My little boy has been asking to go to Disney World...what kid doesn't want to go...right?  Anyway,  to say that my funds are limited would be a gross understatement but I am trying to put back a little each week to take him at the end of the year.  I would love to have any tips that you have for saving money.   We really need to stay on site for lots of reasons but I'm more than willing to stay at the cheapest place.  I've been checking out the All Star hotels and would love some information.  The last time I was at Disney it was 12 years ago and we stayed at the Grand Floridian. It was awesome but that isn't even a consideration...lol.  If you have taken a budget Disney trip,  I would love a little information.  I don't know if it's possible to save on tickets, food, etc.  But, I know there are other budget conscience parents out there who have that information.  Please share and help me make a little boy's fondest dream come true! 

When my little boy's occupational therapist suggested that he begin metronome therapy where he claps or kicks in response to a metronome beat played against a backdrop of various distractrions,  I have to admit I was really skeptical about the advantages.  Even after I began getting reports of increasing "bursts" which are patterns of correct responses, I still wasn't convinced of the benefits of this type of therapy.  Well,  I must happily admit that my feelings were wrong.  My little boy has shown dramatic improvements in coordination and balance since beginning this therapy in February.  He is taking risks and interacting on a much more age appropriate level in his play.  I am thrilled.  I just wanted to let other parents know of this type of therapy and how it has benefited my son. 

I think it is wonderful that some people take great joy in publicizing on their listings that they are a mom of four or a grandmother of six...stay at home mom, work at home mom, etc. Some people even use these distinctions in their ebay id's.  I think it is sad that I would be criticized for my honesty in sharing my joy and struggle in raising an autistic child.  This incredible epidemic is affecting so many and you would be amazed at how many people are using alternative income sources to fund their child's therapy.  I am certainly not alone.  Today I got a blistering email from another ebayer in response to my email to her in which I state that I am not a big corporation but a single mother to an autistic child and that I would appreciate good communication if there are any problems with a transaction.  I said that I would always do the morally correct thing if given the chance.  Here is the reply that I received.

"I apologize for the delay in leaving feedback, but a simple reminder would be much better. I resent your begging for feedback. I am a busy working woman raising grandchildren with an adult disabled son so your sob story irks me. I've taught many autistic children and while they can be challenging, using them as  a sympathy-getting strategy is reprehensible! As for your claim to be morally correct-- I think you've just disproved your claim. So, I have left you positive feedback but will not be one of your returning customers."

I NEVER begged for feedback but simply asked for good communication prior to feedback being left so that satisfaction with the transaction could be assured.  I also want to make it clear that I do not post about our struggles with autism in an attempt at sympathy.  Sympathy for what???  I also never claimed to be morally correct.  I just said that I would do the right thing if contacted about a problem....simply meaning that I would stand behind my auctions if given the chance.  I am shocked beyond belief that such cynicism exists but am always grateful for the goodnesss and support that I have gotten the majority of time from my fellow ebayers. Sorry for venting,  I just needed to get this off my chest.  Take care!