Lorrie Milton is the mother of 3 boys, A teen with Autism, a junior-higher with PDD/NOS and a kindergartner with Asperger's. She'd rather laugh at what's happening then sweat the small stuff...especially when more than one school calls in the same day.
Touched By Autism
OK so you're here probably because you have been touched by autism.
Well I sometime feel like "autism" has HIT ME IN THE HEAD.
I have three sons that are on the spectrum in some way. One is firmly standing there, because that's the logical thing to do. The second is dancing around it. (Ok, it might look like stimming to you, but it's dancing to me.) The other is pulling it out from the other two....just for kicks!
Let's start with the oldest. Arthur, who is 15. He's a sophomore in high school. He's got labels from UCLA, the state regional center, the school districts, and even our insurance says he's high functioning autistic.
People consider him my "success" story.
They don't know that we've been through 10 types of therapies, countless supplements, daily work on hygiene habits and nightly battles for the "racing" in his head.
We've done social stories, social play groups, social gatherings, Social...everything. But that doesn't matter...because he's the "successful" one.
He can ride a bike, play an instrument, and navigate around school without an aide now.
You have to look closer to see he rides the same path (regardless if there are cars about), plays the same song (unless prompted to play something else), and can't navigate the school cafeteria (too loud, too bright).
I don't mean to complain, he has made great strides and I'm hoping my other two do too.
Yes...I said the other two.
So next I guess I should speak on the middle child. Like "regular" "typical" siblings...the middle child usually is dramatic and makes a name for themselves.
Well mine has special needs.
So he's done this...in a BIG WAY!
He too has an autism diagnosis from the school.
And UCLA thinks he's PDD/NOS.... no..wait...insurance has him as ADHD. The regional center has gone with the dubious..."he has no needs". (Sometimes he test well...a little too well.) And we've come to resign ourselves that he defies diagnosis.
He also feels the need to defies gravity.
(Hence the several psych holds at school).
I know....sensory issues.
He defies keeping friends.
(They come for play dates...they don't stay.)
I know...social skills.
and has defied the police.
(He ran away since he thought it would be cool to sleep under the neighbor's trash can.)
I know....the scariest night of my life.
He's had more IEP's than the other two put together, and has been at a different school each year school year.
He's been in GATE, restricted classes, special day classes, regular ed....
like I said...he defies everything.
I'm correcting myself. He a success at defying the status quo.
Then there is the youngest one.
Seven years old and well...he just isn't happy.
It's sad but true.
He's been dragged to everyone's therapies.
Dragged to OT, PT, and psychology appointments, he has.
He's been dragged to therapy dates for for the older brother.
He's been dragged to behavior appointments for the middle brother.
And he's been physically dragged around the house by the brothers to boot.
When he goes to school, if he's not dragging a small train toy with him...
Then the school will be dragging ME in to pick him up.
He's currently being evaluated.
More dragging...but this time I'm dragging my behind in to speak with the psychologist.
Been there. Done that.
Don't take me wrong.
I love my boys.
They are all successes in some way.
They are all defying the odds.
They are all dragging themselves into life...one struggle and victory at a time.
So yeah, autism has touched my life....some days are successes and some days are dragging with much defiance.
These are my days, and I'll be thankful for them!
Sounds like this lady has her hands full!
I’ve been a follower of your blog for some time. Although this isn’t your best work I believe it shows your boys in a nutshell. It also shows there are varying degrees of autism. You have such passion for living life through hard times as well. I didn’t realize it was you until I figured out you used middle names as their first names. Hoping to read more from you soon.
Hey Lorrie, I knew about Billie’s autism, about Nathan’s (shall I say… behavioral issues), but had no idea about Bryson…. you are to be COMMENDED…. you seem to approach life with such patience, acceptance and LOVE AND DEDICATION for your children. In light of what you revealed in your article… yessss…. your hands ARE full… but you press on… dear cousin YOU ROCK!!…..
Much Love and respect, Evelyn Mackbee Williams
Lorrie ,
You are a strong person.I know that the boys and your family are blessed to have you as there mother and friend. I feel that “Much is given and much is expected …” and you have expected and challeged your boys to successed in all that they do.Continue to be the loving and caring person that you are. Our mother would be prour of you .
LaMonica PTL
I suspect since you have a few typos you wrote this on the fly? Your blog post is a great slice of how you live with three different children and their different needs. I miss your other blog. Thank God for Jewish Family Services. I miss your class. I miss Mondays at Panama Joe’s Coffee. I can barely handle my two. I remember when you had to call the police, I didn’t sleep that night either. I was scared your dad was going to have a heart attack. I know you always say you admire me, but I admire you. Summer is coming so Carp will see us all together soon.