Category: Tips & Tools

How Important is Digestive Support?

It’s well documented that many children on the Autism spectrum can have a broad range of digestive struggles.  For some it can manifest as constipation, diarrhea, bloating or abdominal pain. Until recently, my child’s bathroom “sessions” would typically last 45 minutes or more, and he would have myriad accidents because he simply did not look [...]

What You Think About You Bring About

How often do we find ourselves dreading an event, visit, or simple errand with our child? We look at past behaviors or incidents and expect the worst, based on what we experienced previously. We may even go so far as to picture the meltdown occurring and already start feeling frustrated and frazzled by the anticipation [...]

Braving the Public… Meltdowns and “The Look”

I posted a question on Twitter and Facebook last week that stirred quite a few comments! The question was: Parents: how many times have you gotten “the look” in public places… as if people were saying “Why can’t you control your child?” The myriad responses I received ranged from “It is so stressful, we don’t [...]

Monday February 21st, 2011 in Tips & Tools, Viewpoints | No Comments »

5 Ways to Tell Your Children That You Love Them

Happy Valentine’s Day!! Today is a great day for me to reflect on how lucky I am to have two amazing children and a beautiful (expecting!) wolfie-dog in my home. Every day is an adventure and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Recently, things have definitely been a bit strained in our house as [...]

Monday February 14th, 2011 in Tips & Tools, Viewpoints | 2 Comments »

What Do You Do When Your World Turns Updside-Down?

So. You’re cruising along, making progress, taking the normal ups and downs in stride… suddenly, without warning… BAM! The rug gets pulled out from under you and you find yourself spinning, reeling, and unable to take a breath deep enough to satisfy your lungs. What do you do when crisis strikes your home? How do [...]

Monday February 7th, 2011 in Tips & Tools, Viewpoints | 13 Comments »

Can’t Afford Certain Therapies? Things to Do at Home

Early on in my son’s diagnosis, we were on the six-to-nine month waiting list for Occupational Therapy at one of the top sensory centers here in Atlanta. After struggling through many public school behavioral disaster situations whilst on that list, we finally had a shot at getting into therapy… only to find out that my [...]

Monday November 8th, 2010 in Diet & Nutrition, Exercises, Tips & Tools | No Comments »

Keep Your Little Ghosts & Witches Boo (hoo)-Free

Trick or Treat Safety Tips for Youngsters Children should carry or wear something lit for visibility on a dark night – this could include a flashlight, glow-in-the-dark bracelet or necklace, or something flashing on their costume. Trick or treat in familiar, friendly neighborhoods. It’s a good idea to stay away from unknown areas – stick [...]

Saturday October 16th, 2010 in Tips & Tools | No Comments »

Why is My Child Crashing into Me and Screaming?!?

In my house this weekend, my son was a human (LOUD!) bumper car. Despite all of my refined calming and redirecting techniques, the past few days brought loud screams interspersed with crashing into walls, family members, doors, mirrors, and repeated jumping and falling onto the floor. Ironically, light touches and loud noises from any other [...]

Tuesday October 5th, 2010 in Information & Research, Tips & Tools | 1 Comment »

Why Emergency Responder Education Part II – Behaviors

Yesterday I participated in a beautiful 9/11 memorial service and emergency preparedness festival. I am still brought to tears when the events of that horrific day are described by anyone, especially those who serve in public safety. I am honored to be a part of a huge calling to encourage citizens to get involved and help [...]

Trippin’ Over Road Trip FAIL

So… what do you get when you cross a small Ford Focus, three children (one of which likes her music LOUD), a 125+ lb. Alaskan Malamute in heat, a child with Autism and Sensory Processing issues, and a last-minute four-hour road trip? Road trip FAIL. At least I can laugh about it now. Let’s hope [...]

Saturday July 10th, 2010 in Tips & Tools, Viewpoints | No Comments »