Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

Down syndrome may not be an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but it is a learning disorder, just like autism. Those with Down syndrome often have problems with delayed development, behavior problems, speech and language developing slower, and speech being difficult to understand. It occurs in about one out if seven hundred newborns.

Birth defects and severe medical conditions are often seen in those with Down syndrome. Half of the children with this disorder have a heart defect. Fifteen percent of people have hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid produces less thyroid hormones than normal. This lowers a person's metabolism, which increases their chances of gaining weight and becoming obese. Leukemia is not as common, but is seen in children with Down syndrome. This is a cancer of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the blood.

Click the following to read the entire article: http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/down-syndrome.

"NDSS founded the Buddy Walk in 1995 to spread out mission of promoting the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome at the local level. The national program has grown from 17 Walks in 1995 to over 250 Buddly Walks expeted this year. Last year, over 285,000 people participated in a Buddy Walk and $11 million was raised to support both local and national programs. Most Buddy Walks take place in and around October in celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month."

Click the following link to learn more about the Buddy Walk program: http://www.ndss.org/Buddy-Walk/.

Tumblr's aspergersismyworld

Just this morning, I found an amazing blog on Tumblr that everyone should see. The blogger's "name" is aspergersismyworld and she is a twenty-three-year-old with Asperger's syndrome. In her blogs, she talks about different experiences she goes through in her life.

The following are actually quotes from her blog:

"So I was walking down the sidewalk in my own neighborhood when I noticed my neighbors sitting outside. I suddenly felt the urge to cross to the other side of the street to avoid any possibility of social interaction. It was a jolt of anxiety that hit me like a bullet. It was quick and powerful. Every cell in my body was screaming for me to run, avoid the scary humans."

"I’ve gone a long time without thinking about my life. If I start to then I begin to realize how unfulfilled it is. I think about all of the things I could be doing. I’m held back by fear. Fear of change and the new and scary things in the world I’ve never dealt with."

"So once I was waiting to cross a busy street when I noticed that a city bus was slowing down and pulling up to me. I realized that I was standing by a bus stop and the driver must have assumed I was waiting for the bus. For about two seconds I considered actually getting on the bus in order to avoid the possibility of an awkward situation. I ended up making the sane and logical decision to tell them I was not getting on but the fact that I even considered doing otherwise is kind of funny. Aspergers."

Click the following link to see her blog: www.aspergersismyworld.tumblr.com.

On her blog, she offers everyone to ask her a question. If you would like to ask aspergersismyworld a question, click the link above to go to her blog, then click "? Ask me anything" at the top. You don't require a Tumblr account to do this.

Parent Tips: Surviving 4th of July Fireworks

"They're the symbol of our independence and bring joy to the faces of many. But, for people that experience intense sensory input, they can be thunderous and blinding. And each year so many of us stop and ask ourselves, 'Do we go?' 'What about our other children who really enjoy fireworks?' 'Do we think our child can tolerate getting through this?"

"Maybe there are some things we can do to help make this traditional festivity an enjoyable experience for the whole family."

Click the following link to see the entire article: http://www.pathfindersforautism.org/articles/view/parent-tips-surviving-4th-of-july-fireworks.

April 20 - Discount Apps

Little Writer PRO - The Tracing App for Letters, Numbers, Shapes, and Words by Innovative Mobile Apps is a brand new app that is free for a limited time. It is compatible with the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch.

Little Writer PRO - The Tracing App for Letters, Numbers, Shapes, and Words is the full version of the app Little Writer - The Tracing App for Kids.

ABC Alphabet Phonics Plus for Toddlers by Abitalk Incorporated is a $2.99 app that is free for a limited time for Autism Awareness Month. It is compatible with the iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad.

Dr. Panda's Veggie Garden by TribePlay is a $1.99 app that is on sale for $0.99 for a limited time. It is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation), and iPad.

GazziliPuzzles by GazziliWorld LLC is a $1.99 app that is on sale for $0.99 for a limited time. It is compatible with the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

GazziliShapes by GazziliWorld LLC is a $1.99 app that is on sale for $0.99 for a limited time. It is compatible with the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

GazziliScience by GazziliWorld LLC is a $1.99 app that is on sale for $0.99 for a limited time. It is compatible with the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Lilo helps the Easter Bunnies by Kelly Doll is a $1.99 app that is free for a limited time. It is only compatible with the iPad.

123 Kids Fun ALPHABET by RosMedia is a $1.99 app that is on sale for $0.99 for a limited time. It is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation), and iPad.

Spider's Lunch by Stefanie Goodson is a $2.99 app that is on sale for $0.99 for a limited time. It is only compatible with the iPad.

The Lorax - Dr. Seuss by Oceanhouse Media is a $4.99 app that is on sale for $1.99 for a limited time for Earth Day. It is compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.

Tizzy Animal Alphabet Puzzles HD by Tizzy Labs, LLC is a $1.99 app that is free for a limited time. It is only compatible with the iPad.

Sentence Key: WHO is DOing WHAT by Computerade Products is a $3.99 app that is free for a limited time. It is only compatible with the iPad.

Sentence Match: WHO is DOing WHAT by Computerade Products is a $3.99 app that is free for a limited time. It is only compatible with the iPad.

iTooch 3rd Grade | Math, Language Arts and Science worksheets for 3rd graders by eduPad Inc. is a $9.99 app that is on sale for $2.99 for a limited time. It is compatible with the iPad, iPod touch, and iPhone.

Grendel's Great Escape HD by Michelle Anaya is a $3.99 app that is free for a limited time. It is only compatible with the iPad.

Curious George at the Zoo for iPad by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is a $0.99 app that is free for a limited time. It is only compatible with the iPad.

Queen Anahit by VAHRAM GEVORGYAN is a $3.99 app that is on sale for $1.99 for a limited time. It is only compatible with the iPad.

PeekABoo Bear. by Benerino Studios is a $2.99 app that is free for a limited time. It is compatible with the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch.

April 19 - Discount Apps

The following apps are free for today only for Autism Awareness Month.

Phonics Make a Word 1 by Abitalk Incorporated is a $2.99 app that is free for today only for Autism Awareness Month. It is only compatible with the iPad.

The Pig's Day by BelugaBloo is a $0.99 app that is free for today only. It is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation), and iPad.

Lullaby Piano Book by BelugaBloo is a $1.99 app that is free for today only. It is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation), and iPad.

Chore Pad by Nannek is a $2.99 app that is free for today only. It is compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.

Paul The Imaginary - Read, Create, Share Kids Books by Storypanda by Storypanda Inc. is a $2.99 app that is free for today only. It is only compatible with the iPad.

Ordered Fractions: Compare and Order Fractions Game by Justin Holladay is a $1.99 app that is free for today only. It is compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.

eReading: The Time Machine by Brain Integration, LLC is a $1.99 app that is free for today only. It is compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.

Pepi Tree by Pepi Play is a $1.99 app that is free for today only. It is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation), and iPad.

My Friend Isabelle by PicPocket Books is a $1.99 app that is free for today only. It is compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.

Eye Paint Animals by Curious Hat is a $0.99 app that is free for today only. It is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation), and iPad.

Viking Rudi by Mofables sp. z o.o. is a $1.99 app that is free for today only. It is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation), and iPad.

Snuggle Mountain HD by PicPocket Books is a $2.99 app that is free for today only. It is only compatible with the iPad.

Kids Crossword by Shishir Dubey is a $1.99 app that is free for today only. It is only compatible with the iPad.

Snow White by Fairytale Studios by Fairytale Studios is a $2.99 app that is free for today only. It is compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.

Princess Fairy Tale Coloring Wonderland for Kids and Family Preschool Ultimate Edition by Eggroll Games LLC is a $1.99 app that is free for today only. It is compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.

Take It Easy by Ravensburger Digital GmbH is a $1.99 app that is free for today only. It is compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.

Happipets by Happi is a $1.99 app that is free for today only. It is only compatible with the iPad.

Times Tables by Aleesha Kondys is a $2.99 app that is free for today only. It is only compatible with the iPad.

The Chicken and the Egg by Plendy Entertainment is a $2.99 app that is free for today only. It is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation), and iPad.

Bass Cat by LMuse Limited is a $2.99 app that is free for today only. It is compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.

Parts of the Body for Kids by Mashal Abdullah is a $1.99 app that is free for today only. It is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation), and iPad.

Alphabet Animals I Mix- for preschool and kindergarten kids by PlaneTree Family Productions is a $1.99 app that is free for today only. It is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation), and iPad.

Kiley at Just Jump for Kids

On August 11, 2012, Facing Autism Together Everyday (F.A.T.E.) held a meeting at Just Jump for Kids in Douglas, G.A. Just Jump for Kids is a great place that has four big blow-up slides and jump houses for children to play on. The meeting was the first announcement to F.A.T.E. members about the merger with Sensory Friendly Learning.

Mrs. Jeannie Bolstridge brought Catriona, her granddaughter with A.D.H.D., and Kiley, an autistic girl, while I brought my brother Garth.

When Mrs. Bolstridge had asked Kiley's mother whether or not she could bring Kiley as well, she had said that it was fine but that she didn't think that we would ever get Kiley in an enclosed space. She thought that we would be there five minutes ad have to leave.

Mrs. Bolstridge told me about this a few days before the meeting and has asked me what I thought about it. I told her that I would watch Kiley. I knew I wouldn't have to keep an eye on Garth, that was the second time he had been there, so I knew he would be no problem. He could just play and I could focus on trying to get Kiley on the blow-up things. I was determined that if I could get her on one, she would love it.

So, when we got to Just Jump for Kids, I said hello to everyone there and let Kiley look around before trying to get her on the smallest blow-up.

This one was for really young children. It has an opening in the front that you used to enter and exit. The opening had a net hanging down on the inside of it, which you just pushed through when you entered, but you had to pick up when leaving.

Inside, it had a horse inside that you could sit on, not all the way or you would crush it, but you could sit on it slightly. It had a little Native American teepee with a tunnel at the bottom that the children could crawl through. There was a dog sitting down for the children to pet and there was a slide in the back.

It did take some time before Kiley would get in. I took off my shoes and crawled in first, hoping that by seeing me in there it would help her fear. I laid down inside so that she could see my head through the hole and stuck my hand out. "Come on, Kiley. It's okay," I said again and again.

She would take a step toward me then whine and step back. This continued several times but she was a little bit closer each time. Finally, she took my hand and crawled in with me.

Mrs. Bolstridge, Bobbie, and I were so happy that she had a good time. We took lots of pictures of her. I took my camera out and just sat down inside the thing and took pictures for Mrs. Libby. I took a few videos too.

I was so proud of how Kiley reacted when another child climbed in.

At school, Kiley is considered "violent" because if something throws her off and she has a tantrum and no one tries to do anything to help her, she will hit whoever is closest to her. Now, that's if no one helps her. I have seen her hit a few times, she even hit me one time, but it wasn't hard enough to hurt. During tutoring, if she starts screaming, all we have to do is say nine words to her she always stops screaming: "Do you want to go sit in the truck?"

If you say this to her, she always stops, it may be for five minutes or five seconds, but she will say "No!" and calm down.

Anyway, when the little boy, maybe only three or four, climbed on I watched Kiley to see whether or not she would strike at him. She had never been on one of those bounce thing before, so I was worried she would get upset if someone she didn't know got on.

But Kiley never even tried to do anything. She stared at him long enough to make me worry that she would react, but this so-called "violent" little girl just carried on jumping like she had been doing. I was so proud of her.

The meeting at Just Jump for Kids had begun at 8:30 A.M. and Kiley lasted all the way to noon (over three hours) before it became too much and she had sensory overload, so Mrs. B. took her home.

I could not wait to get the pictures and videos I had taken of Kiley to her mom. I knew she would be so surprised to hear about how I had actually got Kiley onto one of the blow-ups since it was an "enclosed space."

This just goes to show that just because an autistic child is labeled as "violent" in school does not mean that they really are that way. Kiley was in an unfamiliar environment and in a confined space, which she has a hard time with, and she never once tried to hit anyone.

More Pictures of Kiley:

 

 

 

 

 

 

At one point, I had tried getting off of blow-up secretly to see how Kiley would react to being on there by herself. The first time I did it, she followed me out once she saw me standing outside . However, the second time, she was fine being in there by herself, which allowed me to take this picture of her.

This Saturday

This Saturday is going to to be busy in South Georgia for Autism Awareness Month!

An Autism Awareness Day Celebration will be held in the auditorium of the middle school in Waycvross, Georgia. It will begin at 10:00 AM and end at 12:00 PM. This year's focus will be on education, awareness, and research. Erin Brooker Lozott, MS, CCC-SLP from the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta will be the keynote speaker. She is going to be speaking about the research being done on brain development and social competence in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). There will be other speakers as well as door prizes. goody bags, and refreshments from Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robins.

There will be time for you can come to the next event as well.

In place of the monthly meeting, Facing Autism Together Everyday (FATE) is having another Annual Autism Awareness Month Family Picnic at the park in Ambrose, Georgia. It will begin at 2:00 PM and has no set end time. The park is located on the corner of Highway 268 and Cypress Street in Ambrose. Come and bring your children. There are swings, a slide, a sandbox, and more for them to play in. If your child is one who likes to run off, the park is enclosed and there is only one enter/exit point. With so many there, your child won't be able to get out. Also, be sure to bring lawnchairs as there is very little seating at the park. There will be snacks and drinks provided.

E-mail facingautism@gmail.com for any questions, comments, concerns, or just to say hello.

Talk About Curing Autism Now

At a F.A.T.E. meeting, a member showed us a website she had found called Talk About Curing Autism (T.A.C.A.) Now. She pointed it out because it has an article about how to get an iPad, or another “touch device”, for your child.

It also explains how to get the device written into your child’s IEP!

“Augmentative Communication (AC)/Assistive Technology (AT) device funding options include public school, private insurance, Medicaid, grants and private pay.”

Click the following link to go to the page: http://www.tacanow.org/family-resources/how-to-get-an-ipad-funded/.

Structured Teaching: Strategies for Supporting Children with Autism

“Structured teaching is based upon an understanding of the unique features and characteristics associated with the nature of autism … describes the conditions under which a person should be taught rather than ‘where’ or ‘what’ (i.e., ‘learning how to learn’) …  a system for organizing their environments, developing appropriate activities, and helping people with autism understand what is expected of them … utilizes visual cues which help children with autism focus on the relevant information which can, at times, be difficult for the person with autism to distinguish from the non-relevant information …  addresses challenging behaviors in a proactive manner by creating appropriate and meaningful environments that reduce the stress, anxiety and frustration which may be experienced by children with autism.”

“Written by Susan Stokes under a contract with CESA 7 and funded by a discretionary grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.”

If you would like to read the rest of the article, click the following link: http://www.specialed.us/autism/structure/str10.htm.

World Autism Awareness Day

Not only is this month Autism Awareness Month, but today is the sixth annual World Autism Awareness Day!

Support autism by joining many famous landmarks and buildings and Light It Up Blue.

Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month!

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a range of disorders that can affect the brain and cause problems with one or more of the following: social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function.

"The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized symbol of the autism community in the world . . . Show your support for people with autism by wearing the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon – as a pin on your shirt, a magnet on your car, a badge on your blog, or even your Facebook profile picture - and educate folks on the potential of people with autism!"

Click the following link to read the entire article: http://www.autism-society.org/about-us/national-autism-awareness-month/.

Mute Girl Finds Her Voice

"Carly can't speak. Many people called her dumb or mentally retarded. But after she turned 11 years old, she discovered something truly incredible and found her voice." If this video doesn't bring you to tears nothing will. Check out this video and see how Carly's parents never gave up on her and now they get to hear their daughter say, "I love you," to them.

Carly may not be autistic, but her parents went through the same thing that every parent of a non-verbal autistic child goes through.

Watch the video below or click the following link to see the video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmLVRXicdsI&feature=player_embedded.

Help Alex Spourdalakis

Alex Spourdalakis is a fourteen-year-old with severe autism. He was admitted to the Loyola Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois for gastrointestinal problems. While there, he has been a victim.

"Alex remained in locked restraints to all four of his limbs for in excess of 20 consecutive days."

"Alex's basic human needs were not met."

"Alex did not have any accommodations for his disability."

"He did not have access to any specialized evaluations or services from any professionals such as occupational health, speech therapy, developmental pediatrician or behavioral specialist who might have been able to address his disability."

"Alex did not have anyone attempt to provide him the ability to communicate."

"Not one professional that specializes in autism had examined him."

"None of the many standardized assessment tools for nonverbal patients had been utilized and his mother was told that staff is 'unable' to determine if he is having pain."

"Alex was kept in locked restraints without any written plan to work towards release."

"Alex's mother had been denied a list of physicians in charge of his care."

"His mother had been denied a list of medications that are ordered for her child."

"He had a delay in treatment waiting 5 days for an
ordered consultative physician to see him and one additional day until he was examined by a specialist for his gastrointestinal problems, the very reason he was transferred to this facility."

All of the above quotes are from a letter which was sent to CNN in order to get them to "do an investigative story into Alex's case and assist Alex in getting the appropriate medical care he needs."

To read the entire letter on CNN, click the following link: http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-942306.

A petition has been created on Change.org to get signatures so that CNN will investigate. Click the following link to see the petition: http://www.change.org/petitions/loyola-medical-center-maywood-chicago-illinois-provide-appropriate-medical-testing-and-medical-treatment-for-alex-spourdalakis.

A Facebook page called "Justice for Alex" has been created. Today, it was announced on this page that Alex is going to be moved to a different facility! Click the following link to see the "Justice for Alex" Facebook page and keep up with this young man: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Justice-For-Alex/593496450661862.

Music as Therapy for Autistic Children

“Music therapy helps in treating autistic children, but it has to be applied with kids in mind. It should not be too complicated for them to follow. Music that engages autistic children in dancing and singing works very well in helping them communicate and develop social skills. Autistic children respond to music by singing in the same note, and some of them may even start communicating through singing. They may take up an instrument to play, and this will help them gain interest in acquiring a certain skill. Music therapy can help different autistic patients in different ways, but generally, it is beneficial to them because it makes them more responsive to things around them.”

Click the following link for the full article: http://www.datehookup.com/content-music-as-therapy-for-autistic-children.htm.

The Differences Between a Meltdown and a Tantrum in Children with Autism

Check out this video with Deb Lipsky talking about the difference between a meltdown and a tantrum in children with autism.

Click the following link to see the video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClvnCyP3DLU.

Autistic Children Crave Being in Water

“Autistic kids need, want, and benefit from being in the water more than most. They learn how to control themselves and can feel soothed, calmed, able to listen and to learn. Water is the ultimate hug for an autistic child and a proven and effective source of therapy. For more about how water helps an autistic child, I suggest reading Autism and the role of Aquatic Therapy… and checking out the resources at SurfersHealing.org.”

Click the following link to read the full article: http://www.cultureofsafety.com/2011/04/autistic-children-crave-being-in-water/. 

Adults with ASD

When we hear or talk about people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), we often just think of children with the disorder. On the news, they only talk about children with autism, but what about the adults who have lived with this disorder for years, whether they are diagnosed for not.

An adult with ASD is less likely to get married. Even the high-functioning autistics have a difficult time finding a job and if they do manage to get one, it is most often far below their qualification. Many young adults with autism are still dependent upon his or her family for care, something that can be hard for the parents who want their children to become independent. ” . . . 59 percent of people who receive autism services are living with their families,” according to Charlie Lakin, who heads the Research and Training Center on Community Living at the University of Minnesota.

“Don Meyer, the founder and director of the Sibling Support Project and the creator of Sibshops, a network of programs for young siblings of children with special needs, said: “Parents need to share their plans for their special-needs child with their typically developing kids. After Mom and Dad are no longer there, it is likely it will be the brothers and sisters who will ensure their sibling leads a dignified life, living and working in the community.”

There was an “explosion” of children with autism born in the 1990s and now they transitioning into adulthood.

“We are facing a crisis of money and work force,” said Nancy Thaler, executive director of the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services. “The cohort of people who will need services — including aging baby boomers — is growing much faster than the cohort of working-age adults that provide care.”

Works Cited:

“Adults with Autism.” National Alliance of Mental Illness. Web. 1 November 2012. <http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=Helpline1&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=66015>.

Goehner, Amy Lennard. “A Generation of Autism, Coming of Age.” The New York Times.13 April 2011. Web. 1 November 2012. <http://www.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-autism-reporters.html>.