Editor’s Letter
Dear Readers,
When my daughters were young I found it impossible to join groups or activities. My daughters were born only twelve months apart and for most events there needed to be a 1:1 ratio of parent to child. Plus I could only go to locations that were big enough to have an elevator to fit a double stroller since my oldest couldn’t walk for the first few years of her life and her sensory sensitivities made it difficult for her to tolerate an indoor event for long. Fast forward a few years later, after physical therapy and sensory integration, just when I thought we were mastering how to handle outings – I started having seizures and found out I was pregnant with my third child. To say the least, it was a tough few years but even when I couldn’t take my children out of the house I arranged playdates and activities at home to continue to engage them. My hope is that you do the same. I know how difficult it can be to go out but I have found solace in joining other parents that have children with special needs in activities. They get it and don’t stare at me with judgmental eyes. So this issue is all about activities that I have heard about that specifically have activities or groups for children with autism. In addition, there is information about two products that aide in helping find your child if you happen to get separated because one of my fears that kept me from even walking up my own small street was that I would have a seizure and not be able to communicate that I needed help. Thankfully, I have been seizure free for two and a half years but now I worry about my son not being able to communicate if we get separated at a park or in the mall. While I often use a Kinderkord when at museums or at the grocer, there are some environments where I want him to be able to run such as a park. I hope the articles encourage you to find a group in your area or start a small one at home with two or three other families. There is no sensory section this month but instead we included a sensory related craft in the Art: No Words Needed article and one of them is a shamrock that will be perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. Please make sure to check out the variety of articles we have this month on apraxia, and making visitation arrangements with less anxiety if you are going through a divorce.
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Kind Regards,
Leslie Burby
Editor-in-Chief
Issue 16 features:
- Art: No Words Needed
- Snowbility Indoor skiing classes for all abilities by Karen Bower
- 11 Activities to Consider Doing with Your Child by Leslie Burby
- Interview Bill Mueller of EASe by Mark Blakey
- Locating Your Child with a QR Code by Leslie Burby
- Everything you need to know about the availability of tracking devices and your options by Megan Kelly
- Book in the Spotlight: Aspien Girl, Aspien Woman, Aspien Powers by Tania Marshall
- Autism and Divorce: Visitation by Nick Malcuit
- Q&A Section: Safe biting products
- Using Technology to Create Art
- Benefits of vestibular movement and vestibular exercises
- What I Saw by Kitt Martin
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