Kj's Autism . . .: A Mother’S Inspiration

By Lenore Wossidlo

My book is written from the heart. Shortly after KJ was diagnosed, I read a book about two brothers, one with autism. The book, of which I do not remember the name, was written from the viewpoint of the typical brother and how his brother with autism inspired him and taught him many things in life.

This book is written to inspire you, to show you the ups and downs of autism, and to let you know that I believe you can overcome the challenges of raising a child with autism.

What helped me? To talk about the challenges and the successes, to offer ideas to help other families. I have always been open about KJ's autism, especially in public. I will use sign language in public because this is a form of communication for KJ. Seeing sign language can also help people realize that there is a special situation that I am handling in public.

Questions, comments, concerns? I welcome you to e-mail me at [e-mail]. I am also on Facebook. Enjoy reading about our autism journey and learning about some of the tools that have helped us through our journey.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 21, 2015
• ISBN: 9781514420003

Lenore Wossidlo

Lenore Wossidlo lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Paul; her sons, Karl Joseph (KJ) and Paul Joseph (PJ); and her cats. Her wanting to share her positive attitude about autism is the inspiration for this book. She has been an advocate for autism for many years, going to the Harrisburg to march on the steps of the capitol building when Pennsylvania wanted to make changes to the medical assistance for special needs. She has walked in many walk-a-thons for autism and has spoken to many police departments and associations about autism and emergency responders. She is open about her son’s autism, helping to promote awareness about the characteristics and offering suggestions to use in different situations to produce a positive outcome. Lenore believes there are many reasons why she and Paul have a son with autism. Her inspiration for writing comes from her late grandfather, Dr. Joseph H. Greenberg. Her determination and persistence in life comes from her late mother, Sylvia G. Sadwick.

Book preview

KJ’s Autism …

A Mother’s Inspiration

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Karl Joseph (KJ) Wossidlo was diagnosed with autism on September 25, 1995. I remember it well because it was Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish religion. We should have been celebrating the New Year and this was how it started—with a diagnosis of autism.

Written with Love by Lenore Paula Wossidlo

Editing assistance by Nicole Gamrat King

Photography by Paul Richard Wossidlo

Copyright © 2015 by Lenore Wossidlo.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2015917540

ISBN:      Hardcover       978-1-5144-2002-7

                Softcover         978-1-5144-2001-0

                eBook             978-1-5144-2000-3

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 11/20/2015

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

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CONTENTS

Before Autism

The Diagnosis

Our Frustration

The Realization & The Acceptance

Medication & Diet

GOD & Autism & Asking for Help

The Paperwork Process

TSS & BSC Services

Siblings

Special Events and Milestones

KJ’s Bar Mitzvah

Trip to New York

PJ’s Bar Mitzvah

Changing Your Attitude

Community & Law Enforcement

Pets as Therapy

KJ’s Schooling and Graduation

Figuring It Out

Thoughts From Our Younger Son

Epilogue

A Special Dedication

Special Thank-Yous

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BEFORE AUTISM

O CTOBER 25, 1986, our wedding day. We were so excited, nervous, and happy. It was a rainy day, with lots of sunshine at the Holiday Inn in Braddock Hills, the site of our wedding and reception.

We met on August 18, 1985, and our first date was August 25, 1985. It was love at first sight, and we became engaged four weeks later!

Paul and I knew we wanted to wait a few years after our wedding before having kids. We traveled, became pet owners (although the cats own us!), and moved back into the house in which I grew up. We took a Mexican cruise for