Regression yet again....

I have come to discover with autism recovery that there are seemingly endless bumps in the road and the occasional mountain to climb. This one feels like a mountain; we have entered another period of regression. I guess it's the proverbial two steps forward and one step back scenario.

After Ben's glowing assessment last month he has stopped using the few simple two word sentences he had acquired. Possible causes are the reintroduction of gluten into his diet in February and the change to a less potent probiotic in March. Both biomedical interventions could possibly have a delayed behavioral impact. The obvious solution is to remove gluten from his diet again (frustrating because I hate cooking gluten free) and to reintroduce a much more potent probiotic. We'll add fasting and prayer for good measure and hope to see him leap out of this regression.

We have stopped all outside speech therapy and are implementing our own program within the home. I am grateful for the time he spent in therapy because of the skills I learned and the research it let me to. We are now able to achieve much greater gains with the comfort and familiarity he has at home with his family. What an amazing thing to see teenage boys down on the floor working hard to teach their little brother to communicate. Their fresh enthusiasm helps me keep going day after day.

Steps in the Right Direction

Benjamin was assessed again today for language and social development.

Both his receptive and his expressive speech are now within normal limits!!!

It has been 6 months of hard work and he is still on the low end of normal, but we have made tremendous progress. In fact, the specialists have referred to his rapid progress as 'remarkable' and they were kind enough to give us the credit for his amazing improvement. Which, of course, is the case since doctors have been so completely unhelpful. We owe his amazing progress to Priesthood blessings, many prayers in his behalf, endless hours of research, dietary changes, supplements, and 5 amazing brothers and sisters willing to act as therapists regularly and without complaint. I'm not sure a little man has ever been loved so much.

Our brush with autism has awakened tremendous gratitude and compassion.

You are amazing Benjamin!!

Christmas in California

Our first California Christmas in 3 years.

It was quite a group with 41 people Christmas morning.

We loved being with family. It was even worth the stomach flu that everyone passed around. Well maybe not for Amanda she says she will be traumatized for life after spending Christmas morning in such a miserable and undignified state. However, the time with cousins and Grandparents was worth it she says.

Christmas Eve

Nathan and Amanda as narrators for the Christmas pageant.

Grandpa Pope and Joshua serving dessert. Notice which one is taller!

Amanda and Alayna Pope

Christmas Morning

Benjamin and Nathan

The excitement of Christmas morning!

James Pope, Jessica, Matthew Pope, and Jacob
Matthew's face is priceless!

Jacob

Jessica

Even the Desert Can Be Beautiful

In spite of the misery of scorching summers, after 13 years I'm willing to admit, grudgingly, that Arizona has a beauty all its own. We certainly have amazing sunsets.

I will always miss the green hills and trees of Oregon and California though.

I Had Forgotten that Leaves Change Color

What an amazing time to visit Utah.

We had a wonderful time visiting family and enjoyed a hike up Bridal Veil Falls, a visit to Grandpa and Grandma's Cabin, and an evening at Thanksgiving Point. We are counting down the days until we can visit again.

Bridal Veil Falls

Jessica

 Benjamin

Jacob and Natalie Pope halfway up the falls.

The Cabin

Joshua and Benjamin four wheeling up at the cabin.

Thanksgiving Point

We spent an evening at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi. Besides getting completely lost in the corn maze and ending up back at the entrance we had a great adventure. It was nice to leave the triple digit weather and actually enjoy the warmth of the campfires. It was definitely jacket weather. Of course I packed a jacket for everyone but forgot mine. It reminds me of Sunday mornings when all the children look great for church but I've spent so much time getting them ready I show up looking bedraggled and careworn.

Allison Pope, Benjamin, Natalie Pope, and Amanda

Nathan and Lauren Pope

I've Caved

Yes, I have caved into peer pressure.
I have finally joined the blogging community.

I am an utter failure at journaling (unless 'to do' lists and calendars count as journaling). I think that perhaps with added pressure from outside I can actually keep a record of some events in our lives. Then I will not have to look blankly at my children when they ask, "when did I?" or "what was I like?".

As an added benefit, I now have a place to post all of the amazing pictures our exorbitantly expensive camera takes.