Too Long...

Once again, it has been far too long since I have last posted on my blog. My intentions are good, but life is crazy and hours turn into days, which turn into weeks...and you get my drift. Life has not been boring or easy as of late. Katie's struggles have increased, which means that our struggles as a family have also increased. Autism is a life long disability. As much as I loved reading Jenny McCarthy's books about her son and his "autism" and how she "healed" him of his autism, I have to tell you that in my opinion, if you can "heal it" - it wasn't autism in the first place.
Because this blog is really because of Katie, I will use this post to talk about her and her progress. She is doing well. She completed her first year at her "new" school - which is now no longer her new school - and just "her school"......Mary and I joke about that. She gets to go to school year round with only 2 week breaks at a time, which helps with her routine and retention. It hasn't been a year without struggles. She continues to battle off and on with sinus issues...although thankfully they seem to be staying away so far this summer. She has started to have some significant behavior issues.... She has good days and bad.....we are exploring options - even a football helmet, to help protect her head when she has one of her "fits". I am also learning that it is difficult to find support when your child has issues like this. Some doctors don't consider autistic behavior issues to be a medical problem, but getting into a behavioral therapist isn't easy. Long waiting lists, little or no coverage from insurance...it makes me feel compassion for families who are in even more difficult situations than we are. Where we live there are only 2 options within 60 miles for a behavioral therapist (and no, we don't live in the middle of nowhere).
I am thankful for a swimming pool and a sandbox to help keep her occupied. And we have had fabulous weather so far this summer, so that has helped too.........
Since I know myself well enough to know that I won't be posting again most likely until after the 4th....Happy 4th.......