Re: In defense of people on the edge.../On getting our kids out the

[Guest guest]

,

This is so true. If at all possible (and for some, yes, I know it simply can't be done) haul those kids around with you everywhere. My son has a twin sister and a brother who is 13 months older (yes, oops!). I remember my husband saying once that there was no way he could take all three kids for a haircut at the same time, my answer was, " Why not, I do it " . Fortunately, in a small southern town the village kicks in and so many people were willing to lend a hand. And we were quite familiar with the Code Adam at Wal-mart!! But I think back now to the many people who may have gained a little understanding by just 5 minutes of contact. And for the rest, who cares what they think.

And my son now loves to go new places, meet people and is doing better than I ever dared to hope.

Posted by: " King " medfordkings1@... medfordkings1 Tue Jan 22, 2008 12:20 am (PST)

I want to share my thoughts on taking our kids out, and Sheila, this is in no way directed

towards you or others that struggle to take their kids out- just my wisdom on this issue.

I know many people who choose to leave their kids at home ar only go out with assitance

or an assistant of some sort. Many of them are dear friends, so this is in no way an attack

or insult on those who feel overwhelmed at taking their kids out.

Six years ago when I knew that both of my kids were " autistic " , but had to wait 7 more

months for a diagnosis, I was at an all time low. Out of necessity I would have to take my

kids to the grocery store (my husband was working night shift, and I was working 6 hrs a

day in a depressed little town in Arizona). This was before biomed, and at the most

difficult time for both of them that I can recall. I would have an actual panic attack every

time we tried to get through the checkout line, feeling pain in my chest and shoulders as I

would struggle to get the money from my purse while holding on to both of their hands so

that they wouldn't bolt and head for the nearest box of cereal or bar of candy. I still recall

that period in our lives with painful clarity.

There were many times since then that I have been tempted to just leave them at home

when I had help or my husband is home on weekends, which is rare since we have never

had respite or any other family nearby most of the time.

To make a long-winded story short, at some point in time I realized that I would have to

work through this with the kids: That It was good for others to see them, and most

importantly, good for them to get out on a regular basis doing normal, everyday tasks

with me. Once I got over the " What other people thought " issue and played extinction at

the rude idiots that assume you have disciplinary issues, it kept getting easier.

I kept at it, and now after 6 years it is actually a nice experience most of the time. I take

them everywhere; Costco, the health food store, restaraunts (if they have something

GFCF), and it is usually enjoyable. The more you get them out, the easier it becomes and

the more people become aware of our kids. My 9 year old likes to wear all of his anti-

mercury shirts on the weekends, so that often strikes up a conversation. He goes to

hearings with me and sometimes spends all day at the Capitol here in Sacramento, just so

he can testify or go on record. My 8 year old is still quite severe, but still enjoys and looks

forward to our outings. He even requests to go to the grocery store now constantly (so he

can put Kinnickinnick cookies in the basket!).

Get your kids out there! Even if they have a meltdown, it may be an opportunity to educate

someone!

Eichenberger

GOSCNA Human Resources

Cargill, Inc.

Mailstop#20

15407 McGinty Rd. West

Wayzata, MN 55391

952-742-2917 (phone) 952-367-1336 (fax)

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