Autism and The Puppy

I now understand so much more of what the school, teachers and therapists have been telling me over the years of his education. It was a light bulb moment. Alec was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism in 1st grade. There had always been things that were a little off, but he was my first child and I knew nothing different. School has always been a struggle. Homework almost next to impossible. But he is a bright and intelligent kid. For example, he couldn't sing the alphabet song, but could tell you what number corresponded to each letter. I am blogging this because we thought we were making progress at home. Alec was becoming more independent and responsible. I recently watched several news stories on dogs and kids with Autism. The kids really open up and respond more with the dogs. Alec's pediatrician even recommended it for therapy. Alec fell in love and has been doing his best for our new puppy. He wants to do everything, but now the struggles he has in school and life on an every day basis have been put into sharp focus. He loses track of his thoughts. He needs constant reassurance and guidance. Every night we have to review several times with him what he needs to do. Every morning he wakes up a blank slate, forgetting everything he learned the previous day. The frustration is on both sides. I now more completely understand his wonderful, compassionate and loving teachers. We have adapted at home. Limited stress and allowed Alec to just be. Not many challenges or responsibilities. I thought he was ready, now I am not so sure. This does not mean we are giving up--it just means we really need to work with Alec that much harder. The puppy is being a puppy and by doing that she just may help Alec and his parents work harder, understand more and produce a strong, well-adjusted adult. We may just need tons of extra prayers and more puppy enzyme spray!!

First Puppy!!

Please help us (and me!) in welcoming our newest edition to the Nicolaysen family--Lily Roxanne Nicolaysen (Had to keep our flower naming tradition alive!) This is my/our very first puppy. I had a dog as a teenager, but my dad did all the work!!! Alec is absolutely thrilled. He is the one who saw her and said that she was the one!!! She is a mixture of Lab/collie/beagle aka Mrs. Mutt. She is in Alec's room and he is the one getting up at night and letting her out. He is taking his responsibility very seriously. He has opened up so much more since her arrival. I don't think I have ever seen him more excited!! I am hoping the excitement lasts, my furniture also!!

Day Camping fun!!

We live in the desert, but you would never know it by taking a short 15 min car ride up the canyon. It was a hot day in the valley, so the family hopped into the minivan and head for the canyons--Millcreek Canyon to be exact. We packed lunches, drinks, firewood and backpacks full of fun games to play. Little did I know that all I really needed was matches, wood and marshmallows to make this crew happy. Alec is a proud Boy Scout and showed off his Scout camp skills by building and maintaining the fire pit. Joe was in charge of sticks and paper to keep the fire going. They worked together as a team, something that does not always happen at home!!! We had a great day "camping" and I got to sleep in my own bed that night!!