about two years ago we discovered that swiming had a very calming effect on cameron. we have learned that it can often be a great help for a condition called "sensory integration disfunction" (most people with autism suffer from this). when we moved to portland, we were determined to find an appartment that had an indoor swimming pool so he could swim year round. when school started last fall i began taking the children swimming every morning and we have been amazed at how much cameron has benefited (we notice a huge difference when we don't go). you can imagine what determination it takes for me to have three little kids all bundled up over their swim suits every morning by 8:00 with floaties and towls and dive sticks and goggles. i have some great stories of these (sometimes mis-)adventures. here are some quotes from today's jaunt to the pool.

"Heady's a whale!"
"I wuv you supah doopah!"
"mom did you know the largest creature in the ocean is a whale? mom, did you know the fiercest creature in the ocean is a shark? mom, when i grow up, i think i'll be an ocean psychologist."