13.1 for Autism Speaks- AWESOME

13.1 miles. That is what I ran this weekend- along with my sister and two of my closest friends. In a word- it was AWESOME. Autism speaks shirts were every where. Any time I got tired- I looked up and saw the face of another parent, sibling, aunt, uncle, grandparent, or friend of someone like Robbie. Special- with unique challenges. That kept me going! The amount of Autism speaks shirts also is a bit scary. 1 in 54 are diagnosed. That's a lot of children. I shutter to think of what the world will look like in the next 25 years if the rate of autism increases as it has. But- back to awesome-- it's nice to see the love and support of everyone who participated, cheered and sent their kind words. I hope to do again--- soon!!

No more meds!

Robbie has been off his medications for almost a month. Why? After a year and a half we've realized the medications were not doing what we had hoped. So- why not? Robbie's speech has improved. He is slightly more stimmy- if that's possible. But- we get him. His beautiful smile. His infectious laugh. So while he may not be able to sit still, he is beginning to tell us what he needs. Jump, spin, throw me, etc. And that is a beautiful thing!!

Still no sleep- but took a boat ride!!

I have been unable to access my blog for months- and today- I can!! In many ways we are still dealing with the same issues. Lack of sleep being one. Robbie had his tonsils and adenoids removed in may. I was told it should help him to sleep better. While the snoring has stopped- he is still getting up and staying up in the middle of the night. I feel like we've exhausted all other options. So, we're just tired! On a positive note we went out on Grandpop's boat for the first time. Most people don't understand why that is such a big deal. Rob had the life vests laied out. We all picked one. We walked down to the boat and discussed how we need to wear the vests when we get to the boat. I put mine on, Rob put his on, then Lexi and then Robbie!! We all stepped on the boat and went for a ride. This is something we never thought would happen. These are the moments we really appreciate!! We're looking forward to the summer-- beach, lake, boat- who knows?

It's been a while.....

I have not posted anything in 10 months- not for lack of information. Last spring I began to feel overwhelmed with this thing called AUTISM. The amount of information and lack of direction you are given once you have a child get the diagnosis. While I still feel that way, I do think I have more to say.
Last night I went to dinner with a group of mom's who all have children on the spectrum. Some non verbal, one with downs syndrome and autism and a few with multiple children on the spectrum. What I learned is- we never stop. There is always something new to learn. A different program to research. Some exciting and some depressing- but you never stop. It was nice to be able to laugh with these women about our encounters with ignorant parents, talk of poop, and all the stimming behaviors our kids have. It did give me a sense of comfort that others are experiencing similiar- never the same- experiences. It also made me panic a bit as we are getting to the end of the school year. First grade is a big change- new school, new teacher. Will it provide what he needs? Only time will tell.