Dec 31 2008
Year in Review and 2009 Goals
image by Designed to a T
I usually like to reflect on how our lives have developed over the past year. Gus has had a very up and down year, but I think has come out ahead for it all. Some of 2008’s highlights:
- Tried several dietary adjustments with no significant or sustained difference in Gus’s ability to focus or self-regulate in school. But he is healthy which is always a plus.
- Tried medication, which in my opinion was a disaster. It took my lively and brilliant little boy and crossed the roboticness of a Dr. Who Cyberman with the grumpiness of a Dalek. I don’t see another medication trial in the near future unless there is some extenuating circumstance.
- Gus learned some new self-care skills this year: he can now put on shoes (with Velcro), dress with minimal prompting in the morning, and can put on fingered gloves independently.
- Gus learned to ride a two-wheeler AND within a month of learning completed a six-mile bike tour - a huge accomplishment for any seven year old.
- He joined a soccer team and really enjoys the game.
Those are just a few of the more momentous events of this past year. Gus has expressed a desire to “behave better in school” in the coming year. In addition, we plan to try to get him some more opportunities to socialize, possibly in a singing class or a special-needs bowling league. In the spring, we should be able to start doing some bike riding together and we’re going to join a cycling club as a family. That will open some opportunities for more of those long, scenic rides that are so calming for him, and may also allow him the chance to make a friend if that’s his wish.
One of the reasons I’m becoming attuned as a Kundalini Reiki practitioner is so that I can start using Reiki energy to help Gus to stay calm and focused. If it has the benefit I’m confident it will, I’ll eventually teach him to channel Reiki energy himself.
In terms of the autism community at large, I’ll continue to share my lessons and experiences through this blog for as long as I am given a platform. In the near future, a fellow blogger and author, Adonya Wong , will be guesting here on her virtual book tour. She’s written a wonderful picture book entitled In My Mind and will discuss the book and her experiences with her son’s autism. Adonya’s visit promises to spark some great discussion, and there will be a sweet giveaway as well. Stay tuned!
So those are a few of our intentions for the coming year. What progress have you seen this past year, and what are your plans for the days ahead?
To all my readers, new and old: Have a happy and safe New Year!
