Research findings

     This is a blog about my research findings for the essay in English 102.  We had to write about the field, or career we are going into, so I choose physical therapy.  The research for this was difficult at first, but then it was easier as soon as I adjusted my topic to fit the findings.  I found the research interesting, and surprising at the same time.  There was a lot that I did not know that physical therapy treated.  When I found out how much it treated, I found this essay easier to write.  There was more diseases and disabilities than I could have imagined.  The most significant group of people needing physical therapy is the elderly.  The research I did on the elderly made me realize how physical therapy can give them their life back.  I want to be able to do as much in my 80’s as I do now, so I can imagine the heart break when you cannot do the everyday things you could as a middle aged person.

     This paper was also difficult to write at first because I have not written a paper in over 10 years.  Last time I did a research paper I did not use any online sources.  I think writing a paper using all the online tools made it much more convenient and accessible.  For instance, I could look up research with my kids running around screaming and do dishes at the same time!  Now if I took my kids to the library, they would all be paddled, and the dishes would still be dirty hours later.  I enjoyed the research essay because I was able to design it and see the end product.  I loved being able to add graphs, and charts.  I think these really add character to the paper and break it up so it is easier to read.  Now, I will wait for Professors Brooks’ comments and hope for the best!

http://www.parentgiving.com/.../can-physical-therapy-help-your-aging-parent-you-%20bet/%20-

What's next???

  My son Alexander has Autism and needs a lot of therapy.  I just found out today that he has only 2 sessions left that our insurance will pay for.  Our insurance will only pay 30 visits of speech therapy per calender year. I will find a way to get my son the help he needs; I'm just not sure how yet.  Early intervention with Autism is very important.  I already have him enrolled in special education classes at GISD, where he also receives speech and occupational therapy.  These therapies are only 2-4 times a month and in a group setting for 15 to 30 minutes.  This time is crucial but also lacking compared to the outside therapy he was receiving through our insurance.  The therapy received through the insurance gave him a hour of one on one speech and occupational therapy.  With this benefit gone, I am devastated.  The new year is coming with a new set of thirty visits, but we have to meet a $3000 deductible first.  Then on top of that, 30 visits for 52 weeks, still isn't enough therapy.  How do I know this?  I know because of plenty of research, and contact with a lot of professionals in the field.  Alexander needs to have speech and occupational therapy on a more consistent basis.  I believe that he needs to have these therapies twice a week for an hour each.

      I am spending all of my free time trying to find resources to help Alexander.  I am currently researching fundraisers, and government assistant programs.  The more I learn, and the more I speak with others, the more help I find.  The next calender event is to attend our first Autism support group.  I am sooooooo excited to speak with other people who have similar situations.  The group leader said that the kids are welcome, and it's a place where they can just be autistic.  In other words, I won't have to worry about how he acts because everyone will understand, and their kids will be doing similar things.  Alexander can go, and not be reprimanded for any non ordinary behaviors.

www.geneseeautism.org