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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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Taking academic test is an unavoidable part of modern society.
Whether you’re a child or adult with an attention deficit disorder,
learning disability or simply want to improve your chances of scoring
higher on a particular examination the following information may be
beneficial for you. Two functions that are typically necessary in a
test taking situation are short term memory and working memory. Short
term memory is the ability to retain small amounts of information in
and at hand along with attainable condition for short periods. Working
memory also requires short term storage of information, but in
addition requires the ability to manipulate that information. As an
example, tests for short term memory is require the immediately call
of random numbers. Typically, one can remember approximately seven
numbers in this fashion (i.e. a phone number). Working memory is
normally required in order to do complex and multi step tasks.
A study recently published in the Indian Journal of Pediatrics found that ”
iron and zinc deficiency is associated with memory deficits in
children.” The study also found when these children were supplemented
with iron and zinc there was significant improvement. Another study
published in November of 2010 in the Journal of Human
Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental found that”caffeine
and glucose can have beneficial effects on cognitive performance.”
Therefore, there are two possible factors which may improve
performance in test taking situations. Iron and zinc levels of
measured by serum analysis and can be done at any standard laboratory.
This testing can be ordered by your physician and appropriate
supplementation can be instituted and monitored. Glucose levels can
also be monitored by standard laboratory analysis.
Functional medicine practitioners are always more cognizant of nutritional protocols.
There are specialty lab test to measure caffeine clearance. Of
course, when instituting any type of glucose protocol the patient and their
doctor should be aware of any type of hypoglycemic or insulin
resistance which the patient may have. In conclusion, if this article
peaks your interest, contact your primary care physician or a
functional medicine practitioner for further consultation on this
matter.
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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.
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We’ve all experienced it…and quite a few times actually…every time we are with or around “typical children”. It may be at the mall, or at a playground…and all of a sudden our child does something, whether it be hollering, flapping or spinning…we don’t notice right away, because we are accustomed to being around these little stims at home. It takes a couple of seconds, and by the time, we notice…we’ve also noticed something else…Yes…from other parents and other children…it’s the “sideways glance”. It’s penetrating, and brutal, and it is virtually overwhelming when the “sideways glance” is coupled with a few hushed whispers from one typical mom to the next. We can’t blame them…but we do! They think they are being discreet…but they are not! Some, may even give us a patronizing look of sympathy, and feel that it may make us feel better…But…it doesn’t!
So, what do we do? How do we feel? We all know how we SHOULD feel…the noble attitude of, “This is my child, and yes, he is autistic…this is just fine, and I love him and I accept him as he is in all environments…and I am not embarrassed or ashamed…so there…” and we hold our head high with dignity. This is our façade…this is our mask. Although there are a few of us that have been able to achieve the inner strength to muster up this same resolve and confidence in their hearts as well…most of us….well, deep inside us…our hearts are breaking!
Those sideways glances, whispers, and patronizing looks…they hurt, and yes…badly…like the stabs of a knife into our hearts. We think to ourselves, “I shouldn’t let this bother me.” And “I don’t even care what other people think.” But…it does bother us, and it does embarrass us. We may ask ourselves, “Why does this bother me…Why don’t I just “get over” myself…
The answer is just as simple, and as natural as a heartbeat…We are HUMAN! And, as human beings, we care about what others think of us, and we long to be accepted…it is in our job description as people. People conform to social graces, and standards, and this makes us all feel comfortable, and secure. As a society of people, we have come a long way too…Just look at us…we have disabilities all around us and we don’t even flinch anymore, at someone in a wheelchair, or a blind or deaf person. But…when it comes to a “social disability” as in the autism spectrum….well that is a real jagged pill. Because of our set standards of behavior, these social disabilities make people uncomfortable, and they are at a loss as to how to react.
So, what is the answer…education, exposure…Yes, and yes, these are big parts of the puzzle that is “Acceptance” and “Awareness”.
This April, lets all promote Autism Awareness as never before, since April is the dedicated month of International Autism Awareness and therein afterwards, month after month, year after year, day after day. As there is more and more Autism Awareness…less and less become the occasions when we have to endure “The Sideways Glance”.
Kimberly Larochelle
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Warriors for Autism are a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Autism awareness. This foundation raises funds to help create programs such as sponsoring therapies, organizing family field trips, support groups, and sensory-friendly play dates for children and families of Autism Spectrum.
The goal of Deena Rivera, founder of Warriors for Autism is not only to raise awareness about Autism, but also to generate a desperate need for funding, in order to sponsor families who do not otherwise have access to vital therapies and much needed assistance in the Tampa Bay area.
This Saturday, 4/23rd, Deena Rivera and her Warriors for Autism are hosting the following event and I thought many would be interesting in attending especially in this month of April, since it honors International Autism Month.
Here is the information to the event:
1st Annual Tampa Bay Joins Hands for Autism
Cocktails & Silent Auction Benefit
Saturday, April 23, 2011 from 6:30pm – 10:30pm
A fun evening event for Tampa ’s Warriors to come together, to dine, dance and show support for the fight against difficulties our autistic children face everyday. Proceeds from this event will be dedicated towards creating safe and affordable summer programs for children with autism spectrum disorders.
For further information contact:
Deena@warriorsforautism.com / 813-857-1698
www.warriorsforautism.org
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Autism is Local. Autism is National. Autism is International. The month of April is honoring “World Autism Month” and so do we here at the Mane’ Center. There are no boundaries in the world that is Autism, and there is no color, race, creed, social or economic distinctions either.
The Mane’ Center has been embracing visitors and patients all the way from the Tampa Bay Area to Michigan and North Carolina , to the UK this month! It is truly a pleasure to be able to see the worldwide scope and the outpouring of international togetherness to find a solution for our world’s children and families living with Autism Spectrum.
A few months ago, I had the great pleasure of being interviewed by Kevin Healey of Autism Radio UK . This was a tremendous forward step in a positive direction in getting the word out about hope and help for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
HERE IS THE LINK TO THE INTERVIEW:
http://www.autismradiouk.co.uk/archive/listen-again/200.php
