I’m glad that you enjoyed the pics from our trip!  Eeyore had a wonderful time!  As did Jason and I.

Hopefully, if Jason actually takes care of the reservation (I’m the one who usually does that), we will be going here for my birthday.

This…is the Royal Gorge Bridge.  It is the world’s highest suspension bridge floating 1053 feet above the Arkansas River!!  Awesome eh?  Yup…I’m loving this!  I think that Jason will be terrified, given that he has a slight fear of heights, but he said that he would be willing to go there with me.   Now that’s love folks!!

This park has some incredible features!  They have an aerial tram that takes you across the gorge suspended from a huge cable.

They also have a new feature, the skycoaster!! This ride allows you to freefall (you’re hooked to a cable) at 50mph over 1200 feet above the gorge!! Woohoo!! I don’t think that Jason will go on this with me.

AND…they have the really cool incline railroad ride!!  It takes you on the world’s steepest incline (railroad wise) 1500 feet down the side of the gorge plunging you toward the raging river below only to stop just feet from the water!!

Yup…I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my 30th birthday than to be plunged 1500 feet toward a raging river at 50mph can you?

Other than that…it’s snowing here AGAIN today.  I don’t mind the moisture…I just wish it would come in the form of rain instead of the frozen kind. I mean…it IS April after all.

Jason and I are attending his Initiation Ceremony at MSU tonight.  I have to get dressed up for this…which means, I may have to wear (dramatic music)  a skirt!!!    I know…I’m just as shocked as you are!! It’s just not my style…but I’m willing to make this sacrifice for the man I love.   I just hope that I don’t freeze waiting for the train for downtown.

Well…I need to get back to work.  So…here is my post on Autism for today and it will probably be my last for the month. Have a great weekend!

 

 

Living With Autism

Overview

The demands of raising a child with autism are great, and families frequently experience high levels of stress. Recognizing and preparing yourself for the challenges that are in store will make a tremendous difference to all involved, including the parents, siblings, grandparents, extended family, and friends.

The uniqueness of each individual with autism makes the experience of raising a child with autism different for each family. But there are some consistent themes or issues that most families will want to be aware to be able to provide the best support to the individual and to family members.

The ASA has developed in-depth information on a variety of topics related to living with autism. The information below is by no means exhaustive, but it should help to equip families with some of the basic tools they may need to successfully raise a child with autism.

For more information regarding Autism, visit these sites:

  

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Four Corners Trip

WARNING – graphic intense

Eeyore strapped in and ready to go!!

Jason thought this was the most symmetrical mountain that he’s seen out here.

The flag display at the Four Corners

The sign at the Four Corners

Hey…Eeyore is in four states at once!!

Now Jason is…nice position eh?

Eeyore and I at the Four Corners

The State Seals

Utah

Shiprock – Shiprock, NM

The first day we drove from Colorado Springs down to Cortez, checked into our hotel and then drove out to the Four Corners.  We then went into Arizona and over to Shiprock, NM…then back up to Cortez, CO.  It was a long day…but totally worth it!! We had a blast and took a lot more pictures than what I’ve posted here…but it took me about an hour to load all of these so…

Anyway…after arriving back into Cortez, it was dinner time so we stopped off at a local brewery and ate dinner.  The next morning (Jason’s birthday), we got up around 9 or so…went to breakfast and stopped off at this gallery.

Mesa Verde Pottery – we shopped here before going to Mesa Verde National Park…this place was amazing!!  Everything here is made by the Indian tribes of Mesa Verde.

Mesa Verde National Park

Jason at Mese Verde

Spruce Tree House (overview)

The path down to Spruce Tree House

 

another view of the cliff dwellings

Jason on a boulder along the path

The quarter mile mark on the hike down to Spruce Tree House

a cavern where the tribes collected water

windows to back apartments

this portion was roped off due to it being an active archaelogical site

a place where they ground grain and corn

an opening to a Kiva

- a Kiva is an underground chamber used by the tribes for religious ceremonies and shelter from dangerous weather

inside the Kiva

me at the cliff dwellings

an upward look from Spruce Tree House

a beautiful Blue Jay that was kind enough to pose for a picture

Eeyore thanking GOD that there was a bed after hiking that trail!! I was too…that was a long hike!

our room at the Ramada in Durango, CO on Jason’s birthday

After checking in, and letting Eeyore rest…we went to dinner at AppleBee’s.  We barely ate any of our food…but Jason had a few beers and was a happy man!  We went back to the hotel and sat in the jacuzzi right around the corner from our room for a spell.  That was wonderful I might add!!

We finished celebrating Jason’s big day by endulging in some champaigne!!

The next morning, we woke up a bit late…but were heading out of Durango by 11am. 

Eeyore kept pointing out things along the way for me to take photos of…but, this was the last photo opt that I stopped for

I was out in flip flops taking this picture standing in the snow!

Of course, once we got to Pueblo,CO that night…the news was issueing a blizzard warning for most of Colorado.  We left early the next morning hoping to avoid most of the storm…but wound up hitting the heart of it once we hit Colorado Springs.  It was a long drive home…but a good trip!!

So I get this call from Eric (my best friend in Orlando) the other day out of the blue.  I haven’t “talked” to him since I saw him in February.  He rarely calls me to begin with(he’s an email kind of guy)…but he called me during his break at work!! I thought something was seriously wrong!  However, it turns out that he’s going home (Dallas) over 4th of July weekend (my b-day weekend) and wanted to know if Jason and I could drive down.  Umm…NO.  We have plans for that weekend already…but I told him he should drive up here to see me!   That didn’t go over well btw.

Anyway, so then he goes on to say that he and Kippie (his wife) & the baby were supposed to be down in Dallas from 7/2 – 7/18…but he has to leave on the 10th due to not having enough vacation time left.  So then he throws this out, “so want to come visit me and keep me company that week?“.

I told him that I didn’t think that would happen considering Jason has already stated that the next plane tickets we purchase will be for Atlanta to go see his mom (understandably so).  So then I get an email the next day asking me what airport I fly out of from here.  I tell him and then he emails me flight schedules and ticket prices stating that he will pay half of the cost.

He is a bit hard of hearing apparently.

So I ask him why he’s so hell bent on my coming out there…he says he just misses me being around.  Hmm…I think it’s because he’s upset with the work situation out there right now and just wants his best friend.  Either way…he has never been one to just offer to purchase things like that on a whim.  Then he tells me that he would even be willing to sell some stuff to get the rest of the money to fly me out there.  Meanwhile I’m thinking, “…he wants to pay for the whole ticket? Say what?  Something is obviously wrong here.”  So I asked him, just to make sure that I have this whole thing correct…and sure enough…he’s offering to pay for the whole thing.  Now I’m concerned.  He doesn’t do stuff like this…

I talked to Jason about it and he doesn’t really want me going out there again….because I just went in February.  Also, the fact that a friend of mine is offering to pay for the cost of this little trip…and well, he’s male.  I understand all of this…really I do.  I know how I would feel if the situation were reversed….however, I would also take into consideration that this is a man that I’ve known for half my life…and have never (and I stress never) had a romantic relationship with (there’s a good reason for that)…plus the fact…he’s happily married and so am I.

Even with all of that being said…I still understand why my hubby has reservations…and that’s OK.  As much as I would like to go visit Eric again (especially if he’s paying for it), I don’t want to upset my hubby.  So, no trip for me in July…at least not back to Orlando anyway.   I did however, tell Eric that we obviously need to talk if he’s missing me that much or is feeling that he needs to see me that desperately.  Something just isn’t right with him.

On a happier note…here’s some new pics of Eric’s baby (Baylie).

Kippie, Baylie and Eric

Awe…Daddy and his little girl

Mommy kissing Baylie

Baylie giggling in the basket

She is too cute!!

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I also wanted to say that all of the information that I’ve been providing to you regarding Autism has come from the Autism Society of America.  Please check out their website for further information.

6 years has passed…but we haven’t forgotten

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Autism Info:

Consulting with Professionals

Whether you or your child’s pediatrician is the first to suspect autism, your child will need to be referred to someone who specializes in diagnosing autism spectrum disorders. This may be a developmental pediatrician, a psychiatrist or psychologist. Other professionals may be included who are better able to observe and test your child in specific areas.

This multidisciplinary assessment team may include some or all of the following professionals. They may also be involved in treatment programs.

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  Developmental pediatrician – Treats health problems of children with developmental delays or handicaps.

  
  
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  Child psychiatrist – A medical doctor who may be involved in the initial diagnosis; can prescribe medication and provide help in behavior, emotional adjustment and social relationships

  
  
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  Clinical psychologist – Specializes in understanding the nature and impact of developmental disabilities including autism spectrum disorders. May perform psychological and assessment tests and may help with behavior modification and social skills training.

  
  
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  Occupational therapist – Focuses on practical, self-help skills that will aid in daily living such as dressing, eating; may work on sensory integration, coordination of movement, and fine motor skills.

  
  
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  Physical therapist – Helps to improve the use of bones, muscles, joints, and nerves to develop muscle strength, coordination and motor skills.

  
  
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  Speech/language therapist – Involved in the improvement of communication skills including speech and language.

  
  
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  Social Worker – May provide counseling services or act as case manager helping to arrange services.

It is important that parents and professionals work together for the child’s benefit. While professionals will use their experience and training to make recommendations about your child’s treatment options, you have unique knowledge about his/her needs and abilities.

Once a treatment program is in place, communication between parents and professionals is essential to monitor the child’s progress. Here are some guidelines for working with professionals:

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  Be informed. Learn as much as you can about your child’s disability so you can be an active participant in determining care. If you don’t understand terms used by professionals, ask for clarification.

  
  
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  Be prepared. Be prepared for meetings with doctors, therapists, and school personnel. Write down your questions and concerns, and then note the answers.

  
  
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  Be organized. Many parents find it useful to keep a notebook detailing their child’s diagnosis and treatment as well as meetings with professionals.

  
  
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  Communicate. It’s important to ensure open communication – both good and bad. If you don’t agree with a professional’s recommendation, for example, say specifically why you don’t.

Getting Past the Diagnosis

Often, the time immediately after the diagnosis is a difficult one for families, filled with confusion, anger and despair. These are normal feelings. But there is life after a diagnosis of autism. Life can be rewarding for a child with autism and all the people who have the privilege of knowing the child. While it isn’t always easy, you can learn to help your child find the world an interesting and loving place.

Well…we’re back!!  Unfortunately we headed right into a blizzard on our way home!  That was not a fun drive on Sunday.  I’ll give you more details on the trip as soon as I get the pics uploaded.

 

Diagnosing Autism

There are no medical tests for diagnosing autism. An accurate diagnosis must be based on observation of the individual’s communication, behavior, and developmental levels. However, because many of the behaviors associated with autism are shared by other disorders, various medical tests may be ordered to rule out or identify other possible causes of the symptoms being exhibited.

A brief observation in a single setting cannot present a true picture of an individual’s abilities and behaviors. Parental (and other caregivers’) input and developmental history are very important components of making an accurate diagnosis. At first glance, some persons with autism may appear to have mental retardation, a behavior disorder, problems with hearing, or even odd and eccentric behavior. To complicate matters further, these conditions can co-occur with autism. However, it is important to distinguish autism from other conditions, since an accurate diagnosis and early identification can provide the basis for building an appropriate and effective educational and treatment program.

Early Diagnosis

Research indicates that early diagnosis is associated with dramatically better outcomes for individuals with autism. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the earlier the child can begin benefiting from one of the many specialized intervention approaches (see “Treatments and Education“).

Diagnostic Tools

The characteristic behaviors of autism spectrum disorders may or may not be apparent in infancy (18 to 24 months), but usually become obvious during early childhood (24 months to 6 years).

As part of a well-baby/well-child visit, your child’s doctor should do a “developmental screening” asking specific questions about your baby’s progress. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) lists these five behaviors that signal further evaluation is warranted:

• Does not babble or coo by 12 months
  
• Does not gesture (point, wave, grasp) by 12 months
  
• Does not say single words by 16 months
  
• Does not say two-word phrases on his or her own by 24 months
  
• Has any loss of any language or social skill at any age.

Having any of these five “red flags” does not mean your child has autism, but because the characteristics of the disorder vary so much, a child should have further evaluations by a multidisciplinary team that may include a neurologist, psychologist, developmental pediatrician, speech/language therapist, learning consultant, or other professionals knowledgeable about autism.

While there is no one behavioral or communications test that can detect autism, several screening instruments have been developed that are now used in diagnosing autism.

1. 
   

   CARS rating system (Childhood Autism Rating Scale), developed by Eric Schopler in the early 1970s, is based on observed behavior. Using a 15-point scale, professionals evaluate a child’s relationship to people, body use, adaptation to change, listening response, and verbal communication.

   
   
2. 
   

   The Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT) is used to screen for autism at 18 months of age. It was developed by Simon Baron-Cohen in the early 1990s to see if autism could be detected in children as young as 18 months. The screening tool uses a short questionnaire with two sections, one prepared by the parents, the other by the child’s family doctor or pediatrician.

   
   
3. 
   

   The Autism Screening Questionnaire is a 40 item screening scale that has been used with children four and older to help evaluate communication skills and social functioning.

   
   
4. 
   

   The Screening Test for Autism in Two-Year Olds, being developed by Wendy Stone at Vanderbilt, uses direct observations to study behavioral features in children under two. She has identified three skills areas – play, motor imitation, and joint attention – that seem to indicate autism.

Okay…so I’m all packed and ready to go on this road trip with my wonderful hubby!  I’m very excited about spending some time alone with him considering that we don’t get much of that lately.

I just have to get through work today and then go home…get the kiddos settled for the night and we’re outta there!

So…you all behave while I’m gone and play nice okay.  I’ll see you next Monday!!

Here’s your tidbit on Autism for today:

Common Characteristics of Autism

While understanding of autism has grown tremendously since it was first described by Dr. Leo Kanner in 1943, most of the public, including many professionals in the medical, educational, and vocational fields, are still unaware of how autism affects people and how they can effectively work with individuals with autism. Contrary to popular understanding, many children and adults with autism may make eye contact, show affection, smile and laugh, and demonstrate a variety of other emotions, although in varying degrees. Like other children, they respond to their environment in both positive and negative ways.

Autism is a spectrum disorder. The symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe. Although autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors, children and adults can exhibit any combination of the behaviors in any degree of severity. Two children, both with the same diagnosis, can act very differently from one another and have varying skills.

Parents may hear different terms used to describe children within this spectrum, such as autistic-like, autistic tendencies, autism spectrum, high-functioning or low-functioning autism, more-abled or less-abled. More important than the term used is to understand that, whatever the diagnosis, children with autism can learn and function productively and show gains with appropriate education and treatment.

Every person with autism is an individual, and like all individuals, has a unique personality and combination of characteristics. Some individuals mildly affected may exhibit only slight delays in language and greater challenges with social interactions. The person may have difficulty initiating and/or maintaining a conversation. Communication is often described as talking at others (for example, monologue on a favorite subject that continues despite attempts by others to interject comments).

People with autism process and respond to information in unique ways. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present. Persons with autism may also exhibit some of the following traits.

• Insistence on sameness; resistance to change
  
• Difficulty in expressing needs; uses gestures or pointing instead of words
  
• Repeating words or phrases in place of normal, responsive language
  
• Laughing, crying, showing distress for reasons not apparent to others
  
• Prefers to be alone; aloof manner
  
• Tantrums
  
• Difficulty in mixing with others
  
• May not want to cuddle or be cuddled
  
• Little or no eye contact
  
• Unresponsive to normal teaching methods
  
• Sustained odd play
  
• Spins objects
  
• Inappropriate 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 gross/fine motor skills
  
• Not responsive to verbal cues; acts as if deaf although hearing tests in normal range.

For most of us, the integration of our senses helps us to understand what we are experiencing. For example, our senses of touch, smell and taste work together in the experience of eating a ripe peach: the feel of the peach fuzz as we pick it up, its sweet smell as we bring it to our mouth, and the juices running down our face as we take a bite. For children with autism, sensory integration problems are common. Their senses may be over-or under-active. The fuzz on the peach may actually be experienced as painful; the smell may make the child gag. Some children with autism are particularly sensitive to sound, finding even the most ordinary daily noises painful. Many professionals feel that some of the typical autism behaviors are actually a result of sensory integration difficulties.

There are many myths and misconceptions about autism. Contrary to popular belief, many autistic children do make eye contact; it just may be less or different from a non-autistic child. Many children with autism can develop good functional language and others can develop some type of communication skills, such as sign language or use of pictures. Children do not “outgrow” autism but symptoms may lessen as the child develops and receives treatment.

One of the most devastating myths about autistic children is that they cannot show affection. While sensory stimulation is processed differently in some children with autism, they can and do give affection. But it may require patience on a parent’s part to accept and give love in the child’s terms.

I don’t have much time to post and visit today…I have a ton of new hires to process.

However, I did want to post this for you:

What Causes Autism?

There is no known single cause for autism, but it is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function. Brain scans show differences in the shape and structure of the brain in autistic versus non-autistic children. Researchers are investigating a number of theories, including the link between heredity, genetics and medical problems. In many families, there appears to be a pattern of autism or related disabilities, further supporting a genetic basis to the disorder. While no one gene has been identified as causing autism, researchers are searching for irregular segments of genetic code that autistic children may have inherited. It also appears that some children are born with a susceptibility to autism, but researchers have not yet identified a single “trigger” that causes autism to develop.

Other researchers are investigating the possibility that under certain conditions, a cluster of unstable genes may interfere with brain development resulting in autism. Still other researchers are investigating problems during pregnancy or delivery as well as environmental factors such as viral infections, metabolic imbalances, and exposure to environmental chemicals.

Autism tends to occur more frequently than expected among individuals who have certain medical conditions, including Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome, and untreated phenylketonuria (PKU). Some harmful substances ingested during pregnancy also have been associated with an increased risk of autism. Early in 2002, The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) prepared a literature review of hazardous chemical exposures and autism and found no compelling evidence for an association; however, there was very limited research and more needs to be done.

The question of a relationship between vaccines and autism continues to be debated. In a 2001 investigation by the Institute of Medicine, a committee concluded that the “evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship…. between MMR vaccines and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD).” The committee acknowledged, however, that “they could not rule out” the possibility that the MMR vaccine could contribute to ASD in a small number of children. While other researchers agree the data does not support a link between the MMR and autism, more research is clearly needed.

Whatever the cause, it is clear that children with autism and PDD are born with the disorder or born with the potential to develop it. It is not caused by bad parenting. Autism is not a mental illness. Children with autism are not unruly kids who choose not to behave. Furthermore, no known psychological factors in the development of the child have been shown to cause autism.