Apps

Absolutely Appropriate Apps...


Since my son was fortune enough to receive an IPad from the Adam Scott Foundation, I have been hunting down many different Apps that we as a family have found worthwhile.

Incredible You !

10 Ways to Let Your Greatness Shine Though is now available  as a children's Book for your iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. As a special bonus, the audio narration provides a fantastic adaptation.  Incredible you ! teaches children that they are unique and powerful, with a special affirmation of;  they have everything they need within themselves to create happy, successful lives. There are 10 concept titles, set in rhyming verse, and combined with wonderful illustrations bringing each message to life. My son and I love this book and it helps him to realise how incredible he is.  I also get to enjoy my older son sharing in the knowledge of this story, listening and reading along to his little bro.

The 10 important lessons include the value of finding what you love, taking time for yourself, sharing the good, and making today great! Each lesson includes an example showing how a child might apply the concept in his or her everyday life. Questions at the end of the book help spark discussion and further reinforce the message. 

Nighty Night!

NIGHTY NIGHT! HD, is the best-selling interactive bedtime book.
All around the house the lights go out, and even the animals in the barn are tired. But who puts them to bed? Who turns out the lights in their stalls? That is the task for small to ponder.
 The bedtime book "Nighty Night!" HD for iPad helps children get to know animals interactively while preparing to go to bed. Dog, Pig, Sheep, Duck, Cow, Fish and Chickens moo and bubble, hop and lay eggs, until a kid turns the light out and the animals go to sleep. "Nighty Night!" is the perfect app for a daily go-to-sleep ritual with sweet music and actor Alistair Findlay as a narrator.

Thomas & Friends: Misty Island Rescue.

Choo! Choo! Thomas and his friends have arrived on the IPad.
Thomas & Friends: Misty Island Rescue for IPad includes five different options keeping kids amused and entertained. Now most of you if your child is on the Spectrum, know how important Thomas the Tank Engine is to their child world. Not only do the structure and order of the train excite these children but the facial expressions on each engine/character have long played a role in the development of Autistic children. Kids will enjoy Thomas, Percy, Sir Top and Hat and even some new friends in this fun story and game app. Simply tap the railroad sign at the top of the screen and the gate appears with the option buttons: Home, Book, TV, Paint, Puzzle and 123.  In “Book” mode, Thomas and the train engines are busy working together to build the new Sodor Search and Rescue Center. Thomas is rewarded with a trip to the Mainland after helping when Diesel gets into trouble. During the journey, Thomas gets lost at sea and finds himself on an unfamiliar island, where he meets the Logging Locos: Bash, Dash, and Ferdinand. Together they help Thomas find his way home but not before experiencing some adventures along the way! Tap the mini Thomas at the bottom of the screen to select specific pages and turn narration on and off.

“TV” mode is an entertaining music video for kids. Watch as the trains chug around the island and sing along with the catchy tune. “Misty Island Rescue, here we go…”    Thomas & Friends: Misty Island Rescue App, continues on with three play modes: Paint, Puzzle and 123 (dot-to-dot). Tap the mini Thomas on the tracks at the bottom of the screen to view all the options in each of these modes.

Talking Kids Math and Numbers

Talking Kids Math and Numbers is an easy way for kids to learn numbers and build basic math skills.  This is a cool math and numbers learning App   My son enjoys the following activities: learning numbers  -addition  -subtraction.  This App helps school-aged kids visually learn numbers and basic math skills. A good way to visualise Addition.

iPicto

I received an email this week about a new App just released iPicto.

iPicto is an visual communication app designed specifically for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. iPicto sells for $1.99 in the App Store and was created by Erwin van den Hout. With iPicto for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, you can quickly provide support and clarification in communication for people with special needs.

iPicto Description: 

• iPicto uses a large database of more than 4000 pictograms and visualizations, classified into 37 categories.
• The pictogram is easy to find and helps ensure that the person can learn to understand something quickly, without much difficulty.
My Underwear

Rather than reading my version of this App, I found a great demonstration on Youtube.

"You Reap What You Sow"

You Reap What You Sow.

I was recently reading an article that referenced to the quote  "You Reap What You Sow."  This was used in a context, referring to Rugby Union Development. The idea of guiding and nurturing players in youth to support a generation of future professional players. Now I am not thinking of taking up the sport of Rugby nor am I grooming my youngest to be a Rugby boy...(even though he would make an excellent Prop or Forward, hard head, no fear mentality)...but the meaning behind this phrase did spark a train of thoughts. 

"You Reap What You Sow".....    You will see the long-term effects of your actions. Everything that you do has repercussions. It comes back to you one way or another. 

How many times, as a parent have you heard yourself saying to your child.... "you need to treat others as you would want to be treated..... or if you act that way towards people or have that attitude in life... that is how others will treat you....  then your attitude will stand as a barrier in achieving all that you can be. ?" I know I have many times, especially when trying to reason with my eldest son or even when sharing a difference of opinion with family members.  One common similarity when reflecting on your personal actions in life... was the word Judgement.

A Judgemental persons... one who is of or denotes an attitude in which judgements about other people's conduct are made.

  I recently had the following conversation with my mum.  We were discussing how people react to difference.... children in shopping centres acting in a way we may not see as appropriate or making judgements of people whom we do not know.  I very quickly raised the point of Autism Awareness, and educating others about facets involved in raising these children.  I made the statement.... "who are we to judge when we do not want others to judge L......".  When looking at life with this perspective.... my mum, stopped her one-sided rant.... thought about what I had said.... quickly agreeing.  I have personally felt the looks and heard the comments of passers-by, when they see my child in full melt-down mode at a shopping centre. The stares, the whispers, the intolerance.  I have had people abuse me, make totally inappropriate comments and statements, when my son has accidentally walked into them, as he struggles to cope with lighting, noise and the bustle of a shopping centre. His squeals are so high in pitch.... they can set off little old people's hearing aides!  At times he acts in a manner, many may perceive as a tantrum, only to be unaware he is struggling just to be in a room or setting. I genuinely think a parent of a child on the spectrum or really with any disability, can become quite insecure and vulnerable when this happens. Feelings arise of people staring, looks of pity, looks of disgust, all when their child behaves in a socially disapproving way.  Do you think this is maybe because we live in a world where opinions are cast too quickly ? 

Or where our actions are judged over knowing or hearing the truth ?  

I would like to think our world is not based solely on the opinion of others.  I will hold onto my belief that we are surrounded by good, understanding people, despite what you hear and see on the news. Many  of you may be judging me now, thinking my opinion is naive, unrealistic.  Maybe I am ?  But , I believe when raising children, one needs to have hope. We need to guide in a positive, confident manner..... that is of course if we wish to "reap" the benefits of the next generation, being motivated, peaceful, accepting and more understanding in their attitudes towards life!  Personally when in a situation where my parenting and my child are being "judged" by others, I have found, almost every time, that by keeping a calm, caring attitude and having the courage to approach those misinformed opinions, helps.  By carefully and respectfully approaching those attitudes, with information, that my response is usually one of support, quickly followed by an apology.  To be honest though, I do think the toughest challenge is when my older son has to witness actions or hear comments of others. He immediately looks to me to work out how it is he must respond.  

In the past I have chosen to ignore, storm off, vent out loud...... but over time, I now choose a different tactic when in these situations. Demonstrating understanding, was a much better approach to model to my children.  This way, I always leave with a smile on my face, not ashamed by anything my son or I have done, holding my head high.  

So  "When You Reap What You Sow".... what am I "planting" ?

I would hope that my actions and attitudes towards others and difference are on display. By reflecting on my own personal conduct, my children and other onlookers, can see how I choose to react when faced with a dilemma, (despite of the emotions boiling inside of me).  My self control, demeanour, grace and poise, is what I am "sowing" in my children, friends and family.  I continue to strive to raise my sons in this way. To see the value in their decisions and the manner in which to conduct themselves...a difficult skill to master ?..... yes!  This requires thinking, reflecting, patience and problem-solving. Children need choice in their actions and behaviour. They need to understand that emotion or aggression are not the only ways to deal with a conflict or judgement. To understand that they are responsible for their own conduct.

Think of how different society would be to have a generation of children who truly understood what it meant to be accepting of each other. To be respectful and tolerant of each other.....  sound wonderful?     I think so.    Is it impossible to achieve?  

I believe it isn't.... but it needs to start with the parents, the life guides, the people in our children's lives to have the biggest influence.... mentors, family etc

What better way to teach than through demonstration....  only then can we reap the benefits of what we "sow" within our children.

  

First Day of the Holidays

It's the first Day of the Holidays and already...... I am so over being a Mum !

Anxiety in adults with an autism spectrum disorder

I came across a website:  www.autism.org.uk.

The information on this site was really informative and easy to read. I thought I would share !  The following article has been resourced from this website.

Anxiety in adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Anxiety is a real difficulty for many adults with Autism or Asperger Syndrome. It can affect a person psychologically and physically. This guide talks about the different ways you can manage anxiety, from keeping a diary to learning relaxation techniques and getting support from others in a similar situation.

Anxiety can happen for a range of reasons and people with Autism or Asperger Syndrome can vary in their ability to cope with it.

Emotions are abstract. To understand emotion you need an imagination. One of the areas of difficulty for people with autism is not being able to imagine things, so understanding emotions can be difficult for them. People with high-functioning autism may understand some emotions and recognise the feelings that are associated with them. By helping someone to understand anxiety, you can help them to manage it better. 

Resources such as those sold by Incentive Plus as well as the Autism Research Centre's CD ROM, Mind reading, can help teach someone with autism about emotions.

Anxiety can affect both the mind and the body, and produce a range of symptoms. The psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety are closely linked and so can lead to a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break. 

The psychological symptoms of anxiety are:

·         easily losing patience

·         difficulty concentrating

·         thinking constantly about the worst outcome

·         difficulty sleeping

·         depression

·         becoming preoccupied with or obsessive about one subject.

   

It's physical symptoms include:

·         excessive thirst

·         stomach upsets

·         loose bowel movements

·         frequent urinating (going to the loo)

·         periods of intensely pounding heart

·         periods of having gas

·         muscle aches

·         headaches

·         dizziness

·         pins and needles

·         tremors.

Strategies for managing anxiety

Once someone understands anxiety and has identified the things and situations that make them anxious, they can then take steps to cope with the anxiety. If you are looking after someone with autism, try and be aware of what makes them anxious and how best to help them manage certain behaviours.

Keep a diary - To help someone with autism understand anxiety, get them to understand the symptoms they display when they are anxious and to look at the causes of their anxiety. Keeping a diary in which they write about certain situations and how these make them feel may help them to understand their anxiety and manage it better. 

Use the diary also to think about the physical changes linked to anxiety. Someone with autism often retreats into their particular interest if they are anxious about something use the diary to monitor this as well.

Meltdown prevention plan - Create an anxiety plan when someone with autism is feeling positive about things. An anxiety plan is a list of things and situations that cause anxiety as well as solutions and strategies they can use to help them manage their anxiety levels. The plan can be adapted, depending upon how well someone understands anxiety:

Relaxation techniques - Someone with autism can find it very difficult to relax. Some people with autism have a particular interest or activity they like to do because it helps them relax. If they use these to relax, it may help to build them into their daily routine. However, this interest or activity can itself be the source of behavioural difficulties at times, especially if they're unable to follow their interest or do the activity at a particular moment. Some people may need to be left alone for short periods of the day to help them unwind. 

Physical activity can also often help to manage anxiety and release tension. Using deep breathing exercises to relax can be helpful as can activities such as yoga and Pilates, which both focus on breathing to relax. Use a visual timetable or write a list to help remind the person when they need to practice relaxation.

Any other activities that are pleasant and calming such as taking a bath, listening to relaxing music, aromatherapy, playing on a computer may also help reduce anxiety. Some people may find lights particularly soothing, especially those of a repetitive nature, such as spinning lights or bubble tubes. 

You may need to encourage adults who are less able to take part in these activities so that they can enjoy their benefits. You can do this by explaining when and where they will do the activity and what it will involve. You may have to go along with the person at first and do short periods of activity to begin with.  

Talking about anxiety. Some people with autism find direct confrontation difficult. They may therefore be unable to say they don't like certain things or situations, which will raise their anxiety levels. If they identify they are anxious, they could use a card system to let family or friends around them know how they are feeling. At first, you may need to tell them when to use the card and prompt them to use it when they do become anxious. 

They could also carry a card around with them to remind themselves of what they need to do if they start getting anxious. You could also give them a stress scale that they can use whenever they find something particularly stressful.

Getting support from other people with Autism

*Glass half empty, glass half full: how Asperger's syndrome has changed my life 

by Chris Mitchell 

*Making sense of the unfeasible: my life journey with Asperger syndrome 

by Mark Fleisher

*Thinking in pictures 

by Temple Grandin

We also produce a quarterly newsletter called Asperger United. It is written by people with autism and includes personal accounts of having autism. Find out more at... www.autism.org.uk/aspergerunited

Thank-you for over 1000 Visits.

With Much Appreciation and Thanks....

Over 1000 visits since starting this Blog back in 

January.

On Ya Mate!

Tonsillectomy Date Again!

     Drum roll please.......

And we have it!

The new date for my youngest son's tonsillectomy is....

19  June  2011.

6 weeks later than the first initial appointment.

Let's see how many infections he gets between now and then hey?

Great Sensory Resource

Great Sensory Resource

I came across this great Proprioception Sensory Resource available through Ikea.

SVÄVA  Swing

$79.00

Swinging develops the sense of balance and body perception. It also brings a feeling of well-being and relaxation.

Platform swings, are excellent tools that help children with Sensory Integration Dysfunction. They can help regulate a child's vestibular system and give them the daily input they need to stay calm. This swing helps to vary the type of movement by using it either standing, sitting, or lying on their back or stomach. This is a great way to increase body awareness and give Proprioception stimulation as well. When using a platform swing consider what type of Swing Motion, will be the most beneficial. A slow, back and forth motion is usually calming, while fast, high swinging can be stimulating. Spinning or quick stops and starts on the swing tend to increase arousal and attention. I found by watching my son carefully, especially when he used the swing for the first time, signs of distress, anxiety or motion sickness, gave me the information I needed to determine the Swing Motion. 

I generally use games and activities to work on additional goals while my son is on the swing. For example, catching and throwing a ball can improve balance and coordination, as can leaning over the swing to pick up bean bags from the floor. When he pulls himself on the swing, he is improving his strength and balance. In our home setting, the platform swing encourages social conversation, as we take turns pushing or riding with his brother on the swing. For people with Autism, a swing can change a difficult, exhausting day into a fun and relaxing activity. Usually therapy equipment for parents to install at home, can cost hundred and even thousands of dollars, especially if purchased through a private Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist.  By really looking around and researching the type of equipment needed, you can sometimes locate great alternatives at reasonable prices. Just like this Platform Swing.

Does that hurt ?

During the last week I have been struggling to work out, what is actually going on with my youngest son. He has been extremely irritable, not coping with school - having to come home early, he's overloaded "sensory-wise", having restless sleep and this morning I woke to his inner elbows and knees joints covered in what I can only describe as a type of Psoriasis. He has very dark shadows under his eyes and is obviously tired, becoming frustrated easily, squealing and head-butting more than usual. Normally, your child would tell you if they were feeling unwell or tired. But for my youngest, being non-verbal and also processing a high pain threshold, moments like these are really difficult. He cannot tell you if anything is hurting. When prompted, he will respond in "repetitive phrases". It is normally his behaviour and eating patterns that are affected first, prior to coming down with any type of sickness. Then is usually a few days before hand. But when this type of "unsettling" display of emotion is reoccurring for days leading into a few weeks, I am tempted to think this is something more. That is, more than just being "exhausted".

Taking into consideration that this school term is 12 weeks long and "everyone" is feeling tired, all children especially those in Prep and Year One are struggling just to get through the day. It really does make me wonder how Queensland Education can justify its school holiday structure for this year, when many of the private schools in Brisbane have already commenced their Term One holidays. Most of my teaching friends are telling the same stories.... the younger children are emotional, tired, distracted, unmotivated and generally drained. It's not just the children either, teachers too are really struggling to stay energized until the end of term. It astounds me how Education Queensland can promote "Queensland - the Smart State" when it imposes such ridiculous guidelines. Not too smart if you ask me. Probably another case, like so many before, that has resulted in a decision made by those in power who have neglected to see that inside of a classroom for years. It happens all the time.
Unfortunately when those on the Autistic Spectrum, are unable to tell you exactly what they are feeling, or understand what is going on with their bodies, parents or carers generally turn to the power of elimination or begin a guessing game. This is basically where I am at right now. My son's overall body temp is usually warmer than other children, so it is difficult to distinguish whether or not he has a temperature, fighting some sort of infection, or if it is a sensory issue. The rash on his arms and legs could be part of this - a heat rash. He is starting to cough again at night, which is suggesting the dreaded tonsils are flaring again! It has only been a few weeks since his last infection. On this note..... the tonsillectomy has to be postponed a month due to private health rules and unreasonable regulations. I have always had private health cover for my children. But since becoming a sole parent, I have to fund these rebates on my own. Changes needed to be made to our policy due to budgeting issues and as a result, new waiting periods were placed onto our coverage. It doesn't matter that we have been with the same fund for the past 12 years. As my son's tonsils have now been deemed as a pre-existing condition, (besides the fact that the infections did not get extremely bad until 8 months ago), we are still under a "waiting period" until June this year. This basically means everything has to be pushed back until then. Our particular Private Health Insurer is neglecting to acknowledge that my son's tonsils are having a huge impact on his sleep, breathing and Autistic traits as well the overall family impact this change will have on my ability as sole carer and my older son. I have had to change appointments reorganise Respite which is now not guaranteed, change all my older son's commitments, all because of this waiting period. Now if I opt for the Public System..... I will have to wait up to 18 months before my son can have his tonsils removed. This is basically why I have opted to stay with Private Health. The Queensland Health System is a complete joke. There is no funding so various departments can help people. Hospitals are running under-staffed. Waiting periods for procedures and appointments to see specialists are so long, it is an absolute shambles. What else are parents supposed to do?

Everyday there is a new battle and new issues to deal with.  Parents and Carers are not coping with the extreme demands being placed on them. The unfortunate thing is..... it is not always the needs or the severity of their child's disability that places challenges onto parents and families.... a lot of the time the pressure comes from the support networks that are supposed to be in place to help.  Funding promised to support living with disabilities that suddenly disappears. Opportunities and the right to Health Care facilities and to professionals, that in reality is not accessible. It is only when you are in this situation, that the truth becomes known.  It is easy for Parents and Carers to give up. Many families move interstate or overseas to access better facilities.  Parents and Carers, even those family members suffering with disability are becoming statistics.  Change is needed !

I guess for my family, we continue to preserve.  Continue to rise to each challenge that presents itself.  I guess you could say that I am quite a determined person.  Strong in nature... yes.... but it doesn't mean that I don't feel the hurt, anguish and frustration of each battle.