We were finally able 2get our appointment yesterday for the Marcus Autism Center. The Marcus Autism Center works with children who have development disabilities by offering different therapies and early interventions. Malik's regular pediatrician recommended us 2see a developmental specialist last summer. We had been waiting and waiting for our appointment, finally it came. The wait has been long and after our visit, I can see why. The specialist exhibited empathy, patience and was very nuturing it was a great experience.
I learned about differenet technologies 4 understanding Autism like micro ray (which is not new but, new 2me) the various therapies, and resources that maybe available 2us but, the best part of our visit yesterday was MALIK, he was UNBELIEVABLE! We have seen so many specialist and doctors in his mere 14 years usually when we enter any kind of medical facility it becomes a biiiiiggggg problem but, yesterday he was very cooperative, receptive, and followed directions very well. He allowed the specialist 2listen 2his heart, he breathed deeply,had his weight, height and blood pressure taken and my mother will find this amazing he did not fight, kick, or scream when she looked in his ears! Malik was absolutely wonderful!
I've always heard from his teachers and different therapist that he would get better as he gets older, well its coming true. I guess with him being a teenager and all, the baby tantrums r so over.
I think this will be a fresh start 4us 2learn and continue 2push Malik, and as one of his teachers insist "take him out of his comfort zone" I plan 2 be more accliamated and focused, so Malik can be as independent as possible for his adult life.
Thats the thing about New Beginnings the Possiblities r Endless !
Cassandra, It's so good to see you embrace autism and take it head on. I always knew you would. I often saw the pain and hurt in your eyes when Malik was young and just prayed that one day you would realize only special people become parents of special children. God picks the right parents for every child - we just have to realize it. I once asked Shawn how he felt about Malik and autism and he said,"This is the son God gave me and I wouldn't change it for anything!"
ReplyDeleteI knew things would be fine.
Although time and distance separate us, I feel a special bond with Malik since the few days I stayed with you after he was born. I remember I took him so you could sleep and he wouldn't go to sleep but we just watched each other. It was dark and quiet and we just looked at each other for a long time. As young as he was, I knew he could see me.
We have always understood how you were feeling and knew we just had to let you work it out. We love you Sandra and are always here for you. I am so proud of you and Shawn.
Much luv,
Grandma and Mother-in-law