Flashback Beckett's Story

I know many special needs parents and caregivers can relate to this story.  It's been 4 years since I really sat down and thought about our journey; where we were and where we are now.  I just want to recap the beginning again for those who came in after the movie started ;)

Beckett's Story:

In November of 2012 we found out that my son Beckett has been diagnosed with a very rare autosomal dominant disorder called SYNGAP-1 gene (6p21.3). I didn’t know whether to cry or breathe a sigh of relief. He was the first to be diagnosed at Texas Children’s Hospital Genetics Clinic. Symptoms of this disorder vary in severity and include mild to severe intellectual disability, speech delay, a spectrum of epilepsies and has been linked to autism. Our son Beckett has been in multiple therapies that include OT, PT, speech therapy, play therapy and music therapy.

I knew that something was not right when Beckett was 4 months old. He was not sitting up or meeting the same milestones as his twin sister. I began my search for an answer beginning with my general practitioner, then adding 19 more specialists to the list since his birth. After many tests such as an MRI, EEG, Cat-scan, Microarray and metabolic tests at 2 years old we found out everything was “normal.” But we knew that it was everything but “normal.”

He was unable to walk, feed himself, babble or talk. We waited 14 months to get an appointment to have an evaluation at Texas Children’s Meyer Center for Autism. They concluded that our son was going to have intellectual disability and a severe speech delay, but still no real answers. The Meyer Center then referred us to Texas Children’s Genetics Clinic for Whole Exome DNA testing.  After a grueling thirteen week wait for the results, we finally got the answer to his problems. It took almost 4 years to get a diagnosis for our son.

I was in shock and knew that it would be an uphill battle.  Our genetics doctor only found one published paper on SYNGAP1.  I knew that there had to be more, but sadly there wasn't.  On the drive home from the clinic I cried and prayed for answers to why.  Thoughts of despair and helplessness overcame me.  It took me about 2 days to process the news, but I was determined this was not going to break me. I had no idea the challenges I would be facing taking care of a special needs child while raising four other typical children who needed my attention and a marriage that I was unsure would survive and that is an ongoing struggle to keep a balance.

After a past of abuse in my own personal life before I was married the second time, I was not going to allow myself to be a victim any longer to anything.  I gathered my thoughts and decided then that I would do everything in my power to help him. Finding answers for him and others was my purpose. I began to blog about his progress and wanted to try and raise awareness of SYNGAP1 and find others like him. 
When I posted our diagnosis on my son’s blog I began to reach people from all over the world who were like me.  I created an information page through Facebook that is strictly for research on SYNGAP1 and brain based research that is related to SYNGAP1. The first parent who found me helped me set up a closed Facebook group for parents looking for support and a place to talk about our children’s medical progress and challenges.

As the Whole Exome DNA test becomes more common we see our group growing worldwide. The network we have created in this group has brought several international doctors together to work on research to define our rare disease. We continue to drive research to help find a treatment that will help our children. We have since created a nonprofit for education and research for SYNGAP1. Our group has doubled in the last year.  We currently add newly identified patients worldwide on an average of one per week.  Though this journey over the last four years has been difficult, we have had triumphs and trials. I wouldn’t change for the world. I have learned more about myself and the love I have for people than I ever thought I would if I had not been placed in this situation. I am very grateful and appreciate life more than I ever have and am truely happy doing a job I love.  I will not stop, I will not give up.  #NEVERSTOPPING

So Proud of My Bean!!

It's been a crazy few weeks.  I've been gearing up for our Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!  I absolutely love rodeo even though it can be really tiring at times, but so worth it!  If you are ever in Houston, Texas for a visit in March, you need to put the rodeo on your bucket list of things to do before you die.  There's not an experience like it. You really have to check it out!  I am what they call a Gate Keeper.  I am the one who welcomes you to the Rodeo and takes your ticket to get in.  It's a blast and I love meeting new people from all over the world.  http://www.rodeohouston.com/

In the mean time, I have been working to collect as much data for Dr. Michaud from other parents of children with SYNGAP.  I am still trying to get in touch with the genetic doctors at Texas Children's Genetics Clinic. I am trying to get them on board with Dr. Michaud and Dr. Parker from the UK to help define SYNGAP and have it identified as an actual diagnosis for the medical DMP.  I am also super excited to have at least 7 of the families in the US that have gotten the information packet from me to send to Dr. Michaud.   I am also excited to hear about the new discoveries that Dr. Michaud and his colleagues are going to be publishing soon.   I will keep everyone posted on the developments as they arise.

Beckett Spelled His Name Out At School

On the other side of things I have been so very proud of my Bean.  Beckett's teacher at school has been helping him to spell out his name in letters.  He also has been trying hard to write his name.  Since he has been on his seizure medication he has really progressed more than I expected.  He is more aware of his surroundings and making more of an effort to communicate his needs with us.  He is learning something new everyday.  He is imitating almost everything he sees.  I am so glad we found out about his seizures.  It has made a world of difference.  Of course we still have the melt downs when he doesn't get what he wants, but I guess that's normal for a child who is at the mental age of three.  We are working on trying to be patient and having to wait for things.  I didn't realize how hard teaching that concept is.  I assume that when he matures a little more he will eventually get it. 

 



 

JEANS FOR GENES!!! Wear jeans on Feb 28 to show your support for RARE GENES DAY!

Share for Rare! Jeans for Genes....Wear jeans Feb 28 to show you care! I love my son Beckett who has a rare genetic neurological disorder called SYNGAP1..

New Year - New Goals

It's been two weeks since Beckett's epilepsy diagnosis.  He seems to be doing well on his medication.  We started with 2.5ml of the Zonisamide liquid and we upped his dose to 5ml last night.  He looks to be more aware of his surroundings and not so confused.  He has been making more sounds and communicating much better.  He actually sits and watches cartoons much longer than he ever has.  I have always thought that the flashing, flickering lights from the TV caused him to be distracted and triggered some of his epileptic disturbances.  It's like a new world has been opened up for him. He seems more aware and his receptive speech has increased substantially.  The unfortunate thing is I think this has triggered his terrible 3's again.  His "awareness" has made him a little more independent, resulting in the attitude of I want what I want...NOW!"  For example, every time we get in the car and start to go somewhere, if it's not where he wants to go he throws a wall-eyed fit!  I'm not really sure how to pacify him at this point, but like everything else; trail and error.  One thing I have noticed with him on the medicine, is he loves to sing.  He can hum a tune almost exactly at the same pitch as the song.  He knows what comes next in the song.  I wish he could talk.  Sometimes I think he is not as slow cognitively as once thought.  He just has no way to communicates what he thinks or wants.  He is making slow progress.  I try not to worry about the future, but it is always in the back of my head how he will be when he gets to be in his teens and adulthood.

Playing at the Park on the BIG slide!

My goals this year are to try and find a way to get him the therapy he needs, start a foundation, and find a job that is more flexible and to get my thoughts and worries under control.  I never imagined how hard this life can be.  A lot of my frustration and worries come from the feeling of not getting the support we sometimes need from people.  This can be a very lonely journey.  Most people just go about their daily lives and don't give a second thought about how they can help.  Sometimes by help, I mean just watching the kids for a night a month so that my husband and I can spend sometime together.  People don't know how it really is unless they live it.  Sad part is, most don't want to know, so they just avoid it and exclude themselves from the equation all together.  So I try and let it go and continue to chug on.  That's all I can do, sometimes that's all there is to do.  I do pray God's blessing on my family.  I know he will come through as always, even though I have to admit I get angry at times because He doesn't move as fast as I would like.  But all in time, right?  I am thankful for the strength He gives, because some days I really don't know how I get through them. 

Hiking along Cypress Creek

EEG Results are in...

Beckett was just diagnosed yesterday with atypical absent seizures (borderline epileptic). Will be officially diagnosed when he has 2 full blown seizures. Technically he has an abnormal EEG. The doctor has said even though he has not had any real seizures yet, he is at a high risk for having them. He has 2 types of epileptic activity going on in his brain. He has what they call epileptic disturbances which are a pre-episode of a full blown seizure, they just don't reach full capacity of a seizure. These disturbances are what causes an interruption in his learning and can cause confusion and meltdowns. We are treating those with a new liquid sulfur based drug that is used for migraines.  I am hoping that the medication will help elevate some of the absent type seizures he is having and hoping that it will help him to be able to learn and improve his memory.  It just seems there is a never ending medical string of diagnoses for my baby boy. I am hoping that one day he gets relief from the endless confusion he experiences.   

I do, because you just do...

..yes..life is not always greener on the other side.  It's hard to remember that when you are feeling sorry for yourself and wishing it was different, how things could really be.  People ask me all the time, "how do you do it?"..you just do because you have to..you could to if you had to...

Please watch...I have to remind myself everyday not to wish for something different..because it could be the kind of different that you would never think.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200907170114838&set=vb.351443748204703&type=2&theater

 

Summer is Gone...AND NEW MEDICATION IS HERE!!!

It's been crazy busy around my house these last few weeks.  I have once again started another school year.  This is my 19th year of teaching to be exact.  My husband and I have been teaching at the same school for 11 years, beginning our 12th.  I have 9 years and 173 days till I can officially retire from teaching.  But who's counting?  ;)
Since school has started I don't have preschoolers in my house at all.  Kind of hard to believe that my babies are growing all up.  Pyper has started Kindergarten and Beckett has started a half day PPCD and is being mainstreamed in Kindergarten the other half of the day.  I am so relieved to find before and afterschool care for the twins together.  Our FAC has accommodated us way above and beyond what they had to.  They have just loved on Beckett like he was their own.  Everyone in the Athletic Center knows him.  He's a charmer!  I know this is an answered prayer for us.  My stress level has come down a lot! 

Pyper and Beckett's 1st Day of Kindergarten

 

I am also pleased with the new medication he is on.  It is called Vayarin.  This is a medical food that is prescribed by the doctor.  It's primary use it to treat ADHD.  Beckett does not do well on stimulants. He freaks out when he comes down off them.  This particular "drug" is highly concentrated Omega 3.  It is formulated to pass through the blood brain barrier and is more able to affect the cells and provide the protein they lack.  This medication usually takes about 2 months to see the effects.  I saw a huge difference within 2 weeks. Mostly, I have seen an incredible difference in his speech.  I am flabbergasted at how he is now beginning to make more sounds, words and phrases than he ever has in his life.  I also have noticed a difference in his attention span.  He actually sits down and watches TV and videos on the computer for about 30 minutes at a time.  Before then that was unheard of.  He also seems more aware of his surroundings and tries to engage more with people.  Even his speech teacher at school has noticed a difference in his attention span and speech clarity.  This medicine has even chilled him out some.  He seems much less anxious about things.  This has been a medical miracle!!  He also sits and plays with toys and imitates more so than before.  It also could be that he is maturing a little bit too, but overall I am very pleased with the results of this medication he is taking. 

Poor Beckett had to have a tooth pulled this week.  When he fell on his front tooth in December swinging in a hammock, he again hit the same tooth and it abscessed.  So needless to say, having it pulled was an experience.  He is my little snaggle tooth now.  After some "happy juice" an some nitrous oxide, the dentist pulled his tooth out with out any struggle.  He did really good..and of course while they had him "loopy" they cleaned his teeth for the very first time. 
So far, it has been a great start to the year.  Now just to keep the routine!
 

Time for Summer!

We started the summer this last weekend visiting Galveston Island State Park & Beach.  You could say that this was Beckett's first "real" beach trip.  The last time we had brought the twins, they were only 16 months old.  I don't really count that one since they really don't remember it.  He loved the ocean.  He walked right into the water and into the waves.  He would have floated away if his daddy wasn't right there with him.  He was so excited!  I don't think I have ever heard him laugh so hard every time a wave hit him.  He laughed constantly for almost two hours strait.  We had some of the most fun that day and more was on it's way!

Beckett's First "Real" Beach Trip 2013

This week Beckett has begun his first ever summer camp.  I am excited and worried at the same time.  This camp is not geared for special needs children. Mrs. Darlene the director of the camp has made it possible for my son to be able to participate with the kids his age.  I am happy to know that she has taken an interest in making my son apart of her program.  She has made accommodation's for him and to allow him to be with his twin sister for 6 weeks out of the summer. A young teenage student has been appointed a help the lead counselor with Beckett and to follow him in every activity planned, even in swimming.  Of course, my biggest fear is him swimming...he can't!  He has no concept of danger or fear.  I also worry about him wandering off unnoticed.  I know that they are aware of all his habits and won't let that happen.

So today is his second day.  I haven't had a phone call yet to come get him, so I am assuming he is fitting in just fine.  I am so thankful that the FAC director has seen a need to include the children in her program with special needs.  I wish more childcare facilities did a better job of mainstreaming special needs kids with others.  I believe it is not only good for the special needs child, but the child who has no disabilities to serve others who need it.  I am sure his experience this summer will help him continue to progress and develop his language and other skills and also maybe expose others to differences they are not use to. 


 

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New FB Group for SYNGAP

Anyone who is a parent or caregiver of someone who has a variance in the SYNGAP gene is welcome.  Please join us to connect with other families who are dealing with similar situations.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/SYNGAP1CONNECT/

Thanks!




 

NEW FACEBOOK PAGE: Parents and Families of People with SYNGAP1

I have created a new Facebook Page to connect and educate families around the world with SYNGAP1.

This disorder is also known as MRD5, RASA1, RASA5, SYNGAP.

https://www.facebook.com/Syngap1?ref=hl

You are not alone!!!

 

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RESULTS ARE IN!!! SYNGAP-1 gene

I am sad and glad at the same time. Today we found out that my son Beckett has been diagnosed with a very rare autosomal dominant disorder called SYNGAP-1 gene. It doesn't even have a name yet. I am hoping to find out more information on it, but there is not much out there in terms of a prognosis.  I don't know whether to cry or breath a sigh of relief.  Texas Children's Genetic Center called this afternoon and told us that Beckett had a very rare genetic disorder that is so new that they even don't know much about it.  They have only just recently identified one more child with the same syndrome in February. We are relieved to find out that it will not affect his twin or his other 1/2 brothers and sister.  Neither Chris or I have the gene defect and the genetic counselor has explained that it was a fluke in nature.  They do not know whether it was caused by the environment or if something just when wrong after fertilization.  Of course, we might not ever know what caused it.   They explained to me that there could be more out there but the test is only a year old and very expensive to run.  Some of the symptoms of this disorder are seizures, schizophrenia, moderate to severe mental retardation, speech delay, and autism type behaviors.  The doctors at Texas Children's have worked us into an appointment on January 7th to see Beckett and talk with us about what they do know and how to move forward with his treatment.  I am now seeking a new direction and feel that I must do something to further the research of how to help he children and families with this disorder. 

I do however, must mention that even though the news I have received today about Beckett, I am grateful that I have him to hold and hug.  Today was a horrible day in our country and I will pray for those who lost loved ones in Connecticut in the school shooting.  My heart is heavy and broken for all those affected.  I realized today that even though I have trails of my own, I am very thankful that I have my children with me today.  I was also reminded that through bad times, God truely will make good for His glory, even if we can't see it now through the hurt.  GOD BLESS THOSE BABIES AND TEACHERS WHO DIED TODAY!! They are in the ARMS OF JESUS NOW!!

Trying To Hang On To Hope....

Considering all the trails that our family has had to face in the last several months, keeping up with my blog as been hard.  We have had many changes in the last six weeks for Beckett.  He will begin Monday with a new daycare sitter.  We have had to move him from his regular daycare he has been at since he was 3 months old due to the change of some of his class situation, therapy and school schedules.  We were not happy with the new teacher arrangement in his class at his daycare.  They seemed to be too young to be able to deal with the needs that Beckett has.  We were very disappointed that this was not fixed or changed for us, considering we were paying for a full time program when he was only in there part time. I do however have to clarify that most of the workers there were great with him.  They were typically older women and not teenagers or college students caring for him.  We now will have him with a lady who will keep him in her home, but she is also one who has a special needs child herself.  We are nervous somewhat, but praying for the best and hoping that she can deal with his needs.

We have had some regression with his potty training due to the fact that the girls in the daycare were not paying attention to checking on him to go use the potty.  He has a hard time remembering he needs to go and needs some reminders every hour or so.  He has started trying to say a few more words and sounds which is encouraging.  We still are trying to teach him the dynovox, but at home he seems uninterested in using it.  He has mastered several icons for needs and food on it with his speech therapist.  We know he can use it, we just need him to understand using it for his needs. 
Texas Children's Genetic Center still has not called us with the results of his EXNOME DNA Sequencing Test.  I have been patiently waiting for some kind of answer.  We are also trying to get Beckett into see a psychiatrist to have him evaluated for a behavior problem that is causing his melt downs.  We are hoping that they will give him something for his OCD/High Anxiety Behavior.  His fits seem to be getting worse has he gets into the stage of the terrible 2-3's that his little brain is entering, even though he is 4 years old.  We have noticed over the last few months he is more interested in toys and musical instrument's that seem to keep him entertained.  We are hoping the we will get to implement music therapy in his daily routine in the PPCD program at school.  We are seeing slow progress with him..I just still have anxiety over what the future holds.  I pray almost everyday that God would heal my little boy...I have to admit that it has been hard to hold on to hope, but I know there HAS to be a PLAN..

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Well, I know it has been a while since I have had a chance to update my blog.  A lot has been happening in my personal life that has interfered with our normal routine.  I am now in a custody dispute with my ex husband over my 2 teenage boys.  It has been a challenge to try and keep on track with Beckett and deal with unplanned events that are happening around us.  Never the less, I must press on and give God the fight over to Him.  I have learned through the last couple of months to truly know what it means to be thankful in my circumstances.  I am allowed to have justified anger, but to know that God will see me through this and that He has a plan, which I learned AGAIN, that it is not always my plans he has for me. ;)  Keeping a smile on my face has been hard, but for the most part I am at peace and I know the truth will be shown for those involved.

Over the past couple of months Beckett has started school again and is now adjusting to a new routine.  He doesn't get a nap this year in the afternoon.  We are feeling the effects of this every evening when we get him home.  He tends to scream and kick until I can get him fed dinner.  We have been giving him a bath right after he eats.  He has been going to bed around 7 every night and sleeps until 6 in the morning.  I am hoping that he adjusts to his new routine soon. 

Besides the new routine adjustment, we have just gotten his new device called the Dynovox Mystro.  This full operational computer is going to be his link to communicating with the world.  I was so happy when we found out that our insurance company paid the full $9,000 for it.  This was an answered prayer that God could only do!!  I am blown away by all the things that he can do with it.  Beckett is catching on slowly, but I am sure that over time he will be able to communicate is basic needs in a few months.  He carries it with him everywhere. It even has his favorite restaurants programed in it with his favorite foods.  His frustration level will be incredibly lowered using this to tell people his needs. 

Beckett telling me he has a "Book"

 

In the meantime, we are still waiting for the results of our 3rd round of genetic testing to return.  We also got an answered prayer that the insurance company paid in full for the $15,000 test.  YES! That is correct..$15,000!! We thought we would be responsible for at least part of it at some point and were amazed again how God works when we just don't think He is going to have it in His plan.  GOD IS SOOOOO GOOD!

Round 3

Got some more huge news last week about my baby boy. Texas Children's Genetic Center called and they have approved him to be a part of a study for rare genetic syndromes!!! He will be taking the Whole Exome Sequencing Test. The best part is..they said insurance will pay 100% of the genetic test!!!!This ones about $6000 buck-a-roos!! So off to Texas Children's to this week for Beckett, Chris and I to give blood. Please pray they find the answer we have been looking for. We are also waiting to here if he will qualify for the Human Genome Rare Diseases Study in Maryland..maybe I'll get to see the East Coast if we get to go.

                                 Riding on his pawpa's tractor at his ranch in Madisonville, Texas

Beckett is making more milestones everyday.  He is almost fully potty trained.  He still forgets if we don't remind him.  But he is in big boy pants all day and a pull up at night.  He stays dry throughout the night!! YEA!! I huge step we have been working on since Christmas.  The daycare has recently moved him into the 3 year old room.  He is trying to make more sounds and is imitating behaviors of his peers.  We are beginning to watch him play more functionally with toys..especially cars.  We are still trucking on.  We are in the process of getting a Dyno V communication device.  Hoping that insurance will pay for it 100%.  The therapist seems to think he will do well learning how to use it.  This will make communication so much easier for him.  God truly answers prayer.  When you begin to give up He reveals Himself when you least expect it.  GOD IS SO GOOD!

My Medical Mystery

I am dumbfounded, I don't really know what to think or do now.  We got back our second round of genetic testing and Beckett's result were normal, ALL NORMAL!!  I am glad and I am shocked at the same time that the doctors found absolutly nothing in his genetic testing.  His microray came out normal, he has no signs of the three creatine disorders, and has no genetic irregularities of organic compounds and now I am at a loss.  The genetic doctors did say that they only find about 80% of the causes for global delays in these tests.  I was sure that they would find something, but they didn't.  This only means that we are headed to the next stage of testing.  This time we are going to try and get a x-nome test done.  This will search for very slight irregularities in the chormosomal DNA of the X chromosome.  This could possibly mean that he has a very rare genetic disorder.  This is scary because this means that the information on the types of syndromes is very limited.  My oldest daughter even said "maybe Beckett will be named after his rare disorder, if it doesn't have a name".  I told her I have mixed feelings about that.  I was hoping that it would be something well known so that we would know what the future could hold for our little boy.  On the other hand I would make it my mission to help any other child that was suffering from the same thing. 
Beckett has just recently celebrated his 4th birthday in May.  I have noticed he is getting more mature and is becoming more verbal than he ever has.  He tried to sound out the word "cake" to ask for a piece of his brother's birthday cake, I was so extatic that he said it. Just yesterday out of the blue he said "baby".  I was watching my nephew who was 14 months old and I told him to be nice to the baby, and he just said it clear as a bell.  I am not sure exaclty what is happening to Beckett, but I see accelerated progress with him.  He is actually beginning to go to the bathroom himself without being asked.  He still needs help, but he asks or pushes his button to go.  I do have to say I know God is answering our prayers.  I am coming to a point where I am accepting what I am being faced with and finding a piece with it.  I do admit sometimes days are hard, but it is getting better.  I am also trying to acccept that Beckett could just be "our little medical mystery" and might not ever find an answer.  Sometimes I do realize that that's also how God answers a prayer...He sometimes doesn't answer with what you are asking Him to do.  I am being taught something or He is growing my faith. Even though at times it is very hard and I really don't like it, I know he has my best interest at heart.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

Look Who's Watching

I am learning more and more each day how some people are either truly compassionate to a person's situation or they really don't care much about other people's lives at all.   I find that it probably runs 50/50 with the people I meet or run into.  I understand that people fear what they do not understand.  My goal and purpose has changed to not only raise a son who is independent and happy, but to help people understand that special needs individuals are also special gifts from God.

I find myself getting defensive about negative comments people make and the classic looks I get when I go into public when Beckett begins to scream and squeal so loudly it could break glass.  I find older people in their late 70's give me the worst looks, people in their 50 -60's make the rude comments, and people in their 30 - 40's for the most part say "Oh my, he's loud" and smile, and anyone younger seems to just ignore it.   I really don't mean to stereotype people. I can only judge what I have experienced.  I think for the most part it is a generational thing.  I think the younger generations are more exposed to the language used to describe autism and other intellectual disabilities.
I have been told to "control my child" and "you really need to discipline him for that".  It's almost comical that they don't even know he can't talk.  Usually my response is to say, "sorry, but he doesn't have any language and can't talk this is how he communicates".  Most of the time they turn bright red and walk away, while other times they look at me as if they don't care.  Sometimes they have even left the store altogether.  It's as I intruded on their world and how dare I even bring him into public.  Usually, it's because of their own ignorance and selfishness.  I have even been ask "how could I even bring a child like that into the world?" I have responded by telling them.."He is God's gift to me and I would have never even have thought of terminating him, giving him away, or even putting him away in a home somewhere".  He is created in God's image and is fearfully and wonderfully made.  I do have to admit, I usually don't respond to that nicely at all and respond in a defiant voice myself.  I defend my child and would stand up for him to anyone. Yes, I do realize I can't change anyone unless they want to be changed.  I do have to be careful about how I respond and think before I speak. I try to be an example of what God wants me to be and I will be the first to admit I am not perfect but will always try to remember that other's are watching.

Faith of a Mustard Seed

We have taken some time to be able to process some if the news about Beckett.  Our family has decided to go out on faith and trust God for the strength and funds to help take care of our little boy. I have been frustrated with the system put in place to help children and adults with special needs.  I am disappointed in the lack of funding that our nation has for these very needy individuals.  It is sad to see working people who want the best for their children struggle for every dime to get the needed care for their family members.  It seems that the richest nation on Earth can't find the necessary money to help people with minimal care. We are not talking the best of care, but the absolute bare minimum.
The decade of waiting is outrageous. The delay in critical developmental time is caustic for the brain to be able to make the best progress.  Without this time the chance for growth is slowed or lost. The burden is put on the public school system and it is already strained to its capacity. The average person who is working are punished for working. The ones who are well and able to work and don't, get the most from our financially stressed system.
My husband and I have gone out on a limb to try and get our son the care he needs.  Having to put our pride aside and ask people we know and even people we don't to help us get care for Beckett has been a humbling experience. We have set up a donation website to help raise funds to provide for his needed therapies, which include Occupational and Speech Therapy (recommended two times a week but he goes once) and the recommended Physical Therapy that we haven't started yet because we can't afford all the co-pays.  He also needs a special computer that will help him communicate and his SMO braces for his feet every 6 months.  We know that God will provide his needs and Beckett will be used for Gods Glory no matter the turn out.  I won't hide the fact that it is very hard for us to keep the faith, but we try to take it day by day.  We stand on the promise God made that He can move mountains with the faith of a mustard seed. (Matthew 17:20)  Some days I think that is all I have, but He still brings me through.

http://www.giveforward.com/beckettsstorymyswan

Some Saving Grace

The 3 weeks Beckett attended PPCD was a sneak peek to what he was going to be introduced to for an entire school year. It was finally hope being realized. The road of over coming obstacles was just beginning. We set his IEP goals for the upcoming school year and were excited to see if he would master or even exceed those goals. His vocabulary was limited to about 10 -15 words. He mostly said "bye-bye" to everything. We set a goal to have him work on single step commands, like "pick up the trash" or "hand me the spoon". He also needed to begin to identifying items in sets of 3. We would ask him to point to the picture we would ask him about. Examples would be like, "shirt, pants or jacket". This was frustrating and disheartened to us at first because we could not keep his attention for more than 30 seconds.

He pointed to the beater..I couldn't refuse:)

His frustration level was over the top when he tried to communicate his needs with us and sometimes he would scream for hours. The whole time trying to guess what he needed. We knew that he did not qualify for a summer program through the public school system, so we took another financial burden on to bring him to speech therapy twice a week. We knew that if we didn't that he would not make small gains. We also had help for us to learn new techniques of communication with him in the form of signs, pictures and teaching him hand-over-hand skills at pointing to an object.

In the meantime, I was researching all I could to find out to why he was having these problems. I decided to take a scientific study I had read and use the information and make him my "little science experiment". This study was done somewhere in Europe, but it caught my attention. I figured it wouldn't hurt and maybe I would get some results over a period of time. We already knew that he has delayed speech and that therapy would be apart of his life for a long while. The scientific study I read had to do with a group of speech delayed children ranging from the ages to about 2 years - 10 years. The scientist made a small scientific break through with what Omega 3 & 6 oils do to increase the brain development in the area of speech. They recorded that out of about 650 children about 85% had a measurable increase in speech development over a 3 month period.

I said to myself "what could it hurt". I called my doctor and he was in agreement with me. He said that all children should take some form of Omega 3. Well, after that I went out to the store and bought a 30 packet months worth of fruit flavor gel packs to give him everyday. I noted that we started in June and continued throughout the summer months and along with speech therapy he began very short spurts of new communication. Most might see it as not measurable, but when a child that has almost no language skill signing more and pointing for more juice...that was a huge milestone. I knew that something was working, but I knew that once he began PPCD in the Fall he would make incredible gains. This was going to be his saving grace.