1999

Hi, my name is Ashley, I turn 4 years old on July 14, 2000. I've been diagnosed w/Autistic Spectrum Disorder or PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder/Not Otherwise Specified.) I love the Teletubbies and anything that has to do w/Disney! I started school at an early intervention center last year for applied behavior analysis using a Discreet Trial Instruction Program designed by Rutgers University. I'm using simple sign language and a picture exchange communication system. Since I started at this school, I have learned so much! There are 4 other boys in my class and we each have our own teacher! I love going there, my teachers are so nice, we have group time with songs and music, we go outside and we play on the slides and swings, we have fun while we are learning in a structured environment. I have a Disney Classics cassette tape that my teacher plays for me in between my learning sessions, (5-10 minute intervals) that's when I play independently for a bit. When the music goes off, back to learning! Sometimes I don't even need the music, I can play w/my bead mazes or look at my books or play w/my other favorite toys I bring from home. I also have an intolerance to dairy which we didn't discover for a long time. My mommy eliminated dairy from my diet when we exhausted all possibilities of what was causing my illnesses for almost 2 years after going to the Dr constantly and on the internet doing some exploring of possible answers. Now I don't get sick anymore at all! We also discovered intolerances to wheat/gluten/eggs/citrus & yeast. Apparently, my digestive system isn't working properly. This has led to many problems w/behavior and frustration as well. We are now working w/a Pediatric specialist for Autism & dietery intervention. I get all my vitamins & minerals through supplements. Any other kids experiencing any of these things? My mommy would love to hear from you! She's also going to include some good links at the bottom of this page regarding this subject and much more so make sure you check them out!
There's a cute picture of my old Christmas card from 1999 on my mom's page but you may have already seen it, that's probably how you linked here. In case you didn't, the address is exactly this, http://lavender.fortunecity.com/candyman/304
Copy and Paste it and check that out too, she's got lots of links to everything!!!!!