Malcoms Way
Donation protected
Malcoms needs have continued to change as he is getting older and I feel overwhelmed with the level of care he warrants. This year has been especially challenging trying to work out the educational piece of schooling. The few days I took him to public school, he lashed out with physical aggression at students and staff, I pulled him out for safety reasons.
He is getting in home ABA therapy which is helpful but I have to be present in order for the therapists to work here, and it's only 16 hours per week. I was hoping to supplement with homeschool programs but computers are very hard to manage with Malcom. He chooses to X out and spend time on YouTube and it becomes a power struggle every time technology comes out.
I am also getting labwork and Biomedical Doctors advice on supplementation which is addressing Malcoms serious methylation problems, vitamin deficiencies and prediabetic glucose levels. It's very difficult to keep supplements ordered and understand protocols but I have been trying to do this for years...
I am a single parent and I am struggling along, trying to explain to my friends and family what autism is doing to my sons life as well as mine.
I have been accused of "creating my own victim life" by close family and that I just want a pity party. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
I love Northern Michigan but truthfully, the lack of care providers and options for education for Malcom has been really difficult. I traveled this summer looking at other programs and found several good ones in Florida, Virginia and Indiana.
I was hoping to stay here close to my family in Frankfort and Traverse City but I am getting so exhausted and discouraged.
I don't have enough time to work the hours I need due to the lack of caregivers.
So yes, here I am asking for help. I would very much like to move him to a center based program in one of the cities I researched. I can also find respite and other outreach services, like special olympics in a more networked area.
This is not easy to ask and publish my woes, if you are not interested in helping I completely understand, but please hold back your criticism, this is hard enough. Thank you.
He is getting in home ABA therapy which is helpful but I have to be present in order for the therapists to work here, and it's only 16 hours per week. I was hoping to supplement with homeschool programs but computers are very hard to manage with Malcom. He chooses to X out and spend time on YouTube and it becomes a power struggle every time technology comes out.
I am also getting labwork and Biomedical Doctors advice on supplementation which is addressing Malcoms serious methylation problems, vitamin deficiencies and prediabetic glucose levels. It's very difficult to keep supplements ordered and understand protocols but I have been trying to do this for years...
I am a single parent and I am struggling along, trying to explain to my friends and family what autism is doing to my sons life as well as mine.
I have been accused of "creating my own victim life" by close family and that I just want a pity party. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
I love Northern Michigan but truthfully, the lack of care providers and options for education for Malcom has been really difficult. I traveled this summer looking at other programs and found several good ones in Florida, Virginia and Indiana.
I was hoping to stay here close to my family in Frankfort and Traverse City but I am getting so exhausted and discouraged.
I don't have enough time to work the hours I need due to the lack of caregivers.
So yes, here I am asking for help. I would very much like to move him to a center based program in one of the cities I researched. I can also find respite and other outreach services, like special olympics in a more networked area.
This is not easy to ask and publish my woes, if you are not interested in helping I completely understand, but please hold back your criticism, this is hard enough. Thank you.
Organizer
Heidi Church Mahler
Organizer
Traverse City, MI
