It can be frustrating to be a parent without a clue or a teacher without the answers. In the world of autism it is apparent that in reality, no one actually has all the necessary information to prepare us for our journey. We can find strength in new friendships with those in similar situations but we are essentially all "winging it" and hoping for the best possible outcome.
Has autism been caused by birth trauma, professional parents. vaccines, genetics? Can it be cured, out grown, lived with? This week another study states that breast milk can prevent autism ... the exception obviously being my youngest who despite being unable to latch on, was bottle-fed my milk for at least his first 6 months and is worst affected. All the training and literature available or meetings with professionals merely provide suggestions and trials, just in case something has a positive result. Each child is unique and has different pockets of ability. I don't really know why or how but my little bird with "severe learning difficulties", is beginning to find his wings by READING. For a few weeks he has been "reading" his school book of 18 words with pictures above- the dog, the cat, the school, the dinner ... This in itself was remarkable from a child who mostly echoes McDonalds and Car Insurance adverts rather than involving himself in any communicative conversations. Although he was pointing at words, I assumed that he was also using the picture cues to glean meaning. However, this week he has started to play with little plastic word tiles and is enjoying the over the top praise he receives for his developing sight vocabulary. The spelling games on his iPad, his magnetic letters and the expertise of his school must have something to do with this turn of events. I feel blessed that I am able to celebrate these achievements with him. He is becoming more vocally confident as he reads logos from cereal packets and tries to put two words together. I am excited to see where this will lead. Onwards and upwards! This is a new Parents' Support group starting in our local area. Now is the time to attend and suggest/ access specific training and services.
Next meeting pencilled in for Tuesday 12th May. I really did "bite the bullet" today by participating in my first ever yoga lesson. To even book in for a class, let alone turn up, was a challenge in itself but after taking my first tentative and definitely uncoordinated steps, I found I did actually enjoy it. In fact, so much so that I am hoping to do it again. Caroline, our supportive instructor, had kindly organised a trial lesson for other Autism mums in honour of Autism Awareness Month so, not only did I experience some exercise and relaxation, I was able to meet up with other mums on similar journeys; Yoga, tea and new friends! Fab! Caroline's Regular weekly yoga classes: Tuesday 7-830pm @ holiday inn - Antrim Wednesday 1030-12 @ Clotworthy - Antrim castle gardens £8 per class if prebook 2 or more classes £10 per class drop in/ as and when can! Check out FB link below for further details. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Rainbow-DRU-Yoga-and-HolisticTherapies/1492786637650974?fref=ts Today I am mostly wearing blue and my FB timeline is awash with slogans and posters proclaiming that this is the day for Autism Awareness. However, a heartbreaking conversation I had yesterday with the mother of a teenager with a disability gave me a shocking wake up call. While my youngest is 5 and access to intervention services can be annoyingly poor, young adults who are ready to leave the security of their Special School also have it incredibly tough. There are no age specific day centres available for those 19 - 25 year olds who are unable to take up academic college places due to their lack of independence . These young people are unable to catch a bus or a train or even a taxi without a carer and for some, the degree of their learning difficulty means college is out of reach. They cannot gain employment because no successful business wants someone who is not highly efficient and driven. There are only two choices; attend a day centre with elderly, institutionalised people or remain at home with a carer, usually the parent who has had to give up their employment, thus saving the government coffers thousands. This is unfortunately how we treat disabled people in the UK today. We often talk about equality and yet there remains a section of the community whose voices are not heard. I worry about my son's future because severely autistic children do grow into adults. I hope that Autism Awareness and Acceptance are promoted widely today but I also hope that those in government recognise that actions speak louder! ... OR ADULTS! Update: 19/4/2015 |
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