Stories of Hope

Matthew living w/ausitsm

hi I'm Matthew I'm gonna be 31 on the 17th which is Sunday I been autistic pretty much all my life I got bullied on in school I got beat up even on the streets because of my autism my adhd my learning disability and the way I look. I love to have lots of friends on facebook I want to be friendly to everyone feel free to add me I'm tryin to get my GED soon so I can go to college major in Television Broadcasting I want to be a game show host and be famous have a good day y'all

Matthew Hendrix
Bowling Green, KY

jaydens journey

Jayden was very late with walking & talking. He would not socialise and was constantly upset by buisy places, new places, and loud places or noises. He was diagnosed with autism age 2 & underwent lots of assessments and therapy. 2 years on he is now 4 years old. He is the most kind loving child & has a great personality. Times still get tough, he wakes up in the night every night, needs sensory stimulation, struggles with transition & loud noises which he wears ear defenders for, he lashes out hurting himself and others, he doesn't eat, drink or go potty anywere accept home or mcdonalds (which he loves). He also struggles with asthma and has since 8 weeks old .. The hospital is our second home but he copes with it ever so well. He loves trains and cars, sensory rooms and tents, lights he is addicted to and is a right ladies man at nursery. He is our boy and we wouldn't change him for the world!!

chantelle penfold
peterborough, United Kingdom

Healing ADHD & Asperger's without Hurting: Treating these Disorders Naturally and Effectively without Harmful Medication

I am a mom living in Connecticut - raising a sweet and loving little seven year old boy, named Evan. He was diagnosed as having ADHD, sensory issues, and higher functioning autism, and apraxia. My adorable and agreeable child also began displaying episodes of anger, frustration, rigid thinking and anxiety.

I often felt hopeless and frustrated with the progress of his recovery during our intense therapy sessions and I knew from experience as a psychotherapist, that medication would be introduced as the only viable treatment option, but also know that medication can come with numerous side effects, such as increased anger, depression, fogginess, anxiety, seizures and increased tic disorders. I witnessed the effects on these children on numerous occasions. However, I never really questioned the authority of the medical professionals. “Who was I to question a doctor that had many more years of experience and schooling to back their theories?”

As life would have it, all the training and education I received about the benefits of medication would be challenged when I had Evan. I have discovered that although well intentioned, many doctors are too quick to prescribe without digging deeper to find root causes and nutritional deficiencies.

Our kid’s guts become inflamed due to food intolerance's, processed foods, chemicals, pesticides, GMOs, etc. Leading to nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal distress, illness, ear infections, asthma and ultimately neurological dysfunction.

We started by healing his gut wall and eliminating all of his offending foods and reducing inflammation and gut permeability so that the nutrients he was eating and the supplements we were supplying would get absorbed properly. Over the course of treatment Evan started improving exponentially in all areas of development, including, emotionally, socially, physically and academically.

I recommend a complete metabolic workup so that a unique treatment plan can be designed.

Jennifer Giustra-Kozek
Southbury, CT

My Amazing Second Born

After years of secondary infertility, a high risk pregnancy and a premature delivery, my son Toby was born, all 4lbs 8oz of him. The week he was in the NICU was the longest in my life, but I was so happy to finally bring my healthy son home. He doubled his birth weight in six weeks. He was born a fighter and that has never changed.

The first time I suspected Toby had autism is when he was 18 months old. My first son is autistic, and I recognized the signs, but expected a fight because it took so long to diagnose my first son. When Toby was 2, he couldn't point, rarely made eye contact, and he only had 5 words which he almost never used to communicate. I was surprised that when he was assessed he was enrolled into Early Intervention right away. He was officially diagnosed at 3 as being severely autistic.

Like any typical 3 year old, Toby loves dirt, play dough, trains, and being tickled--he just does these things a bit differently than the average child. Unlike typical 3 year olds, he is just learning to talk, and his life revolves around his ABA schedule. ABA therapy cannot and will not ever change who he is, but in the past year he has made so much progress and his world has opened up to us in ways we were afraid to hope for.

He is still learning to talk and has a hard time asking for simple things like a cup of juice, although he very clearly communicates by placing a cup in our hand and walking us to the fridge. He shows us who he is by cuddling with us and spontaneously telling us "I love you" and how he'll hold the hand of his sleeping baby sister and say "night night, Lily."

Toby is precious to me. Just having him in my life has made me a better person. Toby has taught me to appreciate every accomplishment, no matter how small and to find wonder in the little things in life.

Sam G.
Sanger, CA

My Awesome First Born Son

Our first son, Caleb was born perfect, whole, and beautiful. I suspected autism when he was 18 months old but whenever I brought my concerns to family or his pediatrician, my concerns were brushed off as me being a first time mom. I was told not to compare him to other children because everybody develops differently, but my friend had two children on the spectrum and a lot of his behaviors raised red flags for me. We pushed for a diagnosis, but were only given vague answers low motor tone and speech delays. They that he failed most of the assessment but they suspected he had borderline low IQ. They told me that his social skills would improve when his speech did.

Caleb was a bit more immature than the other kids his age in preschool but it was explained away as the difference between boys and girls and I was told that he was smart but "young for his age." He was so unintentionally charming that his teachers overlooked a lot of behaviors that other students wouldn't be able to get away with. It wasn't until kindergarten that the differences became obvious. He couldn't sit down with the rest of his class, he didn't remember names, he was inappropriately affectionate with other kids, he was easily distracted, and would spit on his desk. It led to another assessment where he was finally put on an IEP for "autistic like behaviors." He got his official diagnosis a year later.

Today my Caleb is 10. He has always needed special help in the classroom, but he is a smart boy and has overcome so many of his struggles. He has good days, and hard days. He loves helping people, Minecraft, and cooking. He is affectionate, stunningly beautiful, oddly insightful and not at all humble. He is just an amazing human being.

Being his mother has caused me to grow into a better person. Caleb's autism is a part of who he is and I wouldn't trade him for the world, but I do wish life wasn't so hard for him.

Sam G.
Sanger, CA

Cole's Story

When Cole was born he was the most beautiful baby in every way possible. I was a young, first time mother who was excited, nervous, and scared all at the same time. Cole started to grow and get bigger and do all the things babies do from cooing and making faces to saying ma ma and da da. It wasn't till he was about 1 1/2 when I realized there was something different about him. He started making humming noises, flapping his hands, and spinning in circles. I realized he was different when I called him and he didn't respond in anyway. This is when I knew I had to do some research I took him to a specialist and got the diagnosis. I at first was devastated because I thought my child is going to be different for the rest of his life and struggle forever. But then I realized he just learns differently and at his own pace. Cole is 5 years old now and he has a fantastic set of people around him. I used to hate holidays, but It hasn't been till recently that he now enjoys Halloween and Christmas. I have never been so excited to see a child open a present. Before now I couldn't take him to certain stores but now he goes just about everywhere. He loves the Fourth of July. So any chance to see fireworks I love taking him just to see the excitement on his face. Cole has been non-verbal since he was 2. He has just recently because to use his words again. He now says bye bye and waves, he gives kisses, hi-fives, and is now using at least one word a day. I have never been so proud in my life and I wanted to share our story to give hope to others who probably feel the same way I did and do. But its not hopeless and I know now he is thriving and ready to learn. I'm so excited to see what the future holds for him. <3

Jackie Kimball
Newport, NC

my wonderfull son

my name is Carmen an I have a son who is six years old and this little man is wonderful he has come so far we found out he had Autism when he was a year old he has learned so many things like writing his name ABC he is so smart I am glade god blessed me with my son I just want to say I am proud to have a son with Autism cause nothing will keep him or no one from doing anything in life I am a proud mother who support's Autism and my son is number one I love you Solomon Cypresss your loving mommy Carmen Vazquez

carmen vazquez
clewstion, FL

Doors - A Piece of Our Puzzle

My son looks like a typical kid; active and bright, and, to the casual onlooker, just another little boy.

So when he darts away from me running for a door to open and close or screams and cries as he pulls away trying to make it to a door he shouldn't touch, he seems to be a defiant, out-of-control kid who needs some good discipline.

People have said, "Just don't let him do it, and he’ll learn." A clear sign they have no idea the driving force behind my son's need. A need that goes so deep in him that no discipline in the form of punishment will stop it. All I can do is continue to give him strategies and alternatives for times like this. Some work; some don't. It’s a process.

Many haven’t believed me and even stepped in thinking their stern voice or ultimatum would somehow do the trick, leaving me to deal with the even greater or longer meltdown.

It’s hard to explain a mind that read at 2 but couldn’t be toilet trained until 7; understands what you say, but has a hard time talking. Senses that perceive running water as painful to hear, but a loud siren won’t make him flinch; gentle touches that hurt while firm touches comfort.

His anxiety level looks like a defiant child, but is only a child no longer able to win his hard-fought battle for control.

I can't let others' judgments or opinions of my parenting deter me. I will not frustrate him more and put even harder burdens on him than he already bears just for the appeasement of those who don't understand. Thankfully he has many people around him who feel the way I do and understand that you can't discipline autism out of a child.

Debbie Kirkland
Austin, TX

My little Bug

My son, Kaleb, was diagnosed when he was 4 with Autism. before we sought the testing's we figured he was only a late bloomer. as it goes I was military and we didn't have may friends with kids so I assumed that was why he didn't speak. at the first day of preschool they started testing. after a week he was moved to another school that could help him. he doesn't do well when there are a lot of people around. Kaleb is now in kindergarten and is moving to a 4th school since he started last year. he grew aggressive this year and now my arms and legs are lined with scars from his meltdowns, therapy hasn't helped. we give him melatonin to sleep at night as do many of our current friends with kids. kaleb now has several friends in his age range, since we moved back to our hometown. all of the children have some kind of disorder or disability so it has been easier on all of us, as we understand the stress. when we plan trips out it is like we are planning war... I just wanted to share this because many out there may feel that they are all alone in this and no one understands. I do...
Kaleb is an Artist, athletic, video gamer, who loves books puzzles, and just about everything but food. he hates clothes and has no problem going nude. didn't potty train until 5years old. and eats only 4 things...

mindy
omaha, NE

Trekking 4 Autism

HI I am trekking 655 kilometers along the Australian Alps Walk Track to Raise awareness for Autism. I have high functioning aspergers and so sick of people treating me badly because they do not understand my condition. So I thought I would take 3 months off and walk the trek. It is the hardest and one of the longest walking in Australia.

My goal is to raise as much awareness for Autism as possible. Could you help me with raising awareness please?

Peter Hosking
Jindabyne, Australia