My Autism Program for Lion's Club

Today I gave a program for Lion's Club in Anson. Here is the script....
My son, Logan, is ten years old. He has brown hair, the most beautiful brown eyes and is the sweetest little man I know. He loves his cat Thunderbolt, horses and his Grammy and Grandpa. Looking at Logan you would never know that he has a debilitating disorder known as Autism. Autism affects every aspect of Logan's life...and the lives of everyone around him. Logan's autism makes it hard for Logan to be in large groups, be around loud noises and he doesn't understand that at times he can be rough. With the verbal challenges that Logan has it is so hard for people to understand how smart he is.
When Logan was born he developed normally. He walked at 14 months, said book and bug by age 1 and while slightly delayed hit every milestone...it was not until he turned two that red flags began to arise. At the two year old check up his pediatrician became alarmed by Logan's behavior and started questioning me... did he always talk that way? did he always spin in circles, did he always avoid eye contact. His behavior worried the pediatrician so much that he quickly referred Logan to a team of specialist. From that point on many people examined my son...from Neurologist, psychiatric, developmental counselors, and geneticist. Logan also started getting Occupational therapy and speech therapy. I took him to a psychologist that was a professional dealing specifically with children with special needs. The news was devastating...Logan either had Obsessive Compulsive disorder or autism or both. The official diagnosis was Pervasive Development Disorder not otherwise specified. In layman's terms.. We refer to this as Autism.
As a parent several questions came to mind....would Logan ever speak? Would he be able to go to school? Would he have friends? Would he fall in love? Go to College? Drive a car? Now 8 years later I can answer some of those questions but not as many as I would like to be able to.
Now I am sure you are wondering what it is like to have Autism...and the world view of Autism has changed alot since Dustin Holfman's portral of Rainman in 1988. While it is true...this is representive of someone with Autism...that is just one side of the story.
An expert once said...if you have met one person with Autism...you have met one person with autism. In other words...Autistic individuals are like snow flakes...while they resemble each other no two are alike.
I would like you to close your eyes. I want you to imagine if music was blaring next to your ears, people laughing, cars on the street, music from the speaker in a store. A Flashlight is shinning right in your eyes, a lemon drop is in your mouth, someone is constantly touching you poking their finger up and down your arms, and the worst smell you can imagine is running up your nose. Doesn’t feel very comfortable right? Well....this is just one example of what it is like to be autistic. Now imagine that the noise is always too soft, no food has any taste, or it never seems to be bright enough for you. Imagine that you can get bite by millions of fire ants and not know it. This is another example of what it is like to be autistic....
Autism is a complex brain disorder that often inhibits a person's ability to communicate, respond to surroundings, and form relationships with others. First identified more than 50 years ago, Autism is typically diagnosed by the age of two or three. Autism affects people of all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Few disorders are as devastating to a child and his or her family. While some people with Autism are mildy affected, most people with the condition will require lifelong supervision and care and have significant language impairments. Many children with Autism will never be able to tell their parents they love them, although I am very blessed that Logan can tell me and gives me many hugs and kisses.
Autism Facts
•1 out of every 110 Children has Autism.
•1 out of every 70 Boys has Autism.
•This year more children will be diagnosed with Autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined.
•Autism is the fastest- growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
•Autism costs the nation over $35 billion per year, a figure expected to significantly increase in the next decade.
•Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases.
•There is no medical detection or cure for Autism.
Logan's autism impairs his ability to effectively communicate. Even though he is ten, in many ways his 8 year old brother Ben is more mature and intellectually ahead of his brother. Autism effects every aspect of his life, he has trouble holding a pen and writing, he trips over his own feet constantly, and his diet is restricted greatly because many textures bother him.
We went through extensive therapy to enable Logan to take showers and sleep in a normal bed at night.
Logan lives life very much on his own terms...hugs and kisses are only given on his terms and his day must be predictable and planned out. The most recent challenge we have faced is that Logan's inability to sit in a chair at school is distracting and his need for sensory stimulation can sometimes cause behaviors that don't fit within the bounds of a classroom setting.
He currently receives 4 hours of therapy a week, both inside and outside of school. He gets speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA therapy.
As a parent of Logan I often wish he had a shirt on that said, "It's ok, I just have Autism." That is why I strongly urge others to learn about Autism. With the increasing numbers, the chances are if you don't know someone with Autism, in the next ten years you will.
I want to stress that Logan is Autistic, but that is only a fraction of who Logan is. He is a wonderful little boy that makes me laugh and enjoy every day.

- Just Another Chaotic Post From the Newspaper Chick

Our Spring Break and Time with Flat Stanley is almost over.

Spring Break is almost over and so is our time with Flat Stanley. He has been alot of fun and seen lots of things. Today Flats and our family is having some much needed rest time!


- Just Another Chaotic Post From the Newspaper Chick

A Man and His Cat

We acquired Thunderbolt almost two years ago as a gift for our oldest son, Logan. Thunderbolt is a cherished member of the family no matter how much we cry, "That darn cat!"
No one grumbles more than Philip about Thunderbolt. He is always in Phil's way, stalking him for the chance to lay on Philip. Philip has said he thinks he isn't at peace without cuddle time... I caught this priceless moment tonight. I think It says it all.

- Just Another Chaotic Post From the Newspaper Chick

The Stamford American Remembers a Legend

The Stamford American lost a dear family member this past week in the passing of Dorothy Craig Drain. Her newspaper career, along side of her husband Roy Craig, spanned 40 years. Anyone that knew Dorothy was regaled with numerous stories of her newspaper days.

In 1945, during a hot summer, Dorothy Craig came to Stamford with her husband, her daughter, and one on the way when her husband, who had always dreamed of running a newspaper, learned that the Stamford American was for sale.

Stamford in 1945 was booming. The population was around 5000 with several car dealers and five grocery stores. Dorothy went to work in October of 1950 with her husband at the paper. She was the part time accounts receivable clerk, full time bookkeeper, office supply order person, proof reader, and even later became publisher in January of 1978. After Roy passed away, Dorothy sold the paper to John E. Mooney in 1985. She later married Jim Drain.

One of Dorothy’s favorite articles was an editorial she wrote during the summer one year. This editorial centered on how people would come to an interview not properly dressed. Dorothy always proudly told of how a lady in Abilene printed the editorial and had prospective employees read the article when they came in for an interview.

Dorothy always said one of the most important parts of running the paper was getting the news out on time. She remembered one time when her daughter Jennifer was helping her, the paper came off the presses late. They had an old red truck that they hurriedly loaded up with the papers. They had already missed the mail in Stamford so they drove all the way to Abilene to the Post Office there. On their way, they ran into a hail storm. The hail broke the window of the truck, but Dorothy kept on driving. She and Jennifer made it to Abilene in time for the papers to go out in the mail. Dorothy also told of a time when the press broke down. The press was out for 12 hours, even though the boys had worked on it all night long. This was the one time in her experience that the paper did not get delivered until the next day.

Dorothy also recounted a time when Roy was sick. She missed the mail. She put five mail sacks in the car and headed out to deliver the ones that were close by. She wanted to get all this done so she could get home to fix Roy dinner. Dorothy made it back, but it was late. She ended up getting a speeding ticket between Haskell and Stamford trying to get home. Dorothy said, “Getting people their paper was number one on my list.” People got their paper, and she got her speeding ticket.

Dorothy had many great memories during her time at the Stamford American. She said she worked hard and enjoyed her work, and proudly stated, “My readers always got a good paper and got it on time.”

The Stamford American under Roy and Dorothy Craig was printed in their building on the south side of the square. According to an article in the November 13, 1975 issue of the American, it was “one of the most modern weekly newspaper plants in the country.” In addition to printing the American, their newspaper plant was responsible for printing the papers for Anson, Clyde, Baird, Haskell, Rochester, Albany, Hamlin, Aspermont, Knox City, and Throckmorton, and the paper for Abilene Christian College. The Stamford American also printed the programs for the Texas Cowboy Reunion from 1949 to 1985.

As for the modern day Stamford American, Dorothy was always quick on critique and suggestions. When she attended our grand re-opening 4 years ago, she told stories of the Golden Age of Stamford, and the newspaper that had covered it all. After everyone had left that day, she smiled her sideways smile and said, “Now you are going to show how you do it now days right?” What proceeded was a two- hour comparison between paste-up, linotype, and laying out a newspaper on the computer. Needless to say, one of my favorite newspaper stories is the time Dorothy Craig came and showed me how it was done.

Flats Visits Stamford EMS

 

We have an extra guy in our house this week as Flat Stanley has decided he wanted to spend Spring Break with Ben, my 8 year old. Ben, being my little science guy, decides his Stanley is green and has gills so he can breath underwater. Today Flats took Daddy Philip breakfast at the EMS Station in Stamford, and got his blood pressure checked. Silly Stanley couldn't only get it to fit around his tummy. He then got a tour of where Daddy Philip works. He can't wait to see what else is planned for spring break!

 

Jones County Commissioners Story for You TCCJ Attendees!

Jones County Jail Fights to Retain and Hire Employees

By Callie Metler-Smith

 

High Turnover and the inability to attract potential jailers took center stage at the Commissioners Court Meeting Monday Morning at 9:00. The jail has 15 jailer positions both part time and full time and 11 of those positions have turned over since July 2012. Carrie Windham, the administrator of the jail, cited the lack of competitive salaries as the reason for the inability to hold and recruit jailers. Windham presented the commissioners with the salaries of the region, showing that Jones County was below the area average. She submitted a suggested pay of $10 for part-time employees, $10 for unlicensed full time employees, $11 for licensed, $12 for an intermediate certification, and $13 and $14 for specific officer positions. The jail currently has two vacancies since they recently hired two new people.

Judge Dale Spurgin informed the court that after doing the math on the salary adjustments, the changes would make a $34,000 change to the county’s budget. Since the county is spending a great amount of time and money on the training and hiring of new employees, some of the expense would be made up if the county could retain employees. Windham said what is happening a lot is that the county is hiring employees and training them, and then they are being recruited by neighboring jails. The change would make a licensed jailer's salary roughly $25,000 a year with another $13,000 going to retirement, health insurance, and other benefit packages. The changes would bring Jones County closer to the area average but still put the county below the average overall. The County Jail currently holds 30 inmates about a 5% increase since they moved locations.

Spurgin said that the money could be found in the county budget by eliminating the outside work crew that maintains over 22 cemeteries around the county. Commissioner Mike Polk expressed concern about stopping this service that has been provided by the county for the past 11 years. No formal action was taken on the purposed changes.

Also at the Commissioner Court meeting the commissioners reviewed two bids from First National Bank of Anson and Citibank also of Anson to be the county’s depository. While both bids were reviewed at the meeting, no action will be taken on the item until the Commissioners March 25th meeting.

Another highlight of the meeting was when Judge Spurgin commented that the Jones County Prison has now been suggested as a possible purchase by the state of Texas after they are contemplating the closing of two other facilities in Texas. Spurgin said the county will probably not know the state’s decision until the end of the current legislative session.

 

Hello World!

I am an amateur foodie, mommy, wife, and newspaper chick. I love writing and spending time with my family. This blog is meant to be a chronicle of my life with my two little boys and my wonderful husband, Philip and show things I am interested in, if it be the recent launching of Bulldog TV in our Stamford area or the latest in Autism Awareness! More to come!



- Just Another Chaotic Post From the Newspaper Chick