Into the Penetrable Walls of Miggy: Sep 19, 2009

19 September 2009

Words from Readers

Dear readers,

These are comments and emails from my family and friends. I am truly grateful to have all your support. With all these coming, the more I am inspired to go on with my endeavors. Tonight, I am going to sleep with a smile on my face. Knowing that you are with me in my prayers makes my heart swell.

Thank you very much. Please keep it coming.

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Pinky Herranz said:

Yolette my dear, dear friend, you are inspiring, Miggy is inspiring...you make this seem so easy because you are handling it with strength and quiet grace. I remember your tears and frustrations, but through it all, I could see your determination in helping Miggy be the best that he could be. I am proud to say that he's come a long way. That once quiet child now show a vast improvement and lots of promise, thanks to your loving mother's heart that never cease to give up and continue to hope. I am prouder still of you, for never giving up the fight, for being an inspiration to other parents who think that autism is paralyzing. I have seen you trudge your way through this road that is rough, tough and long. Both you and Miggy are a blessing to those who could never or choose not to understand. Maybe soon, through your ceaseless effort, they would come to accept the fact that autism is not the end of the world for their child. I salute you for your tireless ways in bringing understanding to something difficult to understand, for bringing hope to something that seems hopeless. Carry on my friend, I am praying for both you and Miggy...you've come a long way...God bless you always and in all ways!

“Yolette, hi. I hope you remember me. This is Therese Nicolas from High School. Your story is so inspiring, Miggy's much more. You are both lucky to have each other. I feel your pain more than I can let you know. Hang in there! I'm praying for you and Miggy.”

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Mira Penaranda said:
Hi Yolette,
Am very touched when I read your blog... And that's a great, fine work that you've done... Congratulations to a mom like you... Miggy is very lucky to have you...
Keep counting your blessings...
They keep coming...
You're such a good friend of mine.
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Mahal Pascual said:
i am with you yolette. i'm sure it'll inspire a lot of people especially the moms out there.
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Anonymous reader said:

“I know someone who suffers from autism (middle of the spectrum). Just like Miggy, Molly would flap her hands, couldn't sit still, no eye contact, and sometimes she would scream for no apparent reason. Her parents decided to send her to a regular school rather than send her to a special school. Molly is now in 3rd grade and is doing very well. She doesn't do the regular academic stuff but she can write and read and do simple math. It's her social skills that's improved tremendously. She now can carry a full conversation. She's slowly showing independence. I guess what I'm trying to say is, love, compassion and understanding from people who surrounds Molly, guides her to live a better and meaningful life. With all the wonderful people that surrounds Miggy, showing
unconditional love and understanding I am positive that he too like Molly will succeed in conquering this challenge.”

Primo Cuevas Said:

I read your blog about Miggy boy. Very inspiring and I'm also thinking of doing the same thing about Ojeck. We feel the same thing about our kids, but the most important thing is we accepted it and our family is so supportive about the situation, we remain a loving family to our kids.

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Hi Yolette,

Just want you to know that I admire you so much! Your strength and courage is unbelievably extra ordinary. May God be with you always and may He continue to bless you, your husband, Miggy and Clarisse.

Love and prayers will help you go through this…….. and that’s what you have….. from all of us your friends at Batchmate ’81.

Ruby Beh

__________________

Dear Yolette,

This is so heart breaking, you pinched my heart and am so very proud of you for posting this.

I salute you.

love and care,

tita Neri

Mimi Carpio said:
Miggy is lucky to have such loving and caring parents/family. Proud of your strength and courage. You are still the same Yolette i knew years ago.A beautiful person inside and out.

___________________

Rowena Villasenor said:

OMG ,yolette you made me cry i just couldn't imagine how strong you are. your family is so lucky to have you and miggy is so lucky to have a mom like you. am sure GOD has given you the strength that you have. indeed prayers are really answered in the way that's best for us. all of us have trials and we can always surpass them if only we can call on HIM properly. yolette, you are doing great for miggy and how miggy has improved through these years are fruits of your labor and love. go on and i wish you and your family all the luck and our prayers will always be with you. KUDOS to you and your family

Alma Valdez said:

You're such an amazing mom...you have been through a lot of hardships and i think there is nothing you cannot do for Miggy. Your great love for Miggy is his inspiration for his achievements despite his condition. God bless you and your family.

Susan Gagarin said:

I'm so proud of you sis. you've come a long way and how!!! looking back at our ust days, i really can't imagine you being so strong and i'm so proud of you. So glad i've traced you thru fb. kiss miggy for me, will u? this comes from alma and cherry too. Love u sis. I'm still keeping our pics from way back.

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Che Angeles said:

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength...Phillipians 4:3

Hand over all your problems to the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, and He will give you a peace that passes understanding... a peace that is beyond comprehension. (Christnotes)

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Hi Ate Yollette,

You're a true inspiration. Miggy is so blessed to have you as his mom. I'm very proud of you on sharing this story to us. Keep up the AWESOME jobs that you and your husband are doing.

God bless you guys.

Glenn Mabilangan

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Rose Dagdag said:

There's only one word that i can say to you,"Isa kang dakilang ina".keep it up and GOD BLESS YOU and YOUR FAMILY.
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Mae Chavez said:
after visiting your blogspot, i can barely see my PC's monitor because of big fat tears covering my eyes. you touched the very core of my heart. im so proud of you ate yolette. Miggy's progress is your trophy for being a very supportive mom. May miggy, you, and the rest of the family continue to discover the wonders of life =)
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Karen Gaw said:

I happen to see your Blog while surfing.

I also have a son, my first born, now 9 years old, who was also diagnosed by Dra. Eusebio to have PDD. He was diagnosed when he was 1 & 1/2 years old. My whole world came crushing down when I heard the confirmation. He being the first born, I was not aware of his developmental delays if not for my father who noticed something different about him.

I also went through what you went through. He was not verbal and is oblivious of things around and now he has so much to say, although he still has difficulty expressing what he specifically wants to say. He is also in Speech Therapy plus he has ABA at home who also teaches SPED. He studies in JASMS (Elementary of PWU) which is also a SPED school in Manila.

I can fully associate my son and myself in your blog. It is comforting to know that you are not alone in your battle.
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Mr. Rodolfo "Ompong" Tan (Baguio Photographers Club) said:

Miggy's site has given me so much education and information...
This definitey will help improve Colors Of A .
Miggy's Site will reach out and educate others as well

Thanks for sharing... You really have a wonderful family..
Thank you for sharing to us miggy and miggy's world...

Ompong and Elicon
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albino jun said...: TOTAL TRUST...
Mike Krzyzewski is one of the greatest men's college basketball coaches in NCAA history. One of the major reasons he's been able to build his Duke team into such powerhouse is that his players believe in him. They trust his ability to coach and motivate, so they are willing to do whatever he asks them to do.
In 2001, when his team (that eventually won the national championship) was going through a bit of adversity, Duke lost its center, Carlos Boozer, to a broken foot. The next day, after the team realized their big-man-in-the-middle would be out for several weeks, Coach K showed up at a 6 am practice with a smile on his face. One of his players, Mike Dunleavy, latter recalled what Coach told his disappointed charges. "He promised we'd go to the Final Four and win the national championship." He was right.
For a coach you can trust, you'll do anything.
For a GOD you can trust, you'll do son up to Mt. Moriah, there was a lot of trust going on. First, Abraham had to have total confidence that GOD knew what He was doing. After all, Isaac was Abraham's only hope of keeping GOD's promise of producing a nation of innumerable people. To sacrifice him would ruin everything.
And surely Isaac had to have supreme trust in his dad, for they were clearly going up the hill to sacrifice and there was no animal in sight. Plus, any dad/mom who would suggest to his son that he lie down on the altar would normally meet with some serious resistance.
A good coach earns trust, but no one can be trusted as GOD can. He proved it to Abraham by providing a ram, and He proved it to us by providing a lamb. We can give GOD our total trust.
WE CAN TRUST GOD IN ALL THINGS...
-----------------------------------------: J. Lazaro said:

i was searching for Dra. Mae Fronda-de Vera and i stumbled upon your site... i believe that something just wasn't right also with my son who was actually showing the signs you have described in your blog... he is going to be 3 years old on feb 23, 2010 and yet he shows all the manifestations you have described with your miggy probably at the same age... your blog now gives me more hope that maybe my son will also learn to talk soon... kasi right now po her younger sister talks more than he does and she is only more than a year old... your advice on how to deal with the situation would be of very great help, ate... thanks and more power...
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Jessica Medina (student at New Sinai Educational Systems) said:
after reading the everyday story of miggy together with my best friend,i feel inspired,..inspired that in our everyday lives there is hope and there is God who keeps on guiding us,who keeps on giving us a fresh start,a brand new day and never gets tired on giving us the right attention that we need.....
and for miggy,the cute little angel and for his family, GOD is with us "bless miggy's mom,bless miggy's dad, miggy's ate and bless the cute little angel miggy"...
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Professor Lilia del Barrio (New Sinai Educational System) said:
I can't help but shed tears upon reading Miggy's story. Once more it proved that love conquers all. Miggy's family indeed has to get a lot of credits specially his mom for bringing her son to the normal mainstream. I'm one with you in praying for his further progress.
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Emma Torres Baltazar, MD said:
You're an incredible mother and wife. I will pray for you for your strength and dedication. Continue your research, your journey will be easy with your faith and prayers. Sleep peacefully every night because you do your best everyday.

Take care of yourself..you became Miggy's mother because our God knows that you are the best mother who he could depend on, in this frightful and unfair world..It makes you the strongest person to take the everyday's challenge and that makes your life closer to Him, our God...makes a hard pill easier to swallow because God is always guiding you..
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Dear Mr. and Mrs. Cuevas,

I wanna thank you for building a site like this that sends every reader up on a journey of hope, faith, courage and love.

It's amazing how a mother and a father's love works...it can surpass barriers.

But when you also add the love of a sister like that of Clarisse... No walls can ever stand a chance.

I salute you for being able to stand up and fight this kind of battle. May your family inspire more people to not lose hope.

I congratulate you for being Miggy's mom and dad.

To Clarisse:
I am inspired by your kindness and understanding. Miggy is really lucky to have a sister like you. At such a young age, you are able to understand, accept and maturely face this kind of situation. I wish you all the best.

-Marie Joy Manzanares
PN student under Prof. Lilia Del Barrio
New Sinai Educational System

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May this documentation of my son's journey through autism inspire all of you. Here, you will see not only my struggles to enter his world, but you will also witness his greatest efforts to fit into mine.

Be inspired with my prayers, hopes, perseverance and endurance in trying to recover my child.
How about you? Do you have stories to tell? You are free to leave your comments and suggestions here. I would love to hear from you.
Be my friend and join me as I break down the not-so-impenetrable-walls of my very special Miggy.

Surprising Autism Information You Need to Know

By Lisa Jo Rudy, About.com Guide

What Do You Really Know About Autism?:

There are plenty of myths about autism spectrum disorders out there. Some folks still believe, for example, that people with autism are all geniuses or mentally challenged. Others believe that people with autism are the result of poor parenting choices. These myths have been soundly debunked, both here and in many other places. But even those of us who are well-grounded in autism basics may be surprised by some of these facts, which are emerging from recent research.

Autism Is a Plural Noun:

Autism is not a single disorder. In fact, mainstream researchers agree that the autism spectrum is probably a collection of multiple disorders with multiple causes, prognoses, and appropriate treatments. Quite a bit of recent research has uncovered a number of distinct genetic differences (some inherited, some spontaneously mutated) that seem to be associated with various types of autism.

We Know What Causes Autism (Sometimes):

We do know what causes autism -- but only in about 20% of cases. Causes include genetic mutations, heredity, pre- and post-natal trauma or exposures to alcohol or drugs, and, in some cases, injury. In addition, some research suggests older parents, environmental pollution, and even pesticides.

Some Kids "Outgrow" Their Autism Diagnoses:

Quite a few children who are diagnosed with autism at a very young age are no longer diagnosable with autism by the time they’re school-aged. The reasons for this are controversial, and range from the possibility of misdiagnosis to ordinary maturation to claims of a cure through behavioral, developmental and/or biomedical interventions. Whatever the reasons, many children who are diagnosed with autism as toddlers will not be diagnosable by the time they're in fifth grade.

There's No Window of Opportunity for Treating Autism:

Early intervention (diagnosis and treatment prior to age three) is very helpful indeed, but there is no “window of opportunity” that slams shut at a certain age. Thus, even children who are diagnosed later or receive less early intervention may do quite well in the long run. The "now or never" approach to autism treatment is a result of media hype -- not research findings. Early intervention does, however, provide a now-or-never opportunity to allow non-verbal children to develop some kind of useful tool for communication (picture cards, signs, or even spelling boards).

Even a Cure May Not Be a Cure:

There is no official “cure” for autism. In fact, researchers like Dr. Susan Levy at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia argue that even when a young child is no longer diagnosable on the autism spectrum, he is probably still autistic. Issues that may not be of significance for a preschooler (e.g., executive functioning, picking up on complex social cues, etc.) may loom quite large as a child moves through the grades.

Late Talking is Not the End of the World:

Late talking is not an indication of a poor prognosis. Even if a child is not yet verbal at age three or four, she may still do very well in the long run.

Kids with Autism Aren't Always Visual Thinkers:

Children with autism may or may not be visual thinkers. Thus, school programs designed with visual thinking in mind may or may not be appropriate for any individual child with autism.

No One Knows Which Treatments Work for Which Kids:

After many years of research, we still don’t know which treatments are most effective for which children -- or whether one treatment is more effective than another. Behavioral interventions are the best-researched treatments for autism, but even top scientists acknowledge that developmental interventions may or may not be equally useful for any given child. Meanwhile, only two drugs -- Risperdal and Abilify -- have been approved for use with children on the autism spectrum, and neither addresses “core” issues of autism (social/communication deficits).

What Are the Different Names for Autism Spectrum Disorders?

By Lisa Jo Rudy, About.com Guide

Autism is a "spectrum disorder," meaning you can be a little autistic or very autistic. But the diagnoses within the autism spectrum aren't clearly named, nor are the symptoms always the same even within the same diagnosis. What's worse, terms like "severe autism," "mild autism" and "high functioning autism" aren't true diagnoses at all - they're just descriptive terms to help parents and teachers better understand a child's status on the autism spectrum.

What Is the Autism Spectrum?

The "autism spectrum" describes a set of developmental delays and disorders which affects social and communication skills and, to a greater or lesser degree, motor and language skills. It is such a broad diagnosis that it can include people with high IQ's and mental retardation - and people with autism can be chatty or silent, affectionate or cold, methodical or disorganized. "Autism Spectrum" is also another, less formal term to describe the Pervasive Developmental Disorders.

Official diagnoses within the autism spectrum are autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), Asperger syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Rett Syndrome.

What Are Pervasive Developmental Disorders?

"Pervasive Developmental Disorder" is a formal term that means exactly the same thing as the less formal "autism spectrum disorder." As with the autism spectrum, the group of disorders described as pervasive developmental disorders includes autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), Asperger syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Rett Syndrome.

What Is Asperger Syndrome?

Asperger syndrome describes individuals at the highest-functioning end of the autism spectrum. Unlike other autism spectrum disorders, Asperger syndrome is often diagnosed in teens and adults. People with Asperger syndrome generally develop spoken language in the same way as typically developing children, but have a tough time with social communication. These difficulties that become more obvious as they get older and social expectations rise. Because people with Asperger syndrome are often very intelligent - but "quirky" - the disorder is sometimes nicknamed "geek syndrome" or "little professor syndrome."

What Is Mild Autism?

The term "mild autism" is not an official diagnosis. It's simply a more descriptive term than "Asperger syndrome" or "autism." Generally speaking, when people use the term mild autism they are referring to individuals whose symptoms fit an autism spectrum diagnosis, but who has strong verbal skills and few behavioral issues. Those individuals may, however, have significant problems with social communication. They may also have problems coping with too much sensory input (loud noise, bright lights, etc.).

What Is High Functioning Autism?

Like "mild" autism, high functioning autism (sometimes shortened to HFA) is a made-up term that's become more and more commonly used. HFA is a tricky term, because it can be hard to distinguish a person with HFA from a person with Asperger syndrome. The official distinction is that people with HFA had or have speech delays, while people with Asperger Syndrome have normal speech development. But there may also be very real differences in terms of social awareness, personality characteristics, and other traits. The jury is still debating the fine distinctions.

What Is PDD-NOS?

"Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified" is a mouthful of words that are often applied to people on the autism spectrum. It describes individuals who don't fully fit the criteria for other specific diagnoses, but are nevertheless autistic. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to define the symptoms of PDD-NOS, which may range from very mild to very severe. As a result, the term is rarely used outside of practioners' offices. Most parents, therapists and teachers prefer to use more descriptive (though less official) terms to describe their children, students and patients with PDD-NOS.

What Is Severe Autism (Autistic Disorder)?

Severe autism is officially termed autistic disorder. It goes by many other names, though, including profound autism, low functioning autism, or classic autism. People with autistic disorder are often non-verbal and intellectually disabled, and may have very challenging behaviors.

What Is Rett Syndrome?

Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects only girls. It is the only one of the autism spectrum disorders that can be diagnosed medically (so far). Girls with Rett syndrome develop severe symptoms including the hallmark social communication challenges of autism. In addition, Rett syndrome can profoundly impair girls' ability to use their hands usefully.

Top 10 Treatments for Autism

By Lisa Jo Rudy, About.com Guide

As you start to dig deeply into the literature on autism treatments, you'll find dozens of available options. Which are the "best" treatments? As the professionals will tell you over and over again, every child's needs are different. The treatments described in this article are among the best known, best researched, and most likely to produce positive results.

1. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)is the oldest and most fully researched treatment specifically developed for autism. ABA is a very intensive system of reward-based training which focuses on teaching particular skills. If any autism-specific therapy is offered by your school and/or covered by your insurance, this will probably be the one.

2. Speech Therapy

Almost all people with autism have issues with speech and language. Sometimes these issues are obvious; many people with autism are non-verbal or use speech very poorly. Sometimes the issues relate not to articulation or grammar but to "speech pragmatics" (the use of speech to build social relationships). Across the board, though, speech and language therapy is likely to be helpful for people with autism.

3. Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy focuses on building daily living skills. Since many people with autism have delays in fine motor skills, occupational therapy can be very important. Occupational therapists may also have training in sensory integration therapy - a technique which may help autistic people manage hypersensitivity to sound, light, and touch.

4. Social Skills Therapy

One of autism's "core deficits" is a lack of social and communication skills. Many children with autism need help in building the skills they need to hold a conversation, connect with a new friend, or even navigate the playground. Social skills therapists can help out setting up and facilitating peer-based social interaction.

5. Physical Therapy

Autism is a "pervasive developmental delay." Many autistic people have gross motor delays, and some have low muscle tone (they're unusually weak). Physical therapy can build up strength, coordination, and basic sports skills.

6. Play Therapy

Strange as it may sound, children with autism need help learning to play. And play can also serve as a tool for building speech, communication, and social skills. Play therapists may have training in particular therapeutic techniques such as Floortime or The Play Project - or they may incorporate play therapy into speech, occupational or physical therapy.

7. Behavior Therapy

Children with autism are often frustrated. They are misunderstood, have a tough time communicating their needs, suffer from hypersensitivities to sound, light and touch ... no wonder they sometimes act out! Behavior therapists are trained to figure out just what lies behind negative behaviors, and to recommend changes to the environment and routines to improve behavior.

8. Developmental Therapies

Floortime, Son-rise, and Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) are all considered to be "developmental treatments." This means that they build from a child's own interests, strengths and developmental level to increase emotional, social and intellectual abilities. Developmental therapies are often contrasted to behavioral therapies, which are best used to teach specific skills such as shoe tying, tooth brushing, etc.

9. Visually-Based Therapies

Many people with autism are visual thinkers. Some do very well with picture-based communication systems such as PECS (Picture Exchange Communication). Video modeling, video games and electronic communication systems also tap into autistic people's visual strength to build skills and communication.

10. Biomedical Therapies

Biomedical treatments may include pharmaceuticals, but most often biomedical treatments for autism are based on the Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) approach to autism therapy. Doctors trained in the DAN! "protocol" prescribe special diets, supplements, and alternative treatments. None of these treatments have been approved by the FDA or CDC, but there are many anecdotal stories of positive outcomes.

19 September 2009

Words from Readers

Autistic Trait: Very good at puzzles

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