A mother killed her 11 year old autistic son and tried to kill herself assuming the easy way to get rest. The mother was found in a hotel room with multiple knife wounds. Though she survived her son is resting in peace now. She told police she strangled her son with a belt, she says her son was laughing when she was trying to strangle him. The child who had to face the end by his own mother could walk, run, ride a bike but could not talk. He was excited by police cars and fire engines.The 49 year old mother was a woman having trouble with her ending marriage. She even left suicides notes. Her regret is that she failed to end her life too.
In rainy nights the loud thunder is heard in intervals the lightning keeps penetrating inside through the windows. The whole neighborhood takes advantage of the cold dark night and sleeps in silence. But oblivious to all this a child remains wide awake involved in something of his own and the mother accompanies him. That’s me if I have to I would stay awake my whole life if it’s to accompany my child. It’s one of the autistic problems that my child have he doesn’t sleep at night. Well the life of a mother with an autistic child is different.
All the mothers out there who loves, takes care and bring up their children are doing the most perfect and invaluable job of all time. Anyone who takes care of a child as a mother could only understand what it means to be a mother the difficulties and hurdles are nothing compared to the happiness of fulfillment that comes with caring for your child.
It’s such a sad thing that marriages fall apart. When it does the brunt of it rumples the lives of the children, who are being punished with no fault of their own. When the deep emotional root attached to their parents are up heaved in just one sudden blow a child of any age would be devastated. The children can’t choose their parents but the parents choose each other so when they decide to leave each other I wonder why in some cases the person who leaves doesn’t look back upon their children. Don’t they have any responsibility or emotion towards their children?
Recently there were two soul-stirring cases in the news which has happened to autistic children who were victims of broken marriages.
In Vancouver, Washington two children with autism, who were 5 and 7 years old, were kept inside a dark room in their own home with little to eat and wear. They were found in a pitiful condition by the cops who were informed by a neighbor. They were being taken care of their father and his girl friend. The mother is now claiming for custody of the children but she also had no idea about the welfare of her children and she says that the father didn’t allow her to see the children.
In another case a mother found guilty of attempted murder for withholding chemotherapy medications from her autistic son, was sentenced to eight-to-10 years in prison. This mother was a single mother. The child’s father also had little or no contact with his son.
May god help those children who are bearing the brunt of broken marriages.
This is one of my favorite songs, a song about children with autism. This beautiful song summarizes and describes autism in so many different poetic ways that I Love this song very much so I thought I would share this with you all.
Look at them they are just dew drops
Fallen down from the sky into the laps of leaves
Tossing and turning these delicate pearls giggle when they slip
Don’t let them fade to the ground
(These) stars on the ground
They are like the rays of sunlight in winter
When fallen on the back yard turns it golden
Lighten up the darkness in the soul
As veins in a palm alters the colors in life
Don’t let them fade to the ground
(These) stars on the ground
Like sleep burdened eyelids and in the sleep a sweet dream
And in this dream visit someone like an angel
Like sprinklers spraying various colors
Like butterflies are dear to flowers
Like a relationship of unconditional love
These are waves of hope
Effect of anticipation
Surge of happiness
Don’t let them fade to the ground
(These) stars on the ground
Look at them on the bosom of the dark night
Sparkling dispelling gloom
It’s that fragrance that fiery winds blow into the gardens
Like the piece from a glass bangle
Like the face of a blooming flower
Like someone playing the flute from a tree top
They are breeze of fresh air
They are the musical anklet bound for life
They are melody from gardens
Don’t let them fade to the ground
(These) stars on the ground
Like paths are the spirits of a neighborhood
Like buds are adamant to bloom
Like the weather is captured in a closed fist, in the form of wind
They are blessings from the elders
Don’t let them fade to the ground
(these) Stars on the ground
Don’t let them fade
Don’t let them fade
This is my translated version of ‘Taare Zameen par’ the title song from the hindi movie ‘Taare Zameen Par” There are some translated versions on the web but this is how the meaning relates to me.
Are those who fund autism aware that their funds go into rights hands? Do they have procedures to track how their precious funds are handled?
Today is world Autism Awareness Day. Awareness is the pillar for acceptance. Acceptance is what that makes the lives touched by autism much easier. Going through the everyday life, minus the incidents which come together with autism that scorch the hearts by the insults of people who are ignorant to what autism is would lift some weight off our heads. As parents of autistic children we already have a hovering burden over our heads thinking about our autistic children’s welfare. By accepting it would be a tremendous success, if the world also does think about the welfare of autistic children other than their parents.
There are many organizations and charities that do think about autism children. They are contributing a commendable tribute to humanity. In order to make their efforts more effective I wonder whether they follow up on their projects. Most of the grants aided to countries immensely in need are given to organizations I believe that is in cause to benefit more individuals from their gesture, but what if the proper follow up is not done and their good intension go in vain. I understand it isn’t easy to do follow up on funds given to remote places. Most likely remote places would have small population hence why not the children and adult with autism in these remote areas be given individual help hence there would be the certainty of benefit.
A popular holiday destination of tourists for cruising, diving, snorkeling, surfing,water sports and world-class spas. Exotic, secluded island resorts with beautiful beaches.
Population is 270,101
Own language is spoken with its own unique orthography called Dhivehi. English is used widely in commerce and education
Located at the equator all year through its sunny and bright the temperature rarely varies. Some rain are experienced between May and Nov.
Colorful coral gardens and fishes underwater
Fishing is the main industry. Fish cans are exported to many countries.
Although some fruits and vegetables are grown locally everything is imported.
When I was a child, I used to wave to the autistic adults who peeped through ajar doors of their homes. Then I didn’t know them as autistic people I knew them in a different name. Earlier and still some does believe and follow the practice that under privilege people are not allowed out of their homes they should remain hidden or in institutes. They are only allowed to peep over the walls or through partly open doors. Those who really do care about their autistic loved ones also take care of their daily needs and dress them up for the evening and place them in a place where they can see the traffic.
This is the practice of how autistic people have been treated here all along. Here there is not much awareness that special people may have a specialty in them. They don't know that if given right therapies at the right time it may work miracles for their autistic children. They think and believe that an autistic child would get better as they grow older and if they don’t it’s just sheer luck.
Here there are two associations associated with autism. One of the organization has been running for many years they have one physical therapist and they take care of younger children and try teaching skills for older children. The other association was recently formed and they are in their initial stage so they are still looking for therapists. There is one class formed in one of the government schools in the capital for autistic children where they read stories and play and take care of autistic children.
The bottom line is still there are no therapists or special educators or doctors to give autism treatment in this country. And there are no facilities available and yet there are many autistic children in different parts of this country.
I am just a small voice relating my concerns and worries about autism in my blog but there are many parents like me who doesn’t even know there’s anything they can do beyond for their autistic children.
Today I have added a button that links to my blog. When I designed it I’ve tried to portray a meaning in relation to my blog. That is a mom of an autistic child who hasn’t stopped hoping yet. I have added the colors which represent my country also.
I hope you all like it enough to place it in your blog. Reasons to grab my button are it doesn’t look that bad at all and if you place my button on your blog and let me know by leaving a comment I shall be displaying yours on my blog too but I shall still continue to add and decorate my blog with your buttons that seem pretty to me and go well with my blog.
The biggest full moon is shining above us right now. Tonight, my son easily spotted the moon as soon as he came out to the balcony. It’s shining like a big flash light over our heads. The moon light is lighting up everything as if it is dawn and first rays of sun is touching the earth .There’s no darkness anywhere twilight everywhere.
Super moon is a perigee, when the moon is closest to the earth. Some people believe that it is related to massive earth quakes and Tsunamis and some warn that it will bring destruction like powerful storms and heavy winds. The last time a super moon was seen is in 1993. But the sight of the super moon is an awesome picture.I tried to capture the beautiful sight but since I took it from my phone it’s not very clear.
Again another massive Tsunami has taken thousands of people's lives. The gut wrenching pictures and videos remind me how vulnerable we are when the nature’s fury strikes. It brings back the memories when the Indian Ocean Tsunami hit our country.
I have never experienced an earth’s tremor, on 26th Dec 2004 later I found out that a tremor was also felt in the morning that day. Me and my son were sleeping at that time and had no idea.
That day I took my son to my mom’s place and went to work. We came out of a meeting when I heard someone say a tidal wave has hit I looked out the window, from the office window I could see the Jetty area where many boats and ferry vessels were docked I saw the water rushing in land through the roads. I looked out to the sea I could see one boat lying on its side but the water level was very low it was so low that I wasn’t even able to see the water then suddenly the water level started rising it just rose covering everything, it rose over the sea wall over the jetty lifting the vessels bringing them ashore the wave started gushing inland towards the building we were in, it was the second big wave of that Tsunami. Some destruction to the buildings and flooding occurred in the capital but it brought devastation to those islands affected in our low lying nation. The huge wave came from one side took everything people buildings and trees with it and left from the other side.
The capital was saved by the seawall which was aided by Japan. Today a telethon is going on to raise funds to aid Japanese victims. Japan is far too developed a country that we cannot make any difference in help but since Japan has aided and helped us in many ways they are collecting funds and fish cans to send to Japan as a token of our well wishes.
Last Friday 11th March 2011 earthquake measuring 9.0 hit the east coast of Honshu, Japan within minutes triggering a gigantic Tsunami which ripped apart buildings and made vessels and vehicles float around like toys. The earthquake which shifted the earth’s axis has brought devastation to the people, infrastructure and economy of Japan. The Tsunami left thousands dead, missing and in shelters, The misery of the people, who lost their loved ones their homes and their well being is beyond imagination they; themselves only know the enormity of their experience.
If you need a helping hand, look for it at the end of your own arm.
No one is born with anything inside their palms; everyone comes to the world empty handed without any knowledge or ability. Whatever they learn themselves they learn it from others from people near and dear to them. The talent to use and practice your knowledge gives reward to any work thus giving recognition and position in the community. I was also taught and disciplined by my parents and teachers, to find my own way to become the person whom I am today so I do understand I have to do the same thing with my child.
If someone is not aware of what they are lacking until they are made to realize it they shall remain confined within their world. If a mother wastes the precious time mourning and distressing herself over her child’s inability rather than focusing on the child’s ability she won’t be able to help her child achieve anything. If I let myself dwell on in my misery I shall go deeper and deeper into the black hole. I was there for sometime where everything seemed dull and black but I have let it go behind. Since there is no fast forwarding, rewinding or editing that can be done to your life, it has to be accepted as it is and have to keep up with the stride of time.
The upbringing is the foundation of a child’s life hence a mother needs to give the child, chance and space to learn on his/her own pace because people learn from their own mistakes. Let them try over and over on their own. If your child is not comparable to their peers then you should bear patience as your resource. After all faith, love and patience can move mountains. That’s the string of hope I’m holding on to that my patience and efforts would someday bring bright colours into my child’s life.
Nothing is achieved without enthusiasm and nothing big is ever achieved without lots of hard work.
Today is dull, looks like it’s going rain but the sky is still holding up.
How a day begins and ends might depend on the mood of that particular day. A bright and sunny day could seem boring and dull when we are feeling low, a cold and rainy day could be enjoyable and pass effortlessly when you are in high spirits. But if we forget our feelings and don’t let the moods get in the way and maintain calmness in our mind every day would be like any other day, it would feel and seem normal and pass smoothly. After all life is too short, so have to make effort so that everyday is meaningful.
Each minute, every hour in each passing day is precious since it would never return. again, in another day another time you may come across the same situation, same feeling, same atmosphere same weather but still that particular point in life would never return, nights will be replaced by day, buds would bloom into flowers, Cold season would melt into dry season and time never stops it always pass by.
Each and everyday is same it's our situations and feelings that make it different. Once I also let the days of my life fly by and went along with every different light it showed and now that the color and lighting in my life has been transformed into a different kind of light and color other than a typical person's life it seems I have so much to do in so little time. Those out side looking into our world may have changed their view about us, likewise I might also have started thinking everything has changed but I must remember that still I'm the same person and the days remain the same and still there are 24 hours which I should make the most of it to focus on my autistic child while keeping in mind that a day is just another day. in my life.
Everyone remembers and cherish the memories from the care free days of childhood. The days when we were under the cool shade of our parent’s secure protection. When we had countless questions and there were people to answer them and give advice. Parents, grandparents and teachers who inspired us to become what we are today.
I lived with my three sisters, one brother, two cousins, mom, dad, grandmother and a cat, I had a normal childhood with support of a big family since all our extended family lived within walking distance.
When I was studying I used to think how soon it’ll all be over, I never thought I would miss those days so much once it was history. I would never forget the group of close friends, how much fun we had together .The never ending stories, how the topics changed and got intertwined one into another and went on and on. How we sought to sit together in classes. How we fought over the same boys. How we spent our free periods. Class parties and class news paper here I go on and on when I think back down the memory lane I wish I could turn back the time or could go back in a time tunnel and to relive just one day from my childhood days. My childhood and my school days were the best time of my life.
As we started our separate adult lives our group of friends slowly drifted apart. New friendships were formed and lost as the present time prevailed. I got married and gained another set of friends and family.
I had my friends and my family behind me until my life changed, my life changed to be different from the normal life of my friends and family. When my son was diagnosed with autism I was very depressed and after few years of that I lost my father too so again it added to my depression and somehow at some point my family and friends have left me behind to deal with my own problems. So I’m dealing with it the best I can.
Though Autism, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, medicines, therapies, awareness and research have been going on for decades in developed countries it’s been only a few years the term Autism came to focus in my community .
Since every new subject catch interest of people .Autism is not a new word here also anymore. There are one or two organizations who have already taken the responsibility to use the term Autism and include it in serving the disabled children. Among the Autism associations in different regions of the world a name appears for this region too
I live in a society where every constituent needs enhancement, raising funds and getting donations for autism is not so easy in a place like this, since there are more critical medical areas that need attention. Autism awareness is not much established in the community or due to the ancient belief that autism is untreatable people don’t understand the urgency or importance of the treatment and therapies required for these children. Hence autism remains an issue which is pushed behind.
It’s the beginning of another year. Just another ordinary day like rest of the 364 days but what makes it special is the spirit of the festivity which brings with it. The snow outside is too thick for you to go out or it’s raining so hard that you had to change all your plans but no matter what nothing could dampen the excitement and happiness of the day.
It’s a time that you analyze your deeds and makes a resolution for next year. When you said Goodbye to the year left behind did you evaluate how much more or less mistakes you made than previous year? It should be less if you had counted and resolved those mistakes of the year before last, after all that’s how one gets wiser and wiser each passing year.
Each year different resolutions are made some doesn’t want to change anything, some start changing themselves ahead in preparation to welcome the coming year. Some try something new, some repeat a special occasion to make the day memorable. It’s a good thing that another year with hopes and promises are here but unfortunately it’s another year getting us nearer to the end of our days here.
