Random and Corwyn |
Corwyn and Kira |
So while they were asking all these questions about Corwyn, I realized that I needed to bring Random in as well as he fit some of the profile questions. Well, so my boys both had autism. They told me I took it very well. I was just glad to know what I was up against! So we got Corwyn into a pre-K program and Random into a program that helped from 2 - 3 year olds. When Corwyn was in Kindergarten, he became the teacher's pet and she warned me that he might have to do Kindergarten again as he might not be ready for 1st grade. But by the end of Kindergarten, he pulled through and though she loved him - let him go! We were so blessed early on to have people who just adored and helped the boys!
We moved to California and they have
it going on to help people with autism. Well, at least God guided us in the
right direction! Corwyn was now talking and finally potty trained at 4. Random
started talking at 5 (Potty training was a whole 'nother story!) He came home
from school one day and said "Mom, we learned a song at school today (and
sang) G-R-E-E-N, G-R-E_E-N, that is how you spell Green, G-R-E-E-N!" I
said, "That is the most beautiful song I've ever heard!," with tears
streaming down my face. (Many years later, I was telling the story, & said
that at the time that is how I felt - not that it was the most beautiful song
I'd ever hear but music to my ears, and Random chimed in, "Wow, I am so
glad to hear that! I thought it was and I have often wondered how that could be
your favorite song!" Ah, autism and how our kids see the world!) Random
spoke in full sentences from there on as if someone flipped a switch! The boys
were both in classes designated to work with kids with autism and wonderful,
magical things happened that year! But I got homesick for my family back in
Texas and moved back to San Antonio. At first, their teachers said that I
brought them back to show off! That is how big the change in them was.
It got tough from here...the boys
really struggled for years in school. I was constantly called to calm them via
phone or had to go get the boys from suspension because something set them off.
Thank you Lord, that I worked from home. I could have never worked a normal 9-5
job! During this time, Corwyn's weight really got out of control. He was and
still is a very picky eater (another fun trait of autism), but we had to
address it because he didn't fir into clothes you could just go buy at
Marshall's or Target. - Remember, I was a single mom on a budget!) So, we drew
a line in the sand and said no to the next size up and searched to find a way
to help him lose weight.
We walked and finally got him to do
it on his own - I literally drug him along at the beginning, giving him
incentives to make it to the stop sign and so on! The walking helped but we
still went into 40s and XXL shirts. Then, it was a true line in the sand! He
was getting so big - the kids were bullying and making fun of him. Even Random,
in all his honesty, would tell Corwyn how fat he was. So when I got invited to
a meeting and heard about someone losing 50 lbs. I was all in! How do I get
this program! It took a little nudging for my husband. He didn't think it would
work and it was a big investment to start and continue the program, but it
worked and was worth every penny! The best part is not just the weight loss,
but what happened next, I never expected...
Corwyn started having conversations
with us - that he initiated! He noticed my mom was out of town and asked to
call and speak with her and had a long conversation on the phone! He knocked on
the door and wished us Happy Anniversary in the morning! It was just amazing
the transformation not just physically but also emotionally and behaviorally.
He started laughing and smiling and could focus on things better. I researched
to find out what was creating this transformation and realized we were
instituting Nutritional Therapy. How had I not ever seen this before? I grew up
with a Chiropractic grandfather and we were very into alternative ways of
healing. Well, I am just glad I finally did stumble across it!
Now both the boys are in college
doing great! Random even was on the Dean's List his second semester and they
were invited into the National Society for Leadership and Success. So, I
started this blog - not to brag on my boys but to shine a light at the end of
the tunnel of autism and show that there is a way to navigate through it! Your
child is not doomed to a life of nothingness! Yeah, I had people tell me this
and say that I had high expectations. You bet I did and still do - if we do not
help our kids to be the best they can be, well, then they will never be all
that is possible within them and there is such brilliance there! If you would
like a health guide for autism and know more about nutritional therapy, e-mail
me at kristycasey@usana.com. It actually cost very little to help them to
balance their systems and I would love to help you help your child. It is what
I feel is God's purpose for me and brings me great joy!
Love, JOY & Peace,
Kristy