gdp's Comments

Running with Merve : We Love Wow But It's Not Thomas's Only Learning Medium

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 17:09:17 +0000

Hey Nick, Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Before the article even came out, I was expecting to get flamed. I knew it was coming. I knew there’d be at least a few that tried to pee on our parade. Having an ugly picture painted by someone who doesn’t know me and doesn’t know the intricate details of our lives is galling. It doesn’t matter, though. :P They can flip their lips all they want. It doesn’t change the fact that we have a good thing going for Thomas. And I appreciate your support. I know, like any parent, I have room for improvement but I’m not too bad a parent either. ;)

Running with Merve : What's In a Name?

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:35:45 +0000

I am so glad the article impacted you so positively. What the article doesn’t necessarily touch on is just how rough and agonizing it can be for our autistic kids to function in a society they have a difficult time relating to. And it’s just as rough on us parents trying to help them cope and progress to a point where they can participate in the world as normally as possible. I found a video of Thomas from three years ago and he wasn’t even talking clearly. He wasn’t talking in full, clear sentences. Back then, I was so disheartened. He was depressed, anxious, and aggressive. And I was depressed because I couldn’t seem to get him the help he needed. Needless to say, there is hope. Lots of it, in fact.;) Thomas is now reading at a third grade level and can write very legibly. I’m glad the article was an inspiration for you. It’s an inspiration for me talking to other parents going through the same thing. I’ve talked to several parents and even adults with autism, and our kids’ futures are bright despite the issues they struggle with. Hang in there, and take care! :)

Running with Merve : What's In a Name?

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:25:19 +0000

For some odd reason, the commenting system isn't wanting to show me your email. Would you mind dropping me a line via my contact page? It's located at:http://runningwithmerve.com/?page_id=36 Thanks ;)

Running with Merve : Completely Taken Aback :P

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:21:03 +0000

Thanks, and I couldn't agree more!

Running with Merve : Completely Taken Aback :P

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:20:01 +0000

Thomas used to be really obsessed with trains when he was little. Though he still loves them, his current major obsession is construction machines. Any movies or books with construction-related themes can keep him quite enthralled. That's cool that you're considering funding a wow account for your brother. It's been a real boon for us; hope it is for your brother as well! :P

Running with Merve : Completely Taken Aback :P

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:16:21 +0000

Thomas is really good about protecting my toons when I'm afk. I've come back many a time to find him controlling my toon, defending it against an errant mob. Thanks for sharing insight into your boys' lives. It's good to see other moms and other asperger kids doing well. It's nice to have others who can relate. :D

Running with Merve : A Quick Thanks from Thomas!

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:10:42 +0000

Thanks ;)

Running with Merve : Merve's First Pet

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:09:56 +0000

He really likes the color red and though he's talked about wanting a deer pet, when it comes to pets, they all appeal to him. ;)

Running with Merve : Merve LF Macho Armor

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 22:30:29 +0000

Hmm, good idea. Have choppa, will tote him there. ;)

Running with Merve : Merve LF Macho Armor

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 22:29:45 +0000

Yeah, his teacher is quite happy with how well Wow's motivating him. The change is noticeable. Thanks for the advice on leatherworking. With his new dk, he's leveling skinning and for some reason, he absolutely loves it. Mebbe, a change of professions is in order for Merve. ;) Yeah, I have to agree -- a feral druid in a dress is just >.> Greetings from Sentinels. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

Running with Merve : What's In a Name?

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:23:10 +0000

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I really didn't realize just how many of us there are out there with Aspergers kids. It's really good to hear from others that are in the same boat, so to speak. Hope all is well with your boys!

Running with Merve : Merve LF Macho Armor

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:21:12 +0000

Because of his great love of casting, he's currently balance. He'll probably end up going boomkin.

Running with Merve : What's In a Name?

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:19:47 +0000

I’m glad you enjoyed the blog. I wasn’t entirely sure it’d ever get seen by eyes other than mine and Thomas’s but I’m glad you were able to take some inspiring things from it. I know what you mean about the joy you get from the seemingly simplest of things that our kids achieve when it’s stuff that comes so easily for other kids, but so much harder to achieve for ours. For me, when Thomas really and truly started to read, it was the most wonderful thing to me. I really, really didn’t think he’d ever read, and here is able to read full pages out of a 3rd grade level book. Things started out looking so bleak for Thomas, but he’s doing so many things I thought he’d never be apable of doing. Your son will reach that point when he can make his own toon and hopefully, he’ll be interested in gaming. It really has a lot to offer, I think. Well, anyways, I wish you and your son the very best.

Running with Merve : What's In a Name?

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:10:14 +0000

Grrr, looks like my initial reply to you got gobbled up in cyberspace. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Means a lot to us! XD

Running with Merve : What's In a Name?

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:05:50 +0000

Thanks! I appreciate that. I can relate to your son bouncing from toon to toon. Thomas seems to be doing a lot of that lately. He has three that he alternates between based on his mood. His newest toon, the dk, is all I hear about lately. ;) And much agreed regarding the examples we set. Sounds like your son's lucky too.. to have a Dad willing to play with him and provide a good example for him. To be honest, I was concerned I'd get flamed a lot, but so far, the majority of the feedback has been very supportive and kind. Thanks for being part of that!

Running with Merve : What's In a Name?

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:05:25 +0000

Thanks for stopping by and commenting! I was nervous about the naysayers that'd reply to the article but it seems like there are a whole lot of people in the same boat or interested in how well this is working out for Thomas. I was hoping the article would shed some light on just how positive gaming can be for kids. I think we've achieved that. :D

Running with Merve : Merve Dinged 20!

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:00:39 +0000

hehe Thanks, Ron. I eventually got frustrated enough to seek out that setting. Makes a world of difference ;) And in response to your comment directed at Merve, he smiled real big. Thanks for commenting :D