2007 Update

It's been a while since we updated the blog. This time I'm going to try the "mom approach" instead when writing the posts....

GENERAL
Diego turned 8 and we celebrated his birthday in his school. He blew his candle very well and enjoyed wearing the birthday hat. He handed out birthday hats and treats to his friends and had the best time opening presents when we got home. (He had been asking for presents for a while, so he was very happy to see the presents at last!)
He has put on more pounds just by eating his rice and chips. His food variety remains the same, but we need to monitor the amount because we don't want him to be too overweight. He is so happy eating a good plate of meat, rice and beans!!
Diego is a happy boy, who enjoys tickles and still loves Barney. His interests are expanding some lately and he has shown that he likes Bob the Builder, Sesame Street, Teletubbies and instrumental music. He loves to listen to music in the car and classical music interests him also.


SCHOOL
Diego is in 2nd grade, in his same ASD class and he has a new teacher. His IEP goals are focused on his visual strenghts and he is using his communication book very successfully as well as he is learning to read many words even while he is non verbal. It's amazing!
Diego's behavior is so good. He is so obedient and a real good boy. He does wonderful in the field trips, and they have had many this semester, including Community Based trips.
The only times he shows discomfort are due to his detox process and we all support him and sooth him with rubs and kisses which he appreciates.

THERAPIES
Diego has resumed his Verbal Behavior program at home. We are using an ABA student who is doing her practicum as well as the services of a CABA who is being funded with the Medwaiver. This gives the program great dynamics and Diego is getting new goals as well as mastering existing ones constantly. He is very happy during therapy almost all of the time and is very motivated by it.
We will resume Speech Therapy in home too. This service comes and goes as the availability of therapists allows it, but is always a good addition to his overall services and we keep the goals of this therapy in harmony to the VB program and the goals at school. Diego is ONE, so we need to work as a TEAM!
He continues with RDI and guided by the lovely therapist that is in our lives, we try to make every moment and RDI moment. We feel so connected with Diego and RDI has helped so much in this!

BIOTREATMENT
Diego continues his biotreatment following the Metabolic Protocol. I believe it has been 3 years now. We have added the use of head patches with the clay from the clay baths for metal detox, and I have seen a difference. Diego seems more clear headed after the head patches. He is more aware and the most exciting thing of all, is that just this past week, he has started to imitate new sounds! This is HUGE!! Diego remained non verbal and was able to repeat only "mama", but now, new sounds are emerging and he notices it, and is so proud of himself!! We are ecstatic! receiving with optimism all these new accomplishments!
We continue with the clearings, the supplements and the detox baths.
Diego has shown improvements in his lab results and it looks like we are on our way to stabilizing his levels while getting rid of the metals. We still have a lot of work to do, but we are moving in the right direction.