Autism - La Salle,IL

I had an autistic student in my kindergarten class this semester. He was hillarious, adorable, creative, and fantastic, and yesterday the semester ended and his mom asked me if I thought he could sign up again for more classes or if integrating him with "normal" kids was too hard. I told her that he was a better kid than most of my so-called normal students! I understand that autism is difficult for the parents-- I mean you have to enroll the kid in special classes at the beginning and such, but really don't worry it will be ok. This autistic student I had in a class full of not-autistic students, was my favorite from the class!

Hi M.,
I have a beautiful 3 year old son who was diagnosed with Autism in January. We had him in Early Intervetion before he was two, so it was not a shock. I am now though having a harder time dealing with it recently because everything is so overwhelming (treatments,etc.) I would love to talk to you or you can email me back. You are not alone;I know exactly where you are at. I don t know where you are located, but I would love to even get together to share stories, ideas, etc. I am here to help!

A friend of mine has a sister with a son with Autism and they are throwing a benefit for Alexander Leigh Center for Autism, which I believe is in Lake in the hills. It is at Joe's Bar on Weed Street in Chicago and there is a band playing called Draw the Line that is an Aerosmith endorsed tribute band and it is on July 12th doors open at 6:30pm. Here is the website for Joe's www.joesbar.com and for the band http://www.marstalent.com/marssouth/main_aerosmith.htm
and for Alexander Leigh center www.alexanderleighcenterforautism.com
I know that this is exactly what you asked for but I thought a little information might be good and if you go you might be able to meet some people there that might know a lot. Hope everything goes well for you.

D., mom of a 2 year old girl and a 6 month old boy.

Dear M. m.,

i don't know if your baby, is showing the commom symptoms of autism. But i do know you said he's a sweet baby. 1st i pray for your sweet little man and you and your family, that as you being down this journey, god will bless and guide you in the right direction. 1st as a mother who has a son 14 who at 8mths was diagnosed with mircocehephally and have him hit and ran over by a van at age 12, that left him with a traumatic brain injury. I know that now you're saying now what!!!! My son is a living , walking, talking mircale that even the doctor's are all baffled!!! I will being by saying, don't let him be labeled it will only hurt him. You have some doctor's who think they are god and know it all. I don't mean to sound like i'm preaching, but, because of my faith and belief and refusing to accept my son's outcome based on what the doctor's said, everytime they look at him they have to shake their heads and say, wow, mom we're glad you were right!!! Back to your sweet little man, just wanted to share some of my testimoy with you. I am also a certified nurse's assistant who works in a children's facility. These babies basically have been counted out. There was one baby who was 6, who had been labeled autistic and unresponsive to sound and touch. He would cry all day and know one would try to comfort him. I couldn't take it any longer and with to the head of the nursing and asked if i could take care of him personally. (remember, just a cna, not suppose to good for nothing, but changing diapers) i got approval, because really none else wanted to be bothered. I began, to hold him close to me so that he could feel me, smell me, and hear me. He had other problems but the autism, was was keeping him from improving. I began to rock him, sing to him, kiss him, keep my face, touching his face and praying and constantly telling him mama's here and that i love him. At first everyone said he can't hear you, see you, he does'nt know you're even here. But, after about two weeks of every day, doing the same thing over and over he began to respond, only to me!!! (mircale breakthrough) they could'nt believe it. He would cry until i got to work, they would come running to me, to get my baby uhmmmm!!! I would walk in the room and call his name( forgive me because i'm crying now, because god is a healer)and he would start turning his head trying to find me. I would go up to him, and place my face next to his and his would instantly stop crying. I would take him in my arms and being to sing to him and he would fall fast asleep. It broke my heart when i had to leave due to my own son being hurt and needing me home. But, i continue to pray for god to continue to take care of him even though i'm no longer there. So, my sister, pray for your baby, be close to him, touch him always gently, let him be able to feel you. When you know anything, you're have your own walking, talking, mircale. It's ok to listen to doctor's to a certain point, but remember, god is the one who heals, the doctor's are just instruments.

Take care, god bless i'll be praying for all of you!!!!!!

My pediatrician is a behavioral specialist and also involved with easter seals his name is Dr. doug bierma. I also work with a group called Para's Peach tree in Joliet tey do EI and I work with a company called Juice Plus and we talk about a book by dr. simmontachi (amazon) she studies the brain and how nutrition affects all of us. I hope that helps a little. oh and my sister in laws step son has autism and has seen improvement with nutritional changes outlined in the book from the author above. my website is www.yourdailyservings.com if I can help further. I do know there is a lot more awareness now so you are not alone with your sweet boy..

Oh yes, there are a lot of us dealing with this! In 1992, there were 5 school aged children with autism in Illinois. Today, there are 13,000.

I'd like to recommend a good book to read. It's called "Can I Tell You About Asperger Syndrome?: A Guide for Friends and Family" by Jude Welton. You can get it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores, and maybe your local library has it as well. The book is actually written for kids, but it gives a lot of information about what a child with autism deals with in an ordinary day. Very elightening. And since it's written for kids, it's easy to read, quick to read, and without all the medical jargon. I bought several of these books, and pass them out to teachers, daycare providers, babysitters and family. It helps them to understand where my son is coming from.

I'd also recommend that you contact your local ASI (Autism Society of Illinois) chapter. They can hook you up with local support groups, educational seminars, etc. Here's a link that can get you started: http://www.asacic.org/links.htm (I'm not sure where you are, but I thought it was Central Illinois. If that's not correct, that link will help you find other closer chapters.)

I'd also invite you to check out my website. I'm a mom of a 10 year old son with high functioning autism. When my son was diagnosed just two years ago, I searched all over the internet for information on autism, after finding nothing online for autism support groups in my hometown. I gathered so much information, I didn't know what to do with it all, so I started a website to help other moms like you and me. You can find it here: www.RockfordAutism.com. It has autism information, books, local and state resources, inspirational materials, blogs, etc. I hope it can help you out. Also, feel free to email me anytime.

I'd also like to recommend that you take a few deep breaths and relax, after getting a diagnosis like that. It may seem like your world has been turned upside down, but that's really not the case. Now you have some answers, and some idea of what direction to take. That's more than you had before, and that's good. And what you've just learned about your sweet little boy doesn't change him in the least. He's still that beautiful little angel that brings your life joy, and the diagnosis doesn't change that at all. Nothing has changed, except that you now may have more help. There are other parents that have walked this path, and you can learn from their journeys.

You'll want to get your son into Early Intervention. They will help enormously. But take your time and read up on autism, or talk to other parents who deal with autism. There are a lot of theories out there on the best way to deal with or treat autism, and you might want to have a little background information before you decide which paths are best suited to you and your son.

Hugs to you.

J.

Hi M.,
My oldest son has Asperger's Syndrome and his two children are on the spectrum as well. I have custody of both kids age 5 and 2. There are a lot of resources and I noticed that several people mentioned them in their responses. Let me give you a few more. There is Lil Friends Center for Autism in Naperville. They have a lot of services available and sometimes they're free. I would get on their newletter list. They also sponsor night outs for moms. This is Dinah's email address. Let her know you want to be on their email list. ____@____.com I went to three days of Autism training free of charge because it was sponsored by the Coleman foundation. I have an entire visual communication system that came with the training.

Call Early Intervention and request an evaluation. Also request a social worker through them. Mine has been invaluable. Your son is eligible for 300 free diupers a month because of his diagnosis. Your EI social worker should be able to get those for you. They will also pay to have a complete evaluation done at St. Alexius (or other hospitals). My two year old just had this done and it was very worthwhile. Start here to find your local office. http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?module=12&Office...=

I attend Autism Society of IL chapter meetings once a month in Schaumburg. They have free childcare during the meetings. They bring in guest speakers - lawyers, people from Protected Tomorrows, education lawyers and even people who can tell you about specialty items that will help your child sleep better. They are a valuable resource. Here is the website to find your local chapter: http://www.autismillinois.org/

I also belong to MAAP: http://www.maapservices.org/

You may also want to contact Easter Seals: http://www.easterseals.com/site/PageServer

I know this is a lot but they all serve different functions. Autism can be very overwhelming but I love my son and grandchildren very much. They have so much to give but its such a struggle for them to get it out. I really love helping them be the most they can be. Good luck and feel free to email me. E.

Dear M.,
My son was diagnosed with autism one month after his second birthday. He will be turning 4 this saturday. During the last two years, our family has ridden the emotional roller coaster that an autism diagnosis brings. Before my son was diagnosed, I didn't even know what autism was, and I didn't know any other kids with it either. Please feel free to email me if you ever want to talk!!! I know the best advice I ever got was from other moms going through the same experiences. Please do not hesitate to email!!
Good luck. There are many JOYS in raising an autistic little boy!

Yes, I am. My son Erik who is now 5 is Autistic. He was finally just diagnosed before he turned 5, but I knew since he was 3 that he had it. I know it is so hard, and i wish you luck. And, I am here to talk if you need that.

S. Bailey CLD
Aurora
www.tendermomentsdoula.com

ABC, Good Morning program this week had a wonderful program on Autism, special diet that changes their behavior, information about innoculations. I would go on their website and get all that information. M.

Hi M. -

I have 3 kids with autism. My oldest is now 9 and was diagnosed around 3. My middle guy now 7 was diagnosed at 2 and I have a daughter who is also 2 and will be officially diagnosed in a couple of weeks. We saw the signs right away with her. If you're enrolled in Early Intervention thats a great start. The wonderful therapists who visit your son will help give you ideas on how to cope with it. The initial shock is horrible. Don't count him out though. What he's like at 2 will dramatically improve with therapy.

Be assured that once he gets into school and group therapies he will meet people like himself and make friends. You will too. Most of us moms of autistic kids appreciate the little things in life. The hugs, eye contact, and quiet moments grab our hearts better than the parents of typical kids who might take this stuff for granted. Its rough at times (tantrums, public outings - don't get me started on that one), and the sadness that they're not like everyone else, but in time you'll realize its ok. Don't think too hard into the future or compare your autistic kids to others and you'll learn it will get better.

Check into a social worker through EI. They can help sort a lot of this stuff out. They're not out to critique your parenting just listen. Good luck to you and we'll probably meet some day. There is a group of us in the Joliet area that get together when we can and at least keep in contact. Contact the Troy School District and ask about autism groups.

Hi M.!
My son was diagnosed with SPD at 2 years and recently at 3 1/2 was given the autistic label. Finding a support group is very difficult and this diagnosis is devastating for a parent. We went thru the DuPage Child and Family Connections, Illinois' early intervention program...they provide services until the child is 3 years old. Occupational therapy, behavioral therapy and speech therapy were the services we received AT HOME. They then helped us transition our son into the early childhood program in our school district. He is in school Mon-Fri in the mornings and is bused to and from. It has done wonders. As parents, we had to learn the behavioral techniques that work. He cannot be reasoned with -- key phrases, consistency and follow thru are the things that work. We are in touch with his teacher, social worker and therapists regularly so we are all on the same page.
We also have him on a restricted diet which eliminated foods high in salicylates - apples, berries, peaches, grapes and preservatives, additives and food dyes. As well as gluten, wheat and cassein free as best as possible. His chronic ezcema was gone in one week.
Good luck! It is a long road ahead and don't forget - your child is the greatest gift...just the way they are.
S. in Lisle

I know a mom in the New Lenox/Joliet area who has started a wonderful support group. The last time I talked to her, they were meeting once a month and, on occasion, they had guest speakers. Please contact ____@____.com (edit) to see if she is still hosting the support group. I know she had wonderful ideas about nutrition as well as concerns that she deals with on a regular basis. Good luck.

Hi M., though I am not dealing with autism in my own family, I have worked with many children with autism and their families as a speech therapist...I know that many of them found a great support from parents' groups both national and local. Go online to find them...I'm sure you've started looking already...but I just wanted to encourage you to continue reaching out. Also, if you have other kids you know that they change constantly...and so will your sweetie with autism! Hope and love are some of the best boosters for growth, so don't let anyone squash those out of you!

Hi M.,
My son is not autistic, but he has been attending a wonderful school in Homewood for a year that does include autistic kids. This school has 1 and 2 year olds in it. It is led by developmental therapist that are experts, along with music therapy, and other sensory activities. I love the people. The school is 2 hours for 2 days per week. You leave your child there and can either sit in a parent room that has comfy couches or you can leave and do errands. If you are through early intervention, it is free. I drive a half hour each way to take my son there. And, I know other parents who drive an hour one way. When the autistic kids turn three, they go to the school districts. It is called Good Shepherd School for Exception Children in Homewood (downtown). Talk to Helen at ###-###-####. Plus, a lot of the parents buddy up when they leave their kids at school.

Also, Good Shepherd has a Respite program for Autistic kids of all ages. If you are in South Suburban Cook county, you may quality for 160 hours per year of childcare for your autistic son and his siblings so you can run errands and relax. THIS IS FREE. The people caring for the kids are all trained in dealing with children with autism and have extensive background checks. The number to call for this is ###-###-#### ext 22.

Good Luck and God Bless,
M.

M.,
If you would like I could pass along your email address to a friend of mine. Her daughter has Autism. They live in Shorewood. Let me know and I will email her with your email address if you would like.

I just finished an awesome book about autism.
Louder Than Words: A Mother's Journey in Healing Autism by Jenny McCarthy. It was a wonderfully written book with a very uplifting ending and great ideas and ways to help you son become the best he can be! Her main point is early intervention!! It is great that your little guy is 2 because that is when her journey began as well.
Good luck!

One of my twin daughters was diagnosed on the spectrum in March so we are kind of new to it all too. She has Aspergers with ADHD. Maybe we can share some ideas and experiences together. I don't have any friends with children who have the diagnosis either so we feel pretty much alone. Email me at anytime to talk.
S.

Hi M.,
I wish I could relate, but I can't. I just wanted to let you know that there are a lot of things you can do nutritionally to help ease up some of the symptoms with autism. I am a Shaklee distributor and have heard a lot of success with our supplements (I say ours because they are very different than others out there). I also just met a person who sells Discovery Toys. They have so many great educational toys and do a lot for autism apparently. I would love to give you more information - email me if you're interested.

Thanks,
K.
____@____.com

Hi. I used to work in the non-profit sector for children with autism. First, there are lots of resources available that are free especially for early interventin. Talk to your child's school district. I am not sure what county you live in, but there are resources available at the county level so that could be helpful as well. Early diagnosis is a great thing so you are ahead as far as that goes. If you need more info please respond and I will help you as much as I can. You are not alone! There are many sweet boys and girls living with autism and they are all amazing and wonderful!

M.,
My son as autism too. I know that you are feeling many emotions right now but rest assured that you are not alone!!
I started a support group called the Painfield Autism Awareness & Support System. We meet every first Friday of the month at 7:00pm. Go to www.freewebscom/PAASS/ for more info. If this is not in your area,let me know and I will help you find a group near you. What kind of services is your son getting?
D. L.

Ugh. I so feel your pain. My 3 1/2 year old daughter is autistic and when she was diagnosed last year it turned my world upside down. I stopped working and having a lot of faith in general. I won't say that, "oh, I'm so grateful, what a gift", but I've adapted.

The awesome thing is that you got it diagnosed early, which I know you are going to hear from people until you'll want to poke out your ears. It's true, though. If you have your guy in Early Intervention services, the therapy WILL make a difference. It definitely has with my kiddo. We still have a tough road ahead of us but she's also progressed so much from this time last year. I also belong to a couple of "support groups" - not where everyone sits in a circle and vents, although if that's helpful to you by all means do it. I've gotten a lot out of the networks of which I'm a part, as far as resources, hope, and feedback.

Additionally, try to get waitlisted for no-cost respite care. You are probably eligible and will need the break, I'm sure.

Good luck!

Hello M.,

The wife of a friend of mine works with autistic children in her own private practice. If she begins with them early enough, often times they can be improved enough to be fully integrated with normal classrooms and regular kids. It is truly amazing! Unfortunately, I am not the person to explain how this works. However, I recommend that you contact her. She can give you lots of great advice and let you know of many resources and support groups. Her name is Jennifer Clark and here is the reply from her husband (I sent him an email to find out the best way to contact her. Here is his reply:

"Jen is really not working in the field right now. She is still passionate about making sure that parents get the right help. You can give your friend Jen's email address (____@____.com). That would be the best way to get a hold of her. Jen doesn't really take calls since she is with Calei all day. It is easier to reply to email early in the morning or late at night.

Jen still has some great contacts in the field and can probably refer her once she knows where she lives. She also may be able to refer her to some mom's that have gone through this. (The Autism community is a very tight knit community and sometimes it just helps to talk to someone who has already gone through thisway to reach her."

Best of luck to you! Hope this info helps! C. B.

UPDATE: Jeni responded: here is her info: PLEASE READ!

HI C.!
Hope you are doing well too! I am not really practicing right now. I tried to click on her link and I need to be a registered member. If you are registered and can contact this woman please have her call Edie Brennan ###-###-####. If her child has Autism, she needs to begin an intensive home ABA based therapy program for her child asap as well as looking into dietary/nutritional changes for her child. Again, asap. Thanks for thinking of me!
Have a great day!
Jeni Clark

Hi - I have a 5 yo grandson with Apsberger's Syndrome. Love im to death. We started the diagnosis process when he ws around 2. It is a long journey but he is an absolutely wonderful child.
Not all early intervention progtrams are able to handle these children. We had to fight for more than a year for a Special Ed eval to get him into a school that can handle him and we still have struggles with them. You must be your child's advocate - do not give up.
Always willing to talk. Lots of hugs

My 2-year-old son has a speech delay and sensory integration dysfunction. He is being medically diagnosed for autism. If you need any support, just holler.

Hi M.,
I have a 4 year old son who is a highly functioning autistic child. All that means is somethings he does just fine and you would never know and then on things like his speech he is way behind and has trouble with understanding emotions of others and how do handle his own. I read a book called 10 things every Autistic Child wants you to know and it helped alot. He is in Edgebrook School where he gets Speech and Occupational therapy, they have helped us greatly. It is hard to do somedays, but remember your son was given to you for a reason and you will guide him through his crazy world and make it bearable. Take care and remember to Breathe

M.,
Hi, welcome to the world of Autism! I know exactly what you are going through. My son is 7 now, he was diagnosed at the age of 3, at that time he was the only one in my family (still is) and in our neighborhood. I don't want to sugar coat it, depending on the severity of your son. But you will notice friends and family to pull away. On a positive note you will have certain friends and family even neighbor there for you 100%. Like for my neighbors they are the best, they all acknowledge him and include him. Also there are great support groups, southwest Autism chapter which I belong too (in the Oak Lawn area) Also Early Childhood - South Suburban Access they are WONDERFUL, they will get in on the track for therapy and the schools in your area.

Take it day by day. You will have your great days and bad days. If you ever want to talk you have my email.
Good Luck and remember your cup is always half full!
Roseann

I work with a 2.5 year old little girl who was just diagnosed. I know there are some local parenting boards geared specifically toward the diagnosis. I will find out from her on Monday and get you the info. Are you involved in EI? Perhaps some of your therapists might be able to put you in touch with other families...

M.,

If you are interested, I would be happy to send you a book called Healthy Kids. It was compiled by moms and dads using Shaklee nutritional supplements for their children. Shaklee's products are sourced from nature and are free of preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, or any other artificial ingredient. There are several encouraging ones about autistic children who were helped with nutritional changes. I recently was at a seminar where a mom in the Chicago area talked about the turnaround she saw in her child when he started on the products. If you're interested, just send me your address.