You can be anything you want to be and more. In fact, you are already something; everything.
Be passionate. Stay creative. Keep your dreams alive. You can be great at all you do; just do it all with love. You can do it all you just have to give it your all. Do your best. Each day, do the best you can and learn something new. Teach someone something without them even knowing. If you have it in your mind, you can hold it in your hand. Life is filled with infinite possibilities. There should be no limit to what you can dream. Just go for it. Reach for what you desire and do not hold back. Do it for your own good and for the benefit of your mind, body, and soul. No one can tell you that you are not capable or you can't do something. Never. You prove them wrong, not by words but with your actions. Your work will be in silence but your success will make the noise. Some people will not be able to handle it: those aren't your people. Look within and you will not be without. There is a great gift inside of you that you are to share with the world. You are doing an excellent job sharing thus far. It is superb what you have created already in only 10 years of life. You are a great professor. I am so happy you are YOU! Together, our family is showing the world that autism is not bad word rather a conversation piece. Turning negatives into positives and breaking every single stereotype out there. You can and you will do it. Forget that, you can and you ARE doing it. Autism IS your super power.
Showing posts with label high functioning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label high functioning. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Monday, February 2, 2015
A, B, See...What I'm Saying
So, on August 9, 2011, we take my son to the doctor for his 3 year
annual visit. I already had my questions in mind for the doctor. I was
there with a diagnosis and did not actually want her to confirm it, but I
just knew. I mean he was showing all the signs and symptoms of Autism
and I was advancing more in my Teaching the Exceptional Child class – it
was all right there in front of me. The stimming, flapping, running, not hearing, not talking. He was still in diapers at the time and was in diapers /pull ups until he was 4.5 years old.
Okay, so we enter the office and you know the doctor asks how your child
has been in the last year. And there I go, “Dr. Small, my son has
autism, I mean I think, you know, this is what he does and this is what
is happening…..”
As she takes out that white note pad, she is jotting down something as I
am telling her all of the ASD signs…so then she hands me the note and
it says Autism Spectrum Disorder- pending other evaluations such as
audiologist, neurologist etc. She told me and was just nodding her head
as I was telling her that I think my son is deaf and so on…
Clarification but still at that moment my heart was broken for my son
and I went home to call my husband..and he came home from work. I cried
for a day but we searched and kept moving forward looking for answers.
Okay so he has a speech delay and the audiologist says he was not
hearing at the right decibels but he was not deaf but only hearing 20
percent..I do not exactly remember but anyway as a baby he had many ear
infections. So after that we took him to an ENT maybe about a week
later, he had water in his ears and was not hearing well and that is
part of the reason he was not speaking- part..you see as he was showing all signs of ASD.
It was going on the end of August and my son was about to start his
first year of pre kindergarten..I was worried because he could not talk.
He could not tell you his name but we kept our faith as early childhood
education is vital. Also his primary doctor said because of his
diagnosis he would be eligible for therapies provided by the Board of
Education. Okay so that is great.
We moved fast, we took him to a neurologist, and after intense
screening, this doctor said he has Autism Spectrum Disorder and is in
the middle range of the scale. At that time my son could not stack
blocks or follow the directions from the doctor…
The neurologist was saying that maybe he could be having seizures
because the way that my son would stop things and intensely focus for
about 20 to 30 seconds at a time and also because of the movements he
would make due to excitement etc. So from there we were sent to have EKG
and MRI done…all of this within a few weeks before he was about to
enter school. Exciting, school- pre K- I love it!!! And going through of all of this deepened my passion as I just knew that education is my field.
No one was going to stop us. Our son needs advocates. If he could not talk at the time, we indeed are going to be his voice.So what are we to do with all of this???
Comments and Questions are always welcome ; )
Thank you!!!
Dany,

Monday, December 15, 2014
If You're Flappy and You Know it....
AUTISM- What is it? No, really..what IS it? Why does is very so? Where did it come from? Why is it here? When will it leave? Will it ever leave? Who does it affect? How does it affect and/or interfere with everyday life? Is it a life sentence? Do you know someone who has autism? Can autism be “cured” or treated? Is autistic a term you use? What are the autism terms and labels?
I can only answer a few of those questions and from my point of view only. As you know, my son JJ, has autism. Yes, he is an ASD child. He is on the autism spectrum. He was first diagnosed with PDD at the age of 3. He is now 6. I do not tend to labels so there is no need for me to always state that my son is high functioning autistic. I just say, when necessary, that my son is on the autism spectrum and just plainly that he is autistic. I mean, does it matter? Really? I have a son. I do not introduce him as my autistic son. Questions? I welcome them. Comments, yes, those too. Productive ones I keep and destructive ones get thrown out. autism has been a part of our lives for a little over three years now, well more than that but we did not know. And, does that matter? Before my son and studying for my undergraduate degree, I did not know what autism was? Yes, was..It is always changing, right? Yes..I remember seeing billboards about autism 1 in 125..then 1 in 88 and son on. What is this autism> One thing I can tell you is that autism is not the end of the world but the beginning of a whole new one. Yes, my son has autism. Autism does not have him. It is his super power. We are focusing on him using it to his advantage. It will not hinder him but we will make sure it does better him. It is not a disease. My son is NOT disabled, he is different abled. His brain is wired differently. He is unique. He is in his own world and I love entering i with love, compassion and patience. I learn from him everyday. It may not be easy at times but it sure is worth it.
JJ is AUSOME. He is a child. He loves to play, watch TV, read and all that good stuff. He loves school. He loves snacks. He can be crabby. He can be stubborn. But he is worth it. He matters. Social skills are an everyday learning experience for all of us. He just needs a little extra help in the right direction.Flapping. Stimming. Buzzing, what have you - does not matter.
What really matters, what truly matters, what IS important is that he is healthy. He can see, walk, move, play, learn and is CAPABLE of becoming more awesome each and every day!!!

Now, would you know if you saw him?
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Why are Oranges Orange?
I only have one son but I know children pretty well considering my Bachelor of Science degree in Child Studies.So I know that children ask tons of questions each and every day. I also found that out when I was a lead pre kindergarten teacher at a private early childhood learning center. Anyhow, JJ asks questions from the moment he wakes up until he is in bed for the night. He wants to know everything. Many times I can not even answer his questions. His questions have depth and are very detail oriented and elaborate. A child may ask," what shape is that?" and JJ will keep going from there. Not only does he want to know the shape of the object but the reasoning behind it. He needs to know it all. He likes to know the steps of the things we are doing and he always seems to be thinking ahead because he will ask how many more steps and what the next step will be. JJ will ask about words in Spanish but also have the need to know why they sound the way they do and things of that nature. Where are we going? Why are we going? Are we there yet? What are we getting there? Why are we getting it? Where are we going next? What are we going to do later? Yes, that is all typical of him and he does question in that order and manner all of the time. He is wise beyond his years and oh so curious that he really does teach me a lot about life and more. I learn patience as well. I never thought he would talk this much and I thank God because he never talked until he was after 3 years of age and beyond. Sometimes it can be overwhelming and I have to let it soak in. But how can I answer , why are are oranges orange? Hmm..many times I can be stumped. He is very intelligent and must know details to many things. When he asks me something!, whatever it may be, he will ask my husband the same question just to get some kind of reassurance. Today was , how long is an hour mommy? It is a long time JJ just go upstairs and grab your book or toy. I can easily say 60 minutes and that can turn into what is sixty minutes? And so on and so forth. It can get challenging but I learn everyday and I try my best to apply new knowledge in every situation. My indigo child of the new world..... We need to give children more credit. They are important and they matter. Not only is JJ the future, he is the present and making his footprints as all children have the right to do. I still do not know how to answer why oranges are orange..do you?


Wednesday, November 12, 2014
AuSomeness!!!
He is so awesome. He is an amazing, little human being. He is
compassionate and loving. Yes, and wise beyond his years. He teaches us
everyday. Sometimes there are meltdowns and sometimes there are sensory
overloads. But, all the time, yes ALL the time – even in the midst of
defying, screaming, crying – etc. – there is a boy, My Boy. A child who I
love very much so. A child who deserves every great thing in the world
that is beneficial for his being. A child destined for success and
greatness while helping others reach their full potential. A child who
is noble and string willed. A child who is unique and yet the “same” as
the typical children in his age group. A child who is learning respect
and the fine way to treat others- as well as all living things. A child
who will defy all odds stacked against him. A child on the Autism
Spectrum, my child.
It is not about awareness, it is about acceptance. Autism acceptance. That what it IS about. We are aware that autism exists – but we have to accept our children and all others on the spectrum. Give them the benefit of the doubt and never let a diagnosis define who they are. The world is a puzzle and my son is a piece that belongs to it just like every other child.

It is JUST a label. Labels are not good all the time. What happens when we do not like labels on our clothes, for example? We RIP them off!!!
It is not about awareness, it is about acceptance. Autism acceptance. That what it IS about. We are aware that autism exists – but we have to accept our children and all others on the spectrum. Give them the benefit of the doubt and never let a diagnosis define who they are. The world is a puzzle and my son is a piece that belongs to it just like every other child.

It is JUST a label. Labels are not good all the time. What happens when we do not like labels on our clothes, for example? We RIP them off!!!
Saturday, October 4, 2014
loorducation
Making. Learning. Fun
Exceptional Early Childhood Education Experiences
Hands On. Sensory. Exploration. Projects and Activities. Arts and Crafts.
See something you like? Sensory Items available for sale and all made to order. #custom
*All of my photos/pics are copyrighted : ) Thank you!!!
twitter / Google+ / pinterest / instagram - @loorducation
www.loorducation.com
Exceptional Early Childhood Education Experiences
Hands On. Sensory. Exploration. Projects and Activities. Arts and Crafts.
See something you like? Sensory Items available for sale and all made to order. #custom
*All of my photos/pics are copyrighted : ) Thank you!!!
twitter / Google+ / pinterest / instagram - @loorducation
www.loorducation.com
Friday, September 19, 2014
WOW!!!
My Boy: Part 88

First grade has been going really well. We are blessed that Jorge Juan loves going to school. This school year he is becoming more open and sharing with us what he does at school. He likes to state things in order such as first, second, third and next. He loves bringing his own lunch bag and so far this year has not tried to sneak any toys in his book bag. He has been handling his homework time very well and is learning to cooperate and handle himself in a better manner.
I have not seen him flap his hands in a while now, come to think of it. He still has his little quirks but the flapping has greatly decreased. When he was non verbal, the stimming was out of control. Humming, flapping, you name it- it was there. He is good. He is healthy. That is what matters. Autism, well it is just the icing on the cake and sometimes the cake may have too much icing. Sweetness overload? Or, something like that..
He is making strides, everyday. It is all the little things that count. It is about the journey because once we reach our destination, we must create another destination. The journey is what lasts. Making it valuable and worth while.
I work with Jorge Juan everyday. Projects, activities, day trips..It is all therapy. It is all good. Come share in our experiences over at
http://www.facebook.com/loorducation
We create, learn, play and more. Stop on by!!

Labels:
adventure,
asd,
autism,
autism advocate,
autism awareness,
autism spectrum disorder,
awareness,
blogger,
Bridgeport,
children,
HF,
high functioning
AWWWWtism
My Boy: Part 88
Posted on by danyloor

First grade has been going really well. We are blessed that Jorge Juan loves going to school. This school year he is becoming more open and sharing with us what he does at school. He likes to state things in order such as first, second, third and next. He loves bringing his own lunch bag and so far this year has not tried to sneak any toys in his book bag. He has been handling his homework time very well and is learning to cooperate and handle himself in a better manner.
I have not seen him flap his hands in a while now, come to think of it. He still has his little quirks but the flapping has greatly decreased. When he was non verbal, the stimming was out of control. Humming, flapping, you name it- it was there. He is good. He is healthy. That is what matters. Autism, well it is just the icing on the cake and sometimes the cake may have too much icing. Sweetness overload? Or, something like that..
He is making strides, everyday. It is all the little things that count. It is about the journey because once we reach our destination, we must create another destination. The journey is what lasts. Making it valuable and worth while.
I work with Jorge Juan everyday. Projects, activities, day trips..It is all therapy. It is all good. Come share in our experiences over at
http://www.facebook.com/loorducation
We create, learn, play and more. Stop on by!!

Labels:
adventure,
asd,
autism,
autism advocate,
autism awareness,
autism mommy,
autism spectrum disorder,
autistic,
HF,
high functioning,
mommy,
pdd-nos,
social media,
son,
special needs,
spectrum,
story
Sunday, September 14, 2014
My Boy: Part 87 , Sorry to Bug You : )
September 11, 2014
He collects snails from the beach. He likes plastic bugs to creep us out and have fun with. And, when we had our guinea pigs, he really loved them so much. He is a very sweet soul. He truly cares about the animals and loves learning all he can about them and all details as well. I did not know there were different types of eagles or that opossums are marsupials.
Can you help me out by sharing this post in hopes that it can get into the right hands and seen and noticed by the right eyes? I would love for my son to see the Wild Kratts live, or to hear from the brothers themselves, or get a special animal or anything that has to do with that show. Maybe an autographed picture or something like that. Basically anything Wild Kratts. It will be so so so much to me. Jorge Juan just loves animals and I can not express that enough. I would love to give him a great surprise for being such a good boy. It would mean a lot for him too.
His big focus is animal, in every sense. Being taht he is on the autism spectrum, he finds something he loves and turns it into an obsession. It becomes a huge part of him. I am not asking this because my son is autistic, I am asking this because as a mom, I want to see my son happy and excited about learning. I am asking because it is something that he loves and that means so much to him. I am asking because he lights up learning about animals. It is his passion and it is in him.
Thank you All
Love,
Dany
Labels:
adventure,
asd,
autism advocate,
autism awareness,
autism mommy,
Connecticut,
friends,
HF,
high functioning
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Numbers Matter!!!
Jorge Juan loves numbers and math. Every morning when he wakes up
lately, he has been asking how many hours he has slept. He asks how many
places we are going to and how many things we need to get. Numbers in
his brain. He also asked today how long will the receipt be when we buy
our items and what will we be doing after we get the items. He was also
obsessed with me measuring his height and muscles and asking each time
how much he has grown. I wish I go get to experience life with his brain
even if it was for only one hour. He likes counting things in general
among asking numerous questions about quantities and measures. That is
my number ONE boy!!!

Labels:
asd,
autism,
autism advocate,
autism awareness,
autism mommy,
autism spectrum disorder,
autistic,
awareness,
HF,
high functioning
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
My Au-Some Boy!!!!
Jorge Juan was in a great, energetic mood today. I am exhausted but
he was super happy and that made me happy. His energy was non stop. He
helped out cooking, putting groceries away and he even ate all of his
dinner – by himself. I am so proud of that. After each and every spoon,
literally, he told me that was the best food he has ever eaten. Every
time I wash his hair, which, by the way he loves now; he tells me that I
am the best mom ever. I love him so much and I do not know what I would
do without him. He is such a blessing.

He had a good time at karate class, although he was dancing in line. He loves music just like Daddy. What matters is that he was happy. He is healthy and I am so grateful for that. Days like this, autism seems like a great blessing in disguise. It really does. I am one blessed mommy. I do not like labels but being that my son is high functioning is inspiring, to me and to many others. Like I always say, it has not always been that way. A lot of patience, love, hope, prayers and faith went into it among time but the biggest one of all is knowing that my son will succeed, with unwavering FAITH. I am here to say, do not give up. Now, I would never want a cure for my son’s autism but that is just me and our autism journey. Every journey is unique and I can understand parents who desire a cure for autism because of the severity of it. I can not relate but I can understand them wanting to have a cure for their child, I get it. Autism is a wide spectrum but we are all in this together.

Namaste,
Dany

He had a good time at karate class, although he was dancing in line. He loves music just like Daddy. What matters is that he was happy. He is healthy and I am so grateful for that. Days like this, autism seems like a great blessing in disguise. It really does. I am one blessed mommy. I do not like labels but being that my son is high functioning is inspiring, to me and to many others. Like I always say, it has not always been that way. A lot of patience, love, hope, prayers and faith went into it among time but the biggest one of all is knowing that my son will succeed, with unwavering FAITH. I am here to say, do not give up. Now, I would never want a cure for my son’s autism but that is just me and our autism journey. Every journey is unique and I can understand parents who desire a cure for autism because of the severity of it. I can not relate but I can understand them wanting to have a cure for their child, I get it. Autism is a wide spectrum but we are all in this together.

Namaste,
Dany
Labels:
asd,
autism,
autism advocate,
autism awareness,
autism mommy,
autism spectrum disorder,
autistic,
awareness,
HF,
high functioning
Friday, August 29, 2014
My Boy: Part 84
It is JJ's second day of first grade and he loves it. Actually, he could not wait to go back to school. I do not blame him. He really missed it - the bus, his friends and his teachers. He has been thrilled. Waking up very happy. He brought a few little things to school today in a brown paper bag. It is called a "Me Bag". It was a cute homework assignment that he teacher sent home for the kids to put 4 things in the bag that the kids can show and talk about. I think that is a fabulous idea and I am going to have to do something similar.
I am proud of him. He is such a sweet boy. He is my heart. I thank God for him every single day. Even though he can speak, I will always be his voice and advocate. Always and all ways. Yes, the boy can talk. Sometimes I even forget that he was non verbal until the age of 4. Lots and Lots of questions. He wants to know specific details, numbers etc. He needs to know what we are doing, when, where, what time and exactly what we are going to do after that. He needs to know what and how many things we need to get on our shopping lists and from which stores. And, that IS OK. I love him.
I am proud of him. He is such a sweet boy. He is my heart. I thank God for him every single day. Even though he can speak, I will always be his voice and advocate. Always and all ways. Yes, the boy can talk. Sometimes I even forget that he was non verbal until the age of 4. Lots and Lots of questions. He wants to know specific details, numbers etc. He needs to know what we are doing, when, where, what time and exactly what we are going to do after that. He needs to know what and how many things we need to get on our shopping lists and from which stores. And, that IS OK. I love him.

Yeah!!!
My Boy: Part 84
It is Jorge Juan’s second day of first grade and he loves it.
Actually, he could not wait to go back to school. I do not blame him. He
really missed it – the bus, his friends and his teachers. He has been
thrilled. Waking up very happy. He brought a few little things to school
today in a brown paper bag. It is called a “Me Bag”. It was a cute
homework assignment that he teacher sent home for the kids to put 4
things in the bag that the kids can show and talk about. I think that is
a fabulous idea and I am going to have to do something similar.
I am proud of him. He is such a sweet boy. He is my heart. I thank God for him every single day. Even though he can speak, I will always be his voice and advocate. Always and all ways. Yes, the boy can talk. Sometimes I even forget that he was non verbal until the age of 4. Lots and Lots of questions. He wants to know specific details, numbers etc. He needs to know what we are doing, when, where, what time and exactly what we are going to do after that. He needs to know what and how many things we need to get on our shopping lists and from which stores. And, that IS OK. I love him.

Filed under Autism, Jorge Juan and tagged 24/7/365, acceptance, advocate, asd, Autism, autism mommy, Autism spectrum, autism spectrum disorder, autistic, autistic son, gifted, HF, high functioning, indigo
I am proud of him. He is such a sweet boy. He is my heart. I thank God for him every single day. Even though he can speak, I will always be his voice and advocate. Always and all ways. Yes, the boy can talk. Sometimes I even forget that he was non verbal until the age of 4. Lots and Lots of questions. He wants to know specific details, numbers etc. He needs to know what we are doing, when, where, what time and exactly what we are going to do after that. He needs to know what and how many things we need to get on our shopping lists and from which stores. And, that IS OK. I love him.

Labels:
asd,
autism,
HF,
high functioning,
indigo,
indigo children
Saturday, August 16, 2014
One Word
The UNI-VERSE

The Universe. The Uni-Verse, the “One Word” – Uni- Verse. It is magnificent and amazing. We are in the universe and the universe is within us. The universe always was and always will be. The universe responds to the nature of our being. The universe is impeccable. It is far more than what we see with our eyes. It is about what we feel. The universe gives us all that we need and desire. The universe listens to us even when we do not speak. The universe is for us. It is only “one word” – God. All that has been, all that is and all that will ever be. The universe s powerful and flawless. The universe was made for us and we were made for the universe. The universe gave me my son. Thank You God. My beautiful, autistic son. A gift from the universe, a true treasure. The universe did not just give me my son because I could handle it but the universe gave me my son so I could learn about life. The universe’s gift to me is one to share with all. To teach that autism is a blessing in disguise. To live to embrace differences. Autism is not a bad word. Autism is a uniqueness – a view from the indigo side. When we are ready, we learn.The universe listened to me even when I did not say a word. The universe if perfect. To show me that autism is a super ability. To answer questions that were only in my heart. Blessings of abundance, the universe will never run out. There is enough for all of us.
I thought I would have to teach my son about the world but it turns out to be that I have to teach the world about my son. My indigo. My blessing and gift from the universe. Never questioning, the universe put peace in my heart long before my son could speak, I never asked why but God knew, I just needed to hear my son’s voice. He knew, and the universe gave it to me. Prayers of thanks and an attitude of gratitude because as I always say Believing IS Seeing and not the other way around. In order to see you must believe. Faith. Whatever we put in, we get out, ten fold. To me,there are only two speeds in life – give BACK and pay it FORWARD. How can I not when the universe has given me so much. Before my son could speak, he was able to communicate, in his own way – but he did. He was able to read. I thanked God everyday that my son has eyes to see and ears to hear and a heart to LOVE. It is not just about the law of attraction, it is about knowing that the universe is on our side – to make us realize that their are blessings all around us and some are just wrapped up waiting to be discovered. Autism is a gift because the universe allowed me to see it as a super ability and all the right people were put in our pathway to help us along the journey- teachers, doctors, therapists. Autism was put in our lives to meet people, educate, help families, share stories, vent and to know we are not alone. We are never alone. And, there it was my son was reaching milestones and began to excel. Never, ever give up. NEVER. Give anything but up. We have all the tools. The universe equips us. So, yes when I learned my son had autism, I cried, I felt weak – but the universe gave me strength. Even more so because my son needs me. Then we looked at autism from a different point of view- the better side. Autism does not need a cure but understanding, entrancement and a positive light. Why does a child who is happy and is capable of all things- because nothing is impossible for the universe- need a cure? LOVE is the answer. You put out LOVE you will get LOVE. And when we have those “autism” days, remember that it does not rain forever and the universe needs water so flowers can grow. Thank You God <3

NAMASTE
xxoo
Dany
Labels:
autism,
autism awareness,
autism mommy,
autism spectrum disorder,
autistic,
awareness,
HF,
high functioning,
indigo,
super power
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
My Boy: Part 82
Field Day happened on Sunday. He really enjoyed it. JJ got to be with all of his karate friends. It was a blast despite a few mini meltdowns of wanting to go in a bouncy house and play games as well as waiting in line for registration. It was sunny and hot so the behavior was more understandable today. That day JJ ate a hamburger and a hotdog. I was so surprised because he has never eaten a hamburger from a cook out before. Ya know, it is the little things. Yeah and it was with organic ketchup. : )

We are working on going all organic for JJ. We have been seeing a difference especially when he takes his omega 3 supplements, multi - vitamins and his fish oil liquid. Going organic costs a lot more than traditional foods but it is so worth it especially when consuming organics helps calm and soothe the symptoms of ASD such as hand flapping and verbal stimming.

JJ participated in a few games and had fun throughout the time we were there playing with other children. It was great because he needed the social interactions with others as he has not been in school, Yes, he misses it. He has been telling me that lately. That is a great sign. I am proud of him. As a desire of mine is to have my son to love learning and embrace it.

We are working on going all organic for JJ. We have been seeing a difference especially when he takes his omega 3 supplements, multi - vitamins and his fish oil liquid. Going organic costs a lot more than traditional foods but it is so worth it especially when consuming organics helps calm and soothe the symptoms of ASD such as hand flapping and verbal stimming.

JJ participated in a few games and had fun throughout the time we were there playing with other children. It was great because he needed the social interactions with others as he has not been in school, Yes, he misses it. He has been telling me that lately. That is a great sign. I am proud of him. As a desire of mine is to have my son to love learning and embrace it.

Labels:
asd. autism,
autism,
autism spectrum disorder,
autistic,
awareness,
blessing,
child,
color the world,
Connecticut,
faith,
HF,
high functioning,
indigo,
JJ,
mommy,
pdd,
pdd-nos,
puzzle piece,
super ability
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Where IT All Began...
My Boy: part 1
2 years ago, the neurologist placed my son in the middle of the autism spectrum and yesterday, the same neurologist, said if he did not know any better he would say that my son does not have ASD as his symptoms are going away….
I received 30 likes and over 20 comments on this. I am so grateful that people took the time out to say some nice encouraging words for my son. It means a lot and is very much appreciated. For everyone that wished us well, a few seconds out of your day sending words of encouragement gives people more hope. We realize that we are all in this together.
My son was diagnosed with autism on August 9, 2011. This was a few weeks after his third birthday. He was going in for his yearly check up but this time I just knew something…..

You see, at the time I was taking my Teaching the Exceptional Child course for my B.S. and we were focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorders. As I was learning the signs and symptoms I realized that my son was a match for nearly all of them. He was not talking. He may have said a few words here and there but that was it. He would have to hold onto toys and would get anxiety if one happened to fall out of his hands. He was afraid of loud noises and would cover his ears. Actually, my husband and I used to think he was deaf because he would not respond to us calling his name. I would literally scream out his name and he would not even budge. He would line up toys and other objects…I thought this was so cute being this was our first child and we just had no idea. He would play with toys but in some sort of way that did not seem natural, but yet again I just thought that was okay. He never really waved bye bye and when he did he would have his hands towards himself, as if he was saying bye bye to himself. I loved that so much, my baby saying bye bye. I did not know but as I was studying, I gained the knowledge I needed to bring my questions and diagnosis to the doctor.
Oh yeah, this too – he would run back and forth and would not stop, at the same time he was flapping his hands. I still did not know but all of this was coming back to me when I was studying ASD and it triggered my memory. I love my son so much and everyone would ask why he did not talk and that he should be talking and I just thought it is because he is bilingual and it just takes longer for children with two languages to process the information. In the back of my mind I would ask myself why isn’t my son talking. Here I see children younger than he is talking in complete sentences. That is my baby boy and I love him, he will talk.
So my son is not talking yet and when he wants something he will just point- only sometimes. Usually, he would just grab my hand and utter some sounds as I would see what he needed. Usually it was a snack, kids love snacks and boy did I know he wanted that cookie because that smile was worth a thousand words even though he could not tell me.
He would grasp little things and hold onto them with intensity. I just looked at him in awe. I love my son and look how engrossed he is with a tiny button, pen cap, a part to a toy- whatever it was, no matter how tiny, he was focused and wanted it. He had to hold it. That thing needed to be in his hands and if he lost it, he would have anxiety that was until we could find it again..
So, he was not hitting benchmarks and he could not hold a fork or spoon properly to feed himself but that is my son and I so love him. By the way, he said birthday cake after seeing a decoration at his party, I was amazed. That cute little pause between those words..amazing. I felt so proud of my boy. He would hum really loudly for more than 30 seconds at a time sometimes and he would run and spin in circles. He was not afraid of danger or falling.
Going back to August 9, 2011, my father in law and I brought him to the doctor and that is when……
(please stay tuned for part 2)
Labels:
adventure,
asd,
autism,
autism advocate,
autism awareness,
autism mommy,
autism spectrum disorder,
autistic,
awareness,
HF,
high functioning,
teamloorducation
Friday, July 18, 2014
My Boy: Part 79 - The Interview...
Since JJ is always asking us so many questions day in and day out, I thought I would ask him some questions in an interview style. I told him that I would be sharing this all with you. He is excited about that. All of the questions that I have typed up, I have asked him. I typed his actual responses below each question. Let us know if you have a specific question that you would like JJ to answer. So here it goes...

My interview with JJ
1. What is your favorite animal?
A Hawk
2. What is your favorite color?
BLACK and BLUE
3. What is your favorite food to eat?
Fries and Mickey Mouse Nuggets
4. What is your favorite T.V. Show?
WILD KRATTS
`Why do you like that show so much?
I like when the WIld Kratts say the features about porcupines.
`Why do you like porcupines?
I like porcupines because they have sharp quills.
5. What is your favorite thing about school?
I like eating breakfast and playing.
`What do you like to play at school?
I like to play with the dinosaurs at school
6. What do you like to do at home?
I like to play at home.
`What do you play at home?
Super Mario kart 8 (side note , we really do not have Super Mario kart 8 : )
&. What is your favorite part about a falcon?
I like when it goes fast.
A falcon is a wild bird.
9. What is your favorite book?
About the tree Frogs
10. What is your favorite place to go?
I like to go to Wendy's.
I like to go to Costco.
11. What is your favorite snack?
Cheetos
12. What is 5 + 5?
Equals 10
13. Who is your best friend?
You (pointing to me : ) Insert AWWWWW here : )
14.What does Daddy do for a job?
Put gas in his car
`But what does he do for a job?
He goes to work.
`Where?
To work.
`Where's work?
Far away
15. What does Mommy do?
You put gas in the car
`But what does Mommy do for a job?
You go to school for a job.
16. What is autism?
Autism awareness is about college studying.
17. Do you have autism?
yes
`What does that mean to you?
Autism means to me that I like studying to college.
TO BE CONTINUED......
I hope you enjoyed this little question and answer section. It was great to make JJ a part of this. The questions were all random and asked the moment I typed them. No particular order, theme etc. Just whatever cam to mind. What would you like to know? JJ is happy to read and respond. Thank you all for your time. Be on the look out for more great stuff coming your way. On a mission here.
Please check out www.facebook.com/loorducation
xxoo
Dany

My interview with JJ
1. What is your favorite animal?
A Hawk
2. What is your favorite color?
BLACK and BLUE
3. What is your favorite food to eat?
Fries and Mickey Mouse Nuggets
4. What is your favorite T.V. Show?
WILD KRATTS
`Why do you like that show so much?
I like when the WIld Kratts say the features about porcupines.
`Why do you like porcupines?
I like porcupines because they have sharp quills.
5. What is your favorite thing about school?
I like eating breakfast and playing.
`What do you like to play at school?
I like to play with the dinosaurs at school
6. What do you like to do at home?
I like to play at home.
`What do you play at home?
Super Mario kart 8 (side note , we really do not have Super Mario kart 8 : )
&. What is your favorite part about a falcon?
I like when it goes fast.
A falcon is a wild bird.
9. What is your favorite book?
About the tree Frogs
10. What is your favorite place to go?
I like to go to Wendy's.
I like to go to Costco.
11. What is your favorite snack?
Cheetos
12. What is 5 + 5?
Equals 10
13. Who is your best friend?
You (pointing to me : ) Insert AWWWWW here : )
14.What does Daddy do for a job?
Put gas in his car
`But what does he do for a job?
He goes to work.
`Where?
To work.
`Where's work?
Far away
15. What does Mommy do?
You put gas in the car
`But what does Mommy do for a job?
You go to school for a job.
16. What is autism?
Autism awareness is about college studying.
17. Do you have autism?
yes
`What does that mean to you?
Autism means to me that I like studying to college.
TO BE CONTINUED......
I hope you enjoyed this little question and answer section. It was great to make JJ a part of this. The questions were all random and asked the moment I typed them. No particular order, theme etc. Just whatever cam to mind. What would you like to know? JJ is happy to read and respond. Thank you all for your time. Be on the look out for more great stuff coming your way. On a mission here.
Please check out www.facebook.com/loorducation
xxoo
Dany

Labels:
acceptance,
asd,
autism,
autism awareness,
autism spectrum disorder,
autistic,
awareness,
boy,
Connecticut,
education,
HF,
high functioning,
JJ,
pdd-nos,
puzzle piece,
school,
stim,
stimming,
super ability
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Wood'ya Know......?
http://loorducation.wordpress.com/2014/07/17/my-boy-part-77/
Today Jorge Juan went to the trampoline park. He was anxious and getting desperate upon arrival because we had to wait. He starting acting up. He was also hitting himself. He was very impatient. It was time to go in. Again, frustrated because he had to wait on line. Frustrated because he had to wait in each additional section. We got through that. A nice guy let us jump the line in one part. I guess he saw Jorge’s behaviors and felt bad for him. Anyhow we got to the open trampolines. He loved it. That’s until someone else jumped with him. He did not like that so he would growl and hiss at them. So time went on. He was jumping and enjoying now and was happy because he ran out to tell me he loves me. He went back to jumping and playing. Then a little girl came up to me to tell me Jorge keeps following her. I just smiled and looked out for Jorge. A while later a boy came to tell me Jorge was following him and I just replied, be is a small kid and not doing anything wrong. OK eyes back on Jorge. A few minutes later the same little girl tells me again that Jorge keeps following her and her brother and they don’t like it. Well I proceeded to tell her that he’s small and not doing anything wrong. I asked if he was hitting and he was not doing anything like that. So as she was walking away, I called her back and she came. I said that Jorge doesn’t mean to be doing that and he has something called autism. She said OK and left to get her brother. She was telling her brother what I said then I heard her say let’s go somewhere else. Now I’m not sure she knew what autism is but maybe she did. Not sure. I was going to explain it to her in simple terms. But maybe I didn’t get the chance to cause maybe I just didn’t have to. It could’ve been her brother had autism too, who knows. Maybe. There were three parents there with children on the spectrum. An autism mommy can just sense these things sometimes. I just looked at one handsome boy and said to myself he has autism. I wasn’t judging but naturally observing. Anyhow come to find out I saw him walk by with an autism shirt on. Anyway it was nice to see other autism mommies even though I didn’t interact with them. After all that Jorge Juan had a decent time and actually wanted to leave early. On the way home he asked a ton of questions, non stop. Mostly about exotic animals. We got home, the questions continued. Oh, get this, he found a piece of wood in the driveway because my husband is working on something. He proceeds to examine the wood closely. It was about a little smaller than a brick. He called it a driftwood brick. He examined it more and he then told me the wood is seven years old. He counted the rings on the edge as if it was a tree trunk. Indeed, it did have seven. I was impressed. Not sure where he got that from. But I thought it was super cool.
I’d love to hear from you. Drop us a comment.
I’d love to hear from you. Drop us a comment.
Thank you
Dany xxoo
Dany xxoo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)