Joshua’s Story

Joshua Nathanael Sidney Miedema Born June 14, 2000 God’s gift to Mike and Bonita Miedema 8 pounds 10 ounces Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:8-9)

The first year for Joshua At first, Joshua slept all the time. He had low muscle tone, and problems tracking toys. He was inconsistent with imitating sounds. He did not babble, but hummed. He smiled but not always in response to people. He said two words, “Hello There” and “Eric.”

But then at fifteen months Joshua lost both words that he could say. He lost the ability to recognize his name. He was crying through the night. He wanted to be held all the time and appeared frightened.

At 21 months Joshua was diagnosed with Autism. Even though Mike and Bonita had suspected Joshua had autism, receiving the news was devastating. They grieved the hopes and dreams they had for Joshua. Together they have made new hopes and dreams for Joshua. Surely God is my salvation;  I will trust and not be afraid.  The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song;  he has become my salvation." (Isaiah 12:2)

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Autism is a complex developmental disability that appears during the first three years of life. It is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain.

In Simple Terms… A condition that makes the brain work differently. A condition that affects the senses and the way someone learns, understands and communicates. Another way of being. Present in 1 in 166 new births. 4 times more prevalent in boys than in girls. There is no known cause.

Autism is NOT: A mental illness Contagious Rare [it is more common than Down’s Syndrome] Anybody’s fault A “one-size-fits-all” disorder “Living in their own little world.” “They are just misbehaving”

No Two People With Autism Are Exactly Alike Some can talk, but about 50 percent can’t. Some spin around or flap their hands. Some have trouble reading and writing. Some make a lot of unusual sounds with their voices. Some always want things done in exactly the same way and exactly the same order.

Joshua started an intensive home-based teaching program that goes to this day, called: Applied Behaviour Analysis [ABA]

Joshua faces many challenge’s because of Autism Hypersensitivity to sound and touch. Following complex directions can be challenging. Trying new foods is difficult. Needing to be active.

Joshua’s communication is also affected Joshua has limited language skills in regards to what he understands and what he can say. At first he used pictures and sign language to communicate. Now he has words and picture schedules. Joshua has therapy to help increase his communication with words.

Joshua has difficulty communicating with friends He has trouble reading body language such as angry, sad, or happy faces. He has trouble with pretend or appropriate play. He may tend to line his toys up or open and close doors on them. He has problems sitting still and being quiet.

People with Autism: Have a different way of thinking. Joshua likes to do some things over and over again. This is call perseveration. Joshua likes to open and close doors and becomes over focussed on anything that involves doors. He is also over-focused with cleaning products, vacuums, and swiffers.

People with Autism: May have gifts in certain areas. Joshua has a special interest that he likes and is really good at. Joshua enjoys car rides and he remembers directions to favourite places. Joshua had matching and letter recognition skills at a very early age.

People with Autism: May have a hard time with emotions. Joshua may feel happy, sad, angry, or scared just like everyone else but it can be hard for him to express his emotions, understand why he feels that way or why other people feel that way.

People with Autism: May be rigid in their daily life. New or different things can be difficult for Joshua to handle. As a result, he may have a hard time controlling his behaviour because he does not understand what he is supposed to do. Joshua may get upset when things change; for example his seat in Church. Schedules and pictures help with changes.

God has blessed Joshua. He loves to be in Church. He enjoys playing basket ball and with trains. He loves to be read to. He likes being around people.

Joshua has many talents. He can swim, skate, and ride a bike. He can ride a horse He also works hard to learn new things despite the communication challenges.

Most important Joshua is… God’s special child. Part of our church family. Loved!