As a parent, I am thankful for my son. He is the joy of my life.
Even tho he is sick, he seems to be having a good day. He is having fun watching the Macy's Day Parade!
I find the many of the traditional foods for this occasion are not served in my house. Turkey yes ( even tho my son wont eat it), but he will eat stuffing. No mashed potatoes for him either. I make Mac N Cheese for him instead! We sub Green Bean Casserole for plain beans or Corn.
So, with him being sick I am going to be glad if he just drinks lots of fluids today. Apple Juice, water, Gatorade, ginger ale and freezies here we come!
I hope you all have a great Thanks Giving.
I should have a blog up about toys by tomorrow. I have been working on it for about a week, but it isn't finished quite yet.
Let the Christmas/Yule/Kwanzaa and Hanukkah (Chanukah) shopping begin!
Find lots of deals everyone!
Feel free to share the ones you find with me here later!
Writer, mother, artist and enthusiast of life.
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Thursday, November 24, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Great new Site I Found!
Sensory World Link. So Fun!
As a parent of a child with Autism, I am always on the lookout for great new things to expose him to, and expand his horizons.
Today while trying to do just that I found a really cool site. It is all about sensory. Helping them be stimulated, or calmed.
Letting them create a scene just for them of their choosing by clicking on the computer mouse icons in the picture. They can edit the floor, furniture, music/sounds, lighting, and walls ( what they look like from a scene background, to a solid color).
Each room is different. Some have only a few things you can change/customize. Others let you do it up all the way, in a style all your own!
Right now as I write this I am actually, myself, enjoying the "Sensory Room" option on the site!So relaxing.
In the picture you see below, it is actually me messing around in the " Sensory room" making it into a night scene with music, lightning bugs flying around, bunnies ect.
That is all for tonight folks! Be sure to check out my older entries for great ideas on: Free apps for the Ipad, great therapy toys on the cheap or how to be very sure you are getting exactly the right kind of trained professional caring for your child!
As a parent of a child with Autism, I am always on the lookout for great new things to expose him to, and expand his horizons.
Today while trying to do just that I found a really cool site. It is all about sensory. Helping them be stimulated, or calmed.
Letting them create a scene just for them of their choosing by clicking on the computer mouse icons in the picture. They can edit the floor, furniture, music/sounds, lighting, and walls ( what they look like from a scene background, to a solid color).
Each room is different. Some have only a few things you can change/customize. Others let you do it up all the way, in a style all your own!
Right now as I write this I am actually, myself, enjoying the "Sensory Room" option on the site!So relaxing.
In the picture you see below, it is actually me messing around in the " Sensory room" making it into a night scene with music, lightning bugs flying around, bunnies ect.
That is all for tonight folks! Be sure to check out my older entries for great ideas on: Free apps for the Ipad, great therapy toys on the cheap or how to be very sure you are getting exactly the right kind of trained professional caring for your child!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Review of Ipad free apps for Autism
Alright, since my son has started using an Ipad with his Nana, I have now seen a few and before I got lost in the Ipad world of Apps, I thought I would review them from the childs view point and the Parents view point.
First:
Model Me- Going places:
This little app is handy. As a child who has limited vocabulary, it engages them with little stories about various places they might visit. As a parent, it is kind of limited and the places they show might not be relevant to your local area. Tho, on the plus side it does encourage speech and explains in a way that is clear as to what the places is and does.
The Model me series is awesome tho, overall. They have youtube videos about behavior and things they should and shouldn't do. i encourage you all to check them out!
Second:
Tom the Talking Cat:
My son LOVES this thing! It does have some interactive aspects to it and the voice that repeats them seems to engage. Yet, as a parent it does encourage the repetitive behaviors or phrases that you might be discouraging. It does have other features that you have to purchase, if you so desire ( tho i have not yet). The voice is annoying.. VERY VERY annoying if you have to listen to it long enough. Yet, it is sure to become a hit! It does encourage pronunciation I have noticed. If my son does not Annunciation his words right, it will say it and he will fix his mistake and try to say it correctly the next time.
Third:
ArtikPix:
This is an app that a child can love because it repeats after them! It has engaging pictures and makes them think outside the box. As a parent you will get to see them laugh and smile as they learn how to pronounce new words! You will see what they learn as they learn it. It has different Categories to choose from. The cards are easy to read and understand ( even if they are not high tech as far as visual color or drawing goes). I find it is a great accessory to use as a follow up to any speech therapy that my son may be using at school.
Fourth:
abc PocketPhonics Lite: letter sounds & writing + first words:
This works great for my son. He can use his finger or a stylus to write or learn to write his alphabet or his numbers. He loves to see his work pop up on the screen as he does it. This app gives voice instructions on how to write. I must say, once he did it a few times, and did the letters correctly, he was finished with wanting to use this app. It wasn't that interesting for that long. Too much like school work I think.
Fifth:
Balloons: Tap and Learn
This game is great for interactiveness. It engages by using stars as a reward. My son didn't even know he was learning anything! He just loved the balloons and how cool the experience was! While I got to see him identify numbers, colors ect. They also have a math expansion kind of thing for older kids ( late kindergarden to grade 2 I would say), where they add, subtract and multiplication using the same concept.
First:
Model Me- Going places:
This little app is handy. As a child who has limited vocabulary, it engages them with little stories about various places they might visit. As a parent, it is kind of limited and the places they show might not be relevant to your local area. Tho, on the plus side it does encourage speech and explains in a way that is clear as to what the places is and does.
The Model me series is awesome tho, overall. They have youtube videos about behavior and things they should and shouldn't do. i encourage you all to check them out!
Second:
Tom the Talking Cat:
My son LOVES this thing! It does have some interactive aspects to it and the voice that repeats them seems to engage. Yet, as a parent it does encourage the repetitive behaviors or phrases that you might be discouraging. It does have other features that you have to purchase, if you so desire ( tho i have not yet). The voice is annoying.. VERY VERY annoying if you have to listen to it long enough. Yet, it is sure to become a hit! It does encourage pronunciation I have noticed. If my son does not Annunciation his words right, it will say it and he will fix his mistake and try to say it correctly the next time.
Third:
ArtikPix:
This is an app that a child can love because it repeats after them! It has engaging pictures and makes them think outside the box. As a parent you will get to see them laugh and smile as they learn how to pronounce new words! You will see what they learn as they learn it. It has different Categories to choose from. The cards are easy to read and understand ( even if they are not high tech as far as visual color or drawing goes). I find it is a great accessory to use as a follow up to any speech therapy that my son may be using at school.
Fourth:
abc PocketPhonics Lite: letter sounds & writing + first words:
This works great for my son. He can use his finger or a stylus to write or learn to write his alphabet or his numbers. He loves to see his work pop up on the screen as he does it. This app gives voice instructions on how to write. I must say, once he did it a few times, and did the letters correctly, he was finished with wanting to use this app. It wasn't that interesting for that long. Too much like school work I think.
Fifth:
Balloons: Tap and Learn
This game is great for interactiveness. It engages by using stars as a reward. My son didn't even know he was learning anything! He just loved the balloons and how cool the experience was! While I got to see him identify numbers, colors ect. They also have a math expansion kind of thing for older kids ( late kindergarden to grade 2 I would say), where they add, subtract and multiplication using the same concept.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Interactive Virtual Environment
Link to article
After reading the article several times, I have come to a quandary.
First of all, I have been trying forever to get a community of autistic children together online, with games they can play against each-other and interact via voice/and/or text with modified content.
Most of the children are lacking in social development, not because they are not out in the community interacting with others, but because most of the time the other children don't know how to talk to or engage a child who is different from themselves.
Even if the child were in a wheelchair, the way another child reacts to them is different.
I have found that most of the time my child doesn't care what another child looks like or acts like, as long as they are willing to play beside or with him, he is okay with that child.
Most Autistic children are not the same. They have different quirks, and abilities. They react differently to their environments.
Yet, here in this article they are suggesting that MAYBE this program will help them socialize at a more appropriate level to their ages.
I have to wonder tho, if this is true, why is it just now that this program is being introduced? How long has it been sitting on a shelf out of reach of society? What are the touch-screen programs they used to base this project on?
True, a program like this used at school could show a teacher insight into the world of the child in question, but who has a 1 on 1 teacher these days? Especially with all the education cuts?
What would this program mean for us as parents? Would it mean that as a parent of a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) would be required to have and Ipad, Ipod touch or Iphone? Would this program be available to Android users? Or what about those of us who use regular laptops?
This raises more questions as I sit and think about it's possibilities. Sure they say it will be shown at a convention this month, but what will it show? It said " demonstration" but will it feature all the qualities it will have as a final, for sale program? Also, what will it cost? Will it be another $200 program that is out of the reach of many of us as parents of an ASD child?
After reading the article several times, I have come to a quandary.
First of all, I have been trying forever to get a community of autistic children together online, with games they can play against each-other and interact via voice/and/or text with modified content.
Most of the children are lacking in social development, not because they are not out in the community interacting with others, but because most of the time the other children don't know how to talk to or engage a child who is different from themselves.
Even if the child were in a wheelchair, the way another child reacts to them is different.
I have found that most of the time my child doesn't care what another child looks like or acts like, as long as they are willing to play beside or with him, he is okay with that child.
Most Autistic children are not the same. They have different quirks, and abilities. They react differently to their environments.
Yet, here in this article they are suggesting that MAYBE this program will help them socialize at a more appropriate level to their ages.
I have to wonder tho, if this is true, why is it just now that this program is being introduced? How long has it been sitting on a shelf out of reach of society? What are the touch-screen programs they used to base this project on?
True, a program like this used at school could show a teacher insight into the world of the child in question, but who has a 1 on 1 teacher these days? Especially with all the education cuts?
What would this program mean for us as parents? Would it mean that as a parent of a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) would be required to have and Ipad, Ipod touch or Iphone? Would this program be available to Android users? Or what about those of us who use regular laptops?
This raises more questions as I sit and think about it's possibilities. Sure they say it will be shown at a convention this month, but what will it show? It said " demonstration" but will it feature all the qualities it will have as a final, for sale program? Also, what will it cost? Will it be another $200 program that is out of the reach of many of us as parents of an ASD child?
Thursday, November 3, 2011
IM BAAACK!
After a lot of up and downs, I am back blogging.
In my absence I have made two trips down to Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis for my son. I have lost my grandmother and endured countless illnesses between me and my son ( it seems when one of us is healthy, the other is not.)
So, I have been thinking. What does it mean to be a parent of a special needs child?
To me it means seeing all the great things about my child, the unique qualities, that other children don't exhibit. Eg: Going to the zoo is more than just looking at animals. Its looking at signs, trees, trains, cars and letters and discussing them at length because they are of interest to him. Most children might notice one or two things, but would not notice that the monkeys in the trees are making a triangle, like the sign to the left of the cage. The other children might discuss the behavior of the monkeys, but not comment on how many holes in the cage there are.
To me it means you embrace all they are and work to help them be the best person they can be.
It means standing up to other parents who look at your child and think less of them. Who dont invite your child to birthday parties because they are afraid of them, when they could simply ask you to help chaperone the event.
It means putting in more hours in therapists and doctors offices than most kids and other parents.
It means explaining situations many different ways to make sure that they get it and know how to react to situations if they cross them.
What does it mean to you?
In my absence I have made two trips down to Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis for my son. I have lost my grandmother and endured countless illnesses between me and my son ( it seems when one of us is healthy, the other is not.)
So, I have been thinking. What does it mean to be a parent of a special needs child?
To me it means seeing all the great things about my child, the unique qualities, that other children don't exhibit. Eg: Going to the zoo is more than just looking at animals. Its looking at signs, trees, trains, cars and letters and discussing them at length because they are of interest to him. Most children might notice one or two things, but would not notice that the monkeys in the trees are making a triangle, like the sign to the left of the cage. The other children might discuss the behavior of the monkeys, but not comment on how many holes in the cage there are.
To me it means you embrace all they are and work to help them be the best person they can be.
It means standing up to other parents who look at your child and think less of them. Who dont invite your child to birthday parties because they are afraid of them, when they could simply ask you to help chaperone the event.
It means putting in more hours in therapists and doctors offices than most kids and other parents.
It means explaining situations many different ways to make sure that they get it and know how to react to situations if they cross them.
What does it mean to you?
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Music computer program for autism.
I have learned log ago that Music can play a great part in relaxing or riling up ANY child. My son being no exception to this law. At night I found that putting soft music on in the background and singing to him, he winds down and sleeps longer. Their needs are not so unlike that of a baby, where they can be lulled by a heartbeat, rhythmic waves, white noise or even classical music.
Why they just now were able to come up with a computer program that engages the child, helps them soothe themselves and teaches them things they may not otherwise know, or might be a comfort to already know.
Here's the link to the article.: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/226661.php
What do you think of the idea?
Why they just now were able to come up with a computer program that engages the child, helps them soothe themselves and teaches them things they may not otherwise know, or might be a comfort to already know.
Here's the link to the article.: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/226661.php
What do you think of the idea?
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Scientists Reveal That Seeing Eye To Eye Is Key To Copying, With Implications For Autism Research
Scientists Reveal That Seeing Eye To Eye Is Key To Copying, With Implications For Autism Research
After all is said and done, it seems that things I have been making my son do since he was very young is the right thing to do for him.
"In a study published this week in the Journal of Neuroscience, a team of scientists from the University's School of Psychology show that eye contact seems to act as an invitation for mimicry, triggering mechanisms in the frontal region of the brain that control imitation. "
In this day and age people are mostly found hiding behind computers or so busy they dont make eye contact during most social interactions. I was always taught that in order to talk with someone you look at them, that way they know you are listening. Just like when you talk you look at them to see if they are listening, or if its a subject they would continue further. So, I have no issue with looking at my son ( who has Pervasive Developmental Disorder, not otherwise specified.) And in turn, he has rewarded me, on many occasions, of mimicking my actions, use of words and other behaviors. Most good, but others not so good.
Not every child with Autism will look a person in the face. Yet, I have noticed that children who have had the benefit of early intervention most commonly can do so in small amounts. My son being one of those children. Now, when he does something wrong, I will call him over, gently grasp his face and look directly into his eyes and tell him what he did wrong. When it's something that hurt someone, he usually shies away from me. Yet, I have found that he does it because he feels badly and has no idea how to express that. He has trouble saying sorry, even tho he very obviously is.
Most parents would not agree that me forcing my son to look me in the eyes is good, but I have found that once he was able to be redirected or lead to do things he didnt prefer before, I could start to set some rules down. But the only way I could do that was to make sure he looked at me, understood and seen what I meant.
By that I mean I commonly looked him in the eye, explained and then acted out how things should and shouldnt be done.
I hope you all enjoy the reading material I supplied in the link at the top of the page. I think it is very very useful information and should help so many young children and adults!
If you have any subjects you would like to see me cover, please let me know.
I also know that my blog has been blank for a while now, but with summer and life being absolutely out of control for over a month, I just have not had the opportunity to write like I would like to do.
Once again, I am sorry for this and now that school is starting up again, I should be able to do so now.
After all is said and done, it seems that things I have been making my son do since he was very young is the right thing to do for him.
"In a study published this week in the Journal of Neuroscience, a team of scientists from the University's School of Psychology show that eye contact seems to act as an invitation for mimicry, triggering mechanisms in the frontal region of the brain that control imitation. "
In this day and age people are mostly found hiding behind computers or so busy they dont make eye contact during most social interactions. I was always taught that in order to talk with someone you look at them, that way they know you are listening. Just like when you talk you look at them to see if they are listening, or if its a subject they would continue further. So, I have no issue with looking at my son ( who has Pervasive Developmental Disorder, not otherwise specified.) And in turn, he has rewarded me, on many occasions, of mimicking my actions, use of words and other behaviors. Most good, but others not so good.
Not every child with Autism will look a person in the face. Yet, I have noticed that children who have had the benefit of early intervention most commonly can do so in small amounts. My son being one of those children. Now, when he does something wrong, I will call him over, gently grasp his face and look directly into his eyes and tell him what he did wrong. When it's something that hurt someone, he usually shies away from me. Yet, I have found that he does it because he feels badly and has no idea how to express that. He has trouble saying sorry, even tho he very obviously is.
Most parents would not agree that me forcing my son to look me in the eyes is good, but I have found that once he was able to be redirected or lead to do things he didnt prefer before, I could start to set some rules down. But the only way I could do that was to make sure he looked at me, understood and seen what I meant.
By that I mean I commonly looked him in the eye, explained and then acted out how things should and shouldnt be done.
I hope you all enjoy the reading material I supplied in the link at the top of the page. I think it is very very useful information and should help so many young children and adults!
If you have any subjects you would like to see me cover, please let me know.
I also know that my blog has been blank for a while now, but with summer and life being absolutely out of control for over a month, I just have not had the opportunity to write like I would like to do.
Once again, I am sorry for this and now that school is starting up again, I should be able to do so now.
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