Sweet sweet little guy

Jacob has really been learning so much in therapy lately.  It amazes us how far he has come with only 4.5 hours of therapy per week.  It really makes me wonder how much he would be learning if he had full time ABA.
Earlier today I was looking back at previous blog postings and found some posts in which I believed Jacob had autism at around 10-11 months! For some reason I had forgotten that it was that early.  I always tell people that I realized it around 15-18 months.  You know, this gives me a lot of hope. If the early warning signs can be shared with as many people as possible, then intervention can begin as young as 1 year old.  Research shows that early intervention is key.  No longer is it ok to take the wait and see approach.  Early intervention cannot hurt a typical child.  It will help anyone, including typically developing children.  I just wanted to encourage you to always share early warning signs and red flags with anyone who may suspect autism.  If we hadn't begun early intervention when we did, there is a significant chance that Jacob would still be non-verbal and not gaining the critical skills that he has learned through therapy.  Jacob is still considered severe, but I am so incredibly thankful to God for how far he has come. 

We had family pictures taken by a sweet friend.  She is so talented and able to capture the cutest pics of Jacob, even with him moving and running around at 90 mph.  She chases after him and catches the sweetest smiles.  Of course, my other two are naturals.

Today I am making it a point to pray and thank God for our many blessings.  Of all of those blessings I am so so thankful for a such a lovable little guy.  I am thankful for his sweet nature.  I am so thankful that he snuggles and hugs and kisses.  Praying today for those families with autistic children that do not like to be held.  I can only imagine how you must feel.  I pray that your little one can learn to show you how much they love you in their own special way.  How about today we all take a moment and pray with full thanksgiving in our hearts to the Lord and Creator of our children, for everything they are and for his perfect plan in our lives.  Let's give thanks for our special children, our typical children and our children in heaven. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWJLy3-iRQo

Matt Redman

"10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)"

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore

[Chorus x2]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
Lord, I'll worship Your holy name

Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
I'll worship Your holy name