Autism Journeys

Gamee's 3rd Birthday

2011-05-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

Gamee had a wonderful birthday last month. Family and friends from the center and community joined her for a party filled with yummy treats and interactive activities.
Check out that adorable dog friendly cake! Special thanks to Cyndi Kafentzis for making her special birthday treat.

Evening of Hope

2011-04-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

The Autism Council of Utah and The Utah Parent Center

are pleased to present...

An Evening of Hope

Celebrating autism and faith in our community

Reverend Tom Goldsmith

Rabbi Ilana Schwartzman

Brandon Gunnell, Former LDS Bishop

Special performance by Eric Stoker

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Hosted by

Autism Journeys

3130 W. Maple Loop Dr., Lehi UT 84043 (Located in Thanksgiving Point)

This is an event for the entire community. Bring your family, grandparents and friends.

Please join us for refreshments following the presentations.

FREE child care is available from

6:00-8:00 p.m. for families attending.

RSVP for childcare is required.

Please contact Autism Journeys at

(801) 766-8681 by Friday, April 15th to

reserve your childcare.

Driving Directions

· Take the I-15 Highland/Alpine Exit 284, Head

West

· Continue West past the Maverick and

towards the Thanksgiving Point Golf Course.

· Take your first right after the stop sign

(3100 W. Maple Loop Dr.)

· Make an immediate left into the parking lot,

building is on the left (south-east corner)

· 3130 W. building entrance is on the west

Inspiration to help you carry on!

2011-02-13T16:04:00.000-08:00

The heart that gives-gathers.

-Hannah Moore

When you get into a tight place
and it seems that you can't go on,
hold on-for that 's just the place and the time
that the tide will turn.
-Harriet beecher Stowe

Pronoun Reversal by Dawn Gumersall MC, CCC-SLP

2011-01-12T11:59:00.000-08:00

Pronoun reversal is a common characteristic in Autism Spectrum Disorders. I and you are particularly affected. Research suggests this stems from the role of echolalia, or lack of self-identification. Children with ASD often, through imitation, learn language in “chunks”. A child may learn phrases such as, “Here I go!”, or, “I want ___ please”, but without functional understanding or use of the individual words alone. That is, these phrases are used as one meaningful utterance, but the child often doesn’t use the words I, want, go to build other phrases. Therefore, the child may learn the phrase, “Do you want juice?” from having heard it, but then use it to mean “I want juice.” The difficulty continues as we try to model pronoun usage for our children as we might for developing other language features. I can model, “more juice”, or “red car”, but when I try to model a pronoun “I want” it refers back to me, not the child.

So what to do?! First, as a prerequisite, make sure your child uses names consistently and appropriately to refer to self and others. For example, “Johnny jump”, “Mommy wants cookie”, or when asked “Who wants __?”, child responds differentially “Johnny”, “Daddy”, etc.

Then, I like to start with personal pronouns me, you and I. Here’s some ideas:

Snack time: Who is this one for/ this one is for ___?

“for me” or “for you”

-- add names if needed: “for me Mommy”, “for you Johnny”

-- also use gestures and emphasis

-- it is helpful at first to use a 3^rd person “facilitator”-- 3^rdperson sits behind the child, preferably, and tells child what to say

-- visual cues can also be helpful

Bubbles: Who should blow?

“me”, “you”

--respond naturally – if your child says you but means me, don’t address it verbally (it justs get confusing). Instead point to yourself and blow the bubbles.

Tis the Season…To have a meltdown!

2010-12-06T22:02:00.000-08:00

I’m one of those holiday-crazed people. I love the madness of midnight shopping, can’t wait to decorate my house from top to bottom, love buying coordinating holiday outfits, want to attend each and every activity and always want my pine tree candle burning. It’s an understatement to say I love the holiday season.

My holiday dreams are often a horrible nightmare for individuals on the spectrum. They often rely heavily on routine and predictability. So it’s no wonder they aren’t thrilled with the gatherings of rarely seen friends and family, the strange smell of a fresh tree in their usual comfort zone (home), mom’s insistence on wearing the brand new shirt or their neighborhood Target being overrun. Even receiving gifts can be no fun for some individuals.

So… how do you, your family and your family member(s) on the spectrum enjoy the holidays? Answer… anticipate and prepare!!! Here are a few tips to help you enjoy and survive the holiday season.

The perfect holiday photo

30 minutes before family pictures, is not the time to introduce a freshly pressed, never before worn (or seen) shirt, take them to a foreign location and expect them to smile on command.

Instead, consider allowing your child to wear the outfit around the house a time or two. If they happen to stain the shirt before the pictures are snapped, it’s really no big deal. These days we have this little thing called Photoshop.

One of the best ways to alleviate clothing wars is to involve your child as much as possible. Take them shopping with you, give them choices, etc. This will not only ensure they can handle the fabric, but can help them gain some sense of control over the situation and often relieves a great deal of anxiety. If you don’t have this option, allow them to wear something underneath or don’t have them put it on until right before pictures.

If you have a child who dislikes being in front of the camera, get them involved early. Practice taking pictures, or try and interest them in getting behind the camera. I also suggest having pictures taken in a familiar setting, alleviating unforeseen distractions both positive and negative.

Lastly, think about what you’re trying to portray in your picture. I don’t know about you, but my favorite photos aren’t the perfectly posed, fake smile photos. Instead they’re the photos that allow me a glimpse into the personalities of the family. Hence… if your child is always twisting his hair, squinting one eye, or carrying around a Thomas Train… let it be.

Gatherings and holiday crowds.

Prepare, Pack and Plan

Prepare… As much as you can, prepare them for what’s to come. Show them pictures of extended family you plan to visit, locations you’ll be going, sights and sounds they’re likely to see. Talk about it, draw it, whatever you can to limit surprises.

Pack… Holiday gatherings can quickly turn into sensory overload. Make sure to pack your child’s sensory soothers. This is not the day to forget the chewy tube, or expect them to sit through dinner with out their weighted blanket.

Plan… Make a schedule. Include choices and breaks for your child throughout the gathering. You want to give your child an opportunity for a “break” before the meltdown. Keep in mind the first to arrive is often the first to leave. Arriving early means less people, less noise, and shorter lines. It also allows you to sneak out early with out feeling badly. When at all possible, leave before your child is “done”. This will help you in the future by imprinting a positive or at least tolerable impression in your child’s mind. Just in case you don’t make it to the car before the meltdown… always, always have an escape plan. A simple signal or secret code to your spouse may be all you need to escape in just the nick of time.

Pine and Cinnamon

Fresh tress and scented candles are inevitable during the holidays. When it comes to this issue, I say... pick your battles. If this means a fake tree and forgoing the candles, it’s a battle I’m wiling to surrender.

Gifts

Practicing how to receive a gift is something all children need to do. This can be even more challenging with individuals on the spectrum. Let’s face it… they’re usually horrible liars. Why on earth would they say thank you to a gift they hate or already have. If your child is able, you can practice prior to the big day. Role-play, draw a behavior map, help them come up with a standard response, whatever it takes.

If this isn’t a possibility, you can prep the gift givers in advance for what you suspect is going to occur. If they care enough about your child to give them a gift, they should care enough to understand. If not…consider forgoing that gift all together.

As exciting as gifts are, they’re still new and unexpected. Allow your child time to adjust to the gift. Don’t expect them to like it right away. Give them time in between gifts to process. The presents will still be under the tree on the 26^th, 27^th, 28^th and so on.

It all comes down to this…

What do you want more? To show up to your aunts house with your child dressed to the nines but crawling out of his skin and unable to regulate, OR… a child in his usual shirt with chewy tube tied to the collar, regulating independently and remaining calm while you introduce him to yet another unfamiliar relative whom he won’t see again until next year?

If you’re like me, you want it all. But before you make the decision to have your cake and eat it too, you better think about how much time you plan to spend in the kitchen. Are you going to create this “cake” from scratch, or make a few concessions and buy a box? As for me… I plan to make a few from scratch, buy many, many boxes and forgo some all together.

I wish you and yours a safe holiday season filled with joy and less stress.

Kate Andersen

Thoughts for Food

2010-12-06T21:58:00.000-08:00

Last month our service providers attended a seminar, Mealtime success for kids on the spectrum. Susan Roberts an occupational therapist who has been working with kids for over thirty years taught the seminar.

We all need a dose of perspective when working through challenges with our kids, so before the seminar began we were grouped into pairs to do an eating exercise. On a plate were strips of dried seaweed, black tea pumpkin seeds, and a cookie. We were instructed to let our partner feed us without speaking. It was awful to say the least. Not being able to control the pace, amount, or item made me feel sick. If your patience with your child at mealtime is running low, try this exercise!

My favorite quote of the day “Adult sets the goal, child sets the pace”. The progress with mealtime is very slow, so baby steps are key. Continue to remind yourself the sensory experience of mealtime is often very overwhelming for individuals on the spectrum. The texture, taste, smell and visual look of foods are challenging. Roberts often reminded us that all kids can need up to 25 times to experience a food before determining like/dislike.

The basic steps to increasing tolerance with foods are...

First, being able to tolerate food in the room

Second, tolerating food on the plate

Third, interacting with food in a playful way

Fourth, touching and smelling food

Fifth, tasting food

and last… eating!

Speak with our occupational therapist, Krisanne Lewis or another member of the Autism Journeys team for additional mealtime suggestions.

Enjoy the experience of mealtime this holiday season.

Katie Jackson

Assistant Program Director

Meal Time Tips

Portion size: appropriate portion size is the palm of the child. Use small portions with big plates.

Preferred items: have at least one preferred item at the table.

Drinks: Drinks fill the stomach up. Watch your child to monitor how much liquid they are drinking at mealtime. You may need to eat the meal first then offer drinks.

Grazing: Try to decrease grazing as much as possible. This allows the body to learn to metabolize and will increase mealtime success.

Chaining: If your child is very picky, use a method called “chaining”. Take a preferred item and change one variable. For example take preferred food and change color, brand, container etc.

Make meals interactive: Allow the child to be part of the preparation, make-up games, pair their food with a story or their special interest.

GrAtITuDe

2010-11-22T22:31:00.000-08:00

This is what Thanksgiving is all about right? Remembering where we came from and the abundance that we have. I'm reminded of a story of a man who was in need of care. He had money to support himself, but as he was sick he had no one to take care of him. A woman came to his aid. One day she brought in food and took care of his necessities. The sick man offered her money for her kindness, she said "No thank-you, I am rich." The woman came in a few more times until the man was better. She then asked the man to come to her home for dinner the next night. As the man showed up to her humble home, he was over come with even more gratitude than before. The woman showed him around her small humble home and then to the table for dinner. The woman's family gathered round, as they did the woman touched the man on the shoulder and said "See, I am rich. Anyone with family and loved ones is rich with love." Abundance is not about $$$, it's about all that we have been blessed with.
I think that all of us have some unique things we are grateful for. I am grateful for trampolines and jerky. We would love to read what you are grateful for. Please post a comment below and share with us.

Reflection

2010-11-02T15:59:00.000-07:00

Last week was full of all kinds of parties, treats and scary things to see, how was your week? For me it was an eye opener since it was just after Halloween last year that my son was diagnosed with autism. I found myself reflecting on last Halloween and had I known then what I know now I would have never MADE my son wear that itchy costume with a lion's mane that touched his face and drove him so crazy, he screamed so hard until it came off. It's been almost a year for our family and I can't believe all that we have learned and how far we have come. How long has it been for you? What was an eye opener for you?

APPs available to YOU!

2010-10-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

Did you know that there are APPs out there that teach receptive identification, language, problem solving all for a very low fee. $.99- $1.99 per APP, sometimes you can even find them for free. There are apps for IEP checklist, timers, pictures and much more. I found apps at the itunes store. There are also many interactive children's songs that you can download. I love that we can learn on the go.

Kindergarten.com

Autism Epicenter
A review of most apps out there.

Have you found something that works great? Share with all of us.

Thank You!!!

2010-09-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

A BIG thank-you to Daybreak and Bistro 258!

We are grateful for the volunteer hours at the Daybreak 5k benefiting Autism Treatment. The event was enjoyable for all that participated. The weather was beautiful and the run/walk around Oquirrh Lake was beautiful. Thank you Daybreak for raising awareness about autism.

Bistro 258 is AMAZING!!! Everyone needs to experience this wonderful restaraunt. The food was delicious to say the least and the ambiance was entrancing. We kept saying "It feels like I'm in New York City." Bistro 258 is quaint and exquisit! We appreciate the generousity of the Bistro and their support of autism treatment. We hope that all of you get the opportunity to experience Bistro 258 in Ogden, UT.

Eating for Autism

2010-09-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

Join Bistro 258
For a night to benefit Autism

Enjoy a delicious meal at Bistro 258
Tuesday, September 14 from 4pm-9pm
10% of proceeds will benefit
Operation Kids Foundation
Autism Treatment Scholarship Fund

Bistro 258 Accepts reservations call 801-394-1595
Bistro 258
258 25th Street Ogden, UT.
www.bistro258.net

Early Intervention Music Therapy with ASD

2010-08-31T19:12:00.000-07:00

Music therapy is a particularly important intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to engage and foster their capacity for creativity, flexibility, variability, and tolerance of change in order to cope and function in the behaviorally driven education requirements in school settings, as well as home/social setting, and future work and life experiences.
Music is non-threatening and provides opportunities for non-verbal self expression, encourages vocalization, social interaction, as well as many sensory experiences.
Examples of goals for ASD kiddos may include increasing opportunities for cognitive, physical and sensory stimulation, motor skill development (strengthening muscles, increased range of motion, training of movement coordination, etc), to develop orientation and mobility ( i.e. spatial awareness, confidence to move, gait, direction, fine & gross motor skills), promoting social skills, increase vocalization, development of speech and language skills, and promoting emotional expression and self-confidence.
A wide range of techniques are used including, but not limited to: movement to music, singing and chanting, educational/instructional songs, involvement in a group, improvisation, instrument playing, music listening, drumming circle, music as a catalyst for imaginative play.
Benefits of music therapy with preschool aged ASD population include increased attention, improved behavior, a decrease in self-stimulation, enhanced auditory processing, improved cognitive functioning, decreased agitation, increased socialization, improved verbal skills, successful and safe self-expression, as well as enhanced sensory-motor skills. Music can be used to meet them where they are at, and/or bring them to a relaxed soothing state by changing the tempo and dynamics gradually.
Parents can be empowered at home by simply having a small collection of CD’s to help them self-soothe and a handful of various rhythm instruments or small drums they can use for self-expression.
Many of these kiddos are drawn to music as it is time-ordered, they can participate with a sense of control during improvisation, feel supported and heard (especially in the absence of verbal skills) as they express themselves on a variety of instruments, it provides a successful experience for creation and imagination, and music is a very mathematical art and science, providing the logic their minds so often crave.

Natausha Despain, Music Therapist

From the President’s Desk

2010-08-19T07:42:00.000-07:00

As we approach the 2-year anniversary of opening Autism Journeys Treatment Center, the AJ team is proud of what we’ve accomplished and looking forward to embarking on new adventures in the future. Just as individuals reach developmental milestones, so too does an organization. First, we must find ways to meet our survival needs. Second, we must learn to communicate and work together. Third we must evolve and adapt as we develop the skills to better understand our needs, goals and how we affect those around us.

The development of Autism Journeys over the last couple years has been remarkable. We’ve expanded our intervention knowledge, our service options, and more than tripled the number of families we collaborate with each day. Some of our more obvious developments have been in the expansion of the treatment center, the ever-increasing team members and the creation of the IDP scholarship fund. Never could I have imagined we’d accomplish so much in so little time.

Our greatest accomplishment however, is seen in the eyes of our clients. The Autism Journeys team is privy to witnessing hard-work, immense dedication and amazing accomplishments each and every day. We are so honored to play a role in the journeys of our clients and their families.

Reaching our goals has been wonderful. Of course, not unlike human development, we haven’t been without our setbacks. We teach our clients to learn from their experiences, and we, too, must continue to learn and grow throughout the development of our program. Our board of directors, team members, clients and families, and community supporters continue to provide me with positive reinforcement and constructive criticism. I am extremely grateful to all of you who’ve offered your support and advice. Each of you has a unique perspective, allowing me to view Autism Journeys from various angles. I’m looking forward to the future of Autism Journeys and the continued input from the community.

In the near future, one of our primary objectives is to increase parent support. At the heart of our IDP program is our parent-coaching component. Educating parents on intervention techniques, and supporting the family at home and in the community have been key factors in the success of so many of our clients. So, it’s logical that we’d continue to make improvements to one of the most critical components of our program.

Throughout the next contract period (October 2010-April 2011), clients receiving IDP packages will begin to notice an increase in the amount of written documentation. Our team is developing a home-based written curriculum, aimed at helping parents throughout the implementation of programs. In combination, we’re also developing additional home tracking procedures, thus allowing us to better monitor the generalization of skills outside of the Center. I appreciate your support and look forward to your continued feedback.

Finally, it is with both joy and sadness that Autism Journeys bids farewell to Rachelle Blair-Thatcher. Rachelle has served as our Early Childhood Director for the last 16 months. Her amazing energy and knowledge have been a fabulous addition to our program. While it’s difficult to see her leave, we’re excited for Rachelle and her family to begin their new adventure. She will continue to extend her energy and knowledge in the rural Utah autism community. We look forward to crossing paths with her for many years to come. Thanks for everything Chelle, and best wishes!

Enjoy the last bit of summer. The falling leaves will be here before we know it.

Kate Andersen
President & Founder

WAIT!!

2010-08-02T22:39:00.000-07:00

What’s the most powerful technique for eliciting independent language from a child on the spectrum?

Do nothing.

Well, not exactly nothing, but do less and do it at a slower pace by increasing your “wait time”. We are so eager and anxious to fill all of the language “space” around and for our children that sometimes it can become overwhelming.

Almost all of our kiddos have slower language processing. When there is a delay in a child’s response, we often jump in to repeat, ask, or prompt. It can feel uncomfortable – that space of silence. However, very often, that space is exactly what a child needs to process input and formulate a response.

For example: A child is working on greetings.

1. Get down on the child’s level.

2. Try to get his or her attention by either calling his/her name or making eye contact.

3. Say, “Hi!”

4. WAIT!!! if you need to, give yourself a slow 5 count.

Another example: You want your child to initiate communication.

If this is new, it’s best to do this in a situation in which you know the child

has a need or desire to communicate with you (e.g., wants a treat, or needs

help).

1. Again, get down on the child’s level.

2. Wait expectantly.

3. Wait some more.

Of course, you may not always get the communication you are looking for and would then need to prompt, but by waiting, you have given your child a chance and a challenge. When the child is able to use the time to formulate an independent response or request, the learning is deeper and much more meaningful.

So give yourself, and your child, a break. Slow down, relax and most of all – have fun.

Dawn

Speech/Language Pathologist

Autism Journeys, Inc.

Joy in the Present

2010-07-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

The past is history, the future is a mystery, today is a gift. That is why we call it the present!
(KungFu Panda)

Today my aunt explained how she views my son, who was diagnosed with autism 8 months ago. My aunt had been watching me at various occasions over the last few weeks, and noticed some of the difficulties we faced, and the attitude we had about them. She shared her thoughts that my son was a gift to us because of the way he has showed us how to view life. My son doesn't dwell on the past or worry about the future, but just lives in the present. What joy can be found in the present? I realize that we can't always live in the present, and that it's important to learn from the past and plan for the future. It is also refreshing to just stop in a moment and think
"Where is the joy right now?" If there isn't much joy, make some happen.

Over the last 8 months my definition of joy has changed. I was joyful when my son cried when I left the room. I am overcome with joy when he says "NO, NO!". I have joy when he can hold my hand walking down the street. What joys do you have in your life?

Talents & Autism

2010-07-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

Do people with autism have super talents? When you talk to people about autism, do they ask if you or your loved one has a special gift? What talent do you possess?

Everyone of us has unique talents. I feel like I have a unique talent, I don't share this with people because I think it's kind of weird to think of it as a talent, but as I have watched my son I realize talents come in all shapes and sizes. My talent is the desire to have friends around often and to enjoy having them in my home. I realized this was a talent when I observed that most people don't like this, and then it occurred to me that a talent can be an ability that you possess that is not common in others. It's all about finding what is unique about you and then accepting it as a talent.

My son Hagen, is on the autism spectrum. He is a wonderful little boy with unique talents. This summer has been a joy to find a new talent of his. He can swim!!! (with a life vest, only because I make him). You are probably thinking to yourself "That is not unique, most people can swim". Here is the uncommon part, he is two years old, he can hold his breath longer than most kids, he can freestyle and breast stroke (all self taught). He can roll on his back when he is tired and he loves to be thrown high in the air and dropped in the pool. Here is a short video to demonstrate.

My son does have a super talent. Is he better than someone else? No, just enhanced by his unique outlook and feel to life. Our own individual journeys make us who we are. Each one of us has the ability to have super talents. I just think for my son, and maybe for others on the autism spectrum, it's easier to reach SUPER status. What do you think? What talent do you have? What talent does your child have? How have you found this talent? What do you do to make it super? Do you have a video you would like to share?

Woweee! What a fun carnival!!

2010-07-14T21:37:00.001-07:00

Summer, Summer, Summer: Promoting Executive Skills!

2010-06-22T22:14:00.000-07:00

It comes as no surprise to many of you that our youngsters have some difficulties staying on top of things in school. For example, forgetting to turn in homework, not completing assignments, not keeping track of assignments, and not knowing due dates. Well, all these things have something in common. They are what we call executive functioning skills. Executive skills are those involved in planning and completing activities, organization, time management, and metacognition. Although many of you, parents and teachers, as well as myself, have worked tirelessly to get our youngsters on track with these tasks, we must remember that these are skills that take time to develop and that it is a slow process. Many parents have asked me how they can promote these skills in the summertime so that the progress made is not lost. Here are just a few suggestions of what you can do to promote these skills in the much less-structured summertime:

• Create a weekly/daily schedule and review it with the child regularly. For children a bit older have them keep their own schedule and review it with them.
• Have a reflection time to review how things are going. Discuss what is and is not working, what to do about it, etc.
• Give the child responsibilities around the home as well as expectations of when they should be completed.
• Talk to your child about concepts of time and time management. Have the child estimate how long it will take to complete tasks, and afterward review with them the actual time it took to complete the task.
• Create summertime goals with the child. For older children, have them be multi-step goals that require them to keep up on things.

Anything that requires planning, organization, reflection, time management, etc., will keep their brains working and promote these skills so that they are ready to tackle the upcoming school year!

Morgan Dahle, M. Ed
Adolescent Director

Meet our NEW Canine Therapist

2010-06-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

Ms. Gamee

Hi everyone, my name is Gamee. That's me on the right. I am the newest team member at Autism Journeys. Like all the team members at Autism Journeys, I’m kind and patient. Although, you will quickly discover I am quite unique from my co-workers. For starters, I find it much more comfortable to walk on four paws. Seriously, how do you humans find the kids’ yummy crumbs all the way up there? Second, I am much quieter than my co-workers. In fact, I won’t even speak unless you work really hard and ask me to. Third, while handshakes (or paw shakes in my case) are certainly acceptable, you will make a favorable first impression if you give me a nice soft pet and get down on my eye level. Bonus points offered for those who rub my belly. Playing fetch with me earns points too, but I don’t want to give away all my secrets.

So, let me tell you about my background and impressive resume. You see it all started long before I was born. I’m from an organization called Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). My mom and dad, grandparents, great-grandparents, and maybe even great, great grandparents are all from CCI. CCI thought my mom and dad would make great parents together. Naturally after my dad took one look at my mom, he knew it too. Hence, my liter pups and I were created. Man! Were they right, we’re all amazing!

After I was born, I lived with my parents for 8 weeks. Then, I was lucky enough to go live in Colorado for the next 18 months. This amazing woman, Mary Lee, volunteered to raise me throughout my early childhood years. Her official title with CCI is puppy raiser. She spent every day for 18 months teaching me manners, about human behavior, and many, many commands. She was wonderful. She even put up with my snoring.

At 18 months Mary Lee brought me back to the CCI headquarters in California. It was hard to say good-bye to Mary Lee, but she’d prepared me well. I was also very excited to begin Puppy College, live in the dorms (kennels), meet some new friends, and of course check out the beach. I love water!

Over the next six months my friends and I learned many, many things from the most amazing trainers in the world! While all of us were highly talented, some of us did better than others. Let’s just say… I did well! In fact, only 30% of my class made it to graduation. Graduating from CCI is sort of like a human getting their doctorate from Harvard. Needless to say, Mary Lee was very proud. But don’t worry, most of my friends with bachelors, and masters degrees are out there working too, just not “officially” like I am.

Okay, so after CCI determined I had met all the requirements for graduation, they called Kate Andersen and asked her to come down to California and train for two weeks (she’d been waiting for me for over a year). Make no mistake, I was long since trained, it was Ms. Kate that needed the training. It was tough, but I managed to whip her into shape by the end of the two weeks.

Graduation day was really special. Kate and Mary Lee met for the first time. Mary Lee told Kate all my dirty secrets from childhood, like the time I pooped in the airport terminal and then ran away. Ms. Kate told Mary Lee all the amazing and silly things I had done with her during training. For some reason, Kate thinks it’s so funny to tell people that I would sneak my way into the shower with her every day. Like I said, I LIKE WATER! Graduation ended with Mary Lee handing my leash over to Kate in front of hundreds of people. Everyone was crying, so I helped Kate keep her face clean by licking her. Salt, yum!

After graduation, Kate and I hopped on a plane and headed to my new home in Salt Lake City. Kate was a little nervous to take me into an airport after the story Mary Lee had told her, but now that I’m a CCI graduate, I would never behave like a crazy freshman off to college again. The plane ride was great. Most people have never been on a plane with a dog before, so I got lots of unsolicited attention.

Ms. Kate, or Mom as I now call her, had told me all about my new family. But nothing could have prepared me for home life with 3-and 6-year old human boys, Mom’s goofy husband, and a 5-year-old yellow lab brother, Jaxtyn. Oh, and don’t forget the black cat and two fish. It’s quite different from my quiet life with Mary Lee or my college life. IT’S AWESOME! The boys give me lots of attention and belly rubs, Jason (my dad) cleans up after me, and my delinquent brother, Jaxtyn is constantly making me look good. Plus, he’s fun to play with. Although… Mom got a little upset when we started playing on her bed at 3:00 in the morning the other night. I think we were both in the doghouse that night. Although since Mom says there are no bad dogs, only bad owners, I think it’s really her fault for letting me sleep outside of my kennel.

After a couple days at home, Mom took me to my 1st job. I was really excited, and really nervous. All that time at college and now I had to step into the “working world”. Mom introduced me to my co-workers and showed me where my retreat (kennel in Kate’s office) was. She told me I could go into my retreat anytime I needed a break, and that everyone would respect my privacy.

So I’ve been going to work with Mom for 3 weeks now. So far I’ve played fetch with clients, played in a ball pit, listened to stories at circle time, gone on walks to the gas station, encouraged kids to speak and follow directions, and gotten lots and lots of belly rubs. Can you believe clients actually work to earn time with me as a reward?!

When I’m not doing things with clients, I hang out in Mom’s office, chew on a bone and usually end up snoring. The snoring part is quite embarrassing to Mom when she’s in a meeting. At the end of the day, Mom takes off my working vest, gives me a big love and we head home.

The only thing that still confuses me is the “work” comments. If going on walks, playing fetch and belly rubs are work, then what’s play? Oh ya, playing is tug-of-war in the backyard with Jaxtyn, and waking Mom and Dad up at 3 a.m.

Well, that’s my life so far. I can’t wait to meet all of you. Remember, belly rubs! I’ll keep you posted on all my “work” activities on the blog. Don’t worry, I usually won’t write so much. It’s hard on my paws.

Woof,
Ms. Gamee

Disciplining Young Children with ASD

2010-04-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

By Rachelle Blair-Thatcher

“How do I discipline my child with autism?”

Disciplining young children is difficult!
Disciplining young children with ASD can feel impossible!

Although there is no such thing as a “one size fits all solution”, I have found a remedy that can greatly improve our approach. One of the most important questions we can ask ourselves is, “What is our child communicating?”
The answer to this question may provide helpful insight and understanding. It is important to realize that very young children under the age of 3 do not usually choose to misbehave. Rather, they are interested in surviving and thriving in their environment. As we view the behavior we want to change, we must consider why it occurs? Then, we can determine how to addressed it.

3 Piece Pie

Development

Personality

Special Needs

Development – Often as parents, we need to be reminded of “typical” behavior. It is easy for us to forget that all 2, 3 & 4 year olds can be challenging at times. For a child with ASD we need to celebrate the milestones. We want to celebrate the developmental milestones and as parents remember that the child is progressing. Often, it can feel like a double edged sword. On one hand; we are excited they are not in a constant state of self stimulatory behavior BUT, on the other hand; now they are screaming and chasing little sister. The typical social/emotional development for a 2 ½ - 3 year old includes: showing independence, demonstration of extreme emotional shifts and paradoxical responses, talking with a loud, urgent and dictatorial and demanding voice. In addition, children this age resist change, are extremely ritualistic and experience difficulty with transitions. STOP!!! Does this sound like anyone you know?

The differences between children with ASD and our “nuerotypical” counterparts is that the “nuerotypical” children transition through this developmental stage whereas, children with ASD often times do not.

Personality – Each of us have a distinct personality that makes us who we are. Children with ASD are no different! I have met children and adults with autism that are hilarious. I have also met others that are very grumpy and angry all of the time. So, whether your child is sweet and sensitive or funny and grumpy, personality must be considered when disciplining your child.

Special Need – Your child may have extreme sensory disregulation and/or disabilities. It is critical that you evaluate limitations and require reasonable expectations of your child. We want your child to be successful. Recognize, YOUR CHILD’S SPECIAL NEEDS ARE NOT YOUR ENTIRE CHILD! Special needs are only one part of who they are, so, they need you to know when to push harder and expect more or when to give them a break!

Example:
Mom says, “Every time I take my 3 year old to the store he screams.”

The child’s functions socially at 30 months. We know that it is typical for that age to experience difficulty with transitions. The child’s personality is usually sweet and sensitive. The child is scared and in distress and screams as we enter the store. We know that he is extremely sensitive to loud noises.

Solution:
Rather than punishing the child, we recognize that he is not “misbehaving”, he is disregulated and over stimulated by the loud noises in the store.
We implement supportive techniques and teach him how to regulate.

We all know that in the world of autism, “ If you have met one child with autism, you have met one child with autism.” By using The 3 Piece Pie your awareness of your child’s experience will improve and you will enhance your skills to analyze your child’s behavior and choose your methods of discipline.

JOY in the JOURNEY

2010-04-11T21:25:00.000-07:00

I am new to the world of autism and am still learning new things every day. As we stepped into this world 5 months ago I felt so alone, although there were many people and places on the net sending me to groups I didn't feel connected to anyone. I felt like it was up to me and yet I felt like I wasn't doing enough for my son (up until a month ago when we got help at Autism Journeys). I just wanted to read about someone elses experience and know that I was doing the right things and everything was going to be ok! I can finally say I am doing all I can do for my son and my family and everything is going to be OK!
Now that I have a handle on things, I thought it might be a good idea to keep record of the JOYS in our lives, instead of always thinking about what I should or could be doing, I started focusing on what we have done and accomplished. The JOY in the world of autism is different from the world with the older three children of mine. I have JOY when my cries if I leave him. I have JOY when he looks at me. I have JOY if he bites me. I have JOY when he says Hi or Bye (these are few and far between). I have JOY that one of the only consistent things my son does is kiss me on command. The JOYS I have are simple to everyone else, but to us they are HUGE accomplishments in our everyday lives. As I record these JOYS I realize how blessed I am. What an amazing family I have and exactly how far we have all come.
I know the days are hard and overwhelming at times, but there are few days when there isn't at least one JOYFUL experience to record. What JOY have you experienced recently, I would love to hear about it?