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The search is great, and it can be brutal for the parent who struggles for answers and help for their child on the autism spectrum.
D.A.N. protocol, and functional medicine combined with Hemispheric Integration Therapy resulted in success, and this progress started happening very rapidly. This family from (Oregon) flew back and forth for treatment at the Mane’ Center, and were amazed at the swift progress their son started making right from the start!
This parent testimonial from the mom, speaks to the importance of getting to the “core” or source of her son’s problems. His speech has improved dramatically, along with his motor planning, gross and fine motor skills.
This is the link to her testimonial about finding answers that meant thriving results for her 16 year old son, Christopher.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGVzsgW2yGo&list=UUts4lDVcw-_iKKXTQuxdStQ&index=2&feature=plcp
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It’s time for the holidays again along with one of our biggest challenges of all time, if we are the designated chef. How to cook a Gluten – Free Holiday Meal that is not only safe but delicious too.
Many of us have tried and failed many times when faced with this cooking project and ended up looking at our child spit out in disgust the food that we worked so very hard on. Discouraged…a few tears…and perhaps this cooking project ends up indignantly in the garbage can!
Well, my Gluten-Free Friends, cooking gluten-free has come a long way and the food we can buy in the store and the recipes have become much easier to prepare, along with being more palatable as well.
I wanted to pass along this site from the Washington Post that is just chock full of Thanksgiving and Holiday Gluten-Free Recipes. I hope these recipes come in handy for you as we face the “Great Gluten-Free Quest”.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/all-we-can-eat/post/gluten-free-recipes-for-thanksgiving/2011/11/21/gIQA3kzjiN_blog.html
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I just read an article this morning about a mother who was very distressed, angry, and saddened by the fact that her 7 year old child on the Autism Spectrum was not invited to a birthday party. He was the only child in the whole neighborhood that was not invited, even though they all played together in the same neighborhood playgroup.
As I read it, my heart bled. I am sure that we can all feel this pain. The social/emotional gap between typical children and those on the autism spectrum is wide indeed. A doctor once told me that children are the best diagnosticians in the world, and when you watch a group of them, the odd child will always stand out alone.
So we cry, feel sorry for ourselves and for our child, and become indignant with a “soap box” reaction, feeling that we must go on a mission to educate those ignorant of social disabilities. These are all normal reactions of course, however, after all these negative feelings have passed, what can we do in the here and now for our child in a practical sense?
I was very impressed by the helpful answer to this predicament. The answer was to be proactive in this situation by being prepared with other plans. For instance: The suggestion was made to have plans ready BEFORE the party, simply inviting the child that is having the party to a private celebration, such as going to a favorite restaurant that both would have fun at and having plenty of parental supervision. A “one on one” type playgroup instead of a large group where our child will surely stand out. This great idea not only protects the child’s dignity and self esteem but it also gives an opportunity for education by assimilation, giving the other child and parent an occasion to broaden a greater understanding of Autism Spectrum and the social/emotional challenges that are a huge part of this disorder.
We may feel that we should not have to go to these lengths and that people should be more open minded, educated, and considerate. The fact is, yes, they should be and this would be wonderful if these attitudes were prevalent. However, this is not the case and we are our child’s parent. We accepted that parental role with the true honor of “protector” of our child. In order to be accomplished in our honorary title, we must make extraordinary efforts to protect the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of our child. This is not a simple task either, especially protecting our child’s emotional wellbeing. Keep in mind though, if we do not protect their self esteem and dignity…No one else will!
Let’s arm ourselves my fellow parents with a positive and defensive wall of protection for our kids. Thus, by so doing, we rise above the negative and dwell on a positive direction of promoting awareness. Just remember the old saying, “More flies are gathered by honey than with vinegar” and no one wants to listen to us if our words are sour. It may take more work and effort on our part, but our children are definitely worth it!
Kimberly Larochelle
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Sweet sarcasm? The very thought may seem like the biggest oxymoron in the world! Sarcasm, Sweet, I don’t thing so. Of course, when we are victims of sarcasm, it is very cruel. Yet, what if we don’t understand sarcasm? What if we just don’t get it when someone is being sarcastic with us? For instance, What if someone told you, “Well, you look so nice today.” Let’s say they were being sarcastic and so this statement was said with a slur in their voice and a facial expression that didn’t fit with anything nice. Now imagine, that we respond with the sincerest of a “Thank You” to this sarcasm…BECAUSE…we just don’t get it. Even though we don’t understand the slur, it may confuse and upset us, as the words do not seem to match the face.
Now imagine it’s not us at all who experiences this situation…it is our child and we watch painfully as this scenario unfolds. If we have a child with Aspergers or on the Autism Spectrum, no doubt we have endured this torturous experience. We wonder perhaps… Do they understand the sarcasm? If they understand, do they feel hurt and humiliated? Or does the sarcasm even bother them? We don’t know most times and we long for the ability somehow, someway to get inside our child’s head and heart to be able to understand how they perceive these things. That way, we would also know how to pick up the pieces and soothe the specific hurt, if in fact there even were some injury. We just don’t know do we?
I would like to share with you a conversation that I heard from the back seat of my car. This particular conversation came from my two children, one with ASD who has never understood sarcasm and his typical younger sibling, not ASD. It went like this: “Here Jacob…You play the bad Guy.”, said my ASD child as he handed his brother the enemy toy figure. He brother quipped back with a sarcastic smile and slur, “Well, thanks a lot, Levi.” The next statement made me forget to breathe…”Jacob, you’re being sarcastic aren’t you?” What? Did I just hear that right? He recognized “Sarcasm” for the very first time in his life of 11 years! This happened 2 weeks ago and in addition to recognizing more incidents of sarcasm, he has used expressions with double meanings, such as, “Thrown under the bus”, used in the right context, very naturally, and even being able to explain what this expression meant to a younger family member as it’s not meaning a literal bus. Wow!
A sigh of relief also has come over me! Social/Emotional Intellect as it emerges in our children is the best sleeping pill ever! Our children may possess all the intellect in the world, however, as parents, we worry constantly about our children’s ability to find happiness and have successful social / emotional relationships with others. To mature successfully, and thrive as humans, we must be able to incorporate our greatest gift, the Emotional/Social Connection with others. In order for this to be a success, we know that two things must happen: 1. our children must be able to understand others. And: 2. our children must be able to be understood by others. To the extent that this is the case, the more likely we as parents can breathe more sighs of relief as we slowly start letting go and the time comes when they have to make it on their own, if in fact this is possible. It can be a very scary thought even with typical children and much more frightening for our parents with children on the Autism Spectrum.
Things such as sarcasm, humor, pragmatic language, broadminded thought processes, etc., all have huge effects on social/ emotional awareness. The greater the understanding of these socialites, the better the overall understanding of others can be, along with greater understanding of oneself. These very things, can be taken for granted when they are not missing. However, if these have been lost somewhere inside our beautiful children, and then, found, it is like a hidden treasure, worth more than we could ever have thought possible. It is in this instance, you see, that “Sarcasm” can be sweet and as sweet as honey, as long as it is “Understood”.
By: Kimberly Larochelle
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School can be very difficult sometimes for the ASD student. Many times, it is said that they are just “wired differently” or “learn in a different way than most”. A few nights ago at our monthly Autism Support Meeting, another mom and I discussed our many frustrations and challenges with helping our kids learn and thrive in their schooling.
Many parents resort to home schooling their children and while it may be easier in some ways as we may know how to reach our own child in a very personal and loving way, this can also bring many challenges. Finding the key that will fit with their particular understanding of the many concepts that must be taught, can be as a very strenuous treasure hunt.
In that search, I have found a little jewel that I would like to pass along. This is a site with many learning tools, games, and such, that can be most helpful. There are books and DVD’s, toys, etc, that assist with Math and Reading. Also, other items that can help with things such as Social/ Emotional Issues, and Sensory Issues, etc.
The site is called, Natural Learning Concepts, Autism and Special Needs, Tools that teach you to succeed:
I hope this will be a helpful tip to all parents and teachers as well. There is nothing better than watching a turned-on child, when the realization of education’s purpose motivates their little minds and hearts!
Here is the web site:
http://www.nlconcepts.com/?gclid=CPbgweH21KsCFQi87Qod-mArSQ
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Have you ever thought to yourself as you struggled to understand your child on the Autism spectrum, If only I could get inside his or her head for 5 minutes…I would know so much!” Well here is a video clip of a simulation of what it is like to walk down the sidewalk with Autism Spectrum. It is not exact, but it gives a very good idea as it compares a “typical” walk down the sidewalk with this same walk down the sidewalk when dealing with ASD. The key objective here is to understand and empathize, in other words, “Autism Awareness”. I believe that everyone would benefit greatly from this video experience as a parent, sibling, friend, etc, as it broadens the scope of understanding the World that is Autism.
Here is the Video Clip:
http://www.theautismsite.com/clickToGive/aut/article/A-Walk-Down-the-Street-with-Autism267/AUT_BLOG_MOMBLOG_CTG
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| Dr Norman Doidge, Author of “The Brain That Changes Itself” is interviewed in Brisbane Australia . Dr. Doidge speaks of the Neuroplasticity of the brain. He explains in this interview how plasticity of the brain is a now known fact, and how this is revolutionary in the way we think of the brain and how we can treat Neurobehavioral Disorders including Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Many still are under the misunderstanding that the brain is hard wired, meaning that we cannot have successful results by means of therapeutic and functional medicine. This gives much hope and a brighter outlook to many families with children on the Autism Spectrum because we know now that we can always make positive changes in the brain from cradle to grave.
Here is the link to this amazing and enlightening interview:
http://fora.tv/2010/09/02/Norman_Doidge_The_Neuroplasticity_Revolution_An_Update#fullprogram
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Ernie El’s is a professional golfer and a major champion, and yet the one thing he wants to be remembered for is as someone who took the issue of Autism and did something with it. Ernie’s own son, Ben was diagnosed with Autism.
His son Ben’s Autism was the main driving force behind Ernie’s decision to relocate from Wentworth to West Palm Beach , Florida .
Ernie is also very much in the public eye and he uses this as a platform to help raise funds and awareness for the causes of Autism and its possible treatments. It is something that he obviously feels very passionate about.
Els for Autism Foundation was formed in the spring of 2009. Ernie’s goal was to help create a Center of Excellence , a model for the world of what should be available to children on the autism spectrum. The Center will launch a global digital learning platform that will make best practices in education and therapy available to thousands of children around the world on the autism spectrum. The Center will also have on site education for ages 3-21, professional and medical services, research and transition to adulthood.
I thought I would share this story, because it touched my heart. There are those that are doing much in creating help and hope for Autism, and this is extremely important to individuals and families that struggle everyday in the world that is Autism. It keeps hope alive and helps to continue to move forward.
Ernie’s Personal Story and Link to information about the Foundation, El’s For Autism:
http://www.ernieels.com/els_for_autism/ernies_story.html
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Can Emotion Be Taught???
Can you teach someone to feel?
Is it a “Heart-Felt Smile” or are we just “Showing Teeth”?
“Smile Sweetie…please smile…” I would plead to my little boy, before his Granny would come for a visit. The result was always the same…a very stiff showing of teeth, not a real smile, and nothing about it was emotional in any way. It was just something that he had to do, whenever he saw his grandmother. It was kind of like Pavlov’s Dog…with my little boy…”I see Granny’s Face — I Smile”. And, I taught him well because he remembered every time…yes…the stiff showing of teeth, a very robotic gesture indeed.
I would marvel at the difference in the reunion, as I watched my younger child, who is not on the Autism Spectrum; react when his Granny came for a visit. “Granny!” The shout was gleeful, like pure Happiness had filled the air…and his face…his face held the most heartfelt and emotionally charged smile that spread to his entire body, as it flowed from it’s emotional center. I never had to teach him this display…he just knew it, and came by his emotional gestures, and social graces very naturally. For most of us, this does not need to be taught.
Deep remorse over what my little boy could not feel, or experience depressed me deeply. Our greatest gift as human beings is emotion, and it is also the greatest tragedy in that, for many on the Autism Spectrum, this emotional aspect of their lives is missing, diminished, or inappropriate in some way. In much of the therapy that we would try…there would be at its core…a reward system. If you smile…you can play with that toy. If you say “Thank You”, I’ll give you a cookie.
My little boy loved rewards, and he was quite good at completing whatever tasks were required in order to receive it. And so…He would “Smile”…and he would get to play with the toy. And…He would say, “Thank You”…and he would get the cookie. And…I guess that I should have been happy with that…after all he was responding to the “Social Graces” of
Society, right???…well maybe…It’s just that, while he said the right words, and made the right gestures…he didn’t…“Feel It”… and it never hit his emotional center…at least from all outward appearances. He couldn’t mirror the faces of the people that loved him and would smile at him, and just long for him to smile back.
I desperately wanted so much more for my little boy, than just to be able to respond robotically to social situations. I wanted to somehow find something or someone who could reach the emotional center of his little brain…so that he would be able to “experience” emotion. I wanted him to “feel” the smile, the hug, the emotion.
And now the emotion is here! When I put down his plate of supper in front of him, he looks up at me, straight into my eyes, and with a warm smile, he says, “Thank you, Mommy”…and, I didn’t have to promise a toy…When I give him a smile, and a thumbs – up…he knows what that means, and he gives me a smile…and real one…and a thumbs – up right back.
Best of all…are the times that Granny comes over…Wow!!! I can’ t believe my eyes, as this child, that would formally, stand back, smile stiffly (because that was what he was supposed to do), and say “Hi, Granny” in a rather monotone voice….THIS SAME CHILD…runs to the door, and embraces his grandmother with the most loving emotion that rivals even his little brother. And I watch this reunion through the bleary eyes of tears that overwhelm me with a tremendous sense of happiness and joy.
We are not just “Showing Teeth” anymore…
Sincerely,
Kimberly Larochelle
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Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID) is a neurological disorder pioneered 40 years ago by A. Jean Ayres, Ph.D., OTR. Dr. Ayres developed the sensory integration theory to explain the relationship between behavior and brain functioning.
Most children and adults on the Autism Spectrum have some degree of Sensory Integration Dysfunction. Life can be very difficult for these children and their families because of these sensitivities. Many times parents have to be very proactive in determining the sensory atmosphere of a certain restaurant, theme park, etc.
I found this list that describes many situations and behaviors that Sensory Integration Dysfunction would manifest problems therein. Since it can be hard to understand sometimes, I thought this list may be helpful as a guide to help parents and caregivers to assist their children that may have some of these sensitivities, as this awareness can help lead to understanding and much needed patience.
- Fascination with lights, fans, water
- Hand flapping/repetitive movements
- Spinning items, taking things apart
- Walking on tip-toe
- Little awareness of pain or temperature
- Coordination problems
- Unusually high or low activity level
- Difficulty with transitions (doesn’t “go with the flow”)
- Self-Injury or aggression
- Extremes of activity level (either hyperactive or under active).
- Fearful in space (on the swings, seesaw or heights).
- Striking out at someone who accidentally brushes by them.
- Avoidance of physical contact with people and with certain “textures,” such as sand, paste and finger paints.
- The child may react strongly to stimuli on face, hands and feet.
- A child may have a very short attention span and become easily distracted.
- A strong dislike of certain grooming activities, such as brushing the teeth, washing the face, having the hair brushed or cut.
- An unusual sensitivity to sounds and smells.
- A child may refuse to wear certain clothes or insist on wearing long sleeves/pants so that the skin is not exposed.
- Frequently adjusts clothing, pushing up sleeves and/or pant legs.
- An acute awareness of background noises.
