FoggyRock General Forum

Hi Everyone, my name is Marlowe.  I am the mom to 4 great kids with my youngest son Harrison age 4 1/2 dx'd with Autism at age 2 1/2.  We live in Traverse City, Michigan, a smallish town with a great community but few services.  I head up the local nonprofit group called Autism Resource Network.  We are the first parent lead organization in 15 years to serve a vast 5 county area..yeah us!  Since we are lacking in services...our mission is to bring about awareness in the community.  Our pediatricians aren't taking parent's seriously and everyone is at odd's with the professional community as to the "right" services for children with Autism.  Our philosophy is to let parent's decide what is right for their child but just because the professional's can't decide, we should still be offering the therapies!

When Harrison was dx'd with Autism it was the happiest, saddest day of my life.  I say happiest because I had a name for why I was feeling like the craziest, laziest and paranoid Mom and saddest because my hopes and dreams for him that day were shattered like a broken windshield.  Through time and patience (God is a miracle worker)I have learned Harrison's future has always been bright, just a different kind of bright.  I have become a better Mom because of Autism.  I am more patient and willing to let the musings of a busy life take a backseat to the important every day comings and goings of my kids.  I won't lie and say there aren't days when I feel angry, misguided and feel like I got the total raw end of a bad deal...a lot of days I can feel angry and bitter, but Autism isn't for Wimps and I'm not about to let it get the best of me. 

In two years Harrison has made great strides!  Speech is coming at lightening speeds and his awareness of the world around him is growing more and more each day!  I almost dare to say he is developing a very small sense of fear and he loves the people in his life more than ever!  He is trying his best to have a sense of self control and he even engaged in a conversation today with me about going camping!  Although Harrison falls on the mild end of the spectrum and exhibits a lot of ADHD qualities he still faces major challenges and struggles.  Next year he will attend Kindergarten and we will very reluctantly send him when we know he is no where ready.  There is no class beyond the 3-4 yr old preschool class for ASD kids here and that makes me angry for him.  He is just learning his ABC's and knows 4 letters well.  He let us read him his first book together just last week and often runs from his classroom at least 3 times a week.  I guess if the school is willing to provide him with a 1:1 aide we will send him ahead. 

So that's us!  Thanks for providing such a great site for Parent's, this is the best I've seen!!  Looking forward to getting to know all of you!