Thursday, March 3, 2016
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Taking a toll on marriage
Yes. That explains exactly what's going on right now. I really would like to understand my husband right now (for acting like another autistic in the family) but not in this current struggle in accepting and trying to make sure i give everything for our son.
Everything is new and yet to sink in you see and I am struggling. I also have my need to be undertstood and I need help. It's very frustrating when you are all effort reading the book and cutting pictures and you see him lying in bed and watching TV.
It would've been okay if I'm not working but I am. I also bring bread to the table and we are splitting almost all cost in the house. So he have no right to tell me that he is tired or sick and all as I am too. But I'm trying to be strong for our son.
I'm just venting out. This post is far from the autism topic but definitely related.
Friday, February 26, 2016
More than words by Fern Sussman
So after all the research I did over the internet, I decided to buy some few books that would help me guide my Zeddy in his ASD journey.
One of them is More than Words by Fern Sussman. The Child Dev doctor actually recommended this book and the internet moms are also suggesting that this is a good book to start with.
I'm halfway through the book and it is awesome so far.
It made me understand what exactly is ASD. It made me understand about their sensory issues reason why they do those weird stuff like lining up things, flapping their hands or running and jumping non-stop. I also understood Zeddy's current level of communication which helps in applying the correct approach of teaching and playing with him to interact more with us.
The book focuses on communication and socialization which is the main challenge of ASD kids. Don't expect it to tell you other things like how to calm your child during meltdowns or how to read their minds. But you can learn how to communicate with them so they can respond to your questions and tell you what they want and how they're feeling.
I realized today that my Zeddy is in the Requestor stage so for us to move on the next level, we need to implement Picture Exchange Communication System. Today I bought some magnetic sheets and planning to stick them at our doors and other places he could easily see to use it instead of the gestures.
Also, I need to be very very patient if Zeddy's progress won't be that quick because that's the thing about ASD, they have delays.
I'm kind of becoming obsessed in doing the home therapy with him. Hehehe. Mommy's love I guess.
One of them is More than Words by Fern Sussman. The Child Dev doctor actually recommended this book and the internet moms are also suggesting that this is a good book to start with.
I'm halfway through the book and it is awesome so far.
It made me understand what exactly is ASD. It made me understand about their sensory issues reason why they do those weird stuff like lining up things, flapping their hands or running and jumping non-stop. I also understood Zeddy's current level of communication which helps in applying the correct approach of teaching and playing with him to interact more with us.
The book focuses on communication and socialization which is the main challenge of ASD kids. Don't expect it to tell you other things like how to calm your child during meltdowns or how to read their minds. But you can learn how to communicate with them so they can respond to your questions and tell you what they want and how they're feeling.
I realized today that my Zeddy is in the Requestor stage so for us to move on the next level, we need to implement Picture Exchange Communication System. Today I bought some magnetic sheets and planning to stick them at our doors and other places he could easily see to use it instead of the gestures.
Also, I need to be very very patient if Zeddy's progress won't be that quick because that's the thing about ASD, they have delays.
I'm kind of becoming obsessed in doing the home therapy with him. Hehehe. Mommy's love I guess.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Overwhelming autism info on internet
Started my research on materials about autism and information is overwhelming! Lots of books and programs and therapies and jargons to choose and read and it makes me dizzy. Nevertheless this is just the beginning of my journey with Zeddy. Learned about Son-Rise program, BOLD program, ABA, GAPS diet, among other things but I guess I'll stick to More than words by Fern Sussman for now as its both recommended by Zeds doctor and some parents in blogs. They also made comparison with other books. I'll tell you about it how effective it is.
By the way, I'm writing this blog while in the bus standing as it's full on my way home from office.
Monday, February 22, 2016
What is stimming?
http://themighty.com/2016/01/11-people-with-autism-explain-what-stimming-feels-like/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Mighty_Page&utm_campaign=AUTISM
Temple Grandin - thoughts on Autism
http://www.salon.com/2013/05/18/temple_grandin_on_dsm_5_sounds_like_diagnosis_by_committee/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialflow
Sensory Diet
Pinning this in case is gets handy in the future.
Sensory Diets
Helping the child feel calm, alert, and organized
Autism is a neurological condition that often leaves the nervous system out of sync with the environment around it. This is very evident in the difficulties the nervous system has in processing sensory input. As discussed earlier there are a host of difficulties that this condition can present to the individual. Since the nervous system has difficulty processing sensory information effectively, it is often left agitated, disorganized, and overwhelmed. As mentioned above, the child (and adult) often has a hard time regulating the amount and intensity of stimulation to keep the nervous system calm, organized and focused. They can be under-aroused and sluggish one moment, and overwhelmed and anxious the next. Because of this problem balancing what the nervous system needs, Occupational Therapists trained in sensory processing disorders often develop sensory diets to calm and organize the nervous system to keep it within the optimum range of arousal.
A sensory diet is a carefully scheduled routine of sensory activities, given throughout the day, to help keep the nervous system calm, organized and focused. It is a carefully balanced set of sensory activities that are implemented periodically throughout the day to keep the nervous system within the optimal range of arousal. This lowers anxiety, increases focus, and maximizes the child’s ability to learn and adapt to daily demands. Usually the sensory diet is a set of activities to calm and organize the nervous system when over-aroused, and alert the nervous system when under-aroused. When the child is over-aroused, calming and organizing activities are given to stabilize the nervous system. When the child is under-aroused, alerting activities are given to increase the arousal level. Once the nervous system is in the optimal range of arousal, then a steady dose of organizing stimulation can maintain that state of readiness.
In designing a sensory diet, as part of the evaluation the occupational therapist will develop an inventory of sensory preferences and sensitivities that designs a sensory profile for the child. The sensory inventory and profile may look like the one in appendix A. From this profile the therapist identifies what stimulation calms the child (e.g. deep pressure, slow rocking, etc.), what stimulation alerts the child (e.g. jumping, swinging, chewing crunchy snacks), what stimulation the child seeks out (preferences) and what he avoids (sensitivities). From developing this profile the therapist can design a schedule of activities into the child’s daily routine that will calm and organize the nervous system. Often a set of activities are recommended to be used on a set schedule each day (frequently every couple of hours) as standard practice to keep the child organized, and then provide either calming or alerting activities as needed based on the child’s arousal level. Although a thorough discussion on sensory diets is beyond the scope of this book, some of the general sensory activities are listed as follows.
General Calming Activities
• Deep pressure massage
• Sitting on bean bags, large body pillow.
• Sandwiching, pillow press.
• Lap pads
• Deep pressure or weighted vest.
• Bear hugs, neutral warmth.
• Slow rocking
• Lotion rubs
• Soft lighting
• Soft, slow music.
• Joint compressions
• Stretching
• Chew gum
• Sucking
• Fidget toys
• Calm, rhythmic movement patterns.
General Alerting Activities
• Brisk rubbing.
• Tickling.
• Chewing gum, chewy food.
• Any push/pull, run, skip, jump, heavy lifting.
• Fast, irregular movement (swing, trampoline, therapy ball).
• Kick, bounce, and throw a ball.
• Strong tastes and odors (peppermint, perfumes).
• Bright lighting.
• Loud, fast music
• Cold water play.
• Fidget toys.
• Drinking carbonated drinks.
• Sitting on T-stool or air cushion.
• Physical exercise.
• Dancing
This series on “sensory issues” can be found in the blue book, “Autism Discussion Page on the Core Challenges of Autism.”
Sensory Diets
Helping the child feel calm, alert, and organized
Autism is a neurological condition that often leaves the nervous system out of sync with the environment around it. This is very evident in the difficulties the nervous system has in processing sensory input. As discussed earlier there are a host of difficulties that this condition can present to the individual. Since the nervous system has difficulty processing sensory information effectively, it is often left agitated, disorganized, and overwhelmed. As mentioned above, the child (and adult) often has a hard time regulating the amount and intensity of stimulation to keep the nervous system calm, organized and focused. They can be under-aroused and sluggish one moment, and overwhelmed and anxious the next. Because of this problem balancing what the nervous system needs, Occupational Therapists trained in sensory processing disorders often develop sensory diets to calm and organize the nervous system to keep it within the optimum range of arousal.
A sensory diet is a carefully scheduled routine of sensory activities, given throughout the day, to help keep the nervous system calm, organized and focused. It is a carefully balanced set of sensory activities that are implemented periodically throughout the day to keep the nervous system within the optimal range of arousal. This lowers anxiety, increases focus, and maximizes the child’s ability to learn and adapt to daily demands. Usually the sensory diet is a set of activities to calm and organize the nervous system when over-aroused, and alert the nervous system when under-aroused. When the child is over-aroused, calming and organizing activities are given to stabilize the nervous system. When the child is under-aroused, alerting activities are given to increase the arousal level. Once the nervous system is in the optimal range of arousal, then a steady dose of organizing stimulation can maintain that state of readiness.
In designing a sensory diet, as part of the evaluation the occupational therapist will develop an inventory of sensory preferences and sensitivities that designs a sensory profile for the child. The sensory inventory and profile may look like the one in appendix A. From this profile the therapist identifies what stimulation calms the child (e.g. deep pressure, slow rocking, etc.), what stimulation alerts the child (e.g. jumping, swinging, chewing crunchy snacks), what stimulation the child seeks out (preferences) and what he avoids (sensitivities). From developing this profile the therapist can design a schedule of activities into the child’s daily routine that will calm and organize the nervous system. Often a set of activities are recommended to be used on a set schedule each day (frequently every couple of hours) as standard practice to keep the child organized, and then provide either calming or alerting activities as needed based on the child’s arousal level. Although a thorough discussion on sensory diets is beyond the scope of this book, some of the general sensory activities are listed as follows.
General Calming Activities
• Deep pressure massage
• Sitting on bean bags, large body pillow.
• Sandwiching, pillow press.
• Lap pads
• Deep pressure or weighted vest.
• Bear hugs, neutral warmth.
• Slow rocking
• Lotion rubs
• Soft lighting
• Soft, slow music.
• Joint compressions
• Stretching
• Chew gum
• Sucking
• Fidget toys
• Calm, rhythmic movement patterns.
General Alerting Activities
• Brisk rubbing.
• Tickling.
• Chewing gum, chewy food.
• Any push/pull, run, skip, jump, heavy lifting.
• Fast, irregular movement (swing, trampoline, therapy ball).
• Kick, bounce, and throw a ball.
• Strong tastes and odors (peppermint, perfumes).
• Bright lighting.
• Loud, fast music
• Cold water play.
• Fidget toys.
• Drinking carbonated drinks.
• Sitting on T-stool or air cushion.
• Physical exercise.
• Dancing
This series on “sensory issues” can be found in the blue book, “Autism Discussion Page on the Core Challenges of Autism.”
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