Autism's Hidden Blessings: Discovering God's Promises for Autistic Children

Hi Kelly, Just posted my LOL memories here:

http://autismunplugged.blogspot.com/2009/10/hallow-what.html

Great post, Andrea!

Avoid it all and go somewhere nice and quiet with just the family our baby boy is used to....sounds good to me!

I have been hosting Thanksgiving at my house every years since I have lived in SC (about 11 years). My parents, Matt's parents and both our siblings and their familes. Also, my Aunt from FL and Uncle from TX. You get the idea. It's big and gets bigger every year. It's a blast. OF course those first few years were stressful w/ cooking for that... Read More many but, it gets easier. Plus, my son who is has Aspergers absolutely LOVES it when the extended family is around. He gets alot of extra special attention when everyone is there. So...my stress is so worth it seeing my son happy and feeling loved by his family.

Great explanation and very helpful. My daughter has trouble understanding anything that is "abstract". She is very literal. This advice will make it much easier for me to teach her more about God. Thanks.

I think this is always a concern for parents: that their kids understand how much God loves them.

Definately house cleaning and organization comes to mind :)

The only time I was ever able to hire a professional cleaning service was when my husband's firm was having the company party at my house. Then the cleaning crew didn't show up....so I had to clean, arrange, cook, etc. the day of the party. Oh, for a cleaning company to magically appear at my door. I often stand at my window, hand pressed to the glass, and look longingly at the cleaning company car that sits in my neighbor's driveway.

Speaking for a child diagnosed w/ Aspergers which is on the spectrum. My son isn't autistic by any means he's actually fairly typical but, we do have our issues w/ him and when we finally got the diagnosis after waiting over a year it really helped us. Our doctor was able to guide us better in how to help our son. It's awful that we all have to ... Read Morewait so long but, it gave us so many answers and we were grateful. I do believe that some are quick w/ a diagnosis of ADHD, autism etc. Luckily for us we pretty much came up w/ this on our own and the doctor just confirmed it (no we didn't mention it to him at all) so it was a true diagnosis w/ all the testing done properly.

Well,I did something and God was definitetly behind me as the way this unfolded was truly by his grace.Yesterday while shopping there were some wool blankets on sale and even though I don't need blankets(I have plenty)I thought"Well,gee thats a really good price;maybe i will just pick some up".So I added the 2 blankets to my basket and when I got ... Read Morehome I just left them in the bag,and kind of forgot about them.Later in the day,realizing that I had forgotten to get milk (and angry at myself for doing so)I took a walk to the store on the corner.There was a homeless woman going through the garbage of my townhouse-I see her often,have tried to offer her money but she only shakes her head no.The weather is just turning here now,two days its been very cold.A little light bulb went off in my head.I knew where this woman sleeps so I took the bag of blankets and set them near her sleeping spot,which is not far from my home.I know that God will have her get them.And I'm not angry about the milk anymore!What a wonderful feeling..Once again God gave me an answer,even before I knew the question.....

LIZ: Awesome story!!!! I am so glad you shared it! I am sure that God used you to give that lady a little bit of warmth!

I think having a support system is invaluable! Parents and friends to watch the kids when I need to get out for a few minutes, even to grocery shop by myself, is the most valuable gift I ever receive these days!

We pray alot! When we are having challenging days, we always remember how the Lord helped us through and is still helping us through. Its good to remind ourselves the good days will come around again :) :) We've had to sacrifice a few 'wants' to pay for the "needs", but in the end... it isnt a sacrifice after all, cause seeing our Noah making progress as he is being healed is totally worth it. :)

I've said it before andI will say it again;Thank God I live in a country with universal health care!I just don't know how the US gets along without it.My prayers that all asd kids and parents get everything they need will soon be answered!My heart goes out to all that are having a tough time with it.Bless you all!

Thank you for those kind words. Today has been an especially "trying" day with my kids - two with ASD - and I needed something uplifting. And here it is! Thanks!

I love this and I haven't had a rough day today, but I certainly have before. I have to say, above all, that my life and the life of my son has changed dramatically since I have put God first in our lives. While he may not get the full concept, because to him, everything has to be tangible, he does say things like, "people that love God are happy ... Read Morepeople". That brought tears to my eyes that day. He loves church and the people he's met through the church. I may not have a full time job anymore, (because I needed to be more available to him) so the money is certainly not the same, but what a small sacrifice to have peace in knowing that I am truly taken care, as is my son.

Brady does better when we do something with him like bike ride, hike. He just doesn't have the motivation to do it himself. I guess we need to be examples anyway, it's just hard b/c I always have stuff to do and I have to MAKE time to do this w/ him. Only its on the weekends when we do it. School nights are just too hectic.

I think,and this is only my opinion,that the more hyper the child,the more they should be getting some form of organized excercise.Tiana was a very hyper child-we cut out almost all sugar and that helped alot,But with the swimming she has really calmed down.She now walks instead of running from room to room or taking off on me outside.Now tha grade... Read More 4 has started she seems to be progressing beyond my epectations-So much more verbal.Everynight I say our prayers for her and when im done I tell her to say"Amen"
Now,when the prayer is done i dont even have to promt her-she says it herself"Amen God"-I did not teach her to say it that way-She did it by herself!THAT was a kiss from God for sure!I still remeber in first grade at a meeting with the pediatrician;to her ritalin was the answer;Well it took awhile,but now I definitly know I made a good decision!Oh,and we now have a new pediatrcian,of course....