OurStory

Ariel started Early Intervention when he was 10 months old. He showed signs of developmental delays and had very low muscle tone. At the time he had been diagnosed with plagiocephaly and was receiving helmet therapy. He started off with 1 hour of physical therapy a week. We then switched him to occupational therapy since he was delayed in his gross and fine motor skills. It really wasn't until about his 2nd birthday that we started noticing his stimming behavior and that he was not speaking or verbalizing. He then started receiving an extra hour of speech therapy a week. That's really when everything started to unfold and we realized that something might be wrong. Ariel was officially diagnosed with PDD in May.

When Ariel turned three, we found a private school placement out of district. It's a wonderful school and it has an excellent Autism program. So far we are pleased.   He continues to receive occupational and speech therapy. He is also receiving 2 1/2 hour of discrete trials a day. He still continues to receive sensory integration therapy from his occupational therapist and the speech therapist is working on getting him to use three word utterances

If you are a parent just learning of your child's diagnosis the best thing you can do for your child is educate yourself. Finding out about Ariel's diagnosis has made us much stronger and has brought our family much closer. In the beginning I could not get over the shock and then I was in denial.   I decided to take a Psychology of the Handicapped class and educate myself about Autism, Disability Laws, Parental Rights, IEP's etc............ Getting educated is very important because YOU will be your child's number one advocate.

Another thing that I have found helpful is keeping a journal. Ariel has reached so many milestones, but believe me it has been a very long and slow process. Every now and then when things seem grim I look at his journal. Reading it makes me realize how far Ariel has come, this journal has become dear to my heart. I have finally come to terms with Ariel's diagnosis, as well as the fact that there is no cure for Autism, but with early intervention it can be treated.

You can also join parent support groups and if you have any children you can involve them in a sibling support group. Ariel's brother was having a tough time with all the attention Ariel was getting. He would always ask why the therapists would come over and play with Ariel and not him. So sibling support is very important. Life has been a struggle, but I try not to think of what I'm missing out on but instead of what a healthy and beautiful family I have. I thank the Lord for all the blessings he has given us.

I would also like to add that you'll see many different types of alternative therapies being offered. Please remember not to get caught up in any fad therapies or therapies that promise a cure. As of now there is no known cure for autism, early intervention is what seems to benefit these children. And remember that every child is different, what may work for someone else's child may not work for yours. Research different types of therapies before you start them to make sure they're right for YOUR child. Also, before starting any supplements make sure you do it with the care of a doctor. And remember, always follow your heart and if you are uncomfortable with a certain type of method, then stop.

What's New with Ariel!

Ariel started a new school a year ago and is doing well.

Ariel is fully potty trained and has mastered his wiping program. He still continues to use the EDMARK Reading Program. He no longer uses the multi-sensory TouchPoint Math Program at school instead he is currently learning how to use a calculator. He's also learning how to tell time with a digital watch/clock. He continues to learn functional life skills.

Stay tuned for more updates!!