WOW!!! I can't believe it's been almost two months since I have posted here! It seems my life gets more and more "interesting" as time passes. Just this year we've had deaths in the family, serious injuries, illnesses, weddings, funerals, crises of all types, meetings, fundraisers, medical appointments, you name it! Yet at the end of the day, I always find some time to thank my dear Lord for all of the amazing events in my life, whether good or bad.
Here I am, again, writing and praising God for moving mountains on behalf of Nathan:
I have worked in a wonderful school district for close to 20 years now. I have so often wondered how long I'd be there and have begged God to show me His plans. I won't lie, I have tried to leave, but God has always closed doors and I have remained constant. I cut back on my hours, transferred schools, anything to try to be happy where I was while trying to meet all of demands and needs of being Nathan's mom.
I can't say it has been easy to stay put... but I have learned SO MUCH along the way! I've also met some pretty fantastic people... colleagues who have come to me for help both professionally and personally (for their own children at home). I often thank God for making me the way I am and for guiding me in my every move. He has allowed me to make significant connections with people along the way. I also thank God for giving me the knowledge and allowing me to experience things that I could always use to help others.
I could be here for hours, days, if I started writing about all my attempts to change jobs or paths. Doors have closed and obstacles have stepped in my way, yet what is so remarkable is that each of those events, though painful at the time, have led God to moving mountains for Nathan. To give just a few examples: there's the Early Intervention program where I did my practicum in grad school- upon initial diagnosis, the director offered to see him for free and get the best team possible onboard to help us. There's the OT clinic where I did my internships and worked part-time- Nathan is now seen there up to 3 times a week for specialized services in one of the best clinics in the Northeast (and I have some of the best of their therapists and Nathan is SO loved and cared for just because he is mine). The list literally goes on and on... and just when things looked the bleakest was when God worked the GREATEST miracles (yes, I call them that because there are no other explanations!)
This week we received news that Nathan will be able to go to school in the district where I work. Not only that, but he will be at a school FILLED with so many of those former colleagues I mentioned earlier in this post. These are people who I know will look out for Nathan and keep an extra set of eyes on him to make sure he's OK. I see them as his guardian angels all around him...
As I tell people our story and share these new developments I often hear "it's karma" (getting back based on what I've given). I call it "providence," divine providence. Nathan is living proof that God still works miracles: from conception, to his birth, diagnosis and now his education. My God is a faithful God!!! We have chosen to walk by faith and God has truly been faithful! We may not always get what we want when we ask for it, but you can be sure that what we get is ALWAYS the best! I pray that you, too, will place your trust in Him and feel confident that closed doors are not always a bad thing. Nathan went from being seen as a failure and nuisance to being recognized as an asset and valuable member of a community just by being accepted into this new school district. I know God has miracles in place for you if you put your trust in him, grab on to his hand and take the leap of faith. No faith, no results!
Blessings!
DC
I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth From the great assembly. Psalms 40:10
O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderfulthings; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. Isaiah 25:1
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
25 Random Things About Motherhood, autism-style!
Hopeful Parents
2) I took Matthew on a job interview when he was eight weeks old because I couldn’t bear to leave him with a babysitter.
3) The first person that told me that Matthew, then three, was developmentally delayed was a speech therapist. She was also the first person who didn’t mention how adorable he was.
4) My husband and I coached Matthew before his next evaluation with a child psychologist. We read him Richard Scary’s Best Word Book Ever.
5) When the child psychologist confirmed that Matthew was developmentally delayed, I thought that meant he could catch up. I really did.
6) Matthew lined up toys and laughed too hard at sprinklers in the garden. None of the booksmentioned this behavior in the milestone department. What was going on?
7) I was angry with Matthew for being stuck on the sprinklers, and the drains, and the lights, and I felt guilty that I was angry.
8 – When Matthew’s baby brother Andy charmed family and friends with his personality and smarts, my love for Matthew deepened.
9) Andy is now 24. My most cherished childhood memories with him are the walks we took while Matthew was with speech therapist/psychologists/occupational therapists etc.
10) Matthew’s youngest brother, John, was one week old when we tried our first miracle cure, auditory training. He is now 20 and helps Matthew film “rock-u-mentaries”. More about that another time. He is even more patient with Matthew than I am.
11) Matthew is WAY more capable than I ever dreamed he would be. WAY. He’s hardest working person I know.
12) It used to ruin my day when people stared at Matthew, but it doesn’t anymore. I get that my son’s behavior can be stare worthy, and that people are curious.
13) It ruins my day when Matthew tells me he is lonely….
14) …but that happens less frequently because Matthew has friends. Isn’t that great?
15) The year I accepted that Matthew’s autism was lifelong was also the year I had a mini-breakdown. O.K., It was more than a mini-breakdown.
16) The best things I ever did was find a good therapist.
17) My sense of humor has saved me, and it gets better every year.
18) There is nothing more genuine than one of Matthew’s smiles.
19) There are more kind people in the world than there are jerks.
20) I cried at every IEP except for the last one.21) I never blamed vaccines.
22) I’ve met some of the best people because of Matthew.
23) My husband I have stayed together-I hear that is unusual.
24) I am luckier that most.
25) The lump in my throat will never go away.
From the Autism Speaks blog: http://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2013/01/16/25-random-things-about-motherhood-autism-style-update?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AutismSpeaksBlog+%28Autism+Speaks+|+Official+Blog%29
Thursday, December 6, 2012
An Award, A Strange Pizza and A New Guiding Light
November 9, 2012:
With a deep breath and the deafening sound of my heart pounding I opened the door. In this room full of unfamiliar faces I scanned the horizon for what I was looking for. I found it hard to speak and even swallow, as my nerves seemed to have depleted my mouth of any possible essence of moisture. Yes, I was quite nervous! I was there with a sole purpose: to meet the young man who'd allowed me to feel safe to have hope again. What will he be like? Would he spare just a few minutes of his time to chat? My mind was racing with countless possible scenarios for the evening's events. I was at the Current Trends in Autism Conference right here in Massachusetts and the room was filled with not a single soul I knew (which doesn't happen to me very often in the autism world).
The sound of my cell phone ringing forced me back into reality, and, was I ever glad! Kerry Magro is an adult with autism. I wrote about him in my post titled "Star Struck" back in August. He was being honored that night with the Margaret Bauman Award for Excellence as an Outstanding Advocate for autism!!! {I can't, and won't, deny my admiration for this young man and the fact that I secretly stalk him online-- it's OK, he knows I'm his 'self-proclaimed groupie'} As I answered the call on my phone I recognized the voice I was so familiar with from Kerry's Korner video blog on the Autism Speaks video channel and the My Autism, My Voice website...
Something I could not have begun to fathom back in August was about to happen... and there he was: tall, slender, well poised, handsome and welcoming in his impeccable black suit. Expecting an awkward and formal handshake I walked closer to introduce myself and instead found myself embraced in a big authentic hug! As we started speaking it felt as if we'd been friends forever. The connection was instant and I knew I had just made a friend. WOW! Well, like meeting Kerry wasn't enough, he told me he'd traveled with his mother, Suzanne. I had read a letter that Suzanne had written and I knew that she'd walked in my shoes and had come out victorious on the other side. Industrial-sized wheels were turning in my head. I had to think about the BEST question to ask her. I had this one chance and I had to make it count!
Well, it turns out that none of my fretting, pondering and maniacal anxious anticipation was even necessary. All the eloquence I was struggling to muster was futile because Suzanne and Kerry are just a mom and her son, just like me and Nathan! They are two heavy-weight champions who fought this seemingly endless battle... and won! The more we spoke, the more I came to realize why I have this compelling drive to learn all that I can about Kerry. He represents what I hope and pray that Nathan will become one day. As we sat sipping drinks (which Suzanne treated ME to!) and shared hor d'ouvres the conversation somehow shifted to me and my life. I thought I was there to learn, to ask as much as I could and gather as much information possible like a little squirrel hoarding its feast to digest slowly in the future. Yet I was the one being asked most of the questions. The more I shared about Nathan, the expression on Kerry's face visibly changed. He explained that he felt like I was talking about him as a child! More reason to hope!
The time came for Suzanne and Kerry to each speak at the podium... and I just soaked it all in. What struck me the most was that as each one spoke, they were simply praising the other. This is what I learned that evening: they say that behind every great man is a great woman; well, behind every successful adult with autism is an unrelenting, driven and unwavering mom (and dads, of course). As star struck I was about meeting Kerry, I just can't find the words to describe the inspiration and fire to persevere and fight for my son that was passed on to me upon meeting Suzanne. Expecting pomp and circumstance I found two loving, humble, giving people who'd traveled all this way in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy and a Nor'easter (they are from New Jersey)... After the ceremony Suzanne asked if I could stay a little longer and join them for dinner... Umm... YEAH!!!
The surreal whirlwind of thoughts was dizzying as I was trying to wrap my head around what was happening. People kept stopping with outpouring of accolades for Kerry. I was sitting with the president of the school committee, transportation expert and hero mom of this successful, educated young man who rubs elbows with elected officials and celebrities... Yet they were so down to earth that they decided to just order an appetizer because the menu "just had strange pizza, not normal pizza!" One mom stopped to gush over Kerry and Suzanne just said, "he needs to get back home to finish his homework!" (Kerry is finishing his thesis and preparing to graduate with a Master's in Strategic Communications and Leadership from Seton Hall University). We shared our experiences together: missing major family events because our sons can't handle them, not being able to get a babysitter, not being able to go out alone with our husbands, our struggles to get our kids to try new things, our struggles to get our kids to take a bath... the similarities were uncanny. Yet at the end of the meal, Suzanne turns to ME and asks me, "So, what's your plan?"
I am not star struck anymore, not because Suzanne and Kerry are not superstars in my eyes, but because I feel blessed instead. I am unbelievably blessed to have had the opportunity to make two new and amazing friends! An evening that I thought would bring me a tip or two of advice resulted in my witnessing a wonderful friend receive such a well-deserved award, eating "strange pizza" (Kerry made me do it!) and finding a new guiding light at the end of this puzzling journey. I can only sum it up in two words:
"THANK YOU!!!!!"
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| Meeting Kerry |
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| A toast to Kerry's award! YOU ROCK, MY FRIEND!!! |
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
From a mom to you...
PLEASE, PLEASE READ THIS AND PASS IT ON!!!! It's from the Autism Speaks blog...
Posted: 24 Oct 2012 09:23 AM PDT
This blog post is by Janet Amorello. Her son Sam has autism and she writes about her experiences on her blog, Blending with Autism.
I sat near a young mother recently. Though I didn’t mean to, I found
myself listening to her conversation. Clearly delighted by her child,
she extolled his brilliance and charm. At the risk of bragging, she
admitted her son was well beyond all his peers. He may even have leapt a
tall building in a single bound, though I am not positive she said
that. I am certain in the ensuing weeks he’s learned twelve languages.
Or more.
I couldn’t help but smile at the little cherub nearby who sat
blissfully unaware of his great prowless. That mother’s delight in her
child made me smile too. I hope he is every bit as brilliant she thinks.
I hope he can perform magical feats. One day he may hold our collective
futures in his hands. I'd be foolish to hope otherwise.
I have a favor to ask of you, mother of the perfect child.
I ask you instill in your child a compassionate heart as well as an
open and inquisitive mind. Teach him to be patient and kind and to
fearlessly pursue all that is right. Bless him with acceptance of all
people regardless of origin and ability. Show him how to appreciate
their achievements no matter how small. Help him develop an eye for
beauty in even the smallest of things. Stress the importance of giving
back as much as he takes. Share with him the value of a smile.
Teach him to treasure each living creature and to value every life. Let
him know it is ok to make a mistake and honorable to admit and learn
from it. Help him to understand he won’t become more by making another
less. Teach him to resist judging what he doesn’t understand and perhaps
even what he does. Let him know he is no better – or worse – than
anyone else.
Teach him to use his gifts wisely. Whether his accomplishments are
grand or small, provide him with the tools to leave our world a better
place. A place where your son and my son might one day peacefully
co-exist. Maybe even be friends. You can show him the way, mother of the
perfect child. I know you can.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Sam's mom
Sam's mom
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
About the new diagnostic criteria... from NIH
New Autism Criteria Will Have Minor Impact: Study
Most children should still be eligible for care, researchers say
TUESDAY, Oct. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Parents should not worry that proposed changes to the criteria for diagnosing autism might leave their child ineligible for care, a new study indicates.
Researchers assessed the impact of the proposed changes, which were developed by an expert panel appointed by the American Psychiatric Association and are expected to take effect in May 2013.
Previous research had suggested that 45 percent or more of children who currently qualify for a diagnosis of autism would not under the new criteria. Those findings caused widespread concern among parents who depend on state-financed health services for their children, The New York Times reported.
However, this latest study concluded that only 10 percent of these children would be excluded under the new criteria.
"I know that parents worry, but I don't believe there is any substantial reason to fear that children who need to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, and provided with vital services, will not be included in the new criteria in this updated manual," said study senior investigator Dr. Catherine Lord, director of the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain at New York-Presbyterian Hospital's Westchester campus, along with its affiliated medical schools Weill Cornell Medical College and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
The study is the largest to date to try to determine the effects of the new diagnostic criteria for autism. It was published in the Oct. 1 issue of theAmerican Journal of Psychiatry.
Lord and her colleagues looked at 4,453 children currently diagnosed with autism and found that 91 percent of them would still qualify for the diagnosis under the proposed new criteria. Many of the remaining 9 percent would likely qualify with additional input from their doctors, the study added.
The proposed changes are designed to better identify autism and to distinguish it from other conditions, the researchers said.
The overall issue with the current criteria is "not that a lot of people are diagnosed with autism who shouldn't be, but that there is a lot of confusion because the criteria were not very accurate," Lord, who was a member of the panel that proposed the new criteria, said in a hospital news release.
She explained that in developing the new criteria, the panel "deliberately added and organized things to try to bring in and better address the needs of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) of all developmental levels and ages -- including girls, who were not represented as well as they should be in" the current criteria.
The goal of the new criteria "is to better describe who has ASD in a way that matches up with what we know from research, which predicts who has the disorder and also reflects what clinicians are actually looking at," Lord said.
Autism spectrum disorders cover a range of complex neurodevelopmental conditions that are characterized by social impairment, communication difficulties and restricted, repetitive, and stereotypical behavior patterns, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
An estimated one in 88 American children has an autism spectrum disorder, according to statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
SOURCE: New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center/Weill Cornell Medical College, news release, Oct. 1, 2012
HealthDay
Copyright (c) 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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A prescription for peace...
I received this devotional yesterday and I thought it was just too perfect NOT to post. I hope you will find it helpful in your journey!
Blessings!
DC
Blessings!
DC
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October 2, 2012
By Tracie Miles |
"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
Despite attempts for more than a year to figure out what was wrong with me, doctors could not identify a serious medical condition. It's not that I wanted something to be wrong. I certainly didn't need anything else to stress about. I was desperately seeking a prescription for peace.
Looking back I can see the main culprit for my stress was my job. Overwhelming expectations and the impossible perfectionism my supervisor demanded took their toll on me physically, emotionally and spiritually. His harsh criticisms and comments made me feel inadequate, and my self-esteem plunged to an all-time low. Chaos swirled around me, stress raged within me, and my health continued to decline. But I didn't recognize the cause.
When a medical diagnosis continued to elude doctors, I believed the lie that excessive stress was normal and I needed to learn how to live with it.
Eventually my stress reached a dangerously high level, and I began to wonder if this was the way God intended life to be. I wasn't even sure if the Bible talked about stress, but I was desperate, so I searched God's Word for answers. Something had to end, and I didn't want it to be my life. I came across Philippians 4:6-7. "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (NLT)
Although I had read these verses before, it was as if a light bulb came on. I was tired of worrying. I was yearning for my heart and mind to be protected and healed. I was longing to control my stress, instead of it controlling me. And I was desperate for peace.
As the words of these verses washed through my soul, I realized I'd been depending on people to diagnose my problems instead of seeking a remedy from God. Going from doctor to doctor, I had overlooked the only One who had a prescription that could heal — Jesus Christ.
As I prayed for the ability to stop worrying and spent more time processing my stress with God, I thanked Him for His provision of my job. And I asked if it was time for me to leave. I needed to be rescued and admitted He was the only One with the power to do so. I committed to trusting His ways, even if I didn't understand them. Peace didn't come overnight, but it did come. Not because my circumstances changed, but because I tapped into His peace each day in the midst of less-than-peaceful circumstances. Gradually I felt God mend my heart and replace my stress with His truth and love. And when He made it clear after a few months that I was to resign, I was equipped to handle the new stressors that came with that decision.
If you need a prescription for peace, I encourage you to let your thoughts dwell on God's promises and rest in His presence as you pray. Ask Him to help you release your worry. Praise Him for the good things He's done, and talk to Him about the problems you're struggling with. Seek God's will for every area of your life and commit to trust Him enough to make changes as He nudges you. True peace comes when we trust God and seek rest in Him, not when life is conflict-free. A daily dose of God's presence and promises is the best prescription for peace.
Dear Lord, I am stressed. I know I need a change in my life, and I am ready for the prescription for peace that only You can offer. Fill me today with a dose of serenity that I cannot find anywhere else but in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
Do You Know Him?
Today's devotion is based on Stressed-Less Living: Finding God's Peace in Your Chaotic World by Tracie Miles which releases today! If you purchase the book before October 7th you'll receive 7 GREAT FREE GIFTS to further help with managing stress! Click here for more info.
Visit Tracie's blog to sign up for her free "10 Day Stress Detox" and enter to win a copy of her new book, Stressed-Less Living!
Would you like to bring the message of this devotion to the women of your church? Click here to find out how to bring Tracie's Stressed-Lessed Living to your next event.
Reflect and Respond:
How can you trust God in your circumstances and receive His prescription for peace instead of handling problems in your own strength?
How can you trust God in your circumstances and receive His prescription for peace instead of handling problems in your own strength?
Ask God if you need to make changes in your life. If so, pray about the next steps.
Power Verses:
Psalm 107:19, "'Lord, help!' they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress." (NLT)
Psalm 107:19, "'Lord, help!' they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress." (NLT)
John 14:27, "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." (NLT)
Monday, September 17, 2012
Always pray (and don't give up)
From Proverbs 31 Ministries:
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September 17, 2012
By Rachel Olsen |
"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." Luke 18:1 (NIV)
bam, bam ... bam, bam, bam, bam, bam ... bam ... bam, bam
The noise slowly fills my consciousness.
What is that?
I rub my eyes and look at the clock: 5:51 AM.
Sounds like ... hammering. Who is hammering something at 6 o'clock in the morning? Outside? On a Saturday?
I get up and peer through the blinds, straining on my tiptoes to see through the branches to my neighbor's backyard. And I wonder, should I see someone hammering will I walk out there - pink jammies, tousled hair and all - and say something about poor timing?
I'm really not very confrontational that way. But nor am I a morning person.
bam, bam, bam, bam ... bam ... bam, bam
I wake my husband Rick with my movement at the window, the rising sunlight breeching the bedroom.
"Do you hear that noise? What is that, Rick? It sounds like hammering—at 6 o'clock in the morning!"
Rick listens then announces confidently, "It's a woodpecker."
Anticipating my response he adds, "You can't stop him."
I can't stop him? That sounds like a challenge. As Rick drifts back into dreams, I head to the backyard to find this bird. I spot it hanging off the side of my house, pelting holes into the wood trim by my bedroom window.
I try scaring it away. I scream at it. I throw sticks toward it. Don't worry, animal lovers, I throw like a girl.
It turns out Rick was right, I couldn't stop the bird.
The woodpecker returned over several days. At first, I continued my antics. Parading onto the back patio in the dawn to scream and throw things at a bird. The woodpecker remained undeterred. Occasionally he'd fly off to a neighboring tree only to fly back and peck the side of my house again once I returned to my pillow.
So finally, I granted him the right to peck in peace. It's not what I wanted to do, but he wore down my resistance. He was unstoppable.
Interestingly enough, Jesus told a story of a woman who had woodpecker-like faith. Woodpecker-like persistence. You just couldn't stop her.
With the parable in Luke 18:1-8 Jesus teaches His disciples to always pray and never give up:
He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'
"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually come and attack me!'
"And the Lord said, 'Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?'" (vs. 2-8 NIV)
The woman came to this judge so often and so boldly that he thought she would slap wear him out!
Is that us? Do we constantly seek God, asking Him repeatedly in faith for what we need?
Jesus didn't speak of this judge to portray God as unwilling or easily exhausted—the judge doesn't represent God in this story. Jesus was saying that if an unjust judge would eventually grant the request of this woman, how much more will our gracious Father grant His children's requests!
God is willing to answer—to help, to restore, to vindicate and redeem. But we must have faith. And we must ask Him. Sometimes—oftentimes—
You and I need the kind of faith that will not give up. The kind of faith you just cannot stop. The kind of faith that prays always.
We need woodpecker faith.
Dear Lord, hear my prayers today about _________ and thank You in advance for Your answers. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
It's No Secret: Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know by Rachel Olsen
Reflect and Respond:
What prayer would you like answered? What injustice do you need righted?
What prayer would you like answered? What injustice do you need righted?
Persist in prayer for this today, tomorrow, this week ... as long as it takes.
Power Verses:
Mark 9:22b-23, "'But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.' 'If you can?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for one who believes.'" (NIV)
Mark 9:22b-23, "'But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.' 'If you can?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for one who believes.'" (NIV)
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
It's September 11
I wanted to post something patriotic and found this on the Autism Speaks Blog. I have posted it exactly as it was posted, with no editorial changes. I hope you find it a blessing to your life and momentum for this journey.
Blessings!
DC
Blessings!
DC
Posted: 10 Sep 2012 12:57 PM PDT
This post is by Alexis Wineman, Miss Montana
Every person on the face of the Earth has to work to get where they want to go in life. The same goes for people with autism; the only difference is that autistics have to work harder, a lot harder. Hello, my name is Alexis Wineman and this is just my story. When I was born I was just your typical baby but around the age of 2, I started signs of my disorder. However I wasn’t officially diagnosed until I was 11. After all that time, my parents were relieved to finally have an answer. As for me, I couldn’t have cared less. I hardly had any friends, I was teased and picked on almost every day, and I was way behind in all of my classes. Autistic? Great, another name for people to call me other than retarded. Whatever this autism thing was, it ruined my life before I had a chance to live it. But to my surprise things started to get better in high school. People started to back off and through programs like speech & drama and cross country I was able to make some great friends. Graduation became possible and I finished high school with high grades. When I told my parents that I wanted to compete in the Miss Montana program it was a complete shock to them. I grew up hating anything that resembled a pageant. I remember how I would watch the Miss America program when I was younger and seeing those beautiful, intelligent women who, no matter the outcome, had a great future ahead of them. I thought that I could never have a future worth looking forward to and I thought that the confidence and grace these women had was too out of my reach. Looking back, I realize how foolish I was. I have already done so many things I never thought I could do. I’ve run three miles without stopping, spoken in front of many people, qualified for the National Honor Society, and was able to graduate high school with an acceptance to college. So I thought I would try Miss Montana and see if it was something that I might enjoy. It’s a good thing I did because I was crowned a week later! Though it has only been two months since my crowning night I have been constantly on the go. I have met so many amazing people through my appearances. This has been nothing but a wonderful experience and I am looking forward to the rest of the year, including representing Montana at the Miss America program in Las Vegas in January!
In the Miss America program it is required the each contestant have a personal platform or issue that they plan to bring attention to. I decided that mine should be autism awareness and acceptance and I titled it “Normal is just a Dryer Setting-Living with Autism.” I have already had the privilege of speaking at a couple conferences and I was able to share my story with those who were willing to listen. I was so excited when I heard that Montana was going to finally have a Autism Walk. Montana doesn't have many programs or resources to help children with autism but this walk should bring more attention to this cause. I am so excited to be involved with the walk and just as honored to speak at it.
I hope to be a positive face for those who feel lost and hopeless, whether they are autistic or not. I want to show people that being on the spectrum is not a death sentence but a life adventure.
Every person on the face of the Earth has to work to get where they want to go in life. The same goes for people with autism; the only difference is that autistics have to work harder, a lot harder. Hello, my name is Alexis Wineman and this is just my story. When I was born I was just your typical baby but around the age of 2, I started signs of my disorder. However I wasn’t officially diagnosed until I was 11. After all that time, my parents were relieved to finally have an answer. As for me, I couldn’t have cared less. I hardly had any friends, I was teased and picked on almost every day, and I was way behind in all of my classes. Autistic? Great, another name for people to call me other than retarded. Whatever this autism thing was, it ruined my life before I had a chance to live it. But to my surprise things started to get better in high school. People started to back off and through programs like speech & drama and cross country I was able to make some great friends. Graduation became possible and I finished high school with high grades. When I told my parents that I wanted to compete in the Miss Montana program it was a complete shock to them. I grew up hating anything that resembled a pageant. I remember how I would watch the Miss America program when I was younger and seeing those beautiful, intelligent women who, no matter the outcome, had a great future ahead of them. I thought that I could never have a future worth looking forward to and I thought that the confidence and grace these women had was too out of my reach. Looking back, I realize how foolish I was. I have already done so many things I never thought I could do. I’ve run three miles without stopping, spoken in front of many people, qualified for the National Honor Society, and was able to graduate high school with an acceptance to college. So I thought I would try Miss Montana and see if it was something that I might enjoy. It’s a good thing I did because I was crowned a week later! Though it has only been two months since my crowning night I have been constantly on the go. I have met so many amazing people through my appearances. This has been nothing but a wonderful experience and I am looking forward to the rest of the year, including representing Montana at the Miss America program in Las Vegas in January!
In the Miss America program it is required the each contestant have a personal platform or issue that they plan to bring attention to. I decided that mine should be autism awareness and acceptance and I titled it “Normal is just a Dryer Setting-Living with Autism.” I have already had the privilege of speaking at a couple conferences and I was able to share my story with those who were willing to listen. I was so excited when I heard that Montana was going to finally have a Autism Walk. Montana doesn't have many programs or resources to help children with autism but this walk should bring more attention to this cause. I am so excited to be involved with the walk and just as honored to speak at it.
I hope to be a positive face for those who feel lost and hopeless, whether they are autistic or not. I want to show people that being on the spectrum is not a death sentence but a life adventure.
**To read the original story, please visit: http://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2012/09/10/miss-montana-shares-her-story?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AutismSpeaksBlog+%28Autism+Speaks+%7C+Official+Blog%29
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Star Struck!
Hi everyone! I know I haven't written in a very, very long time. It has been an extremely rough summer. Thankfully after a really hard month of July, August seems to be going a bit smoother. I've been home with Nathan 100% of the time now that we are both done with our summer school programs. Since I've been home I've been able to catch up on so much of the reading I'd left behind in my email inbox. I'm subscribed to the Autism Speaks YouTube channel and one of my favorite series is Kerry's Korner. I posted one of Kerry's videos this past July (in response to the whole 50 Cent debacle). Well, I decided to go back and see some more of Kerry's Korner and stumbled upon a video of him reading a poem he wrote about his experience as a person with autism. I was SO touched when he spoke of his parents and hearing his words was like he was saying what Nathan has been trying to tell us for years. I almost felt transported into the future imagining Nathan saying these words about us, his parents. I HAD to find a way to contact Kerry!!! So I spent almost a whole day trying to find him... and I did, so I emailed him. And, guess what? HE WROTE BACK!!!
I just wanted to ask a simple question: based on his experience, what can he recommend as the best and worst things I could do for Nathan? Kerry sent me some links to various places online where I could learn more. Here is a list of resources he shared/recommended:
http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/treatment
http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits
http://www.myautismmyvoice.com/2012/02/top-10-autism-therapies.html
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2012/08/16/temple-grandin-strengths/16264/
http://www.myautismmyvoice.com/2012/02/my-name-is-kerry-and-i-have-pdd-nos.html
Here is part of Kerry's story, including some words by his mom from the Autism Speaks Blog:
After hearing his mother's description, it is hard to believe, but here is Kerry today:
The more I read and learn about Kerry, the more star-struck I've become to know that I am now "pen pals" with one of the most amazing autism successes I've witnessed in my life. In my search I have learned that he not only has an undergraduate degree, but he is soon to finish his master's degree as well. He is employed by Autism Speaks and hopes to one day become a motivational speaker. He also worked as a screen-write for the movie Joyful Noise!!! Did I say I was star struck???
So, Kerry has now ignited a deeper passion in me: to continue to push for Nathan to be seen for his strengths, not his weaknesses. To continue to support each and every individual with autism with Kerry's success as my driving force. Reading his story, it is almost impossible for me to believe where he is and what he's accomplished. I hope you, too, will find Kerry's story an inspiration in your life!
Blessings!!!
DC
Please help Kerry reach 10,000 "likes" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerrymagro88
Kerry Magro is an adult with autism. He is currently part of the Autism Speaks family and shares his experiences with the world through the Autism Speaks blog, Kerry's Korner, his own website, http://kerrymagro.com/ and his blog www.myautismvoice.com.
I just wanted to ask a simple question: based on his experience, what can he recommend as the best and worst things I could do for Nathan? Kerry sent me some links to various places online where I could learn more. Here is a list of resources he shared/recommended:
http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/treatment
http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits
http://www.myautismmyvoice.com/2012/02/top-10-autism-therapies.html
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2012/08/16/temple-grandin-strengths/16264/
http://www.myautismmyvoice.com/2012/02/my-name-is-kerry-and-i-have-pdd-nos.html
Here is part of Kerry's story, including some words by his mom from the Autism Speaks Blog:
20 Years of Autism: A Mother and Son Perspective
March 5, 2012
After hearing his mother's description, it is hard to believe, but here is Kerry today:
The more I read and learn about Kerry, the more star-struck I've become to know that I am now "pen pals" with one of the most amazing autism successes I've witnessed in my life. In my search I have learned that he not only has an undergraduate degree, but he is soon to finish his master's degree as well. He is employed by Autism Speaks and hopes to one day become a motivational speaker. He also worked as a screen-write for the movie Joyful Noise!!! Did I say I was star struck???
So, Kerry has now ignited a deeper passion in me: to continue to push for Nathan to be seen for his strengths, not his weaknesses. To continue to support each and every individual with autism with Kerry's success as my driving force. Reading his story, it is almost impossible for me to believe where he is and what he's accomplished. I hope you, too, will find Kerry's story an inspiration in your life!
Blessings!!!
DC
Please help Kerry reach 10,000 "likes" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerrymagro88
Kerry Magro is an adult with autism. He is currently part of the Autism Speaks family and shares his experiences with the world through the Autism Speaks blog, Kerry's Korner, his own website, http://kerrymagro.com/ and his blog www.myautismvoice.com.
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