Autism

Sapphira came to us three years ago- well almost three years ago. June 7th 2010 to be exact. She came with one pair of shorts, a shirt, two pajamas, and a sun dress that was three sizes to big for her-> this is what she wore home that day. She was energnic, but yet would slip into these periods were she would stare at the wall for several minutes- as long as we would allow. Or she would stare at the television-on or off- and rock. She was not verbal at all, she made noises but nothing you could understand. Even while singing. She was not potty trained at all, was not keen on any type of affection, a hug, kiss, even a small pat on the cheek.

Going to the store or out in public was a night mare. She would get in the cart and then scream as loud as she could, than laugh hysterically. If she wet her diaper, and we didn't catch it right away she would take it off and put it on her head til it covered her entire face.

She hated- absolutely hated- bath time, especially washing her hair. She was literally terrified of it. She would shake scream cry and try to escape. I would feel horrible, and often end up crying right along with her.

It was a huge adjustment for Greg and myself. We had been trying to have a baby for eight years. Infertility made it damn near impossible, and after trying adoption and fertility treatments, we decided to try foster care. We were licensed in October of 2009- actually on my birthday. Sapphira was our first placement. I remember the night we found out about her. We had just attended my sister Michaela's 8th grade choir concert, got a bite to eat, and then headed home. It was a bitter sweet night- a great concert but my Grandma Betty was in the nursing home and was not expected to make it much longer. Moving to that nursing home killed her spirit I believe, it also extinguished her will to live. But that is another story for another time.  I checked my email before heading upstairs, while Greg was in the bathroom. My folder "fostercare" was lit up. My heart tumbled over in my chest. Maybe? No probably just another offering for a class. I stopped breathing when I read the subject "Potential Child" I quickly read the email and screamed "Greg we got a kid! A little girl!"  I read the email, stopping when it said potential Autism... I wasn't really sure what Autism was, only knew what I saw with the movie "Rain Man."  We started to pray, and the next morning at 8:30am I called the foster care coordinator. She really stressed the Autism, and I said we would meet her. I set up a meeting with her, the following Sunday after church. Through Church I couldn't concentrate, my stomach was in knots. I wanted this to work out so badly, but was afraid as well. Since reading the email, I had read countless pages of information on the internet, I checked out books from the library. I do so much research I had figures and facts pouring from my ears. We went and instantly fell in love. A week later we brought her home.

Bringing a child home is a huge change, we were used to being spontaneous. Going on weekend trips the spur of the moment. Making a "Walmart Run" at 3:00 am. A child changes that. A child with Autism absolutely changes that. Spontaneous is not in their vocabulary on most days. The first three months were definetily baptism by fire. They hand you this little child, and a bag of clothes, and that is it. We had to quickly adjust. Learning day by day how things affect her, she hated those gestures of affection, but every day I would give her a light hug. I worked tirelessly teaching her sign language. Using the sign and saying the word. I started potty training her. I made an appointment right away to confirm the diagnoses.She was already three and half at this point, and I knew that early detection/diagnoses and early intervention is crucial with Autism.

We got the diagnoses in August, and then were put on a wait list for therapy. We were told first nine months, which turned into a year, then eighteen months, and then another year. She started therapy on June 8 2012. In all of this waiting, we really weren't sure what to do. Or how to approach it. My aunt's friend gave us countless tips, and advice to keep us from pulling out our hair ( Thank You Tricia.) She was in school, and that helped some,. But things like washing her hair still set her off, and made me dread it. There were so many things we did wrong... we didn't know any better.

Tricia tried to help us when she could, but living four hours away she did the best she could.

I saw the light attending a conference put on by the Autism Society of Wisconsin. We attended in April of 2011. It was so informative, and really opened our eyes. We truly weren't alone.

The Autism Society of Wisconsin is a great resource for families. They are "dedicated to improving the lives of all affected by autism in Wisconsin by providing information and referral, family support, advocacy, professional development, resource development, and by raising awareness and acceptance. " (http://www.asw4autism.org/)  Through out the year they offer events like the convention, the Green Bay Gamblers Hockey Night, and classes, work shops and seminars through out the year.

They have helped our family so much, I wanted to give back. So as a Consultant for 31 gifts I am doing a fundraiser from now until April13th where you can shop on line, or order from me directly, and all the proceeds go to the Autism Society of Wisconsin. You can shop now at http://www.mythirtyone.com/shop/catalog.aspx?eventId=E3070543&from=DIRECTLINK

Autism Awareness Month

As you may or may not know, I am a foster mom to a beautiful little girl Sapphira. She is six years old, has brown hair, big brown eyes, she has a huge spirit and a loving attitude. She has this smile that lights up the room, and makes you fall instantly in love with her. She also has Autism.

We've had Sapphira for almost three years. To us we are her parents, and to her she is our daughter. We hope some day we can adopt her. But that is a long time coming, and a struggle for another day. Today- well everyday, we struggle over mundain things, don't bite yourself, I am sorry we are running two minutes behind schedule, be nice to the therapist. These are every day things in her world. Things such as sensory breaks, weighted blankets, daily therapy, and IEPs.

Autism is a bunch of things all rolled into one, Awareness should be everywhere. But its not. We still get the looks, the stares, the rude, nasty, and sometimes downright hurtful comments. It shocks me that people think a good smack on the butt will cure behavior problems, or that staring at us with a sour puss will stop a melt down. It doesn't- it won't.  But Autism is one of those things you can't see from the outside. Unlike someone in a wheel chair, Autism its not fully recognizable to the general public.

Awareness and Education are a must.

April happens to be Autism Awareness month. Locally we have tons of activities and events. The Green Bay Gamblers' Hockey Team will Host Autism Awareness Night on Friday April 12th. And the Autism Society of Wisconsin has their convention at the Kalahari April 18th, 19, and 20th. Tonight -April 2nd- is light it up Blue, where people all over the world are lighting things up in a blue shade to bring awareness.

As a mom I want to help as much as possible. I want to educate everyone I meet, hand out cards on Autism. But its just possible or feasible. But what can I do to help? Like a dutiful parent I have the sticker on the back of my car, you know the ribbon with all the puzzle pieces. I have my profile picture on Facebook the official Light It Up Blue Icon. I report status updates on Autism, but does this really change anything? Does it bring education, or awareness?

Back in January I started as an independent consultant with a direct sales company. We sell things like purses, organizers, thermals, and other items. I absolutely love this company and they encourage us to give back.

In spirit of giving back, and of bringing Awareness to Autism, I have decided to do a fundraiser through my direct sales company, all of the proceeds will be donated then to the Autism Society of Wisconsin. Its running from today April 2nd to April 13th. You can contact me via email at camrannie@yahoo.com for more details, or you can visit my Facebook page for event details and links to shop https://www.facebook.com/groups/449321628466940/