Dear God, help the parents of ASD kids step forward

Today I read about more Asperger's help; the nation has finally started to acknowledge a severe problem. I am desperately trying to find a way to organize a supportive community of practice. But today I just read about a woman who applies the rather new profession of "coaching" (this is what I would say chaplains in the military do, from my own experience) to parenting children of mild special needs, including Asperger syndroms, one at a time. Perhaps that would be my forte. I am going to start by designing a course for children, including those on the ASD spectrum, that focuses their interests, talents (gifts, we all have them), using mindmapping technique. I dearly love to teach a group of interacting people of mixed ages, and the energy of it. I cannot do a lot of it; I will need to create a community I can nurture online if at all. But I can teach a class that would empower families to work with their children on a trajectory that leads to success and accomplishment, and then teach it when and as I am able.
Whew! I feel more focused already. Dear God, bring others who have similar commitment to help the vulnerable children growing to a possibly undervalued, underequipped adulthood; we in this nation are woefully unprepared. Amen.

Went to Oak Hills Church near IH10 and 1604 at 5 p.m. tonight, Saturday night. They had a child-based service and invited all children to the front stage. Rebecca asked and asked if she could go, so I said yes. She was the oldest, but is petite for her age. I watched her sing and do motions she had never seen before, just following along, and I thought, "God bless 'Sit and Be Fit' and our home church little choir!!" What affirmation! She just glowed. (I am sure I did, too; there's nothing like a proud parent of a special child). She basically blended rather well. Tonight was an affirmation of two of my intuitive strategies for Rebecca. Daily "Sit and Be Fit" at 1pm on PBS, Ch. 9 San Antonio, and weekly participation in rehearsal and singing in a small church choir. So I say to parents with ASD kids: follow your instincts, they will bear fruit. Blessings on this weekend of Thanksgiving! ~Lis

Blessings for Rebecca's Mom

Just received this message from a friend we spent Thanksgiving with...
..."enjoyed hearing Rebecca laugh at the movie. We have a lot to learn from her about how simple life can be if we just stop and smell the flowers, and enjoy the laughter of one who lives life to the fullest……blessings today…."
May all parents be affirmed today! And thank you, God, for this...Amen.

Asperger's will not defeat us today!

The day after Thanksgiving, I am still thankful. And that is enough for today.
Thank you, God for a lovely home, for friends that matter;
Thank you for my family; although I wanted many more children,
I am satisfied to have my small family...parents that are healthy,
a daughter happily married and following her dream, a daughter
that enjoys life and wants to make the world a better place who is
helpful and kind, and learning about social requirements day by day.
Asperger's will not defeat us today;
we are more than our labels, we are
family!!! Lord, thank you for my blessings! Amen.

Thanksgiving Day

I survived Thanksgiving; with now a migraine, but lots to be thankful for.
Rebecca said it was the best Thanksgiving ever. I am glad she is learning
to voice appreciation. That is the secret to a happy life, I think, and for
those affected by Asperger's, a gracious blessing because for her, there is
a lot she must simply endure. For example, after most meals, she is nauseated
although her appetite is good and she eats a variety and loves to eat. She must
go and lay down for a half hour immediately after eating. This, despite, the best
of peds GI docs all her life, and multiple medications. So she did, and our host was
gracious, but at first said, "She doesn't get out much, does she?" thinking
my little one with Asperger's who is open about herself if she is anything
was simply unexposed to social situations. Oh, my frustrated mother's heart!
...so while I am griping, let me say...Then when I got home, my online instructor pointed out to the class a notable link I had contributed, and credited it to someone else...
If today were not the day to be thankful, I might feel...petty instead.
To have a child who suffers and is misunderstood affects everything, always.
And, with tears in my eyes, I am committed to helping we parents of children
who must work harder to enjoy life and be understood.
Blessings abound, may I count mine happily.
My child sees and hears perfectly well, and loves life.
Thank you almighty God, for so much! ~Lis

ASDHomeEducation

I've been home educating my daughter who is affected by Asperger's (Rebecca is 13 yrs.) for two years while I am completing a MEd. in e-learning, tech and design degree (so that I can pretend that I know what I am doing/have some help in this endeavor.) To complete the degree, I need a project and I hope to create a community of practice for parents like me. I realize that as a retired chaplain (Air Force/hospital) I could lead a support/collegial group for other parents of kids with ASD (autism spectrum disorders). Internet refs to Asperger's show there are a lot of parents grappling with these challenges, whether home educating or not.
This may be my mission, at least for several years...to help improve life preparation for our children.
Dear God, let us work together to lessen the sorrow, lighten the burden for the beautiful parents entrusted with special ASD children. Let not one more mother be so crushed and alone that tragedy strikes, but through grace with willing hands and sharing hearts, let there be a community that cares with results that shine for our vulnerable children. Amen.
...and by the way, just because I cannot help the emergence of prayers when I pour out my heart does not mean I am seeking only the faithful...well, actually, to be honest I must say that I do believe faith helps a parent cope. But agnostics and atheists are cheerfully welcome to participate. I hope you'll add your thoughts, and let no religious barrier occur. Some of the best people are in those categories!
Shalom and blessings, ~Lis