Our Journey With Jonathon

 

  I’m writing a separate letter this time for Jonathon because so many have asked about him and his life with Autism.  It has been a journey, one we weren’t sure we were prepared for, but I am so thankful the Lord knows and he has gone before us the whole way.  Jonathon is now 7.  He attends Oak Tree, which is a school for kids with special needs and is in a class specifically for Autistic children.  He likes going to this school and he seems to really enjoy riding the bus.  Sheila Swicegood has been his teacher for almost 3 years now and she is an absolute angel.  In her class he has learned the alphabet and writes his name, numbers, and has learned his colors.  It is unknown though if he really understands what “colors” are.  He still doesn’t speak, but he communicates with a book known as “PECS”.  The book is full of pictures that he can choose from to tell us what he wants or needs.  For example, if he is thirsty he will bring us the “I want” and the “Juice” signs.  This is a lifesaver for us and has really helped us to better communicate with Jonathon.  It can still be frustrating at time for Jonathon because there are times when he acts like he wants to tell us something but is unable to verbalize what he is feeling.

  Jonathon is much more aware of his surroundings now.  He is learning to play with other children, but would rather play alone.  He often takes objects, such as pencils and sticks, and “taps” with them.  He still “Stims” and does hand flapping with noises, which is common for Autistic kids.  However we are working on cutting down on those behaviors.  One thing that has helped is keeping him on the “Autism diet”.  This diet contains no dairy, wheat, or gluten.  This is sometimes hard to maintain, but he is much better when he is on it.

  This fall he received a pair of glasses.  It seems to help (if we can get him to keep them on!) and he uses a device in school called and “FM Modulation Unit”.  This device cuts out all the background noise so all he hears it the teachers voice.  This has helped him to focus on the teacher and not be distracted.  They are trying to get a unit for us to use at home.  He also gets speech and occupational therapy twice w week and seems to be making progress there also.  They work on his oral skill and his small and large motor functions.

  Jonathon is still sensitive to certain noises (hairdryer, mixer, etc) and doesn’t do well when his “schedule” is interrupted or changed.  Autistic children thrive on schedules and certain rituals.  He still takes medicine to help him sleep and we are praying he does not need anything stronger help keep him “calm” during the day.  He is also more loving toward us.  I am looking forward to the day that he will say, “I love you”.

  A big highlight this year was Jonathon’s weeklong trip to Camp Arrow.  It is a camp for kids with special needs.  He loved it!  I, on the other hand had a much harder time leaving him.  Our greatest fear was he would “run away” from the camp.  The counselors said he did very well and will be going again next summer.  I want to thank everyone who has asked about him or who has helped us with him.  He is a special little boy and I know we have him for a reason.  He has taught us to be more patient, less selfish, more tolerant of others, and has helped us to develop a stronger family bond.  The kids are really good with him.  They help watch out for him are willing to help take care of him. We are truly thankful.  Please keep us in your prayers.  We have links on our homepage for Autism and we encourage you to read more about it.  Did you realize that 250 children a day are diagnosed with Autism?  We are praying for a cure and prevention of this disease.  We pray 2007 will be a better year for Jonathon.  Thank you all again and God Bless you all.

 

                                                                                    Jonathon’s Parents.

            Matt 19:14 and Matt 5:8

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