My Boy: Part 85

JJ was in a great, energetic mood today. I am exhausted but he was super happy and that made me happy. His energy was non stop. He helped out cooking, putting groceries away and he even ate all of his dinner – by himself. I am so proud of that. After each and every spoon, literally, he told me that was the best food he has ever eaten. Every time I wash his hair, which, by the way he loves now; he tells me that I am the best mom ever. I love him so much and I do not know what I would do without him. He is such a blessing.

He had a good time at karate class, although he was dancing in line. He loves music just like Daddy. What matters is that he was happy. He is healthy and I am so grateful for that. Days like this, autism seems like a great blessing in disguise. It really does. I am one blessed mommy. I do not like labels but being that my son is high functioning is inspiring, to me and to many others. Like I always say, it has not always been that way. A lot of patience, love, hope, prayers and faith went into it among time but the biggest one of all is knowing that my son will succeed, with unwavering FAITH. I am here to say, do not give up. Now, I would never want a cure for my son’s autism but that is just me and our autism journey. Every journey is unique and I can understand parents who desire a cure for autism because of the severity of it. I can not relate but I can understand them wanting to have a cure for their child, I get it. Autism is a wide spectrum but we are all in this together.

Namaste,

Dany

 

My Boy: Part 84

It is JJ’s second day of first grade and he loves it. Actually, he could not wait to go back to school. I do not blame him. He really missed it – the bus, his friends and his teachers. He has been thrilled. Waking up very happy. He brought a few little things to school today in a brown paper bag. It is called a “Me Bag”. It was a cute homework assignment that he teacher sent home for the kids to put 4 things in the bag that the kids can show and talk about. I think that is a fabulous idea and I am going to have to do something similar.

I am proud of him. He is such a sweet boy. He is my heart. I thank God for him every single day. Even though he can speak, I will always be his voice and advocate. Always and all ways. Yes, the boy can talk. Sometimes I even forget that he was non verbal until the age of 4. Lots and Lots of questions. He wants to know specific details, numbers etc. He needs to know what we are doing, when, where, what time and exactly what we are going to do after that. He needs to know what and how many things we need to get on our shopping lists and from which stores. And, that IS OK. I love him.

My Boy: Part 83

JJ has had a very good summer. In one week he will be back to school. He really misses going to school and being with his friends. He wants to take the school bus. He always enjoys the ride. Today, we got him some school supplies. He loves to go shopping.. His best thing though, was getting a bag full of little Halloween creatures from the dollar store. He came home and played with them in the kinetic sand. He loves sensory play, it is so relaxing for him. He has been strumming on the guitar along with daddy. Through out the summer, he has been reading a lot. He has been active in imagination as well. His skills have sharpened and I am truly impressed. Today he was practicing his fine motor skills using a hole puncher. trying to get him to use both hands because at first he was a dominant left handed boy and his OT at school has made him use mainly his right hand. He can use both quite well. He plays the guitar as a left handed person does. He practices his writing and already got his lunch bag and book bag all set for his first day of first grade. What a big boy. Mommy and Daddy are so proud of him. He literally teaches me about exotic animals all the time. that is his thing. Don’t you dare call an opossum a rodent. it is a marsupial because they have pouches that carry their young. My piece of the puzzle. My indigo. So blessed. he is going into first grade with a great vocabulary. When he first started school in PK3, he was non verbal. He could not talk or say his name. Now he will ask a million questions and many times not your typical 6 year old type questions. I get questions like, Why did God make us? That is just the tip of this autistic iceberg.

The UNI-VERSE

The Universe. The Uni-Verse, the “One Word” – Uni- Verse. It is magnificent and amazing. We are in the universe and the universe is within us. The universe always was and always will be. The universe responds to the nature of our being. The universe is impeccable. It is far more than what we see with our eyes. It is about what we feel. The universe gives us all that we need and desire. The universe listens to us even when we do not speak. The universe is for us. It is only “one word” – God.  All that has been, all that is and all that will ever be. The universe s powerful and flawless. The universe was made for us and we were made for the universe. The universe gave me my son. Thank You God. My beautiful, autistic son. A gift from the universe, a true treasure. The universe did not just give me my son because I could handle it but the universe gave me my son so I could learn about life. The universe’s gift to me is one to share with all. To teach that autism is a blessing in disguise. To live to embrace differences. Autism is not a bad word. Autism is a uniqueness – a view from the indigo side. When we are ready, we learn.The universe listened to me even when I did not say a word. The universe if perfect. To show me that autism is a super ability. To answer questions that were only in my heart. Blessings of abundance, the universe will never run out. There is enough for all of us.

I thought I would have to teach my son about the world but it turns out to be that I have to teach the world about my son. My indigo. My blessing and gift from the universe. Never questioning, the universe put peace in my heart long before my son could speak, I never asked why but God knew, I just needed to hear my son’s voice. He knew, and the universe gave it to me. Prayers of thanks and an attitude of gratitude because as I always say Believing IS Seeing and not the other way around. In order to see you must believe. Faith. Whatever we put in, we get out, ten fold. To me,there are only two speeds in life – give BACK and pay it FORWARD. How can I not when the universe has given me so much. Before my son could speak, he was able to communicate, in his own way – but he did. He was able to read. I thanked God everyday that my son has eyes to see and ears to hear and a heart to LOVE. It is not just about the law of attraction, it is about knowing that the universe is on our side – to make us realize that there are blessings all around us and some are just wrapped up waiting to be discovered. Autism is a gift because the universe allowed me to see it as a super ability and all the right people were put in our pathway to help us along the journey- teachers, doctors, therapists. Autism was put in our lives to meet people, to educate, to help families, to share stories, vent and to know we are not alone. We are never alone. And, there it was my son was reaching milestones and was beginning to excel.

Never, ever give up. NEVER. Give anything but up. We have all the tools. The universe equips us. So, yes when I learned my son had autism, I cried, I felt weak – but the universe gave me strength. Even more so because my son needs me. Then we looked at autism from a different point of view- the better side. Autism does not need a cure but understanding, entrancement and a positive light. Why does a child who is happy and is capable of all things- because nothing is impossible for the universe- need a cure? LOVE is the answer. You put out LOVE you will get LOVE.  And when we have those “autism” days, remember that it does not rain forever and the universe needs water so flowers can grow. Thank You God ❤

NAMASTE

xxoo

Dany

 

 

The Sum of Summer

It is almost that time again. back to School!!! Let us not rush it though. Time has surely flown by this summer. Since school starts in about two weeks, I am thinking of using that time to explore some more – going to the aquarium, the hands on discovery museum and a few other cool places that JJ will enjoy. This summer he did very well in ESY and had practice writing and he also read a lot, watched some real life animal shows, read, played. library trips, karate and all that good stuff. We had our big family vacation to Disney earlier this year so this summer was just about little trips here and there and making things exciting for our boy. This summer JJ explored nature and went in his pool, played outside, went to picnics and field day. I wanted to get as much social events as I could have because he misses being around kids. He misses school and has told me several times. He misses his routine. He picked up an old habit again of humming loudly and long, too thank God he has stopped.
It was because of not being in his routine, going on the school bus, seeing same friends, getting dropped off by school bus and so on. He enjoys taking the little trips with me to the supermarket, which is very cool. He loves to make lists and ask questions about what we need and what we are getting next. It’s the little things that are great and add up to a meaningful summer. JJ loves his time with family. He is a good boy. Autism is his super ability.

Across the Web

Hello everyone, thank you for being a part of Loorducation. Lately I have been preparing for my state exams. Got one down : ). As well, I am always working on projects, activities, posts, updates and all things early childhood education. It is my passion. For a while now I have owned http://www.loorducation.com and have many ideas for the site. I just have to get it all organized. It is very exciting to think of all the wonderful possibilities. For now Loorducation is all across the web, of course in blog form. A big thing for us right now is http://www.facebook.com/loorducation. That is where I share my ideas, pics, activities and other things education related. I hope you all stop by and give my page a like and follow if you do not do so already and if you do, I ma hoping you can share with some friends. I also do a lot of autism advocacy and awareness/acceptance on my facebook page. What you see on that page is a part of what I intend Loorducation.com to be. A place where ideas can be shared. Facebook is a great tool to “get out there”. The community I have continues to grow with more support all the time. I am excited that people are excited about what I have offered this past year on Loorducation, and still there is so much more to do and learn. About this wordpress blog in which I started because of an M.Ed. program requirement has become a forefront to share my son’s autism journey and it has opened doors to help others. Yet, this is only the beginning. In order to spread awareness and enlightenment, I started http://www.loorducation.blogspot.com back in April. For the most part, I just copy and paste what is here, give it a different title or what have you. Sometimes I may add a unique touch. This was to branch out and gain a bigger audience, to spread my messages and share my passion. Loorducation is on http://www.instagram.com/loorducation where I use it as a virtual photo album to share experiences of teaching, learning and education. I like to call it education in pictures and i hope you can check it out. I take great pride and passion in creating my photos in which I take my self and edit them. They are all so special and mean a lot. They come from the heart and are captured in a natural state, no staging. Seeing my photos will give you a look into what I love to do and the outcomes of my work and journey. I have also used Flipboard to make some flip magazines for Loorducation. It was something fun and I used it as another tool on the web to get the name Loorducation out there and to learn differnt ways in which i may present my craft. Let’s not forget about http://www.twitter.com/loorducation. It is a positive community where you never know who you are going to meet and inspire or who may inspire you. I have http://www.facebook.com/loorducation posts automatically connected to it, so whatever I post on FB will go right there. A great, faster, effective way to get your message and voice out there. There are many things to learn and a good thing to be a part of too. On http://www.pinterest.com/loorducation, you can see some things that are of my interest, pics of things I love and care about, arts and crafts, etc. I use it sparingly until I have some created some more products and/or activities to share. For a project, when I was in grad school, I have created http://www.constructivekinder.weebly.com
I invite you to check it out and take a look around all of the different pages that I have put together. It will give you an idea and show you what my pedagogy is.
I appreciate you for reading and being a part of this wonderful journey. Hope you all keep in touch and spread the word. Bigger things to come in the near future. Thank you for your time and I hope you come back and check out all things that Loorducation has to offer around the web.
http://www.loorducation.wordpress.com

Yours Truly,
Dany
http://www.facebook.com/danielle.loor
Danielle Loor – BSCS M.Ed.

My Boy: Part 82

Field Day happened on Sunday. He really enjoyed it. JJ got to be with all of his karate friends. It was a blast despite a few mini meltdowns of wanting to go in a bouncy house and play games as well as waiting in line for registration. It was sunny and hot so the behavior was more understandable today. That day JJ ate a hamburger and a hotdog. I was so surprised because he has never eaten a hamburger from a cook out before. Ya know, it is the little things. Yeah and it was with organic ketchup. : )

We are working on going all organic for JJ. We have been seeing a difference especially when he takes his omega 3 supplements, multi – vitamins and his fish oil liquid. Going organic costs a lot more than traditional foods but it is so worth it especially when consuming organics helps calm and soothe the symptoms of ASD such as hand flapping and verbal stimming.

JJ participated in a few games and had fun throughout the time we were there playing with other children. It was great because he needed the social interactions with others as he has not been in school, Yes, he misses it. He has been telling me that lately. That is a great sign. I am proud of him. As a desire of mine is to have my son to love learning and embrace it.

No Limits

A BIG Thank You to Kreed’s World: A Complex Journey Through Autism

In the video, you will see JJ, Kreed and many other of our Au-Some children!!! It is truly amazing. I hope that you not only watch it but share it as well. #autism has #nolimits A super-ability, indeed.
I am privileged to have my son be a part of this video project that was made with love. I am honored to be a part of something bigger than I.
#nolimits

“Superheroes” Lyrics by The Script

All the life she has seen
All the meaner side of me
They took away the prophet’s dream for a profit on the street

Now she’s stronger than you know
A heart of steel starts to grow

All his life he’s been told
He’ll be nothing when he’s old
All the kicks and all the blows
He won’t ever let it show

‘Cause he’s stronger than you know
A heart of steel starts to grow

When you’ve been fighting for it all your life
You’ve been struggling to make things right
That’s how a superhero learns to fly
Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power

When you’ve fighting for it all your life
You’ve been working every day and night
That’s how a superhero learns to fly
Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power

All the hurt, all the lies
All the tears that they cry
When the moment is just right
You see fire in their eyes

‘Cause he’s stronger than you know
A heart of steel starts to grow

When you’ve been fighting for it all your life
You’ve been struggling to make things right
That’s how a superhero learns to fly
Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power

When you’ve fighting for it all your life
You’ve been working every day and night
That’s how a superhero learns to fly
Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power

Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power

Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power

She’s got lions in her heart
A fire in her soul
He’s a got a beast in his belly
That’s so hard to control
‘Cause they’ve taken too much hits
Taking blow by blow
Now light a match, stand back, watch them explode

She’s got lions in her heart
A fire in her soul
He’s a got a beast in his belly
That’s so hard to control
‘Cause they’ve taken too much hits
Taking blow by blow
Now light a match, stand back, watch them explode

When you’ve been fighting for it all your life
You’ve been struggling to make things right
That’s a how a superhero learns to fly
Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power

When you’ve fighting for it all your life
You’ve been working every day and night
That’s a how a superhero learns to fly
Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power

Oh, yeah…

Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power

Ooh, yeah
Whoa

Every day, every hour
Turn the pain into power

When you’ve been fighting for it all your life
You’ve been struggling to make things right
That’s how a superhero learns to fly

Come stop by and visit us on facebook
http://www.facebook.com/loorducation
http://www.facebook.com/kreedsworld
Let your friends know about this video, Enjoy!!!

My Boy: Part 81

ESY ended more than a week ago but JJ still has been busy reading, writing, and of course, playing and experimenting. He did develop the humming sound again. It started about four days ago. It sounds like a long hmmmm, hmmmmmmmm, several times repeated over again. He used to do this type of stimming before he was able to speak. When he was non verbal, JJ would stim by running back and forth from the living room to the front door, humming really loudly and flapping his hands. Once he began to speak, at the age of almost 4, the verbal stim drifted away. So my husband and I were surprised to hear it again after all of this time, basically out of the blue. Instead of telling him to stop doing it, we asked him why he does it. Now, years ago before we knew he has autism and before we knew what was going on and how to make sense of it all, I would have told him to stop that. I have learned to have patience. As we all know sometimes it may run out but I thank God for learning every day and becoming stronger. It can be nerve wrecking but I try..I try to understand why so I ask him and he tells me it makes him happy. Now how are we supposed to tell a child to stop doing something that makes him happy (of course not self harming or harming others)?

So we took him to the neurologist and the doctor told us to ignore the behavior. Ignore it because it will go away. he might be doing this due to not being in school and having that routine. SO for now, I have not heard it many times today. We will see. JJ told me that he does miss school and that he loves it. He misses his friends and being able to ride the bus each morning and afternoon. It is the little things that mean so much and that are very important.