Public school after 5 years

Well I am back, again. See how long I can keep this goin this time. Really was hard to post updates and keep up with homescholing life :) after 5 years of homeschooling my Anna we are trying public school again. So far so good. She seems to enjoy going ~ beats me to the door every morning when I say it is time to go. When I pick her up she is smiling and happy. I thought the first few days would be a little rocky, but they went smooth. Anna continues private therapies on Mondays, so she only goes to school Tuesday - Friday. The school worked with me allowing her to go 1/2 day on those days as well. This allows her transition to hopefully be a little easier, as well as gives me time to still work with her on things at home that the school does not. This is just a quick hello again blog, but I am going to try to post at least weekly.

Ok as I read through my old post I realized I never posted at the end of Anna's HBOT / DAN treatments. So I will tell you my feelings on DAN treatment and HBOT. Would I do it again ? Yes I would and I would never discourage others from trying it either. I noticed almost immediate improvement with Anna's belly. Her belly was always really swollen and had really BAD bowl issues as well as reflux. I agree with my DAN doctor's findings of Yeast in Anna's gut, and Bacteria feeding off of yeast. I believe they call this leaky gut. With the treatments given by the doctor her belly swelling went way down and you could tell bowls were getting better within the first month and continued to improve each month. With all the supplements Anna was taking the ones I noticed to show the most improvement were for the leaky gut issues. The food allergy testing done on Anna showed she was allergic to half of the food world. Luckily as a stay at home mom I was able to cut out all of the trigger foods and only give her foods that did not cause Anna problems. We did this for a year, and it was really hard. We could not eat as a family because if Anna saw someone had something she did not it was a big issue. Going out to eat was a nightmare, very few foods that were ok for Anna. So after a year I took her to a Pediatric Nutritionalist and slowly introduced foods back one at a time to find true food allergies. We now know that corn is a big trigger food, as well as eggs. She can tolerate small amount of dairy, but I believe she has the same issue as my husband and oldest daughter of Lactose Intolerance. As far as the HBOT treatment I may have saw some small changes in attention span, focus, and things just seemed to click for Anna that had given her issues for years. The biggest click was potty training, she finally got it. YEAH!!!! I chalk this up to HBOT , and also the repair from the leaky gut I talked about earlier. With her bowl more typical and under control she was able to feel the sensation and get to the bathroom in time. As to date she rarely has an accident and it is usually when she get so engrossed in something she is doing and waits to long (doesn't make it in time) She wears a pull up to sleep ,but does not really need it as she will only occasionally use the bathroom in her sleep (pee) when she has drank a lot before bed. So in conclusion if you can raise the funds to try a DAN I would suggest it.

Fieldtrip with Anna , Scarlet and Scarlet's boyfriend to Congaree National Park Swamp

Fieldtrip with Homeschool Group (Anna is the young lady sitting on wall)

2 years LOST!!!???? Where did they go??

Well where to begin ??? Somehow I left my blog for a few years. I somehow got lost in the world of homeschooling ~ facebook ~ and youtube. But I am now returning to blogging as it is a great way for me to share a small peak into how a families life changes when Autism - Special Needs comes into your world. Also I enjoy blogging and looking back on our life as we grow and change. 

To get back up to speed on my family I am still a mom wearing many hats. I  am a wife, cook, taxi driver, maid, and most of all I am a teacher for my youngest with special needs, and a support system for my typical teen daughter. I am now on my 5th year homeschooling Anna, and my oldest Scarlet is starting to spread her wings and fly. Scarlet now has a drivers license - took my truck and is on the hunt for a summer job. Scarlet's life has been touched by Anna and she has chose to go into the field of Physical Therapy. She has already started classes in High School to work toward this goal.I am so proud of her, and this is a job God has truly prepared her for. She has compassion for others, lots of energy, and genuine thrill to help others.

I will be adding a few pictures from homeschooling over the missed years. Then I will try to make a post at least a couple times a week.

Homeschooling Fun

WOW !!!
Where has time gone. It has been a while since my last blog, so I thought I better put a little update on.
Anna is almost done with HBOT treatments and school is in full swing. We are trying to get use to K12 for Scarlet, and getting Anna back into a routine as much as possible. This is kind of hard with daily treatment in the middle of the day. But Anna is doing ok spreading things out a little before and a little after treatments (some even done in the tank).
We even went on our first field trip for the year today to Harmon Farms after Anna's treatment. On the way Scarlet said wow that is beautiful (Farm with beautiful old house, pond, animals, etc). We both said I would love to live there. Well we changed our mind after a quick reminder at Harmon's. Lots of dust, sandspurs, and biting bugs are not our thing. LOL
We all got at least a couple of mosquito bites, but I think Scarlet recieved the most. She was whining the whole way home. She is a true drama queen. I do love her dearly.
Oh well I will update more on treatments, and homeschooling later. I am tired and need to finish a few more things before I turn in.

Anna HBOT : UPDATE

7-20-2009 HBOT * Scarlet joined us in the Hyberbaric Chamber. Don't let Anna's face fool you she hops right in and does not seem to mind doing this. She is watching a movie on the DVD player. We usually pass the time with books, Leapster Game, and Movies. The hood is another story we are slowly getting her use to it. When/If she ever does it will have a neck piece to keep it in place. So far her max. is 22 minutes. We are in it for 70 minutes.

HBOT Therapy Begins

It has been a while since I have blogged, so I decided to sit down before treatment this morning to play catch up.

The final test for Anna all came back and she tested very low to no signs of any heavy metal. So we do not have to do the Chelation treatment. Anna's problems are yeast in her gut, bacteria feeding off the yeast and inflammation (restricts air in blood vessels). She is taking a ton of supplements, and vitamins.

We squeezed in a mountain trip to Franklin NC last week and began treatment this past Monday. It was really the best trip I have had in a while. The place was great, and I think everyone had a great time.

No it is Thursday and Anna has had 3 HBOT Therapy treatments so far. She does well hoping inside but does not really like the Buzz Lightyear looking hat they have for her to wear. Dr. Weaver said about 3/4 of his clients do not like to wear them, and he did not see a significant difference in the results either way. I have yet to notice any changes in Anna's speech, but it is early yet. This will be a 40 day adventure, every Monday - Friday.

I am posting pictures of Anna and me in the Chamber.

I sure am glad I am not claustrophobic :o)

1st Allergy Test Back

Well test are slowly coming in. Thanks goodness the test for cat allergies came back *0*, yeah I did not want to tell Scarlet she was going to have to get rid of her best friend. Also dog came back slight allergy, so Penny is staying also. ;o)
Other allergies were a few different types of grass were at the highest level 4 (we don't have in our yard, but neighbors do), so I will have to watch out for when they cut grass not to take her out. Inside dust mites, mold spores (most everyone I know are allergic to these), and Darrell has every modern AC filtration, UV lights, and built in Humidifiers on the house you can think of.
Now for the fun part for some of the normal food allergies, Anna is allergic to :
Dairy
Wheat
Soy
Peanut
Eggs
and slight allergy to
Corn
Shellfish
Fish
Well I guess that will cut her food choices down a bit more than I already was doing. :o(
Dr. Weaver said we will look at the more extensive test that is coming back hopefully next week to see which foods she has more of an allergy to than others. Then we will go from there he will tell me what foods to not give Anna. I think it would be easier to make a list of can haves!!

Supplements Supplements Supplements

Well Anna has been taking the Supplements for about 2 weeks now. It was a slow process adding a new one every couple of days. She now takes 6 in the morning, 4 at lunch, and 4 at supper.
I have noticed that her belly seems to be smaller (Yeast Supplement ? maybe), and she seems to have more energy.
We have the results back for Cholesterol and it was good. So we are still waiting on the rest of the test results.
I will post more when I have more time. It's late and I am trying to get everyone wrapped up for bed. ;o)

Here is a youtube link that shows what HBOT is and how it is said to help children with Autsim, and other learning disabilities.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8Mjndq5Q74&feature=PlayList&p=E7F88EFAA4EF1182&index=0

HBOT Therapy

Well Anna had her first meeting with our new DAN! Dr. yesterday. I have tried everything else to help Anna and now that there is a local DAN! Dr. I am really excited and am praying hard that this will be helpful for Anna. I am not looking to make her a typical child for her age I am realistic, but I would like to make life easier for her if possible. My main prayer is that these treatments will help with her speech at least a few more words that everyone can understand. He has started her on a new daily multi vita men, along with 5 other items to help with various things. We have to go to Lab corp to get several test done for extensive food allergies, one for environmental allergies, Heavy metals testing, etc. etc. The visit went well and Anna even received her first Chiropractic adjustment. I will be posting results on my blog as much as I can. Everyone just say a little prayer for Anna that God will do his miracle and let Anna at least be able to communicate with others with some normal speech. Here is the Dr. Website in case anyone is interested in checking him out.
www.autismandHBOT.com

This was Anna's best Olympic outing ever. She had so much fun, and enjoyed seeing people she had not seen in a while. Thanks to Jessica (1-3 teacher) we were able to go with her old school Oak Grove. It was nice to see everyone I saw on almost a daily basis again. I heard "OH MY GOSH look how much Anna has grown!" about twenty times. We started the day with Anna smiling, clapping, and waiving her way down the long hallway. She is always game for a big party, and that is what she thought this was. To us it really is like a party - meeting up with old friends, making new ones, games, fun, and of course lots of food. :o)
We then went to the Track and Field to meet up with everyone when they came off the bus. We made the victory walk around the track and kicked off the events. While waiting for the games to begin we had a picnic blanket and enjoyed books with new freind, and lunch. With a new program they started this year called Project Unify Anna had plenty of helpers. http://www.specialolympics.org/schools_and_youth.aspx. What a GREAT idea!!!!
Thanks to Mrs. Chewning for Anna's three helpers, Anna really enjoyed them helping her. I appreciate the patience they showed to Anna, the encouragement, and the memories they gave Anna. She participated better this year I believe because she had them to help show her what to do, encourage her, and help her along the way. During the bean bag toss Anna made the bulls eye on the first toss, she made one basket in the hoop, she was able to do the long jump with one helper on each side (me behind), she followed her helpers as they showed her how to cross the balance beam, and ran (fast walk) to the finish line during her race. She only had one tumble that was at the end of the race center and that did not take the smile off her face. I helped her up, dusted her off and ask are you ok and with a big smile she said Yea.
I am so glad some schools are allowing the regular classrooms to help with the special needs classrooms. I think both parties learn so much. The children realize just because someone is a little different it is ok and it also teaches them to be thankful for the things they can do. It helps children like Anna because she looks to others to learn how to do things, and it teaches her so many proper socialization skills.
Thanks again to everyone envoled in letting Anna have the best Olympics ever.

The Black Balloon update

Well I found out more information on the movie "The Black Balloon". I emailed the website and they responded with :
The Autism Society of North Carolina is actually featuring the film during a special event on April 26th at the Rialto Theater in Raleigh. This is our first screening with an Autism group in the US, and we hope that based on the society’s response to the film, we will be able to use the clout of the various Autism societies to convince some of the Theatres in the country to take the film in their locations.

Alternatively, we may have a series of similar events in the state-wide.

As far as the DVD, you can expect a national release towards the end of the year.

So I guess I will have to wait a bit longer to see it, or make a trip to Raleigh to see it.

The Black Balloon

http://www.theblackballoonmovie.com/Default.aspx

I have just watched clips of a movie that is a must see for anyone with an Autistic child, knows someone with an autistic child, or would like to understand how the family of an autistic child is impacted. Just click the link above to see a few of the trailers for the movie. I have not found it playing locally yet. I will keep looking and see if and when it will be coming to our area.

The movie is about a family with a per say regular son, and a son with severe autism. It shows how autism not only effects the parents, but the sibling. I can not wait to watch this, of course I am sure I will need a box of tissues, and maybe my sisters shoulder to cry on. Love ya Deb.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

March 16, 2009

Well today was a rainy cold day and we have started our lesson on St. Patrick's Day. We read about the life of St. Patrick, and then another book on St. Patrick Symbols. We are going to a St. Patrick's Day Party tomorrow with our homeschooling group. At the last count there are going to be right at 25 children coming. I am really excited that the group is growing so well. Anna is really benefiting from the social outing at the park, parties, and other outings.

I found an amazing website while looking up Easter activities for our next Party. They make the most unique I guess you would call them a pamphlet/booklet for learning scriptures, bible stories, and even the plan of salvation. I have even placed an order for my husband's business cards. The front / back will be regular business card, but inside will be the plan of salvation. What a great way to witness, and spread the word. If you would like to look at them go to the bottom of my blog and you can see a movie clip of them and a link to their website.

God Bless and Have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day tomorrow.

March 13, 2009

I have decided to have a teachers in service day today. I am getting paperwork together from the past few weeks, downloading pictures, and updating paperwork for homeschoolers association.

I will try to post more of Anna's book a week theme as I post updates on our family. She is really enjoying doing these and learning a lot. This week our book was Bubbles Bubbles, and we also read Bubble Trouble. We explored how to make differnent types of bubbles, made bubble art, counted bubbles, and had fun outside with making bubbles of all shapes and sizes.

Today is going to be a cool rainy day, so we will stay inside. We made the best of this weeks beautiful weather by going outside everyday. I can not believe we went from 80's to 60's in a days time, that is South Carolina weather though. LOL