Mark your calendar for April 6. Unlocking Autism will be on that day, click here for times. Our producers did a great job again. This documentary shows four families that have children with Autism. You will see our family as the last profiled. That will be followed by our documentary, Autism X 6. For those times click here.
I was interviewed a few months ago and this article came out this past Sunday across the US in American Profile.
Dad
Monday, March 30, 2009
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19 comments:
Thanks for the heads up, I shall be fiddling with the TIVO tonight.
Cheers
Wow, you are on your way to Hollywood. And, you can't work? Sorry, but I really dont get it at all.
Mighty,
I do work, just at home.
Recently, my two-year-old son received a diagnosis of PDD NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified). From what I have read, this disorder neurologically based. My son will need intervention aiming at his social-commutation skills and behavior.
It has been about one week since my meeting with the Developmental Center at Children’s. I am still having a hard time coming to grips with my son’s diagnose. It was heartbreaking to hear the words come out of the doctor’s mouth. Most of all, I had a hard time grasping at the material that he was handing me about Autism. Yes, I was in shock. I was going through the motions, but it was as if I was not there. That it was someone else hearing the news – not me. My first thought, was how unfair it was. Not only does Chloe have a rare syndrome called Heterotaxy, Polypslenia and learning disability, but now Brady also had a disorder. It was indeed a tough day for me. I knew in my hearts of all hearts that something was not right with my son. I know he has a speech delay, he likes to peel labels, and he likes to stack things, and tends to be shy around people. However, I wanted to be wrong. I wanted to hear from the doctor that Brady would out grow this; that this was only a phase. Most of all, I did not want confirmation on what I suspected.
However, I do know the sooner he gets help the easier it will be for him. Most of all, it is not about me but my son. How can I help him right now? What is my next step? Those are the questions I had. Right now, I am looking into an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) program. From what I have read on the internet, ABA is a proven method that will help my son with skills that he will need. The teaching method is broken into small parts so it makes it easier for him to learn. Brady, will receive a reward with every task that he meets. The positive reinforcement will also help him in maintaining the skills that he learned. Since August, a speech therapist from Early Intervention has been working with him twice a week. I do notice a difference in him. I hope it will continue and gain strength now that ABA will be involved.
Like any mother out there, I want the best for my kids. I want to ensure that life is easy for them. It breaks my heart when my kids have to face certain challenges in life. I have faith in Brady and Chloe. I believe in my children and no matter what they have my support. I will guide my children in whatever they need. I am the strongest advocate my kids have.
I just wanted to say thank you to all of you.
Anabella
Anabella,
Thank you for your heartfelt family story and determination. We know all too well how hard it is to hear those words from the Dr. The numbness will wear off after awhile.
Turning your life around to one of advocacy for you child is what you need to complete your recovery. Welcome.
I'll be watching. I saw your documentary a while back and really appreciated how much you have to handle each day. Thanks for all that you do to raise awareness for the autism community!
I'm eagerly awaiting the new show. My oldest son is autistic and I can't imagine how hard it is to have six!!!! It's good that you have found a way to work from home and be there for your kids. I have 2 boys, 10&4. Jarrett is autistic,PDD NOS and Max has Pitutary Dwarfism so he gets growth hormone shots every day. I think we're all just doing the best we can.
I am curious--since this would happen at my house, even though I would never do it--Doesn't having the camera there and such make things different, as appearing differing on screen? If I had all those people in here, my kids would be overwhelmed with routine changes, recognition issues, and other things when that many were in the house. Also, in front of camera, I cant imagine the "real me" coming off, knowing I was being followed around. I wondered how it affected "normalcy" of life?
Second, do they give you any stipend for the documentaries, where they are appearing on cable challenges? Truthfully, do they?
Just some questions I am curious about--since I have 3 spectrums here in the house and can't imagine how it would be here with cameras all over, and then, our faces on a tv screen.
You've probably been asked this already but are your kids on a gluten and casein free diet?
did u ever submit a video for EXHE
The "contact us" link on your website does not work. I am trying to get in touch.
Saw your show last night on Discovery Health. BRAVO to you and your family! I just had to pop over this morning and give you a big ole 'hats off' to your amazing family.
You both made me smile and nod when you talked about how this is your family...and how you get through minute by minute and day by day. That IS how we all get through it, isn't it?
Anyway...wonderful to see other families coping with multiple family members having Autism.
DES
I didn't manage to see the documentary, as I've only just seen your blog, but I did read your interview. As you say, our children are given to us by God with a higher purpose and it's great that you know this and can "celebrate" it.
I love your blog.
Dr Chun Wong
www.newautismcure.com/blog
I want to let you know that I watched both shows, and I want to tell you my daughter who is low income,has 2 children with autism. The oldest is 12 and he has asbergers an the oldest girl is 11 who is severe autistic . Thank you for letting us know that there is help out there and people who have the same kind of things happening .
I watched, for the first time, "Autism X 6." Your children are angels AND YOU GUYS ARE SAINTS.
I grew up in a family of 6 children in a series of 3 bedroom/1 bath houses with 1 disabled child. I would be embarassed to tell you how my family worked it out. Let's just say I would have loved it if the state had come in, evaluated us and gaves us some help.
Now, my question: How did Sarah and Ammon learn to walk? How long did it take/what age were they when you noticed they were showing an interest or an attempt to walk?
In the 1960's, I belonged to a Catholic school choir. A few times a year we would preform at a state run center for "retarded" children and adults. It was the rural south and the age of warehousing. I remember only one or two adults would be standing. The children and other adults would be sitting on the floor displaying that bobbing and hand shaking.
Thank you for agreeing to show us your life. Also, thank you for the link to Pureworks. The foam and lotion are great.
And, gold stars for Bob. I feel for him. I was also the oldest.
Susan, you asked: How did Sarah and Ammon learn to walk?
Just like any regular child. Crawled, hung onto things, stood up... fell down and took bold steps out into the world.
How long did it take/what age were they when you noticed they were showing an interest or an attempt to walk?
Right around 10-12 months for both.
The only unusual thing was they both 'toe-walked' after they could walk well. When Ammon started to crawl around 6 months, he would put head down a bit; looking at the floor and crawl 90mph straight ahead. Darnedest thing to watch. LOL
Are you kids on gluten and casein free?
Mr. and Mrs. Kirton,
I have been trying to contact you via email from your website but the emails keep getting returned to due to a full mailbox. I know you both are extremely busy and so I doubt checking emails is very high on your priority list. However, I felt it was important to contact you.
I work at Salt Lake Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine and our company would like to offer free treatments for a couple of your children. We were so impressed by your family that we would love to be a part in doing anything we can to help. I would like to talk to you in more depth about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and see if this is something you may be interested in.
I apologize but I am posting this using my personal blog, please call me at work at #801-288-2273 or email me at sadi.thompson@slwoundcare.org. I am looking forward to speaking with you soon.
Thank you!
Sadi Thompson
Sue said...
Are you kids on gluten and casein free?
Close, we are following this diet: http://www.noharmfoundation.org/about.html
Kathy said...
I am trying to get in touch.
Email us at autism_bites@yahoo.com
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