A Team Player!

Another small pin prick of light at the end of a very long tunnel. That's what we saw today. For financial reasons, we have been scaling back on William's ABA therapy, in the hopes that we can stretch our savings to the end of the year. (Not that anything happens at the end of the year, it's just a goal...a line in the sand, I guess you could say.)

So today at breakfast, it's just William and me. Everyone else is either still sleeping or downstairs in the basement. (Thunderdome, as I call it) All of the sudden, he looks out the window, and says "Sure is a bunch of 'em"

Now, to the casual observer, this is fairly meaningless, but for William this is drop-your-spoon-in-shock kind of stuff. This was a spontaneous colloqualism -- he does not say something unless he hears it first, and I am sure I didn't say it. Admittedly, I couldn't get him to eloborate on what there is a bunch of: leaves? grey hairs? Who knows.

But it's a signal from him that we're maybe we're doing the right thing by cutting back on the ABA. This therapy's criticism is that it tends to create rote behavior, it does not encourage dynamic thought. It's a very good treatment to get a kid to learn basic things brush his teeth or ask for what he wants, potty training, and other basic skills that are necessary.

(As far as therapy goes, we are starting to move in an additional direction, to something called RDI. We'll write a bunch more about that later, that's a lot more posts all by itself.)

The point of this meandering rant is that the affirmation that we're doing something right isn't coming from a doctor, therapist, teacher, or anyone else outside of our 4 walls. It's coming directly from William. That's HUGE. We've got a long way to go, but at least we know he's coming along.

What Can You Do?

Okay, it's time....here's where we ask for your help.

In a perfect world, I would make enough money so that Nickie could stay home with the kids, and also hire a full time nanny so that we could double his therapy, and she could make it to all of the sessions we need.

If you had a sick kid, you know there's nothing you wouldn't do to get him or her what they need. You'd drive to Walgreens at 3am. You'd catch vomit in your hands. (That one was not my favorite - I am going to bring that up at someone's wedding in 20 years.) You'd walk in front of a bus if you thought it would do any good.

So, maybe this little thing can help - On the main page of our blog, there's a Donate button. You can help us pay for the therapy this kid needs. If you've got a minute, throw a buck in.

Also, let me know what you think. If you think this is a great idea, let me know. If you think it's stupid, why should you donate to William Fowler when you can donate to the Sierra Club, let me know. If you would like to tell me something a little more colorful on what I can do with the donate button, let me know.

Your choice.

Therapy Update

This morning, the ABA Therapists met to discuss William's progress. We discussed his ability to recite the months of the year, seasons, write his name, complete puzzles, and other academic work. However, he still struggles when it comes to responding to his name, riding a bike, staying safe in a parking lot, asking for what he needs...these seemingly basic skills many 2 year-olds accomplish. Still, we remain hopeful that his academic skills excel, as he learns how to socially "fit in". He has mastered potty training over past few weeks, so anything is possible!!

The most exciting news came from William's DAN! doctor on Tuesday. The bacterial infection in his intestines, called Cdiff, has completely healed after 10 months of great quantities of probiotics, excellent dietary changes, additional nutritional supplements, and extreme tenacity. William is getting so healthy, that his hair is now growing in quite thick and his eczema is completely gone.

I am truly amazed at what can be accomplished when we stopped spending all of our energies focused on the "worry" toward symptoms. When our energy and prayers began focusing on William, from his perspective of internal health, sensory interpretation, and mental connections, we were able to truly start helping him.

I'm convinced life is much more palatable for all of us when we walk a day in someone else's shoes. That's hard to do, especially when that person is autistic and has a COMPLETELY different perspective...but I am learning quite a lot from this little guy, who enjoys life on a whole different level! I'm trying, anyway:-)