This new Group... etc.

Hi Bonnie and Group,

I see this is a new group... it is a great idea I have been on others and if I may I will invite some mom's and dad's from them to join this as well as gather.com in general. I am new to gather, and in fact I need to do my profile. But I am Matthew and I have three children 29 chickens and 5 bunnies and my youngest child is in the Autistic spectrum. He is age 7 and in a first grade class of sorts starting this year next week. the class has only 6 students so far. I am impressed thus far with out school system... very up to date and supportive etc...

We live in south east Texas, The city (Town really only 5000 residents or so) Yoakum 40 miles north of Victoria and 80 east south east of San Antonio and about the same south of Austin. We are Yankee's transplanted from New Hampshire moved here 2 years ago...

I will help all I can with information etc... and I may yell help at times also..

Matthew T.

Comments: 5

Bonnie Sayers Aug 6, 2006, 9:19pm EDT

Welcome Matthew and thanks for joining and posting an article. I just found gather today and decided to start a group to help promote autism awareness to the general public and have an outlet for many to write in one location.

Six or seven students is a good number for a class, that is usually what my son Matthew (age 10) has in his class. My issue is that this is now going to be the third year with same teacher, aide and classmates. I would like a new atmosphere and new opinions, etc.

Feel free to invite other parents, etc. I am originally from NJ and transplanted to CA 20 years ago, although my son Nicholas was born there 11 years ago when I went back for a year.

Bonnie

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Bonnie C. Aug 6, 2006, 9:49pm EDT

Hi Bonnie, I grew up next door to a boy (now man) who had autism. He always struggled but made us love him regardless of his disability. I commend you on promoting on awareness for this cause! I would also like to let you know that I have a child who is disabled. He is 11 and has severe ADHD and are in the process of having him tested for bipolarism. If you ever need to just rant, I'm here for you. In no ways are these two things the same but the struggle of being a mother who has to make all these appointments, deal with the school (fighting to get him into an inclusion class) and the daily stresses of maintaining our families and sanity...pretty much level out. Just know you have my support. Welcome to gather

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Bonnie C. Aug 6, 2006, 9:52pm EDT

Matthew Welcome to Gather! Nice to meet you. Know what is wierd? We are also from South Texas! Port Lavaca (45 minutes from Victoria) on the Guadalupe Bay! Boy, we sure miss home.

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Lynn D. Aug 8, 2006, 1:31pm EDT

Hello all. I am also new to this group ( I just joined Gather yesterday). My name is Lynn and I am the mother of four boys. My oldest is 20 and getting married on Friday ( Gosh I feel old!), then I have a 16 year old, a 12 year old and a 9 year old. Matthew, my 12 year old, was diagnosed with Asperger's in October of 2004. It has been a real struggle in school and at home, but everyday I seem to learn a little more about my son and how to help other's understand him.
My 9 year old, Christian, has cerebral palsy so I am pretty knowledgeable about the IEP process and such and am willing to help in any way I can here.
Look forward to getting to know all of you.

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This new Group... etc.

Comments: 5

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