Mum2Liam

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Rhonda Brunett (not verified) wrote:
14 years 50 weeks ago

Love for you to blog anything you can possibly share with our parents that have to do with sensory issues, or exercises to do at home any strategies to try. I had no idea a weighted blacket would help my child sleep, I found out by accident.

meandarianna wrote:
14 years 50 weeks ago

What a beautiful touching story you have. When the shock goes away you will realize that you were chosen for this journey for a reason. My son being diagnosed with Autism was the best and worst thing that has happened to me. Your son will get better! Dont let anyone tell you anything BUT that. Id love to share stories with you.
Regina

wtp wrote:
14 years 50 weeks ago

Tina,
Please consider blogging you have so much knowledge as an Occuational Therapist...

wtp wrote:
14 years 50 weeks ago

Dear Tina,

Let me extend to you my personal belated welcome to our AutismOne Social Network. AutismOne is now the “one-stop-shopping center” for information about autism. We have the annual conference in Chicago, AutismOne radio, the Elizabeth Birt Center for Autism Law and Advocacy and now the AutismOne Social Network (and more to come).
I notice that you’ve not made any entries into your profile. Remember, this is a social network. Part of the function of a social network is to meet and interact with others who have common interests. Of course autism is a common interest. But there is more than that. Individuals like to know about a person before becoming a “friend.” That’s where the profile comes in. So whenever you can find the time, please fill in some of the entries of your profile. To do that just click on “My User Menu” next to the Welcome area on the right. From the resulting menu click on “Edit My Profile” and you will be in business.
Helping you interact with others is one of the many things we can do for you. Now here’s something you can do for us. Log in on a regular basis and read the blogs and articles then write a blog yourself. It can be on any subject of interest to you, preferably with some relevance to autism but not necessarily. It can be short or long, whatever it takes for you to express your thoughts. If you have a question then ask it in a blog--people read then they respond. If you see something with which you agree or disagree then please add a comment with your thoughts. This is an open community designed to help and support. We like to hear all sides.
I am looking forward to reading your opinions in future blogs and/or articles.

With my best regards
Will Price, CFO
AutismOne

Rhonda Brunett (not verified) wrote:
14 years 50 weeks ago

Dear Tina,

I wanted to welcome you to the Autism One.
By becoming an active participant you can support and inspire others. Your sharing experience can lift other parents to help them move forward on this path. Autism can be challenging and puzzling. You can make a difference; together we can effectively resolve issues in a collaborative manner by addressing questions and providing feedback.
My son Jordan has made remarkable progress so please don’t ever give up hope!
Feel free to share your thoughts, stories and wisdom for we are all in this together.
To quote, Brandi Snyder: “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.”
Should you need any further assistance or information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
rbrunett@autismone.org

Sincerely,
Rhonda Brunett
Autism One International Inc. Chicago Liaison

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Member Since January 5, 2010

About Me

Name
Tina McDermott
Age
55 years
Location
Toledo, Ohio
About Me
Relationship Status: 
Married
Here For: 
Networking
Friends
Education: 
B.S. in Occupational Therapy
School: 
Eastern Michigan University
Occupation: 
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
A Little About Me: 

I'm a pediatric occupational therapist for a local school district. Prior to that, I worked several years in an outpatient clinic and early intervention center. I have been married for 5 years to my husband, Bill. We have only on child. My son, Liam, was diagnosed in August 2009 and it has been quite the "eye opening" experience being on the other side of the table. Even though I have dealt with autistic kiddos in my profession, I felt "lost" and "confused" on what I needed to do first. Liam is high functioning, but his language is his biggest deficit. He participates in weekly speech/OT therapy and attends a daycare/preschool ran by pediatric therapist where he has made significant progress with play/socialization.

Why I am a Part of the AutismOne Community: 

Although I have plenty of "professional" resources, I need to network with parents who share this journey. I have finally stepped back and resigned myself to be Liam's mother, not an occupational therapist who has a child with ASD.

What I am Here For: 
I really haven't explored any of the biomedcial treatments available. I am looking for stories from other parents, both success and failure. I have questions and concerns regarding GFCF diet, chelation, and the use of multiple supplements. I have a developmental pediatrician but don't feel he is "on board" with this line of treatment.
Goals: 
My biggest goal is to have Liam presenting at his age level for speech/language by the time he enters Kindergarten. I want him to be in a regular education class, even if he requires assistance through an IEP.
Help to Give: 

I have a strong background in sensory integration theory and am very willing to help any parental concerns/questions regarding sensory needs. All children with ASD have some type of sensory issue and there are tons of activities that can be completed at home.

Quotes: 
"And this too shall pass."