Autism Files Part 2

Today has been overly emotional and draining and hopeful all at the same time. Aiden is not ADHD, nor does he have Asperger's. Aiden is autistic. He is on the higher end of the spectrum then Fletcher but he is mildly to moderately autistic. After crying to the point where my parents could barely understand me, encouraging text messages and phone calls, a few hugs, I pulled myself together and got on the ball. I found out about his diagnosis at 11am. By 2pm, I had a speech therapist lined up, have him on the waiting list for ABA therapy, let ECHO know to look for his packet so they can start his services, and have a preschool assessment set up for Thursday.
Today was also the first GATES (Gaining Autism Training Education and Support) meeting . The ladies were wonderful to Will and I as we struggle with this new twist to our life. We also get to have one of the top behaviorist in the nation work with the boys tomorrow and if all goes well, monthly. She is generously waiving her fee for us this month and going to help us get started on an at home ABA program and behavior modification. We learned a lot of new things that we will begin to incorporate into our vocabulary and adventures.
So if you have lost count that is 1 gifted child, 1 ADD child, and 2 with Autism. Hang on to your hats folks, it is going to be a bumpy ride!

Math is well, fun

Today started my adventure as a college freshman. Today I had Algebra 1 (which is high school math). I got up at 6, took my shower, got ready, and headed off to class. I had so much fun. About 1/4 (or 25%, gotta use what I learned today) are around my age so I didn't feel too old. I was home before the girls even left for school. Needless to say they were a little jealous. I worked on my college comp class which I am doing on line and looked through the syllabus for the History of Western Civ class I am taking. And I think I can safely say that Algebra will be my easiest class. That is a scary thought. So after all that, we went to the post office, made a huge donation to the Salvation Army, got a coffee and went to pick up Fletcher. All before 10am. I am more optimistic about being able to juggle everything. But I can tell you right now, I could not do it without Will's support, our aids that help with Fletcher, and our families.

On another note entirely, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow as we start the process of seeing if Aiden has Asperger's Syndrome (high functioning autism). We have a good idea of which way this is going to go so it won't be all that surprising to us but it will make it real. And too make a joke so I don't end all doom and gloom. If Aiden does have Asperger's, I am blaming it all on Will's DNA, my girls are perfect. LOL

What the Navy giveth, it take away

For 3 years and 9 months Will has been on either mid shift or night shift. We have managed and requested every couple of months that he go to days so that we can have something that resembles a normal life. But nope, instead they offer him supervisor for the shift, then production supervisor, and on and on it goes. So when I signed on for my classes I took only the ones available in the wee morning hours (my math class starts at 7am) and made sure that none of them conflicted with his schedule. Guess what they told him today.....

asshats.......

A New Year, a New us!

So Will and I decided we wanted to start the year off in a different way. We decided to quit smoking before the first. Tomorrow will be a week and everyone is alive. Some feeling have been hurt and some mean things said, but what do you expect from a 2 and 3 year old. Aileen's resolution is to try to be nicer to people (so far, not so good). She is rude intentionally, she just says what she thinks when she thinks it so it causes some issues! Lauren's is to eat healthier. Mine is to stay smoke free and maintain a B average in school and Will's goals are to be smoke free and to be less of an A$$ hole. His words, not mine. So wish us well on our endeavours!

PS Mom and Gram, you thought I forgot didn't you!