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Ahhh…the life of a child…So wistfully happy, and ultimately carefree. With not a care in the world, a child is free…free from life’s stresses, and so it is, and so it should be the best time of life. This state of being is usually true of most typical children, but to most of those that are within the Autism Spectrum…it is not. For these children, life in general is just the opposite. Instead of being carefree…they are worried. Instead of being happy…they are frustrated, and fretful. Life for them can be “too Loud”, “too Confusing”, or just “too Much”… For example, I give you…”A Day at the Beach…” The sounds of the waves…so very pleasant, and relaxing…for MOST, and yet for them, these same sounds that can relax us and even lull us to sleep…can be as a “Frightening Roar” to these children. Let’s add just another sensory component to our scene, shall we: The “feel’ of the warm sand, as it squeezes between our toes…it is a wonderful sensation …for MOST, and yet for them, the texture of this same sand is as an extreme irritant, and it’s sensation attacks their “Tactile Sense”, and it can be painful to them. Let’s add to this picture yet again… “The Bright Sunny Day”, as the sun beams and glistens on the water like sparkling diamonds…Beautiful…Yes…for MOST, and yet for them, the bright sun is too bright, as they cover their eyes, in search of shade, and relief from the onslaught of the sun. Add the occasional sounds of the “Sea Gulls”. as we watch in delight, while they soar and land upon the shore, lifting their heads and calling to whomever may hear them…an intriguing delight for MOST, and yet these same sounds are as literal “Shrieks” that jump out of the air suddenly, and startle them to their very core. Those on the Autism Spectrum have some very bewildering sensory issues, as some of their senses are overly sensitive, and yet others under sensitive…add to the confusion , and you will find that there is varying combinations of overly and under sensory issues and degrees, and all unique to each individual. I used to say, “If only I could get inside my little boy, and see the world through his eyes and ears…I would know…I would KNOW…”
And so… “A Day at the Beach” …for many on the Autism Spectrum…really is NOT… “A Day at the Beach”… It is very much a stressful and dramatically exhausting endeavor for them…and just the opposite from the way that we think of the occasion, and the expression that we loosely use to describe something easy and stress free…in other words: “A DAY AT THE BEACH” By: Kimberly Larochelle
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Yes, “Chewelry”. It’s an oral sensory tool that is a necklace. It is durable, colorful and and very safe. The creator of chewelry is a mom and she noticed that her daughter, with Tourette Syndrome, SPD and OCD, very much appreciated a heart pendant she had made for her teething sister in much the same way as regards to the oral stimulation. Many children on the Autism Spectrum have similar sensory seeking needs.
It’s washable, and has a breakaway clasp that will release and can be re-attached easily. The lanyard is very durable 100 % organic cotton and there is an undyed organic cotton lanyard as well.
This is just a little thing that sometimes can be a big help to parents in the situation of their oral sensory seeking children wanting to put almost anything in their mouths in order to satisfy this tremendous need. Some parents have resorted to gum, straws, caramels, or very chewy taffy to help satisfy and calm this urge to chew.
I am passing along this website and parent testimonials about this product in the hopes that it may be a small or a big help to special needs families that may be dealing with this situation.
Here is the link:
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A.D.H.D, attention deficit hyperactive disorder currently affects 5 to 10% of school age children in the United States. Your child may have ADHD if he has difficulty focusing, difficulty waiting in line, interrupts conversations, has difficulty keeping still, cannot remain seated in the classroom, is easily distracted, procrastinates, makes careless mistakes with schoolwork or homework and is disorganized. Children with ADHD tend to have difficulty in school and at times socializing with others. Approximately 50% of children with ADHD grow up to be adults with ADHD. The same issues make it more difficult to obtain and sustain employment as adults. A recent study in the scientific journal Attention Deficit Disorder found two factors associated with ADHD which everyone concerned with this condition should be a aware of especially since these factors are modifiable. Specifically, the study found a more than two fold increase in the incidence of ADHD from mothers who smoked during their pregnancy. Obviously, if your child has already been born and has ADHD, you can not go back in time. However, if you’re an expectant mother or planning to have children and are concerned about having a child with ADHD then not smoking during pregnancy should be a top priority for you. If you have a child that has ADHD you should be aware that this study also found the rate of children with ADHD is five times as great in children with obesity. Thus, if you are pregnant and smoke or your child is overweight, these are issues that are difficult to deal with but will certainly make a difference over your child’s lifetime and is worth putting in the effort.
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I sat stunned while I waited at the traffic light, as I gazed at my little boy, Levi riding in the car in front of mine with his daddy. The car in back of me tapped on their horn to break my paralyzed state. “He just waved at me…HE JUST WAVED AT ME!” my voice broke to no one but myself as I drove alone. I was speaking of my son, who had just waved at me with a grin from ear to ear, for the 1st time in his life! He is 10 years old, and I just got my very 1st wave from him…Amazing!
It was amazing because it was a REAL WAVE, not something that he HAD to do or had been trained to do…No…he “emotionally felt” this wonderfully simple and yet powerfully complex gesture.
Of course, what makes this situation so noteworthy is the fact that my son was diagnosed with Aspergers. What is a wave to someone with Aspergers? Certainly, my son never understood the meaning emotionally. And now…NOW he DID!!!
His eyes were alive and danced with understanding and emotional awareness. This made my heart leap, and every fiber of my being exploded in a crescendo of happiness. I thought to myself and even spoke aloud, “He’s going to be ALL RIGHT…”, and my eyes filled with joy unsurpassed.
Since that “Wave”, there have been many more small and yet huge gestures of emotional awareness and fellow feeling shown and my heart applauds each one. We have seen “blowing kisses”, “winks”, “grins and smiles of enjoyment”, “thumbs-up gestures” and of course “waves” of hello and goodbye…all accompanied by the most beautiful eye contact you have ever seen! Those olive-green eyes of awareness and understanding are by far the dreamiest and most breathtaking that I have ever gazed upon.
As these emotional “jewels” manifest themselves, other less desirable traits seem to be diminishing. Things such as anxiety, frustration, and fear. His demeanor seems calmer, happier, and more secure. As a matter of fact, this calmer and happy state has had a runoff effect on the entire family. There is a peacefulness that has settled in our home and it has replaced worry and apprehension.
There are many tiny miracles around us and we experience them in many ways everyday…some of these are as simple as a smile, or a
…“WAVE”…
By: Kimberly Larochelle
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When a child is lost, the seconds tick away like hours until that child is found. For parents with children on the the Autism Spectrum, quite often this can be a very familiar and most traumatic feeling. Many times, it is the case that a child with Autism will wander off at the park or the mall. For ASD children, the risks can be frightening, as these children may not realize they’re lost and therefore would not ask for help. While others may realize they’re lost but because of the social and or speech difficulties, cannot convey that they are in need of help. They may even hide or run away.
Wandering is usually thought of in regards to Alzheimer’s, but this tendency to wander is a very big problem for many Autism Spectrum Families as well.
The National Autism Association has a safety toolkit on autism and wandering. I thought I would pass this along to everyone. I hope this aid can serve as a good measure of caution and also help families prepare for something that they never have to experience.
Autism wandering and prevention brochure
http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/safetytoolkit.php
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In the world of Autism Spectrum, someone once said, “There are those out there that will Help You…and there are those out there that Want Your Money”. It hurts for us to hear this, and yet, as with everything else, this is true as well in the world of Autism. It hurts us more when it’s our precious children that happen to be victims to those that are out for money. These ones prey upon the desperation of the parents of Autism Spectrum Children, and work hard to win their trust, knowing that loving our children the way we do…we will pay our last dime to make them better.
Therefore, this situation sets up a continuous rise and fall of hope to hopelessness…and we become jaded, distrustful, and cynical. We may feel that we cannot take the polar dives from joy to pain in our hearts any longer…and so sometimes we give up! We may even begin to think that if it sounds too good…then…it cannot be true!
I have felt this way many, many times in the first 8 years of my son’s life. I was close to giving up hope dozens of times, and thank goodness, I never did! Perhaps if I relate an experience that I had, it will help you understand why I am so thankful that I never, ever lost hope…
One day…
…about a year ago, I had the pleasure of driving down Hwy 49 in California, called the Gold Miners, or 49ers trail. Along this trail, you can visit and learn the history of all those miners who panned for gold…looking…looking for the glitter. I got to pan for gold as well…and realized how very hard and tedious it was. As I worked the pan swirling round and round looking for the glint of yellow…I found much that shone bright in the sun…only to have the miner tell me, “Nope, only fool’s gold, little lady…”
And so, I worked my pan to and fro…back and forth…making swirling and swishing movements…with the object being…since the “Gold” is heavy…heavier than the sand, and silt, it STAYS in the pan! I liken this “REAL GOLD” to “Helpful, Progressive, and Functional Therapy Protocol”…It “STAYS IN THE PAN”, so to speak…and it withstands…there is no argument against it, as it is devastating in its logic, and it just makes good sense. It “WORKS”…
Fools Gold, however, may shine, and it is pretty…but it is “VALUELESS”…just as a therapy protocol or center may be “pretty”, perhaps a very nice and shiny facility with nice therapists. Be sure to ask yourself, “What is it really…little lady?” “Is it mere fools gold?” “Is it worth anything?” In other words… “Is this therapy or treatment doing any good, and is my child progressing?” If not…Then…It is VALUELESS…and not worth anything, especially not worth your money and time!
Please do not make the mistake of thinking that there is NO GOLD…just because it may be difficult to find. It takes effort, much effort to find it…nevertheless…IT’S THERE!!! There, also may be those that call you foolish for even trying and for going to such efforts…yet the reward is great…when you can shout at the top of you voice, “Eureka!”
You may wonder if I ever did find gold…The answer is YES!!! I found “GOLD” literally…and better yet…figuratively…with a treatment plan perfect for my son…worth all the gold in the world and more…
“EUREKA !!!”
BY: Kimberly Larochelle
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I am very proud to be part of the Advisory Board of the Sensory Star Program. Kathleen Tehrani is working very hard to fulfill a very important need and considerate kindness in the Autism Community and to all of the traveling population with important sensory considerations.
This website is a great reference that a traveling family can go to and find sensory friendly accommodations. You can find a hotel or resort on this site that is identified with a Sensory Star™ logo and know that it’s designation means it complies with a high standard of providing an environment of overall sensory comfort for it’s guests. This is a great service to the familes that struggle with these sensory issues especially sometimes this can this be the case while on vacation. Maybe this service can make vacationing a little more enjoyable and stressfree.
Here is the website:
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Jules Burt is making city tours to Tampa , Sarasota , Plant City , Orlando and many more to raise awareness and to benefit the children and families with Autism. Throughout the country, Hikers in High Heels will unite to raise awareness for Autism. Her motto is “Talk about Autism…It’s closer than you think!”
Jules is one great lady who, single-handedly, saw a great need in the Autism Community and not only did this need touch her heart deeply, but she put her words to action…in other words…she got busy! Many will see a desperate need, and a few will work hard to fulfill a desperate need. Jules continuously keeps a pulse on the Autism Community and keeps on working to fulfill the needs of the families and children of Autism.
She leads with a glowing smile and a gleam of purpose in her eyes. Her enthusiasm is contagious as she speaks, and she walks with a stride that makes everyone want to follow in her steps closely so as not to be left behind.
The High Heel Hike is a wonderful means to bring about a more positive direction in the world of Autism. The purpose and funds received will go to the families, the children, and to assist in the everyday lives that are such a struggle for these ones, day to day, moment by moment. Not only is the Hike beneficial, but Jules Burt makes it a glorious and fun-filled event where all you hear is a roar of laughter and all you see is a bright horizon of smiling faces.
Here is the link to the site for more information on Jules Burt and the High-Heel Hike.
http://www.highheelhike.com/
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My heart was torn in two complete pieces…and both pieces were crushed as I heard the conversation between my two little boys. My oldest, age 8 at the time, and my youngest was 6. My 8 year old son was on the autism spectrum…while my 6 year old son is not.
We were at the playground and here is how the conversation went…
“You ruin everything!” my youngest choked out with frustrated tears streaming down his flushed cheeks, “I was making a friend…!” “Why, why, why…” he sobbed as he threw himself into my arms so I could comfort him, and help somehow…someway… Helplessly, I held him, as I gazed with pity and heart-wrenching pain at my other son who was completely confused as to why and how he had hurt his little brother.
Being on the autism spectrum, my older son had several “stims”, and as had happened many, many times before…these stims, or what typical children consider unusual and repelling behavior, manifested themselves at the playground this day, and had chased off a budding friendship that my other son was cultivating.
I felt devastated, and deplete of any answers for either one of my children. My heart bled and grieved deeply for both of my little boys. The pain and frustration of my youngest combined with the pain and frustration of my older son who couldn’t understand and yet knew that somehow he had done something wrong. The situation was overwhelmingly sad and every fiber of my being cried in futile anguish.
Twenty minutes later, however, the sun rose again! There was laughter, smiles, and complete forgiveness from my youngest…the “sibling of the spectrum”. As I watched, my two boys play the game that my oldest chose, as was the custom…my heart was mended. Tears still streamed down my face, but their source was from a tremendous degree of admiration for my little boy…my little “sibling of the spectrum”.
“Long-suffering” and “Truly Kind” were the words that describe my son. He was so very, very strong of character, integrity and loyalty. I was in awe of his resilience. I wanted to erect a statue in his honor right there on the playground…there for all to see the little hero, that played alongside his brother…loving him more than himself. This unselfish love…he seemed to have in abundance, and I cherished his little heart.
The “siblings of the spectrum” carry a heavy load, and yet their horizon and broadness of empathy is grand! Their level of understanding and patience is “off the charts”, and many, many times…they forgo their own wants and desires by putting their brother or sister ahead of themselves. They quietly busy themselves while their parents more often than not; have to give their sibling more required attention. They swallow embarrassment, and most times, pretend to ignore it…their honor is unsurpassed!
They are the “Siblings of the Spectrum”…and…should be revered as grand pillars of stability in the “Autism Family”. They are the quiet and humble hero’s that hardly ever get recognized for the calamities and disasters that they can overcome daily.
I wiped my tears from my eyes…walked over to my little one…my little “sibling of the spectrum”, kissed him on the forehead, and looking into his beautiful and kind little eyes that now laughed instead of cried, I said, “Thank you…”, and I meant so very much more…
By: Kimberly Larochelle
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The 4th Annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2011. The Empire State Building in New York City and the CN Tower in Toronto , Canada — will turn their lights blue to raise awareness for autism and to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day on Saturday, April 2. Many all over the world will also show respect and promote awareness to Autism by wearing blue and turning their household lights blue on the evenings of April 1st and 2nd.
The Mane’ Center will be showing our support as well and in promotion of awareness everyday. Everyday can be and should be an opportunity to spread Autism Awareness.
This is a message from United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon last year 2010 commemorating World Autism Awareness Day. Please watch.
http://www.worldautismawarenessday.org/site/c.egLMI2ODKpF/b.3917065/k.BE58/Home.htm
