That makes me just like the other kids!

Our son, Michael, talks pretty much all day long...and i listen to him with great interest in his views on the world, his siblings and just life in general...
At school last week for the first time my son had to pull a card...which means he got reprimanded by his teacher for some type of misbehavior ie: talking, horsing around...When I picked him up at school he got into our car...i asked him about his day like i always do...on this day he said he had to pull a card...normally he would be very upset about this...but on this day he told me smiling and said "Mom, that makes me just like the other kids". I laughed and then got tears in my eyes...this made him feel like the other kids in a good way.

Just a note: He is in second grade at Melrose Elementary School. Melrose has gone out of their way to work with Michael both academically and socially. The principal, teachers and support staff are always looking for ways to understand him. On their own time...they read and research Aspergers and work together frequently discussing Michael and his needs. Their correspondence with us is tremendous and they are truly as happy as we are when he over comes a hurdle like this one. We shared this with his teachers at conferences in which they laughed and truly loved this story!

Sincerely,
Bob and Tracy Kruse

“All the Way Across to China”

My experience with Autism has taught me that figurative speech is very hard for Nicholas to understand. He doesn’t really follow things like “It’s raining cats and dogs”, or “I feel under the weather today”. He is a visual thinker, so he probably sees actual cats and dogs falling from the sky, or someone under a thunderstorm. For him, “It is really raining a lot today”, or “I am sick” would be better ways to express those situations.

My two “neurotypical” children, however, use figurative speech easily. My son Alec, 8, started a routine at bedtime in order to express “how much” he loves me. He would tell me, “I love you, Mom”, and I would tell him “I love you more!” and he and he would think about that, then say, “I love you this much” and stretch his arms out as far as they could go. Then I would stretch MY arms out, and say, “ I love you this much times 10”. One night Alec was having trouble finding an amount high enough, so he said, “Mom, you know how many stars there are in the sky? Well I love you all that much and then triple that.” Amazed by his ability to think in such terms, I laughed and said “Wow! Triple stars! I’m not sure I can beat that!” So ever since, Alec has said “I love you triple stars”. It is such a sweet thing to hear coming out of his mouth. I hope he never stops saying it.

Kaitlyn is younger but she is not one to be outdone. She watched all this and came up with her own cosmic measurement of love, and simply tells me “I love you outer space”. This also makes me laugh out loud and she likes to tell me this not just at bedtime, but often, which often draws quizzical expressions from people when they hear her say it.

Nick, however, has difficulty thinking in such a way. He would watch all of this from his bed, and mostly he would interject with reminders of things he wants. “Mom, you need to buy me a guitar”. “Mom, I want you to buy me a Cleveland Browns uniform”. “Mom, you need to get me a train and build a train track”. It was a continuation of the list of nearly a thousand things he recites to me all day, every day. And my response was always the same, “Ok, Nick, we will try to get the things you want the most. Goodnight, Nick.” To which he would just say “Goodnight”. “I love you, Nick”. “Love you too, Mom”. “How bout a good night kiss, Nick?” And of course he would give me a kiss. Then “How bout a hug, Nick?” Which was followed by a hug. Children with autism are often uncomfortable showing affection, and Nick is really no exception. He has his moments where he will spontaneously hug me, but they are usually at times when it is not expected, like when I am cooking dinner. He can surprise me with a hug which involves his whole body, and he literally climbs up my body with his arms anchored around my neck. Since he is nearly 5 feet tall it can be a painful experience. But his expressions of love are not taken for granted by me, and I will drop what I am doing and return his hug.

So these “figurative” expressions of how much love we have for each other went largely unnoticed by Nick, and he never offered up his own comparison. Until the other day. He surprised me! I was talking to him on the phone while I was away for a week on vacation and he was staying with his dad. We had a conversation which existed mostly of Nick telling me (again) what I needed to buy for him while I was away. Right at the end of the call, Nick said, “Bye, Mom, I love you all the way across to China”. I laughed out loud and said “Wow, Nick! All the way to China? That is a lot of love”. And I could tell by the tone of his voice that he was pleased.

Moments in time...that is one that will be forever frozen within me. Little snapshots of progress made for Nick in this journey of autism. It seems that recently I have been seeing more and more of them, which fills me with hope for his future. I recently read “Born on a Blue Day” by Daniel Tammet, an adult with Aspergers syndrome with savant abilities. The book was very uplifting to me, as it explained from real experience what growing up with autism is like for someone. They don’t feel as isolated as we fear. Social interactions with others are just something that really aren’t a need for them. And a lot of the things that make them different, their odd behaviors and obsessions, are the things that as an adult make them unique and sometimes help them fit in and function as an adult.
I don’t know if Nick will continue to use his descriptive term. But even if he doesn’t, and if his affection has to be prompted by reminders from me, that’s ok. I know he loves me. All the way across to China.

Kathy Wood

I had one of the those "moments" today

(Written, 02.08.08 in OASISTALK)

I never really forget that Joshua has autism...it's there everyday before us. This morning was a reminder as he and I were reading a book that he and his class made. They do this with papers they compile. It is rather fun and cute to read what they all come up with and think.
I remember Joshua and I sitting down and filling this paper out that was now housed with all the others in between the red cover. Of course today he expounded more about his story that was not on the paper...two months later.

As I sat their reading to him the thoughts of his classmates on how they would "Save Santa if he were stuck"... It hit me where he is...where his world of Autism sort of keeps him. How difficult it is for him to put down on paper, with his own hand, his incredible thoughts. How as he is speaking them and begins to write the first letter they often get lost in the "commotion" that surrounds him and his thoughts and words mingle in with the "chaos" he experiences and tries to "sift" through. How, only when he is in his moment, away from expectations and trying to make sense of this world, will he enter his and voice incredible stories....yet academically trying to bring that up is difficult. I witness daily this incredible potential that is all his own and that God has given to him personally and individually.
So, as I drive him to school, with tears I pray, asking God to break through and help unleash what He has given him.....and to give me the wisdom and understanding to "walk with him" and guide him.

Angel Thompson/Mother

A view in the Literal Life....and the confidence it brings.

My name is Tracey Reichard and I wanted to share a little about my daughter, Natalie. She was diagnosed with high functioning autism a few years ago. My Aunt (who is a multi-handicapped teacher), had always wondered if Nat (at a very young age) was Asperger's or high functioning. Well, anyways, I wanted to share a story about her that happened recently. As many of you already know, so many of our kids are extremely "black and white" in life. Natalie has always been a "by the book" girl. She is being brought up in a Christian home. We try to teach our kids about life the way Jesus would live. So anyways, she went to school last week and had to watch a movie in French class. The movie had subtitles and was rated PG-13. ( I had no idea she was watching a movie in class.) When class had finished for the day, she approached the teacher of the class. She said to her, "excuse me, I don't mean to be rude, but why are you allowing us to watch a movie with cuss words? She says, "I am a Christian and I don't like to be exposed to this kind of language." (by the way, the movie had the "F" word in it!) The teacher was a little distressed to say the least. She apologized for offending her and also called me. The school policy is being looked at now as well.

I just wanted to share this because of how proud I am of my daughter. As she grows each year I see a confidence that I didn’t even have in school. She stands up for what she believes in and she likes what she sees. I am thankful for my daughter and have grown to love her for who she is. (So I guess that means I have grown up, too!)

Tracey Reichard/Mother
Natalie Reichard/ Age 13

Okay, well things we began to notice...

Gerri Cremer joined our OASIS team back in June 2008, when she became the Director of Support for the OASIS Wooster Chapter.

Her son's story is breath taking and if you ever have the chance to hear Tyler's story and his mom's....you will understand why.

So many people have asked about BioMedical Treatment. We always encourage our families to seek and do research when looking into any type of treatment or therapy, which Gerri did with Tyler. Seriously...If you ever have the chance to snag her at one of the OASIS meetings, and talk with her...ask her about Tyler's on going story...how his life has changed.

Below is an update she sent us on how Tyler has been doing and she wanted to share it with all of you.

When Tyler began BioMedical Treatment in March 2008, we did a ton of lab tests.

The results showed:

• High testosterone levels• missing parts of his immune system• group A strep• yeast• mercury• copper• and other metals

The treatment includes:

• Biotin• Selenium• Zinc• Milk Thistle• Vitamin B Injections (at the beginning 2x week, now every other day)• Probiotics• Vitamin A• Vitamin K• Colostrum Liquid• Taurine• P5P with Magnesium• Calcium Powder• Enzymes• Glutithione inhalation (2xweek)• EDTA transdermal cream (1xweek)• Fluconozol (diflucan)• Amino Acids

Okay, well things we began to notice:

• Tyler has more eye contact• no longer has green nasal drainage, none!• was able to stop taking previcid• homonal behavior has dramatically dropped ( way less aggression almost non-existant)• more attention, now knows how to open the door and sneak out to his swing set.• Without anyone ever telling him, he knew which side of the pantry had his gluten-free foods!!• now does small things like lightly touch and play with his eye lashes (and mine), gives me hugs without request and is just plain wonderful!

Tyler's recent labs show that He no longer carries Group A Strep - we did not treat him with antibiotics!! we boosted his immune system!

We are still waiting on more labs but so far, Tyler is healthier than he has EVER been. Praise be to God, I told him I would give him the Praise and Glory for all the good things in my life. It doesn't matter how God accomplishes things, it is just so wonderful that he DOES. I will give an update in the upcoming months as we see what other miracles come our way.

God Bless, Gerri and Tyler

One thing that Autism has taught me...

In the world of Autism, there are very few times when I feel like someone is on my side.

There are the daily struggles that seem to never end, the diet, the supplements, the bedwetting, the scripting, the hair pulling, the endless obsessing about times, schedules, calendars, and of course the never ending reciting of “What I want” and “What I need”. Sometimes it is all a bit overwhelming. Add to that the cost of all the supplements and medications and doctor appointments and gas it takes to drive to this meeting and that therapy and this appointment and that evaluation. And then there are my other 2 children who have their own needs and wants and wishes that I try to fulfill. Sometimes I feel like a single day will not go by without having to fight a battle. That is why it is so refreshing to encounter a person, a group, or an organization that is willing to help.

I have had the good fortune to have several such encounters over the last couple years. It began shortly after Nick was finally diagnosed and I was searching for answers and support. I found OASIS of Wooster and introduced myself to founder Angel Thompson. She immediately sent me lots of information. One thing that caught my eye was an educational program on Equine Assisted Therapy. We have always been a “horse family”. My kids were riding before they walked, and I have owned a horse of one kind or another since I was 10 years old. I went to the meeting and learned about a local center that offers therapeutic riding. After listening to the instructor Jesse Howell talk about his other students with Autism and the gains they made, I decided to give it a try. But how would I pay for it? At 30 dollars a session, it seemed unlikely. Again Angel stepped up and suggested some funding sources. I investigated the possibility with Nick’s case worker at Wayne County Board of MRDD. They immediately approved Nick for his first session of therapy. And there were no meetings, no battles, just a short application form. Ten lessons! Nick took to it like a fish to water. Smiling all the way, Jesse managed to get Nick to focus, which is no small task. When Nick started he was unable to stand still at all and look Jesse in the eye. Now, Nick is starting his third session of lessons. He sits quietly in the saddle on the back of Taz, a rotund dun colored gelding and focuses on a roping dummy calf and swings the rope “back and forth, back and forth, back and forth” and then throws it and catches the calf! The look of accomplishment in Nick’s eyes brings tears to mine every time.

Jesse never gets cross or frustrated with Nick, even on the days when Nick’s mind is totally elsewhere. He is a master at redirection. The horses have a calming effect on Nick and the multitasking that is necessary with horseback riding is challenging for him. With every lesson I see connections being made. Winston Churchill said, "There is something about the outside of a horse...that is good for the inside of a man." I see proof of that as I watch Nick grooming a horse and singing “Brush, brush, brush your horse-gently down the road; brush, brush, brush your horse- from his withers to his toes”

When Jesse suggested that a pony at home would be even more opportunity for Nick to learn while riding, I was definitely interested. We would be able to clear enough room in our barn to make a stall, but the cost to install fencing was just too high.

I was talking to my nephew (a minister) one day about how frustrated I was because Nick should have a pony but there was no money to put up fencing for one. He asked me, “Kathy, do you know what the definition of faith is?” I came up with a few answers, none of them correct. Chuck told me “Faith is evidence of works not yet seen”. He explained it further by encouraging me to move forward as if it WOULD definitely happen, in fact visualizing it already happening. I started researching fencing options, pricing, and walking in the field and marking where the new fencing would be. I contacted a local fence manufacturer and asked them if they would consider donating fencing for Nick’s pony or selling some damaged or returned stock at a discounted price. I figured it was a long shot, but you can’t get an answer if you don’t ask. Within days, they contacted me and said they had plenty of material they would sell to me at scrap pricing. I went to look at the fencing and it was no scrap. A little dusty, maybe, but nice white vinyl 3 rail fencing. I cried as I told the man there that they were indeed answering a prayer. Now we just have to install it ourselves, and we are going this weekend to look at ponies and hoping to find one that is quiet, calm, and safe for Nick to ride. Nick’s grandfather has agreed to purchase the pony for him.

One thing that Autism has taught me is that there are many routes around any roadblock. Or as my mother used to say, “More than one way to skin a cat”. Whenever I am faced with an obstacle, I think of the inspirational saying “If God led me to it, he will lead me through it”.

Buckin' Ohio rodeo in Burbank will donate its 50/50 drawing from the September 13th rodeo to Change Through Chance. Also at this rodeo the clown will be Change through Chance's own Jesse Howell! For more information on the rodeo, go to www.buckinohio.com

Change Through Chance will be hosting an Open House on Saturday October 11th and Sunday October 12th. For more information, visit www.changethroughchance.org

Kathy Wood

“There is nothing—no circumstance, no trouble, no testing—that can ever touch me until, first of all, it has gone past God and past Christ, right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose, which I may not understand at the moment, but as I refuse to become panicky, as I lift up my eyes to Him and accept it as coming from the throne of God for some great purpose of blessing to my own heart, no sorrow will ever disturb me, no trial will ever disarm me, no circumstance will cause me to fret, for I shall rest in the joy of what my Lord is." -- Pastor and author Alan Redpath (1907–1988)

...the inspiration is our son...

This entry is not filled with words of wisdom. It is just a simple, short story of God’s moving in a young boys life, and how God once again shows Matt and I that through HIM all things are possible. As we watched our son today we saw the words in Jeremiah 29:11 come to life…again.The story…the inspiration is our son….and there is nothing I could ever write that could inspire my walk more than watching my son beat the odds of Autism that he lives with daily.Below this clip you will read a short paragraph about this incredible ministry in sports today.

Upward, where Every Child IS a Winner!Sports are a great way for children to learn about teamwork, respect for authority and sportsmanship. The sad part is all those things are being lost in today’s sporting society. With an Upward sport, these key essentials are included to create the best sporting experience for every child that participates. Each Upward Sport is designed to reveal the winner in every child. Every child plays. Every child learns. Every child IS a Winner! www.upward.org

The Strength of a Son. The Dedication of a Father.

It was in 2006 when we first met the Kruse family. Two dedicated parents, a house full of kids and their youngest diagnosed with Aspergers. I remember sitting on Tracy's couch and watching Michael play on the floor as he showed me where all of his trucks "lived". He had a system and it was remarkable. He has a mind that does not quit and he is always asking the most interesting questions. I love that about our kids. Not one small detail escapes them.

Our first OASIS Walk was in 2006. The Kruse family were one of the first families to volunteer and have a team at our first walk. Bob bought gloves for each of us on that cold day and even brought hot coco so we all could stay warm. They truly have a heart passion that extends beyond themselves.

During our walk a thon in 2007 you could see Bob walking around the track...making several laps. He shared that he was sponsored $20 a lap and he wanted to make as many as he could.

This past December, Bob was in a terrible accident. I ran into Tracy in the store and she shared how Bob was doing. With teary eyes she shared that it was Michael that exuded this "incredible strength" that got them through. He told them, with certainty, "Jesus told me daddy was going to be okay."

The accident that Bob endured and survived was a collision with a stopped truck. I share that because I want you to grasp his heart and dedication.

Nearing the end of this year’s OASISAUTISM Bike Ride and Walk we were giving away hats. A young boy walked up and asked if he could have a hat for himself and his dad. When I looked up I noticed it was Michael. As he ran across the football field I glanced ahead and saw Bob standing on the track with his crutches. When Matt and I walked over Bob shared that he was determined to make it around the track once. Guess what....He did.

It's amazing what can happen when Strength and Determination join forces, isn't it? That is truly the picture of the Kruse Family.

posted 7.2.08 Angel Thompson