Operation AA

Besides walking to my mom's house every day with my two little monkeys, one of the best parts of every morning is being greeted at the door by a hopping, flapping, blue-eyed redhead. Fortunately, by the time I arrive, he's had a bite to eat and is excited about the bus coming to Nan's house. Nan, on the other hand, is already exhausted with beads of sweat on her forehead from extinguishing a morning meltdown.

When Dominic arrives at Nana's each morning, he forcefully shoves the door open and proceeds to kick it, releasing the frustration that has to find its way out of his little body. Then, guaranteed, whatever is in his hands - could be a lunch bag, could be his yogurt - gets launched through the living room, landing in a random place while Dominic stands shaking, yelling, & crying uncontrollably, not wanting to be comforted or touched. Does his tummy hurt? Does he have a headache? An earache? Is he sad? Is he angry? Is he simply hungry? Does something at school frighten him? Is his shirt stinging his body? Are the lights buzzing? Is the television too loud? Does the coffee stink, today?

If only he could use his words to tell us...

Dominic is a growing boy. His baby features are gone, with the exception of those extra soft, sweet feet. They seem comparable to the size of a grown man, but they're still kissable, thanks to his mama who uses lotion religiously! ;)

Along with the physical changes of growing up, we are recognizing other changes taking place. Some are wonderful & encouraging -- he is now telling Steph when he needs to be changed. Some are steady & improving -- he no longer walks up to strangers and raises their shirts to see a belt; he reserves that for Uncle Bub & Uncle Sam. Some are disturbing & embarrassing -- no mother desires to sit with school personnel and discuss the texture of poop at an IEP meeting. And, others are frustrating & heartbreaking -- the meltdowns. The shrilling shouts. The hits and kicks and spits.

It's called autism. And, autism is Dominic's life. Because it's Dominic's life, it's our life, too. All of us who love him so dearly and want to see him be all that God has made him to be. There is no "cure." There is no "treatment." There are no "answers." And, unlike other known medical issues that lack cures, treatments, and answers, autism lacks "understanding." It's socially unaccepted.

Why does he hit a child or a baby who is crying? Because he doesn't know how to offer comfort. He just knows that it disturbs him. Why does he push his cousins when they are happily playing together? Because he doesn't know how to say, "This is fun...I like playing with you." He just feels excited and has to release it somehow. Why does he punch the boy sitting next to him in class? Because the boy snatched a piece of paper from his hands, and Dom doesn't know how to use his words to say, "Please give that back to me," or, "Mrs. Smith, Bobby took my paper." Instead, Dominic expresses himself by screaming, kicking, hitting, pushing, spitting, and crying. Using words comes naturally for you and me. But, for Dom, it's a nearly impossible, painful task. So...Aunt Sarah is ready to take action!!!

So what do we do? We research. We have become masters of trial & error. If one thing doesn't work, we don't give up. We try again. And again. And again...and again, until we find what works for Dominic. I refuse to let up. When I'm clueless, I spend more time researching so I can do everything within my power to advocate for my godchild.

CBS recently aired a special segment on 60 Minutes regarding a tool that is assisting children with autism to communicate more effectively. Wouldn't it be an incredible gift to give Dom the ability to communicate in a more fulfilling way with the people he loves and trusts?! I am SO excited about this, and I hope you will be, too!!!

I am on a mission: Operation AA (Autism Applications). I need to raise enough funds for the following tools:

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  iPad = $599
  


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  Apple Care Protection Plan = $79



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  Proloquo2Go App = $189



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  Additional Apps (GRACE, AutismXpress, etc.) = $200



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  Security Features = $183



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  TOTAL......................................................$1,250

PLEASE be in prayer about this. If your heart desires to be a part of this unique, incredible chance to change Dom's quality of life, simply contact me. Leave a comment here. Message me on Facebook. Text me. Call me. Just ACT.

My plan right now is to collect funds through December 16, 2011. I am currently in the process of setting up a formal account to house the money. However, if you are ready to give NOW and you're too excited to wait, I will gladly accept all donations - any time, any place - and make sure it's safely stowed away until our account is up & running!!! :)

With a big heart and big love, THANK YOU for helping me help Dom!!!

xoxo,
Sarah