Into the Penetrable Walls of Miggy

11 January 2010

Photography Workshop

Yesterday, Miggy and 16 other special children attended the Colors of Autism Spectrum Photography Workshop (a helping hand project of Autism Society of the Philippines, Play and Say Therapy Center and Baguio Photographers Club), held at the Botanical Garden, Baguio City.

My deepest and sincerest gratitude to Mr. Boopsie Erana who sponsored for Miggy, Mr. Martin Valeriano for being very kind and

patient in teaching Miggy the art of photography, Mr. Cess Garcia for the soulful prayer (he made us cry), Mr. Nelson Alavanza for generously lending his expensive and delicate camera to Miggy, Mr. Lino Tabangin for his support and warm acceptance, Mrs. Belette Viscocho,

Baguio City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr., ABS-CBN Baguio Newscaster Pia Guttierez, and all other photographers, "special parents" and their very, very special children.

Of course, this event could not have been possible without the endless help and unwavering support of

Play and Say Therapy Center and the Autism Society of the Philippines. You have all made us very proud of our SPECIAL CHILDREN.
Thank you very much.
May God continue to bless you always and in all ways.

A big thank you is not even enough for what you have made of my son... perhaps a future photographer? Why not?

Photos of Nature Taken by Miggy

These pictures were taken by Miggy with the guidance of Mr. Martin Valeriano.

09 January 2010

Create an Animal Magnet

Out of bits and pieces, Miggy created this animal magnet without any assistance or guidance from me. He is becoming more independent, discovering and creating things on his own.

06 January 2010

End of the Holiday Season and all our visiting relatives had gone home:
Miggy said : "Miggy look at the bedrooms."
He checked every bedroom: "Oh, no! What happened? The bedroom is very empty. The cabinets are empty. The people are gone."

*Although the Holidays had ended, it left Miggy a social experience that he will carry on through the rest of his life. Enjoy these pictures as much as I did when I took them. Miggy engaged in social interaction with Yanni and Tamtam.
"Baby, throw me the ball."

03 January 2010

"Extreme Makeover Home Edition"

Miggy calls this "Extreme Makeover Home Edition." (Derived from his favorite show at the Lifestyle Network Channel).

* This is one of his creative plays. Notice that he used blocks to build stairs.

30 December 2009

"Merry Christmas, everyone!"

Dear Readers:
Miggy wishes you:
"Merry Christmas, everyone!" (He learned that from Hi-5 Christmas video. I still have to teach him the Happy New Year greetings.) We wish you all the best this Yuletide Season. This is Miggy's 7th Christmas and every year, his excitement for Christmas increases, unlike before when he didn't care about gifts, fireworks and Santa Claus riding his sleigh, entering through the chimney and leaving gifts under the Christmas Tree.

25 December 2009

"Where's the girl?"

Dec. 24, 2009
It was already 10:30pm. I checked on Miggy, he wasn't asleep yet. He asked, "Mommy, where's the girl?" He was referring to his cousin, Ate Inah, whom he just met that day.

*They watched the Polar Express movie that day; they acted out some scenes from the movie, with Miggy leading the scenes. Miggy knew the movie by heart since he had watched it probably close to a hundred times already. He had memorized every scene, every dialogue, and every music played with all scenes.

*That's how Miggy is. If he likes a video, he will keep watching it over and over again for maybe a month, from morning until night. The only way for me to stop this routine is by hiding the dvd and telling him that the dvd is already broken. And he will always answer back: "Mommy, you fix it." or "Daddy will fix it." or "Mommy, you buy a dvd."

22 December 2009

Ridgeview Academy's Christmas Party

Dec. 18, 2009
Christmas Party of Ridgeview Academy
*At the party, Miggy waited by the door, grabbed all gifts of arriving guests and neatly put them under the Christmas tree. He ran back and forth the room, always checking on the little chocolate cupcakes with frosting and sprinkled candies. Thanks to the school staff, parents and schoolmates of Miggy. They all warmly accepted my son's disability. It was nice, for a change, not having to explain to everyone that my son is special. No apologies made, no discrimination seen...just full acceptance of my son's uniqueness. I knew Miggy felt the warmth, he just couldn't express it.

Play and Say Therapy Center's Christmas Party

Miggy and his friends participated in the fun and games. Look at them. Who would even notice and say that they are a little different from the regulars? The way I see it, they are lucky to have two worlds: their world and our world. Who could ever be so lucky and special to have the best of both worlds?

20 December 2009

Helpful Materials

FLASHCARDS:
These are some of the flashcards that Miggy used. These helped him increase his vocabulary and develop his language skills.
What's this?, I asked as I showed him every card.
How do you jump? kneel? sing? (action words flashcards).
What's the color of the apple? the corn? (fruits and vegetables flashcards).
What sound does a cat make? Can a dog say meow? Can a bird fly? (animal flashcards)
E-E-Egg begins with the letter ____. P-P-Parrot starts with the letter ____. (with Mommy always stressing on the first beginning letter).
What shape is this? How many sides does a square have? What color is the triangle? What shape is the pizza?

PUZZLES:
Through the completion of these puzzles, his imagination developed and his attention span increased. He started from 6-pc puzzles and later he was able to complete more complex 100+pc. puzzles .
Miggy, where does this go?
Look at the color, can you find the other part?
What's next? Look at the picture on the box.

At Stac-5 Therapy Center, when he was four, he completed the Philippine map puzzle for 20minutes, and when he was even younger, he could even complete the back of any puzzle (back as in back! the brown empty back of a puzzle!) That was his splinter skill.

17 December 2009

Disability Card

This disability card is a must-have for all special children. This entitles the child to a 20% discount on medical & dental services, purchase of medicines, transportation, admission fees, in all establishments and educational assistance. Just imagine the 20% discount you will get at Jollibee, Mc Donalds, Pizza Hut, Greenwich, KFC (Miggy's favorites), plus discounts on vitamins and medicines, entrance fees at Enchanted Kingdom and at the movie theaters. Wow, that's a lot of savings! And what's more? There's no tax! So, if your child still doesn't have this card, get one now.

14 December 2009

Swollen Eye

Pictures 1 & 2: (Dec. 10, 2009) Crying and in pain
Picture 3: (the following day) Swollen right eye

Reason: This was what happened when I left him all by himself playing with his dusty stuff toy animals. A more-than-an-inch fur was what I extracted from his right eye on the 3rd day of the inflammation. From day 1, he was crying and whining non stop, up to the time I removed the fur from his eye. I applied anti-bacterial ophthalmic drops (as usual I played doctor again).

Miggy has sensory issues and couldn't feel minor pains. The fact that he cried only meant that the pain he experienced was severe.

Mom: You look in the mirror, Miggy is ugly.
Miggy: "Pretty!"
Mom: Are you going to rub your eyes again?
Miggy: "No."
Mom: Do you want your eyes to bleed again?
Miggy: "I don't like."
Mom: Complete sentence.
Miggy: "I don't like blood in my eyes."
Mom: What will happen if you rub your eyes again?
Miggy: "Go to the hospital."
Mom: And if you go to the hospital, what do you think the doctor will do to you?
Miggy: "Put the gamot in the eyes." (gamot is medicine) "I don't like sew my eyes... needle and thread."

11 December 2009

Mess and Pack-away

Photo 1: Miggy's playtime (mess-time)

Photo 2: Miggy's pack-away time

09 December 2009

Christmas Tags

Last year, it was Miggy who wrote names on our Christmas tags. These are two samples of his works that I will forever cherish.

06 December 2009

Spelling

Oct. 11, 2009:
Of the 28 words, only 5 words were misspelled. Miggy wrote this after watching "Special Kids - All About Jesus" video.

02 December 2009

October 27, 2009 (Pretend play captured in photo)

Miggy: "Okay, parrot. Take a picture."
"One, two, three.... go.... click!"

Mommy: What is the parrot doing?

Miggy: "The parrot is taking a picture..... taking a picture of squirrel, tiger and kangaroo."

29 November 2009

Pizza Hut

This is Miggy's drawing of a "Pizza Hut" delivery truck (although Pizza Hut uses company motorcycles for pizza delivery).
"This is a Pizza Hut truck", he said.

Pizza is one of his favorite foods. Pizza routine every Tuesday and Thursday after his academic tutorials.

26 November 2009

Miggy's First and Latest Developmental Evaluations

Birthday: Aug.4, 2002
Date of Evaluation: Nov. 5, 2009
Chronological Age: 7yrs/3months

Diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Disorder

Developmental Pediatrician: Millicent Mae Fronda-De Vera, MD, DPPS,FPSDBP

Test Administered: Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales

Present Developmental Profile:
Locomotor: 6 yrs
Personal/Social: 6.5 yrs
Hearing and Speech: 4.5 to 5 yrs
Eye and Hand Coordination: 6.5 yrs
Performance: 7.5 yrs
Practical Reasoning: 4.5 to 5 yrs

Behavioral Concerns:
Miggy is generally behaved and compliant; impulsive at times; attention span has also improved as he can complete tasks when cued or prompted. He is very talkative but verbal reasons are still limited.

Here is Miggy's first developmental evaluation by
Developmental Pediatrician: Joselyn Alonzo-Eusebio, M.D.
Date of evaluation: May 13, 2005
Chronological Age: 2yrs / 9mos

Locomotor: par w/ age
Personal and Social: 18 mos
Hearing and speech: 15 mos
Eye and Hand Coordination: 18 mos.
Performance: > 2 yrs (non-verbal)
Practical Reasoning > N /A

Diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Main Problems:
- hyperactive; fleeting eye contact; selective attention / response
- delayed / deviant speech
- preoccupations / stereotypes
- unusual fears

21 November 2009

Creative Play

Here are two pictures of Miggy engrossed in his creative play.

Picture 1: "It's a girl", he said.

Picture 2: Notice that he built 2 floors with stairs, and added some furnitures to make a bedroom.

17 November 2009

Routine

A quick drop-by at Video One is Miggy's routine every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:45am before going to his academic tutorials at the adjacent building.

At Video One, Miggy picks his favorite videos; shamelessly sings and dances; neatly returns the cds to the designated racks and waves bye to the friendly staff before he leaves.

Since I cannot break this routine because for sure it will put him in a bad mood, I always turn this into a learning experience. I ask him to name the characters and read the titles of the cds. That way, we both gain. He gets his way, I get mine.

14 November 2009

Miggy's Drawing

View some of Miggy's works then and now.

Miggy's Coloring

BEFORE & AFTER:

Miggy's Handwriting

BEFORE & AFTER

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.