Autism And Our Grandson

I am watching my grandson, Alex, play at this moment.  He has a bright smile, a very sweet nature  and the mischievous look of a 5 year old about to totally tease his younger sister. He is swinging right now as any child his age would love, the problem is...he will never Stop swinging unless we pull him off the swing, even after it is dark, with no lights, and he can't see.

 At first glance, you would think he was a very normal child.  You would never know that he is Autistic, except that he does not speak; he gets very upset in crowds with too much going on, and he does not understand or relate to the world around him.

 Alex was diagnosed  with Autism at 15 months.  We had noticed that he would not engage or even look at us. He would not pick things up, he would rock back and forth forever if we did not interrupt the pattern. He did not make the cute jabbering sounds that a child makes when trying to mimic the world around him.  So, when he was diagnosed, we were greatful. At least we knew we weren't crazy and imagining all this.  With early diagnosis he has progressed further and has more capabilities now than he would have had if he had gone 2 or 3 years undiagnosed.

 Alex has struggled with speech, communication, eating, sensory issues both with touch and hearing.  Sensory overload is a big problem. Alex went his first 2 years without picking up anything because of the pain it caused him. He reacts badly when there is too much noise and confusion as well.  He simply cannot process it.

 He has been to many doctors, psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, music therapists, all costing large amounts of money. Insurance unfortunately will not cover Alex, so the $40,000 or so a year that it costs for all this for the most part comes out of his parent's pockets. Without the help of organizations like Autism Speaks, and the Pinegree school, we don't know what would have happened to Alex.  Currently, he goes to school for 6 hours a day to help him learn to function in the world.  He will be integrating to regular public school this next year however, because there are children more in need than he is, and he must give up his place at the school.

 We love him so much and hope one day he will begin to live a normal life.  So here is where we need your help.  We support Autism Speaks which is an organization dedicated  not only to finding a cure for Autism, but in supporting families that are dealing with this spectrum disease.  Every year they sponsor "Walk Now For Autism" all across the country, to raise money, and more importantly raise awareness of this devastating disease.

 So we are asking each of you to support us in this cause, help us find a cure, help us support those families in need. Support your local chapter by donating and walking for Autism Speaks on May 2^nd.  If you have $5.00 or $10.00, donate it to this worthy cause.  If you can't find your local chapter, we are walking here in Utah, so we have just set up an account for you to donate if you are so inclined (You can also see a picture of my cute grandson!).

 Help us find a cure and along the way help those families who are affected by this devastating disease.  Forward this to a friend, help us spread the word, donate if you can.  And whether in spirit or by deed,  thank you for your support.

 Oh, just as a footnote, here is a video from Benji, one of Alex's best friends...it will help you understand a lot of what goes on....and Alex is in this one too, Watch for him