"Hi mama"

So, I may be using my blog as a little bit of a "brag board". Is that a sin? Wyatt's speech has gotten so good in the last few months that I just can't help myself!

In this video, I'm trying to get him to say "Hi mama" which he eventually does. I think he called me grandma at first which I can totally understand because it has been way too long since the last time I had my hair dyed :) but I won't hold that against him (he has some pretty great grandmas!)

"Hi gama, Hi papa"

Isn't the rate of Autism climbing because we are more aware of it now?

I get this question A LOT. This graph shocks and horrifies me. It didn't transfer well, so here's the original link.
http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science_news/top_ten_autism_research_events_2009_prevalence.php
In summary:
In 1975 1 in 5000 children diagnosed with Autism.
In 1985 1 in 2500
In 1995 1 in 500
In 2004 1 in 166
In 2009 1 in 110.

So the answer...yes and no. Yes some of the increase is due to changes in diagnostic criteria, better knowledge, and increased awareness. But in the last 5 years there has STILL been a 57% increase in incidence. Does this answer the question?

More spontaneous speech: Ball!

Wyatt's progress with spontaneous speech continues! Today he walked up to me with a beach ball, handed it to me, and said "ball, ball, ball". Who knew a ball could be so much fun!

Wyatt says "Wyatt"

Wyatt recently learned how to say his own name, and I think it's just about the cutest thing ever!

Before.....After.....

This has been a long time coming. We finally could not look at all the fingerprints, scratches, faded crayon marks from an attempted cleaning, or smudges anymore and we had our great room painted. The pictures don't do it justice, it really turned out fantastic! The color changes from gold, to green, to beige throughout the day depending on the lighting. We love it!

(notice all of the samples painted on the wall in this before picture...it took us a long time to decide on a color)