Smile..

I am happy because he is trying so hard to interact with us but only if he is interested. This picture was taken when I am showing to him my camera and he is amazed when he saw his face. 

More words...

Since last month, when Gareth started imitating words, we have so much fun teaching him to talk. He is learning fast.. he is now imitating different words, sounds and of course songs. He is also learning to sing Filipino Songs like Ang Bayan Ko and Lupang Hinirang. I am so proud of him.

I am so happy that he continues learning and I can't wait for more.

At the Party

This pictures were taken during the First Birthday of Pillow (Gareth's Little Sister). As you can see, he is not really enjoying the party. I rented an inflatables so that he can still enjoy the party.

I hope next time he will be more aware so that he can enjoy a party like this. Please God...

Gareth's Last Song Syndrome

Gareth loves music. If he is so silent and not focusing on us, we can easily get his attention through his favorite music. When we are going to his the therapy center, he is singing and I can't figure out the title of the song so it's hard for me to join him.

Then I realized that it was a Tagalog song. Gareth seldom sings tagalog songs so it really surprised us hear him tried it. By listening to the tone, I confirmed that he is singing "Ako'y isang pinoy, may sariling wika" and so happy that he is really trying. Though it's hard to understand because he has a hard time pronouncing it but I am so happy.

I think he learned it from school.

Here's the thing:

Gareth attended school since last year but he is not that cooperative. When he started his OT and SPED therapy for 4 times a week there are a lot of improvement and mostly noticeable development.

He is into GFCF diet for a month now and so far I love it! He is now more focus. He can imitate words little by little. His behavior is controllable. He is now behaving in public unlike before that he will just throw tantrums whenever and wherever he wanted.

Just this afternoon, we went to DFA for my kids passport application. I didn't expect Gareth to behave all through out the process. He is behaving normal and just silently sit and waited. When it is time to take picture he is somewhat afraid and feel uneasy and luckily, hubby brings the PSP and put it above the camera, then Gareth has a nice passport picture. So proud of him!

There are some development and I will discuss it more next time!!

Have a blessed day everyone!!

Say what?

I have a good news! Gareth's lesson is about imitating words. This is the hardest part because Gareth is not fond of imitating words but he can memorize a songs of Justin Bieber and Bruno Mars. So, I keep on reading the teachers note after every session so that we can practice at home.

Just this week, I am teaching Gareth on imitating words.

Me: Say "Ahhhh"

Gareth: Ahhh

Me: Say "O"

Gareth: Say "O" (yes sometimes he keeps on saying "Say")

Me: Say "Mommy"

Gareth: "Mommy"

Me: Say "Daddy"

Gareth: Daddy

Me: Say "Pillow" (His sister's nick)

Gareth: "Dibo"

Wow!! I am so amazed of his development and so happy how fast he learns it. I am so thankful and happy!

Sometimes, I am frustrated because of slow development but I have to remind myself that we should wait patiently and pray to God that everything will be alright.

20 days since Gareth started his GFCF diet and I see a lot of development.

1. The poop smells normal and look normal. This is our primary problem eversince. When Gareth turn 1 year old, I was bothered of the color and texture of his poop. He was taking milk that time and the color is pure white and hard. It was not a normal poop of a baby.

2. Eye Contact - lately when we call his attention he is practicing eye contact. If I teach him something he always look at me. If he want something he look at my eyes and guide my hands. Just like this morning, when he wanted to change his diaper he just reached my hand and look at me in the eye and pointed his diaper.

3. Awareness - This is not so perfect yet but it is really developing. If we are singing his favorite song he will listen to us and repeat the songs too. Unlike before that he will not even give a simple hint that he is listening.

4. Imitation - Since Gareth was born, he is not imitating. Everytime he hears something that interests him, he will not imitate it. Lately, he is trying his best to imitate the songs and even the words I'm teaching him.

I am also keep on reading books that will guide me in handling him and those are very helpful. It helps me understand his case more.

I hope he will continue to learn more and show developments little by little.

As always, I will never give up in learning and teaching him ways to express his feelings easily and be able to adjust the "real world."

One Week of Taking GFCF Supplements

It was a busy week since we celebrated Gareth's little sister's birthday. We had fun but Gareth was not participating in any games. Well, I expected it to happen and I understand him. Though hindi sya masyadong nag enjoy sa party pero kumain sya ng marami at naglaro sya don sa inflatables then natulog na sya. I am just happy that he didn't throw tantrums during the event. He is well behaved.

He is taking the supplements for a week. I observed that he can easily sleep now at hindi na panay ang gising nya para humingi ng milk. Since mahilig syang kumanta mas pinapakinggan na talaga nya ngayon ang gusto na nyang perfect ang pagpronounce nya sa lyrics.

Still.. no communication at eto talaga ang inaabangan ko na gagawin nya.

Maybe nasa withdrawal period pa sya kaya wala pa masyadong nakikitang development but we never loose hope. We will continue all the treatments needed.

At the Restaurant

In his "world"

Daddy is busy

He is trying to say something.

I wondered what he's thinking...

Daddy needs to tickle him in order for him to smile at the camera.

There you go..

I love this shot! Gareth laugh so loud!

GFCF Diet

We woke up early for Gareth's DAN Doctor visit. Since we are from Antipolo and it's our first time to visit that place, we need to get up early and Gareth needs to cancel his Monday activities.

We arrived in time and I signed up the form.

Then the doctor evaluate Gareth and told them about the first findings and it was GDD with Autism. The doctor wondered because Gareth seems far from the findings.

The evaluation took around 1 hour then we had discussion about the GFCF supplements. When I saw the products, I realized that those are the things needed to help Gareth focus on his daily activities.

I purchased the supplements needed. Those supplements are just for the start of the treatment and very important.

If you are interested to visit the DAN (Defeat Autism Now) Doctor here's the details:

1st F Randa Bldg. 146 Mindanao Ave, QC.

Landline number is 9201965

Consultation: 1,500php

Supplements (Starter), 16,100php

HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD

A meeting was held quite far from Earth!
It's time again for another birth.
Said the Angels to the LORD above,
This Special Child will need much love.

His progress may be very slow,
Accomplishments he may not show.
And he'll require extra care
From the folks he meets down there.

He may not run or laugh or play,
His thoughts may seem quite far away,
In many ways he won't adapt,
And he'll be known as handicapped.

So let's be careful where he's sent,
We want his life to be content.
Please LORD, find the parents who
Will do a special job for you.

They will not realize right away
The leading role they're asked to play,
But with this child sent from above
Comes stronger faith and richer love.

And soon they'll know the privilege given
In caring for their gift from Heaven.
Their precious charge, so meek and mild,
Is HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD.


by Edna Massionilla
December 1981
The Optomist- newsletter for PROUD
Parents Regional Outreach for Understanding Down's Inc.

We went out today to have little shopping. Next week is the first birthday of our little girl so we made this day for Gareth because I planned of buying him new clothes for the event.

I don't know if Gareth will participate in his sister's event so I rented an inflatables just to keep him busy while we are waiting the guests.

So today we went to Greenhills and bought him 2 poloshirts. He is well behaved at Greenhills and so proud of him. Some kids with autism can't stay longer in crowded places but Gareth can take it. He use to stay at the mall, coffee shops and even cinemas.

As a mom, I always see to it to let him go out with us always so that he will get use to it and aware of the environment. My usual problem is sometimes he don't have awareness of danger. He is not aware of the other vehicles in the parking lot so we really can't let him go on his own. Most of the time hubby and I are holding him both just for his security.

Since Gareth attended therapy he is not as wild as before. He is learning to follow simple rules. If we are walking at the mall or at the streets he always reach our hands and wants us to hold him. This simply made me feel comfortable that he will not just run whenever we are not watching him.

It's a busy day today, Gareth went to school then to Therapy center with my husband. After we do some errands, I sit next to Gareth with his little sister. The little one wanted to play with his Kuya but Gareth simply ignored her. It just simply made me sad because I want to see them both playing but since Gareth sometimes has his own world that is impossible to do.

He is so noisy today and stopped everyone in the house if we were singing Bruno Mars songs. He wanted us to know that it is only him who know the songs. So we let him be. He is singing until he got tired and feel sleepy.

Then the torture begins...

He was throwing books and toys to get my attention. I looked at him and asked what he wanted. He continued crying and screaming. I didn't gave in. I let him cry and still keep on asking what he wants. It took us around 15 minutes before he finally said "De De" he simply means milk.

I smile and celebrate his effort. Hubby handed him the milk and then Gareth sleeps.

Goodnight everyone!

Gareth's favorite thing to do is just to stay near to me. Everytime I lock our room he don't feel comfortable but sometimes I need to do it because I am working and I can't focus if he is also inside the room. Sometimes he is so active and end up jumping from my office chair to our nearby bed. It is so distracting for a mom like me who is working at home.

But today is quite different. When I woke up around 1pm, Gareth holds my hand and led me inside our room. For the rest of the day he is inside the room and just go out if he needs to eat. He is so silent the whole day. I wonder what happened to him but today he is not talking. He is just listening to music and even covered my mouth if I sing.

There are moments that I can't stop him being so loud but sometimes he wants peace. This is the moment when his mind is working so hard to memorize the songs he is listening then one day he will just surprise us.

I am taking this opportunity also to read books and enjoy the calmness in our room. No tantrums! Just hugs and kisses from Gareth.

While I am writing this post, he is seating behind me and touching my hair. :)

Oh God.. I love my life!

Tantrums

Just like any other kids with autism Gareth has tantrums too and sometimes very hard to deal. Gareth is at the living room watching Disney Junior and all of a sudden he shouted very loud that I can't ignore. His tantrums somehow affects his 11 months old sister, Pillow. Pillow is also crying because she saw his brother crying and this made me go crazy coz' I don't know how to manage those cryings. So I looked Gareth and listened to him. He is talking but believe me it is so hard to understand but I show to him that I understood everything.

So I found out that my sister in the other room is playing Gareth's favorite song and that made him so mad. Gareth hates watching his favorite TV shows while in the other room he's favorite song is playing. He really don't know how to manage it so he just screamed and cried!

As a mom, I don't know why I understand him. This shows our connection and it somehow made me feel better.

How I wish he can start talking so that he can express his emotions easily...

Gareth's Version of The Lazy Song :)

Gareth loves Bruno Mars songs and Lazy Song is one of his favorites.

I Believe

I know mom's like me will definitely understand what I'm going through. I will never stop believing that someday in God's time Gareth will grow like a normal kid.

Sometimes, I want to give up but I know there is no way for us to go but to find ways on how to make all this things easier for Gareth. I really wanted to help him and I know that he can't rely to anyone else but us as his family.

Today, I decided to call the DAN Doctor, well, as far as I know based on my research that there is only one DAN Doctor in the Philippines so far and this is really frustrating since the number of autistic kids are keep on growing. I set an appointment to meet a DAN Doctor for the first time on August 1 and hopefully we will start Gareth's treatment ASAP.

I read a lot of books about Autism and those are really helpful. I found out that early intervention is very important as well as the diet. We tried GFCF diet before but got frustrated because Gareth turned very weak and as a mother it really breaks my heart.

For the past 3 months we focused on his therapy. He has a nursery class everyday from 8am to 10am then headed to his Occupational Therapy and SPED Therapy from 1pm- 2pm. He is attending therapy 4 times a week for 730php/hour. Having an autistic kid is not easy. We need to deal with his behavior, our frustrations and of course our financial capability.

I lost count on how much we spent so far for his treatment. I hate computing it or taking notes of it. I don't want to think if we spent too much because all I really want is to give him the best. I believe that giving everything to him now while he is still young is very important for his recovery and I have faith that he will be normal anytime soon. And computing what we spent is not my priority.

Anyway, I read this book Cutting-Edge Therapies for Autism and it helps me understand more about his case. It has a different guide for different therapies that your kid might be needing.

Feed Me!

I love reading and since I found out about Gareth's case I am so hungry of information. I bought the kindle version of Louder than Words by Jenny McCarthy at Amazon and I learn a lot from her.

I think we should continue the GFCF diet that Gareth started months ago but I stopped because he lost a lot of weight and he becomes very sickly.

I think we should start seeking DAN Doctors ASAP too.

Everytime I read something new that I thought will benefit my son's condition I immediately research more about it and hoping that it will be the best for him.

Rants

As a mom, I find it hard to deal the situation of my son.

The depressions is with me since I found out Gareth's case. There are moments that I don't know how to deal my depressions anymore specially if Gareth is not showing any progress.

I found myself away from anyone too. I locked myself inside the room and just do my work but of course my mind is fleeting and wondering if he will be normal like any kids in the neighborhood.

I cried bucket already and I know that I have more tears coming but it will not stop me of believing that someday he will be with us like what I dream him to be.

It's sad but I have to deal with this one day at a time.

How about you?

For almost every week Gareth is having asthma attack and it's really bothering me. Maybe of his daily busy schedules and he's body is still adjusting that is why he is sickly all the time.

If he is not feeling well, I make it a point to cancel his whole day activity. At dawn, I am sending messages to the school, school service driver and his Teachers from Shine Intervention.

I make it a point also that to give extra care for his health. He is taking Vitamin C everyday and see to it that he has enough sleep. He is a very active lately but still manageable. He loves playing his new cars and singing Bruno Mars songs.

We also bought a nebulizer for his asthma and so far it really helps. So glad that we have it coz' during my time, my parents cannot afford it.

Gareth is not yet talking but so far he is trying to communicate to us through actions. He is not as hyper as before too. He is now easy to manage and seems aware of us already.

I hope and pray that eventually he can start talking to us.

SPED Assessment

Gareth scheduled for SPED Assessment was yesterday. We prepared ourselves to witness his worst behavior during the assessment because that was always the scenario. Well, this time its different. He participated in almost all the activity but at the end of the assessment he lost his temper and start throwing away the toys and shouted his teacher.

So sad... but that's how he always reacted everytime he can't express his feelings.

There are mornings that I just woke up because I heard him shouting and crying because he can't express what he wants and our househelper is not used to him and can't understand him so Gareth got so frustrated.

I told the teacher to focus more on helping Gareth on how to express his feelings. They promised us to do everything for him. I hope Gareth will show progress soon!

After the assessment we went to Shangrila to have dinner and so happy that Gareth is properly behaving at the restaurant. Well, Gareth loves dining out and staying in the restaurant. He patiently waited our order and eat at least 2 cups of rice in one setting.

So proud of him!

Special Moms for Special Kids: God Knows Exactly What He's Doing - Erma Bombeck

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit.

This year, nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of disabled children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of disabled children are chosen?

Somehow I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation.

As he observes, he instructs his angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

"Armstrong, Beth, son, patron saint, Matthew. Forrest, Marjorie, daughter, patron saint, Cecilia."

"Rudledge, Carrie, twins, patron saint...give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."

Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child."

The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy."

"Exactly," says God. "Could I give a handicapped child a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."

"But has she patience?" asks the angel.

"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off, she'll handle it.

I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world. She has to make it live in her world, and that's not going to be easy."

"But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you."

God smiles. "No matter. I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness."

The angel gasps, "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?"

God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a 'spoken word.' She will never consider a 'step' ordinary. When her child says 'Momma' for the first time, she will be present at a miracle and know it! When she describes a tree or a sunset to her blind child, she will see it as few people ever see my creations.

I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice... and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side."

"And what about her patron saint?" asks the angel, pen poised in midair.

God smiles. "A mirror will suffice"

At the Center

Iba ang naging behavior ni Gareth kapag nasa OT sya. Naririnig ng husband ko na minsan hindi sya sumusunod sa teacher at minsan sinigawan pa nya. Sabi naman ng teacher nya na most of the time sumusunod na sya pero hindi talaga maiwasan na ayaw syang sundin ni Gareth.

One time I asked him kung kumusta sya sa school, he replied "so harsh". Ayon... hindi nya nagustuhan pero wala syang magagawa kasi kailangan talaga nya ng Occupational Therapy.

So far happy naman kami sa result and hoping na mas madami pa syang matutunan.

School Time is coming and this week magpapaenroll na si Gareth. Nursery na sya! I am excited.

Gareth Milestone

It's been a month since Gareth attended OT. Ang daming naging improvement sa kanya. Marunong na syang kumain mag isa at natatawag na namin at nakikinig na sya. Dati kapag nasa restaurant kami mabilis sya mainip pero ngayon marunong na syang maghintay. Hindi na rin namin sya kailangang bigyan ng laruan habang naghihintay at nakakaya na talaga nya. Dati din kapag manunuod kami ng movie na kasama sya, hindi sya napapakali sa upuan. Ngayon nakaupo lang sya at nanunuod. Hindi ko lang alam kung naintindihan nya ang napanood nya kasi hindi sya katulad ng ibang bata na nagkwekwento ng napanood nya. Well, as long as he is behaving well, sobrang okay na sa amin yon.

Magaling na rin syang makisama sa kapatid nya. Ayaw na ayaw nyang nasasaktan ang baby girl namin at kung hawak ang favorite nyang laruan hindi na nya eto inaagaw. Kaya minsan nakakatuwang isipin na baka delay lang talaga at wala talagang autism. Sana nga lahat ng ito ay isang panaginip lang at sana isang araw paggising ko ay isang normal na bata na may maraming kwento.

Happy

Gareth attended OT twice and so happy for the result. He can now eat on his own. We don't need to spoon feed him. He can also do the "high five" and follow simple instructions. His next OT will be after the Holy Week.

So far the result is really noticeable and we are very happy. We will continue his therapy until he will truly recover and act as normal!

Thank you Lord for everything!

XOXO

Therapy Moment

So eto na, ready na kami sa therapy ni Gareth.

The Dev Pedia of Gareth refers us to Shine Intervention at Pasig City. Kahapon napuntahan na rin namin at maganda naman ang facilities. Okay na rin agad si Gareth sa place. Nagpaschedule na kami ng assessment nya sa OT and SPED.

Here's the details:

OT assessment: 2,000php

SPED assessment: 3,000php

OT per hour session: 600php

SPED per hour session: 625php

He needs 3 times a week SPED and 2 times a week OT.

We are praying for his fast development.

The Truth

We finally had our appointment and feels relieved that it was done. the diagnose is that he has Autism with Global Developmental Delay. During the test, Gareth didn't perform well. He is not cooperative and it really frustrates me.

Now we are ready for his therapy. The Dev Ped refers us to some experts and we will be meeting them next week. We are really willing to let him do all his therapies and will support all the way. The therapy is expensive but we are willing to risk everything. We are hoping that Gareth will perform well.

I will be updating more about his case here in the coming weeks but for now I will focus more on him and of course I will be deal with my depressions too.

It's depressing and frustrating in our part but we don't have a choice but to accept it and start the therapy soon.

That's all for now...

XOXO

Initial Testing

Finally nakapagset na rin kami ng schedule for initial testing kaya excited kami kanina na pumunta. Umabot din ng 1 hour ang initial testing. Hindi naman kasama si Gareth sa loob ng room, maraming tanong ang assistant ng Dev Pedia from the start na binuntis ko si Gareth at hanggang ngayon. May mga tanong about sa genetics, food intake, pregnancy and developments. Minsan kapag may tanong napapatulala ako kasi parang may ibang tanong na kailangan ko pang i-recall yong developments nya.

Ang final test nya nakasched on March 31 at sana meron mas maagang magcancel para mas mapaaga kami.

About his development, madami na syang sinasabi lately at mostly English. Hindi sya masyadong nagsasalita ng tagalog.

I also encourage him to talk, kung may gusto sya hindi ko na agad binibigay. Kinakausap na talaga namin sya ng madalas. Sana tuloy tuloy lang ang development nya.

Gareth at Enchanted Kingdom

We went to Enchanted to Celebrate Valentine's Day. Gareth is the one who enjoys most. He loves all the kiddie rides.

At the entrance.

UP UP and Away

He is really loving it.

That's it! I am looking forward for our next adventure.

Is it Love?

That is Gareth's word for today.

He is watching the trailer of My Valentine Girls by Richard G. and when he heard Jillian speaking he likes it and got so kilig.

He keeps on saying "is it love?" that is something special to us because we didn't heard him before speaks like that. He is not imitating something before.

He is taking his SPED class for 4 weeks. So far he is now becoming talkative but some are hard to understand but he is really trying. This is a good sign because before he is not even trying to talk to us.

I believe in God that soon Gareth will act and speak normally. One day he will!

Development 1

Sa wakas nakapag SPED Class na si Gareth. He is attending SPED class 1/week for 500 pesos per session. Mabuti na lang that his school is offering SPED class too so hindi na kami nahirapan. So far nakapagsession na sya 2 times at natuwa naman kami kasi madami ng improvement.

Dati kulang na kulang sya sa eye contact pero ngayon kapag nagsasalita sya tinitingnan na rin nya kami. Madami na rin syang kinakanta. Very observant na rin sya ngayon. Marunong na rin syang makipaglaro sa kapatid nya at kung may bagong bata syang mameet sya na ang unang ngingiti. Nakakatuwa kasi ang bilis ng development at sana nga tuloy tuloy na to.

May mga nasasabi na rin sya like "NO, Mommy, Daddy, Dede, alis, ayaw, because, why, I'm four, I'm Gareth".

Latest Pictures!

Here's the latest pictures of Gareth during Christmas and New Year!!

Playing his Christmas Gift.

Joining the kids during our Reunion. :)

I am so happy for the little improvement he is showing lately. He is also trying to communicate to us and everytime we speak to him there is already an eye contact unlike before that he can't focus.

Now that the holiday is over, he will be attending his SPED Class starting next week.

I am so excited and hopefully he will show improvement soon.