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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-03-01, Page 19THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2007. PAGE 19. It was an emotional evening forthose who gathered in the basementof Londesborough United Churchthe evening of Feb. 19 for themonthly meeting of the UCW. Tearswere shed by both the storytellers and those who were listening to The Story of Teag, a child with autism. Barry and Kendra Brohman began to realize about the time that Teag was two years old that perhaps there was a problem. Eventually they recognized he was showing classic symptoms of autism – he was delayed at every stage of his development. He lost words he had previously known, made eye contact with no one, had no interaction with family members or other children, preferred solitary play, and fixated on predictable, familiar patterns. He was, and is, living in his own little world. Autism impacts normal brain functions and surfaces between the ages of 18 months and three years. Recent research indicates that there is a genetic key for the disease and that it’s influenced by environmental factors. The environmental factors may explain the increase in diagnosis. There are currently five types of autism but it is not unlikely researchers may eventually identify 10 types. Teag is the oldest of three children and the only boy. His parents admit to being devastated to learn of the diagnosis. Kendra calls itheartbreaking; not just for them butfor Teag and his future which willnot be what they or anyone wouldwish for him.Both educators, the Brohmans have done a great deal of research and questioning on their own. It came down to choosing a treatment for their son. Some of the current treatments take some time to be accepted into. Also they felt they wanted to be the ones to manage this treatment. Consequently they opted to work on RDI, Relationship Development Intervention. This treatment has meant working with Teag as with a baby, trying to enter his world, to establish patterns and develop subtle ways to make him feel the world is okay. The care can be discouraging and will be long term, but they recognize they are effecting good changes. Teag is now four and does show some affection for others and can make eye contact. However he just tolerates other children, does not understand sharing with them and prefers his own games. The bond between Barry and Teag has always been the strongest. Consequently Barry does most of the activity with Teag. The activities are videotaped and sent to a doctor for analysis and suggestions. They were advised that the first stage of treatment would be the hardest, longest and most frustrating,and the Brohmans reported that to betrue. They are now working throughthe second of eight stages.Many times Teag has no interest inthe treatment activities. His fascination for numbers and letters and his ability to count and read already may have some affect on his future. The decision to work with Teag on their own has meant the Brohmans are bringing change in the most crucial months and long before they might have expected treatment had they chosen another form. Teag has been assessed as having moved from the low end of his condition to the high end of the spectrum through their efforts. They are seeing him do things they never expected they would in the beginning. It becomes imperative to control distractions during their teaching activities. Barry and Kendra are thankful that Teag is a happy child who has few temper tantrums and displays less self-destructive behaviour than other autistic children. Teaching Teag has meant teaching themselves as well. They learned through their research that autistic children have a problem with their stomach lining that prevents them from tolerating foods containing gluten and casein. Consequently his diet has affected what the whole family eats. Anything Teag cannot tolerate is not kept on hand.Shopping carefully, findingalternative foods and bakingproducts is a way of life. Regressivebehaviour for long periods of time isthe result of a mistake in diet. A regimen of vitamins and minerals refined for autistic children has also brought changes in his behaviour. Those listening to Teag’s story gained a better understanding of what autism is and how it affects the dynamics and relationships of a whole family. The storytellers expressed their gratitude for the concern and support they always receive from the Londesborough community Barry and Kendra hope that their experiences with these new procedures they are using will some how help others who have autistic children. In the business part of the meeting, Crystal Whyte asked that anyone who has spotted an error in the UCW cookbook to inform her in the next few weeks so that supplements can be put together. The UCW will hold their World Day of Prayer service on Friday, March 2 at 1:30 p.m. This is an ecumenical service prepared by the women of Paraguay. The church youth group will gather at Hullett school on Friday, March 2 from 7 - 9 p.m. There will be volleyball and discussion about the 30-hour famine. For more info contact Crystal Whyte. A smaller than usual number of Cheerio Club members gathered for a noon meal at the Betty Cardno Centre in Clinton on Feb. 21. The club welcomed a guest to the meeting, Kay Hesselwood to their meeting. Those who were able to attend enjoyed the time together after two weeks of wintry weather which kept so many somewhat house bound. Following the meal all enjoyed musical entertainment by the members of the Holmesville Public School band. To begin their business Dorothy Johnston offered their serenity prayer. Roll call was then answered in the group’s usual way – with humour. Betty Fisher won the gift of the month given by Edythe Beacom. The afternoon was filled out with a few hands of cards being played. The club will meet again on March 21. There were seven tables at play at the Morning Star Rebekah card party on Monday, Feb. 19. Prizes were as follows: high lady, Thelma Wilson; low lady, Eleanor Stevenson; high man, Merv Schneider; low man, Jim Wilson; lone hands, Phyllis Mitchell, Raymond Kingsley; tally, Lloyd Smith, Viola Adams, Fannie Somers and Shirley Kingsley. Emotional evening for UCW HH aa pp pp yy 66 55 tt hh MM uu rr rr aa yy SS cc oo tt tt March 7 Love from your family The Brubachers of Ethel Restaurant & Bakery Real Home Cooking Try our Cinnamon Buns 519-887-8659 Mon. - Fri. 7-6:30; Sat. 8-6:30, Sunday Closed NEWS FROM LONDESBORO Smooth moves Members of Blyth’s Skating Club were taking some practice turns on the ice Friday night in preparation for next week’s show. (Vicky Bremner photo) Cheerio Club meets to smaller crowd than usual Seven tables in play at Morning Star Rebekah card party BUY? SELL? TRY CLASSIFIED In last week’s issue of The Citizen, the funding behind Kali Alcorn’s trip to South Africa was wrongly identified. Alcorn personally funded the trip, which was made possible through the SWAP program. We apologize for the error. Looks like the lines got crossed