Teasing

Jeremiah played baseball tonight and it's been a while, but he got a hit. Everyone was kind of surprised that he and his team forgot what to do next. However, we've been encountering some problems.

One of his last games he was pulled aside for spitting on the other team players. When I asked him why, he replied "they called me things." Well, tonight he kept closing in on one of his team mates and flicked him on his back, laughed and spat. I asked him again, he replied, "he's in front of me." I looked at them in the lineup more than I looked at the game. Lo and behold, another boy was doing the bunny fingers behind Jeremiah and poking fun at him to other team mates while pointing at him. It saddened me, but what was worse was the other boy kept going to the coach telling on Jeremiah. Coach pulled him aside and reprimanded Jeremiah. I let him deal with it at the time, but after the game I filled him in on the whole story.

Why are some kids shy? bullies? innocent? rude? I don't know. Why are some adults shy? bullies? innocent? rude?

The Tooth Fairy

Jeremiah had a wiggly front tooth and I told him to go to the bathroom and do the wiggle game. He did and then I heard "uh, oh!" He came running to me all upset because his tooth went down the bathroom sink drain. I told him that it'll be okay, because the tooth fairy always knows when he loses a tooth. He was still worried because he may not get a quarter. I reassured him that the tooth fairy is very creative and that he'll just have to wait.


The next morning, he got so excited because the tooth fairy left him a note on the bathroom counter with a quarter attached saying "Dearest Jeremiah, Sorry your tooth went down the drain! Here is a quarter to ease the pain! Love, The Tooth Fairy." So excited that the tooth fairy didn't forget about him, he wanted to write a letter back. It read " Dear The Tooth Fairy, Thank you for the quarter, but you can have it back for doing a good job. Love, Jeremiah."


Unfortunately, he had placed his quarter in his piggy bank. Inventive Jeremiah ran into the garage and inside the van to grab a quarter from the coin holder. He then proceeded to tape the quarter to the letter he had typed and taped it to the dining table. He said that The Tooth Fairy could find it anywhere. When I asked him if The Tooth Fairy was a boy or a girl, he replied "A girl!" Point blank, and that's that!


Leave it to Jeremiah to MAKE a difference, not to BE different. I just love the heart of our children.

Neurological Testing

Although having a diagnosis can be a "God send" because you can get your child help through therapists, agencies, etc. However, I have found it to be quite bothersome. Why is it that us parents undergo appointments for evaluations and testing that are most of the time, duplicates. What I mean to say is, if one person or agency has recently done a test to see the performance of the child in their growth analysis in all areas, why do we have to withstand even more testing (yet SAME tests) by various organizations to determine the SAME outcome they could have with the previous test scores.

I just recently took Thomas into a Pediatric specialist who in turn refers him to a Neuro-psych for IQ testing. Thinking that the first visit would be the IQ testing, I was proven wrong. It was only a consultation. The consult consisted of a Psychologist, who came from out of state for the visit and asked just a few questions (mind you, the same questions asked on every form I ever completed, plus what was already in Thomas' file). I immediately got uptight because I felt like he was more concerned about when his flight home was, then about what was in our sons' file. Then a regular Physician came in and asked the same questions as did the Psychologist and then he said "Well, do you have any more questions before you go?"

Did I have questions? You've got to be joking!!! My #1 question "What am I here for? Why was I asked the same questions by two different people who, if you read the file, already knew the answer to? We came for an IQ test, so, test away!" You could see how frustrated I was to that ridiculous question. Next thing you know they're trying to schedule me back in a month or two. I refused and Thomas was seen in 1 1/2 weeks. That was this morning.

The story continues....I had forgotten that today was the day and that since they set aside 3 hrs to do the testing from 9am-12pm and it was 9:15, I was late. It's 50 miles round trip and I got there at 10am. They weren't quick in getting us in and started but once we were back there I thought that they would try to make up some time. NO! Just the opposite. It was the same tests he underwent just a few months ago and the paperwork they had me fill out was the same paperwork I filled out just 1 1/2 months ago for one of their agency branches. They could've got the information looked it over made the same evaluation without us being there. But, to my ignorance, I guess you have to have a PhD behind your name to have any clout.

They sure make the parent completely helpless! One thing I found out different, was that Thomas is intrigued by putting shapes into pictures and that he ranked a few grade levels higher on them. Unfortunately, I have to return on Friday to make up for the "lost" hour they really don't need. Pray I can make it out before blowing up!

Potty talk

Thomas and Laura found a couple of flashlights and hid in my closet.  To get to my closet you have to go through my bathroom.  I heard them go into the bathroom, still with lights off, giggling and carrying on.  Next thing you know, Thomas opens the door, Laura is sitting on the potty saying "I'm done."  I told her to put her flashlight down, wipe and get up.  She put her flashlight down, but as to everything else, well............

 

I looked in on them and she's bent over while Thomas is wiping her.  He said "all done" and she griped saying "there's more!"  He then continued to wipe her again, she pulled up her pants and they went on playing, like this was there normal routine.  I didn't know whether to look shocked or amused.  They are truly twins, with 22 mths in between! 

Please do not disturb!

This morning, after breakfast, Jeremiah called PaPa to say "Good morning!" as he likes to do most mornings.  As the phone was ringing, he started walking towards my room and shut the door.  He talked to him about 5+ minutes and came out saying that he went to the room because he didn't want to be disturbed while he was on the phone.  Curiosity killed the cat, right?!

 

I had to call my dad to see what they had talked about.  He said Jeremiah wanted him to go to his website at www dot Jeremiah dot com (which there is no such thing), as well as, he typed it on the computer while he was talking to him.  Then he said "now I'm going to use my KTSY voice," clearing his throat, "Sorry, you missed Jeremiah but you can reach him at...(giving his phone number) you can leave your message and I will call you back."

 

It was so imaginative and so correct that it blew me away.  He is one special boy! 

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!!!!!

The theme all this week in homeschooling is about Royalty. Kings, Queens, Princes, Princesses, Lords, and Ladies....etc. As we were making crowns, learning about jobs and responsibilities in the castle we also talked about Esther and her road to becoming Queen. Since we have a wide array of Veggietale videos I thought we should all sit down and watch "Esther". We had a wonderful time and they started to grasp the idea.

So, being creative and also seeing if they would catch on, we did a role play. Initially, I just was tired and needed to sit down as they were still going full-speed ahead, yet it seemed like a good idea. I sat in a chair, as they all approached me I would give them a title. "Prince Jeremiah", "Princess Laura", "King Thomas" and last but not least "Queen Mommy!" Jeremiah was catching on to the idea and wanted to pretend all day. Even when his therapist arrived she became "Lady Tracie." I could ask him to do something for me and he'd bow and say "Yes, madam Queen!", "Right away, Queen!", "What can I do for you, Queen!"

I was getting quite attached to my role and more things were being done. They listened better, worked together, even pretended to be one another's servant saying, "Yes, master!" It was kind of thrilling to see how much fun they were having. Even Jeremiah came up later in the evening with a shield and a sword saying he was going to fight off the dragons and rescue me. Just think......I get to do this all week!

Bees!!!!

Thomas says and does the funniest things, too. And since he is also autistic I thought I could add some of his stuff. Tonight we were eating dinner, with the kids eating at the breakfast bar.

As we were finishing up, Thomas hopped off his barstool and ran around the house saying "ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch!" We were wondering what in the world he was doing then he stopped in front of us repeating three times, "There's bees in my foot!"

As a final resort he stomped his foot really hard demanding, "Get them out!" I started laughing when I finally realized he had sat on his foot and now it was asleep. When he saw that mommy and daddy were both laughing he pouted "That's not funny!!!" We explained why he thinks there were bees in his foot and he went happily on his way, playing with his two siblings. So, the next time your foot falls asleep, they are really BEES!

Hushbrowns

Every third Wednesday of the month I teach a craft at a local MOM's group.  We always arrive earlier than the other ladies so today I went to McDonald's drive-thru to get some hashbrowns for the kids.  When we arrived Jeremiah had eaten his but Thomas and Laura were still finishing up. 

 

One of the caretakers said "Jeremiah, what did you eat?"  He muddered "hushbrowns."  "You mean hashbrowns?" "No! Hushbrowns!" he repeated.  I then explained to Jeremiah that they are called hashbrowns.  He replied with a simple, "Oh."  Then the caretaker asked, "Jeremiah, do you know where hashbrowns come from?" In a "duh" type of look he gestured "From McDonald's!"  The caretaker and I tried to contain ourselves, then he asked, "I know you bought them at McDonald's, but do you know how we get hashbrowns?"  Again, as if he asked a dumb question twice, he replies aggitated "McDonald's!" 

 

So, the man thought he'd go at it from a different angle.  "Jeremiah, did you know that hashbrowns come from potatoes?"  "No they don't!... Mommy buys them at McDonald's!"  While I was trying not to laugh I told him, "Hashbrowns really do come from potatoes."  In disbelief, but because mommy said so, he again mudders "Oh." and went off to play.  In short, even when you think hashbrowns come from McDonald's, what mommy says, goes!

Rescue Heroes

One thing our boys love is Rescue Heroes by Fisher Price.  By a cumulated effort, our son Thomas got the HyperJet HQ for his birthday last month.  They play with it everyday and still manage to find something new about it.  We don't have all the Rescue Heroes but they talk about all the characters. (really good play acting/pretend play)  This morning, before getting dressed, the boys were playing and Thomas said "We've got to get Jack Hammer!"  Jeremiah replied "We can't.  He's at Walmart."  I could do nothing else but laugh.  He's got a great sense of humor.  Most of it comes because he's literal but funny none-the-less!

I do believe................HE HIT IT!

During the baseball practice, all the kids stood in line to bat at a pitch. (not tee-ball, a pitch!) I was very apprehensive and kind of afraid he would duck, throw the bat, or drop the bat, but now was the deciding factor.....would he get a hit?  Jeremiah took the plate and the coach asked the other kids to stand farther away.  I guess he anticipated more than I.  The coach said "Jeremiah, get ready."  All of a sudden, it was like it came natural, his stance was perfect and he held the bat with a vengeance.  The coach pitched......

                                             Smack!

                                                         Smack!

                                                                      Smack!

I couldn't believe my eyes!!  He was pitched about 10 pitches and only missed 1 or 2.  I wanted to jump up and down and yet my excitement was unnervingly contained.  For I knew how great of an accomplishment this was, yet others just wouldn't understand.  He "rocked" last night.  Unlike the constant rocking he used to do when he was young.  Just 4 years ago he was non-verbal, only grunting, screaming, yelling, crying.  Self-injurious behavior, as well as, injury to others, especially myself.  This is a far cry from where we started.  Yes, this is a journey WE are taking together.  If possible, let the little things in life bring you such joy, for there is JOY in the journey.  Be thankful in everything, especially, your children!

Baseball cup

Not the trophy, the cup! You know, the one little boys have to wear when they play baseball to "protect" themselves. Well, Little League practice started today and one of the requirements was that all the boys during practice and games have to wear a cup. Equipped with jock strap and all. Fortunately, I found one brief/cup combo at Walmart.

One hour before the practice I had him change into his uniform, socks, cleats and of course the infamous......cup! As he pulled up the brief he says, "What's that?" I explained that all baseball players have to wear one to protect themselves if they get hit there by a ball during practice and the game. "Oh!" After he got all of his gear on I tapped on the cup and he didn't say anything. WHAM!!!!!!!!! He took all his strength and plunged his fist aimed right at the cup and with shock written all over my face, he said "Wow, mommy! It does work!" I was hoping that would be the end of that but then we arrived at practice.

He talked all the way from the van to the coach. Stood in amazement. The whole team went down field and started practicing. In his excitement, after catching one ball from another team mate he thrusted the ball into his groin and did a "happy dance." That happy dance appeared a handful of times during practice. To my liking, that "happy dance" got people wondering who he was and who his parents are, because they actually liked it. Not laughing at him, but sharing in his excitement, it allowed me to share with other parents about him and about autism. Funny how the little things can make us or break us. Jeremiah IS a joy, with every turnaround, thumbs up, wave and a wink to his proud mom on the sideline! What could be better?

Hushbrowns

Every third Wednesday of the month I teach a craft at a local MOM's group. We always arrive earlier than the other ladies so today I went to McDonald's drive-thru to get some hashbrowns for the kids. When we arrived Jeremiah had eaten his but Thomas and Laura were still finishing up.

One of the caretakers said "Jeremiah, what did you eat?" He muddered "hushbrowns." "You mean hashbrowns?" "No! Hushbrowns!" he repeated. I then explained to Jeremiah that they are called hashbrowns. He replied with a simple, "Oh." Then the caretaker asked, "Jeremiah, do you know where hashbrowns come from?" In a "duh" type of look he gestured "From McDonald's!" The caretaker and I tried to contain ourselves, then he asked, "I know you bought them at McDonald's, but do you know how we get hashbrowns?" Again, as if he asked a dumb question twice, he replies aggitated "McDonald's!"

So, the man thought he'd go at it from a different angle. "Jeremiah, did you know that hashbrowns come from potatoes?" "No they don't!... Mommy buys them at McDonald's!" While I was trying not to laugh I told him, "Hashbrowns really do come from potatoes." In disbelief, but because mommy said so, he again mudders "Oh." and went off to play. In short, even when you think hashbrowns come from McDonald's, what mommy says, goes!

Visitation

Last weekend we had my husband's parents come for a visit. No matter who comes to visit, the day they are gone is a day without responsibilities. We have a "down day" where no one is expected to do chores, have a specific schedule or are demanded responsibilities. That way they can relax and try to come down from a "visitation high." The only reason is because the company disrupts "his" schedule. Sometimes we don't know "his" schedule which makes it hard to work around it. During the time of company he puts on his best face, attitude, manners, etc. Then when the company leaves he has a total meltdown. It may consist of yelling, grinding his teeth, hitting/punching, excessive teasing to siblings, and more. Sometimes it's not the time we have company but it's the "after they leave" syndrome. One day, through our consistancy, he will realize that having a "down day" really helps with his ability to handle change. Maybe he will implement it all on his own!

Taebo

Every morning at 9 o'clock Jeremiah and I do Taebo. We don't normally workout on weekends but I was feeling good today and thought we all could use it. So, even though Jeremiah has coordination issues, he works very hard to keep up. In the middle of the 8 minute workout he took off his shirt and flung it to the floor. I tried to keep my laughter to myself but I had to ask, "Jeremiah what are you doing? Why did you do that?" He put his hands on either side of his tummy and said "To show off my body!" I laughed so hard I could barely finish the workout. Maybe the laughter was just what I needed, not the workout!

Awana Grand Prix

Tonight was Jeremiah's 2nd time entering a derby race for Awana club. Last year he won 1st place for being the fastest. Jeremiah picks out the design, Papa gets the credit for crafting it, and I, mom, paints it however Jeremiah designs it (using Hot Wheels as examples). As we anticipated each race, he was getting closer and closer, ending up in the final race for the 1st-4th place winners. Jeremiah was a little preoccupied and constantly zoning out but was excited none the less. Papa and Nana showed up this time and shared in our family's excitement.

He ended up 4th place but that's not all. One thing about people with autism is that they are built on routines. If something was done a certain way it is "always" done that way, so it became difficult to get Jeremiah to understand that although he won a trophy last year, this year he was not going to take home a trophy. He told me that he "has" to take one home because he did last time. In teaching children about winning/losing or trophy/ribbon some kids may not get it, but in Jeremiah's case the misunderstanding is exaggerated to the 10th degree! It's never a simple explanation and never spoken about again, it's repeated over and over and over and over....etc.

Dinosaur Details

Jeremiah drew a dinosaur puppet today. He comments "Mommy, dinosaurs have bones just like us. Be careful, they're sharp. They have meat, too. It tastes like chicken!" Just a little detail you may not have known.

Literally Speaking

One thing interesting about autism is that those who have it think literally. So, the use of slang, colloquialisms, expressions is not something they understand. I find it funny when I accidentally use them and the look on his face is priceless. I said "Don't stick your foot in your mouth!" and he proceeded to touch his mouth while looking at his feet and said "What? My foot is not in my mouth!"

About 3 years ago, after he finally learned the word "help" he continually used it everywhere we went. We thought is would be a good time to teach him about the boy who cried wolf and the laughter didn't stop because he started crying and yelled out "Wolf, wolf, wolf!" We have many more examples of this... but then you'd be reading a book.

The Miracle of Melatonin

We normally give Jeremiah a melatonin at 7 pm every night for the past 4 years, however, every so often he needs 1 during the day to help his mind get focused and his aggression a little subdued. Jeremiah woke up this morning feeling very frustrated, angry and started hitting and bopping Thomas and Laura on the head for no apparent reason. So, when I approached him and we discussed his behavior he said "I can't make it stop. I can't control my anger. Help me mom! I don't know why I'm doing it!" That's when I gave him a melatonin. Praise the Lord he can express his feelings and emotions. It was just 4 years ago that he was non-verbal, only screamed or grunted. His display of emotions consisted of self-injurious, violent behaviors, repetitive actions, echolalia or delayed echolalia and constant zoning and rocking. He still is not "always" compliant or expressive (but whose child really is...). God's still working on us and He has a plan!

Cancelling the Noise

Bose came out with headphones that are geared toward "noise cancellation."  My father came across these, purchased them and gave them to us last week for Jeremiah.  So far, we've noticed that during church, this last Sunday, it drowned out the unnecessary chatter and vibrating "noise" that surrounded us.  He wasn't being distracted by everyone, their talk, movements, etc.  Yesterday we used it while homeschooling to see if it would help him to focus on his work instead of his younger siblings.  He was able to complete his work unassisted, complete and without struggling.  It looks as though Papa has found one piece of the puzzle that works for Jeremiah!  Anyone else with ideas.....just let us know!!!

Cardboard Creations

I came home with a medium sized cardboard box and Jeremiah asked if he could use it for his imagination with a promise of not cutting it, so I agreed. He quickly turned this plain box into a car. With only a marker, he strategically drew headlights, tail lights, wheels, gas tank, windows, and a steering wheel equipped with a horn. He quickly coerced his 3 year old sister, Laura, to "take a ride" as he pushed her throughout the house making car noises.

Soon after they started, baby dolls were being included and at one time Jeremiah stated the "baby" was sick and had to go to the doctor. (Dr. Mom, that is!) They drove their invention to me and asked that I fix the baby and that they would be back soon. Two minutes passed and there they were in front of me asking if the baby would be okay. I told them that the baby would be just fine.

Jeremiah commented to Laura, handing her the baby, "Honey, honey! Doctor mom said that the baby is okay, isn't that great!" And along they went....for 2 hours! (I just found out that Jeremiah had a little help from daddy on the hood of the car but the rest was Jeremiah's idea!)

Learning at the Supermarket

Today, Jeremiah and I, along with his brother and sister, went on a field trip to Paul's supermarket. We visited the meat department, produce, deli and most of all, the bakery. They got to sample deli meat, jello salad, a cookie and I broke down and bought them a donut! He even went on a treasure hunt to find a pineapple. He learned that if you take a head of lettuce and cut it up it makes a salad.

Even though he was easily distracted by everything in the store he had fun and learned about items and people in a store. We had a great time!