autism

Funny how different phases of life bring on  whole sets of different issues.  For many various reasons, most spectrum kids do not have pals to hang out with.  It goes along with the nature of the disorder.  For those children who do find that they desire some sort of interactive relationship they may expect their care giver/parent to full fill that void.    We don’t challenge them like a peer would so they get socialization on their terms.  While it is a great opportunity to spend time with them doing their preferred activities it can be extremely challenging to play every role in your child’s life.  It is also important to attempt to balance the activities to make them compromise somewhat because in the real world other people are not going to adjust their activities to completely suit your child’s desires.

There are many seminars and workshops available to gain more information about the latest info available in regards to our children.  I had stopped actively attending because I did get to a point where I was hearing mostly the same thing over and over again while paying $50 or more to eat a cold cut platter.  However,  new advancements and treatments are constantly being introduced and these workshops are a good way to hear what other people are doing.  When sorting out your pamphlets really read what they will be discussing to determine which particular workshop could be of value to you.  While it can be interesting to hear about various treatments, ect… unless you are a health-care provider some of the lectures may not apply to you and your unique situation.

I am becoming a politic junkie, which is something I thought I would never get in to.  I am actually changing the channels from my favorite sitcom reruns to CNN…  to catch the latest updates on what is going on.  It is turning into a sitcom itself.  People magazine is doing a republican exclusive that shows a picture of the candidates and their families that cracks me up every time I look at it.  If they don’t win they should consider doing a sitcom instead.

Sarah Palin, the “hockey mother”, while sending one child off to war is raising a newborn with downs syndrome.   While I agree that this new plot that the republicans have come up with might intrigue more viewers, I can not see it working to improve our world.  In reality,  the mother of a new born with special needs is going to have her hands pretty full.  While she deserves any kind of career path she chooses, it was her choice to have this child.  I see why the republicans feel that she will appeal to our special needs community.  However, do they really believe that this women is going to be able to give them 24/7 over the next four years?  Or do they really care?

For some odd reason IEP services never kick in at the on set of the school year.  It can be really frustrating getting your program in to gear.  Don’t assume that because your child is starting school that their paper work is organized and ready to go.  Contact your IU prior to the first day, because they get buried right away.  If you know who will be providing your services ,(speech, ot….) try and contact them directly to set up your schedule.  Talk to your child’s teacher if they are in a mainstream situation to arrange times where pull-out services won’t interfere with other things.  Patience along with persistence will get you through the first month.  It is important to try and stay organized.  When you get your kids school supplies get yourself new folders to keep your paperwork together.  Many districts are going “paperless” so you can set yourself up with folders on the computer.

About a month after my son was diagnosed, my mother sent me and my husband out to see a movie.  Something About Mary was reviewed as the best comedy around at that time and we felt like a good laugh was what we needed.  In the very first scene a boy with obvious special needs was made fun of.  While the audience around me thought the scene was funny and roared with laughter, I cried.  Humor takes on a very different tone when it applies to your own misfortunes.

The new movie Tropical Thunder is getting a lot of flack by special needs interest groups for making fun of people with special needs.  I had actually taken my son to the movie not knowing this element of it and thought to myself right away how unnecessary some of the statements they used were.   My son didn’t really pick up on any of that and he thought the movie was hysterical.

For some reason people find humor in human tragedy.  The Tropical Thunder movie also jokes about  people getting killed in the war.  Comedy can be hurtful when it hits home.

Change can be hard to deal with for many of our kids.  It seems just as they start to get into the swing of summer the back to school ads get started.  Although many of our kids actually seem to be more content with the structure of the school year it may still be difficult for them to switch back to school mode.  Preparation is key for any transition issues.  Slowly put them back on their school sleeping schedule.  Gradually have them do some reading if they blew it off all summer.  Make an excuse to pick something up at their school just to get them in the building before the first day.  Sometimes having them actually go to the school can help ease the anxiety of walking in on that first day.

Tactile aversions effect many children along the spectrum. Small seams and tags in clothes can feel like sand paper rubbing against their skin to some of our kids.  This can make clothes shopping some what challenging.  Sticking to soft cotton clothing is usually a good choice.  T-shirts and underwear with stamped tags are available instead of having those stupid tags sewn along the top.  If you do need to take the tag out, try using a scissors instead of just ripping because they are usually sewn in so tight that you can end up ripping the shirt itself.  Stay away from socks with acrylic fibers in the mix.  Try and get socks with out seams.  Many socks are made with a seam sewn right to the end of the toe.

I don’t think it is any bodies preference to do their business in a public restroom.  It can be a major issue for our kids on so many levels.  It can be a major issue for us because as our kids age there comes a time when it becomes inappropriate to take them into restrooms of the opposite sex.

I noticed my first Public Family Bathroom in a local mall long before I had realized the importance of it.  It is usually set up as a single room with a door that locks and is big enough for you to be able to help your child if need be.  I have seen them available in airports and some rest-stops along the highways.  I think all public facilities need to offer these type of accommodations.

Because of the organizing aspect of the senses of individuals along the autistic spectrum they do not necessarily appear tuned in at certain times when in reality they are completely listening and absorbing what is going on.  Do not assume as a caretaker that because they appear spaced out that therefore they are not listening and absorbing information that you might not want them to hear.

I have read that many autistic adults find it difficult to look at someone and have a conversation with them at the same time.  Some actually are so bothered by visual stimulation in general that they find dark glasses useful.  There are even special lenses that are an amber color that are supposed to help with visual disturbances.

They make some really way out birthday parties these days.  From rock climbing to simulated war games nothing is to far fetched.   While these activities may seem awesome and cool for some children, they may end up to be to overwhelming for your particular child.  Your average birthday party may end up to be to overwhelming for your particular child.  Birthday parties with your friends typical kids can be a great opportunity for our kids to be with other children and participate in various social situations, but…not all our kids can handle or enjoy the hustle and bustle of some parties.

It is ok to decline an invitation if you know that a party is not going to work for your child.  A true friend will hear your plight and understand.  You can also go late or leave early if it is something that you would like your child to try.