Autism Awareness Month

It has been forever since my last post.  I guess I feel like nothing exciting every happens at our house.  I don't think that is a bad thing either.  This post has a special place in my heart.  April is Autism Awareness month and as many of you know Ian was diagnosed with PDD and severe ADHD about a year ago.  Both of these things are on the Autism Spectrum.  Having a child with Autism is extremely challenging.  Everyday is filled with tears, laughter, anger, frustrations, sadness, happiness and any other emotions you can imagine.  Life is a roller coaster ride and there are many days when I don't know if I can keep doing it.  And then that day rolls around when Ian is very engaged in everything going on and we see laughter and hugs.  Those are the days that keep us going.

 Autism is on the rise and it is now at 1 in 88 kids who have it.  When a parent learns they have a kid with Autism they feel as if their world has come crashing down. You start blaming yourself as their mother, you wonder if they will be productive citizens of society, you pray that you can keep them out of trouble, and you start wondering where you are going to go to get the help you need.  Lucky for us we had excellent doctors who pointed us in the right direction.  All the services that are needed cost A LOT OF MONEY. The only thing you know as a parent is that you will do whatever has to be done in order to get your kid the help he/she needs.

If you want to learn more about Autism please visit www.autismspeaks.org.  You will learn the signs of Autism, read stories about other kids who have it, and you will also learn how you can donate if you are interested.