I saw both of these documentaries about autism several months ago, but Autism Every Day was mentioned recently and I got annoyed and disgusted all over again. I think it's great to shine a light on the struggles and challenges that a family faced with autism must deal with, but Autism Every Day was just plain weepy and whiny. It almost seems as though it was Michael Moored, cutting out anything that anyone could have said that held even a glint of hope or optimism and editing in only the saddest, bleakest of glimpses into these peoples' lives. If these people are all only about misery and suffering through every day then I feel so sorry for their kids. One guy was talking about how he was concerned about his son's safety because they lived near a pond or lake, which is a very valid concern, but then broke down into tears and said maybe his son would be better off if he did just walk into the water. WTF??? Okay, I know that sometimes we all give in to self pity, but come on! I will be the first to say that parenting four autistic kids is very difficult and challenging at times, but as a parent one has to brace up and do everything they can to make sure that these kids can have the best possible outcomes.
That being said, I highly recommend Autism x 6, a documentary about a family with 6 autistic kids. Sure, it shows the struggles they go through, of course it's no picnic, but they're very strong, loving parents who are doing their best to raise their family. A very important thing, and I think these people seem to have a grasp of this, is that you have to roll with the punches and accept that you have been given an unusual and unconventional life. I had to smile when the mom wondered what her neighbors were thinking when they saw one of the kids standing on the kitchen table, because so many things were oh so familiar. This family has the right idea, as far as I'm concerned, when it comes to doing what one can to ensure good outcomes for the kids and just going with the flow when that's all one can do. It is definitely a balancing act!
3/30/10
An introduction...
I have been thinking a lot today about my four wildly different autistic children and how unique and interesting they are. So it only makes sense to introduce them all...I'll start with my eldest: Lillith is 13 and diagnosed with Aspberger's and bipolar disorder. She is incredibly creative and complex, and although she's lots of fun (and very funny), she can be very argumentative (indescribably so). She was diagnosed with Aspberger's at age 5, but the bipolar diagnosis was only a few years ago. This explained a lot of behaviors that didn't seem to fit the Aspberger's dx. She loves to write and draw and makes great illustrated stories.
Devlin is 11 and has a PDD-NOS dx. He is also very creative and loves drawing. He is a horror fan (a chip off the old block, he is) and wants to go to school for special effects makeup when he grows up. He is fascinated with Makeup Artist magazine and wants to know how everything is done as far as makeup, prothestetics, etc and actually has made masks that are pretty amazing using paper, paper towels, elmers glue and markers.
Aidan is 6 and has an ASD dx. He is completely nonverbal and VERY active. He can very often be seen on the highest surface in the room and can scale anything like Spiderman. He is very mischievous and thinks it's the funniest thing when knocking things over, or dropping CDs and DVDs behind the heaviest piece of furniture he can find (and he makes sure we see it, because that's even funnier). All that being said, he's got a very sweet disposition and is quite affectionate.
Ava is 3 and has a PDD-NOS dx. She is also nonverbal but I think she will talk at some point. We call her a little diva because she is constantly posing in front of the mirror. She is also quite active and likes to copy her older brother (yikes!!) but hopefully she won't try to match him! Even though she is nonverbal, she is very much interested in interacting with others and is very sociable and very often initiates play, which is encouraging.
And that is just a few sentences to describe my darlings who I love with every fiber of my being and who make me tear my hear out:)!! I'm thankful for my husband every day, because he's the only other person who REALLY understands, and who has the same sense of humor. I think we keep each other relatively sane......
Devlin is 11 and has a PDD-NOS dx. He is also very creative and loves drawing. He is a horror fan (a chip off the old block, he is) and wants to go to school for special effects makeup when he grows up. He is fascinated with Makeup Artist magazine and wants to know how everything is done as far as makeup, prothestetics, etc and actually has made masks that are pretty amazing using paper, paper towels, elmers glue and markers.
Aidan is 6 and has an ASD dx. He is completely nonverbal and VERY active. He can very often be seen on the highest surface in the room and can scale anything like Spiderman. He is very mischievous and thinks it's the funniest thing when knocking things over, or dropping CDs and DVDs behind the heaviest piece of furniture he can find (and he makes sure we see it, because that's even funnier). All that being said, he's got a very sweet disposition and is quite affectionate.
Ava is 3 and has a PDD-NOS dx. She is also nonverbal but I think she will talk at some point. We call her a little diva because she is constantly posing in front of the mirror. She is also quite active and likes to copy her older brother (yikes!!) but hopefully she won't try to match him! Even though she is nonverbal, she is very much interested in interacting with others and is very sociable and very often initiates play, which is encouraging.
And that is just a few sentences to describe my darlings who I love with every fiber of my being and who make me tear my hear out:)!! I'm thankful for my husband every day, because he's the only other person who REALLY understands, and who has the same sense of humor. I think we keep each other relatively sane......
I'm completely new to this...
Let me just take a minute to say I'm completely new to this blogging thing, so please bear with me while I get the hang of it :)
3/28/10
"Wow, you sure have your hands full"
A statement I hear a lot, as one would imagine. I suppose any family with four kids does, and mine is probably much crazier than most. But I have to say that I don't know any different and I'm not saying that in a "pity me" sort of way. When one decides to have children, they have no idea what they're signing on for and whoever shows up, shows up. I think the first thing any parent has to learn is to kick their expectations to the curb and just love them for who they are. They are not perfect and neither are we.
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