Meet Makayla (Maki). Maki is my 6 year old. She is an amazing little one. She makes me laugh so hard with some of the things she comes up with. She loves dressing up, playing barbies, reading, webkins & shopping (yes, already!) As soon as her dad & I laid eyes on her we were in love. Everyone that meets her feels the same way.
Maki has Autism.
She was diagnosed at 4 years of age. We noticed when she started preschool the differences in her immediately. She met all her milestones right on time. She was talking by 10 months of age. She was reading at 4. We just thought she was “sensitive”. She is SO bright.
But, we do have issues.... quite a few of them. Sensitivities to sounds being the main one. Problems with peer interaction. Some fine motor difficulties. Fixed interests & strict routines that must never be changed.
She has a full time assistant in grade 1 who has such a gift working with children. She also works at home with a behavior interventionist 1 day a week. We’ve seen so much progress in Maki in the past few years.
Meet Jaiden. Jaiden is my 3 year old. This little guy is such a sweet little mommy’s boy. He is my super cuddly one. He loves anything to do with making a mess... really, this kid gets into anything & everything he can get his hands on. He loves reading, music, Dora & jumping on the trampoline. He has the cutest smile & when he laughs everyone around can’t help but laugh too. He lights up a room. 
Jaiden also has Autism.
He was diagnosed at 2 years of age. We knew the warning signs & unlike his very high functioning sister, he had 99% of the warning signs by the age of 18 months. He too, met all of his milestones (other than talking) on time. Jaiden is still non verbal. He still does not respond when his name is called. He does not interact with other children. He is starting to get more frustrated with not being able to voice what he wants/needs. We have him on a wait list for an intensive early intervention 20 hour a week program. Right now he receives 6 hours per week of behaviour intervention. Slowly, we‘re seeing progress.
In all honestly, I feel my life has changed for the better having these 2 amazing kids. I wouldn’t change their personalities for the world. If I could I’d take away the hard things they will both have to endure. I feel honored that I was chosen to be their mom. I’ve learned so much... My wish is that in my lifetime they can find the cause & cure for Autism. There is hope.
xoxo ~Susan
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Autism Lives Here
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
17 comments:
Oh Susan...God certainly knew what he was doing when he chose you to mother these two beautiful children! You are such a HUGE inspiration! They are so lucky to have you (and you to have them)!!!
take a bow Jenn
Oh Susan...even if I didn't know what a beautiful person you were before...that post would let me know--
Your darling, darling children are lucky to have you for a mommy...and lucky to have each other to lean on...
One of my favorite posts I've ever read:)THANK you for letting us have a little glimpse into your lives...
Susan:
Thank you so much for finding the courage to write on your Blog your deepest and inner most feelings about autism and your unfailing love for dear Maki and JJ .
I know that these thoughts that you have shared will give everyone a better understanding of Autism .I trust that they in turn will let the world now that there is great hope and and that strides be are being made daily to conquer this condition.
I leave you with these words from The Holy Bible.
Proverbs 2:1-6
1. My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
2. turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
3. and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
4. and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5. then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
6. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
I know that when its your turn to stand in front of the Good Lord and give an account of your life (as we all must one day)that he will say to you.
WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT
Wer`e always there for you
Dad and Mum
you really are a rare breed- taking something difficult and not only turning into a positive, but also turning into something that is beautiful. I hope you and your family are blessed with health, prosperity and true happiness always and forever.
big hugs
wendy
Oh Susan - your children are so very very beautiful and YOU are such a wonderful wonderful person. Your post made me cry and I feel so blessed to have found out a little more about your precious family. One of my good friend's two sons have Autism and I have learnt a little about what special little people they are and the particular challenges they face. I am so happy to hear about the support programs as I know what a difference these have made to my friend's boys. I will be hoping that the early intervention program happens very soon for Jaiden and am thrilled to hear about the progress he is making :)
Hugs to you and yoru gorgeous family
Cree
You are such an awesome mother. The love you have for your children is so obvious.
Susan...I knew I loved you when we met! You are such a wonderful mom, I know how hard it can be to open your heart and share such personal life facts. Autism is just a thing, as heart disease, as diabetes.... our babies are just angels and you are sooo right, you were chosen to mother these children! GOD has a plan, that was no accident!
If your mum and dad are reading this, I love you both too! I agree, when the day comes when you stand in front of the Lord, you will hear TRUMPETS and hear HIS sweet voice welcoming you to HIS home!!!
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR SWEET ANGELS! Thank you for the sweet tears that are rolling down my face!
Susan, you are my big sis and I have always admired you. I admire you more and more everyday for your patience, devotion and love for Maki and Jaiden. You were always such a great little mommy to me growing up I always knew you would be a great mom, and I was right! I only hope I am as great to me kids when I grow up.
Love your little sis
Dear Susan,
I want to let you know as the tears flow and I read this blog how proud I am of you. I always knew you would be a great Mom. You have been specially chosen for our Maki & JJ.
May God continue to give you the strength and the wisdom as the journey continues.
Love - Mom
Sweet Susan! Those babies of yours are darling. Your words are courage in more ways then you know. Your story has touched me in a very close way. I thank you for your loving support in what can be a very lonely place. Huge HUGS to you as a role model, a friend and a Wonderful Mother!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful children with me. You are a star!
What a blessing and inspiration you are, not only to those with autistic family members, but as a wonderful mother in general. I enjoyed learning a little more about you and your children here. I think I'm blessed to know and work with you.
Susan, You are a truely amazing woman/mom/friend. Your children are so blessed to have you as their mommy and what a blessing also, to have two such amazing children.
I think about sweet Maki and Jaiden often and I have loved watching them grow!
I hope that Jaiden gets into the early intervention program very soon and continues to improve.
HUGS Susan!
~Meli
Susan-
Oh my goodness how touching this is!! I'm just sitting here in tears! You are truly inspirational to these two BEAUITFUL angels!!!! What a wonderful mom you are big hugs to you and your two sweet ones!!! Love ya!!!
Erin
My dear friend~ Not many people have came into my life and touched my heart like you have. You are such an amazing woman and an even more amazing mother. Maki and Jaiden are blessed. Sending ((HUGS)) along the miles. I love you girl
~Sara
Susan, thank you. There is no way to expressn what your post made me feel, except that I must echo the other sentiments to say that these wonderful little people obviously chose you for a reason; you are definately the mama for the job!
Your generous heart is much appreciated as I travel a few steps behind.--D
I just stumbled on your blog for the first time tonight and was so happy to find my own sentiments for my son written so beautifully. Thank you so much for sharing this. My son Luke is also in 1st grade and has autism. He was diagnosed at 3 and sounds very similar to your Maki. We have done dietary intervention and behavioral therapy with him at home and he has surpassed all predictions the doctors gave us for him. It is hard to explain because I treasure him just as he is...I would not change a thing about him, but I do want to make his world easier for him to deal with. He is so innocent and sweet, but i wish I could take away all the struggles he has every day and the reactions of others. I think there are so many families out there living with this and struggling to find their way....thank you for sharing. :)
Susan, Your Maki sounds JUST LIKE my Orrin who is also high functioning autistic...right down to the webkins & scheduling...We also do intensive OT therapy several times per week...A brushing therapy & some CHEWING & pulling sensory...looks weird to others but I have learned not to care what other people think. I hope everything continues in the positive for you. I was interested to read about your little girl....I didn't think there was any other kid SO MUCH like my Orrin.
Stacy
whimsykids@wowway.com
Post a Comment