Autism Awareness Month Part II

This is more from the brochure that EANH will be distributing throughout local schools for parents and students to learn acceptance and tolerance.

Symptoms of Autism:

· Spinning objects
· Demands routine; resists change
· Difficulty in expressing needs, using gestures or pointing instead of words
· Repeating words or phrases in place of normal, responsive
language
· Laughing and/or crying for
reasons not apparent to others
· Preference to being alone, aloof manner
· Tantrums
· Not wanting to cuddle or be cuddled
· Little or no eye contact
· Unresponsive to normal teaching methods
· Sustained odd play
· Obsessive attachments to objects
· Apparent over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain
· No real fears of danger
· Noticeable physical over-activity or extreme under-activity
· Uneven or underdeveloped gross/fine motor skills
· Non responsive to verbal cues; appears to be deaf although hearing tests in normal range

Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month. Keep your eyes open as I intend to do, at least, one post per week dedicated to Autism Awareness and Tolerance. Most posts will be from a brochure my non-profit, Embracing Autism, NH has created to be distributed throughout schools in our area this month.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a broad category of disorders including Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), and Rett Syndrome. ASD cause abnormal brain function; those afflicted are often unable to engage in social activities and display atypical behaviors, such as repetitive movement and speech patterns, as well as an aversion to touch.

According to Jovana Ruzicic of the Washington, D.C.-based watchdog group, Environmental Working Group, the incidence of autism increased from 10 in 10,000 in the 1980s to about 60 in 10,000 today. Despite the current rise in autism diagnoses, the medical community has yet to discover any specific medical treatment.

Facts about Autism:

· Autism affects as many as 1 in 150 children
· Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the world
· More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with diabetes, cancer, & AIDS combined
· Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
· There is no medical detection or cure for autism, but early diagnosis and intervention improve outcomes
· Autism does not discriminate by geography, class, or ethnicity

From: www.worldautismawarenessday.org

Yesterday's Post

What an overwhelming response to yesterday's post! While I want to respond to each one of you individually, there is so much to say...I think it would be done better in blog form.

Molly, you are absolutely right. I am not sure if there is an epidemic or if autism is just being recognized better and easier. A would not have been diagnosed 10 years ago with autism because his "symptoms" are so much less severe. They have also opened the umbrella (so to speak) and the range of pervasive developmental disorders is so broad that many children fit on the spectrum that wouldn't have when you and I were growing up.

Thank you for your thoughts and your kind words. Yes, it is hard, but I also know that I am never given anything more than I can handle.

I can't comment on vaccines or toxins or environmental causes because I just don't know. I believe that they have something to do with this...but when it all comes down to it: TODAY I DON'T CARE! That may sound harsh and I don't intend for it to. Today, what "caused" this does not matter to me. Today, I need to concentrate on how to make it better and how to help my son be the best that he can be. Someday, the causes may become part of my world...maybe when A wants to have children...I don't know. Today, I can't focus on that because it does nothing to help what I deal with on a daily basis.

Sometimes Sophia and Feliz, thank you both for your kind words and your prayers. I am part of an AMAZING group of women who want nothing more than to help change the world for our kids. If you have a moment please check out Embracing Autism. This is the way that I can be active in advocating for my son and children like him.

Wheres My Angels, I think that of all people in this world, you probably understand this more than most. You are right, Mr. Savage has, obviously, not been touched. I think that from the moment he said those words he opened up the doors to become touched by autism. I only hope that he has learned something...

"The Queen", thank you for teaching your children compassion. My son (and others like him) need nothing more than that. A needs kids that are willing to play with him, understand that he is "different" and accept him for who he is. It is so important that children are raised to be caring, compassionate human beings. You do that! Thank you!

My 2 Boyz, I thank you for not feeling pity, because, honestly, I am SO blessed! I'll take a cyber hug any day you want to give one :)

Trish, you are probably right. What was said (and then interpreted by the rest of us) by Mr. Savage was probably not his intended meaning. Had I heard the whole segment I may feel very differently. And let's face it, these men (Rush, Howard Stern, etc) are put on the air for a reason. These are the types of things that people want to hear from them. I do not believe he should be fired. And, as I mentioned in the end of my blog, while the remarks were ignorant and insensitive, he has educated so many people with what he said...I will take that.

Swirl Girl, there are more days that I want to "chuck it all" than you can imagine!! I am SO blessed to have amazing family and friends in my life that are supportive of us. I am also MORE THAN BLESSED to have a school system that works wonders with my child. Special Ed teachers, OT teachers, Speech Paths, One on One Paraprofessionals...THEY ARE MY SAVIORS! I COULD NOT do this on my own!!

Dawn, I am trying so hard to believe that what Mr. Savage said is going to bring so much education to so many people's eyes. But you are right, those who speak about issues they have no education on....oh man, they frustrate me more than you can imagine!

And last, but CERTAINLY not least, Nicki, you are my rock. I can do this because you do it. Together we will piss and moan and love and feel guilty and work harder and harder every day to make sure that our children are amazing young men who make amazing fathers and husbands. We rule :)

I thank you all for your support. One of the things about this blogoshpere that never ceases to amaze me is how people from across the globe will show up in droves to tell you how wonderful you are! Thank you for being there, thank you for not pitying me, thank you for sharing your stories! Keep 'em coming!

A fishy, water logged Memorial Weekend.

What a gorgeous, long weekend! The weather was near perfect every day. And we took full - well close to full - advantage of it.

Friday was the boy's Memorial Day Presentation at school. Since it was in the morning, Andrew was not going to participate (he is in the afternoon kindergarten session). He and I agreed that he would come and sit with me and sing all the songs. Unfortunately, he had a total "autistic moment" about 10 minutes in. He wanted a flag that was being used as a decoration, I said no and all hell broke loose. He cried so hard that he hyperventilated, he hit me, he screamed...we left. It was mortifying! Thankfully, Zach wasn't aware that I had to leave...he thinks I saw the whole thing (and I am not about to admit otherwise).

Saturday was quiet. Well, as quiet as it can be when you are fighting with an 8 year old to clean his room. Truthfully, it took all day. He started at 10am and by 7pm he was FINALLY done. It was a disaster and I was fed up. It's done, for now...

Sunday I had an Embracing Autism NH (EANH) meeting in the morning As soon as I got back the boys were ready to go. Go where? Where else? Fishing, of course!



One of Andrew's friends from school happened to be walking by and he and his family decided to join us. T and F had never been fishing before and Zachary had a great time teaching them to cast and put the worm on the hook.

We did catch much other than a sunburn. I forgot the sunscreen and a few hours of sitting on the water in the sun isn't a great idea for me. Before I left my EANH Tracy told me to enjoy my weekend and to "get some sun". I'm not sure that was her idea. Thankfully the boys got away with very little redness. Redheads with fair skin should ALWAYS wear sunscreen - unfortunately, Mom tends to forget.

Sunday evening was the first Movie in the Barn at Dad's house of the season.





After Andrew broke the birdbath...

We watched the short video Sue made about her time in Iraq (WONDERFUL) followed by Ratatouille.



We made it through the movie with few incidences. Andrew even sat for most of it. Home at 11pm...exhausted.

The Moving Wall (www.themovingwall.org) has been in Ossipee all weekend and Kirby really wanted to get out and see it. First thing Sunday we packed a lunch and made our way over.

He and I have seen The Moving Wall together once before and got to see the real thing once as well. Every time we see it we are incredibly moved.

I was happy to have the boys with us but worried about how they were going to behave. Again, few incidences...thank you god!









The boys even got the ride in a "real Army truck"! Andrew was so excited!







I am glad that we made it over there and proud of how well my kids handled themselves. I hate having to talk to my kids about those things - the violence and reality of the world. I want them to believe that the world is full of love and peace...I worry that I will taint their views. Of course, my worry doesn't stop me. After all, it is reality.

After visiting the wall we traveled down to New Durham to The Powder Mill Fish Hatchery. The hatchery is run by NH Fish and Game. We had taken the boys there once before but they were so young they didn't even remember it.




You'd think we had brought them to Six Flags for a weekend! They had SUCH a great time! It just reinforces the fact that you don't have to spend money to have fun with your kids. Seriously, we spent $1 on fish food and they had over an hour of enjoyment!









Check out the size of those fish!











We ended the day by taking the kids fishing at the Salmon Falls River in Rochester.











The boys aren't use to river fishing and it was harder than I remembered. We lost 3 lines, didn't catch a thing and Mom ended up looking like this:




I totally fell in. Kirby took this picture AFTER he took the camera out of my pocket (soaking wet), AFTER he asked me if I was okay but not BEFORE he tried to get the camera to take a picture of me lying in the water trying like hell to get out.

I had been fishing out of the water the whole time (well after I climbed into the water to try and get my line out). It wasn't all that cold, I was enjoying dipping my feet...then I lost my footing. Sonuvabiscuit!!!

I smelled like a dead fish the whole way back to Wolfeboro in soaking wet jeans with two screaming, whining kids in the back...

Busy, busy, busy!!

So much happening, so little time to sit down and post!

Embracing Autism is making HUGE strides! I have never been more proud to be part of something! We have held three fundraisers and made well over $1000! This is huge!

This money is seed money to be sure that our August Autism Awareness/Family Day goes off without a hitch! We have so many plans and want to be sure that this day is all about the families. This little bit of money will help us make that happen.

We have also been in contact with some families that really need our help. If nothing else, they need to hear from someone that they are not alone.

One family has a 3 year old that was just diagnosed with autism. She doesn't have any idea what to do. He is the sweetest little boy who allowed me to pick him up, hold him and rock him...it was heart melting. She is looking for a computer for her son to use. He has shown some interest but they can't afford one. Thanks to www.freecycle.org I was able to find a Dell Notebook and will be bringing it to her this weekend! I am SO excited! I can't wait to see the looks on their faces!

Moving on...yesterday I made a $600 deposit on my office space. I have found two wonderful women to share the other office. I am really excited about the changes! We will be painting and redecorating and making the place look brand new (or at least like some major changes have taken place).

One of the best things to come of Mark's move was my rent payment. Although the landlords went up on the rent, now that I have two people sharing his old office, I am paying less. Perfect! So, thank you all for the support you offered me, it certainly is turning out better than I could have imagined!

"Bid High, Bid Often"...tonight is the start of the 35th Annual New Hampshire Public Television (NHPTV) Auction! If you live in NH and you don't know what this is, you are missing out!

Every spring, NHPTV holds a live, on-air auction. The auction is FULL of donated things from across NH and the country. Everything from overnight stays to t-shirts to baseball cards to MASSAGE GIFT CERTIFICATES (that's right, a gift certificate of mine is being auctioned off every night).

While watching the auction is huge fun, BEING there is a completely different ball game! For the past 5 years (I think) I have volunteered a night or more of my time. It has gradually increased over the years from one night, to two, to 6, to whenever they need me :) This year I will be working both weekends, double shifts. I will be there when the auction starts (6pm) and stay as long as they are on air (12am or so).

So, keep your eyes peeled, I will be there, waving at the camera, working hard (bidding harder) and enjoying every minute!

Take me out to the ballgame...baseball season is here! Zachary has been practicing since before the snow was off the fields and tonight is his first game. He also has a game tomorrow afternoon AND school in the morning. Crazy! He is going to be one tired little man come 8am Monday morning!

If you are interested in getting to one of his games and need a schedule please let me know. While most games are here in Wolfeboro we do have one in Wakefield.

I keep score during the games (it can be tricky but since I did it last year the coach is counting on me). I really hope these kiddos are a bit better behaved than last year's...keeping score also means watching them in the dugout, getting them in line up, etc, etc. It'll be a great year.

So, keep your eyes out for me on NHPTV (Channel 11 for most of you) this weekend and next. Bid high, bid often! Enjoy the spring weather, get out to a baseball game!

Logo Contest!

Please don't forget Embracing Autism's logo contest!

If you or someone you know is an artist go to www.embracingautismnh.org and get all the information!

Entries are due by April 30th, 08. There is less than a week left so get on it!

Oh, and our site is fully functional! Be sure to check it out - artist or not!

Amazing night!

I wrote the following blog from Embracing Autism's MySpace profile (www.myspace.com/embracingautism):

Our Second Fundraiser


What a wonderful night! We had absolutely beautiful weather, a live broadcast and a ton of people!

We held our second fundraiser at Friendly's in Rochester NH. The staff was incredibly helpful and we were so happy to be there!

It is official, at every event we meet, at least, one more person or family that reminds us why it is so important to be doing what we are doing:

The little boy that signed "Thank You" to us, waved "goodbye" to his balloon and brought tears to many of our eyes.

The woman who couldn't afford a raffle ticket but donated $.25 to our cause because she has a friend with autism.

The woman who gave up her ice cream to buy more raffle tickets who told me that she would go without for the evening knowing she had done something for a worthy cause.

And more than that, the many families that we saw with autistic children who felt safe bringing their children out to dinner in a public place.

Those people and those families touched us more than any amount of money we could raise.

We thank all of you that joined us last night and made it such a success, if for nothing else but just being there.

-Erica, Embracing Autism


It WAS an AMAZING night. I am so inspired to do more. I hope that some of you are able to join us for our next fundraiser in "Dovah" on April 24th. If not, we are considering making this a monthly event - a way for autistic families to get out and feel safe in a public place. Forget the money, that is all we want!

Can you help?

A new Autism Awareness project has started. Buddy Bear will be traveling the world to raise Autism Awareness. This summer he will be visiting Milton, NH. I have been asked to help organize an event to raise Autism Awareness and I am looking for help!

We will be looking for help in every aspect like marketing (getting the word out), sponsors (free stuff and helping raise money), location (we are currently thinking the Commons), etc. Any type of help that you can give, whether you have experience or not, will be incredilby helpful!

If any of you are able to volunteer some time over the next few months to help us organize I would love your help and your ideas!

Thanks!

Love,
Erica


A note from Buddy's "Mum":

"This project developed from my son's recent interest in maps and learning about new places really. However, it's becoming something so much more. This isn't just for my son, but rather for the one in every 150 diagnosed with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. As a parent, the most difficult obstacle to overcome is the lack of awareness in others within society. Outings that most of us take for granted can become quite challenging for those with Autism. It is my hope that as people become of aware of Buddy and his travels, they will also take the time to do a little research on Autism and perhaps become involved with one of the many organizations supporting Autism research. But most importantly, the next time you're out in a public place, the grocery store, the bank, post office, or wherever it may be when you witness a child acting out in a manner that may seem "unruly" or "inappropriate" to you, take the time and understand this child may have Autism. And please, don't hesitate to offer that parent a compassionate glance, a kind word, or even a gentle touch upon the shoulder. Never underestimate the power of human compassion. Autism affects us all."