Re: I just want to give up

[Guest guest]

Hello ,

I know you wrote this post a while ago, but just in case you still

need encouragement...

I began this journey on March 7, 2001 after my then fifteen month old

son immediately regressed following vaccinations containing

thimerosal (among other toxins). My happy, healthy only child (That

I had prayed, dreamed and hoped for) for 41 years was transformed into

a non-verbal, non-sleeping, projectile vomiting, screaming in agony

for two hours at a stretch, at times seemingly catatonic child.

Told repeatedly it was " hopeless " and " you need to accept it, " and

the most tragic of all from the head of pediatric neurology at

Children's medical Center, " BY mass vaccinating, we are saving so

many, but there are losses. Your child is one of them. Now you just

need to accept it. " or something to that effect.

I credit the ECI therapist who came to the house and gave me hope.

They told me about the diet. They gave me support while he was going

through withdrawal from opiate peptides for three weeks.

Next, we found Dr. Amy Holmes who put us on the right track to

treatment. I also credit so many mothers who began this journey

before me who gave me advice and encouragement.

Down sometimes? Yes. Depressed at times. You bet. But my motto

became, " Never give up. Never surrender. " I watched movies like

" The Miracle worker " and " Lorenzo's Oil. "

I spent most of my free time researching and reading and implementing.

I had to get over the looks and stares when out in public while he

was having a horrendous meltdown and once while he was having a

psychotic episode.

I also made up my mind that I would never give my child a

psychotropic drug that would only cover up his symptoms and not

really solve anything. I would look for ways to correct the

biochemical chaos going on in his body.

Then came the school district. I had to get over being perceived as

a b*#!h. They intimidated. They threatened. They came up with an

EYS program that was beyond laughable, and I believe it was designed

that was to get all the parents to decline service, but I persevered.

I researched more --this time about the law. I consulted an

educational attorney. When asked when we would have another ARD

about EYS as we were still in disagreement, I was told, " Well, we

told you what it was. You either want it or you don't. " (clearly

against the law, by the way).

I did not back down. Within hours of hand delivering a letter and

making each person sign for the letter, I was informed that the

district would pay for his summer services elsewhere.

My son has enjoyed almost five weeks at a school that truly

understands how to teach him. It has been wonderful, and I only wish

it could continue, but that's a battle for another day.

I don't know the facts but find it curious that the superintendent,

principal, and diagnostician of the district are all leaving.

Hopefully new people will come who adhere to special education law

better, but I will NEVER stop advocating for my child.

Where has it all gotten us? My son has improved seventy percent. He

has gone from severe to high-functioning. His personality has

emerged. He talks and reciprocal language is emerging. He is potty

trained and has been since age five (he is eight and a half). He is

a bight little boy with an infectious laugh and a charismatic

personality. he has a great shot at independence so long as I don't

give up.

He still has major issues: chronic respiratory problems, many many

food intolerances, OCD and SID, but we forge ahead. Some days I

have my cry. I throw pity parties for myself, and then I look at how

far he has come, and I thank GOD.

After my crying jags, I pick myself up and get back on track.

Life is like a horse. You either ride it, or it rides you. I intend

to stay on this horse and finish the race. I do it because my son

needs me to do it. Some days I feel like I am fighting battles on

all sides, but it is just not in me to quit.

We are sisters of circumstance. Let me know if I can help.

Don't give up!

Haven

[Guest guest]

Haven,

I don't know you but you're my hero...what an awesome story. Your son is a very

lucky little boy to have you for his mom!

a

Re: I just want to give up

Hello ,

I know you wrote this post a while ago, but just in case you still

need encouragement...

I began this journey on March 7, 2001 after my then fifteen month old

son immediately regressed following vaccinations containing

thimerosal (among other toxins). My happy, healthy only child (That

I had prayed, dreamed and hoped for) for 41 years was transformed into

a non-verbal, non-sleeping, projectile vomiting, screaming in agony

for two hours at a stretch, at times seemingly catatonic child.

Told repeatedly it was " hopeless " and " you need to accept it, " and

the most tragic of all from the head of pediatric neurology at

Children's medical Center, " BY mass vaccinating, we are saving so

many, but there are losses. Your child is one of them. Now you just

need to accept it. " or something to that effect.

I credit the ECI therapist who came to the house and gave me hope.

They told me about the diet. They gave me support while he was going

through withdrawal from opiate peptides for three weeks.

Next, we found Dr. Amy Holmes who put us on the right track to

treatment. I also credit so many mothers who began this journey

before me who gave me advice and encouragement.

Down sometimes? Yes. Depressed at times. You bet. But my motto

became, " Never give up. Never surrender. " I watched movies like

" The Miracle worker " and " Lorenzo's Oil. "

I spent most of my free time researching and reading and implementing.

I had to get over the looks and stares when out in public while he

was having a horrendous meltdown and once while he was having a

psychotic episode.

I also made up my mind that I would never give my child a

psychotropic drug that would only cover up his symptoms and not

really solve anything. I would look for ways to correct the

biochemical chaos going on in his body.

Then came the school district. I had to get over being perceived as

a b*#!h. They intimidated. They threatened. They came up with an

EYS program that was beyond laughable, and I believe it was designed

that was to get all the parents to decline service, but I persevered.

I researched more --this time about the law. I consulted an

educational attorney. When asked when we would have another ARD

about EYS as we were still in disagreement, I was told, " Well, we

told you what it was. You either want it or you don't. " (clearly

against the law, by the way).

I did not back down. Within hours of hand delivering a letter and

making each person sign for the letter, I was informed that the

district would pay for his summer services elsewhere.

My son has enjoyed almost five weeks at a school that truly

understands how to teach him. It has been wonderful, and I only wish

it could continue, but that's a battle for another day.

I don't know the facts but find it curious that the superintendent,

principal, and diagnostician of the district are all leaving.

Hopefully new people will come who adhere to special education law

better, but I will NEVER stop advocating for my child.

Where has it all gotten us? My son has improved seventy percent. He

has gone from severe to high-functioning. His personality has

emerged. He talks and reciprocal language is emerging. He is potty

trained and has been since age five (he is eight and a half). He is

a bight little boy with an infectious laugh and a charismatic

personality. he has a great shot at independence so long as I don't

give up.

He still has major issues: chronic respiratory problems, many many

food intolerances, OCD and SID, but we forge ahead. Some days I

have my cry. I throw pity parties for myself, and then I look at how

far he has come, and I thank GOD.

After my crying jags, I pick myself up and get back on track.

Life is like a horse. You either ride it, or it rides you. I intend

to stay on this horse and finish the race. I do it because my son

needs me to do it. Some days I feel like I am fighting battles on

all sides, but it is just not in me to quit.

We are sisters of circumstance. Let me know if I can help.

Don't give up!

Haven

[Guest guest]

Haven,

I don't know you but you're my hero...what an awesome story. Your son is a very

lucky little boy to have you for his mom!

a

Re: I just want to give up

Hello ,

I know you wrote this post a while ago, but just in case you still

need encouragement...

I began this journey on March 7, 2001 after my then fifteen month old

son immediately regressed following vaccinations containing

thimerosal (among other toxins). My happy, healthy only child (That

I had prayed, dreamed and hoped for) for 41 years was transformed into

a non-verbal, non-sleeping, projectile vomiting, screaming in agony

for two hours at a stretch, at times seemingly catatonic child.

Told repeatedly it was " hopeless " and " you need to accept it, " and

the most tragic of all from the head of pediatric neurology at

Children's medical Center, " BY mass vaccinating, we are saving so

many, but there are losses. Your child is one of them. Now you just

need to accept it. " or something to that effect.

I credit the ECI therapist who came to the house and gave me hope.

They told me about the diet. They gave me support while he was going

through withdrawal from opiate peptides for three weeks.

Next, we found Dr. Amy Holmes who put us on the right track to

treatment. I also credit so many mothers who began this journey

before me who gave me advice and encouragement.

Down sometimes? Yes. Depressed at times. You bet. But my motto

became, " Never give up. Never surrender. " I watched movies like

" The Miracle worker " and " Lorenzo's Oil. "

I spent most of my free time researching and reading and implementing.

I had to get over the looks and stares when out in public while he

was having a horrendous meltdown and once while he was having a

psychotic episode.

I also made up my mind that I would never give my child a

psychotropic drug that would only cover up his symptoms and not

really solve anything. I would look for ways to correct the

biochemical chaos going on in his body.

Then came the school district. I had to get over being perceived as

a b*#!h. They intimidated. They threatened. They came up with an

EYS program that was beyond laughable, and I believe it was designed

that was to get all the parents to decline service, but I persevered.

I researched more --this time about the law. I consulted an

educational attorney. When asked when we would have another ARD

about EYS as we were still in disagreement, I was told, " Well, we

told you what it was. You either want it or you don't. " (clearly

against the law, by the way).

I did not back down. Within hours of hand delivering a letter and

making each person sign for the letter, I was informed that the

district would pay for his summer services elsewhere.

My son has enjoyed almost five weeks at a school that truly

understands how to teach him. It has been wonderful, and I only wish

it could continue, but that's a battle for another day.

I don't know the facts but find it curious that the superintendent,

principal, and diagnostician of the district are all leaving.

Hopefully new people will come who adhere to special education law

better, but I will NEVER stop advocating for my child.

Where has it all gotten us? My son has improved seventy percent. He

has gone from severe to high-functioning. His personality has

emerged. He talks and reciprocal language is emerging. He is potty

trained and has been since age five (he is eight and a half). He is

a bight little boy with an infectious laugh and a charismatic

personality. he has a great shot at independence so long as I don't

give up.

He still has major issues: chronic respiratory problems, many many

food intolerances, OCD and SID, but we forge ahead. Some days I

have my cry. I throw pity parties for myself, and then I look at how

far he has come, and I thank GOD.

After my crying jags, I pick myself up and get back on track.

Life is like a horse. You either ride it, or it rides you. I intend

to stay on this horse and finish the race. I do it because my son

needs me to do it. Some days I feel like I am fighting battles on

all sides, but it is just not in me to quit.

We are sisters of circumstance. Let me know if I can help.

Don't give up!

Haven

[Guest guest]

Ditto to what a said!

So glad you never gave up.

Nagla

>

> Haven,

>

> I don't know you but you're my hero...what an awesome story. Your

son is a very lucky little boy to have you for his mom!

>

> a

> Re: I just want to give up

>

>

> Hello ,

>

> I know you wrote this post a while ago, but just in case you still

> need encouragement...

>

> I began this journey on March 7, 2001 after my then fifteen month

old

> son immediately regressed following vaccinations containing

> thimerosal (among other toxins). My happy, healthy only child

(That

> I had prayed, dreamed and hoped for) for 41 years was transformed

into

> a non-verbal, non-sleeping, projectile vomiting, screaming in

agony

> for two hours at a stretch, at times seemingly catatonic child.

>

> Told repeatedly it was " hopeless " and " you need to accept it, " and

> the most tragic of all from the head of pediatric neurology at

> Children's medical Center, " BY mass vaccinating, we are saving so

> many, but there are losses. Your child is one of them. Now you

just

> need to accept it. " or something to that effect.

>

> I credit the ECI therapist who came to the house and gave me hope.

> They told me about the diet. They gave me support while he was

going

> through withdrawal from opiate peptides for three weeks.

>

> Next, we found Dr. Amy Holmes who put us on the right track to

> treatment. I also credit so many mothers who began this journey

> before me who gave me advice and encouragement.

>

> Down sometimes? Yes. Depressed at times. You bet. But my motto

> became, " Never give up. Never surrender. " I watched movies like

> " The Miracle worker " and " Lorenzo's Oil. "

>

> I spent most of my free time researching and reading and

implementing.

> I had to get over the looks and stares when out in public while he

> was having a horrendous meltdown and once while he was having a

> psychotic episode.

>

> I also made up my mind that I would never give my child a

> psychotropic drug that would only cover up his symptoms and not

> really solve anything. I would look for ways to correct the

> biochemical chaos going on in his body.

>

> Then came the school district. I had to get over being perceived

as

> a b*#!h. They intimidated. They threatened. They came up with an

> EYS program that was beyond laughable, and I believe it was

designed

> that was to get all the parents to decline service, but I

persevered.

>

> I researched more --this time about the law. I consulted an

> educational attorney. When asked when we would have another ARD

> about EYS as we were still in disagreement, I was told, " Well, we

> told you what it was. You either want it or you don't. " (clearly

> against the law, by the way).

>

> I did not back down. Within hours of hand delivering a letter and

> making each person sign for the letter, I was informed that the

> district would pay for his summer services elsewhere.

>

> My son has enjoyed almost five weeks at a school that truly

> understands how to teach him. It has been wonderful, and I only

wish

> it could continue, but that's a battle for another day.

>

> I don't know the facts but find it curious that the

superintendent,

> principal, and diagnostician of the district are all leaving.

> Hopefully new people will come who adhere to special education law

> better, but I will NEVER stop advocating for my child.

>

> Where has it all gotten us? My son has improved seventy percent.

He

> has gone from severe to high-functioning. His personality has

> emerged. He talks and reciprocal language is emerging. He is potty

> trained and has been since age five (he is eight and a half). He

is

> a bight little boy with an infectious laugh and a charismatic

> personality. he has a great shot at independence so long as I

don't

> give up.

>

> He still has major issues: chronic respiratory problems, many many

> food intolerances, OCD and SID, but we forge ahead. Some days I

> have my cry. I throw pity parties for myself, and then I look at

how

> far he has come, and I thank GOD.

>

> After my crying jags, I pick myself up and get back on track.

>

> Life is like a horse. You either ride it, or it rides you. I

intend

> to stay on this horse and finish the race. I do it because my son

> needs me to do it. Some days I feel like I am fighting battles on

> all sides, but it is just not in me to quit.

>

> We are sisters of circumstance. Let me know if I can help.

>

> Don't give up!

>

> Haven

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Ditto to what a said!

So glad you never gave up.

Nagla

>

> Haven,

>

> I don't know you but you're my hero...what an awesome story. Your

son is a very lucky little boy to have you for his mom!

>

> a

> Re: I just want to give up

>

>

> Hello ,

>

> I know you wrote this post a while ago, but just in case you still

> need encouragement...

>

> I began this journey on March 7, 2001 after my then fifteen month

old

> son immediately regressed following vaccinations containing

> thimerosal (among other toxins). My happy, healthy only child

(That

> I had prayed, dreamed and hoped for) for 41 years was transformed

into

> a non-verbal, non-sleeping, projectile vomiting, screaming in

agony

> for two hours at a stretch, at times seemingly catatonic child.

>

> Told repeatedly it was " hopeless " and " you need to accept it, " and

> the most tragic of all from the head of pediatric neurology at

> Children's medical Center, " BY mass vaccinating, we are saving so

> many, but there are losses. Your child is one of them. Now you

just

> need to accept it. " or something to that effect.

>

> I credit the ECI therapist who came to the house and gave me hope.

> They told me about the diet. They gave me support while he was

going

> through withdrawal from opiate peptides for three weeks.

>

> Next, we found Dr. Amy Holmes who put us on the right track to

> treatment. I also credit so many mothers who began this journey

> before me who gave me advice and encouragement.

>

> Down sometimes? Yes. Depressed at times. You bet. But my motto

> became, " Never give up. Never surrender. " I watched movies like

> " The Miracle worker " and " Lorenzo's Oil. "

>

> I spent most of my free time researching and reading and

implementing.

> I had to get over the looks and stares when out in public while he

> was having a horrendous meltdown and once while he was having a

> psychotic episode.

>

> I also made up my mind that I would never give my child a

> psychotropic drug that would only cover up his symptoms and not

> really solve anything. I would look for ways to correct the

> biochemical chaos going on in his body.

>

> Then came the school district. I had to get over being perceived

as

> a b*#!h. They intimidated. They threatened. They came up with an

> EYS program that was beyond laughable, and I believe it was

designed

> that was to get all the parents to decline service, but I

persevered.

>

> I researched more --this time about the law. I consulted an

> educational attorney. When asked when we would have another ARD

> about EYS as we were still in disagreement, I was told, " Well, we

> told you what it was. You either want it or you don't. " (clearly

> against the law, by the way).

>

> I did not back down. Within hours of hand delivering a letter and

> making each person sign for the letter, I was informed that the

> district would pay for his summer services elsewhere.

>

> My son has enjoyed almost five weeks at a school that truly

> understands how to teach him. It has been wonderful, and I only

wish

> it could continue, but that's a battle for another day.

>

> I don't know the facts but find it curious that the

superintendent,

> principal, and diagnostician of the district are all leaving.

> Hopefully new people will come who adhere to special education law

> better, but I will NEVER stop advocating for my child.

>

> Where has it all gotten us? My son has improved seventy percent.

He

> has gone from severe to high-functioning. His personality has

> emerged. He talks and reciprocal language is emerging. He is potty

> trained and has been since age five (he is eight and a half). He

is

> a bight little boy with an infectious laugh and a charismatic

> personality. he has a great shot at independence so long as I

don't

> give up.

>

> He still has major issues: chronic respiratory problems, many many

> food intolerances, OCD and SID, but we forge ahead. Some days I

> have my cry. I throw pity parties for myself, and then I look at

how

> far he has come, and I thank GOD.

>

> After my crying jags, I pick myself up and get back on track.

>

> Life is like a horse. You either ride it, or it rides you. I

intend

> to stay on this horse and finish the race. I do it because my son

> needs me to do it. Some days I feel like I am fighting battles on

> all sides, but it is just not in me to quit.

>

> We are sisters of circumstance. Let me know if I can help.

>

> Don't give up!

>

> Haven

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I gotta add my ditto. I love when I meet a parent this fired up and determined

- helps me stay strong when I need it.

Re: I just want to give up

>

>

> Hello ,

>

> I know you wrote this post a while ago, but just in case you still

> need encouragement...

>

> I began this journey on March 7, 2001 after my then fifteen month

old

> son immediately regressed following vaccinations containing

> thimerosal (among other toxins). My happy, healthy only child

(That

> I had prayed, dreamed and hoped for) for 41 years was transformed

into

> a non-verbal, non-sleeping, projectile vomiting, screaming in

agony

> for two hours at a stretch, at times seemingly catatonic child.

>

> Told repeatedly it was " hopeless " and " you need to accept it, " and

> the most tragic of all from the head of pediatric neurology at

> Children's medical Center, " BY mass vaccinating, we are saving so

> many, but there are losses. Your child is one of them. Now you

just

> need to accept it. " or something to that effect.

>

> I credit the ECI therapist who came to the house and gave me hope.

> They told me about the diet. They gave me support while he was

going

> through withdrawal from opiate peptides for three weeks.

>

> Next, we found Dr. Amy Holmes who put us on the right track to

> treatment. I also credit so many mothers who began this journey

> before me who gave me advice and encouragement.

>

> Down sometimes? Yes. Depressed at times. You bet. But my motto

> became, " Never give up. Never surrender. " I watched movies like

> " The Miracle worker " and " Lorenzo's Oil. "

>

> I spent most of my free time researching and reading and

implementing.

> I had to get over the looks and stares when out in public while he

> was having a horrendous meltdown and once while he was having a

> psychotic episode.

>

> I also made up my mind that I would never give my child a

> psychotropic drug that would only cover up his symptoms and not

> really solve anything. I would look for ways to correct the

> biochemical chaos going on in his body.

>

> Then came the school district. I had to get over being perceived

as

> a b*#!h. They intimidated. They threatened. They came up with an

> EYS program that was beyond laughable, and I believe it was

designed

> that was to get all the parents to decline service, but I

persevered.

>

> I researched more --this time about the law. I consulted an

> educational attorney. When asked when we would have another ARD

> about EYS as we were still in disagreement, I was told, " Well, we

> told you what it was. You either want it or you don't. " (clearly

> against the law, by the way).

>

> I did not back down. Within hours of hand delivering a letter and

> making each person sign for the letter, I was informed that the

> district would pay for his summer services elsewhere.

>

> My son has enjoyed almost five weeks at a school that truly

> understands how to teach him. It has been wonderful, and I only

wish

> it could continue, but that's a battle for another day.

>

> I don't know the facts but find it curious that the

superintendent,

> principal, and diagnostician of the district are all leaving.

> Hopefully new people will come who adhere to special education law

> better, but I will NEVER stop advocating for my child.

>

> Where has it all gotten us? My son has improved seventy percent.

He

> has gone from severe to high-functioning. His personality has

> emerged. He talks and reciprocal language is emerging. He is potty

> trained and has been since age five (he is eight and a half). He

is

> a bight little boy with an infectious laugh and a charismatic

> personality. he has a great shot at independence so long as I

don't

> give up.

>

> He still has major issues: chronic respiratory problems, many many

> food intolerances, OCD and SID, but we forge ahead. Some days I

> have my cry. I throw pity parties for myself, and then I look at

how

> far he has come, and I thank GOD.

>

> After my crying jags, I pick myself up and get back on track.

>

> Life is like a horse. You either ride it, or it rides you. I

intend

> to stay on this horse and finish the race. I do it because my son

> needs me to do it. Some days I feel like I am fighting battles on

> all sides, but it is just not in me to quit.

>

> We are sisters of circumstance. Let me know if I can help.

>

> Don't give up!

>

> Haven

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I gotta add my ditto. I love when I meet a parent this fired up and determined

- helps me stay strong when I need it.

Re: I just want to give up

>

>

> Hello ,

>

> I know you wrote this post a while ago, but just in case you still

> need encouragement...

>

> I began this journey on March 7, 2001 after my then fifteen month

old

> son immediately regressed following vaccinations containing

> thimerosal (among other toxins). My happy, healthy only child

(That

> I had prayed, dreamed and hoped for) for 41 years was transformed

into

> a non-verbal, non-sleeping, projectile vomiting, screaming in

agony

> for two hours at a stretch, at times seemingly catatonic child.

>

> Told repeatedly it was " hopeless " and " you need to accept it, " and

> the most tragic of all from the head of pediatric neurology at

> Children's medical Center, " BY mass vaccinating, we are saving so

> many, but there are losses. Your child is one of them. Now you

just

> need to accept it. " or something to that effect.

>

> I credit the ECI therapist who came to the house and gave me hope.

> They told me about the diet. They gave me support while he was

going

> through withdrawal from opiate peptides for three weeks.

>

> Next, we found Dr. Amy Holmes who put us on the right track to

> treatment. I also credit so many mothers who began this journey

> before me who gave me advice and encouragement.

>

> Down sometimes? Yes. Depressed at times. You bet. But my motto

> became, " Never give up. Never surrender. " I watched movies like

> " The Miracle worker " and " Lorenzo's Oil. "

>

> I spent most of my free time researching and reading and

implementing.

> I had to get over the looks and stares when out in public while he

> was having a horrendous meltdown and once while he was having a

> psychotic episode.

>

> I also made up my mind that I would never give my child a

> psychotropic drug that would only cover up his symptoms and not

> really solve anything. I would look for ways to correct the

> biochemical chaos going on in his body.

>

> Then came the school district. I had to get over being perceived

as

> a b*#!h. They intimidated. They threatened. They came up with an

> EYS program that was beyond laughable, and I believe it was

designed

> that was to get all the parents to decline service, but I

persevered.

>

> I researched more --this time about the law. I consulted an

> educational attorney. When asked when we would have another ARD

> about EYS as we were still in disagreement, I was told, " Well, we

> told you what it was. You either want it or you don't. " (clearly

> against the law, by the way).

>

> I did not back down. Within hours of hand delivering a letter and

> making each person sign for the letter, I was informed that the

> district would pay for his summer services elsewhere.

>

> My son has enjoyed almost five weeks at a school that truly

> understands how to teach him. It has been wonderful, and I only

wish

> it could continue, but that's a battle for another day.

>

> I don't know the facts but find it curious that the

superintendent,

> principal, and diagnostician of the district are all leaving.

> Hopefully new people will come who adhere to special education law

> better, but I will NEVER stop advocating for my child.

>

> Where has it all gotten us? My son has improved seventy percent.

He

> has gone from severe to high-functioning. His personality has

> emerged. He talks and reciprocal language is emerging. He is potty

> trained and has been since age five (he is eight and a half). He

is

> a bight little boy with an infectious laugh and a charismatic

> personality. he has a great shot at independence so long as I

don't

> give up.

>

> He still has major issues: chronic respiratory problems, many many

> food intolerances, OCD and SID, but we forge ahead. Some days I

> have my cry. I throw pity parties for myself, and then I look at

how

> far he has come, and I thank GOD.

>

> After my crying jags, I pick myself up and get back on track.

>

> Life is like a horse. You either ride it, or it rides you. I

intend

> to stay on this horse and finish the race. I do it because my son

> needs me to do it. Some days I feel like I am fighting battles on

> all sides, but it is just not in me to quit.

>

> We are sisters of circumstance. Let me know if I can help.

>

> Don't give up!

>

> Haven

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I don't know how long I have been searching for support and help in raising and

fighting for my babies, but reading about your fight brought tears to my eyes.

I have been fighting for almost 14 years, and all those words they call you, I

am sure they call me as well. I know and I affirm to myself often, that I will

NEVER stop the fight.. for it is a fight worth fighting! I know that the school

districts do whatever they can do decline and get out of providing services, as

I have fought as well.. but sometimes, I do want to just give up. Knowing that

there is others that fight the same fights gives me hope and knowledge that we

can succeed WITH our children. (They tried to hospitalize my son when he was 5,

because he would never be able to function in " normal " society, but I refused!)

My son is 14 and goes to public schools, with the most beautiful and gentle

heart... I fight every day to ensure that they don't destroy his innocent and

beautiful soul... and sometimes it is sooo hard, but I know that it is worth

it!!

Thanks for letting me see that I am not alone!! That by itself encourages and

strengthens my resolve that I am doing the right thing.

Good Luck... and WE will NEVER give up!!!

Ria

Re: [Texas-Autism- Advocacy] I just want to give up

Hello ,

I know you wrote this post a while ago, but just in case you still

need encouragement. ..

I began this journey on March 7, 2001 after my then fifteen month old

son immediately regressed following vaccinations containing

thimerosal (among other toxins). My happy, healthy only child (That

I had prayed, dreamed and hoped for) for 41 years was transformed into

a non-verbal, non-sleeping, projectile vomiting, screaming in agony

for two hours at a stretch, at times seemingly catatonic child.

Told repeatedly it was " hopeless " and " you need to accept it, " and

the most tragic of all from the head of pediatric neurology at

Children's medical Center, " BY mass vaccinating, we are saving so

many, but there are losses. Your child is one of them. Now you just

need to accept it. " or something to that effect.

I credit the ECI therapist who came to the house and gave me hope.

They told me about the diet. They gave me support while he was going

through withdrawal from opiate peptides for three weeks.

Next, we found Dr. Amy Holmes who put us on the right track to

treatment. I also credit so many mothers who began this journey

before me who gave me advice and encouragement.

Down sometimes? Yes. Depressed at times. You bet. But my motto

became, " Never give up. Never surrender. " I watched movies like

" The Miracle worker " and " Lorenzo's Oil. "

I spent most of my free time researching and reading and implementing.

I had to get over the looks and stares when out in public while he

was having a horrendous meltdown and once while he was having a

psychotic episode.

I also made up my mind that I would never give my child a

psychotropic drug that would only cover up his symptoms and not

really solve anything. I would look for ways to correct the

biochemical chaos going on in his body.

Then came the school district. I had to get over being perceived as

a b*#!h. They intimidated. They threatened. They came up with an

EYS program that was beyond laughable, and I believe it was designed

that was to get all the parents to decline service, but I persevered.

I researched more --this time about the law. I consulted an

educational attorney. When asked when we would have another ARD

about EYS as we were still in disagreement, I was told, " Well, we

told you what it was. You either want it or you don't. " (clearly

against the law, by the way).

I did not back down. Within hours of hand delivering a letter and

making each person sign for the letter, I was informed that the

district would pay for his summer services elsewhere.

My son has enjoyed almost five weeks at a school that truly

understands how to teach him. It has been wonderful, and I only wish

it could continue, but that's a battle for another day.

I don't know the facts but find it curious that the superintendent,

principal, and diagnostician of the district are all leaving.

Hopefully new people will come who adhere to special education law

better, but I will NEVER stop advocating for my child.

Where has it all gotten us? My son has improved seventy percent. He

has gone from severe to high-functioning. His personality has

emerged. He talks and reciprocal language is emerging. He is potty

trained and has been since age five (he is eight and a half). He is

a bight little boy with an infectious laugh and a charismatic

personality. he has a great shot at independence so long as I don't

give up.

He still has major issues: chronic respiratory problems, many many

food intolerances, OCD and SID, but we forge ahead. Some days I

have my cry. I throw pity parties for myself, and then I look at how

far he has come, and I thank GOD.

After my crying jags, I pick myself up and get back on track.

Life is like a horse. You either ride it, or it rides you. I intend

to stay on this horse and finish the race. I do it because my son

needs me to do it. Some days I feel like I am fighting battles on

all sides, but it is just not in me to quit.

We are sisters of circumstance. Let me know if I can help.

Don't give up!

Haven