Outdoor Playdates for Toddlers

By Sharon Rose

      Outdoor playdates hold some of the best learning experiences and are perfect for your toddler to release some energy.  The spring weather will give you lots of opportunities for outdoor play.  Toddlers need lots of large muscle exercise.  Getting outdoors is a great way for parents to get some exercise too.  If your backyard is not equipped with all you need, find a city park you like.  For both spots, you and parents you partner with can create experiences with sandbox, wagon rides, bike rides, slides, and swings.  Swinging for children is gleeful!  You can expect to hear the high pitched sound of Whee!!!  It is a play activity that allows your child to overcome fear to enjoy play and to try many other new experiences.  This is so necessary to their growth and development.  For most children, to go up in the air in a swing will become a favorite play activity.  It may be scary at first, so expect this. Acknowledge to your child that it is only natural for them to feel this way.  Soothingly, talk your child through it, that you will keep them safe.  For safety, a child aged 1 to 3 years old should only use an outdoor swing that has a seat with a back to it.  Children younger than 1 year old are more safe in an indoor baby swing that you can use outdoors when weather permits. 

Another fun learning activity is gardening. You can do gardening year round.  Depending on the season, use fresh or pre-made paper flowers, or plant beans and seeds in a cup or small clay planter.  An archaeological dig for fossils, in a sandbox, with pre-made fossils presents an adventurous learning possibility, as well. Talk to your 3 or 4 year old about what fossils and an archaeologist are.  Most boys and girls this age are fascinated by dinosaurs, though some may be a little frightened at first.  Boys especially will love dinosaur play early on.  Parents will find that dinosaurs are everywhere in the world of child-play.  You will enjoy sharing playdates with your toddler and a few friends.  There may be some tears with new experiences, but the laughter will come, making great memories for your child and for you.  

You may have a future archaeologist!  Interactive play in your backyard with sand and play dinosaur bones can be lots of fun for your toddler.  They love to dig in the dirt to see what they can discover.




With your help, your toddler will enjoy watering plants in your garden with a watering can. 

When your toddler does gardening this is also an opportunity to play in the dirt.  Playing
 in dirt will allow them to learn more about nature.  "Hey Mom!  Time for me to wash my hands!"

Copyright, Outdoor Playdates for Toddlers, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, April 16, 2018.  All rights reserved.

7 Day Series, Day 7: Resources and References for ASD Parents and Children

By Sharon Rose

      Autism awareness means a brighter future for many of our children.  On the last day of our series, Parent's Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder, we are going to introduce Day 7: Resources and References for ASD Parents and Children.

Resources:

List of International Autism Organizations, including USA, Canada, U.K., Australia, France, New Zealand, Bangladesh, India, and all around the world: https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/world-autism-awareness-day/international-autism-organizations

Resource Guide for Services USA (Select your state.): https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/resource-guide

The U.K. National Autistic Society Services: http://www.autism.org.uk/services/work.aspx

Autism Speaks Canada: https://www.autismspeaks.ca/science-and-services/services/

Parent Guide to IDEA, USA: https://www.ncld.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/IDEA-Parent-Guide1.pdf

Websites: 

https://www.thecolorofautism.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw8MvWBRC8ARIsAOFSVBXE9Uj-BlKQPqUmVGzedQYYB7zdQ_0ICBfb8uHnQOBTT7zktCaPHxcaAju6EALw_wcB

http://www.autism-society.org/

https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource/friendship-circle-2

Book Resources:

Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

https://www.amazon.com/Things-Every-Child-Autism-Wishes/dp/1935274651/ref=pd_bxgy_14_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1935274651&pd_rd_r=86KTVMSE010P2JG4P6TY&pd_rd_w=6yStu&pd_rd_wg=1D2qc&psc=1&refRID=86KTVMSE010P2JG4P6TY

One of Us: A Family's Life with Autism

https://www.amazon.com/One-Us-Familys-Life-Autism/dp/0826219020/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_img_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=Z76BKM0RQVJ6EQ192E7G

Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's

https://www.amazon.com/Look-Me-Eye-Life-Aspergers/dp/0307396185/ref=pd_sbs_14_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0307396185&pd_rd_r=2GYWQE3XZKFX36F6N1Z0&pd_rd_w=lJkbZ&pd_rd_wg=ksq1R&psc=1&refRID=2GYWQE3XZKFX36F6N1Z0

      As we end our 7 Day Series: Parent's Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder, we want to leave you with the thought that autism awareness and acceptance means a brighter future for our children.  It takes a village! 

Copyright, 7 Day Series, Day 7: Resources and References for ASD Parents and Children, Sharon Rose, Parent's Want to Know 101, April 15, 2018.  All rights reserved. 

7 Day Series, Day 6, Living with Autism: Personal Stories

By Sharon Rose

      The process parents go through that ends with a diagnosis of autism is only just the beginning of a journey that the family will take that will be challenging, stressful, and filled with guilt.  Parents will puzzle, what did I do wrong.  Studies have proven that parents are not to blame, but studies have not proven the true reason for autism and what causes it.  With no support from research studies to chase guilt feelings away, parents can gain support and share stories of their real-life experiences with one another.  You can find the rainbow!  Today, on Day 6 of our Parent's Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder, we are introducing, Living with Autism: Personal Stories.  We are sharing the voices of autism from parents and ASD children and adults who have lived with autism daily. 

      Tracy Beadle tells the story of her son, Dylan's, diagnosis. Tracy said, "Our journey to getting Dylan diagnosed began just before his 2nd birthday when we noticed his speech wasn’t developing like his peers."  

      Mary Elizabeth spoke of her son, "The first thing we noticed was that he seemed very restless. He was always unsettled.  He had a lack of recognition in his eyes.  He didn't eat.  He didn't sleep."

      You can find Tracy's and Mary Elizabeth's full story, along with other inspiring stories, in our sources.  We believe you will find more awareness, inspiration, and for some of our parents, a feeling of support.  

Real-life Story Sources:
https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/understanding-autism/diagnosis/diagnosis-one-familys-story

https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2015/05/13/division-basketball-player-autisms-story-will-inspire-you

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/stories.html

Tomorrow will be the last day of our Parent's Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder, Day 7: Resources and References.  Join us!

Copyright, 7 Day Series, Day 6, Living with Autism: Personal Stories, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, April 14, 2018.  All rights reserved.

7 Day Series, Day 5: What Are Your Parental and ASD Child's Legal Rights?

By Sharon Rose

      We continue our 7 Day Series: Parent's Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder.  This is DAY 5: What Are Your Parental and ASD Child's Legal Rights?  Getting services for your child with ASD may seem challenging.  It's important to know and understand your child's ASD diagnosis and your legal rights.

Know your rights - As the parent of a child with ASD, you have the legal right to:

1.  A free public school education.

2. Be involved in developing your child’s IEP from start to finish.

3. Disagree with the school system’s recommendations.

4. Seek an outside evaluation for your child.

5. Invite anyone you want, from a relative to your child’s doctor, to be on the IEP team.

6. Request an IEP meeting at any time if you feel your child’s needs are not being met.

7. Free or low-cost legal representation if you can’t come to an agreement with the school.

      It is very important to know that your ASD child has the right to a free education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which was first enacted in 1975 and most recently revised in 2004, mandates that each state provide all eligible children with a public school education that meets their individual needs.

      When making educational decisions it's important for parents to know, legally, private schools and church-operated schools, often referred to as parochial schools, are not bound to provide the same services as public schools.  You cannot request a certified special education teacher for your ASD child.  However, another school option is the charter school, which is a type of public school and is, therefore, bound by the same laws as a traditional public school.  The picture looks brighter when you know your rights!


On tomorrow we will introduce you to an inspiring family, Day 6, Living with Autism: Personal Stories.


*Resources for information on the 504 Plan and an IEP:
https://www.autismsociety-nc.org/getting-school-services-child-entitled/

https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/transition-tool-kit/legal-matters

Copyright, 7 Day Series, Day 5: What Are Your Parental and ASD Child's Legal Rights?  Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, April 13, 2018.  All rights reserved.

7 Day Series, Day 4: Finding Help and Support for the ASD Family

By Sharon Rose

      Parenting has never been easy, and raising a child with special needs is even more challenging. Seeking help and support can make all the difference in how well you can take care of your ASD child, your family, and also, importantly, yourself. There are many places that parents of children with ASD can turn to for advice, advocacy, and support:

1. ADS support groups – Joining an ASD support group is a great way to meet other families who are dealing with the same challenges you are. Parents can share information, get advice, and lean on each other for emotional support.

2. Respite care – Parents need a break sometimes. For parents coping with the added stress of raising a child with ASD, this is especially true. Respite care allows another caregiver to step in, temporarily, to give you a break for a few hours, days, or even weeks. To find respite care options in your area, see resources below.

3. Individual, marital, or family counseling - If you are dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression, you may want to see a therapist of your own. Therapy is a safe place where you can talk honestly about everything you’re feeling. It can be a safe haven to release your feelings. Marriage and family therapy can also help you work out problems that, as parents to an ASD child, become challenges in your spousal relationship and/or with other family members.  Free U.S. Government Services for ASD Children - Under the U.S. federal law known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), children with disabilities, including those with ASD, are eligible for a range of free or low-cost services. Under this provision, children in need and their families may receive medical evaluations, psychological services, speech therapy, physical therapy, parent counseling and training, assisted technology devices, and other specialized services.

4. Children under the age of 10 do not need an autism diagnosis to receive free services under IDEA. If they are experiencing a developmental delay (including delays in communication or social development), they are automatically eligible for early intervention and special education services.

5. Early intervention services, from birth to two years of age, are administered through the Early Intervention Program for free. If the assessment shows a developmental problem, you will work with early intervention treatment providers to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). An IFSP describes your child’s needs and the specific services he or she will receive, such as behavior, speech, physical, and play therapies. To locate local early intervention services for your child, ask your pediatrician for a referral and see our resources below.

6. Special education services are available for children three years of age and older, through school-based, free programs. The school will evaluate your child and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be created.  An IEP outlines educational goals for your child for the school year. It also describes special services or supports the school will provide for your child in order to meet these goals. The ultimate goal is to place children in the least restrictive environment possible, where they are still able to learn.

      Parents, don't try to do it alone. The help and support is available! 

Join us tomorrow, as we continue our ASD series for Day 5: What Are Your Parental and ASD Child's Legal Rights?

Resources:
Autism Speaks USA: https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/family-support-tool-kits

Parent Guide to IDEA, USA: 

https://www.ncld.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/IDEA-Parent-Guide1.pdf

The U.K. National Autistic Society Services: 

http://www.autism.org.uk/services/work.aspx

Autism Speaks Canada:

https://www.autismspeaks.ca/science-services-resources/family-services/

Copyright, 7 Day Series, Day 4: Finding Help and Support for the ASD Family, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, April 12, 2018.  All rights reserved.

7 Day Series, Day 3: Choosing a Good Treatment Plan

By Sharon Rose

      Choosing a good treatment plan for your ASD child should involve, you, the parents, mental health and educational professionals working together to create a plan that fits your child. Each child on the autism spectrum is unique, with different strengths and different weaknesses. You know your child and trained professionals can partner with you to come up with the best fit for your child to reach their potential.  When putting together a treatment plan, ask yourself these questions to guide you:

1. What are my child's strengths?
2. What are my child's weaknesses?
3. What behaviors are causing the most problems?
4. How does my child learn best?
5. What does my child enjoy?

Expectations of a Good Treatment Plan:

1. Build on your child's interests.
2. Offer a preditable schedule.
3. Teach tasks as a series of simple steps.
4. Actively engage your child's attention in highly structured activities.
5. Provide regular reinforcement of behavior.
6. As the parents, stay involved.
7. Choose skills to work on, but do not put a time limit on how long your child will work on a
skill.  No pressure.

     The goal of a treatment plan for your ASD child should be to treat your child's unique set of symptoms and needs. Most common autism spectrum treatments include behavior therapy, speech-language therapy, play-based therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nutritional therapy. Keeping a regular routine and being consistent is important. You should also think about what skills and behaviors are most needed and treat those first. You can't work on everything all at once.  Stay encouraged!  With a good plan, and everyone (parents and professionals) working together, your child has a good chance of meeting the challenges of his own unique ASD.  Step by step.

Our series continues tomorrow with more valuable information, Day 4: Finding Help and Support.


*Resource for More Information: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml





Copyright, 7 Day Series, Day 3: Choosing a Good Treatment Plan, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, April 11, 2018.  All rights reserved.  

7 Day Series, Day 2: Providing Structure and Safety for Children with ASD.

By Sharon Rose

      Parents of an autistic child should learn all they can about autism and get involved in their ASD child's treatment and education. Your active support will make a difference. Providing structure and safety for your child will make daily home life easier for your ASD child, for you, and for the family.  Likely, there are also activities you and your ASD child can enjoy together away from home.  Just have a sound safety plan in place. 

Providing Structure and Safety:

1. Be consistent - ASD children find it difficult to transfer how to use what they learned in one environment to another environment. (Example - from the therapist's office, to school, to home.)  So, if your child uses sign language to communicate at the therapist's office, encourage him to use it in all of the settings in their daily life. This will reinforce learning the use of sign language as a way for your child to communicate.

2. Stick to a schedule - Create a schedule with regular times for getting up, meals, school, therapy, and bedtime. It is very important to avoid disrupting your ASD child's routine.  If a change in the schedule cannot be avoided, prepare your child in advance.

3. Reward good behavior - It's important to reward good behavior because you want to see it repeated. Praise your child when they act appropriately. Even, go so far as to watch for them carrying out good behavior, or a new skill, and reward them with a sticker or a toy.  Be careful of using hugs as a reward because ASD children are often sensitive to touch. Know your child.

4. Create a home safety zone - Create a private area at home where your child can relax, feel safe and secure, and have quiet time. Organize and set boundaries your child can understand. Use visual cues such as: colored tape, pictures, or gates/fences. Decorate a special area with floor pillows in a corner of a room. Safety proof your home as you would for a baby/toddler, removing or placing in a high, locked cabinet: chemicals, medicines, sharp tools, etc. This is especially important if your child tends to have tantrums and/or violent behaviors.

*Join us tomorrow as our series continues with Day 3: Choosing a Good Treatment Plan.





Copyright, 7 Day Series, Day 2: Providing Structure and Safety for Children with ASD, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, April 10, 2018.  All rights reserved.

7 Day Series, Day 1: A Parent's Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder

By Sharon Rose

       April is National Autism Awareness Month and we want to promote autism awareness and shine a light on the challenges children with autism, and their parents, cope with daily.  In a new analysis by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) an estimated 2.41 percent of children in the United States have autism spectrum disorder.  ASD affects about 1 in 41 children.  Although that is a large increase since the 1970s and 1980s, a new study indicates that the rate of new cases of autism has leveled off in recent years.  To bring more awareness we will start DAY# 1 in our series with: What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and What are the Symptoms?

      Autism is a group of developmental brain disorders, collectively, called autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  Spectrum refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment or disability, that children with ASD can have. Autistic children are not all the same.  Some children are mildly impaired by their symptoms, while others are severely disabled. 

Disorders Within the Spectrum are:

1. Autistic disorder (classic autism)
2. Asperger’s disorder (Asperger syndrome)
3. Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Rett’s disorder (Rett syndrome)
4. Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD).

Symptoms Within the Spectrum - Symptoms of ASD vary from one child to the next, but generally fall in three areas:

1. Social impairment.
2. Communication difficulties.
3. Repetitive and stereotyped behaviors.

      Children with ASD don't follow typical patterns children follow when developing social and communication skills. The parents are usually the first ones to recognize unusual behaviors in their child.  Some babies with ASD may seem different early in their development, even before their first birthday. They may become overly focused on certain objects, rarely make eye contact, and fail to engage in typical back-and-forth play and babbling with their parents. Speech and language delays can be an early indicator. Other children may develop normally until their second or third year, but then become withdrawn, silent, or indifferent to social signals. Loss or reversal of normal development that has already been gained is called regression and occurs in some children. If you have any concerns, talk to your pediatrician. Early intervention is very important. 


Our series continues tomorrow on Day 2: Providing Structure and Safety for Children with ASD.






Copyright, 7 Day Series, Day 1: A Parent's Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, April 9, 2018.  All rights reserved.