Autism products on the cheap part #2

In this blog I will be covering items for floor time. Products to help with circles of " communication". If you are unfamiliar with what a circle of communication is: They are exchanges of communication. Be it eye contact during play. Pushing a car back and forth. Or even just humming a tune with you.














I was fortunate to have a great speech therapist to help me with this with my son, because as a parent sometimes you can't see any other options for resolving problems because you are too invested in the day to day.

Here are some basic products that I find help.

Free printable pages: enchanted learning dictionary or Grocery items from online grocery stores or flyers. print on card stock and laminate ( or if you are me, take some clear tape and use that instead. Cheaper.) With this you can ask them to get items using the cards in a cupboard. Ask them if its food or drink using sign language. Get them to sort them into colors, food groups ( fruits, vegtables ect). Make a matching game.

Bubbles:
bubbles from oriental trading company
This you can use as a reward later if they like it. I would start out getting them to pop them, chase them, blow them ect. Make it a game. If they can blow them, make it a they take a turn, you take a turn popping/blowing. If your child is a sensory seeking one, be sure to be very animated when you blow them. Pretend to be out of breath when you blow one bubble. Ask them to help. See if they come and try to blow with you. If you pop them wiggle and giggle and pretend they heavy as they land on you. Be creative about getting them involved. I will provide a blog later about common floor time practices and examples.

Blocks:










blocks from toys r us
These are different shapes, and textured. Best part: They dont hurt if they child throws them if they get upset. Foam all the way. With this you can make a fun game of building it up and knocking it down using balls, cars, horses, or pretend people. Once again be very animated and be silly. Kids respond the best to funny or silly things. Get them to identify shapes, colors or texture ( bumpy, smooth).

Cars: You can get matchbox cars at most stores for a buck a piece. Though, personally I like the chunky wooden vehicles.
wooden cars at oriental trading company
Here you can ask them to make the sounds the vehicle makes. Firetruck sirens, ice cream truck songs, car vrooms. Get them to pass the car back and forth. Or get them to play while you sing a song about the wheels on the bus. Every time they play with a car or bus, sing the song. Eventually they might start to hum along. Be creative. There also barbie cars that are nice. Like: doll car
This comes with figures. You could get them to give you items, ask for help and sing songs about family or places to go. Again. Be creative.

Balloons: You can get these at your local dollar store, or grocery store. You can blow them up and bat it around. You can also, if your child doesnt have a fear of loud noises, make a game out of letting it go after you blow it up. Get them to chase it. Tell you to blow it up again. Let the air blow out in their faces. Draw a face on it, and tell them its Mom, Dad, Grandma ect using a marker. This is cheap and easy. Make a big deal of blowing up, like it takes alot of air to blow it up. Or you cant do it. Get them involved. See if you can keep them engaged for longer and longer periods of time.

Build-a-contraption: This is a cause and effect thing.
marble contraption
This is usually a crowd pleaser. You can get them involved after you build it, before you build it and any time in between. Make it big or small. Get them to help build it, or tell you colors, directions using words or sign language. Get them to drop the marble in different areas. Be creative, and exaggerate things. I can't stress this enough.

Ipod/Ipad touch: There are many different applications you can use to help improve communication for floor time activities on here:
kindergarden dot com ipad/itouch apps
Applications are a dollar or so each.

Autism products on the cheap part #1

There are many different varieties of Autism. Some are high functioning ( where you can hardly notice they are Autistic) to low functioning ( where you notice they don't talk, dont interact, and sometimes have other issues).

Well I am going to share some links and helpful hints for various aspects of delay that some/most Autistic children/adults might find helpful.

In this part of the series I am going to cover some fun mouth instruments that help blow, suck, and use the tongue for motor control.. Here's the best part: They wont cost an arm and a leg!!!

Bubble blowers: I find the best ones come from the dollar store, and you can let the child/person pick it out themselves!

Water whistles: you put water in them up to a certain level and they sing/tweet. I found them:

Blowing things up is a good trick. Be it a beachball, a balloon, pinwheel or other inflatable/wind powered toy item, they strengthen lips, lungs and other facial muscles while blowing into the object.

Then there are your whistle varieties: These help them strengthen their lips, flex their tongues and also allows them to work on their diaphragm by blowing or even inhaling.
Link 1: the kind you can blow in and out of that goes in your mouth

Link 2: the kind that goes in your mouth, but works mainly by blowing out.

Link 3: The kind that you can blow in and out but does not have to be inserted in mouth, but just pressed to the lips.

Link 4: The train whistle: This is a good one because it uses lip control to be able to blow in the small 4 holes that differ in pitch.

Link 5: straws. Cups with see through sides that bend, curl and make designs are a pleaser. These novelty items show a child that when they suck on it, they get a drink of their favorite drink/food ( milkshakes for the advanced or milk for the beginner).

Whistles that work on more than just oral control are ones like the Flute slider. A flute slider has the child blow into the item ( its an insert into your mouth usually) that also has an insert that the child can pull at the end to change the pitch of the whistle. So it's a co-ordination kind of toy as well as oral exercise.
A kazoo is another example of a more complex oral toy that is cheap. The child has to make a noise and blow into the kazoo at the same time.

Fart whistle: Definately a silly toy indeed. Yet, because of the way it is made it makes small vibrations usually too the lips as the child blows into it. This for a child with a sensation integration problem is hard to do, but a toy that could help them slowly adjust to it.

Blow out whistles: These have a curled paper bit that when you blow out will straighten in a line, but usually make noise. Tho you can find the kind that does not make noise if the child has audible sensory issues and avoids loud or sudden noises.

Then you have the toys that don't make noise.
One of the options is for a child to use a toy to strengthen their jaw muscles. They give you all kinds of ideas for this, but i find that a bath toy that squeaks usually is a good option. But you put it in water instead of just letting it take in air. you put the toy in a shallow pool, have the child place part of it in their mouth and just using their mouth take water into the toy and squirt it back out.

Fun blow an item up kind items that are cool are ball blowers. They are inserted into the childs mouth, and then as the child blows harder the small balls will float, spin and often fall down. You can even make it a game if you have more than one. Who can blow the ball highest, longest or make it do the funniest tricks.

Some children find that chewing on something is soothing and will sometimes chew on anything and everything when they are feeling out of sorts. Here is a set of tubes that are also good for different textures.


Sometimes you just need to let them make their own noise and let them hear what it sounds like. An echo microphone is the best example!

I realize most of these links supply more than one of any given item, but as a parent I have learned that having multiple is very advantageous. Mainly if one gets lost or broken, you have a back up. Or if a sibling wants one too, you have enough to share. Even a visiting friend or family member might want one to play with and to prevent meltdowns I have tried to keep multiple of many things on hand.

What products have you found on the cheap that you think others should know about, feel free to share by commenting or even email me with a link and a review.

Dr blunder!

I found out today that Dr. L has a waiting list of crazy lengths for new patients, but once i researched her background I was actually glad my son is not going to her. She has no genetics backgrounds, no Developmental Behavioral Pediatric fellowships or exp to speak of, not even any history of behavioral pediatrics at all!! What makes her good? Well, when it comes to neonatology ( newborn or birth defects) she is covered!
Man, I think I dodged a bullet there!

When I think of someone working with special needs I think of someone educated in that department. Yet, the idea of this woman working with Autistic children scares me! Why? Well hmm: Her fellowship was in Neonatology, which is the study of disorders and development of NEWBORN children! So, hey if your kid was premature, or has issues from birth, she is your gal like i said! But past the age of 2, she should really not be treating children who might have more complex issues in the autism spectrum because she just is not educated or experienced in that field! When I think of someone who is dealing with children on the spectrum I am thinking of people who have done their fellowships ( at the least) in developmental, behavioral, psychotherapy,neurodevelopmental, and even a combo of the above. Someone who can help conduct neurodevelopmental/psychological evaluations of children birth to ( insert age here), and who has experience and education to do diagnosing and developing treatment plans for complex developmental disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders, language deficits, sensory-integration issues, sensory impairments, social/emotional concerns, and learning difficulties. I am so glad i am taking Michael down to Riley's in Indianapolis! Sure Dr. L has her medical degree and internship with one of the best in the country, but that doesn't make her an autism specialist! At best she is an early preschool aged child's doctor who has developmental defects from BIRTH. Ok, rant over!
Yes, I am aware that this might seem slanderous but I am truly outraged by this!
Do you agree with my assesment?
If so feel free to email with the button on the side of this page! Or if you have a story related to this that you wish to share, I am all ears!

Night Owl Prowl.

Why is it that it isnt until the wee hours of the morning, when the house is quiet and the sun nearly ready to rise, that I seem to be able to draw inspiration?

Illogically though it might be that I am finally relaxed enough to feel the creative juices rise up, here I sit writing. Though, I suppose it could be the shows I watch after everyone else seems to be resting and I am alone.

Being Erica, Crossing Jordan, The Gilmore Girls, NCIS, or one of many CSI shows. They all draw me in. Each as different from the other, but always seem to have one thing in common.
The first episode I watch. They have to have a compelling cast, each one with a story, living personality and some kind of struggle I can grasp with a hungry mind. A mind that allows me to take in what is going on in the show, but also what is going on behind the scene. The past drama within the scripted lines of the current episode. Can I identify it?Can I put the clues together and predict what might happen next? Is there a double meaning to any of the lines being spoken by the characters? Is there a deeper story than what first meets the eye?
Strange how I can change the show, but the same questions resound within my mind.
Yet, as I sit here, writing I know that it is most likely not as strange as I think.
Every day, all day, I am constantly analyzing, finding paths, living off cues of people around me. Why should a show be any different?
I find myself looking forward to the promise of a new show this Sunday. Yet, I also am dreading it. Is it going to be just another 24? Where I watch the first season, lose interest but come back the last season and feel like I missed very little in terms of storyline and plot?
I guess that is to be determined. Tho I do know that I think they could of done a better job of promoting the show, doing the character profiles on tape and drawing in the viewers.
Seeing " Rosey's Room" is ok, but you can't actually get up close and personal. You cant open all the drawers of her dressing table. Cant check under the mattress. Yes, you can check her Vlog on her laptop, but can you read the books and papers on the desk? Why do they say you can play detective in her room, as a selling point, but limit what you can click on? Unless they plan on adding content as the show progresses? Make it interactive? Because I have to say, if they dangle this in front of me and then don't develop it later, I will likely be very negative on the matter. Also showing a collage of characters who are possible suspects, but not allowing you to click on them and get a bio on them and how they relate to the story is annoying.
Then the whole " Cast share their theories" part is a bit of a sour lemon. I wanted to hear the actual theories. Not " the killer could be amongst us" or " I stopped making theories because it could be me". I am not saying give up everything. But, why not put things to theory. A mother talking directly to the camera and audience at home, addressing HER theory as to who might of done it within the community. Or " This is my relationship with my daughter, do you think I could be behind all of this?" Create a mystery as to the motives of daily living for each character. A 30 second clip on a personal level tells us nothing about the characters.
Well, only time will tell if the show is a flop or a must watch. Telling me TV magazines and news papers give it a rave review is like telling me if I pick up the remote I turn on the television. But the question is: Will I like what is on when I do?
Good night readers. If you get the chance watch AMC's The Killing on Sunday at 9pm.
Let me know what you think.

Acting

Everyone has a favorite movie star, or acter/ess that they follow. I personally have a few.
Lately it seems that I see my favorites playing roles that are so out of their normal genre that I just can't find their character in the show believable!

I get that they taking on roles to pay bills and build a resume, and I respect that, but honestly: Why would a producer or director even other cast members let them play a character that is not believable? Why would you do that to a fellow acter/ess unless you want a role or find them threatening?
Honesty is the best solution.
For example: Brandon Jay McLaren- Awesome actor ( - find what he has done so far in that link. Yet, after watching a CSI- Crime Scene Investigation where he played a pimp, I find myself in disgust. I think he could of done a much better job being convincing as a pimp. I just didn't feel he was in it to win it with that character.
I look forward to seeing if he can be convincing as the teacher in " The Killing" ( ). He was okay in Being Erica.
Which was another series that I wasn't into at first, but grew on me. NOW I am totally in LOVE with the show. I await every weeks episode! I mean I find myself pondering on what will Erica do this week in her life to send her back in time to right a past wrong?

Just like I am not totally sold on the series: Parenthood. Lauren Graham, who did a wonderful job of Gilmore Girls just doesnt seem to be selling this role to me. Maybe its because I feel she has been type casted and should be able to branch out. Or maybe its the other characters she plays opposite to. Who knows, but I know I just am not into this series.

There are others I haven't named, of course, but I think you get the drift.
How many of you have noticed the same kinds of things with your favorite stars?

Well, until next blog: Keep living your life and not letting your life live you!

Random rant

There are times that I miss Canada ( where I grew up), and for good reasons sometimes. The " sue you over everything" " I work hard for what i get, and dont want social medicine" attitudes drive me crazy.
Maybe I grew up in more prestige than I thought. I hate taking my son to a doctor appointment, paying a co-pay then awaiting the bill the month after.
Shots for children are not a luxery. They are required. So why should they cost 400? And that, my friends, is even with the " insurance company" kicking in thier part.
We are not well off, hell I would give about anything to be lower middle class!!
So, it takes us time to pay off that bill. Then, it seems that we just get it paid off and we are back at the doctor for some reason and we are back up!
The insurance companies that did away with the $500 deductable are theives! Not everyone has an extra $1000 to spend on doctor appointments and medications.
Then there is the " you have to pay up front if you go to the hospital" policies! What the hell is that about?
If you have a bleeding child, they shouldnt be caring if you have insurance, or if can pay thier $200 before treatment fee!
Who has $200 in an account sitting around for hospital fees? I know I dont!
People who think that is ok are either: better off than I am, or are worthy of a mental ward!
I find that even tho I legally live here and pay taxes ect, I miss the Canadian health care system. The one that works based on how much you make. Is it fare? You might not think so, but I have never ( as a child) been turn away for care.
Everyone hears horror stories about this, but they simply are not true!
If you are able to wait for a procedure because someone else can't, you will. If it is life threatening, then you will be taken care of.
I think people need to stop with all this finger pointing and name calling. Cuz Canada, unlike most of the USA, has health insurance and health care and gets thier medications when they need them.
Look at how many shows even show US citizens going to Canada for medications! This should be a sign to the US government that there is something wrong!
Where are the red flags?
Instead of looking to fight wars on foreign soils, why dont they work on poverty within thier own country? Where are those helping create support agencies in the USA?
Have they any idea how much a child with special needs costs? Do you know that there needs to be help in our own country first?
Stop, look around. A socialized medication system would be a blessing. You need to see that paying $250 a month to company every year to use about $600 worth the medical treatment is wrong, especially when that company dont cover emergency treatments. Especially when you have to argue most major surgeries to get them covered!
Turning away kids with Autism for disability when they require so much therapy to help them grow and prosper! Let them have it for 5 years, then re-evaluate! Even give them partial coverage! Cover speach therapy if thats what they need! Cover occupational therapy if thats what they need. Help them over come thier obstacles! Stop fighting wars that dont effect us and start looking at home.
Use your resources to find cures for all kinds of childrens ailments!

What do you think the US government should put that money to use for?

Sun shine

So, it appears that my old blog was deleted for inactivity on another site. Oops!
Oh well, this site seems to be a better fit.
I have gone back to tweeting recently as well. I think I need something new to do. Something new to try. Something that will inspire me!
I can't seem to get past chapter 2 of my new attempt at writing a book. I can't even seem to get a working title formulated!
Here is to seeing if this works at getting these creative juices flowing again!