tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959253662881047710.post8660715977495479249..comments2024-03-28T07:22:08.496-05:00Comments on Hopeful Parents: Finding AcceptanceHopeful Parentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998569368345552372noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959253662881047710.post-2634653557962942192010-06-21T00:53:56.000-05:002010-06-21T00:53:56.000-05:00It has been just over two years since we got an of...It has been just over two years since we got an official diagnosis of autism for our daughter. I remember the days leading up to the diagnosis during which I knew already what the answer was but resisted with all my might...praying, pleading that it would be almost anything else. Our prior experience with autism made it especially hard to accept the notion that this disorder could be the root of our daughter's struggles. When I let it the fear eclipse everything. I especially dreaded hearing the words fall from the doctor's lips. It was hard, but the world kept turning, and that alone helped me realize that after midnight comes dawn. We got busy providing the best supports we were able to, and my daughter's progress has been astounding. We view her various therapies (mostly through school) not as trying to "fix" her, but as supporting her efforts to reach her potential. We've all changed in the last two years. Acceptance in our family and in our community is an ongoing process, but it does get easier as we go.<br><br>KDLhttp://www.thesimplelifekdl.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959253662881047710.post-51884137795531728082010-06-15T07:50:07.000-05:002010-06-15T07:50:07.000-05:00Wow! Thanks Tasha! So glad your inplant is working...Wow! Thanks Tasha! So glad your inplant is working out for you!<br><br>Hethahttp://ethan-charles.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959253662881047710.post-69411107829801008312010-06-15T01:59:39.000-05:002010-06-15T01:59:39.000-05:00I'm 21 and was born bilaterally profoundly dea...I'm 21 and was born bilaterally profoundly deaf. I have a cochlear implant, which I got a mere 2 years ago. I LOVE my implant, I ADORE music, and I too am learning to speak. :) Getting Ethan implants was a wonderful decision that will allow him access to a whole new world that he would not otherwise be able to access because of his deafness. He will hear the laughter and chatter of people in a busy mall, the quiet chirping of birds outside a window, and his own voice, as well as that of his mother. :) It is NOT a rejection of his deafness or anything- it is just another tool you are handing him. I hope nobody in the deaf culture gives you any trouble about it. <br>Ethan is adorable. My stepbrother has autism and used to speak in scripts ALL the time and hardly made eye contact. Now, he seems ... well, almost "typical" for lack of a better word. Based on my experience, I'd recommend reinforcing joint attention and trying to teach him empathy through showing him that his actions affect others. <br>Good luck :)<br><br>Tasha Hanleynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959253662881047710.post-81848915425105262022010-06-14T20:40:35.000-05:002010-06-14T20:40:35.000-05:00Oh thank you Louise!I haven't even considered ...Oh thank you Louise!<br>I haven't even considered that acceptance isn't a final destination. I see what you're saying and it makes perfect sense. We are all going to have good days, and bad. Days when we beam with pride, and days when we fall down. That's life no matter who you parent. <br>I guess I just want to find "easier".....<br><br>Hethahttp://ethan-charles.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2959253662881047710.post-16232426248902647092010-06-14T19:55:58.000-05:002010-06-14T19:55:58.000-05:00That is a very beautiful post. I think you articul...That is a very beautiful post. I think you articulated what many parents feel about the push (through therapy) to "change" their child, vs accept their child.<br>Also, I don't think acceptance is a destination that you finally get to. For me it is more fluid and back and forth. So you don't need to pressure yourself to "get to" the finish point of acceptance, because I don't think it exists.<br>I think happiness is a pretty darn good goal for every child in terms of their future. Many parents who have typical kids never truly figure that out.<br>I hope you hear from some parents of kids with autism who can talk about how they struck a balance between therapy (which can feel like a rejection of who your child is) and acceptance.<br>That is AWESOME that Ethan is hearing and speaking. And I remember a year or two ago seeing the most adorable photo of him on your web site and thinking "what a great kid!"<br><br>Louise Kinrosshttp://bloom-parentingkidswithdisabilities.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com