Another book I picked up is The Autism Answer Book, by William Stillman. I will be adding my highlighted sections from the book here so that people can share in what I'm reading, especially those near and dear to Joey and how it pertains to him.
What is Autism?
pg.2 ~ "(Autism) has been used to describe individuals who appear to be self-contained or who exist in their own little world, an inner realm seemingly set apart from others. ~ Autism is a common neurological anomaly that may preclude the body from properly receiving signals transmitted by the brain, resulting in misfires and disconnects. ~ Those who are Autistic are inherently gentle and exquisitely sensitive."
Monday, November 17, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The Out of Sync Child
I am reading The Out of Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder by Carol Stock Kranowitz. I picked it up yesterday and have already learned so much. I will be posting some important information from the book here. Joey has not been diagnosed with this disorder by many children with ASD also have issues with SPD.
Does Your Child Have Sensory Processing Disorder?
pg.32 ~ "Another component of Autism - and a very important one - is difficulty with sensory modulation, sensory discrimination, motor planning, and sequencing. Problems with sensations are sometimes overlooked or downplayed but are among the main areas of impairment."
pg.33 ~ "That most people with Austim have some degree of SPD is a recognized fact. Understanding how sensory and motor problems complicate the child's daily life is crucial for designing an appropriate intervention program. Parents must ensure that their child's treatment program includes ample sensory-motor experiences and an individualized sensory diet.
Does Your Child Have Sensory Processing Disorder?
pg.32 ~ "Another component of Autism - and a very important one - is difficulty with sensory modulation, sensory discrimination, motor planning, and sequencing. Problems with sensations are sometimes overlooked or downplayed but are among the main areas of impairment."
pg.33 ~ "That most people with Austim have some degree of SPD is a recognized fact. Understanding how sensory and motor problems complicate the child's daily life is crucial for designing an appropriate intervention program. Parents must ensure that their child's treatment program includes ample sensory-motor experiences and an individualized sensory diet.
Going to the Movies
My mom and I took Joey to see Madagascar 2 on opening day. I've been looking forward to this day since I heard they were making a sequel over a year and a half ago. My mom wanted to go because Madagascar is one of the 1st movies she and Joey enjoyed together and it has become one of their favorites.
We had a rough morning that day so I probably should have cancelled going to the movies but I didn't want to disappoint my mom. Even though she pushed to have Joey diagnosed, she doesn't quite grasp what his diagnosis means and how his needs to come before everyone else's.
Joey fell asleep on the way to the movie but woke up when we got there. He seemed very excited about the movie until it started. The noise was unbearable. His hands immediately went up over his ears and he looked like he was in pain, yet when I asked him, he didn't wanted to leave. I ran out to the manager to ask if they could lower the volume and they did. I enjoy going to the movies, but even I felt that it was too loud for my ears. Loud noises do bother Joey but he has never been bothered in a movie theatre before, even at this location.
Joey seemed better after the volume was lowered and the hands slowly came down. He enjoyed his pretzel and some of my popcorn and we had a good time. The ears got covered again a little over halfway through but he still didn't want to leave. He was in awe of seeing his favorite characters on the big screen.
The Autism Society of America - Greater Phoenix Chapter offers Sensory Friendly Films which is only at one movie theatre in Phoenix and one in Mesa, with one showtime on the 1st Saturday of every month (of course, I work on Saturdays). They show the selected film with lights turned up and the sound turned down so that children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders can enjoy the film in a setting just for them. What I would like to see is more movie theatres offering this or for all theatres showing children's movies to just lower the volume! With 1 in 150 kids affected by Autism and many other children affected by other disorders like Sensory Processing Disorder, the vast majority of children would benefit from having the volume turned down.
You can get more info about Sensory Friendly Films at http://www.phxautism.org/calendar/month.php
We had a rough morning that day so I probably should have cancelled going to the movies but I didn't want to disappoint my mom. Even though she pushed to have Joey diagnosed, she doesn't quite grasp what his diagnosis means and how his needs to come before everyone else's.
Joey fell asleep on the way to the movie but woke up when we got there. He seemed very excited about the movie until it started. The noise was unbearable. His hands immediately went up over his ears and he looked like he was in pain, yet when I asked him, he didn't wanted to leave. I ran out to the manager to ask if they could lower the volume and they did. I enjoy going to the movies, but even I felt that it was too loud for my ears. Loud noises do bother Joey but he has never been bothered in a movie theatre before, even at this location.
Joey seemed better after the volume was lowered and the hands slowly came down. He enjoyed his pretzel and some of my popcorn and we had a good time. The ears got covered again a little over halfway through but he still didn't want to leave. He was in awe of seeing his favorite characters on the big screen.
The Autism Society of America - Greater Phoenix Chapter offers Sensory Friendly Films which is only at one movie theatre in Phoenix and one in Mesa, with one showtime on the 1st Saturday of every month (of course, I work on Saturdays). They show the selected film with lights turned up and the sound turned down so that children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders can enjoy the film in a setting just for them. What I would like to see is more movie theatres offering this or for all theatres showing children's movies to just lower the volume! With 1 in 150 kids affected by Autism and many other children affected by other disorders like Sensory Processing Disorder, the vast majority of children would benefit from having the volume turned down.
You can get more info about Sensory Friendly Films at http://www.phxautism.org/calendar/month.php
Little Reminders
Sometimes, when I choose not to think about it, I forget that Joey has issues to deal with. Sometimes I get a little reminder. Over the last few days, I've had a few of them.
It started with seeing my therapist for the first time in a few months. My first thought was telling her about Joey's diagnosis. We had limited time and I wanted to get her thoughts on play therapy and possibly a referral to another therapist in her clinic. She then hit me with something I wasn't ready for. "How are you dealing with this?" "I'm fine" is always my answer. This is not about me, it's about Joey. But, of course, she soon reminded me of what I've read before: that there is a certain amount of grieving that needs to be done when your child is diagnosed with something and you realize that their life's path will be greatly altered. Maybe it's something I haven't been ready to face. Maybe it's something I can only take in small doses.
The next day was our usual speech appointment with Rosie. I picked up Joey from preschool and took him to his 4 year check up at the pediatrician. He did great, especially because he already had his shots. I wanted to reward him for how well he's been doing so we went to Wal-Mart to pick up a Lego set before we met with Rosie. Bad move on my part. We headed home and the struggle began to get him to focus. I put him in time out to see if I could get him to focus but that didn't work. Instead, he locked himself in his room and couldn't get himself out. It is events like this that just make me want to cry. I can't help my son and I feel like a total failure as a mother. It happens, Rosie assured me, but does she really understand Joey? Half the time, I don't think I do...but I'm trying.
After Rosie left, Joey was fine. All he wanted to do was be home and play with his new Lego set. This is why I blame myself for messing up his speech therapy appointment. I should have known better. So many things need to be analyzed and considered in Joey's day. I sometimes wonder what it's like to just BE.
It started with seeing my therapist for the first time in a few months. My first thought was telling her about Joey's diagnosis. We had limited time and I wanted to get her thoughts on play therapy and possibly a referral to another therapist in her clinic. She then hit me with something I wasn't ready for. "How are you dealing with this?" "I'm fine" is always my answer. This is not about me, it's about Joey. But, of course, she soon reminded me of what I've read before: that there is a certain amount of grieving that needs to be done when your child is diagnosed with something and you realize that their life's path will be greatly altered. Maybe it's something I haven't been ready to face. Maybe it's something I can only take in small doses.
The next day was our usual speech appointment with Rosie. I picked up Joey from preschool and took him to his 4 year check up at the pediatrician. He did great, especially because he already had his shots. I wanted to reward him for how well he's been doing so we went to Wal-Mart to pick up a Lego set before we met with Rosie. Bad move on my part. We headed home and the struggle began to get him to focus. I put him in time out to see if I could get him to focus but that didn't work. Instead, he locked himself in his room and couldn't get himself out. It is events like this that just make me want to cry. I can't help my son and I feel like a total failure as a mother. It happens, Rosie assured me, but does she really understand Joey? Half the time, I don't think I do...but I'm trying.
After Rosie left, Joey was fine. All he wanted to do was be home and play with his new Lego set. This is why I blame myself for messing up his speech therapy appointment. I should have known better. So many things need to be analyzed and considered in Joey's day. I sometimes wonder what it's like to just BE.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Joey's 4th Birthday
My baby turned 4 on October 19th. It was definitely a chance to reflect on the past year, especially the last few months. The diagnosis has changed a lot, especially the way we plan our days and events. I was worried about how his party would turn out. Overall, it went well. I knew he wouldn't be happy about being sung to or blowing out candles, but he at least was in the room for it and no one asked questions. You see, he's never liked the song (too much noise) and the candles upset him. A few days before the party, I felt sad that he would miss out on this important part of his party but then I realized, am I sad for him or sad for me? Maybe a little of both. He doesn't know what he's missing so he's not sad but I'm sad for him for not understanding that. And of course, we all miss out on the photo op that "typical" children take part in. It's another reminder of how my son can be different from other children.
I can't believe my baby is 4! He has turned into a cool little dude with his own personality. He is talking so much more than he was a year ago, even 6 months ago. Our goal for this coming year is to continuing working on understanding PDD-NOS, getting Joey involved in all the therapies needed and making his life the best it possibly can be.
I can't believe my baby is 4! He has turned into a cool little dude with his own personality. He is talking so much more than he was a year ago, even 6 months ago. Our goal for this coming year is to continuing working on understanding PDD-NOS, getting Joey involved in all the therapies needed and making his life the best it possibly can be.
ZOO Walk Success!
Joey D's Crew raised $1225 for Autism Research!
We had a great time with our family and Joey liked hanging out at the Zoo. He completed the walk with his cousins, Isaac & Isaiah. I'm so proud of him:)
We had a great time with our family and Joey liked hanging out at the Zoo. He completed the walk with his cousins, Isaac & Isaiah. I'm so proud of him:)
Thursday was a great day
October 16, 2008
Today was a breakthrough day for Joey and a great day all around. It started out with Joey's IEP (Individual Education Plan) and parent/teacher conference at pre-school. I was happy to hear that he is doing great! He is the snack helper (following in his Mom's footsteps, who always wanted to know what everyone was having for snack in Kindergarten); he is calling his peers and teachers by name; he is participating in class and making great progress in speech. The school psycholgist also feels that he is not in need of individual occupational therapy, which gave me some reassurance.
After the meeting, he wanted to visit with his father for a while. I am usually all for this; however, he is usually moody after seeing his father and I was worried how this would affect his speech therapy session at home later on that day. His dad dropped him off after lunch, said that he was in a bad mood, which had me worried but it ended up being the first appointment with Rosie that he actually opened up and cooperated. He was in a great mood and talked to Rosie the whole time. I have a feeling he was just agitated with his dad.
We went on to enjoy the day together, just me and my Joe. I really felt like it was the turning of a new chapter in Joey's progress and it helped to take away some of the overwhelming concerns that I've been having about him and the diagnosis he received.
I think we can do this!
Today was a breakthrough day for Joey and a great day all around. It started out with Joey's IEP (Individual Education Plan) and parent/teacher conference at pre-school. I was happy to hear that he is doing great! He is the snack helper (following in his Mom's footsteps, who always wanted to know what everyone was having for snack in Kindergarten); he is calling his peers and teachers by name; he is participating in class and making great progress in speech. The school psycholgist also feels that he is not in need of individual occupational therapy, which gave me some reassurance.
After the meeting, he wanted to visit with his father for a while. I am usually all for this; however, he is usually moody after seeing his father and I was worried how this would affect his speech therapy session at home later on that day. His dad dropped him off after lunch, said that he was in a bad mood, which had me worried but it ended up being the first appointment with Rosie that he actually opened up and cooperated. He was in a great mood and talked to Rosie the whole time. I have a feeling he was just agitated with his dad.
We went on to enjoy the day together, just me and my Joe. I really felt like it was the turning of a new chapter in Joey's progress and it helped to take away some of the overwhelming concerns that I've been having about him and the diagnosis he received.
I think we can do this!
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