Autism one piece at a time

Posted on by
Reply
We patiently waited at the sales desk to pay for the few items. Colorful displays, running toddlers, it was a busy Sunday at the local boutique toy store. Carefully I placed the few items on the counter. A 400 piece puzzle and ice-cream cones molded in eco-plastic (a nice replacement since finding Gluten-Free cones is tricky). LB stood next to me and graciously thanked me for buying her the gifts. The sales girl, in her fluorescent cotton t-shirt punched on the register keys than turned to Read more [...]

Confidence Through Skiing

Posted on by
Reply
For years LB's Aunt and Uncle have been encouraging and suggesting that both LB and her brother start skiing. Their kids skied ...  and  "it's a wonderful winter sport and great family activity" they said. This year, a generous gift was given for the holidays - both LB and her brother were given ski lessons (from their Aunt and Uncle). What was more touching was that they had researched what programs would work best for LB and had discovered the Adaptive Ski and Snowboard Program at Buck Hill. Serving Read more [...]

Let me tell you about Asperger Syndrome

Posted on by
3
Something about the video camera creates magic. LB is transformed. Focused, specific and very clear, her thoughts flow out of her mouth easily. Such was the case when she decided to share with me (and all of you) about a book she read. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKqEUj2eAks Finally taking ownership of her Asperger's Syndrome, LB has been exploring more, asking more questions and some of the challenges she has,have begun to make more sense. Not feeling so alone, she is able to find resources Read more [...]

No Winter

Posted on by
Reply
It started with a movie. A simple, heartwarming true story about an injured dolphin and a boy who was determined to rescue and heal her. LB watched Dolphin Tale on the large screen, popcorn in hand, her Sprite resting in the cup holder. The dolphin was caught in a crab trap, her tail badly injured. She, with the help of a young boy is rescued and transported to Clearwater Marine Hospital where they named her Winter and worked desperately to restore and repair her tail. Unable to do so, they created Read more [...]

An Old Friend

Posted on by
Reply
LB stood by the porch door, anxious to leave the house for her first school orchestra concert. She had to be there an hour prior to the concert start time. The school district had merged her orchestra class with two other local elementary schools for their first performance. We entered the gym which was bustling with sounds; the shuffling of sheet music, instruments being tuned and the chatter of excited fourth graders. Overwhelmed, we stood, trying to find LB's group. Turning our heads, we scanned Read more [...]

The raking of the leaves

Posted on by
Reply
Many children with Asperger's dislike certain tasks and assignments. That is unless they have the control to choose and select them. Then, the challenge becomes fixation and obsession. The need to complete. The need to perfect. The need to attach to the routine. Some kids have to be coaxed into raking the leaves from their yard. Their parents might need to beg them to do it, offer a higher allowance, or the reward of a hot chocolate. Not LB. The raking of the leaves is a pleasurable Read more [...]