Not sure if anyone remembers me. I've been gone for a while but am finally finding the time to add WTM back into my life. Probably b/c I need it very much now. Just to refresh or make intros: I homeschool my boys....oldest w/ PDD-NOS. We've done a TON of therapy (VT, OT, ST, PT) for several years, still going, but he's progressed immensely. My youngest is normal developing but don't let that fool you. He's sneaky. Anyway, look forward to connecting w/ you all, Jessica

I've tried over the years to find SOME correlation to explain but I haven't yet. And, I've stopped looking. Just today he forgot how to write the number '4'....he's two grade levels ahead in math but can't remember what 4 looks like. I wrote it for him and he STILL didn't recognize. So, we reviewed it and moved on. Sigh.....it's always something. Everyday there is something. It's honestly easier for us to accept it as how he is. I've done too much searching/researching/fighting. I just want to enjoy what he can do and help him when he cannot.

I don't know what PAL is but I've used Saxon for several years w/ my son and have been very happy w/ his progress. He's on the autistic spectrum and was VERY sensory seeking. I don't really think Saxon accomodated that aspect but I made adjustments that fit his needs: sometimes he sat on a ball chair, or stood, even now I used ankles weights (10#) and lay them across his lap. I give him things to fidget w/ during the class. Saxon has worked for us I think BECAUSE it is sooooo dry. Neither SM or phonics have any type of flair. Flair is distracting for my son and adds to his already difficult issues w/ focus and attention. Not sure if this is what you're looking for or not. J

I knew this day would come but after having extended for an additional 16 sessions, it felt just soooo long. We enjoyed it tremendously, especially the results. I didn't realize how much the entire staff had impacted us and vice versa. Every.single.therapist in the office came to his graduation and had something to say about him or a story about him. It was extremely moving. Many tears were involved. My son 'gets' that he won't be going back and he IS sad but he's is So Very Proud of Himself! As he should be. This is the first therapy we have actually completed and moved on from. J

I have to say I am extremely disappointed that some think HIS behavior and violence towards these nurses was justified. They were following hospital policy and just basic safety standards for a newborn as well. These nurse did their jobs and they did it well. It's a shame the hospital isn't as strong as these two individuals to stand up and support them. Nursing is not a joke profession where we treat everyone differently based on their last name or income status. That stuff doesn't sway us. We follow rules, provide care and do what's best for you (even when you don't know what that is). These nurses could have very easily lost their jobs and/or their license had they allowed a parent (ANY parent) to leave in this situation. When you're a nurse you have the ultimate duty of providing safety for your patient. Those policies are in place not to be an annoyance to the parents but to make sure babies are secure and also come to no harm. This story could have ended very differently if HE had followed the rules. The nurses broke none.

Yes, it does! You are totally entitled to your pain. Mine was no longer swollen by that point but shriveled and completely lacking in any muscle.

We encountered this when we neared my son's 40wk mark. For us we decided to keep doing the therapy. We've looked at VT in an 'all or nothing' sort of way. If I was going to quit w/o meeting goals, then I wouldn't have started to begin with. I'm not surprised my son didn't meet his goals (and I have absolute confidence in our Dr. so I don't think it's an issue w/ her expertise, either). He's a very quirky kid that doesn't follow a typical pattern. We're now 11wks into a new 16wk treatment and he has improved DRASTICALLY in the last 3 wks. My son has always really enjoyed VT and has never given me signs of burnout, tho. That would be a big factor for me in making this decision. I'm just giving you how we approached it. I don't think it would hurt to take a break as long as you keep up w/ homework. It's important to not lose any newly acquired skills. Good luck w/ whatever your decision is.

I think 'Overboard' is my big go to for one-liners. My absolute favorite is Goldie Hawn's character stating to her butler: I almost had to wait.

I did these for my son when he was younger. Some were pasted to the bathroom mirror, next to his dresser, etc, and others I put into photo brag books to take with us (dr trips, grocery, library, etc). Although I can't remember where I printed mine from, here's some I found online: http://www.bigbigforums.com/big-big-freebies/614555-more-free-autism-printable-social-stories-pecs-flash-cards-more.html http://freewebs.com/kidscandream/page3.htm http://trainland.tripod.com/pecs.htm We still do a lot of social stories. However, I help him draw the pictures and organize the steps. They're all over our house. Also, if you can find a hanging pocket chart like teachers use, this may help. If he knows his numbers he can 'read' the schedule for the day: 1)pec's for potty, brushing teeth, breakfast, 2) getting dressed, and so on PEC's were great even when he started being able to read. The picture is a better cue. My son did best w/ real life pictures as opposed to cartoons or drawings. J

This is what I've been told by my aesthetician as well. I highly recommend seeing someone associated w/ a Dermatologist. I just feel safer going to a medical office and they give me lots of samples for my rosacea every time, too. My office has packages priced by area. A few times/year they have a sale and that's when I've purchased. For the lip/chin (and this included my neck as well) it was $450 for 6 treatments. I priced this w/ laser spas in my area and was a much better deal per treatment as well. She said to expect approx. 10% reduction w/ every treatment. I didn't have the results I was hoping to after 6 visits so I purchased another pckg. I'm not at all unhappy to have done so as this hair is gone! FYI: I'm fair skinned /w light hair but the offensive hair is dark. Laser has worked great. I cannot wait to do more areas. I'm thinking of lower leg next. I was also recommended to use Gigi Hair Removal Lotion (do NOT get cream! way too strong and irritating to many sensitive faces). This works great on that fine hair you may have on your face/arms. Love it! J

For me it's- Galloping the Globe Five In A Row I love them both,have had them forever, but have yet to use. Worse, I also KNOW my boys would love them,too. Don't even get me started on ny ambitions to lapbook. Never did that either. J

Thanks! I can't wait to share w/ all my sons therapists!

I'm sure I've posted before but our Pedi likes to tell this joke to his homeschooled patients: So, do you like your teacher this year? We live in Austin, and there is a big homeschooling community here. It's not at all uncommon. None of MY doctors have been unsupportive or demeaning to it, either. And, many seem to know someone closely who does this, so pretty well informed on their own. J

I came across this story earlier in the day including the following: Unfortunately (or fortunately?) J still meets the new criteria. And I thought he was doing so well!!!! My son is PDD-NOS. He had his Neuro check up Tues. and the dr. actually adressed the new dx criteria and said he feels my son is on the spectrum. He still exhibits many of his original symptoms, to a lesser degree and is verbal now, but is still ASD. I'm ok with it. (like I have a choice, right? LOL) J

My precious angel 4 yr old is throwing a fit right now! When is DH coming home from work? LOL