It IS all about Ben...

Hello, everyone!

I have created this blog to track the crazy ride we are on with Benjamin.

For those of you new to the story, about a year ago we began to suspect that Ben is on the autistic spectrum. (We recently began seeing a specialist that says it may be PDD-NOS.) While Ben does not have many extreme behavior issues, his communication and social skills are limited and he does some "stimming" (stares at his hand while running, looks at things through the holes in his binky, etc.) He uses no spoken words (not regularly anyway), but does use several signs. He can be very loving and affectionate, but it can be difficult to get his "shared attention" for an extended period of time. At this point, we aren't so worried about what to call this. We just know he has some issues, and we are working through them!

So far, we have Ben in early intervention through which he receives OT, PT and speech therapy in a group setting which includes "typically developing peers." We also recently began working with a consultant on building a home program that centers around a method called "Floortime." (In a nutshell, Floortime is getting down on the floor and playing with him, following his lead. It is about starting with his repetative play and expanding on it.)

We also have Ben on a special diet. Recently, we have had blood tests that confirm Ben seems to have some metabolic and digestive issues. So, we are thinking we are on the right track with the diet and supplements, but we still have a ways to go.

My hope for this blog is to share stories and information with other families in similar situations, to keep friends and family updated on our progress, and to maybe just vent every now and then!!

I don't really have any restrictions on what can be said...just keep it nice, no nastiness and we'll be fine!

I'm not sure where this will go, if anywhere. But for now, let the blogging begin...