Spectrum Educational Services

Micah Sudom, my son and former ASDreams member, composed Give it Time.  His band, Mostly Micah, played it during high school graduation. Micah is the one on piano. Mostly Micah also provided the dinner music for the school district's teacher retirement party. Micah's first educational assistant and his kindergarten teacher both retired this year. The PUF administrator who got me started in the school support system was one of the two honoured educators at the event. The title Give it Time wasn't chosen for a graduation theme or a teacher retirement gig, however I can't imagine a more fitting title. Early educators who gave of their time not knowing how their involvement would shape the lives of their students. Junior high boys who spent six years eating their lunches together in the band room, learning new instruments and jamming together. A mom who invested 18 years into countless appointments with Family Supports for Children with Disabilities, service provide

Although not specifically about Autism, I created this for those who recharge their energy by spending time alone with a good book.

June 2006. Back on the psych ward for the sixth time. Medications conflicting. Over 200 pounds. Not knowing how to continue living, but not wanting life to end. Dear 34 year old me, Thank you for holding on to Life. I couldn't write to you otherwise. Please read carefully. The state you are in now does not reflect who you really are. Loved: Through losing those you most deeply love, you will discover that your identity is secure. The people who return to your life in addition to the new friends and connections - each one will become a gift to love. You will no longer snatch what love you can from others because your heart has more than enough love to give. Accepted: The severe rejection you face will intensify. Eventually even the system will not want you. When you receive your diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, you will begin to accept yourself. Yet even that acceptance will not be enough. You will trade rejection for acceptance from the one who will never spurn you.

Twelve years ago today I heard the most amazing sound - my son's cry. After waiting longer than I can hold my breath, he took his first one. And let out a scream that lasted most of his first year and much of his second, third and fourth year. He punctuated the next few years with bursts of screaming, but his language abilities have held him up under all but the most trying times. Now he will scribble a scream, or write very large.  For which my ears are thankful. But his first scream? That was beautiful.