I know that I said to check back in November, but life is crazy (sorry). Last week, I had the opportunity to see the GIFT of HOPE program at Beaumont Hospital down by Royal Oak. It seems like a great program. They have even published the results of their research. Maybe you can Google it if you are interested. The short version is that their program showed significant improvement of the children that attended. Since the cost of the program is much more than we can afford (over $10,000), we are in a frenzy to have a serious fundraiser. It is an ABA program (go to the “ABOUT AUTISM” section of this site to find out about ABA), and we feel that Ayden will thrive. He has responded so well to the very little nonprofessional version we have already used with him.
Ayden is doing really well lately. He is using more words to communicate what he wants. Sometimes I think of him as a little parrot. The other day when I was in his room (door locked), I wanted to rest. He used his language like a little parrot to get out of there. First, he said "good morning" several times. That is what we say to him when we open his door each morning. When that didn't work, he said, "Let’s go potty" a few times. When mom still relentlessly tried to nap, he broke out the saying, "boots on, go outside" several times. By that point, guilt had set in and I realized my dreams of resting had come to an end! He is a wonderful child. I am blessed to have three great sons.
Another story that I want to share before is Dave and I cutting Ayden’s hair. Ayden hates haircuts, especially the sound of clippers. Being an Army Veteran, I cannot stand to have a long haired son. Autism or not, the hair is getting cut!! So, Dave holds him while I try my best to cut his hair. All the while, he is screaming, squirming and crying. This time was special because among the chaos, he shouted out, "Miss Chantel, Miss Chantel", it was exciting because; it lets us know that he loves and trusts his teacher, he tries to use language even in horrific situations, and he is gaining some skills that we didn't know that he had.
Ayden will begin the Gift of Hope program at Beaumont Hospital in Berkley, MI. We will be in the car 4 hours each weekday to get him 3 hours of quality ABA treatment. We are busy organizing a fundraiser to pay for the treatment.
Save the date - January 22nd to attend a concert fundraiser and check back to find out how Ayden is progressing.
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