Week 16- Just random

So there are a couple things I am bothered by right now.

 #1- pool safety and children with autism.  I know many ASD parents can vouch that kids with autism are attracted to water.  Look at all the drowning reports in the past couple years.  It can happen in a split second and cause neurological damage beyond repair.  I used to work for a pediatric sub acute in Loma Linda.  Many many of those children where in a "vegetable state" with permanent brain damage.  Many of those children's conditions came from near drownings at their own homes. I have seen the loss and devastation.  Why can't others see it?

#2-  We all know ASD kids thrive on routine, right.  So why would you have a teacher for your child one year,  a different teacher for ESY (end of school year) and then another new teacher the following year?  I know for a fact my daughter should have the same teacher as last year, but I am getting the run around about how I would have to do a district transfer and that there is no guarantee, blah, blah, blah... BULL SHIT. I know several parents who have requested the same teachers and have gotten them. I am willing to bet even with the district preschool changes this year, some of those parents will get the same teachers EVEN if that teacher is not at the child's home-school.  It's all a crock and a ploy and what's the worst is they are toying with my daughter's future and education and it really pisses me off.    I will not stop fighting for my daughter's rights.


Okay, I am off my soapbox now.

Book Review- Point to Happy: For Children on the Autism Spectrum

I am pleased to announce that I was given a chance to review the book Point to Happy: For Children on the Autism Spectrum. I tried it out with Katlynn during her therapy sessions and on my own time with her.

 

This book is a godsend to any parent and child dealing with autism, aspergers, add, adhd- but to be perfectly honest, every parent should read it with their kids especially children that learn better about emotions visually. Who doesn't learn better visually using real life photos of classroom and social behavior? I was pleased to see the simple and basic feelings shown beautifully.  It touches on simple life skills such as playing,  staying close,  quiet time, colors, routines, etc.  There is even a section in the back where you can add your own social or emotional story yourself.   

Point to Happy: For Children on the Autism Spectrum  is a must have for EVERY child that is entering preschool and/or kindergarten. Every library needs this book ... tell yours! 

You can purchase it HERE.

Week-15

Well.. the little stinker is doing great on the potty with #1.  However, with #2 we're still hit and miss.  She's had a few successes, but I am still catching her crapping in her pants, putting it in the toilet and then telling us she pooped in the toilet.  We've actually believed her a few times until we see poop caked to her bottom or her undies streaked. I know, I know some of you are thinking TMI, but this is my life.  I live this day in and day out, so I can't help but turn some of it into humor.

Tonight we hit another milestone (at least in my book).  She was sent to timeout for trowing toys.  She typically sits in timeout really well without a fuss (why can't Halle and Audrie do this?). So anyhow,  after her 3 minutes was up,  I went to her and I asked her why she was put in timeout.  She was able to correctly tell me why and that she has thrown toys.  Jackpot.  She understood... phew.  that little brain of hers that is constantly working on overdrive, is working quite well.  

So I snapped this picture of a person she drew.  Now, I did not see this happen, but Dave and the other 2 girls swear Katlynn drew it so I will give her credit because I really think she did it, I think.  She can draw legs, arms, hair and eyebrows too.  

Cute, right.  

Anyhow,  we're in search of a swim instructor for Katlynn.  Haven't had any luck yet.  I called a lady yesterday who is a private instructor and she charges $300+ for 8 lessons... are you kidding me?  I was thinking holy shit balls this woman means business and in 8 short sessions my kid better be a future Olympian for that price. Anyhow,  with all these drownings happening to kids with autism lately (there are articles all over the internet) I am terrified for Katlynn's safety.  Pools, ponds, beaches all freak me out right now.  So I am hoping to at least get her more comfortable with water and a little more familiar with safety. 

Ps... No, I am not paying $300+ for swim lessons.  Future Olympian or not,  that price is insane to me. 

oh, oh, oh~ one more thing... I found this picture of Katlynn  at 10 months.  Her first piggies.  Aww... 

Week-14

So, I think Katlynn's IEP went well.  Part of me feels as though I might have under estimated her capabilities for the goals I agreed on with the team.  I didn't want to put too much on her, but I also wanted to make sure they were addressing key academic and social areas.   She has 2 goals placed I know for a fact she will master in the next 6 months.  Counting to 20 consecutively and tracing her name all caps.   Tonight she traced her name.  While it wasn't great, she actually did much better then I thought she would.  So... I am hoping this doesn't turn into another IEP saga down the line.  Crossing my fingers the communications just go smooth and she keeps her teacher she has now.

I also addressed the idea of the girls sharing a classroom for their last year of preschool.  It is something the staff was willing to discuss and get back to me.  Crossing my fingers on that one.

The potty is still going pretty good.  We actually had a poop success tonight.  Yay!!!

We're still having issues with her saying "no" and " I not..." constantly for everything lately.  It is something new and is frustrating to see her doing.  Even stuff she enjoys she is responding to this way.  I am hoping it is short lived and with the help of her behavioral interventionists, we can find a solution to the issue.

That's all for now folks.

Oh.... I started a fundraiser for an  I-pad for Katlynn.  If you know anyone who would like to take part and donate or support, please check the tab to the top left for donations information.

CONTEST... Please check it out!!!

SmartKnitKIDS

We’re Socking it to Autism with Autism Spectrum Magazine and bringing you an  Autism Awareness Month Give-away!  We’re putting together a prize with some  cool goodies for your child and some pretty neat things for you too!

1 GRAND PRIZE WINNER WILL BE AWARDED! Dizzy Disc Jr Eye Spy Sensory Bag Tactile Discs Color Wonder Lap Desk Hand Print Canvas Set Flower Head Vase Flip Video Camera 2 pairs of SmartKnitKIDS Socks 1 pair of SmartKnitKIDS Undies 1 SmartKnitKIDS Seamless Under-Tee

Check out this link to enter the contest and see contest rules.

week-13

It's a product review kind of week.  So, I ask my friends over at smartknitkids if I could test their socks for my kiddos to see if it would help Audrie keep socks on and if they would help Katlynn when wearing her SMO's.

I was very surprised to get a couple different sizes and colors in the mail.  First off, the packaging is too cute.  The socks are so soft, yet thick and really well made.  They work perfect with Katlynn's braces for her shoes.  They didn't bunch up like normal socks do and leave creases on her feet causing pain or blisters. I was very pleased.

Audrie actually kept the socks on for a longer period of time then she normally does, but I don't think she'll ever be very fond of any sock... Maybe I should give the panties a shot.  I think for most sensory sensitive kiddos, these socks are great.

Overall I would give this product 2 thumbs up.  Please visit their facebook page or their website list above for more information.

Week-12

Running a little behind here since were already midweek into week-13.  That's okay.

So last week was Spring break.  Rained a lot, so the kids didn't get to get out as much as we would have liked, but we made due with movies,  board games, Chuck-E-Cheese and the indoor jumping place.  None of which I happened to have captured pictures.

I didn't get a call about Katlynn's EEG. I am assuming no news is good news, but I still swear she's had seizures.

She's starting to recite EVERYTHING and her echolalia is coming back.  Ugh...She was doing so good for a while there.  She is still using most of her language appropriately though.  So I am happy about that.

Today I Put her down for nap and I heard her jibber jabbering and I walked up stairs and found her clothes she was wearing in a pile outside her door.  I opened up her door and she had dressed in her PJ's inside out. lol... It was cute.  I had to get a picture.

 When I took this picture, she told me, "I'm happy mommy".  Melts  my heart.  Especially since just 30 minute earlier she was screaming her head off and in a very foul mood.  I think she has an ear infection.  not 100% sure, but I have dealt with a lot of them with 3 kids and I am pretty sure I am right.  I am going to just give her pain meds and ride it out for a day or 2.  I avoid antibiotics like the plague these days as it seems to break down their immune system so much and the medicine needs to be stronger and stronger each time to do the job.

She is still doing amazing with potty training.  I think we pretty much have #1 down pat.  Even naps and and morning she is waking up often dry.  She has woke in the middle of the night a couple times the past couple weeks and I think it is just because she had to go potty. She will go and then go right back to sleep.  We're still working in #2.  She will come to me and tell me she pooped in the potty ( after trying to dump it) or she will often tell me she has to go potty ( meaning she already pooped in her pants), but we're making headway.