Sunday, October 23, 2011

Behavior Mama

I have been contemplating a site for a while. I started ABA Parenting in May as a way to teach parents about ABA. I have changed that focus, stopped progress on that blog and created Behavior Mama. I had tossed around ideas for "ABA Mama," "Behavior Mom," "Science Mom" for a while. Then, I stumbled upon Behavior Babe and Behavior Guy on Facebook and came up with Behavior Mama. Unlike the two of them, I am not a BCBA yet. There sites are geared more towards BCBAs and the science of ABA. I want to discuss and share information about ABA, how parents can apply it, and also post information and resources for anyone studying for the exam.

There is a lot of misinformation out there and I want to help change that.

Please contact me with any questions at behaviormama@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

300 posts!?

I've made it to 300 posts! Wow! It's been quite a journey, and I believe we are facing an exciting new chapter or road in that journey. I haven't posted as much as I should but I'm hoping to put more focus on this blog and writing down my thoughts. I really enjoy being able to look back at how far we've come and also look at the advances that continue to happen in the field of Autism.

Here's to 3000 more!:)

Monday, October 10, 2011

Autism therapy dogs

A friend of mine asked for help today for a nursing project. He wanted more information on the use of therapy dogs for children with Autism.

Here are some helpful links I found:

Joey's doc's site:
http://www.melmedcenter.com/AnimalAssistedTherapy

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/11/giving/11DOGS.html

http://autismservicedogsofamerica.com/faqs/

http://sangayglass.hubpages.com/hub/Mutts-in-Medicine-Autism-Therapy-Dogs

Some research:
http://autism.healingthresholds.com/research/challenges-service-dog-ownership-families-autistic-children-lessons-veterinary-practitioner

http://www.researchautism.net/autism_treatments_therapies_intervention.ikml?print&ra=55&infolevel=3

http://www.theautismeducationsite.com/2011/03/25/service-dogs-and-autism-by-temple-grandin/

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/10/20/service-dogs-autism-stress/10792/

Monday, October 3, 2011

Some days, I wish I could just be "Mom"

Feeling overwhelmed by work, there are days, like today, where I could just be "Mom." yes, we need my paycheck, with my husband taking an almost $50k pay cut just to come home from Seattle. But lately, I've been feeling like I've bitten off more than I can chew. I want to help families of children with Autism - that is the whole reason I went back to school - but the road to my BCBA exam is proving almost as exhausting as grad school.

I will admit, I am jealous at times of the Moms that get to sit at home while their husbands are at home and all their kids are at school. But I also wonder if they fill fulfilled, knowing that their greatest accomplishment that day might just be finishing the laundry.

Don't get me wrong, there are many SAHMs that are super moms; but I also know my fair share of the lazy ones, who, much like our society, feel they are entitled to sit on their asses because they gave birth once or twice.

I know I am still new to the consultant role but I will eventually get to a point where things become easier to me I meet all deadlines with ease, and most importantly, I am Super Mom to my wonderful little boy.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Hamster Babies!

On August 20th, we got Fluffy, a male dwarf hamster. On September 3rd, we got Fire, a female dwarf hamster. About an hour ago, we noticed our hamsters have company! Fire must have given birth because we noticed 2 baby hamsters crawling around. We did some research and the babies must be 10 days old because they have fur and are starting to navigate their cage. Our little fur family is growing. We're gonna need more cages.

Joey is enjoying his hamsters and is being responsible by taking care of them. I can't wait until he gets home from his Dad's house to see and name our new additions.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Thought of the day: happiness

The importance of being happy can sometimes be negated. We must be an example of what we want our children to be. We can't model misery and expect that our kids will have better. How will they know what better is? If you want "better" for your kids, model it or they will repeat history.