Touring the Children's Autism Center

This morning Maizie had a CVS bout. She was sitting watching cartoons and I was eating a bowl of cereal when all of a sudden she curls up into a ball and says, "My belly hurts." She begins sweating and asks for her sick bear bowl. It was a bad one.

I woke up Joe and told him Maizie was having an episode. It had been quite a few days since the last one so as always we were both holding out hope that there would be no more. You can't help it. These thoughts just take over and we think,"Maybe she has outgrown it. Maybe they will stay away all summer."

I set Maizie up with her belly cozy and head off to an important morning meeting.

I went to tour our towns relatively new Children's Autism Center. They have been open for two years. Oh, how I wish they would have been around when Maizie was younger. And yet, we managed and Maizie is doing quite well. There are some areas where we need help. Despite trying many different teaching methods we have been unable to help her understand the passing of time, basic math skills, hand writing skills and various self care skills. Behaviorally she is doing quite well. I am sure we would see some behaviors develop with the stress of adding in therapies. They help in that area too. One day at a time.

I have been wanting to tour this place for months but resisted since Maizie has been so sick with CVS. This week I took the leap, made the calls, scheduled the meeting and completed the paper work. I could barely sleep last night anticipating the meeting and trying to breathe from this nightmare sinus infection/cold. My biggest worries being, "What if they won't help us? What if Maizie can't stay well enough to go?"

Then, to wake up and see Maizie struggle with another episode about sent me over the edge. My heart broke.

The meeting went great. The place is clean, organized, professional and the people there were all very kind. They only use positive methods and won't do time outs unless you sign off for them. I was very pleased to hear this.

Maizie will have her initial testing soon to see what areas she needs help in. The best news of all....our insurance will cover it one hundred percent. God willing, that is true. I never trust what the insurance company tells me until the bills go through and they are covered. It is good and supportive news though! Yes! Now, I have to chill and think good thoughts. I can't imagine why she would not qualify for services and yet I worry they will say she is too "high functioning" or that her CVS would cause too many difficulties. My mind runs away with negative thoughts. Now that I know we may be getting some quality help I am a nervous wreck waiting for the answers.

I told Maizie about the Autism Center and she said, "I am not Autistic! I mean...I am...but I don't want math." The brochure had a large drawing of a few addition problems. Next, she closed the brochure and said, "Cool. Fine." and threw it back on the table. I explained we would still be homeschooling and that pleased her.

This would be a big change for her. Luckily, the hours are flexible. She would probably begin with three hours in the afternoon and build from there. Since she has not been tested in quite a few years I am very interested in seeing the results and what the center would offer for help.

Keeping my fingers and toes crossed. The photos in this post are from 2004 and 2005.