Comments:

fightn4life - 2006-11-19 14:06:50
Autism is very close to my heart, deep meaning and reasons. I read another diary whose parents are dealing with an autistic child, music man I think�the writing under their name on my profile page is "journey through autism" This is very new to them as well. He has many links that you might find useful and is beginning a diet like treatment for his child. My prayers are with you and your family. I do understand the effects this may cause on a family unit; have faith and never forget He never gives us more than we are able to handle. (As Mother Theresa was quoted saying in response�"I just wish He didn't trust me so much.") Sandyz
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Melody - 2006-11-23 21:00:21
I have considered the possibility of lining the walls with layers of paper for coloring on. It would be so much easier, wouldn't it? lol Coming from a background of speech delay, I have encountered things that worked and things that did not work. I started with the Infants and Toddlers program at 18 months for a speech delay, speech therapist visits the home, going out to Gymboree and playgroups, 3-year old pre-k, special education services in pre-K and kindergarten. But, after everything, and with some guilt about this too, the best thing I could have done was to figure out how to talk to my child. I was a new parent, so it was difficult for me to figure out how to engage such a little person in conversation, especially since children that young have a totally different mindset.... and you know what surprised me, Bowen learned to say "chocolate milk," before he learned how to say useful instructions, such as indicating he needed help with words, instead of melting down at his frustrations. But that's just it - kids will learn when it interests them, and it's a matter of engaging them in conversations that are, in particular, interesting to them. (The kids are real good at identifying Pokemon - real useful, huh? But it interests them!) Having Bowen involved with other little kids helped, too, because other little kids talk constantly, providing lots of examples for speech. It's really about exposure, and making talking into something interesting and fun. Well, I know you're concerned and will do everything possible to help her, just as I did with Bowen... but just keep an eye out on whatever you do, to find out what truly helps her, and what is just going through the actions of helping but not actually helping. For instance, having the speech therapist coming out seemed like it would have helped, and I felt like I was doing something, but it actually wasn't helping at all. You live and learn though, but it's better to focus your efforts on the things that really do help. Good luck with everything!!
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