Comments on: Autism Awareness Day

By: Web Design Toys

Web Design Toys — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 08:18:08 +0000

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By: tnomeralc web design toys

tnomeralc web design toys — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 04:51:01 +0000

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By: cathy

cathy — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:56:05 +0000

My secret? Good fortune, a hard head and wonderful children. Also, a supportive husband with a great sense of humor.

I can feel your support. Seriously. I know that people are cheering for Tommy just like I am quietly cheering for them.

By: misty

misty — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:14:10 +0000

I know it’s not the same, but my nephew has Microcephaly. When we first had worries that something was wrong, his doctor told us to ‘give it a little more time’. Eventually, I took matters into my own hands and made an appt with St. Judes. Even today, while we search for more competent doctors, they all act like they’ve never even heard of his condition. People stare, ask stupid or even rude questions, or just basically don’t understand.

Just wanted to let you know, I am with you in spirit.

By: Doug McCaughan

Doug McCaughan — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 03:21:39 +0000

“she wants to know what your secret is!”
Never quit no matter how tired.
Trust your gut over the professionals. (They are guessing too.)
Research. Research. Research.
Never lunge over the table at an IEP as if you were going to strangle the idiot on the other side (it results in a much larger, lengthier IEP the next go around).
Trial and error. Lots of error.
If its not working, turn it upside-down; there might be a label.
Remember that no two people are the same and there is no checklist or cookie cutter solution that can be applied.
Take breaks for yourself.

And most importantly (I mean MOST), develop a system of support for BOTH you and the child that includes friends, family, and professionals (doctors, teachers, support groups, advocacy groups,…)

Oh, and Valium or Vicodin whenever you can get your hands on it.

By: Miriam

Miriam — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 02:30:12 +0000

Being a Vet Tech will be wonderful for Tommy! His experience at STAR will give him such confidence on the job. I always believe parents who are intune with their children know WAY more about what is best for that child.

By: Doug McCaughan

Doug McCaughan — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:46:10 +0000

There are far fewer naysayers now-a-days but there was a time when we felt very much alone. And we have been at odds with professions (be it doctors, psychologists, teachers, etc) more than a few times. For example, the school system wanted to see Tommy repeat the 8th grade and we said no. A psychologist encouraged us to quit STAR and get Tommy bagging groceries at Kroger; Tommy is going to LMU to study to be a vet tech and I'm certain his experience at STAR helped him make that decision. Don't ever let someone tell you your child cannot do something and don't let them force you into decisions that feel wrong.

By: Pattie

Pattie — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:26:42 +0000

You and your family keep on doing exactly what you’ve been doing. To h#ll with the naysayers and critics. Tommy is lucky to have such loving, devoted parents.

By: dancediva

dancediva — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:49:32 +0000

My dad’s wife teaches 6th grade and she has a boy in her class this year who is autistic. I’ve told her about Tommy’s progress over just the past 18 months that I’ve been reading. I told her what some past doctors and teachers have said to you and recently told her about the impending graduation. We’re cheering him on from afar, but also she wants to know what your secret is!