ASA support group, AMAZING!

Tonight I did something I did not think I could do!  I made it through a whole 90 min session at a support group with out crying.  I usually lather on the mascara as a way to divert the crying spells because, hello no one looks pretty with black mascara running down their face, right?  Well after many failed attempts with the mascara tactic I decided to just go and bring tissue!!

The ASA= Autism Society of America

They have a great group of people willing to help anyone with getting your loved one on track and keeping it organized.  Tonight's group was all about coping with the stress of the daily struggle, and believe me I needed that!!  Setting small daily goals to reach a more defined one was discussed and it made sense.
My HUGE goal for my son is to hear him speak "MAMA", well it has to start with the basics.  Eventually he will move up to making words, or possibly sign language but just a communication would be nice.  (he used the sign for MORE today..loved it!!) I will be doing lots of goal setting and hopefully achieving those that i set out for! 

Here is an insert from the ASA website, www.autism-society.org

The Autism Society, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy.



Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.

In March 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their ADDM autism prevalence report. The report concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 88 births in the United States and almost 1 in 54 boys.
 

Know the Signs: Early Identification Can Change Lives

Autism is treatable. Children do not "outgrow" autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.

Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life:

• Lack of or delay in spoken language
• Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
• Little or no eye contact
• Lack of interest in peer relationships
• Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
• Persistent fixation on parts of objects

We recently celebrated his 2nd birthday, it was bittersweet.  Not only did it signify him growing up so fast, it also was the age they tend to get diagnosed.  We kept his celebration sensory friendly and it went perfect.

I Love you soooooo Much!