As a mother, I will never give up on my child. As a mother of a child who has autism, I will never give up hope.
I look into his eyes and I see all the potential that he has to offer to this beautiful world and I just know that one day the world can see what I see.

Follow my blog as I share my life and my experiences as a person who loves someone with autism.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

I just want my son to keep smiling.

We were at the dentist a couple months ago for Bryce’s first teeth cleaning. He was a champ and it was the start of many visits to the dentist to come.

Today he had 4 ‘pit and fissure sealants’ on 4 teeth in the very back of his mouth, top and bottom to help prevent cavities.


Again, he surprised me with how patient he was even though there were strange tools in his mouth. I kept asking him for thumbs up to see if he was ok and even played assistant to help keep his tongue down. None of this seemed to bother him. All he wanted to do was operate the adjustable chair when his appointment was done. It made his day!

The easy part is over now.

He has two cavities and scheduled for fillings next month. That will be a brand new challenge to say the least. I’m honestly worried with the numbing and the drilling sounds, but he has been amazing so far, so we’ll see how it goes.
 
All these procedures are required before the real work can begin.

Bryce has a “11mm Overjet - 40% overbite - Treatment is recommended for function of bite, not cosmetic reasons” says our dentist. This requires an appliance to be placed in Bryce’s mouth to correct his bite so his bottom teeth aren’t biting into the roof of his mouth as that’s what will happen if left untreated. This appliance is called a Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance or better known as a MARA.

I don’t even want to post a picture of this torturous looking device, but if you are curious (or brave), please feel free to Google it. Basically the purpose of the MARA is to reposition your jaw and In order to close your mouth all the way, the MARA forces you to bring your lower jaw forward.

If you Googled ‘MARA’ and that didn’t scare you, maybe the cost of this treatment will.

Despite it not being cosmetic and purely for function (so he can chew), it’s not covered under our dental insurance and the estimation, based on a visual exam, which may change after orthodontic records are taken, is $5,850.00 paid out over the 2 years he will be wearing the appliance. This includes all the dentist visits from start to finish, with the exception of another procedure to begin the treatment, also not covered by dental insurance, the orthodontics records, which is another $350.00.

That’s roughly $250.00 a month plus $350.00 upfront just to start everything!

Now I realize to many that is not a lot of money. But for this single mom it is.

I plan to start a fundraiser once I know the exact cost, once I can figure out the $350.00 for the orthodontics records.
 
I hope that people understand and are supportive as many of you have helped Bryce in the past, and for that we are forever grateful, so I hope you can find it in your hearts to help Bryce again.


I really can’t do this alone and I just want my son to keep smiling.

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

HandyCard from #TransLink: Getting you everywhere you want to go in Metro Vancouver.

Do you have a permanent physical, sensory, or cognitive disability and require assistance to use conventional public transit? HandyCard fare discounts and TaxiSaver coupons can help keep you connected.


If you live within the TransLink service area of Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, and 12 years old or older, Handycard allows you to travel at concession fare prices on the bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express, and if someone needs to travel with you for assistance, they can travel for free! An attendant is someone you need to assist you to be able to travel on public transit, and remains with you throughout your trip.

HandyCard members are eligible to participate in the Taxi Saver Program. Taxi Saver coupons are purchased at a rate of $25.00 per book which provide $50.00 towards taxi fare and you can get a limit of two books per person, per month and they do not have an expiry date. That is huge savings!

There is no fee to apply for a HandyCard, however, part of the application must be completed by a senior official of a recognized social service or heath agency such as a family doctor, medical specialist, public health nurse, or long-term care administrator, and you may be charged a fee for one of those people to fill out that portion of the form, so just keep that in mind.


I’d like to thank our friend, Leah, for telling me about this great program. Thanks, Leah!

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

For more information about HandyCard and the Taxi Saver Program please visit TransLink.

Saturday, May 23, 2015

#DayOutWithThomas

Today we spent a Day Out With Thomas!

Thank you Random Acts of Kindness - Squamish Edition for generously giving my family tickets to a Day out with Thomas courtesy of West Coast Railway Heritage Park!

I brought my brother, my sister-in-law, and their two boys (my nephews, Bryce’s cousins) along for the day!

There was tons of different things to do at the event. From magicians, to musicians, tons of Mega Bloks to play with, Thomas & Friends related games preset on iPads, a bouncy castle, even a meet and greet with Sir Topham Hatt. Everything you could think of for the little conductor in your life!

Then it was time for the main event: Getting to ride Thomas!

We had a great time and I would highly recommend going to this event!

There is something about children with autism and their connection with Thomas the Tank Engine.

In 2007, the National Autistic Society (NAS) conducted a survey of 748 parents of children with autism to investigate their strong and positive relationship between children with autism and Thomas & Friends.

Many parents felt that Thomas & Friends played a significant part in their child’s early learning and development – in particular numbers, colours and language. Some children in the study have been able to learn basic facial expressions and emotions from Thomas & Friends. Parents have been able to use Thomas & Friends’ ‘language’ to communicate with their child where ordinary language has failed.
- Making connections: A report on the special relationship between children with autism and Thomas & Friends (executive summary) (PDF)

For me, it’s a different kind of connection.

My dad worked for B.C. Rail for over 30 years before he passed away. So trains have always been a part of my life in some way or another and I try to share that memory with my son, who didn’t have much time with his grandpa before his passing.

This event meant a lot to me and I really appreciate Random Acts of Kindness – Squamish Edition for thinking of us.

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

For more information or to see if Thomas is coming to your town please visit: Day Out With Thomas

For more pictures of our Day Out With Thomas please visit our Facebook page.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

“Uncle Robert and Me”

This past weekend I was in Squamish helping my brother out with an event he put on, the Squamish Business and Trades Show! Seeing how a community came together was an incredible experience for me! It was a pleasure to meet everyone who participated in the event and I hope to work with you all again very soon!

The two day event featured over 75 local exhibits and performances from local talent. Everything you could dream of at having at an event under one roof, my brother made it happen. His goal was to connect old and new businesses together for networking while creating lasting memories for the children of the community.

It definitely created a memory for Bryce! Every day at school Bryce writes in his journal and draws a picture to go with what he wrote about. Today he wrote about his Uncle Robert and drew the stage and projectors that were in the centre of the arena. It just made me smile so much. Bryce usually draws random pictures but today it was all about Uncle Robert and me.

Bryce's journal - Squamish Business and Trades Show 2015

Thank you to my big brother for all your hard work, dedication, determination, commitment, and passion you have for your community! You are inspiring! I am very proud of you!

And thank you for creating this memory for my son, your nephew.

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

Missed out on the event? Check out Squamish Business and Trades Show Facebook page for pictures from the event.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Most Inspirational Personal Autism Blog of 2015

I am so very honoured to be featured as one of the Most Inspirational Personal Autism Blogs of 2015 among some really amazing bloggers!

Inspirational Autism Blog Winner 2015

Thank you so much for the award and your support, UKS Mobility!

Share the life experiences of Tanaya, a mother documenting her love and pride for her son.

Catch every special moment in the life of Bryce, a boy who was diagnosed with autism just before his third birthday.

Prepare to feel heart-warmed and inspired by the life events and short stories which can be seen on Bubbles Make Him Smile.
- UKS Mobility

I encourage you to check out and follow the Most Inspirational Personal Autism Blogs of 2015 as each bring another perspective of loving someone with autism.

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

About UKS Mobility
UKS Mobility is a family business with over twelve years experience supplying mobility equipment and healthcare products to the public in the United Kingdom.

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Random Acts of Kindness makes him smile

Thank you Random Acts of Kindness - Squamish Edition for generously giving my family tickets to a Day out with Thomas courtesy of West Coast Railway Heritage Park!

Bryce is super excited to meet and ride Thomas the Tank Engine!

Day Out With Thomas Celebration Tour 2015

There is something about children with autism and their connection with Thomas the Tank Engine.

In 2007, the National Autistic Society (NAS) conducted a survey of 748 parents of children with autism to investigate their strong and positive relationship between children with autism and Thomas & Friends.

Many parents felt that Thomas & Friends played a significant part in their child’s early learning and development – in particular numbers, colours and language. Some children in the study have been able to learn basic facial expressions and emotions from Thomas & Friends. Parents have been able to use Thomas & Friends’ ‘language’ to communicate with their child where ordinary language has failed.
- Making connections: A report on the special relationship between children with autism and Thomas & Friends (executive summary) (PDF)

For me, it’s a different kind of connection.

My dad worked for B.C. Rail for over 30 years before he passed away. So trains have always been a part of my life in some way or another and I try to share that memory with my son, who didn’t have much time with his grandpa before his passing.

This event means a lot to me and I really appreciate Random Acts of Kindness – Squamish Edition for thinking of us.

Thanks for reading,
Tanaya

For more information or to see if Thomas is coming to your town please visit: Day Out With Thomas