It seems so distant in the past since Cassidy and Garrett were evaluated and subsequently diagnosed with Pervasive Development Disorder; not otherwise specified. When I heard those words, I was overwhelmed at the idea of Autism.
I feared for them, I wrestled with the idea of autism.
Over the course of these last three years, I have come to grips with Autism and learned many coping mechanisms as well as new and inventive forms of raising my children.
My children have compelled me to do greater things for myself. Especially, they compelled me to return to school. At present, I am attending classes online and fairing well in my courses. My ultimate goal is to earn my master's degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis and work directly with children on the Autism Spectrum.
This is my third year raising funds for Autism Speaks and I would appreciate any support you are willing to extend. Most especially, I would appreciate any effort to join my team and walk with me in support to solve this riddle. The time is now.
If you are unable to walk, I understand. If you have limited funds and would like to send in a donation, there is an address to send it to. If you are unable to extend a gift to this worthy cause, please consider walking with me.
This would be the greatest gift of all.
My team member goal is at least 50 participants. Consider asking friends and family members to join. If you have funds and want to fly to visit me and walk with me - well, get thee to the nearest airport and visit....I will let you sleep in my car...
A special thank you to all who have allowed me to cry for hours on their shoulder, shout in anger, have remorse, babble incessantly about Autism, and most especially for not saying a word at all about it.
I wrote the following poem in honor of my children, the Crankyponts name is my pseudonym.
Oppositional
A Poem by Eunice Crankyponts
"
Parenting two children with Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) has proven to be the most difficult job I have ever had. I love me children and this is but a glimpse in to the world of Autism.
"
Chubby cheeked little man
Wide eyes
Capturing gazes
Melting hearts
Kind
Sweet
Loud
Obnoxious Screeching
Insatiable need to touch
Touches everything
Bumpy,
Soft
Cannot be dirty
Will not eat
Rough housing is not the word
Boys will be boys is not good enough
Constant motion
Never sitting long enough to think
Never sitting long enough to breath
Endless energy
Endless attention on some things.
Transitions
Not cool
Brushing teeth
Even more so - not cool
Do not touch me
I will scream
Water touches my face I scream
I am happy I scream.
Angry - screams
Words came slowly
Words are there but still unused.
Refocusing attention
Transitional objects
Blankies turn to cars
Nemo
Dory
Squirt
Marlin
Disney movies
I want a drink of milk
I want a drink of milk
I want a drink of milk
Milk please
Milk please
Milk please
I will not eat
I can nock.
I can nock.
Little girl so full of rage
Will not write her letters on the page
One day she might go on stage
To show us all her fits of rage.
I hate you
Why do you hate me
You said no to my sweet little face?
I will bang my head
I am scared
I come to your bed climb on in
I cannot sleep alone
I will not sleep alone.
I am full of rage
I hit myself
I bite
I rip paper
I scream
Cry
Put my fist through a plate glass window
I cut my hair today
I don't know
I wanted to
Momma
I hate you
I love you
I hate you
I love you
Bitch
Sh!t
No, I can't poop
No, I'm scared
Mom, I am scared
OF EVERYTHING
Don't leave me
Words, yeah
This disorder as puzzling as it seems
Does not make me love you less
Does not make you Rainman-esque
Although you like B. I G. K
A stereotype
Unfulfilled.
© 2008 Eunice Crankyponts
Please visit my Personal Fundraising Page. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts.
Many thanks for your support-- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!
About Walk Now for Autism:
Walk Now for Autism, the nation's largest grassroots autism walk program, is Autism Speaks'signature fundraising and awareness event, taking place in communities across the United States, as well as in Canada and the United Kingdom. Powered by volunteers and families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, this successful grassroots fundraising effort not only generates vital funds for autism research but also raises awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder.
Walk Now for Autism
Greater Hartford 2008
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Walnut Hill Park, New Britain, CT
Friendly URL: http://www.walknowforautism.org/hartford/personal/erickaplourde
You'll have to copy and paste the link.
THANK YOU!!!!!!
Eunice
Tags: Autism Walk Now Cure Riddle Puzzle
