Who Do I Explain Autism To & When?

I don't know if other parents of children with autism struggle with my current struggle or not. With an autism diagnosis two years in our rearview mirror I am wondering now how often and who do I explain Aleks' condition to. Am I obligated to tell every person who has to spend time with her in a caregiving role? If so, do I tell them about autism or do I explain it in an easier way such as a learning disability or that she struggles with social interaction? I started really wondering this when Aleks started going to swim lessons. From the outside looking in, I would have thought that she was being difficult at times and just wouldn't listen. I finally told the instructor at week 4 that she struggles with some learning and social issues. I don't think that the instructor got what I was trying to say, which lead me to my current question. Who, when and how much do I explain about my child's autism?

I struggle too with wanting others to be more tolerant and understanding, but I'm also afraid of her being locked into a stereotype. What is the right choice? To let others think what they want of her or to explain it in hopes that she'll receive more compassion and understanding. What I'm not wanting to do is make excuses for her when she acts up like a typical child. The problem is that even I don't always know what is autistic behavior and what is 4-5 year old. Sometimes I think it's a little of both and then what do I say?

As Kindergarten is fast approaching I find that the challenges are different and ever evolving. I so want to do what is right and honorable for her. I want to empower her for who she is and all that she is. She is a loving, beautiful and smart little girl who has autism. She didn't ask for it and doesn't ask for any extra understanding. What she does deserve and need is kindness, respect and understanding. I am not always sure how to get this for her, but I know that for now it is my job to fight for her in all that I can.

Blessings-

Melissa

Ugh...Rice Strikes Again & Why Fish Oil Rocks

I would love to talk about Dr. Wakefield's autism study but I'm going to leave that to Jenny McCarthy & Generation Rescue. What a great response...thanks Jenny! Please read for yourself here if you don't know what I'm talking about.

Rice strikes again! Several months ago we started putting rice slowly back into Aleks' diet. It seemed to be going so well. I was able to buy some products at the store and she seemed to be tolerating the rice products well. I started using organic rice flours in some of my baking as well as her non-rice/her typical foods, but rice was now back in. Somehow during our riceapalooza she started changing. I'm not sure when it happened but she started rejecting her apple juice with the Nordic Naturals Fish Oil & Super Nu Thera in it. So, we cut out the fish oil and Super Nu Thera thinking we'd figure out how to work it back in. Problem is just like everything it became habit and we didn't get it back in. Now fast forward several months and she has no fish oil on a daily basis, occasional Super Nu Thera and her rice intake had increase dramatically.

At this point, I have to say thank God for wonderful therapists and teachers who point out when things aren't going well. We thought all the irritability and non-compliance was due to a high fever and sickness she had last Fall. Yes, some of it was but at this point I don't believe it was all from the illness. Fast forward to January and we are hearing from her therapists and from her teacher at school that she is extra sensitive, irritable and won't follow directions easily. What is going on with our child?? You see, we didn't put the above together with her behavior at all. I sent her doctor a note and she asked about the fish oil? Oh! That's when I started thinking about all of her supplements and diet again. I reevaluated it just like I had done a year and a half ago. I knew I was going to take the rice out again, but how did I get her to drink the juice with Super Nu Thera and the teaspoon of fish out that she needed? I felt overwhelmed and scared. If this behavior kept going on her opportunities for Kindergarten would also be effected. She just wasn't fitting in. I took to praying and researching and woke up one morning and told Bill (husband) that the Super Nu Thera and a 1/4 t. fish oil had to be in her first morning apple juice. I felt confident that if it was first and extra cold that she would drink it. First time she started to stay something, but was so thirsty she did drink it. Success!! After that we made the commitment that every juice would have 1/4 t. fish oil in it no matter what.

It has now been 3 weeks since we took out the rice and put the fish oil back in. The changes are amazing. She is calmer, her therapists say she has never been better and she isn't crying as often. In fact she can bump her leg and just say ouch! I did try and give her rice again one day just to see if it was all fish oil or the combo of the rice and fish oil. The rice gave her dark circles, hyperactivity and irritability. Plus, she was seriously craving any rice product for days afterwards. Yep, rice is once again on her no eat list.

I learned through all of this that I/we have to be vigilant with food and supplements. I have to constantly be evaluating her behavior and monitoring what she is eating. I also learned that there are other ways to get the right supplements in my daughter. I may have to give mini-doses to get one full dose but I'll get there. I am reminded of what many wise parents have told me, autism isn't a race but a marathon. Thanks to the many runners who are with me.

xo

Melissa