Disappointing...

That my delegate isn't supporting this autism insurance bill.  Granted, I too don't think it goes far enough.  It won't help my son.  But Richmond has proved year after year that they won't think big on this.  Helping some kids, little kids, is better than driving more parents into financial ruin as they quest to get the kids the help they need.

A person representing my community should put the health and well being of children first, regardless of party...

Just a reminder...

The Companionship of Depression

I don't know a parent of an autistic child who isn't afflicted with some measure of depression.  It seems to be a natural companion on this road.  No matter how good your humor is, there is always what the sadness of might have been or the paralyzing fear of what lies ahead.  For the last few months, I have found it to be crippling.  I am past mourning, but good Lord, I don't know where we are going or what Jimmy's future holds.  I keep thinking about that there are people in the world who don't think should exist because he is a burden or that he shouldn't be educated... everything is negative.  And it shouldn't be.  Intellectually, I know that.  Emotionally... I am just looking for the light again and it seems so far away.

My friend Michelle is an amazing mom!!!

My best friend's sister was featured on this blog as an amazing Mom...  and she is!

ADHD has joined Autism...

At my house.  Jacob was diagnosed a few days ago.  I met with the school to see where we stood and while it impacts his behavior,  it isn't negatively impacting his performance.  He started first grade reading at a high first/low second grade level, according to their benchmarks.  Now, it's fourth grade.  Crazy!  He is working on second grade math.  So I truly have the opposite ends of the spectrum now.  All over his IEP are the words, "This child needs to be challenged academically."  Mercifully, they didn't add "Idle hands are the devil's workshop and if you leave this one alone, he will play with matches out of sheer boredom."  The implication is there.  If he gets bored, he will get in troubles.

Hands full.  Officially.

Happy New Year

Missouri has autism insurance coverage today.  They also have fines for texting while driving.  Come on Virginia, get with it...