Wohoo! God is so good! I got a phone call yesterday that funding through the Dept. of Disablities for the girls swimming lessons and horseback riding lessons were approved! I got an email today from the Respite Care Coalition that respite care funds are available to us. I got another phone call from a good friend of the family who will also be our nanny so I can work and get my small businesses started on the right foot and also substitute for the schools in the fall and also at the children's room for our public library. So the only thing that I am really looking for right now are iPads for the girls and apps to go with them.
They have an iPad on each of their wish lists at amazon.com.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Team Page Family is raising funds to help the children with autism and developmental delays become all they were meant to be! Join us in this endeavor by donating to assist in purchasing much needed products and services! We are looking to purchase iPads, apps, lessons for dance, swim, gymnastics, and horseback riding. Thank you for considering us when choosing where your donation funds go!
Sincerely,
Ronda Page
https://www.wepay.com/x1upqnk/donations/team-page-family-autism-fund
Sincerely,
Ronda Page
https://www.wepay.com/x1upqnk/donations/team-page-family-autism-fund
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Sensory Friendly Films and AMC theaters
The following description on the AMC website describes it better than I can.
http://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films
There's a list of movies, dates, times and cities on the website. Look for one near you! We love going to these viewings!
The idea for the program began with a request from a parent with an autistic child for a special screening at AMC Columbia Mall 14 in Columbia, MD. More than 300 children and parents attended the first screening.
We are thrilled to now offer the program at many locations nationwide — please see below for a complete list of participating theatres. As a leading theatrical exhibition company, we are so proud to be making a difference in the estimated 1.5 million Americans living with an autism spectrum disorder by offering families a chance to see a movie together — often for the very first time.
http://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films
There's a list of movies, dates, times and cities on the website. Look for one near you! We love going to these viewings!
In Partnership with the Autism Society, We Bring AMC Sensory Friendly Films to Families Affected by Autism on a Monthly Basis to Select Communities.
The program provides a special opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing!The idea for the program began with a request from a parent with an autistic child for a special screening at AMC Columbia Mall 14 in Columbia, MD. More than 300 children and parents attended the first screening.
We are thrilled to now offer the program at many locations nationwide — please see below for a complete list of participating theatres. As a leading theatrical exhibition company, we are so proud to be making a difference in the estimated 1.5 million Americans living with an autism spectrum disorder by offering families a chance to see a movie together — often for the very first time.
The iPad and autism
There are voluminous articles and research on how the iPad helps individuals with autism from communication to academics. There are PECS apps that you can get that has the picture (I
think you can upload pictures also), word and says the sentence too. At
lease from what I've heard anyway. We don't have any type of tablet so
we are definitely behind in technology. The iPad has been very
instrumental in helping children with autism with speech and
communication especially. I've been trying to get both girls one each
through fundraisers, grants, etc. but no luck yet. We can't afford one
ourselves. The Autism Speaks website has some great recommendations for
apps. Here's the website.
If you do a google search for Autism iPad apps there are a lot of resources available. The iPad is on my much sought after list. So hopefully soon I can do an insiders look at how the iPad helps our children with autism. MJ is already very familiar with both the iPad and iPod as teachers and parents at her schools have allowed her to use one as well as the other students. I've never even touched one. That really bothers me since I have a Communications degree and all. Have you used an iPad with your children? How has it helped you?
Here are some website that assist in fundraising or grants to assist in getting an iPad.
Grant
http://www.letschatautism.com/ipads-for-autism-application/
Grants for iPads occasionally but also grants for emergency situations
http://www.autismcares.org/site/c.mqLOIYOBKlF/b.4745901/k.BD21/Home.htm
Fundraising for an iPad
http://thepuzzlingpiece.com/
iPad apps
http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/autism-apps
If you do a google search for Autism iPad apps there are a lot of resources available. The iPad is on my much sought after list. So hopefully soon I can do an insiders look at how the iPad helps our children with autism. MJ is already very familiar with both the iPad and iPod as teachers and parents at her schools have allowed her to use one as well as the other students. I've never even touched one. That really bothers me since I have a Communications degree and all. Have you used an iPad with your children? How has it helped you?
Here are some website that assist in fundraising or grants to assist in getting an iPad.
Grant
http://www.letschatautism.com/ipads-for-autism-application/
Grants for iPads occasionally but also grants for emergency situations
http://www.autismcares.org/site/c.mqLOIYOBKlF/b.4745901/k.BD21/Home.htm
Fundraising for an iPad
http://thepuzzlingpiece.com/
iPad apps
http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/autism-apps
Monday, May 28, 2012
Immunizations and Detoxins
Based on the girls development immediately after receiving their immunizations, I feel that our family has a genetic factor that reacts with the immunizations causing autism. It could be the metal preservatives or the actual immunizations itself, but either way whatever is in them is toxic to our family. When MJ got her first set of shots, I read through the paperwork and it mentioned as a side effect a "temporary developmental delay". For my children, it's been permanent delays.
When I saw that there were metals such as mercury and aluminum used as preservatives (after the fact of course) I realized that probably has a huge play into the girls autism. There are metal allergies on both my and their dad's sides of the family. So I began looking for a natural detoxin. There are controversies within this area but I knew that the girls needed this.
It's amazing on how God answers our prayers. While living out West, one of my friends mentioned she ran into a lady who told her about a product that is a natural detoxin called Natural Cellular Defense and how it had helped her family with allergies, adhd and also other families with autism. She gave my friend her business card who in turn emailed me the website info. I immediately checked it out and saw for myself that it was natural and nontoxic, which is very important to me. I have been very reluctant to try medicine with the awful side effects including heart problems and death. The info on the website seemed to check out, so I figured it was at lease worth a try. So I ordered my first bottle of Natural Cellular Defense for the girls. It came quickly and with some information to read also. So I gave the girls their first dose. This one bottle was going to be the test if we ordered more or not. Within a couple of HOURS I noticed a difference! And within a month, MJ's school noticed a difference and called for a meeting and asked me what we were doing differently at home! I knew right then that this product is a must for our family. However due to our income situation I haven't been able to order it every month and can only order it when I can. I signed up to get it at wholesale prices to save some money and that also came with the privilege of being able to pass along the info on the product and gain some profits from the sales I make. Right now I am just thankful to get a pretty decent discount.
I wish I could give everyone who has a family member with autism a bottle for free and maybe one day I can! In the meantime I can at least pass along the info and if anyone would ever like to try a bottle of Natural Cellular Defense here's my website. http://www.rediscoveryourlife.com/938812
When I saw that there were metals such as mercury and aluminum used as preservatives (after the fact of course) I realized that probably has a huge play into the girls autism. There are metal allergies on both my and their dad's sides of the family. So I began looking for a natural detoxin. There are controversies within this area but I knew that the girls needed this.
It's amazing on how God answers our prayers. While living out West, one of my friends mentioned she ran into a lady who told her about a product that is a natural detoxin called Natural Cellular Defense and how it had helped her family with allergies, adhd and also other families with autism. She gave my friend her business card who in turn emailed me the website info. I immediately checked it out and saw for myself that it was natural and nontoxic, which is very important to me. I have been very reluctant to try medicine with the awful side effects including heart problems and death. The info on the website seemed to check out, so I figured it was at lease worth a try. So I ordered my first bottle of Natural Cellular Defense for the girls. It came quickly and with some information to read also. So I gave the girls their first dose. This one bottle was going to be the test if we ordered more or not. Within a couple of HOURS I noticed a difference! And within a month, MJ's school noticed a difference and called for a meeting and asked me what we were doing differently at home! I knew right then that this product is a must for our family. However due to our income situation I haven't been able to order it every month and can only order it when I can. I signed up to get it at wholesale prices to save some money and that also came with the privilege of being able to pass along the info on the product and gain some profits from the sales I make. Right now I am just thankful to get a pretty decent discount.
I wish I could give everyone who has a family member with autism a bottle for free and maybe one day I can! In the meantime I can at least pass along the info and if anyone would ever like to try a bottle of Natural Cellular Defense here's my website. http://www.rediscoveryourlife.com/938812
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Communicating with my children
Both of my girls and Nathan have been speech delayed. MJ is very verbal now and Lydia is picking up words. While they were/are struggling with speech, we found alternative ways to communicate. The first was "Baby Signs" but then I quickly moved to traditional American Sign Language (ASL) so as to use a real language and not risk offending someone with made up signs. I took an ASL class in college and wish I would've have continued in taking more classes. However, I found a great resource at the library and at the time it was also on public television. It was the DVD series called Signing Time!. MJ especially loved the shows and rapidly increased her vocabulary both in sign and in speech. She still watches them to this day.
Lydia also loves watching Signing Time and I believe it has helped her receptive language a lot. The preschool in Utah found that Lydia does better with the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) for expressive language. This system uses pictures with words on cards and boards with velcro on them to create sentences with the pictures. The teacher or adult hands the child the picture cards and whatever they are trying to communicate, that card is given back to the teacher or placed on the board. For example, "Lydia, would you like milk or juice?". The milk and juice cards are handed to Lydia and she gives back the card for whichever choice she made. In this case, Lydia handed back the milk card as her choice.
It was hard for me to accept that Lydia did better with PECS and to implement it in our home because it's just plain inconvenient to carry all those cards and PECS book. I finally gave in though and the school made a PECS book for home and helped with a PECS Schedule board also. The PECs Schedule board helps the children know what to expect during their routines of the day. MJ and Lydia both love schedule boards and it helps them especially for school.
I am using ASL with Nathan too. He has picked up some and we are watching the Baby Signing Time series made by the same company that created Signing Time.
MJ seems to have a lot of meltdowns when she feels misunderstood. One of the autism specialists mentioned that MJ feels everyone can read her mind and know what she's doing/wants. I hadn't ever thought of that before. Whenever meltdowns happen, I found out that if I ask MJ what is going on and how can I help vs. disciplining for the outburst, that it's usually a simple fix. If it isn't then I repeat MJ's request and tell her I understand how she feels but we cannot do her request and then state the reason as simply as possible. She's usually very reasonable after knowing that she's been listened to, understood, her feelings cared about and that she is loved. If discipline is given as the first response, it hurts MJ and she acts out even worse because she feels unloved and not heard. She thinks people are just being mean and ugly to her for no reason. I've noticed this is the case with a lot of children with autism.
It takes a lot of effort to get to the heart of the issue vs. disciplining outward behavior, even with typical children. One book that was given to us that has helped me understand this is Shepherding a Child's Heart by Ted Tripp. It talks about the root of the behavior verses the behavior itself. Pharisees are created when just outward behavior is addressed verses addressing the heart of the issue. I've seen very respectful and behaved children/teenagers/adults to their elders/authority but underneath that they have wicked hearts. I'd much rather have honest children who know it's ok to be themselves with me and with God too. That means that I better be prepared for the truth too and be gracious no matter what that might be and prayerful to God to ask the best way to handle the situation. It seems that the Mr./Ms. Innocents are the ones that get into the most trouble. Simply because they've mastered the art of outward appearances and the parents didn't take the time to dig deeper and pour into their lives. I pray everyday that I can be a shepherd vs. a Pharisee. That takes communication, the art of listening and speaking, a give AND a take, in a meaningful conversation. Not merely a lecture or punishment.
Lydia also loves watching Signing Time and I believe it has helped her receptive language a lot. The preschool in Utah found that Lydia does better with the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) for expressive language. This system uses pictures with words on cards and boards with velcro on them to create sentences with the pictures. The teacher or adult hands the child the picture cards and whatever they are trying to communicate, that card is given back to the teacher or placed on the board. For example, "Lydia, would you like milk or juice?". The milk and juice cards are handed to Lydia and she gives back the card for whichever choice she made. In this case, Lydia handed back the milk card as her choice.
It was hard for me to accept that Lydia did better with PECS and to implement it in our home because it's just plain inconvenient to carry all those cards and PECS book. I finally gave in though and the school made a PECS book for home and helped with a PECS Schedule board also. The PECs Schedule board helps the children know what to expect during their routines of the day. MJ and Lydia both love schedule boards and it helps them especially for school.
I am using ASL with Nathan too. He has picked up some and we are watching the Baby Signing Time series made by the same company that created Signing Time.
MJ seems to have a lot of meltdowns when she feels misunderstood. One of the autism specialists mentioned that MJ feels everyone can read her mind and know what she's doing/wants. I hadn't ever thought of that before. Whenever meltdowns happen, I found out that if I ask MJ what is going on and how can I help vs. disciplining for the outburst, that it's usually a simple fix. If it isn't then I repeat MJ's request and tell her I understand how she feels but we cannot do her request and then state the reason as simply as possible. She's usually very reasonable after knowing that she's been listened to, understood, her feelings cared about and that she is loved. If discipline is given as the first response, it hurts MJ and she acts out even worse because she feels unloved and not heard. She thinks people are just being mean and ugly to her for no reason. I've noticed this is the case with a lot of children with autism.
It takes a lot of effort to get to the heart of the issue vs. disciplining outward behavior, even with typical children. One book that was given to us that has helped me understand this is Shepherding a Child's Heart by Ted Tripp. It talks about the root of the behavior verses the behavior itself. Pharisees are created when just outward behavior is addressed verses addressing the heart of the issue. I've seen very respectful and behaved children/teenagers/adults to their elders/authority but underneath that they have wicked hearts. I'd much rather have honest children who know it's ok to be themselves with me and with God too. That means that I better be prepared for the truth too and be gracious no matter what that might be and prayerful to God to ask the best way to handle the situation. It seems that the Mr./Ms. Innocents are the ones that get into the most trouble. Simply because they've mastered the art of outward appearances and the parents didn't take the time to dig deeper and pour into their lives. I pray everyday that I can be a shepherd vs. a Pharisee. That takes communication, the art of listening and speaking, a give AND a take, in a meaningful conversation. Not merely a lecture or punishment.
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