Autism - different... not less

Tink

Hulk and Doc

Three of my kids are on the spectrum.

"Tink"was diagnosed at age 10 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD level 2) on January 15th, 2013.
"Doc" was diagnosed at age 4 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD level 1) on January 14th, 2014.
"Hulk" was diagnosed at age 9 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD level 1) on March 27th, 2017

Some people may ask why would you want to label your child Autistic? They always have been, they were born with a uniqueness. We got them diagnosed for the future, because someday I will not be here and they will need support.

This whole experience, for me, has gotten easier with each kid. With Tink, I was devastated. With Doc, I knew what to expect. With Hulk, I am relieved. He was given the "key" to services that will allow him to become successful, and to open doors to the future.

When one door closes, you can reopen it. No seriously that’s how doors work.

It was a Monday, one of those days where you sit down around 3pm and say to yourself "Well, that wasn't so bad.." as you knock on some wood before you jinx it! Except I must of knocked on some fiberboard or somthing plastic with grained contacted paper on it, because that's around the time everything changed. It was Hulk's first Monday night wrestling practice, normally it's on Tuesday. Mr. Holland would be taking him after dinner. Everyone sat down and started eating, Doc asked her normal question "Can I have something else?" and we gave her toast with butter, her usual. Hey.. we tried, right? After Mr. H was done eating he started getting ready to leave. Hulk ran up and down the stairs a few time to get what he needed, because one trip is not his thing. In the middle of all of this Doc had secretly gotten ready and was waiting in the mud room. During the day I had explained to her that daddy was taking Hulk tonight so I could stay h...

Tornado in Holland..

Anyone who loves someone with ASD knows that routines, sameness, schedules, and rituals are extremely important to them. The slightest change in something we may think to be minor could cause major meltdowns that last for days. For the them, these things are more than a need... they are a requirement! Routines, schedules, rituals and habits all provides comfort and predictability in a world that is, all too often, chaotic and unpredictable. We all resist change regardless of our mental status. It keeps chaos at bay, so we get the peace of mind that we need. " According to Dr. Laura Markham (Elkins, n.d.), routines offer additional advantages of reducing or eliminating power struggles, initiating cooperation, teaching/learning to manage one’s own activities, teaching/learning the concept of anticipation, help adherence to schedule, and help paren...

Preparing for the future

For the past week I have been trying to keep my mind off the results of Doc's evaluation, still waiting for the phone call. I have been working on some ideas for the new sensory/therapy room. S ensory bins are wonderful hands on fun for many ages including toddlers and preschoolers! Many skills can be learned and explored through sensory bin play including social and emotional communication, literacy, fine motor skills, and more! Sensory bins provide an outlet for children to engage in a meaningful way and also receive sensory input that their little minds and bodies crave. Exploring through touch and feel can be a positive experience for most children. Sensory input from sensory bins works with your child's nervous system. Some fillers may be preferable to others, so don't give up trying! Let your child be your guide! Use a sensory bin to talk with your child about what he or she is sensing! Great com...

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