The Journey Begins: My Son’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis
I had both dreaded and anticipated this day for a few months. My son Ethan's psychological evaluation. We had suspected about half a year ago that he might fall within the autism spectrum. He had all the typical signs of a child with autism -- incessantly playing with anything that looks like a wheel, repetitive routine-focused play, delays in speech…
Ethan’s Graduation from PTN
PTN will always be the first place that Ethan developed a pre-school based routine and had a life away from mom and away from home. He learned to participate within a community, socialize with other kids, take turns, mimic actions and songs from circle time, sit nicely when asked to, among other things.
Ethan learns how to play a tune on his little piano!
Today, Ethan's ABA therapist guided him to play "Mary Had A Little Lamb" on his little piano. After a few repetitions, he played a very close approximation of the tune!
- autism awareness, Autism parenting, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Inspiration, occupational therapy, Uncategorized
Back at School for the MSOT program at CSUDH!
I already had this feeling that I wanted to eventually become a professional in the field of serving special needs children. And ever since I started this blog and Ethan got diagnosed my interest in the field of pediatric therapy grew. I attended the info session to see if studying Occupational Therapy would indeed be for me.
Ethan Gets A Preview of Our Future Doberman Pup!
After a chill time at the Central Coast, which was of course, partly spent just enjoying wine at our favorite tasting room, Moonstone Cellars, we were finally off to the dog ranch, where we planned to go to meet some Dobie pups and parents. We went to West Coast Doberman, a reputable Doberman breeder located in Northern California.
- autism awareness, autism mom video, Autism parenting, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Family fun, Inspiration, occupational therapy video, Support Group
Ethan’s Summer Shenanigans (Part 2)
Mommy’s been super busy these days, with ABA therapy, working from home, doing housework and actively organizing the South Bay Autism Parent Support Group, so here are some videos as quick updates of what we’ve been up to!
- autism awareness, Autism parenting, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Family fun, Support Group, Uncategorized
Ethan’s Summer Shenanigans
Ethan’s made so much progress and did so much this summer! He waded at the beach shore for the first time, did his first eskimo kiss with Dad, met a lot of new friends, went to the splash pad for the first time and played chase for the first time! I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves!
Ethan’s Transition Meeting from PTN to LAUNCH Preschool
Our former Harbor Regional Center coordinator had told us that Ethan’s transition meeting would just consist of introductions. That it was, a brief meeting where preliminary introductions were made and we were given an opportunity to advocate for Ethan’s needs. I can say with confidence that the transition meeting last June 6th, Thursday, was a great success. The meeting consisted…
Sensory-friendly Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese’s!
Ethan had a field day with the different games at Chuck E. Cheese! The sensory stimuli from the lights and sounds definitely had him perked up and interested. He was running around, touching everything and giggling.
The Family Goes to Big Bear!
That night, it snowed in Big Bear. It was the first time that I had seen snow in several years. It was Ethan's first experience of snow too! I went out and raised my arms up and ecstatically basked in the snow. Snow in May is definitely a divine experience.
- autism mom video, Autism parenting, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Family fun, Inspiration, Uncategorized
Ethan Loves Water!
Ethan loves loves loves his new water table. His clothes get all wet when he plays with it, and I have to give him a shower afterwards, but just seeing him giggle in glee makes my day.
