Need a Worthwhile Charity to Donate to?

Many parents and families rely on grants from charities to help pay for therapy and treatment for autism since often insuance doesn't pay. We have applied for several. We have been turned down a couple of times because there are those out there in more need than us. We are currently waiting on a grant to help with Gage's ABA therapy.
Money for grants can't be given to families in need if no one donates. So I ran across this. A walk to raise money for the "Helping Hands Program" of the National Autism Association. Follow the link to learn about Elias and the people walking in his memory to help other families affected with autism.
http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/eliaswalk/
Thank you

"I'm In Here"

This is a song about autism. And it just struck a cord with me, so I decided to post it here on my blog for everyone else to view.
Enjoy!
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-8018

April 2nd is World Autism Day

On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139 which declares April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. The UN resolution is one of only three official 'disease-specific' United Nations Days and will bring the world's attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. The WAAD resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and intervention. It further expresses concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.

Lets bring awareness to this disability and its causes. But lets also celebrate the wonderful special kids/people that living with autism!

Who's dog is this anyway?

Well I think Max has picked his favorite person. He gets along well with everyone. He thinks Gage is another puppy and thinks I'm his mom, and thinks Wes gives the best belly rubs.He follows me everywhere and whines if he can 't get to me. But when it comes time to settle down and snuggle with someone he is definitely Makinna's dog. When she sits on the floor to play in the evening Max always makes his way into her lap. And when its time for bed he thinks he should sleep with her. I've let him get up in her bed while we read stories. He crawls up beside her and lays his head on her pillow and nuzzles her in the neck while we read. Then when its time for her to go to sleep I tell him to come out of the room and he gives me this pathetic look like "but I want to sleep here!!"

As I type this this morning, Makinna is building blocks and Max is chewing on a toy.....with his head in her lap. Makinna definitely has a buddy for life.

I miss you Patti

This is a shout out to my friend Patti. I haven't talked to her for a while and missed sending her my Christmas card this year because I thought she moved. I know she reads this so I am sending her lots of love and we will talk soon! I miss you girl!

What sugar does to my kid.

This is Gage about an hour after eating about 10-15 Skittles he got for Easter. It was accompanied by wild crazy behavior and lots of whining and tantrums! He also had the same reaction yesterday after eating a small snack size pack of skittles. We have really kept Gage away from large amounts of sugar but with Easter we let him indulge. I think the Easter Bunny needs to bring just toys next year! This is just not good for him.

I am so Proud!

I got the following e-mail from Gage's aide at school. I am indeed proud of him.

Hi Katrina,

I know M wrote in Gage's book today but I just have to tell how proud I am of him. At one time Gage used the bathrooms in the room. Since he is doing such a great job going to the potty we thought maybe he would like to go with the other boys. Well the other day we ask him and he didn't want to go. So then another day when we were in the hall we took him in to the boys bathroom. Then later I took a picture of the boys bathroom for his schedule card. We were standing inside waiting for all the kids to come today. I showed him the picture just to see if he would recognize it. Big mistake, MY mistake. He didn't want to come into the room, he wanted to go to the bathroom. Well we got him in the room, I showed him I put it on his schedule card. When M was having them line up we said Gage check schedule! The smile on his face. He got in line with th e other kids. He was so proud!!! He was so cute!! Standing there at the urinals with all the other boys. I showed him how to flush. Then he decided he wanted to take his pants down again, and peed a few drops, so HE could flush by himself! Then he checked out the plumbing and we were off. He is so darn cute!! You can be proud!