Monday, April 29, 2019

Paying it Forward is Never Cliché



It’s a story so profound and wonderfully written; I cannot take credit for it, myself. It has a catching beginning, a climactic conflict, and the chapters continue to be written. It is a story touched by God and would not be possible without His Grace.


The story begins with a regular family receiving a diagnosis that shook the ground they stood on. A diagnosis that was dark and scary because of the unknown. But what the main characters of this story didn’t know is that one brave little three-year-old nonverbal boy and a village would become the heroes to this story. And the legacy of their work would put an imprint on a mother's heart. God would send angels disguised as teachers, aids, coaches, students, and therapist.
Teagan today: 2019

Many of these people we would not have otherwise met merely because it was a single diagnosis that brought us together. The plan was written long before Teagan and I but was brought to light that faithful day in April when autism became his label. But the label can not adequately describe what is in Teagan and these people saw there was more than a label. A little light flickering inside him would became a fire that grew stronger with each breath these angels took.

As the story played out, those who only knew his name would change the course of the story and keep it on track. These people were not merely showing up for work each day, but they were showing up in a little boy’s life and crafting it into something that would be more epic than a Shakespearean tale. These people were regular folks who worked tirelessly to transform a little life from just being to thriving: not just ordinary people but amazing people using their gift to do extraordinary tasks. Their work often unseen would make a difference that would impact the journey of Teagan. And his accomplishments would be credited to them.
Just a few of the Amazing teachers Teagan had the honor to have
Just a few of the Amazing Coaches Teagan had the honor to play for

Over the years, through fundraisers, Team Teagan has been able to help local individuals who are diagnosed with autism. We purchased a bicycle for an adult on the spectrum who needed a way to get to work. We have purchased weighted blankets for children on the spectrum so they could rest and get some sleep that had alluded them. We purchased a service dog for a child who needed a canine friend. We have sent kids to specialized summer camps. We have paid therapy bills, electric bills, and bought school supplies. We have donated to groups on a similar autism mission who had a broader reach then we had. And each one of these donations helped a person or family get through another day on the spectrum. But I wanted more. My goal was always to help out a vast number of children, those who I would never know their name, their face, or their story.

After much thought and prayer, I found an opportunity to extend the reach of Team Teagan at a local primary school. And not just any school but the one where Teagan started his journey. This school's staff is credited with helping Teagan get through the autism tunnel and find light to lead a fulfilling life and overcome the struggles the diagnosis brings. The donation did more than I could ever envision! Roughly two hundred items purchased for a total of $14,000. At this primary school we were able to take an empty room and turn it into a sensory room equipped with visual, tactile and other sensory toys. We added to the playground- two new swings and a merry go cycle. The sensory room is a calming space for relaxation while stimulating the little one's brains. Glorious space! Team Teagan was also able to donate funds, so the school could add various equipment and technology to bring the Special Ed rooms up to date. The rooms also feature two large touchscreen interactive  smartboards. Amazing!

Image result for Merry Go Cycle, Heartland
Example of Merry Go Cycle, Heartland
Example of Clevertouch Interactive Board
Image result for Clevertouch Interactive Board w Mount


This donation was the opportunity to fulfill a life goal of helping others for years and years....many people...having a reach that is beyond my imagination. Giving teachers and aids the supplies they need to help these children reach a new level of achievement. Touring the facility was a very touching, emotional, and exciting experience for Teagan and I!
Teagan touring the new outdoor play area.


This donation was not about paying back but paying forward. It is a gift in honor of all those who played a role in our story and helping the next child and parent who walks through the threshold, scared of the unknown. Whether you donated time or money to Team Teagan, whether you were a shoulder to cry on when the story was bleak, if you put your soul into helping Teagan, or you were just an encourager, a fellow autism warrior, this gift is in your name. From volunteers to donors, to friends and family, to parents, to coaches, to teachers, to aids and therapist, you are the heart of what makes Team Teagan beat. And we graciously end the month of Autism Awareness with this:

Continue to fight the good fight to bring light to generations of kids and adults who wake up and challenge the status quo of the autism spectrum disorder!

View this photo gallery of all the wonderful items this school is using in the PPCD room! 











Sunday, June 3, 2018

Are you there God, it’s me Teagan’s mom

Some days the morning prayer is simple, “Please watch over my family and friends. Give us what we need and always give glory to You for our blessings. Thank you for all you have given us. Amen.” Other days the prayer is more ambiguous, “Please guide me to make the best choice for our family. Amen.”. And, well some days the prayer is more a plea for help, “I’m lost, I do not know what to do. Help!

Some days I feel forsaken, “Are you there God, it’s me Teagan’s mom?

Living on a prayer.

There is always hope in any problem just sometimes it’s a solution we didn’t see or didn’t consider. I pray to see these opportunities and make the most of the resources I have. Some days this is a new idea, or motivation from a friend...and some days I just cannot find the solution. Many people ask me, "how do you do it all?". The simple answer is I don't, some days I am living on a prayer and that's it. 


Three times the fun. 

I have three kids and to have one school year where everything goes great for all three is seldom. There is always one of the three that needs me more than the others. When Teagan started school, my middle child was thriving in Kindergarten but my oldest was in middle school trying to find her way. When Teagan got to 2nd grade, the the oldest was sailing, my middle child was struggling.

This school year has been one that I can truly say has challenged me and all three kids to a level we never knew. My oldest had the pressures of being a teenager in a world that does not focus on accountability or strong morals or ethics. My middle child realized that no matter what some people just wont like you or support you no matter what you do. And Teagan, well he has learned that the road is long, but there are always rewards for perseverance.

Being an advocate for someone is a heavy burden to carry. For almost 8 years, I have fought his fight. I admit, this warrior mom is tired, the warrior mom is weary, this warrior mom needs a nap!

Throughout Teagan’s school years, we have been lucky to have some awesome supporters. I am thankful for them, but they have made me lazy. When you see such teaching excellence you start to believe that every experience will be as wonderful. I begin to think- “Thank you God, they got this, I can relax.”

But it is in that moment that God has other plans. He looks at me and says “Your job is not done, my child”.  And I continue forward...some days faster than others, some days with fire in my heart, and other days it is a silent contentment that I am doing the best I can. 

I want to venture off this train of thought and instead of discussing the challenges we face, turn to the lessons learned. Here is my advice to teachers in special education or teaching students with a special need and to parents as you advocate for your child.

Hello Teachers!

The IEP is your friend. Have you ever needed some insight into a student to know how they learn, well most students do not have a book that tells you all about them. But a special needs learner does! It’s called an IEP, Individualized Education Program, and it is a lengthy statement of the educational program needed to meet a child's individual learning needs. Every child who receives special education services has this gem. Use it, read it, ask question about it. It tells you what goals the student is working on and how you can accommodate them to meet those goals. It’s a guide- much like a map. Would you go on a road trip without a map or navigation system?

Use the parents as a resource. With technology, you no longer have to hope a note gets home. You can text, email, call or use a chat app to reach out to parents.

Teacher: Teagan seems off task a lot today. Is everything ok? Is there any thing I can do to help?

Me: Thanks for reaching out. Teagan hasn’t been sleeping well lately so that would impact his attention. We are working to get him in bed and to sleep through the night. If he needs to complete some of the work at home with me, please send it with him and I will help him.

Sometimes a restless child could appear to be misbehaving but with a child with special needs a disruption in sleep or life routines could impact his ability at school. Most parents are willing to help if asked. Remember many special needs learners cannot fully communicate to you their feelings and often cannot tell their parents that they are falling behind in school. Don’t you have days that you are unmotivated or tired?

Variety is the spice of life. Have you ever explained something to a friend and they didn’t understand but another person reexplains it and they get it? It’s not necessarily that your explanation wasn’t clear but there was a barrier to learning. Some times when another student, teacher, or parent reexplains a concept or process to the special needs learner - they get it! Do not let your ego impact your ability to ask for help with the students. It takes a village, right?

And Parents, this one's for you.

Do not give up, EVER! I have been guilt of this. If my suggestion falls on deaf ears after a few tries, I throw in the towel. The road is long and exhausting but your child needs you. Keep at it, continue to communicate with the school, continue to offer suggestions, continue to advocate for your child.

Focus on goals. Of course, I want my child to learn but I also want him to be confident, kind, and happy. So, maybe this year your child didn’t make any solid friendships but did he make strides in another area? Did he finally get a skill that was nonexistent at the start of the school year?  Always celebrate the milestones-progress is progress no matter if it is one step or five.

Final Thoughts...

So, as we move from school routine to summer, embrace the time with your child. Enjoy the little things, what goals will your child accomplish in the next few months, what will you focus on in the new school year in the fall? And by the way, when I asked “Are you there God, it’s me Teagan’s mom”...He answered. 

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Introducing Casey, A Special Olympics Athlete

Team Teagan challenged autism families to tell their story. This month, Team Teagan asked Ausume families to message us and tell us about their inspiring autism story.

We will feature stories this month that inspire us...make us love the autism journey a little more!



Up now is an Olympic Athlete! 
Casey is a Special Olympics Winner!




Casey’s dad started Casey’s story like many of us autism parents do “Where to begin........? Well Casey’s story starts off pretty normal, or so we thought”. Like many of our own children, “Casey was a healthy 7 pound 14 ounce beautiful blue eyed boy”.

Like Teagan, Casey was not a difficult baby but soon his parents noticed some changes. Up until a year old, Casey did “normal” baby things, however, his parents noticed his crawling came late and that delayed his walking too.

Despite this common mobility delay, Casey was always aware of his surroundings and had great eye contact…but soon everything changed. Like many of us, Casey’s parents chalked it up to a “late bloomer”. But as the days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into months, Casey’s development got slower and slower.

Being the first child in the family, his parents were not really sure what to expect and did not totally clue in to the delays as a major problem or a clue of what was to come. It was not until Casey was 2.5 years old that his parents finally heard the word come from a health care professional’s mouth. AUSTIM! Casey’s mom “looked at her [the nurse] and said NO!!” Soon that statement turned to “OUR SON HAS AUTISM!!!”

And that my folks started Casey and his parent’s journey in Autism. Casey’s dad described him and his wife as having “blinders” on, but I am certain it is just a lack of understand that they once had that contributed to them never realizing that Casey had Autism. I know I can relate to that. But at that moment when it all became so clear, Casey’s dad described my own families journey in autism the same “the world ended, time stopped, the tears flowed, then we went into education mode. What is this condition, how do we fix it, how do we make our baby better”.

Sadly, as we all know oh to well there is no magic pill or quick fix but there are a lot of tools and techniques that can help kids like Teagan and Casey. Although it was a rocky start, Casey was enrolled in school but the battle did not end there. The program was not designed for individuals with autism so finally at age 5 his parents found a program that worked for Casey and he flourished.

As the months turned into years, Casey was soon sent to a special needs camp and “it changed his life. He found out he was not alone in the world and there were others like him. After a week of camp he was forever changed. He was a different kid when he came home, happy, vocal, and just "better". He goes back every year; and every year he gets better”, according to Casey’s dad.

And if all this is not inspiring enough, Casey soon started competing in Special Olympics. He is a competitor in the 50 meter walk and the shot put. The challenge of Special Olympics has pushed him; and so far he has risen to the challenge. Although Casey has made some tremendous strides he still struggles at home, school, and in public from time to time. But just as other Warrior Parents have reported, Casey’s dad wants everyone to realize that “being nonverbal and not being able to communicate fully your needs and wants would push any person to the edge.” Casey and his parents have learned their own set of “special signs and communicate a lot through technology via iPods and tablets as well as good old fashion pen and paper”.

And in the words of his dad “without a doubt he is my hero and I am his biggest fan. " 

Casey is Team Teagan’s hero too!

If you enjoyed this story about Casey, join us on Team Teagan at https://www.facebook.com/TXTeamTeagan/


Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Introducing Super Hero Patrick!

Team Teagan challenged autism families to tell their story. This month, Team Teagan asked Ausume families to message us and tell us about their inspiring autism story.
We will feature stories this month that inspire us...make us love the autism journey a little more!


First up we have Patrick. Patrick is a real live Super Hero!


According to Patrick's mother he was diagnosed last year. Prior to the diagnosis of autism, Patrick's family knew little about ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Some of the signs that Patrick's parents missed (much like most parents) included a delay in speech and social anxiety. He also did not make eye contact, like strangers touching him or picking him up, and he didn't know how to communicate his problems to his family. Patrick's mom wrote: "It was difficult at first. We couldn't figure out what he wanted at times or what was wrong. In public, people would just stare or make comments."

Just like us at Team Teagan, Patrick's mom believes that "it's not okay that society isn't more educated on autism. Our kids are not brats or behaving badly. They don't know how to react or process to certain things".

Since Patrick's diagnosis he has gotten appropriate therapies and other help that he needs. Patrick is now saying a few words and uses his sign language techniques to communicate.

And in the words of his mom "Autism is his super power". We agree, Mom! Patrick is a shining example of winning!

If you enjoyed this story about Patrick, join us on Team Teagan at https://www.facebook.com/TXTeamTeagan/

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

No, Dr. Wakefield is not a fraud

Re: In response to the following editorial that appeared on the Longview News Journal at http://www.news-journal.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-don-t-let-illogical-fears-keep-you-from-vaccinating/article_cc984566-2a04-5e9b-a263-cc31d1cb0ecb.html

On February 10, 2015, the LNJ Editor wrote a editorial entitled "Don’t let illogical fears keep you from vaccinating your children"  in which the editor described a fraudulent study published by Dr. Andrew Wakefield concerning a connection with autism, bowel disorder and vaccines, more specifically the connection between the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella combo vaccine) and the development of autism. The information in the LNJ editorial was inaccurate and I would like to set the record straight. Sadly, mainstream media ran with the story about a fraudulent study yet never revisited the subject when more information was available. Like in the said editorial the false information continues to be spread and does not give parents the information they need to make an informed decision about vaccinating their children.

I am not here to convince you of the dangers of vaccines nor the benefits of them. Instead my motive is to give you sound information about the research that has been published or lack thereof. The decision is a personal one and something that should not be determined before researching the information beyond what mainstream media provides.

In short, Dr. Andrew Wakefield published a paper in the British Journal of Medicine and the Lancet Journal with the following conclusion: There could be a measles/gut disorder connection to autistic behavior and these findings  merit further research and study on the matter. The study did include 12 other studies that examined the link between the MMR vaccine and bowel disorder. These 12 other studies have not been discredited.

Dr. Wakefield does not claim to be an anti-vaccine doctor. Instead his stated mission is safety with vaccines and his studies led him, other researchers and doctors to determine that a safer approach to the MMR vaccine is to vaccinate with single vaccines verses the common practice of 3 vaccines in one, like the MMR vaccine.  He also suggested a more liberal vaccine schedule. The current vaccine schedule results in roughly 25 shots in the first 15 months of life. In 2011, the work of pediatrician Dr. Robert W. Sear suggests spreading these same shots out over 5 to 6 years.

Now back to Dr. Wakefield. What went unreported in the  mainstream media is BMJ (British Journal of Medicine) and Lancet's strong financial ties to the manufacturer of the MMR vaccine. Mainstream media also will not report that the co- author of Dr. Wakefield's paper, Prof. John Walker-Smith, fought the fraud allegations in court legal and won. He was completely exonerated . 

One major issue with the vaccine/autism debate is the impact that mercury/thimerosal used in the vaccines has on children. The vaccine manufacturers Merck Pharmaceuticals and Smithkline-Beecham Pharmaceuticals were asked to reduce the amount of mercury in vaccines from 237 mcg to 100 mgc in infant vaccines in the 1990s. This would mean that infants born starting in September 1999 would receive the same amount of mercury as infants in the 1980's. In 1980 the autism rate was 1 in 10,000. The statistics today have this rate at 1 in 68.  Studies by the CDC and the Institute of Medicine in 2000 that were not reported in the mainstream media indicated that fraudulent epidemiological science reports were used to convince the masses that mercury in vaccines was indeed safe. In 2001,  research papers about mercury poisoning revealed that autism and mercury poisoning symptoms are identical. In 2002 Congress inserted a provision into the Homeland Security Bill to prevent lawsuits over the mercury in vaccines and any injuries that might occur. However, a little known fact is that the U.S. government has set up a Vaccine Injury Court that has paid millions of dollars to families of children injured by vaccines. Like the U.S., Italy has a national vaccine injury compensation program and in 2004 the court found that a child had “been damaged by irreversible complications due to the MMR vaccination. In May 23, 2012, an Italian court found that the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine  (MMR), had caused a child’s autism. Then in September 2014, an Italian court ruled that a child suffered autism and brain damage because of the neurotoxic mercury, aluminum found in the vaccination. All of these cases were part of a U.S. media blackout and never covered by the U.S. press.

At one time our media serve as the watchdog for the public. However that is no longer the case and we as consumers must now be our own watchdog and question everything and research beyond the mainstream media and look for connections between outcomes of studies and the money trail that follows.

The decision to vaccinate or not vaccinate should not be made out of fear or lack of information. To say the work of Dr. Wakefield  is fraudulent is erroneous and irresponsible on the part of the media.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

No, Ms. Wright...That is not Autism!

Ms. Suzanne Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks, and grandmother to an autistic child, took time this week to call for a National Autism Plan, based entirely on her opinion that autism has "stolen" three million kids, and is making those kids' families miserable. Beyond miserable, she states. These kids are missing, they are ill!



"These families are not living."



"They are existing. Breathing –yes. Eating – yes. Sleeping- maybe. Working- most definitely - 24/7."



"This is autism."



"Life is lived moment-to-moment. In anticipation of the child’s next move. In despair. In fear of the future. "



"This is autism."



"On bad days, they are depleted. Mentally. Physically. And especially emotionally"



"Maybe they are up yet again changing the sheets because there’s been another bed wetting accident"



"Maybe their insurance won’t pay."



"This is autism."






No, Ms. Wright, what you have described is not autism…it is called parenting. And I have experienced all of the above with all 3 of my kids, with only 1, Teagan having autism. My Teagan is not missing, he is not ill, I am not just existing.



To say my family is not living because of autism is ridiculous…to say we are just "existing" is nonsense. To say Teagan is ill is ignorant.



Let me tell you a little about my family and our life! Autism does not define us… We love with no regrets, we play in the rain, we stay up late at night watching cartoons, we eat cereal for breakfast and sometimes candy instead, we play hide n seek, we are late to soccer practice but early to parties. We swim in the pool, we catch snowflakes on our tongue, we make sandcastles, we hug. We run barefoot through the grass and look for bugs under rocks. We feel the wind on our cheeks, our fingers feel the fuzzy fur of our family dogs, we love ice cream sandwiches and extra cheese on our meals.



Look at this picture….does it look like someone NOT LIVING and JUST EXISTING?! This, Ms Wright, is autism!