NEWS - Success Story of a Boy with Autism

As an intro to this article, many loving friends send me articles and news items about autism, since we have an autistic son.  I would love for you to send me similar items that span the spectrum for special needs and struggling students!  Please email me at indeedmyheritage@gmail.com.

Here is the first paragraph of the article, to pique your interest.  :)

(NaturalNews) When the experts told Kristine Barnett of Indiana that her two-year-old son would probably never be able to read or even tie his shoes due to his severe case of autism, the brave mother of three decided to take matters into her own hands. And as a result, she helped nurture the young boy into the genius he is today, defying all odds and proving that the government-run education system as we currently know it is a complete failure.

Read the full article here.

NEWS - Unique Talents of Autistic People Sought by Employer

This article was published last year, but bears hopeful news of bright futures for some special needs adults.

The German software company, SAP, says it hopes to recruit hundreds of people with autism, saying they have a unique talent for information technology.

Click here to read the entire article.

The article is mentioned here in another online article.

Homeopathy and Autism

A friend forwarded a post to me recently regarding using homeopathy to help those with autism.  I cannot vouch for the "Scriptur-ality" of this blog; however, its explanation and information regarding homeopathy may be one avenue to explore as you work with your autistic child.

Homeopathy for Autism

Autism, Aspergers, and Sports

For many on the autism spectrum, rhythm and repetitive motion are key issues.  They tend to soothe the brain and offer comfort.  While some perseverative behaviors are not desired, certain rhythm and motion can be helpful, especially those that accompany various sports.

My son Jacob met Josh Davis in 2012 at Western Illinois University, where they both attend college.  They shared a homeschool connection, and something else.  Jacob's brother is autistic.  Josh has Asperger's.  Through conversation with Josh, Jacob learned that sports, namely swimming, played an integral part of Josh's positive social and academic development.

Josh was featured in an article in Pantagraph.com in 2008.  Here is the link:

Pool Helps State Qualifier Cope with Autism, Life

A Letter to Amy

Dear Amy,

Thank you for asking me about homeschooling your special needs child.  I hope that I can encourage you!

Our own special needs child is now an adult, and although our journey has been a long one, we know that every journey is long, and that some are simply different.

Since our special needs son is our oldest, we were doubly confused!  We had no child to show us what "normal" looked like.  But we knew that, after his one year in a public school early childhood program, bringing him home was the best--the only--option.  We knew that no one else could give him what was most important:  our love, our faith in Jesus, our heritage.  Academics and life skills, though important, are secondary issues that would, with time, eventually be learned.

We began simply by loving our son.  As much as he let us, we hugged him, sang to him, tickled him, told him we loved him, and that Jesus loved him.  He was God's precious gift to us.  We read to him, went for walks together, played at the park, dug in the dirt, and played together with his baby brothers.

We researched the thing--autism--that held him in its grip.  We visited the library, searched the Internet, and asked questions.  We became his experts and advocates.  Though many times it was a struggle, we trusted the Lord for each step.  The path was dark, but God was faithful to reveal just a few more steps ahead.  The Lord then helped us take each of those steps.

As our son grew, we taught his younger brothers how best to love him.  We involved them in his care and therapy, when possible.  As his brothers matured, they became his best friends and his protectors.  We also involved others--extended family, church members, and families in our homeschool support group.  We taught them how best to help.  And we asked for help when we needed it.

The academics came.  Our son learned math, reading and writing, history and science.  He graduated from our homeschool.  But his crowning glory is that he serves the Lord today.

None of this came easily.  We cried, prayed, even complained throughout the struggles.  But, the Lord did not forsake us; He guided and carried us.  He guides and carries us still.  He will do the same for you.

With the love of Christ,

Christine


Fernando and Christine have been married since 1987.  They began homeschooling in 1994 after pulling their son out of a public school early-childhood class.  They have four sons, three of whom have graduated their homeschool.  Joseph, their oldest, has autism.