A big milestone

I removed  his diaper  and asked him to throw it in the garbage . I gave him no further  instructions  or indication  where to go. He took the diaper, went  into  the  bathroom  and threw it away! This boy understands a lot more than we realize .

A milestone in language

While attempting  to brush Rowan's teeth, he took the toothbrush  away from  me .  Then he said, "Rowan  do it!"

Three milestones this week.

Rowan pooped on the potty ...after weeks of behavioral therapy and intervention.  He did it two days in a row so far. 
When I was leaving for work he waved at me and said "bye,bye mommy"!!

He also walked into the bathroom by himself and peed on the potty with no prompt or conversation whatsoever. Completely  on his own! !

A new sentence!

I just asked Rowan if he would like to go pee on the potty.  He was not happy and said..." I don't want to!"
Yaay! ! New communication!

Communication

Omg ...Rowan just walked up and said "I want to eat"!!! That's two in one day.  <3

Language

Rowan walked up to my basket of clothes.  He took out Arwen's shirt and said " I want wear it."  Of course I let him.  His words touch my heart.

Miracle Maker

     So..... I have been putting off this post because I knew it would be long and elaborate. I don't have time for long and elaborate.  But, here I am making it more long and elaborate.

Here is the story about a super, awesome, generous, courageous fellow. His name is Michael Miller.  Or to us folks in the autism community Michael AutismSanta Miller.

Autimism: A “New” Toy Story

By Michael ‘Autism Santa’ Miller 

Hello everyone. Hope you don’t mind a story. As you can see I am Michael Miller, my alternate “ego” is Autism Santa. I started a page on Facebook last July called Toys AUcross America. My son and I send toys all across the USA to children on the Autism Spectrum. Just to put a smile on their face, if only for a minute, an hour, a day or a lifetime.

It all started with a simple post on Facebook in an Autism support group “World of Autism-Making it a Positive One”. I offered to mail a couple Thomas trains or Disney Cars to a few children of parents of the group. I thought it would be “Cool” for them to get a package in the mail. My son had collected (or I collected still not sure who’s obsession it was) a large number of both CARS and Thomas trains. Now that his new obsessions are strictly “electric” poor Thomas and McQueen were wasting away in our boiler room. The response to the post was a little overwhelming and I found my self constantly looking up the post and going in order and mailing trains and cars, probably a package a day for a couple weeks. Which was suppose to be a package a week, don’t tell my wife. I got tired of looking up the post and contacting everyone for addresses so I decided to make a “Toys” page.

We needed a name. My wife suggested Toys Around the World. I thought that was fabulous but “world” was not going to happen for financial reasons. So I changed it to Toys Across America. Then added the AUcross to get the Autism in there. That way everyone who was interested could come to the page and we could get the info and such. Well it was very popular and we got bombarded with requests the first couple months. The only thing we asked for in return was a picture of the child with the gift for the page. A lot of the parents wanted to see the smiles we were delivering.

Soon my sons toys were gone and my money was gone. We had to do something to keep it going and luckily crowd funding was just taking off so I created a donations page. Soon we were getting donations from members of the Autism community. The community as a whole began to rise up around us. I had a frequent saying, “Hey, I’m just a dad mailing trains”, because everyone kept praising what we were doing and I guess I wasn’t used to the accolades. Even boxes of toys were sent to us. Two High School girls in Ohio did a toy drive, we had sent one of the girls a Barbie, to the tune of about 75 new toys that arrived at our home shortly before Christmas. We got cars and such from 2 boys both under the age of 7. They gathered up their toys and shipped them to us. We even got financial donations from foreign countries even though we were only doing the USA. We got donations from Australia, New Zealand, UK, Japan, Israel and Singapore. So we kept finding kids to mail toys too. At first it was in fact “Cool” just to get a package in the child’s name. Some of the pictures we received the children had the biggest smiles on their faces and they did not even know what was inside the box. I realized the gift inside was going to have to be just as “Cool”. So we started asking what each child likes as far as a toy goes and we try and send the “perfect” gift.Which led to more smiles and more accolades.  Hey like I said “I’m just a dad mailing trains.”

To date we have sent out over 650 toys/gifts, we have mailed at least 1 gift to all 50 States a few to Canada and 2 to Puerto Rico. We recently started a 2nd fund “Toys AUcross America” iPad fund. Every time we raise $350 we are going to purchase an iPad mini and give it to a child on the Spectrum. We have gifted 2 iPads so far and coincidentally we are giving one away tomorrow. Also I have managed to get a few weighted blankets donated to the page and have been giving them away as well.

The stories I have received in return for a slight gesture have been extraordinary. From children “talking” when they open their gift, sleeping with their gift, traveling everywhere with it. One boy we sent Yu GI OH cards too joined a Yu GI Oh club and made a whole group of friends and recently attended a convention, mom gives us all the credit. I have managed to bring a community or as one mom said “a country” together.

This is the story of Toys AUcross America and how I became known as Autism Santa:

A simple offer from a Dad.
A toy or two that his son had.
A simple gesture from a son.
To let them go one by one.
A simple smile from a child.
To make this thing go wild.

Ho, ho, hope! Autism Santa

**Michael Miller is the operator and founder of Toys AUcross America. Along with his son they send toys to children on the Autism Spectrum all across the USA. He has taken on the nickname “Autism Santa” and has written several poems under this pen name.

Along with doing this he has also partnered with Kulturecity. He has set up a fundraiser called Wizard Talk.

Here is the info about the fundraiser.

Welcome to "Wizard Talk" a Kulturecity Project. This project is open to US residents only. The group goal of WT* is to equip families within the Autism community with iPad minis by crowdfunding. It's a revolutionary concept, "Crowd funding for the Crowd". Every time the total increases by $300 a family within the crowd receives an iPad mini. The minis are awarded based on who has raised the most funds. To sign up visit the event page https://www.classy.org/events/wizard-talk/e37067 and select "Become a Fundraiser". Sign in through Facebook. You have to name your fundraiser. Example "My child's iPad mini fundraiser" but be creative, a name alone can increase donations. Select a unique URL, this is just tech talk for a link straight to your fundraising page. Your link will be www.stayclassy.org/(what ever you choose). You can then post the link anywhere on the net to fundraise. All donations go through Kulturecity.org a registered 501c3, all donations are tax deductible. The individual goal is for you to push your fundraiser out through social media and get other people to donate. Climb that list! Make sure they donate to your individual fundraiser not the general Wizard Talk portion, that is why you should post your "Link". Good luck. **It is the intention that Wizard Talk be used only for members within the Autism Community.

This fundraiser is special because it gives kids a voice and many other learning capabilities. I setup my fundraiser and within 2-3 days after I went public, my son was granted an ipad.

Here's a link to my fundraiser. Ipad fundraiser

Here's a link to the facebook page 

Here's a link to Toys Aucross America facebook page

He recently tweeted this out to the news :  

Since 9/6 Melrose dad has helped raise $9,762 for an iPad project. He has donated 32 iPads to Autism families. Is this news worthy?

I hope his story gets aired!

SHARE THIS POST.....LET'S GET THE MESSAGE OF ACCEPTANCE AND LOVE OUT THERE. MICHAEL DESERVES RECOGNITION FOR SUCH AN AMAZING EFFORT!

This isn't the last you'll be hearing about Kulturecity and Toys Aucross America.  There is A LOT more to tell.

As for us...  We stand with Kulturecity!

More milestones

After brushing or teeth...Rowan lingered in the bathroom playing with his cars.
I was in the dining room and I heard, "yaay"!  I went into the bathroom to see him sitting and peeing on the toilet.  :)
Also, when he needs to poop, he now brings me his diaper.  This means he understands when is coming. 
Now for the hard part. ..easing his fear of pooping on the toilet.  He's terrified and panics.

In case you thought I was kidding.

A step forward

So Arwen was accepted into a social group that was supposed to be 6 years and up.  they kindly made an exception for her at the request of her therapist.  I had a conflict however.  I had to rearrange our schedule completely. Both, Arwen and Rowan have speech therapy on Mondays.  The people at Northwest Ohio Speech, Language, And Rehabilitation Services aka NOSLARS  really went out of their way to help me fit therapy into my already crazy schedule. I am so grateful for all the help that we are getting.
My husband was stuck on a call at work and arrived home late on Monday.  This made us 10 minutes late for the Social group.  I was already pretty nervous about that. I crept in and took a seat.  Luckily they hadn't started the session.  There was a mixup and some other folks were also late.

They split the kids up into their groups and the parents into a group. I was actually very nervous and excited.  It was so wonderful to meet other parents with Au-some children.  I think I need this.  I really look forward to getting to know them. We can learn from each other.  I am already a part of an online social group.  I spend more time talking with them than my own friends.
Anway we did our introductions in the Social group.
This nearly broke me.  I was ready to start bawling. The heat filled my face....I was flushed and my emotions were ready to boil over.  Somehow I maintained my composure.  Thank goodness.  I feel foolish crying.
What caused this? you might ask..
The stories they told.  The way their children are treated by others.  The laughing, pointing......the inability to make friends. ....the desperation and sadness.

Is this what I have to look forward to????

I see everything in a different light.  Thinking about the future is painful.  So I will settle for right now.  I'll cherish the precious moments that I have.  I will give love as much as I can.  I'll help others.

They have made me a better person.


I left that meeting feeling great.  Arwen had a great time in her group.  I am so happy to think that maybe I can connect with someone who understands.

More toilet news

Rowan chanted potty, potty, potty, potty, and then went into the bathroom to pee.

Quirky kids

Two cool things about today. 

1. Rowan was chanting pee pee pee pee pee.....he went into the bathroom on his own. He climbed up on the potty and started peeing.  It shot across the room but he knew what to do! !!!

2. He said "yellow bubbles".  That was him asking for the yellow bottle of bubbles.

And a quirky kid moment by Arwen: I told her she could jump in the bath, get washed quick and get out, so that she could play Pokémon.   She said "I don't want to jump in the bath! "

In case you aren't aware. ... kids with autism are very literal.  Haha

Milestone

Rowan has learned to take off his pants and underwear. The only negative is that he prefers to be this way.

Learning to eat

Rowan has learned to take bites out of cookies. Will he be able to generalize and do the same with other foods? This is exciting news. ..I sure hope so!

Much better day

Today Rowan went up and down the bus stairs.  The para told me he didn't cry today either! 

My worst fear...

What's going to happen to them when I'm gone.  Who's going to take care of them? Who will love them as much as I do? Who will understand their needs? Will they be institutionalized? Yes.... I'm well aware of my mortality.

The bus...

We have anxiously awaited Arwen's first day on the school bus.  She has talked about it for a week!  Today was the day!  We were ready!  There was a 2 hour delay today.  We were outside before the scheduled time. We waited happily.  ...........and we waited........counting the minutes.......the time came and went.  That was ok...they had to work her in.  We waited....21 minutes later....I call.....i was watching Rowan through the window laying on the couch watching tv.....waited.....
I was on the phone for 30 minutes.  We waited outside for nearly an hour. The bus never came.  they finally radioed the driver and discovered that she had never gotten the information. !!!!!!!!!! :/
At this point, Arwen was going to be late for school.She was trying to play in the dirt.  She was restless.  We had to rush in and wash her hands.  They apologized and assured me that the matter was resolved and that the bus would bring her home today.  I am understanding of these things.  During the call....Rowan peed on the floor.  I had to rush and get him ready to go ...to take Arwen to school.  While driving, I called the school and explained why she was late.  I also had to walk her to class and interrupt to tell them what was going on.

Also...this morning I had Rowan in his underwear. I smelled something...but he was dry.  I took him potty.   He was very shifty....I knew he had to poop.  He didn't go.  I left his underwear off, so that we could rush back to the bathroom if there was any sign.  Then... I received a very important phone call.  I'm giving information to the caller when I notice.....poop coming out.  I said....oh my gosh.... just a second please.....i grab Rowan and start carrying him to the bathroom  His turd falls on the floor!  I'm on an important call with a brown emergency.  HAHA  
Anyway....amidst it all...it's a good day.

Long day...

Yesterday was a long day for us. I took Arwen to school.  I went in and talked to her teacher.  I drove home just in time for Rowan's bus.  I went straight to the gym. Then back home to meet Rowan's bus.  I had a 2 hour window before I had to leave.  Tim came home early to watch Rowan because of Arwen's appointments.  I picked up Arwen from school and fed her a gogurt, juice, and rice krispie treat.  We drove across town to her appointment with the developmental pediatrician.
   Arwen has changed so much over these last two years.  She went from being socially withdrawn to crowding the space of others, She went from being terrified of sound to coping with it,  Developmentally her physicality is still awkward but she handles herself.  She has a bone condition that also affects her coordination a little but it isn't anything that can be treated.  Her fine motor skills are still that of a 3,4 year old. Things like her pencil grasp regress quickly.  But all in all.....her improvement has been drastic.  She used to rock quite a bit as a young child......but now it is rare .  When she actually does it, she slams herself back into the couch.  I remember being pulled aside from one of the teachers at her preschool.  The teacher asked "When did you find out she has autism?"
Then, I was really unsure and no diagnosis had been made. She had OT and speech and had been assessed through the school system.  But I didn't know then that they don't tell you your kid has it.  I answered,"she doesn't have autism."  I said  "she has a few delays."  Then, the preschool teacher said that Arwen's teacher told her that Arwen has autism.  I had been suspicious about it.  I was really mad.  I was mad because nobody gave me a clue or told me about autism.  Anyway.....she has come so far.  The developmental pediatrician said....by looking at and talking to her .....you would never know.  She has to go for the big ADOS test.  I know she has autism....but I feel that it's very high functioning.  Likely, Asperger's.  Trust me, I have done weeks of research,  Even the school speech therapist, occupational therapist, psychologist, special needs supervisor, itinerant teacher...and i forget who the other person was all voted that she falls into the educational category of autism.
If she doesn't get that diagnosis, I am going to be upset.  My son has the micro deletions in his chromosomes which shows this is genetic.  We are seeing a geneticist in January.  Anyway....I'm worrying again.....and it's silly.
After the appointment with the developmental pediatrician.  We went to the lobby. Arwen was starving.  We ran out to the car, where I gave her a little turkey and a string cheese.  We went back in and it was time for her behavioral therapy.  After that was over it was past dinner time.  We drove home ....it was nearly 7pm.  She ate dinner and off to bed.  We skipped bath that evening,  I was spent by the end of the day.  Honestly, I was spent before we even went to the doctor.

Preschool Day 2

This morning went smoothly.  When the bus arrived, Rowan was happy to see it.  He was fine up until we entered the bus. Then he gripped me  and whined.
     After school,  the bus pulled up.  I could see him through the  window flapping and excited to see me. He was smiling when he approached. He held the hand rail and went down the stairs by himself!   I hugged him so tight.  I had tears of joy...especially when I saw his school paper.  He had a really good  day and ate all of his snack!  He used a new word and confirmed that he understands it.  I offered him yogurt and he said "no ".

Paci

I forgot to mention.  Tim forgot to give Rowan his paci Sunday night.  He went right to bed and slept all night without it.