I envision part of the center being for parents with a cafe that adults with disabilities could work at. They could also help with little things like work on computers, etc. Tap into their talents and help them excel while contributing to the community.

  I see sensory walls and cubbies where kids can go regroup. I would love a big foam pit and swings the kids could enjoy. Most of all, I just dream of a place where everyone is welcome with open arms. Free to express who they are in a positive environment.

  I also want to educate the community about Autism Acceptance. I would love to have information packets to send to schools and educators. Help parents explain Autism in a way kids would understand.
  I guess this is the part where I tell you why I deserve to have my dreams come true. Here's the thing though, its not really about me at all. There are so many just fumbling in the dark tunnel of Autism out there. Im just a mom like everyone else. Struggling to figure this all out and share my "knowledge" I am no expert, but I take life with a slice of humility and keep smiling through every minute of it.

Happy Birthday Isaiah

2011-04-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

Today, Isaiah Paskowitz turns 20 years old. For those of you who have no idea who that is, he is the reason that thousands of Autistic children go out surfing every year. For more info, you can visit www.surfershealing.org This boy, I'm sorry, young man, has truly and profoundly changed my life. I have no idea what my life would be like without Surfers Healing. I guess to tell it properly, I will begin at the start of our journey.

In 2007, we were living in Utah. I was working at an advertising firm doing great things. Our firm sent us to view The One Show Awards. A lucrative award for great advertising. As I was watching these amazing commercials, feeling inspired, I looked up and had no idea how much my life was about to change. Here is the commercial that did it all. I grabbed the hand of my coworker and cried. The moment I got home, I looked up Surfers Healing and the next day was the sign up! I decided to go for it, even though we had no money to make the trip, I decided that if he got in, we would MAKE a way. And he did!

Our first experience was a magical one. X was terrified of the water. Wouldn't go near it. Kicked and screamed the whole way out. Then for the magic. Our boy was surfing and SMILING!! Austin took him out a few more times and each time, his smile grew. See, at this point in our life with autism, it was still really hard. X was completely locked away in himself. SH started a little crack in his shell.

When Uncle Izzy heard our story he invited us back to hang at the beach with Paskowitz Surf Camp. The instructors were so nice and their surfers were doing well so they took X out surfing randomly throughout the day. We drove home with the kind of exhaustion that can only come from sheer joy and fun at the beach. My husband and I decided we wanted to move to San Diego some day and he would work in an amazing restaurant. We would help Surfers Healing and get our son better services. All dreamy and late night on our 12 hour drive home.

Here's the thing, it's 2011 and we live in San Diego. My husband works for an amazing chef and our son is doing better than ever. I have been working with Surfers Healing ever since and the Paskowitz tribe has truly embraced us as family. I may have left out a LOT of the in between but that is for another time my friends.

Back to Isaiah, the birthday boy. He is the reason that Surfers Healing began and a wonderful young man. His best friend Jennifer, also a HUGE piece of the puzzle. She loves so many special people and works herself to exhaustion to give them a magical experience. Cant forget the surf instructors. These guys are Rock Stars! They give their time freely to get kicked, spit on, smacked, you name it. But they don't do it for that reason (obviously) they do it for the smiles, the laughter, the sheer JOY on the faces of everyone. They do it to show children with autism that they CAN do something that may seem impossible. They are Heroes in wetsuits.

As the commercial says, where would I be without Surfers Healing? I'd rather not know.

Humbled

2011-04-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

I am so very excited to be featured in Parents Magazines Autism blog. Please read mine and other wonderful stories from the month. Let's make Autism Acceptance our goal every day!

My Dearest X...

2011-04-13T11:40:00.001-07:00

I love you..

More than words can say, but you don't need words do you? My brilliant boy so full of light and laughter. Your budding sense of humor makes my heart smile. You are almost 8 years old! My how time flys by. Seems like yesterday that I held you for the first time. Born at just 32 weeks, you were 4 lbs. 14 oz. Of pure determination. Never an IV or oxygen like many babies born so early. You have been my little hero from day one son.

I am so proud of the little man you are becoming. I understand that your body doesn't always allow you to act the way you know that you should. I deeply appreciate your efforts. Keep up the good work!

I love your silly YouTube video collection. "Hey, hey, hey!" yesterday you tried to use a code you learned from a video on every keypad door you saw. You knew that code and were determined that it would work! Keep trying to open doors bubba, some day the right one will open up.

You and I may have our rough days, thats life. But I just want you to know that I will always love you and appreciate you just for being X. I don't need you to be like everyone else, I just want to help you adapt to the outside world.

Shine on my brilliant light. You illuminate the world and make it a better place.

Love ALWAYS,
Mommy

Friendships of the best kind...

2011-04-11T01:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am always up for a challenge so I am writing my story for my friend Lisa.

This should be a seemingly easy topic to write because I have many friends all over this world. Thanks to social networking it has been wonderful to keep up with them all. I have many wonderful friends for many different reasons. The friend you call when you need fashion advice, your favorite mom friend, and so on.

I am truly blessed with amazing support from all around me. What I am sadly missing these days is that person you call to come over and talk to you while you clean your house. The one you know you can call at 3 am and say "I need you" and there they are. I do have these friends, just none here where we live now.

For a long time I allowed Autism to be my reason to push people away because their comments born from love but laced with ignorance cut me to the core. I had not yet learned to smile graciously and remember that they are only trying to understand something I live every day and still find complex. The best friends are those who have laughed off my snarky comments, kept calling when I felt too low to talk. Refused to let me throw a pity party for myself.

Now my 3 very best friends on Earth. X, Drake and The Daddy. I tell my boys every day that they are my best friends. I explain to X that we can have many Best Friends of all types. I think this is so true. True Friends are those soul mates who have taught you many lessons and held your hand through them all. My boys make me laugh, cry, smile, and rejoice in the little blessings life has to offer.

I have a newfound group of friends on Twitter and it has been the most surprising place to find the very best type of friends. Other people living with Autism who understand the lingo. They laugh with me when my child has done something outrageously wild and totally Autistic. They "Get" it.

So like the old song says, Make new friends, but keep the old. One is Silver and the other is Gold. If I could take that currency to the bank, I would never worry about money again.

Ride the Wave...

2011-04-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

Have you ever stood in the ocean watching the calm water lap at your feet. Smelling the salt air and the healing breeze in your face when SMACK out of nowhere you are hit by a wave you never saw coming? Sure you knew there were waves and you were even watching them, at your feet. You missed a tsunami title wave out of nowhere.

You are now tumbling under water. Struggling for breath, not sure what to do, where to go, or even which end is up. Spinning, swirling, and fighting with all you have, only to be pulled deeper into the natural force. Your life flashes before your eyes, all your hopes, dreams, ambitions that may never come true. You are fighting now for air, barely able to hold on one more moment, and then you remember something. You are not in control here but you can control your reaction and how you make it out. Once you let go and relax, a strong hand reaches out and pulls you from the water.

You make it to shore and gasp for air, spitting out the vile salty experience. You may need some time to gain your bearings again but you have survived. You are breathing that same salty air that was so refreshing moments ago. You are on firm ground and when you are ready, your support team will pick you up and help lead the way. Its a journey you must take alone, but that does not mean that you cannot except help and guidance on the way.

Welcome to Autism, as wild and broad, unpredictable and beautiful as the sea itself. Ride the wave my friends, and if you should fall, may you always find a helping hand or a life preserver when you need it most.

That Beast Gluten...

2011-04-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

I know that the GF diet is not for everyone and it is tough to get started but this weekend proved to me that it is VERY effective for my son. X had a very limited diet to begin with, macaroni and cheese mostly. So going GFCF didn't work well for us. Then we decided to go GF first because (warning: graphic mom talk here) he had bright green poop. I mean lime green glowing, alien poo!

Here is a letter I wrote to a mom friend that I have adapted because so many people ask me about my personal experience.
**DISCLAIMER: I do not claim to be a doctor, just a mom sharing my personal struggles and beliefs ;) **

Hi Friend!
   We actually tried both Gf and CF at first but it was really hard. So now we buy Annies GF Mac & Cheese. Amazon has a subscribe and save deal even, we go through a case a week (12 boxes!) so it has a little Casein but we make it with rice milk. I have the perfect way to make it thanks to my chef hubby. Lol you must remember to rinse any rice noodles in cold water or they taste like glue. Very important ;) and make the sauce separate. X loves all things cheese. I'm sure it may help some but I feel gluten is the worser of the evils. It acts like an opiate to their little bodies so they are basically high in a sense. We used to joke about the Mac & Cheese Coma, not as funny when we figured out how true it was! Lol

   Ultimately, it was too tough on him not too have ANY casein but cutting out things like actually drinking milk should help a lot. Just try finding something else he enjoys drinking and remind him milk hurts his tummy. X likes the V-8 fusion so that's good for fruit and veggies. Such a picky boy. I make the gf pancakes and put peanut butter on them, the GF bread is kinda gross :( but good for french toast. I also make square pancakes to use as bread for pb&j :)

   And then there's poop! Lol he has lime green poop when he eats gluten. If i understand right it is the bile from the stomach that's not properly digesting. So I can tell he feels better off it. My mom went GF and it has helped some of her stomach issues as well. Stuff she was so used to she didn't fully realize how horrible she felt until she felt better! I had a friends daughter who loved to IM me, she was 8 at the time and she told me gluten gave her "wild tummy" said she acted out because it made her tummy feel better. I was sold. But she also told me she wanted to sneak bread sometimes. It's seriously an addiction and he will probably try to sneak a few things. X knows now it hurts him but he's a sucker for pizza. Almost knocked me over trying to get a piece the other day lol

   The best test in my opinion (I'm no doctor here, just a mom lol) is to take gluten out of his diet a few months and then if you want to try to reintroduce gluten you will know immediately if it was working. I know it takes longer but I think it's because gluten is the worser of the GFCF combo, at least for my boy.

   I am happy to answer any questions with my experiences so just ask :)
   Hope my rambling helps some :)
   A Fellow SuperMom

This past weekend, X got into birthday cake (from trash but in a cake box) We have all been feeling the repercussions! He has been screaming, acting out physically and has a harder time communicating without frustration. I'm sure no school all week doesn't help but gluten did the poor guy in.

The bottom line is that if you personally feel like your child could benefit from a GFCF or any other diet, don't hesitate to find a way to try, even if it's one item at a time that you replace in their diet. They may detox and seem wilder at first, but it's like detoxing from a drug, it takes a bit of time but is so worth it. Good Luck!

A Baby Dragon Turns One...

2011-04-05T15:01:00.000-07:00

What a wild year - it has been full of ups and downs! A joyous yet very trying year. Our little man was born a King and has demanded royal affection and attention. Autism has played a hand in this. For instance, I can't let the baby cry for even a minute without a full on meltdown from big brother. X has the most profound empathy i have ever experienced. He weeps for a sad baby, it hurts him. I often wonder if it's because he knows how it feels to need something and not be able to express what that is.

There has been tremendous growth and bonding between brothers (we still have rough days) X now hugs and kisses "Bubba" knowing that he truly has a best pal now. I love these boys and the things they teach me every day.

We had a lovely picnic Birthday Party for the baby in the park near where we used to live. It was a great time, a few kids tried to interact with X, to no avail, but he did interact with the people he knew who were there. That's very positive. We had one weird moment with a nosy mom but I truly handled it well.

Another year will be gone when I blink my eyes, and my boys will continue to amaze me. I'm counting my blessings and they are abundant. May you all find an abundance of love and blessings in your own lives and remember to take the time to appreciate them ;)

Calling ALL Autism Parents/Family Members...

2011-03-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! I have been asked to participate in a sort of Welcome to Autism Webinar (details very soon) what I really need help from all of you is to let me know the most helpful thing anyone has said or you wish someone had said, when your child was diagnosed. I want to make sure that I really cover the emotional support of it all. If you could PLEASE comment and word your response, "What I want you to know is.." or "What I Wish I knew was...(insert comment here)Or something along those lines, I hope to get some great responses and include them in my presentation, so Mommas (and dads) please help me help other parents like us!! Hugs to you all :)

An Award for Me!?!

2011-03-30T10:48:00.000-07:00

Little old me received an award :) I feel so special! So here's the thing, I have to first tell you seven things about me and then I have to give this pretty award to ten other bloggers. Sounds like fun right? So lets get this started! Make sure you read the rules at the bottom!!

1. I have always been the skinny girl who can't gain weight. I am harassed about it all the time. I truly think skinny people are often treated more harshly than heavier ones. I still try to be nice to everybody.

2. I have hundreds of friends but nobody to hang out with in my own city.

3. I spent 6 months on bed rest with baby number 2, wishing I had found my support group then!

4. I want to change the worlds perception of autism and truly make a difference in the lives of others. This is what gives me the most joy and fulfillment in life.

5. I have lived in 8 states and over a hundred houses in my life. My first place on my own was in the heart of NYC when I attended Parsons School of Design.

6. I know that I am talented in creative arts but feel like I could serve a better more meaningful purpose by not rejoining the Ad game unless it is for a non-profit.
I want to use my powers for good.

7. My husband and I have been together for 9 years but only married for 3. We met in Georgia through a friend of mine from high school in the Midwest. Small world.

So here are the rules:

1.You have to thank and link back to the person who sent you this award.

Thank you Lisa :)
And Pugariffic ;)

2. Share seven things about yourself

3. Share this award with 10 other people and let them know.

Here is who I picked.

Caryn And Karen ;)
Dog4Deeds

The Froggy Queen (a.k.a. FroggyPrincemom)
Jillsmo
Wantapeanut
ManyHatsMommy
Jnettlee
Little AnimAtion

Dear SuperNana...

2011-03-18T11:29:00.000-07:00

I am not actually a Supermom persay, but I do strive to be. What is any superhero without their support system? I am truly blessed in so many ways. I have a loving husband, two beautiful boys and a truly wonderful extended family as well. I love and appreciate each and every one of them. Today however, I feel the need to express my love for one very special person. Without her there would literally be no Autism Supermom ;) A woman who carried me in her womb and has nurtured me in so many ways since. She is truly my rock without which I would surely crumble.

Of course I am thankful for all of the "typical" mom things that she does for me but the things for which I am most grateful for are those that cannot be measured monetarily or even fully expressed in words. When any problem arises, no matter how large, my Supermom does not freak out or buckle, no she takes a deep breath and says, ok, how can we fix this? I have surely done more than a few ridiculous things in my lifetime and given my mother more heartbreak than I care to imagine. But she makes sure that I know she always has and always will believe in me.

She has planted the seeds of creativity deep within my very being and has lovingly nurtured it and inspired me in numerous ways. I believe truly that I CAN do anything I put my mind to, as she has told me this for 30 years now. The most important thing that has been instilled in me is to take life as it comes and do it with a smile. With laughter and persistence it is possible to survive anything.

When my son was diagnosed with Autism, she dug in and researched and supported us with fervor. My boys know their BaNana loves them more than life and they enjoy the far too few times they get to spend with her. I wish we were closer to her so that they could enjoy her and the rest of my family more but that is for another time.

I could go on for days but I hope I have made my point. Mom, I DO know how truly blessed I am to have you as my role model. Without you, I would not strive to be an Autism Supermom. You are beautiful, kind, loving, generous, creative, talented, motivated and most of all, My Mama :)

I love you,
Super A

For Deeds...

2011-03-08T13:34:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know about Deeds, please read here. A lot of people are blogging for our little buddy, most of us he has have never met. That does not change the amazing outpouring of love I have seen showered upon this family. For we are all challenged, but if we can share our blessings and love, we will forever be rich. Another thing that the Autism community seems to "get" more than most.

While I may not personally know them, I believe with all my heart that this family appreciates every single blog, note, tweet and penny for Deeds. See Deeds is a bit of a wanderer. Any parents worst nightmare but the parents of Special Needs children live with this fear every moment of the day (and in our sleep) his dog could help him remember to stay safe.

I am the little Drummer Mom here, I have no gift$ to give, so I am giving the gift of my online voice. It may not be much but I am hoping that if nothing else, I can spread the word and help Deeds get his doggy :) with this I hope comes peace of mind and good sleep for his parents. This week I will be donating my design services to the lucky winner of the giveaway for Deeds. Please click here and join in the fun!!

What are you waiting for? Help us spread the word. You can blog for Deeds, tweet the love, buy a mug, or just show you care. Imagine the way he will feel one day when he is old enough to understand better and his parents tell him the sheer power of the love of strangers in helping him live a more fulfilling life, and you can be a part of it. Spread the Love!

Traveling and Autism...

2011-03-08T09:44:00.000-08:00

Yes, any ASD parent who just read that cringed a bit. It is a very daunting task that never can truly be planned because of the degrees of possible upsets! I have a trip in June across country with my boys alone and I am dreading it. I have flown alone with X before but both of them may be interesting.

Here is a little break down of the last time I flew with X. We had a long trip that had us stopping in ATL before heading up to my family. I was very tired and a bit cranky, X was being a good boy playing his V-Smile and really being pretty good. (by Autism standards) but people don't seem to get a 4 yr old (maybe 5) who is making strange loud noises. I had to haul him everywhere with far too much crap that I had packed to entertain him as well. I am a little momma but don't let that fool you, nonetheless I am sure that people did some double takes of my skinny butt hauling around my own weight in child and "stuff"

There was an old woman sitting behind us on the plane trying to talk on her cell before the doors closed. Apparently X enjoying himself was upsetting her phone call greatly. She did a loud clucking noise to get my attention and proceeded to ask if I could make him be quiet. EXCUSE me!?! Seriously, do you not see the pure exhaustion on my face? After explaining that at that point I would love to but he is autistic and that's how he communicates, she was oh so gracious to tell me she appreciated that exponentially. (good for you lady) and then she moved to the front of the plane. Lucky for her, old friends of my family who's grandson has Aspergers, by the miracle of the universe, happened to be sitting next to me. Or I may have unleashed on her.

Here is the beauty of Karma, once she moved to the front, X put away his game and cuddled up to sleep the entire flight. While a young boy screamed and wailed the whole flight right by that rude woman who had asked me to shut up my kid. Score one for mommies everywhere (except that poor guys mom that day!)

My wish for all you travelers out there. May you have swift flights, helpful crews, and kind strangers to get you home safely :)

Turning Blue

2011-03-06T15:30:00.000-08:00

I am torn on a subject that is upsetting the Autism Community right now. In short, Autism Speaks wants buildings to "go blue" for World Autism Awareness Day. The White House is declining to join in but still claims support for Autism. One person commented that they did pink for breast cancer awareness and another commenter suggested that while the White House surely supports Autism Awareness, they do not support the corporate aspect of Autism Speaks.

Here is where I am torn, on one hand I get it if they decline to show support to one organization. However, this is not about Autism Speaks. Yes, Autism Speaks may be heading the initiative and many may not agree with them or how they spend their money but no matter where you stand about them they are raising awareness of Autism. If you don't like their style, don't sport the bumper sticker.

April 2nd is not about corporations, politics, or greed. It is about the people with living with Autism every single day, their support teams who tirelessly fight daily when they have no fight left in them. Their siblings who feel a little less alone to see the world appreciating their slightly different brother or sister. It is a giant hug to us all. Let us teach the youth of America to unite and show appreciation and understanding for everyone. For I have no doubt that the future of this world depends on the brilliant minds on the spectrum.

Dearest SuperDaddy...

2011-03-03T12:49:00.000-08:00

To my husband
I know I am cranky in the morning (ok SOMETIMES all day) and I get angry when you leave your boots in the middle of the floor for me to trip over while I am trying to do too many things nobody actually asked me to do but i expect of me anyways. I know that i get nervous about money and i hand you the baby the moment you walk in the door after you have also worked hard all day long. Im sorry that somedays the meltdowns are just too much and i want to lock myself in the bathroom and hide. If I forget to put on makeup too often, or don't give you a big hug and kiss and ask you about your day, I apologize. Please know (I truly believe that you do) that I am trying valiantly to do the best that I can and be a Super Woman. I know you love me in my sweatpants and orange slippers but I owe it to us to put on jeans at least a little more often. You are our rock, our provider and the best dad our boys could hope for. You are the balance to this heavy load we carry and I hope I never carry it without you. I do know that i am truly blessed with a man who sticks around when times are good, bad and even unbearable.

Im thankful for those boots in the floor for they mean that you are home safely. I'm thankful for when you see me falling and snap me out of it. I'm thankful for the messy kitchen for it means you have cooked wonderful nourishment to keep us going. I am thankful for your drama at work because it means that one of us has a paying job and that you always want more for your family because you are a man of honor. I am thankful for you in so many ways and I certainly don't tell you that enough. And yes, you may remind me of this when I am acting like a giant pain in your ass.

All My Love,
SuperMomma