Thankful and angry.

I feel a need tonight to talk about how thankful I am for Brady and our other children. Brady has been nothing but a joy. We love that little boy more than life itself and we'll always thank god for all the blessings he's given us.

I wouldn't say that the actual autism is what's been so hard. What's been hard is getting the proper treatment and education for Brady. We would be able to focus so much more time and energy on loving him and our other children if there was more help available. His pediatrician thinks autism isn't something that can be medically treated. She's still trying to figure out why Brady has had diarrhea for the past two years because of course diarrhea has nothing to do with autism according to her. Whatever.

Then there's the educational piece. If you have the available funds your child with autism may get all that he/she needs. Those without the proper funds are left scrambling. Don't count on the school system to give them what's appropriate. Instead they will try and fit your child in their budget, in their little classrooms whether it's the appropriate placement or not. It doesn't matter if your child can't learn in that enviroment. They aren't going to spend more to give them what's appropriate, what they are legally supposed to do. It's really sad when I look at the surrounding counties and see what services children with autism are getting. I can tell you they are much better services than what my child is getting. The only way he'll get what is legally appropriate is to take legal action. And the schools bank on the fact that most families don't have the funds to pursue such action. It's wrong wrong wrong! They would rather spend the money on an attorney than spend it on your child. Believe it people.

Sometimes in life you have to make a point. You have to take a stand and defend what is right. Sometimes you have to force people to do the right thing. That time in life is NOW! My son will not ignored or written off. I will not be railroaded. I am not scared. I am determined. There is nothing stronger than a determined mother who is defending her child. Lookout.

Ah-kul....means tickle in Bradinese!

I am so excited! Brady has been using two words spontaneously.....go and tickle. It's too cute. He can't articulate tickle too well so it comes out ah-kul. And boy oh boy does he like to be tickled. He said it to me spontaneously today while looking me directly in the eye. I thought I'd jump over the moon with happiness.

Go Brady!!!