We tried the special barber - to no avail after waiting for an hour. He seemed relaxed until the cape was around him and the clip holding it snagged the hair in back - that was it!!!
I admit to bribery!!!! I bought a $5 dollar game, bought a clipper/scissors set and did it myself - cutting was not going well - so off it all came - Immediate he hit the shower because the little hairs were a big bother to him (which is fine) HE was upset but the shower helped.
I used soothing words and praised his bravery. Now he was upset because he felt bald -
1 week later he is quite happy with the doo!! He just has to use a very soft bristle brush which feels good. Problem solved. Summer is coming and it will be cooler for him. It summer is drastic like this winter has been - well - its should e really hot and humid and he will be more comfortable. He can now go about 6 months before the next traumatic hair cut.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Sunday, March 2, 2008
BUMP
Well, its been a week!
The most challenging is Raising Autism Awareness. I am no Jenny MCCarthy, but cmon people.
Participate. Step up!
All these children - 1 in 150 are our future!!!!!! How are we going to creat a place of acceptance and understanding.
so many times my son has inadvertantly bumped into someone at the store, totally oblivious to what has happened. I can't think of a time this did not elicit some kind negative response or lack there of. Not that he should wear a t-Shirt that says Excuse me I'm Autistic, I may not notice you. One time I thought I was going to have it out with another man in the store, but then I realized he might have issues too especially how dramatic his reaction was.
Emotions are something of a nuisance to my son. Anything that would normally draw reaction from anyone else simply annoys him. A baby crying brings about the desire to stop the crying yes, but also to offer comfort etc.. Nope not him just annoying. he knows what happy sad anger etc... are but it is hard to go from one to the other. If I could only get that kind of drive during homework time.
It is amazing how much capacity he has for learning and increasing his knowlege base. he only has to write his spelling words once to know them even though we do it several times a week. He types them. Handwriting is not a positive for him. We are slling his first book to raise money for a laptop for him. You can find this on his page at hopeezinetoday.com. These are not fancy copies of a binded book, but something we are putting together ourselves unless someone comes forward who would like to get it published. It is his view of a little squirrel he named Patty and another squirrel called Guido. It is The Hollow Tree.
He is a good boy. He made First Honors in School this reporting period. Considering this is the first year he has had a formal report card it is wonderful. Being the literal child that he is, it was great news when he first saw it. It doesn't really stay with him enough though.
Speaking of literal. Its very hard to get that flexibility in thought. I woke him up one morning - saying a Tornado hit in Chicago. "Really?" he said. "Yeah!" "It hit our living room!" "You're kidding right?", was his response. I was talking about the mess he had made the night before. he didn't go out to see it, nor did he feel inclined to fix it. Thats my job. he has a very distinct idea of my role. To be there before and after school. to cook, clean and get his clothes ready. He does not want me to go back to work. In his mind, work would take me completely away from the home. I did not truly realize how much I missed until now this last year beign home for him. i work from home. I do telemarketing and Ebay, Amazon and Craigslist selling. Would love to do more... So that I didn't have to worry so much about money. I haven't really starting to make anything selling, but I make a little doing the telemarketing. Nothing to write home about yet.
Oh wait I am home and its time for bed.
The most challenging is Raising Autism Awareness. I am no Jenny MCCarthy, but cmon people.
Participate. Step up!
All these children - 1 in 150 are our future!!!!!! How are we going to creat a place of acceptance and understanding.
so many times my son has inadvertantly bumped into someone at the store, totally oblivious to what has happened. I can't think of a time this did not elicit some kind negative response or lack there of. Not that he should wear a t-Shirt that says Excuse me I'm Autistic, I may not notice you. One time I thought I was going to have it out with another man in the store, but then I realized he might have issues too especially how dramatic his reaction was.
Emotions are something of a nuisance to my son. Anything that would normally draw reaction from anyone else simply annoys him. A baby crying brings about the desire to stop the crying yes, but also to offer comfort etc.. Nope not him just annoying. he knows what happy sad anger etc... are but it is hard to go from one to the other. If I could only get that kind of drive during homework time.
It is amazing how much capacity he has for learning and increasing his knowlege base. he only has to write his spelling words once to know them even though we do it several times a week. He types them. Handwriting is not a positive for him. We are slling his first book to raise money for a laptop for him. You can find this on his page at hopeezinetoday.com. These are not fancy copies of a binded book, but something we are putting together ourselves unless someone comes forward who would like to get it published. It is his view of a little squirrel he named Patty and another squirrel called Guido. It is The Hollow Tree.
He is a good boy. He made First Honors in School this reporting period. Considering this is the first year he has had a formal report card it is wonderful. Being the literal child that he is, it was great news when he first saw it. It doesn't really stay with him enough though.
Speaking of literal. Its very hard to get that flexibility in thought. I woke him up one morning - saying a Tornado hit in Chicago. "Really?" he said. "Yeah!" "It hit our living room!" "You're kidding right?", was his response. I was talking about the mess he had made the night before. he didn't go out to see it, nor did he feel inclined to fix it. Thats my job. he has a very distinct idea of my role. To be there before and after school. to cook, clean and get his clothes ready. He does not want me to go back to work. In his mind, work would take me completely away from the home. I did not truly realize how much I missed until now this last year beign home for him. i work from home. I do telemarketing and Ebay, Amazon and Craigslist selling. Would love to do more... So that I didn't have to worry so much about money. I haven't really starting to make anything selling, but I make a little doing the telemarketing. Nothing to write home about yet.
Oh wait I am home and its time for bed.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Fundraising Auctions
We are hosting two auctions right now for very special causes. These are not fancy items, they are simple items for phenomenal causes!
We chose these two organizations because, we both have children with Down's and Autism and feel motivated to do SOMETHING.
Please share our links.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=120220657906&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=120220059179&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT
National Association for Down's Syndrome
Donations to this organization support the following programs
Parent Support Program
Medical In-Service Programs
Medical & Psychosocial services
Outreach to Spanish-Speaking Families
Mentoring Program
Family Retreat
Parent-to-Parent Network
Conferences & Seminars
Public Awareness Program
Web Discussion Forums
Newsletter
Resource Referrals
National Autism Association
The mission of the National Autism Association is to educate and empower families affected by autism and other neurological disorders, while advocating on behalf of those who cannot fight for their own rights. We will educate society that autism is not a lifelong incurable genetic disorder but one that is biomedically definable and treatable. We will raise public and professional awareness of environmental toxins as causative factors in neurological damage that often results in an autism or related diagnosis. We will encourage those in the autism community to never give up in their search to help their loved ones reach their full potential, funding efforts toward this end through appropriate research for finding a cure for the neurological damage from which so many affected by autism suffer.
We chose these two organizations because, we both have children with Down's and Autism and feel motivated to do SOMETHING.
Please share our links.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=120220657906&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=120220059179&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT
National Association for Down's Syndrome
Donations to this organization support the following programs
Parent Support Program
Medical In-Service Programs
Medical & Psychosocial services
Outreach to Spanish-Speaking Families
Mentoring Program
Family Retreat
Parent-to-Parent Network
Conferences & Seminars
Public Awareness Program
Web Discussion Forums
Newsletter
Resource Referrals
National Autism Association
The mission of the National Autism Association is to educate and empower families affected by autism and other neurological disorders, while advocating on behalf of those who cannot fight for their own rights. We will educate society that autism is not a lifelong incurable genetic disorder but one that is biomedically definable and treatable. We will raise public and professional awareness of environmental toxins as causative factors in neurological damage that often results in an autism or related diagnosis. We will encourage those in the autism community to never give up in their search to help their loved ones reach their full potential, funding efforts toward this end through appropriate research for finding a cure for the neurological damage from which so many affected by autism suffer.
Another Day
My son has really come a long way in the last six months. It has been wonderful to note his accomplishments.
This is the first he has had a formal report card (5th grade). This last one he made First Honors. It was priceless to see his reaction and his pride. He was so happy - he completed all his homework in record time that night.
One book that has really started to have an impact is "Different Like Me". The book talks about various life achievers like Einstein. My son feels very connected to the description of Arthur Turing. Who invented the Turing Machine (computers). He understands what some of the people in the book have accomplished so its been motivating for him.
I think everyday is a struggle for him to put out the knowledge he has inside. From simple equations to complex assignments, like reports. Like being stuck on 2+5, 2+5, 2+5. We have come up with several ways to draw out his answers etc.. and usually by trial and error.
Writing is a CHALLENGE. He has a very hard time writing. He has a little keyboard for writing assisgnments, but its not large enough for reports. We are working on getting him his own laptop which will not only hold his school work but also special programs to further develop his typing, writing, math skills. See http://hopeezinetoday.com/facts.html. My son really gets into deciding what to put on his page. He wants people to take the quizzes he puts on his page.
Well I am ending here with this. You can find Different Like Me at Amazon through our site:http://hopeezinetoday.com/Amazon.html - Just type it in the search spot and you will be taken directly to Amazon to that product.
This is the first he has had a formal report card (5th grade). This last one he made First Honors. It was priceless to see his reaction and his pride. He was so happy - he completed all his homework in record time that night.
One book that has really started to have an impact is "Different Like Me". The book talks about various life achievers like Einstein. My son feels very connected to the description of Arthur Turing. Who invented the Turing Machine (computers). He understands what some of the people in the book have accomplished so its been motivating for him.
I think everyday is a struggle for him to put out the knowledge he has inside. From simple equations to complex assignments, like reports. Like being stuck on 2+5, 2+5, 2+5. We have come up with several ways to draw out his answers etc.. and usually by trial and error.
Writing is a CHALLENGE. He has a very hard time writing. He has a little keyboard for writing assisgnments, but its not large enough for reports. We are working on getting him his own laptop which will not only hold his school work but also special programs to further develop his typing, writing, math skills. See http://hopeezinetoday.com/facts.html. My son really gets into deciding what to put on his page. He wants people to take the quizzes he puts on his page.
Well I am ending here with this. You can find Different Like Me at Amazon through our site:http://hopeezinetoday.com/Amazon.html - Just type it in the search spot and you will be taken directly to Amazon to that product.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Autism Factions
There is such separatism amongst parents of children with autism and the autism community. I guess no matter what they figure out research wise - my child needs assistance. Period. I don't want to change who he is inside but like all parents I want him to be the best he can be.
There are groups that absolutely forbid the mention of mercury issues (these are support groups for parents) and other that won't think any other way.
I think we need to come together somewhere!!! This group does this, that group does that. If you don't do what one group says you aren't motivated to help your child - BULLOX!
Each person with autism is different, just like everyone else. What works for some doens't work for others. sometimes its frustrating when you have questions because one groups leads you one way and another tries to lead you another. The bottom line again is that my child needs support, less or more than other children with autism.
Not everyone can afford the fancy treatments that seem to bring some children round.
I told one person that I would walk for Autism Speaks. i would walk for TACA. I would walk for the National Autism Association. I would walk for AUTISM.
I am walking by the way - its anyone wants to sponsor us.
What are you doing for Autism?
What are you doing to increase AWARENESS?
There are groups that absolutely forbid the mention of mercury issues (these are support groups for parents) and other that won't think any other way.
I think we need to come together somewhere!!! This group does this, that group does that. If you don't do what one group says you aren't motivated to help your child - BULLOX!
Each person with autism is different, just like everyone else. What works for some doens't work for others. sometimes its frustrating when you have questions because one groups leads you one way and another tries to lead you another. The bottom line again is that my child needs support, less or more than other children with autism.
Not everyone can afford the fancy treatments that seem to bring some children round.
I told one person that I would walk for Autism Speaks. i would walk for TACA. I would walk for the National Autism Association. I would walk for AUTISM.
I am walking by the way - its anyone wants to sponsor us.
What are you doing for Autism?
What are you doing to increase AWARENESS?
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Making Friends? 01-21-08
Hello all!
This weekend was grand in a way. My son has made a friend! He is also on the spectrum - its amazing to see a child do some of the same things as my son. He is a good boy like my son. But he is a bit more mature and much more verbal. He can ask questions and converse VERY WELL. Like at least 1 hour straight after arrival. He is delightful and very smart.
It is wonderful to see my son enjoying company and even a few phone calls. Unfortunately our phone ran out of battery during one call.
he spent the night Friday and they were up at 4:44 am Saturday to play etc.. There is no sense in trying to force them back asleep once they are up thats for sure _ I did try, but they couldn't fall back asleep.
Making friends has always been hard for him. He is parallel, but aware you are there and when you go away.
When we first moved to one place he was invited to every party, but soon the invitations stopped coming and none of the children were persistent.
I have seen children make fun of him and THANK GOD he doesn't realize it really or the emotional response is not really there for. On occasion, he has been known to tell people though its rude, but that came later.
When he was in preschool a child came to me at pick up time and told me he was very glad i was there to pick up my son because he "hated" him - but that was in part a few of the teachers fault. I think now the child picked it up from them and their "reactions" to him. He did not like attending there except for the director and student - that adored him.
It should be mandatory that teachers go back and get training - ALL teachers, not just Special Ed.
I wonder sometimes if our world will somehow evolve into a society where we are all parallel. - scary thought at the rate things are going - 1 -in 150 is now the current stats.
Eileen
Hopeezinetoday.com
Be autism aware
This weekend was grand in a way. My son has made a friend! He is also on the spectrum - its amazing to see a child do some of the same things as my son. He is a good boy like my son. But he is a bit more mature and much more verbal. He can ask questions and converse VERY WELL. Like at least 1 hour straight after arrival. He is delightful and very smart.
It is wonderful to see my son enjoying company and even a few phone calls. Unfortunately our phone ran out of battery during one call.
he spent the night Friday and they were up at 4:44 am Saturday to play etc.. There is no sense in trying to force them back asleep once they are up thats for sure _ I did try, but they couldn't fall back asleep.
Making friends has always been hard for him. He is parallel, but aware you are there and when you go away.
When we first moved to one place he was invited to every party, but soon the invitations stopped coming and none of the children were persistent.
I have seen children make fun of him and THANK GOD he doesn't realize it really or the emotional response is not really there for. On occasion, he has been known to tell people though its rude, but that came later.
When he was in preschool a child came to me at pick up time and told me he was very glad i was there to pick up my son because he "hated" him - but that was in part a few of the teachers fault. I think now the child picked it up from them and their "reactions" to him. He did not like attending there except for the director and student - that adored him.
It should be mandatory that teachers go back and get training - ALL teachers, not just Special Ed.
I wonder sometimes if our world will somehow evolve into a society where we are all parallel. - scary thought at the rate things are going - 1 -in 150 is now the current stats.
Eileen
Hopeezinetoday.com
Be autism aware
Autism Days 01-14-08
This is life with an 11 year old with high functioning autism.
Today is monday. An off day because 45 minutes of band extra in the afternoon throws off the whole evening.
My son gets up and has to eat right away after going to the bathroom, nothing else can take its place. If it takes to long to make breakfast its, "I'm hungry,"- "I'm hungry," - "I'm hungry,"- "I'm hungry,"- "I'm hungry,"- "I'm hungry,"- "I'm hungry,"- Until he starts eating. So I try to have something ready before I wake him up. Next is the task of brushing his teeth which takes two brushes one for each side. (Hey at least he is brushing), When he combs his hair, he will not brush the top or back just the front and using adds water so it is plastered down to his head. he has to put his clothes in in order, underwear, t-shirt, socks, pants, shirt - almost everyday I have to turn a pull over around because it backwards. He will most days get lost in the tag if there is one and pull it off. Thank good ness there are now tagless undershirts. Cutting it out leaves some of the tag. In between putting on items there are comments about school, a book, video game, or ten questions, they all begin with the word "mom". If he is lucky to be ready a good 15 minutes before he has to leave he can watch a cartoon or something, most days he is not
Oatmeal is the easiest to prepare and have ready. If he has toast he has to have butter on it and it ALL HAS to be melted completely. he used to just eat it if it was cut into shapes, especially circles, but does not do that any more.
He bathes at night so he doesn't have to in the morning - that is another whole long thing. He has to have a little bottle of wash because if he has the big bottle he uses the entire bottle. He has to wash his body then his hair then his body again. He will not ever stand front ways in the shower. It took years to get him to shower but now he has been doing it for the last year.
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