This month we have chosen to have the theme of all things related to therapy and not just the conventional physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. While I am a big supporter of these therapies and have seen how helpful they can be for most kids, I thought that it would be interesting to get an inside look at other types of therapies that you may have heard about but probably haven’t had much time to research.
In my interview with hippo-therapist Beverly Saddler, you will learn how she uses her knowledge and experience as an OT to help kids on the spectrum using horses. In the article, “Autism is Like a Cough” you can get an honest glimpse of what it’s like for a dad with a low functioning ASD child and his valiant efforts to keep trying all the options for his son.
Then, the next article is written by Carl Young of www.whynotfathers.com and he explains his son’s stimming in such a perfect way that you might question if speech therapy is helpful or hurtful in this particular situation. Next, we are happy to feature a story about social therapy from the Friend 2 Friend Centre. After learning some strategies on how to help your ASD child make friends, you can remind yourself that when making a “plan” to care for your child (or children) that planning breaks for the parents is crucial not selfish.
In the news section, we explain how it has been scientifically proven for ASD kids to interact socially in the presence of animals. Also, since April is Autism Awareness month we shared a list of important dates and events. I am looking forward to speaking at the FOCUS Center for Autism Dinner. Make sure to check out the Q&A section because it has some great information on IEP’s. Many thanks to the people who shared their stories to help us smile, laugh or just to be happy and relate with you. I hope you read our Food For Thought Section even if you don’t have a problem with eczema, I think it is important to stay informed about what we put in our bodies. Have a great month.
Heres a summary of the contents
Autism is like a Cough…Here Let me Explain
Description: Everybody’s autism varies and everyone responds to therapies differently.
Author: Autism Daddy of www.autism-daddy.blogspot.com
Auditory Stimming: stuttering as a form of stimulation
Description: Stimming isn’t always flapping of the hands or arms. Different strokes for different folks. What is your child’s stim?
Author: Carl Young
Friend 2 Friend Centre: Social Play Groups
Description: The astonishing mission of one mom to help her autistic son and others like him make friends through “reciprocal social interaction, communication, imaginative play, and friendships between individuals on the autism spectrum and their typically developing peers.”
Author: Heather McCracken
The Most Important Part of a Parenting Plan is YOU
Description: How finding time to relieve parental/caregiver stress should be a major factor when considering a plan of care
Author: Meghan Graham
Autism in the News:
1. Autistic kids proven to be more social with animal present
2. Blow Bubbles 4 Autism www.FACES4autism.org
3. ASRC – Walk for Autism http://www.ct-asrc.org/
4. Celebrate FOCUS Center for Autism – http://focuscenterforautism.org/events/
5. Calendar of events –http://www.sarnet.org/events/
Book in the Spotlight: A Brief Moment in Time
Description: A Brief Moment in Time is a powerful and heartfelt memoir sharing French’s perseverance through adversity, revealing how she overcame her own prejudice, denial and pain to secure a happy future for her family. It is a portrait of an inspiring woman that will assist and shed light on the plight of others who may be starting their own journey on this road.
Author: Deborah French
Q&A Section
Description: Can I put organizational/study skills in my 9 year old son’s IEP?
Author: Leslie Burby
Put a Smile On
Description: Inspiring and sometimes funny things are children say, do and achieve.
Author: Leslie Burby
Food for Thought: KID’S FOAM MATS, Food & OTHER PRODUCTS: BANNED IN EUROPE, BUT NOT IN THE USA OR CANADA, WHY?
Description: Knowing what is in and on our food for the people with food-sensitivities and diet restrictions
Author: Jennifer Roberge owner of www.eczemacompany.com and blogger of www.itchylittleworld.com
Sincerely,
Leslie Burby
Editor
