Grateful....

I am grateful for my addiction.  
HA!  
When I first got sboer some years ago and heard people share that in a meeting, I was shocked and abit disgusted but I can honestly say I feel that way now.
I am grateful for my addiction because without it, I don't know if I would have spent so much time on self-reflection in the hopes of making myself a better person for myself and to my fellow man.  I am grateful for my addiction because without it, I don'tknow if I would have been fortunate enough to have and maintain a relationhip with MY higher Power, whom I CHOOSE to call God.  I am grateful for my addiction because without it, I don't know if I would be as accepting or try to be as accepting of others as I am.
I am grateful for my addcition because it has brrought me into your lives and you into mine and although I may not know it yet, there is a reason for all of it and I am simply trying my hardest to enjoy the car ride while allowing someone else to drive.

What are you grateful for today?
      

[mominstress]

I am grateful today as well....I am grateful for my son.  I am grateful for his autism.  He is amazing and innocent and pure.  He learns differently and loves completely.  There is a whole world of people with special needs kids who have more strength than I knew existed.
I am grateful for my brother who is now in a rehab in Dallas.  He has relapsed many times.  He has continued to try to get sober many times.  He is the strongest person I know because of his weakness.  God made him very special.  He is better than all of us in my family.  He is more humble, and more accepting of people, and more grateful for everything God provides him.  He is a glowing light of power drawn from God himself.    I am grateful to know him and honored to be related to him.
I am grateful for you guys who know the real me.  and talk to me just the same.
:o)

[mom2rachie]

That was beautiful.
Can I ask you a few questions about your son...... I hope it's ot too personal.  I have a friend who is struggling wioth whether or not her son is autistic and I am struggling with whether to continue to vaccinate my 7 month old daughter.
I believe that special needs children are brought into our lives to teach us something.
May God bless you all!!

[mominstress]

I would be happy to answer your questions.  First there are some things that were obvious with my son.  He flapped his hands a lot, he walked on his toes all the time, he didn't answer when we called his name (this is a big one).  Your friend should consult her pediatrician and if she gets now where with him, she should get another one to look at him.  She can also go to autismspeaks.org for signs and symptoms.  I am on a forum called Cafemom. They have a board for moms that have kids on the autism spectrum.  She can ask questions and get good advice there.
Now as far as the vaccines....  I am reading a book about biomedical approaches to autism and they are strongly superstitious of the vaccines.  Thermerisal is the perservative made of mercury that is the suspected culprit.  Ask your pediatrican for vaccines with out Thermerisal!!!!!  They are available.  He may say the vaccines are fine, but the truth is they are not sure, so be firm and ask.  Vaccination is important, but be informed about it.  Also do not vaccinate when your daugther has a cold or is ill.  
Flu shots also have the mercury.  
Take care and I hope I have helped you.
M

[mom2rachie]

Thank you.  She is having himchecked outby a specialist, I know that much, but he was a seemingly "normal" child and things changed drastically overnight.  That seems so scary to me.
Was this s noticed progression with your child?  I men did he always not do certain things or could he do them and then one day no longer could.  Does that make sense?
I am planning ontalking to my dr this week about it.

[mominstress]

My son didn't regress like so many do.  I think it is because we recognized a problem so early( only a few words, not two words together, trouble with crowds!!!!, flapping, happy all the time-I mean really happy...too happy, metldowns in public)...18 months.  Most start regressing right after 2 yrs or so. Everyone is different.  
We had him in speech and Occupational therapy by 2yrs and once we go the diagnosis, we got busy.  He is 3 and has 30 hours a week of ABA in ahome program and 12 hours a week of school.  He works harder than lots of adults I know  hehe.  BUT he is very verbal, extremely smart (he has started reading).  and very loving.  He is very quick to hit or push and being 60 pounds and 4 ft tall he can be a force.  I know the aggression is not mean spirited, it is his way.  We are working on that.  So early intervention is KEY!!!!!!   Brady didn't really loose many skills at all, just a few words.  However, a change in schedule or illness sets him back.  I don' t know about your friends state,, but I can help with SC.  If she is not here, have her talk to other parents.  We are not rich so tell her there are services she can get.  You don't have private pay.  There is also a book.  The Autism source book.  It is good.
Keep me updated.  If she wants to email me:  ***@****.  tell her to indicate it is your friend in the subject line.  I'd love to help her through all of this.  My husband and I have been trained to be support parents for others parents with new diagnosises.  I am here for both of you.  
BTW  I have 21 days today with now Hydro/Lortab.  yea!!!!

[mom2rachie]

WOW on all accounts1
Congrats onbeing cleanand congrats and my hats off to you withregards to your son.
I will pass along the info.
Again, thank you very much!