Just shy of her fifth birthday, Ava has finally mastered the somersault. She is four years and ten months old and has been practicing the somersault for some time now. She has been able to do it with assistance but for whatever reason, just couldn’t coordinate all the steps to do it on her own. This past weekend, I woke up to Ava excited to show me her new trick!
Note: Those are shorts under her skirt.
From what I’ve read in my child development books, most children typically pick up the somersault by age four. I’m pretty sure my son was doing them at two. Of course this isn’t an important developmental milestone but she has been getting frustrated with her inability to do it. No more frustration!
I have been somewhat MIA from Mindless Mommy blogging lately - I have been extremely busy with a variety of other projects and unfortunately my one relaxing outlet (this blog) has been neglected. Right now I’m taking a break from my “Advanced Course in Communication Sciences and Disorders” studying - I have a big test tomorrow but need a break. I was reading through my Google Alerts and came across something that I feel is quite blog-worthy.
The chelation study had reportedly been on hold since 2007 when animal trials linked a specific chelation treatment to brain damage in rats. Some critics called the study “unethical.”
I know I’m going to raise the ire of anyone reading that is pro-chelation but from my viewpoint, this is nothing but good news. Typically, those who choose to try chelation on their child do so from the standpoint of ‘curing’ their child. It is not unheard to hear of mounds of financial debt being generated by families that latch on to these fringe treatments. Sure, for some children chelation can lead to noticeable improvements. On the other hand, it can also lead to death for other children.
So here where I live, I feel like I’m on an island. When I was still relatively new to the diagnosis, I contacted the local chapter of the Autism Society of America (not knowing completely the organization’s viewpoints on ‘curing autism’). Although the national organization purports to support everyone with regards to autism, the local chapter focuses almost entirely on curing autism. The group has gone so far as to merge its monthly meeting with the local biomedical autism group. So now if a person wants to attend an ASA meeting for support, they are inundated with one-sided information. Anyone who disagrees with this viewpoint is immediately removed from the email group. It is very alienating and I feel for new parents who don’t have the resources or inclination to delve head first into the downward spiral known as biomedical interventions.
Alex came out of school today sans his backpack but with his trusty book in his hand. He told me “I don’t have my backpack, Mrs. Xyz needs to talk to you.” Ugh. Mrs. Xyz is his teacher. I held Alexander’s hand and asked if he was in trouble (which is usually what the teacher wants to talk to you about, right?) He responded “No, I think it is good, I’m happy about it.” Whew.
When I got to his teacher she said “Alexander was voted as our class’ student council rep and we need parent permission, I just wanted to give you a heads-up before I send the form home.” I was ecstatic and asked her what it entailed and she said attend an after school meeting one time a month. I asked Alex if he wanted to do it and he said yes.
His teacher went on to say that she asked for volunteers and Alex and two other children stood up. Out of the 18 votes, Alex received 10, five went to another child and three to the other. So not only did he get voted in, he received an overwhelming majority of votes. This warmed my heart - absolutely warmed it!!
