Through the Eyes of a Child

What do you think you would see? Would it be different from what you see now?

Yes, He Can

I AM HAPPY THAT MY SON HAS AUTISM

He is healthy. He can see. He can hear. He can walk and he can talk.

No, you won’t!!! Do not worry, you won’t catch it. Do not back away. Do not put your guard up.Autism is not a disease. It is not even a disability in my eyes, on my end of the spectrum. I can only tell you my from my point of view but I can speak for all autism mommies when I say that autism is not a disability, but rather, a different ability.

He needs room, he needs space. He gets easily overwhelmed. His senses can get overloaded. The lights, sounds, textures sometimes can be a bit much. But he is capable, he can do it, sometimes it will take a little more time and patience but I will never give up on him.

Yes, autism is a different ability. My son is not disabled. He can walk, see, eat, play and do many other things. I know I am not missing anything but that does not constitute as being disabled. He learns in a unique way but he does have that super capability to learn and therefore will be a different abled boy because the world is obsessed with titles. That is my title for him.

He listens at the same time he is in his own world. I wonder what it is like, what goes on his mind. It must be so vivid and colorful, at times to much to handle and process.

Like many others on the spectrum, my son has super abilities. Ability to grow, to shine and to even lead the way. Stop staring at him, you will not cure him. You do not have to be afraid. He may be flapping like that because he is super excited. How great is that? To be a child and to be overcome by joy over something that may seem miniscule to you. That is an outlet, an escape when one is overly stimulated. That may be the body’s way of responding to the outside world. Why would I want your cure anyway and why would a proud mommy want to cure a child who is beyond special. A child who knows how to love. It does not matter what doctors say. No, repeat after me, it does not matter what doctors say. Have faith in your child. That, that unwavering faith and determination will help your child in so many ways. It does not matter what the onlookers say, I know my son and he will be somebody someday. No, wait, let me say that he is somebody today and he matters, his life matters.

Our autism is a blessing in disguise. He is not a brat, he gets over stimulated and hyper focused. He is very sensitive and if you dare to enter a minute in his world, would you be able to handle it? Handle the stares? Handle the talk? He got this, we got this and God got us. That is what matters. He matters and autism does not, it is just a word to call something that people do not yet understand. Cause  ya know, everything needs a label, right? So, don’t worry you won’t catch autism but if it were at all possible, you would see a world of infinite possibilities. And, that is not so bad after all, is it?

Yes, JJ is more than autism.

Autism is not just stim, stim, flap, flap..oh no, it is so much more than that. The joys it brings the doors it opens. Yes, I am happy that my son has autism. I am happy that on paper, at school, it states my son has autism. That is because he gets the one on one attention that he needs and deserves. His needs are being met through an IEP. That is what he needs, an educational plan that is individual to and for him as it should be. Many of his autism symptoms subsided. I have not seen flaps, stim- phew in a while but it may happen and I do not mind at all. He has one last appointment with his neurologist and then he will be dismissed  due to not showing signs of being on the spectrum. This is great news, but I want my son to be autistic forever, especially on paper, in school where his special needs are met through specific educational goals just for him.

Yes, I am happy that my son has autism. He has paras, therapists, teachers, social worker, all for him. All for growing his educational experience and making it valuable. For that, I am grateful. The label is there but for the better good. It gives him the opportunity to have his education catered. To have opportunities that other children do not have, although may need. I like that he gets extra positive attention from school personnel. It is what he deserves as well as all children. It is too bad that classrooms these days are stuffed to the door, with over 25 kids and one teacher. Kids’ needs not being met, simply no time for everyone. Then, they fall behind. They lose desire and feel neglected. That is why I am grateful my son has autism..he gets what is meant to happen for all children, but he gets it and I guess  you could say that is pretty special. He has special needs but all children are pretty special if you ask me. He is just lucky enough to have autism. It can be intense. It can be overwhelming at times – but most, if not all things that are worth it, are. So, yes, I am a proud autism mommy and no I would not change it for the world.

Please, keep picking my son up right at our door each school morning. No, I do not care that it is a small bus. They cater to my son, door to door service. Blessed he does not have to walk or wait at a cold bus stop or that we do not have to drive him all the way to school, on the other side of town –  He has a bus attendant and also people that wait for him at school to help him off the bus. So now tell me how my son has a disability. It really is a super ability if you ask me. He has OT and ST services. So, please do not feel sorry for my son but rather let me as not only a mommy but a differentiated educator, tell you that I feel sorry for the kids who do not get the attention they so need in school, then fall behind and end up disliking school. I am beyond blessed that my son loves school. Beyond blessed that he has autism. So what, you won’t catch it. I am sure he could teach you a thing or three. So, what is this PDD-NOS you speak of? Maybe, if you really think about it, it is not specified anywhere else because it is not a pervasive developmental disorder. I do not care that my son did not speak until he was almost 4 years old. The important thing is that he does speak and he can and for that we are blessed. So what if he grasped things and hit milestones later that what the world expects him to. What matters is that he CAN and he WILL.

JJ, You are Wanted

A healthy child is a happy child and a happy child feels well and a child who feels well will always learn well.

I am so blessed that my son is happy and healthy. He has a lot of energy and is very creative. He loves to learn. He loves to write and read and definitely loves to try new things. I am very proud of him. He amazes me all the time.

He is cherished. He is wanted.

He motivates me to do more and to be more. He is our rock. He teaches us so much. This boy really has a wonderful soul and a heart of gold. I look forward to spending time with him. I often think of activities that we can do together and places that we can explore together. There is no other way I would rather spend my weekends and everyday than with my family. My rock, my inspiration and everything!!!

I want him to have the best childhood he can ever experience. I wish for him to have the fondest memories and to feel the love that both my husband and i have for him. That is so very important. I want him to know and understand that he is our gift. He is wanted. He means so much to us.

He is wanted.

It is awesome now how he is into Loorducation. He knows when I am taking a picture of him and asks questions about what I ma going to say  about the picture and where am I going to put it up. He gives feedback and shares his ideas. that is important. It is vital that his voice is heard and I am so thrilled that he enjoys sharing and expressing himself. We are forever grateful. FOREVER.

He is wanted.

He asks thousands of questions. Repeats hundreds of things. Obsesses over "little" things.

He is wanted.

Paint Me a Picture

One day after school, I had a table set up for JJ. It was covered in newspapers. There were all types of papers to paint on set up. I put out all colors of paint and different styles of paint brushes. It was quite the invitation to paint. As soon as he got off of the bus, he flew to the table. He was very eager to start creating. He expressed how happy and excited he was. He really enjoyed it. This was something that he needed. It was very beneficial. That night he was calm and did a great job with homework.

Take time to paint.

My Boy: Part 90

AUTISM- What is it?  No, really..what IS it? Why does is vary 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.



Now, would you know if you saw him?

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.

No Limits

A BIG Thank You to Kreed's World: A Complex Journey Through Autism

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=548483481941069

In the video, you will see JJ, Kreed and many other of our Au-Some children!!! It is truly amazing. I hope that you not only watch it but share it as well. #autism has #nolimits A super-ability, indeed.
I am privileged to have my son be a part of this video project that was made with love. I am honored to be a part of something bigger than I.
#nolimits

"Superheroes" Lyrics by The Script

All the life she has seen
All the meaner side of me
They took away the prophet's dream for a profit on the street

Now she’s stronger than you know
A heart of steel starts to grow

All his life he's been told
He’ll be nothing when he’s old
All the kicks and all the blows
He won't ever let it show

'Cause he's stronger than you know
A heart of steel starts to grow

When you've been fighting for it all your life
You've been struggling to make things right
That’s how a superhero learns to fly
Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power

When you've fighting for it all your life
You've been working every day and night
That’s how a superhero learns to fly
Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power

All the hurt, all the lies
All the tears that they cry
When the moment is just right
You see fire in their eyes

'Cause he’s stronger than you know
A heart of steel starts to grow

When you've been fighting for it all your life
You've been struggling to make things right
That’s how a superhero learns to fly
Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power

When you've fighting for it all your life
You've been working every day and night
That’s how a superhero learns to fly
Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power

Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power

Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power

She's got lions in her heart
A fire in her soul
He's a got a beast in his belly
That's so hard to control
'Cause they've taken too much hits
Taking blow by blow
Now light a match, stand back, watch them explode

She's got lions in her heart
A fire in her soul
He's a got a beast in his belly
That's so hard to control
'Cause they've taken too much hits
Taking blow by blow
Now light a match, stand back, watch them explode

When you've been fighting for it all your life
You've been struggling to make things right
That’s a how a superhero learns to fly
Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power

When you've fighting for it all your life
You've been working every day and night
That’s a how a superhero learns to fly
Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power

Oh, yeah...

Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power

Ooh, yeah
Whoa

Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power

When you've been fighting for it all your life
You've been struggling to make things right
That’s how a superhero learns to fly

Come stop by and visit us on facebook
www.facebook.com/loorducation
www.facebook.com/kreedsworld
Let your friends know about this video, Enjoy!!!

My Boy: Part 64

What a great weekend. Friday was Jorge Juan's ceremony for the student of the month. He was very happy and excited. He was equally super happy for the other children in different grades as well. He was clapping, woo hoo-ing and all that jazz. It was cool. He picked the name out of the hat for a raffle and was interacting with the other children and teachers as my husband and I sat back and watched him. The principal cut his sausage and pancakes for breakfast and we noticed that he was using his left hand to eat. He still is using both hands a lot but that is fine as long as he is able to do his day to day tasks and function. He is such a blessing because he was excited, to say the least about my graduation the next day, (this past Saturday) and Mother's Day too. He behaved super well. He had a good time and was happy to take pictures. The noise of the music did not bother him that mush this year at it did at my Bachelor ceremony.

Jorge Juan is becoming more independent each day. He is getting himself dressed, almost in completion now. He mostly puts on his shoes and washes his body when he is in the bath. He brushes his teeth by himself and requires help sometimes. He is learning how to independently wash his face. It is amazing to see the things he does now when years ago he did not speak, let alone do half of these things that many people may take for granted. From a young age, he always worked an iPad or iPhone with ease but something as simple as picking a spoon up to eat was very difficult for Jorge Juan. He could read before he was potty trained fully. He could recite the alphabet and count backwards from 10 to 1 before he could put on his shoes. Never once, losing hope. Always, forever gaining strength. He is stronger than autism.

My Boy: Part 57

Jorge Juan usually takes the bus to school. It never showed up today. His regular driver had the day off so I am guessing the sub got lost because at 8:10, the bus still was MIA. So, I called the bus company and they asked for my son's name, I told them and their response was Special Ed? I was taken back a little but I replied with a yes. I was calling them to cancel because I did not want my son to be picked up by a stranger. Anyways, getting back to the special ed part..I do not like the way that sounds at all. I never really have. It just does not fit well with me but I guess they still use that term. As for me, I prefer specialized instruction. That is what it is. He is receiving an education with specialized instruction. Yes, indeed my child is special in every positive way but that term special ed irks me and I realized how much it does today when the guy said "special ed" after I told him my son's name. He has an IEP. He is an intelligent 5 year old who is eager to learn with the rest of his peers. I felt as though he was just labeled as that. He is not "that". He is a boy who loves to read. He loves to dance, sing and play. He is a boy who has autism. Autism does not have my boy. He is a child first, being on the spectrum is last. He is a boy with autism and I want all to know that it is not the other way around. There is no autism with the boy because autism cannot survive without him.

I want people to see past the autism because that is when you truly will see an amazing child with so much to offer this world. It is more than awareness, it is acceptance. After all, my son does not like labels of any kind. I rip them off of his clothes and toys and I will continue to rip them off of him when people try to put one on him.

It is OK...Jorge Juan

It is OK with me if Jorge Juan wants to wear the same T-shirt for a couple days in a row and also if he wants to wear miss-matched socks. It is a part of having an opinion and say in things. It is OK with me if Jorge Juan wants to jump on his bed and put stickers all over his wall, it is a part of self expression. It is OK if Jorge Juan does not eat all of his dinner because he loves to drink water and he lets us know when he is hungry. No one wants to be forced to eat, so it is OK. It is OK for Jorge Juan to want long hair, therefore we will not force hi to cut it. This is also a part of his identity and self expression which is very important to children. It is OK if Jorge Juan wants to wear clothes that do not match because he is getting the opportunity to make a choice based on his likenesses. It is OK for Jorge Juan to have fun, play and make a big mess. It is important not to stop the learning and playing process. That is a child's work. It is OK for him to also help clean and have responsibilities. It is OK if he wants to write his name like this, JoRge because he is writing well and has advanced well in his fine motor skills. It is OK for Jorge Juan to get dirty, after all that is what soap is for. He can dig for worms, play outside, run, make a mess of his clothes because he is healthy enough to do so and that is also what being a child is about. It is OK if he does not want to complete his homework all at one sitting. Children need breaks, mentally, physically and emotionally just as we do. It is OK if Jorge Juan watches TV because he can learn a lot from quality programming and also because he loves to read, a lot. It is OK for Jorge Juan to not take a bath every single night, he is a kid but he does know the importance of brushing his teeth and going to the dentist. It is OK for Jorge Juan to play game son his tablet and also to play in a kitchen area holding a doll baby if he so chooses to. It is all about imagination and the learning of life skills. It is OK for him to voice his opinion and feelings as they need to be validated as any other person's. It is OK for him to eat candy and pop corn because he loves to eat fish (I do not, my husband does) and eats lots of raw fruits and vegetables. It is OK for Jorge Juan to color minions red and the Hulk black if he chooses to. It is creativity and thinking outside the box. It is OK for him to pretend play using figures, blocks, spoons, sticks, cups or anything else that is not a traditional "toy". This is where great learning happens. It is OK for him to slide down the stairs, after all it is beneficial for children to engage in risky play. It is OK for Jorge Juan to be friends with all types of children despite gender, race or religion. It is OK for him to say that he does not want to go to school. We all have our days where we are just tired and want to stay in bed. It is OK for him to watch the same movie time after time because he made the choice to do so. It is OK if he stims in public, burps or farts, as long a she holds his manners and says excuse me, for the latter 2 of course. He shall never have to be made ashamed for stimming and people see him as I will never try and stop him.

And it is OK that he is on the autism spectrum because look at all he can do. It is a blessing. He just does not have special needs, he has all the needs and desires of typical children everywhere.

My Boy: Part 52

Jorge Juan has to know everything that we are going to do when we are going to do it. Not only that, he has to know what we are doing after that and then he will ask after that what is going to happen. Also, he likes to ask the steps of things like what the first step is to making dough. When I tell him, he wants to know the second and other steps. He now always asks when there is school sndvwhen there is not and also why. Jorge Juan also likes to know what things are made of and why. He asks hundreds of questions a day. Countless questions, really. He is super inquisitive and has a need to know the way things work and are. He always needs confirmation by saying "right mommy" and even when I say yes, he asks my husband "right daddy?". If we do not say it loud enough, he will ask until we say it again. I wouldn't change a thing. I thank God that he can speak. I remember the days of waiting for him to even day his own name. He has come a long way. Hope. Faith. Love. Determination. Dedication. That's what it takes. Treating autism as a blessing in disguise because from diagnosis and even before, it is a learning experience and a journey that can only be measured in love.

My Boy: Part 51

Jorge Juan is very excited that our family is here from Ecuador. He is super happy that he has his cousin, who is 7, to play with. They get along very well. Both of them have been taking good care of Jorge's guinea pigs. Jorge Juan is an only child so to have another kid in the house makes him excited. he has been flapping here and there and continuously jumping out of happiness. he almost had a sensory overload. He is becoming sensitive to sounds again. Loud yells and screams at karate class, he covers his ears. When flusing the toilet, he covers his ears. Now he has not been doing that for a very long time and it started up once again. When I use the Vitamix in the morning to make juice, he has to covers his ears and runs to the living room. Thank God he has not had any ear infections or any problems with his ears ever since he had the tubes put in his ears. Since then, they have fallen out. So far so good.

He had a trip to the dentist the other day. Words cannot describe how proud my husband and I are. There are really no words to describe it. Jorge did an amazing job. Smiling and laughing the whole way through. He even wanted to get x rays of his teeth. he did not need them so the hygienist took an x ray of his finger. he loved it so much. At the end, he got not one, but three toys for doing an amazing job. It was his first real dental cleaning and it was a true success. We are really blessed. He cannot wait to go back again. That day, he had a great day the whole way through and it started from him picking out his clothes for school since he did not have to wear his uniform. He was happy about that and even stated that he was different.

Days like that I forget that he has autism. Usually I do not even think of it any more. To me he is just a kid. He is my child and he is the best he can be in my eyes and i would never want to change hi for the world. Autism is a blessing in disguise. It was not always so but I thank God for Jorge Juan every day. He can see, hear, walk, play and is healthy. What more can I ask for?