May 2008
Chris recently decided to quit his day program.
Without any planning he simply got mad one day and
called his social worker to tell her that the next
day was his last day! For the past month we have
been struggling to help Chris decide what he would
like to do during his day. Chris needs lots of
physical help and behavioral support to function
appropriately in the community. We are searching
possible places where Chris can do volunteer work in
the areas of his interest. In the meantime we are
trying to hire a full-time person to support Chris
while he is in the community. Currently Chris is
helping to care for our family pets, running errands
and continuing his volunteer work at the Ronald
McDonald House. Chris has also signed up for the
summer MYART production of "Oliver!" which is one of
his favorite shows. We are trying to keep Chris'
schedule full of age-appropriate and meaningful
activities that allow Chris maximum opportunities to
socialize with his peers. When Chris stays busy with
activities that he enjoys he is happier and much
easier to get along with for everyone!
Update: February 2008
Chris is really enjoying his new brothers. Chris has helped us get ACCESS numbers for the boys so that they can use our local transportation service for persons with disabilities. Chris has been also helping on the weekends. He joins his brothers on activities and likes the role of "older brother." We continue to remind Chris that he needs to be a role model with appropriate behavior and good grooming. Chris continues to do well with his day program. He is now volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House near CHOC Hospital. Chris loves being helpful and he is thrilled to help families in needs while their children are in the hospital. Chris is also looking into volunteering at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.
November 2007
Chris is working hard on maintaining appropriate behavior at home, in the community and at work. Chris is learning how to deal with normal day-to-day frustration without being explosive. Chris struggles with the idea of compromise and has yet to figure out that being cooperative leads to better relationships with others. As Chris' behavior improves he has more opportunities to spend with his brothers, which Chris absolutely loves. In fact Chris has worked so hard this month that he was able to spend all day Thanksgiving with the family at Knott's Berry Farm. He also spent the day Saturday and Sunday with several of his younger brothers going to the swap meet, Saddleback Church and to the movies! We are hopeful that Chris is beginning to understand that his efforts to maintain positive behavior is paying off!
September 2007
Chris had a nice summer. He celebrated his 29th birthday at Nickel Nickel, a local arcade with some of his friends and his brothers. Also this summer he want to Medieval Times for dinner and a show with a couple of his brothers. Chris continues to meet up with his grandparents for dinner every week along with a few of his brothers. If Chris could have his way, he would spend every minute with his brothers and family!
Chris continues to struggle with mental health issues and behavioral challenges that make him very difficult to care for on a daily basis. Although he has a paid roommate and additional support staff to assist him, he fights their help. Chris often makes caring for him unsafe for others. We continue to try to work with medical professionals to adjust Chris' medication and behavioral specialists to develop a program for Chris so that he can get through each day less angry and agitated. We know that the sweet and caring Chris is in there, we just need to figure out how to get him back!
June 2007
Chris is enjoying having a new "Silcock brother" around. Chris has always been one of the most enthusiastic brothers when a new member joins the family. Chris has really tried to get to know Kyle and has spent time helping Kyle adjust to our family. Every Sunday Chris attends Saddleback Church with Kyle and a couple of the other brothers followed by lunch out and then a movie. Chris says he really likes Kyle and Kyle seems to feel the same way.
April 2007
Chris enjoyed participating in the Saddleback Wheelchair Sports Camp during Spring Break. Chris liked trying all of the adapted sports, but he really enjoyed spending time with his brothers. Chris continues to enjoy attending Saddleback Community Church with several of his brothers every week. He is very helpful getting his younger brothers (Paul, Javier, and Jeffrey) to their Sunday School classes before going to the service himself. After church Chris and the gang enjoy spending time eating lunch out and attending a movie together. Chris is at his happiest when he is spending time with his family!
February 2007
For the past several months Chris has been involved with a college-sponsored group on the UCI campus who are promoting global warming awareness. Chris is excited to be involved with this group, and we are excited to see that Chris is participating in a community service project with his typical peers.
Chris is also enjoying his Sunday visits with his brothers. He attends Church with the family and follows with other activities including going out to eat, going to the movies, or going to plays. Chris has been very responsible about booking his own transportation and keeping up informed when there is a glitch in the schedule. Chris is also excited that Yanny is finally able to officially join the family. Chris has always been the brother to give a warm welcome to each new member of the family. Chris will be joining us for Yanny's "Welcome Home" party later in the month!
December 2006
Chris recently reconnected with biological family members in England. Although they are not actively involved in his life, Chris enjoys hearing from them. Chris continues to use the Internet as a way to keep in touch with family and friends.
Chris loves a busy schedule. He continues to participate in the SUCCESS Day program Monday through Friday, he has dinner out every Monday with Grandma Sue and Grandpa Jim, goes out in the community with his roommate on Saturdays, and spends Sunday at home with the family. Chris is looking forward to spending Christmas day at home with all of his brothers.
October 2006
Chris has been helping his younger brothers with their homework twice a week. He is doing a wonderful job teaching the boys some basic math facts and helping with their reading. The boys enjoy visiting Chris at his home and even eating dinner with him. The boys are very lucky to have an older brother who is so generous with his time.
Chris has also been visiting Jim frequently at the VA Hospital. Jim says he really enjoys the one-on-one time he gets to spend with Chris during these visits. Chris seems to enjoy the visits just as much.
Chris is using the Internet a lot and has been able to reconnect with an old friend from summer camp. Chris is trying to schedule a time and place for he and his friend to meet. in the meantime they are able to talk on-line and by phone. Its great that Chris is trying to develop this friendship as Chris has always struggled with maintaining friendships with peers. We hope the guys will be able to get together real soon..
July 2006
Chris is learning how to use the Internet for research, entertainment and e-mail. Since learning how to access his own account, Chris really looks forward to receiving e-mail. Currently Chris is able to use the Internet at the local library. For Chris' birthday he will receive his own lap with Internet hook-up.
Chris has a couple of friends from Saddleback Church who write him regularly but would love to have more Internet pals. We can definitely see an improvement with Chris' writing and spelling skills since becoming a regular Internet user. Chris can currently be reached at
Chris@Allourboys.com although eventually he will have his own e-mail address.
May 2006
Chris continues to be one of Jim's most faithful and regular visitors
at the hospital. Jim says he has enjoyed spending one-to-one time with Chris when Chris comes to the hospital to visit. Chris also has been a great big brother. This month he attended Paul's Open House at school when Ann was stretched thin trying to attend several meetings along with trying to attend the various school open house programs. When it comes to family, Chris is extremely loyal. He will put his family's needs well above his preferred activities and himself.
