ADOS

Here the conclusion to the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule Aisha had done back in February

"Aisha did score above the cut-off for Communication and Reciprocal Social Interactions, but throughout this report, I have explained many of these difficulties with Aisha's marked social anxiety and shyness. It therefore remains quite uncertain as to whether Aisha does have any Autism Spectrum Disorder, but the overall feeling, by the examiners is that her general use of facial expression, gesture and non-verbal communication would be inconsistent with autism Spectrum Disorder"

We received this back from the hospital this week, a three month wait!! Coincidentally Aisha had a routine school doctors appointment. Kim took the letter to show her, and she advised a definite conclusion would come from the Psychiatrists assessment. Also did we know there was a support group in Bridge of Don? Kim got the groups number and phoned that night. Speaking to the girl Karen was great for Kim, someone who understands what she has been through as a parent. She also told her that Scotstown primary school, a stones throw from our house, has a Autistic support group within the school and that she thought there was one place left in Aisha year. You could physically see the change in Kim after the conversation. First thing next day Kim was at Scotstown School meeting with the head. She advised there were 14 kids with Autism at the school and even with the ADOS report she would happily admit Aisha for next term. But we needed a Doctors referral. So Kim stomped home and Phoned Dr Daud, Aisha's paediatrician. He apologies for the slow process and happily agreed to write a referral for Aisha. She was in, starting August!! Finally Kim spoke to the Educational Psychologist, Mrs McGregor, who's attitude in the past has left a lot to be desired!! She told Kim there was no way she could just walk into a school and get her daughter admitted. Kim told her she could and she had. she said she needed a doctors referral. Kim assured her this was in place. she then backtracked and said oh well I will need to speak to the headmistress. Various calls from various people took place before Kim finally heard for definite she Aisha was moving school!!
The difference in Kim has been amazing. The difference in Aisha will be amazing. Maybe, just maybe this is the start of my family finding its way again!!

Failure

"Ever Tried. Ever Failed. No Matter. Try Again. Fail Again. Fail better"

This is a quote from Samuel Beckett I read the other day and thought it highlighted my struggle with weight loss. No doubt I am better informed than i was a year ago. Maybe too well informed. Maybe reading every report, like the one in the Evening Express last night that says diet is the only important aspect of weight loss, not exercise, has done more damage than good. Less is more as they say. Anyway, i am now in a better place mentally, have decided my plan of action, and are taking steps to change. This week i have been out on the bike, when it hasn't been torrential rain, and it feels good. The thighs have been burning, the lungs have been filled, and the good thing about cycling is no matter how hard i push myself, my body doesn't lock for three days afterwards. I have also been swinging the kettlebell. Surprisingly, i hadn't tried a one handed swing properly until this month when i got Rays May schedule. I couldn't believe how much it worked my biceps, i really felt it straight away. I have just about finished the Brain Wave book and am ready to put into action, lets hope its all that it promises to be.

i get it

I finally get it. All the fannying about i have done, and i now get it. Eat less, exercise more. Not rocket science. Nothing Revolutionary. Eat less, exercise more. I don't know if i have just came out of a winter slump where my brain hast been working, or more to the point where i haven't been listening. But now i get it. Eat less, work more. Life is simple, we make it complicated. I am going back to basics. No food diaries, no fasting, nothing fancy, just eat less, and exercise more.
Last week i finally realised the secret to success, it just dawned on me while digging the garden, that me trying to complicate things, trying to jazz them up by giving them a title or a name, was the thing that was hurting me the most. Lets just forget all that and keep it simple. That will be the secret to my success.
My mum's still a concern, but i had to make a conscious decision to stand back and concentrate on Aisha and Kim, they have been needing me more lately. Mum is still struggling with her diabetes, and i don't think she ever will be able to control it. My concern is every time she goes hypo she just does herself a little bit more damage. I try to help as best i can, but I know it pisses her off me constantly asking the same questions. We still haven't addressed her anger issues but we will soon.
Aisha is getting better with keeping herself dry, she's still not 100% but she's close. Her behaviour is up and down. We are still waiting for the final assessment so they can confirm she is on the Autism spectrum. This will mean we can look at getting her help at school. This will be a big weight off Kim's shoulders.
i have been reading about Brain Wave Vibrations as i heard it can be good for both autism and spinal injuries. This would be ideal to help both Aisha and Kim. Not even halfway through the book yet though!
The sun is shining today, life is good. Long may it continue!