is going to be 13 !

[Guest guest]

Happy New Year to all. The posts have been so informative this group

is wonderful support.

My is going to be 13 this friday. A little update on her.

was not born with PDD Autism, it happened shortly after her 17

month shots of MMR. The doctors have this documented. After reading

every book published about Autism, I read them in 1998-2000, we had

an idea of what was ahead of us. We tried the GF/CF diet but that

was a failure. So we went to the " structured life " . Wow, the

difference was beyond belief. We also talked, taught and disaplined

her like her sister. She was never on any meds until a vicious dog

attack which left her in deep depression. Her pediatrician was

amazed at how quickly she was going downhill after that so we agreed

to the medication.

is main streamed at school, and is loving the 6th grade. It's

just now January and all she talks of is graduating from 6th grade

and going to Jr. High next year. I have spoken with the dean of

girls and will either be a main office girl with

responsabilities or a Dean of girl's helper. will be in 6th

grade basketball later this month and she really enjoys playing and

being with her friends. Since May, the structure in our life has

been gone, with my brother-in-law passing, and my husband getting

hit on his motorcycle by a car, I had a minor stroke and later was

laid off from work. has adjusted very well to all these

changes. I am so proud of her. It's amazing and wonderful to see

how far she has come from non-verbal and screaming at 3 years old to

a well adjusted and socially blended 13 year old. I know miracles

happen, I have seen it with her.

Thank you for letting me share. 's proud mom. LeighAnn