Help

Just trying to figure out why it doesn't work when I try to add a link like
Just seeing if this works.

Waiting for your child to talk

One of the main symptoms of my concern for my son J was when he stopped talking. He had a few words before and would attempt to talk, but then he stopped completely. I remember him at speech at age three and four, he would make attempts but he had to have something very exciting to encourage him.

It was very discouraging. After a while we started to use pecs and created a book to help him communicate. I was a little worried that it might cause him to stop trying to talk but found that it really helped him to be less frustrated and to communicate what he wanted. I really recommend you create a book for your child to help them communicate if they are non-verbal. I could tell it provided him with a feeling of security. I made a small one for him to bring to church so he could ask to use the bathroom or get a drink. We also found that sign language was a great way for him to talk and taught him many signs that he often used. J's favorite pec was McDonalds chicken nuggets and french fries.

In his picture book I had categories. His favorite food and beverages. Activities he enjoyed to do. Feelings he was experiencing and commands (i.e. don't hit, don't throw). The school district had an office where I could go and choose the pecs I wanted and print them out. You might want to ask your school district or teachers if they know where you could create one of your own.
I just found a great site where you can read about pecs and other ways to help your child communicate.

I was told that if my child didn't talk by age four he probably wouldn't talk. Please don't beleive statistics like this because each child is different. He started trying to talk at about age 7. It's been a slow process, but now he's almost 10 and I love hearing him talk to me. He has learned to read and I'm always surprised at how well he can write when he's trying to find something on youtube. Right now I know he has a great vocabulary, but he still needs to be encouraged to talk. He doesn't have the habit of talking and he's comfortable to not talk until he wants something then he won't stop talking - which is fine with me.

Here's a great link I just found where you can get free pecs and other ideas to improve communication in your child.


There were also more sites to check out when I entered pecs pictures on google. Check them out.

Any way you can find to connect with your child is good. My son used to lay in bed with me and play with my hair. After a busy day where his brother and sister got so much attention I felt that that time together was very bonding and something we both needed. I allowed it for as long as I felt he needed it. Now he loves to go to bed by himself and just occasionally comes in to snuggle for a little bit and then goes to bed.

I think love is very powerful for any child. You may not see what an impact it has. Your child may not seem to be responding to your attempts to show love, but I beleive there is great power in love - a soothing and healing power. Never underestimate it.

Just an afternote. I tried many different things to help my child. Each claim of healing a child of autism makes you want to try it. I did the same. One thing I heard was that vitamin B-12 was helpful for stroke victims who lost their speak to regain it. I tried it for a while. My mother bought some pink flavorless tablets that I crushed up and put in his orange juice. He did start to talk more not long after that. Then he discovered the pink powder and refused to drink it. So I stuck it in the middle of cookie dough. I'm not sure if his speech improvement was due to the vitamins but I knew it couldn't hurt.

So excited to find more success that others found on
I'm going to try it again.

Find a Friend

One of the greatest blessings in my life was finding a friend who had a child with autism. During that lonely time in the beginning I found a playgroup that met together once a week. It frightened me because I still didn't want to beleive that my son really had autism. But it helped me so much to learn what other parents knew and gave me so many resources that I had no knowledge about.

Then when we were moving across the country I mostly feared for J (the name I'll call him from now on). I wanted to be in a place where he would have good teachers and where he could grow and be happy. I did some calling around and we moved into the best school district we could find. I met a woman who has become a dear friend who has two sons with autism. I love meeting together with her and discussing our sons and feeling really understood. She and her husband are incredible parents and her great faith and attitude have truly lifted me up and given me a more Eternal perspective of my son and our family.

This friend began a photography business and is so gifted in seeing the beautiful in uniqe ways. She began photography out of the frustration of being able to get a good family picture. Those of you with children of autism will truly understand this. She loves to photograph families who have children with autism and understands what a gift it is to the parents to have a photo that reflects the true beauty of their child. Check out her amazing photography at

Find a friend and you will both be blessed.

Waking Up!

Tonight I woke up in the middle of the night with a tidalwave of ideas and a clarity of what I want and need to do. I am a stay home mom of four beautiful children - one of whom has autism. I've been trying desperately to stay at home.

My son with autism is nearly 10 years old. We discovered he had autism at age 2, when he stopped responding to his name. First we had his hearing checked since as a baby he seemed perfectly normal to us. Then I discovered the world of Autism and a whole new perspective of life with a child with Autism - something most people never expect. I was completely devestated and scared. When you discover something is wrong with your child you're willing to do anything, but with Autism it's a million times more difficult because no one can really tell you what to do. You feel completely alone and oftentimes hopeless. I want you to know that there is hope. You won't always feel that way. You will find beauty in life again and hope for your child.

I am creating this blog to help inspire hope in others with what I've learned and to learn from others what they know so I can better help my son. For years I have felt guilty when I hear of other parents of Autism and how they provide expensive therapies for their children. I've never been able to provide that and hoped that my strong love for my son and my endless prayers would be enough. This blog will share happy moments, horror stories, experiments, current medical study results in understandable language, recipes, spiritual insights and a great opportunity to network and learn from each other.

Life is really beautiful! My son with Autism has taught me so much. I often wish the whole world could be more like him. He is the sweetest and kindest little boy.
I'm so lucky and grateful to be his mom.

I'm real excited to share more and create a great network of knowledge and friends!
If you're feeling alone, let's be alone in this together.