Autism Delaware 2013 Walk for Autism

Autism Delaware is sponsoring 2 Walks this year. Saturday April 20 at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes Saturday April 27th at Bellevue State Park in Wilmington For more info, go to the Autism Delaware site.

What Happened? - Part 4

We went in for Jeremy's checkup/shots the first week of December 2004 when Jeremy was about 16 months. He also received the flu shot at the end of December.(Note, these dates are accurate because I have his medical records) Around that same time it hit me, something was different with Jeremy. Our sweet engaging little boy seemed stop making eye contact as much as he did before. He would have these blank stares. What was worse... he also seemed to stop babbling and forming new words. I felt a strange grip in my stomach, but began moving mechanically. I don't' remember how, but I somehow got the telephone number to what I think was the NIH (National Institute of Health) and called. I must have looked it up online. A gentleman answered and I must have explained to him what I wanted. It was probably the next week that I received a pamphlet in the mail. My stomach was nervous, but I managed to open it. It listed the signs of autism. As I went through the list, it was clear to me that he was beginning to show some of the signs on the list, but not all. There was a small part of me that held on to hope. Jeremy wasn't doing anything like lining up toys or flapping his hands. More Info I reasoned, well if he doesn't line up with all the list points, then maybe I am wrong. I was going back and forth between doubt and hope. At times like these you feel such mixed emotions. I felt such pain. I wondered, how could this happen to our family? On the other hand I felt relief because to me, I had an answer about what was happening. Funny, little did I know this was the easy part. Ahead of me was an uphill battle over the next several months to convince everyone else including my husband that something was seriously wrong. I didn't talk about any of my concerns at first. I just kept observing and making mental notes. One other behavior emerged. It seemed like Jeremy at times would not respond to his name. My husband and I both noticed the endless crying in situations where Jeremy had no reason to cry. Every indoor location outside the home sent him into a fit of tears. He would only calm down when he was sure we were leaving. Some of the neighborhood Moms decided to start a play group since we all had preschoolers and toddlers. Each week, we would meet at a different house. Jeremy would cry from the time we arrived until we started to put his shoes on to go back home. Soon, I started to say things to my husband like, "have you noticed the difference in Jeremy?" To him the crying meant he just was not comfortable anymore being around other people. He didn't really notice the loss of eye contact. I think that was because he out at work close to 12 hrs each day and traveled for work. He just was not around the kids as much. As far as the not responding to his name, I would say this didn't happen as much in the evenings when my husband came home. I think it was because the boys missed him and his presence was able to draw Jeremy out some. The clock was ticking..

The Big Move to a Place Prepared for Us - Part 3

We had already prayed and knew that if they offered him a job, it would be the right next step for our family. So we relocated from West Elmira, NY (the hometown of Tommy Hilfiger) in February 2004. We lived in temporary housing for 3 months in Elkton, MD while we looked for a house. Noah was about 21 month and Jeremy barely 7 months. God had shown us in many ways that this move was completely of Him. New houses were going up in certain places do to the housing boom and that didn't those who wanted to sell the perfectly good houses they owned. Yet, our house sold in 5 days and the buyer who was relocating back to the area from California paid cash! This was the absolute opposite of what other couples were experiencing. At that time in the Corning housing market, scores of families left their houses or one spouse stayed behind as the other left in search other job opportunities. There was only one major employer in the area and it had recently gone through a series of layoffs. We had made some great friendships in Western NY and new that we would miss them. On the other hand, we were thankful to be opening a new chapter in our lives. The realtor assigned by the relocation team helped us get acquainted with the area. We were able to find and purchase another home within a few months. We chose an area filled with lots of young families, parks, wide side walks and close to public transportation. These were all important since I was at home with the boys. The latter was important to me since I grew up in NYC and enjoyed taking the boys for rides on the bus. We quickly settled into a routine. As a young toddler Jeremy was at times even more social than Noah. We both remember, in the Fall of 2004, Lloyd's boss invited us to a casual dinner party at his house. Jeremy was running around playing and smiling with everyone. Noah on the other hand wouldn't leave our side. The ever social and lively Noah was experiencing a rare shy moment. Jeremy had started forming simple words and had no problem babbling to everyone. Then one day...

And then there were Two - Part 2

After the birth of our 2nd son Jeremy, life changed overnight. This time I new what to expect when the labor pains began. When I went into labor, I didn't tell anyone for several hours, because my goal was to have a natural delivery. I quietly finished packing my overnight bag for the hospital. After that I spent a couple of hours in the kitchen preparing dinner because my sister was visiting from NYC. That afternoon (July 22nd) as we got into the van for a trip to the local Mall, I announced that I was in labor and would not be returning home that night. They looked at me puzzled to say the least. Unfortunately, after about 23 hours of labor, they had to wheel me into surgery again for another a c-section. I guess even though Jeremy was 5 days late he wanted to hangout in Mom's tummy a little longer. So with a second incision, a few tugs and pulls, he finally came out! Our 2nd bundle of joy was born on July 23, 2003. Noah was just 14 month old now. I admit those early days were crazy, hectic and definitely exhausting. Thank God I had help from my sister, niece and a friend. Jeremy was a great baby. Yes, we did the sleepless nights for the first couple of months, but he started sleeping through the night soon after that. Back during the first week, I remember my sisters first call to my mother after we returned home from the hospital. I heard my mother asking how is he doing? She said, "he looks like a little package". It may sound like a strange comment, but it was true. I thought to myself she's right. As some babies do, Jeremy for the longest time slept with his tiny leg and knees tucked up to his tummy. It was difficult for him to sleep on his back even when he was swaddled. (Knowing what we know now, could this have been a sign? I don't think so). Jeremy also got startled at loud noises months after he was out of the newborn stage. (Could this have been a sign? Maybe or maybe not). Hindsight is 20/20. Our sweet little boy developed on point. He too (like Noah) met all of the typical baby milestones ( rolling over, sitting up, tracking objects..) that Pediatricians look for as they examine infants. He also walked and began to talk before the age of one. I am getting ahead myself. Time to back track. In December 2003 Lloyd received an job offer from a company in Delaware...

An Aside... Not Part 2

I tried to post this last week. Hope you enjoy. This was dinner. I think Jeremy really enjoyed dinner.

It All Began...The Budd Family's Autism Journey - Part 1

I was born the youngest of 6 children. At about the age of 4, my parents took on the responsibility of raising one of the daughters of a close friend. We were the same age. One more was never a problem to my mother (can't say the same for dear old Dad) and that made us a family of 7 children. As far back as I can remember, babies and children brought a smile to my face. There was always time in my schedule to stop and smile, wave or wink at any baby that came my way. They always seemed to respond back with a generous smile (this is a key point to our story). As my older siblings began to marry and have children, they were always at our family home. It was a delight to take them out and we all just loved them. Early on in my Christian journey, I became a Sunday School teacher and Children's Church worker. Needless to say, I was constantly around children. As most girls do, I hoped to get married and have several children. So, by the time the wedding bells rang, I was already past 30 and was happy to start a family pronto. We had our first wonderful baby boy in 2002. Noah was born a month after we celebrated our 1st anniversary! We couldn't be happier. I handed in my resignation, trained my replacement and left for motherhood with a big smile. Noah was healthy and happy! He met all of his milestones on or before the given range. Life was good! Soon after - 5 months to be exact, we discovered that baby #2 was on the way. Could life get any better? Not for me! We both wanted another boy and God blessed us again with a beautiful baby boy. The pregnancy was typical. I felt great except for being tired due to having care for a busy toddler. After the birth of our 2nd son Jeremy, life changed...

Dinner Tonight!

This month the Budd Family has decided to share stories and pictures of our journey with autism. Tonight is Tuesday and Jeremy has chosen chicken for dinner. What a relief to the rest of us! Up until last month, he ate pork chops on Tuesday- that went on for about 3 years.

Upcoming Awareness Campaign Info

Here's what is coming up soon on the website at www.Speak4twc.org : April is National Autism Month. May is National Foster Care Month. Visit the SPEAK website often for information about these 2 issue that affect millions of families!

It's Almost Over!

Thanks to all of the friends of SPEAK who Showed Great Support for the organization over the past 7 seven days! Join us for our Birthday Celebrations throughout the month of March!!

Foster Care Stats - 26,000 us too much!!

Saw an interesting stat today on a factsheet PDF from The Dave Thomas Foundation. In 2010 26,000 youth aged out of foster care without being adopted! Seriously people (adults), what are we doing to the next generation? Click here for more info.

'Show Some Luv to SPEAK Week'

Visit the SPEAK website at www.Speak4TWC.org to find our how you can help this great organization help the orphan, widow and others in need in our local community!

2013 SPEAK & NC 5K-WALK - Save the Date!

Join SPEAK this year for its first 5K-WALK as we team-up with NC7 on Saturday June 1, 2013 at Bellevue State Park in Wilmington, DE. More info coming soon!

Love is the Greatest Gift!

Join us from February 14th to February 20th for our 'Show Some Luv to SPEAK Week' Learn about some great ways that you can help us help our community.

Welcome to Our New Partner NC7

SPEAK is joining forces with NC7 for the 2013 5K-WALK/RUN. NC7 is a new Delaware nonprofit organization run by foster care workers for the benefit of youth in foster care. Date: June 1, 2013 Place: Bellevue State Park, Wilmington Breakfast & Registration: 8:30 - 9:30 AM 5K- WALK/RUN:9:30 Visit us at www.Speak4TWC.org OR Contact us at SpeakforTWC@aol.com for more info

Spare Change Fundraiser

Contact us at SpeakforTWC@aol.com to get your tin can to fill with spare change. Help us meet the goal of providing a safe place for at risk young adults to live, learn and work.