June 09, 2005

It's been a fun couple of weeks with Jakob. He's doing so great. We're in the middle of our second round of the Sensory Learning Program at the Therapy Learning Center in Lebanon. It did so much for him the first time around that we wanted to give it another shot. I cannot believe the results so far. He's riden a bike for the first time, he jumped off a platform with both feet, he's so much calmer and so much more "with us". Transitioning has become easier and I can tell he's understanding more of what I'm saying to him. His gross motor skills have improved, he's becoming a little more coordinated. It's amazing to witness some of those connections being made. Jakob is just so darn smart (and ornery) and I love to see so many doors opening for him.

There are so many " treatments" out there that it can get so overwhelming and confusing. I can honestly say that the Sensory Learning Program has made an incredible difference in Jakob. We definitely made the right choice and I would highly recommend it for any child with sensory integration issues.

My lastest project around the house has been the backyard. I've been spending a lot of time working on making it very "Jakob-friendly". I have this picture in my head what I want it to look like and what I want it to do. So far, everything is working out great. Jakob loves his trampoline and swing set. He runs back and forth on the deck and plays with his bubbles. He loves to watch the cardinals fly around and land on the bird feeders I've put out. He gets the biggest kick out of playing with the windchimes. He's hysterical to watch with the sand and water tables. I've put bird seed in the sand table and he just goes crazy with it. I've actually been able to keep him out there for 3 hours straight. That's unbelievable...the best part is he goes from one activity to another, never staying in one place for too long and no fits! He even takes me by the hand and pulls me into some of his activities. I love our back yard so much that I've even given it a name..."Serenity Now". Kinda silly but it's a Seinfeld reference and it makes me giggle. I only have a couple more things that I'd like to add...a couple of plants, a grown-up swing, something to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, tiki torches and a bird bath, I've found a new favorite store...the Bird Garden in Westchester. I'll be going there today and probably coming home with more than I went in for. And that's ok...it's all for "Serenity Now".

The spending money thing is still an issue. I agree that I'm spending more money than we have right now but I've decided that it's the right thing to do. I can always make more money, but I'll never get back ages 3-5. So I'm gonna do everything in my power to make these years as awesome and memorable as possible. I've been told more than once that the next few years are the most important for his development so my goal is to turn our home into a total learning environment for him. I've been really following my gut and I feel good about the decisions I've made so far. It's definitely like one of those credit card commercials..."a belly laugh from a 3 1/2-year-old with autism....priceless".

I continue to read and research. Like I said before...too much information, tough to decide what to try next. On July 7, we have an appointment with a DAN (Defeat Autism Now) doctor to discuss his diet. From the reading I've been doing, I won't be surprised if he has leaky gut or celiac disease. I feel the gluten free/casein free diet is in our future.

I think I'm keeping it together pretty well right now. I still have my moments and I still get overwhelmed. At least now I have a perfect place to go when I feel like I'm spinning out of control...I just head on out to "Serenity Now"...

-Jenn