Home schooling

About a year ago I participated in a study regarding home schooling children on the autism spectrum. The individual who was doing the research recently contacted me to let me know her article was picked up. I am thrilled that this topic is getting more attention. There are so many creative ways to teach our children and home schooling has received a "bad rap" in the past mostly because people are ill informed.  Home schooling has been so successful for Max and I am sure I will continue to supplement his therapy services with home schooling for years to come. It is time consuming, but so can endless IEP meetings and a school system that is unable to provide a true, quality education that is individualized for Max's needs. Avery will most likely not need a home school curriculum, but if she does, I am happy to accommodate. Thanks to the researchers who are giving home schooling children with ASD the positive attention and respect it deserves! I will post the article when it is published.

Animals and Autism

I have been reading "Cowboy and Wills-A Love Story" by Monica Holloway. It has quickly become one of my all time favorite reads and has renewed my faith in the power of animals and children with disabilities. We have been wanting to add a furry new addition for some time now, but finding the right fit is challenging. There is a lot of information out there regarding the connection between pets and children on the autism spectrum. I have a friend who has a trained service dog to assist her children, but I am not sure that is what Max and Avery need right now. Also, that is an enormous expense that we cannot take on at this time. 

We found and adopted a 3 year old dog named Reggie. Everything about him seems perfect. My first impression of him reminded me of another dog we had (Amos) who loved the kids. It is amazing how Reggie is not be at all scared when Max is screaming and throwing a tantrum, which can be very loud and shocking even to adults who are familiar with Maxwell and his behaviors. For example, the other day when Max was upset, Reggie waited until he was calm and gently laid his head in his lap. Max's demeanor quickly changed to the happy sweet boy he typifies. The scene was beautiful. It takes a long time for him to get used to most people, but after just one short week, Max knows Reggie is his friend.  As for Avery, she enjoys the typical horseplay all children do with dogs. She kisses and hugs him, but also has already tried to ride him like a horse. Reggie is unconditionally patient and has not barked or snipped at any of the children. It has been about 5 years since we have had a pet and I am so glad we found this fabulous new addition to the Lewis house! Oh yah, he is great on runs with mom as well. YEAH REGGIE!

Kids will be kids

Zoe recently had her first experience with other children teasing Max. A group of neighbor kids were playing in our backyard enjoying this amazing weather and one of the kids made fun of Max's long hair.  Interestingly enough it wasn't the behaviors associated with ASD that were the target. Instead, the child said, "Ha, ha, Max looks like a girl with that long hair!" This is really very innocuous and so typical of children, but Zoe laid into him like the kid punched Max or something. She said, "That's my brother, don't talk about him mean!" She was so mad, but I was so proud. Somewhere in her mind she knows that Max cannot stick up for himself and she has made it her own special mission to be his protector. I don't want her flipping out every time another kid makes fun of Max, but I was beaming with pride that she wasn't going to let anything slide.

We have talked to her about how others react to Max and Avery and she has witnessed plenty on her own. We have explained to her that it is alright to stick up for the kids when others are mean, but not to ever be physical or mean herself. She is a smart child well beyond her years and I am so glad she doesn't even blink before reacting to others. It is that kind of passion she will need in years to come when kids only become more cruel. A few years ago she used to explain to the staring eyes of Target and Cub Foods, "My brother has autism and his brain is broken." Now she just goes in there as a fierce protector. Atta Girl Zoe! Mommy is so very proud of what a big and bold heart you possess.