tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23587543948750983992012-01-26T05:13:00.457-05:00OUR Journey Thru AutismWhere professionals and parents meet up....Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comBlogger11451100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-57880107528969235882012-01-26T05:13:00.059-05:002012-01-26T05:13:00.475-05:00Sharing OUR Mail: Tips for Pursuing the Arts"Hi Lori! I love your documentary and work you have done in raising awareness on autism. Our 3rd son has a diagnosis of Aspergers. He is very artistic and smart. He attends a public charter school. He will most surely continue in his artistic abilities and his life work will probably be in animation and cartooning. Do you have any suggestions on colleges or advice on what your son did during and Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-77257766444001481022012-01-24T05:34:00.000-05:002012-01-24T05:34:00.333-05:00Conversations – Initiating them and then Keeping them Goingby Haley Moss
I have been doing a bit of 'research and development', which I probably will be doing for the rest of my life, on conversing: starting conversations, keeping them going, and exiting awkward situations.
Bad at Small Talk
This is a topic that will take me forever to master as well as most people on the spectrum.
Conversations are one of the hardest things for people with ASD. WeTiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-54969620873738615552012-01-23T08:29:00.000-05:002012-01-23T08:29:27.671-05:00Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close: A Mother's Perspective
Credit Warner Brothers
by Meredith Mull
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close tells the incredible story of how a young boy, Oskar, who relied on his father and their games and interactions to get through his life; the life he felt was very strange. He admits that he's different, that doctors thought he might have Asperger's, but the tests were inconclusive.
Portraying the Fears
He's scaredTiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-44789919182102119462012-01-21T06:06:00.000-05:002012-01-21T06:06:21.714-05:00Building Bridges Art to Art, Heart to Heart
<!--[if gte mso 9]> 800x600 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-16158401864901497072012-01-19T04:37:00.000-05:002012-01-19T04:37:00.051-05:00Importance of Relationship and Engagementby Britt Collins, OTR/L
It’s the New Year and everyone is trying to set their New Year’s Resolution and try to figure out how to stick with it. They are also trying to recover from the holidays and the shopping, lights and toys. Your child is probably playing with all their new toys, or at least the one favorite one they got. You may have already set your 2012 resolutions, but I would like to Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-87202740873130615622012-01-15T05:37:00.021-05:002012-01-15T05:37:00.836-05:00Lids – Budget and Eco-Friendly Sensory Diet Solutionby Martianne Stanger
With the New Year upon us, many folks are resolving to cut their budgets, whittle their waist lines and, of course, spend more quality time with their children. Well, today’s challenge can help you attend to all of these things. Get ready to don you SPD lenses and to look at something you likely have in your kitchen or recycling bin with new vision.
Today’s Challenge: Martiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11304352490207855367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-48884806294923234132012-01-13T05:02:00.002-05:002012-01-13T06:08:12.400-05:00Micro Businesses Opportunities and ASDby Joanna L. Keating-Velasco
Recently, I have read about micro businesses and how they can positively impact those with autism. A micro business is a very small business - typically a one-person enterprise. These kinds of opportunities can be beneficial for individuals with autism spectrum for many reasons. Individuals with autism sometimes prefer to navigate outside of “typical society” as not Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-86967561166438115602012-01-11T05:39:00.008-05:002012-01-11T05:39:00.262-05:00Homeopathy for Influenzaby Dr. Linda Baker
Homeopathy has a great record for helping people recover from influenza infections. The easiest homeopathic remedy to use for influenza is Oscillococcinum which is specific for treating influenza and may be used by anyone age two years and up. It is a homeopathic medicine made from the livers of wild ducks that is widely available at health food stores, Whole Foods market Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-11451438096571460432012-01-09T05:52:00.000-05:002012-01-09T05:52:00.625-05:00Learn How to Make a Weighted Blanketby Gwen Wild, OTR/L
Who might benefit from the use of a weighted blanket? Anyone who has trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or needs calming input during relaxing activities (reading, watching t.v., etc.).
Who are weighted blankets safe for? Anyone who responds appropriately to discomfort (i.e. Does the person remove a jacket when they are hot?), and anyone who can independently remove Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-24507010854446184802012-01-08T06:36:00.002-05:002012-01-08T06:47:04.202-05:00My Son was Restrained, Yours Could be Next....by Julie Foxx
Over the years, I have learned about the use of restraint and seclusion being used as a disciplinary tool in our schools. For some children, it has meant severe mental anguish after being locked in a closet during school hours or, in a recent case, forced into a duffel bag, zipped into it until his mother could get to the school and free him. For other children, the use of Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-18820137051252898972012-01-04T05:54:00.050-05:002012-01-04T05:54:00.621-05:00Kind Deeds are the Fruits.... Kind hearts are the gardens. Kind thoughts are the roots.Kind words are the blossoms. Kind deeds are the fruits. ~ Kirpal Singh
Back in October, I received an e-mail from a reader asking for help for a family in OUR community who experienced a tragedy. The Laing family lost their home and beloved cat in a fire.
OUR Journey THRU Autism reached out to the readership for support, seeking a dollarTiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-50341202811744645682012-01-03T05:10:00.000-05:002012-01-03T05:10:00.456-05:00Increase Activity with Therapeutic Movement Ideasby Joni Redlich, DPT
Happy New Year!
As we jump into the new year, many of us start the new year off with the tradition of new year's resolutions. A popular resolution for the new year is getting healthy.
Instead of setting a goal to lose weight, set a goal to add more movement into your family picture with the following ideas to get the whole family moving together. The more a family can Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-30623813353899981832012-01-02T05:37:00.000-05:002012-01-02T05:37:00.943-05:00How do you feel about the use of restraint and seclusion in schools?Last week, U.S. Senator Tom Harkin introduced the Keeping All Students Safe Act, S.2020, to protect students nationwide from dangerous restraint and seclusion. As the GAO (U.S. Government Accountability Office) has found, restraint/seclusion are dangerous, resulting in deaths, injuries, and trauma to children nationwide.
Senator Harkin is seeking letters in support of the bill from parents thatTiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-78201676037402761402012-01-01T06:48:00.012-05:002012-01-01T06:48:00.055-05:00Ring in the New Year Successfullyby Lori Ciccarelli
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
– Brian Littrell.
With the ringing in of each New Year, we tend to make promises to accomplish goals turning over a new leaf. According to Gretchen Rubin author of best-seller The Happiness Project,
"You hit a goal, you achieve a goal. You keep a resolution." So many individuals make New Year’s resolutionsTiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-37513309395025301462011-12-30T04:51:00.005-05:002011-12-30T04:51:00.194-05:00Out of the Routine: 3 Tips to Adjustby Marcella Moran, MA, LMHC
Holidays are here. Presents are open. Family is visiting. The routines are a mess. Though we may love the fact that we don’t have to get our children up at the crack of dawn and can hang out all day in our pj’s if we want, the routine we have set up for our children during the school year is interrupted. When our children are out of their routine, sometimes chaosTiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-52514808054384777572011-12-29T07:25:00.001-05:002012-01-21T06:05:36.482-05:002012 Vision Boards - Creative Goal Setting with Kidsby Robin V Schwoyer
The kids are off. A new year is upon us. What to do now that the presents are all opened? How about making a Vision Board with your kids? A vision board is a collage of pictures, words, affirmations, goals and anything you would like to achieve or receive.
Better than the Breakable Resolution We hear a lot about New Year Resolutions…and much about people not keeping them. Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-12704884301915568182011-12-28T05:05:00.000-05:002011-12-28T05:05:30.174-05:00Sensory Ideas for After the Holidaysby Bonnie J Hacker MHS, OTR/L
Whatever holidays you celebrate at this time of year are probably over now. It is likely that the quantity of toys and/or stuff in your home has increased. The children have been out of school for a while now and the different structure or lack of routine may be presenting challenges. And it is time to prepare and plan to make the New Year the best year for your Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-58556237899454520742011-12-24T09:03:00.001-05:002011-12-24T09:04:26.273-05:00How Does Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Make You Feel?by Tiffani Lawton, RN
When I was a kid, I would excitedly wait for that one special week when all the beloved Christmas shows would air. We did not have DVDs or videos of any form for that matter. We had to wait until it aired live on television. However, when Rudolph aired, I would feel very sad for Rudolph as all the other reindeer teased him for his shiny red nose. See, I was born with a Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-11180583584066068202011-12-24T04:50:00.000-05:002011-12-24T04:50:00.215-05:00Four Tips for Surviving (and enjoying!) Church Services with Your Childrenby Gwen Wild, OTR/L
I remember sitting in church as a child every Sunday alongside my family. My brother and I would often doodle on the bulletin or I would play with little toys I carefully chose to fit in my sparkly purse. Occasionally we would become giggly and my dad would give us the glare that didn’t need words to interpret and we would attempt to settle down. It was a challenge though; Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-38507942718704138532011-12-22T05:31:00.000-05:002011-12-22T05:31:00.133-05:00Anxiety Reduction Through Energy Healingby Julie McAllister, Energy Healer and Reiki Master
At the very elemental level, everything we see, feel, hear, taste, touch or experience is made up of energy. This of course includes our bodies. In a previous article, I introduced the chakras, or energy centers, that we all have. So, why are the chakras important? Because we are all made up of energy. If our energy is not balanced, then Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-73322818619838064962011-12-22T04:54:00.002-05:002011-12-28T08:43:46.148-05:00Children with Autism and Disappointing Giftsby Haley Moss
Preparing for the Possibility of Disappointing Gifts
Somewhere this year, a child want a cool new game and end up getting a pair of socks. If this is your child, especially your child with special needs, how might you handle it without embarrassing the gift-giver or your child?
First, prepare.
The best idea is to talk to your kids about the spirit of giving. It is not about Martiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11304352490207855367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-70766360189284907132011-12-21T05:41:00.001-05:002011-12-21T05:41:00.138-05:00Taming the Grinch In Your Houseby Teresa Fair-Field, OTR/L
While reading The Grinch (who) Stole Christmas one night,My son on my lap, and the tree, all a-light,I pondered the Grinch at holiday time,Hating the noise, the singing, the standing in line.
The Dr. (Seuss) said he saw no reason for it….His head, or his heart? His shoes, or their fit?It sounded familiar, this dilemma to me, Then it came to me suddenly—he’s got Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-30027945669226062912011-12-20T05:38:00.000-05:002011-12-20T05:38:00.276-05:00Snowy Days = Sensory FunGuest article by Brooke S. Backsen MOT, OTR/L, RYT
Winter is here and our outlet for naturally rich, sensory-based outdoor play time is beginning to dwindle. Or is it?
Over the past few weeks, as the weather in Chicago has begun to grow colder, I have been seeing an increase in disorganization amongst my sensory seeking clients. They come into my sessions full of energy, but struggle to focusMartiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11304352490207855367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-23900580358428366672011-12-18T05:18:00.000-05:002011-12-18T05:18:00.371-05:00Sensory Suggestions for the Holiday Seasonby Britt Collins, OTR/L
It’s getting closer and closer to that time! YAY Christmas or Hanukah or whatever holiday your family celebrates. The children begin to get excited about presents, Santa, Lighting the Lights and waiting for a present each night of Hanukah. Now the question is “what do I get my child with sensory issues?” or even better yet, what to tell Grandma and Grandpa to get your Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-80267052790069564352011-12-17T05:26:00.000-05:002011-12-17T05:26:00.737-05:005 Ways to Use Wrapping Paper for Sensory Dietsby Martianne Stanger
No matter what your faith tradition, it seems that at this is the time of year wrapping paper is ubiquitous. Instead of tossing your torn pieces out, try looking at them with an eye for sensory diet fun.
Original Purpose: wrapping gifts
With SPD Lenses: free tools for fine motor, visual, auditory, vestibular and proprioceptive input
Just how can you reuse wrapping Martiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11304352490207855367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-60428167869106944032011-12-16T08:36:00.002-05:002011-12-16T08:36:01.240-05:00Gifts of Giving - Providing Opportunities of Giving to Your Child with ASDby Joanna L. Keating-Velasco
The holidays bring us chilly weather and busy shopping malls. When you live in a family impacted by autism, sometimes life can become more hectic than it already is. While receiving a favorite toy can be exciting, teaching our kids how to think of others can also be worthwhile. This holiday season, I challenge you to utilize the holiday spirit to provide Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-51912288144626820692011-12-16T05:09:00.002-05:002011-12-23T05:31:58.575-05:00Even if it is a little thing, do something for those who have need of help....Even if it is a little thing, do something for those who have need of help, something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it. - Dr. Albert Schweitzer
Sometimes life has a way of punching you in the gut and knocking the wind right out of you. You think you have lived through some challenging issues until, bam, out of the blue, one of your worst parental nightmares sends you Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-30580303014480402792011-12-15T04:56:00.007-05:002011-12-15T04:56:00.993-05:00Can Spiritually Intuitive Services Support Your Family?Service Reviewed by Tiffani Lawton
Over the years, Julie McAllister has grown into her intuitive gifts and now offers spiritual readings to special needs families with one desire: to provide answers. “Many families have questions about their child’s future, money, health and are seeking spiritual guidance.” Julie’s goal is to “empower the family to move forward and to rise above their Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-50893451836277015012011-12-10T05:30:00.002-05:002011-12-10T05:30:00.743-05:00Counting Down Our Top Ten Articles in 2011: Drum Roll...#1Creating a Sensory Play Room...
Compiled by Tiffani Lawton
"I have been wanting to create a sensory room for my son...held back because of the costs involved. 2010 will be the year that we begin adding a little bit at a time. I wanted to share the list of ideas with you. I highlighted in red the ideas we will personally implement. The blue highlights are things we already have." Read On...
Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-21102613038729264852011-12-10T04:55:00.000-05:002011-12-10T04:55:00.730-05:00Staying Healthy During the Holidaysby Dr. Linda Baker
Along come the holidays and often a host of different illnesses along with them. When my children were young it seemed someone was always ill over Christmas or New Years or both. I used to blame it on being indoors in close quarters with exposure to many people and figure it was inevitable. I wish I’d known then what I know now. In medical school we learned a lot about Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-55100184503233301712011-12-09T05:20:00.001-05:002011-12-09T05:20:00.422-05:00Counting Down Our Top Ten Articles of 2011: #2Worldwide Montessori Online Course
by Martianne Stanger
Karen Tyler, who created A Montessori Marketplace, has granted permission for us to share her Montessori Geography Curriculum with all of our readers!
This fantastic 177-page resource will make planning Geography lessons a breeze. To get your own copy, simply click A Montessori Marketplace Montessori Geography Curriculum to download!
TheTiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-45393911469679979732011-12-08T05:05:00.001-05:002011-12-08T05:05:00.329-05:00Counting Down Our Top Ten Articles in 2011: #3What Exactly IS Sensory Processing Disorder?
Guest Post by Anne H Zachry, PhD, OTR/L
Have you been told that your child has a sensory processing disorder? If so, you may be wondering exactly what that is! Well I'm going to explain sensory processing disorders to you in the most basic way possible, and I hope that you will come away understanding exactly what this diagnosis is, as well as why Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-80896902689724553182011-12-07T05:23:00.022-05:002011-12-07T05:23:00.301-05:00FAQ about Teaching Music to Children with Special Needsby Marlene Cooper-Williams
Over the course of several decades of teaching, other music educators have posed many questions to me about teaching music to children with special needs.
Is it possible to teach a child with special needs to play an instrument?Prior to music therapy becoming trusted and recognized, I was often asked if it is difficult it is to teach children with special needs to Martiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11304352490207855367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-10897197795381559022011-12-07T05:01:00.004-05:002011-12-07T05:01:00.400-05:00Counting Down Our Top Ten Articles of 2011: #4DreamCatcher ™ Weighted Blankets: A Dream Come True
A review by Tiffani Lawton, RN
On my porch sat a heavy brown box full of what I would soon discover was worth more than its weight in gold! My DreamCatcher ™ Weighted Blanket for my son had arrived. Excitedly, I opened the package to discover our personal fabric selection with an adorable pirate theme. As I pulled the blanket from the box, I Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-10692778729317807572011-12-06T05:12:00.001-05:002011-12-06T05:12:00.471-05:00Counting Down Our Top Ten Articles of 2011: #5Treating Speech Problems in Children with Autism
by Diane Bahr, MS, CCC-SLP
Children on the autism spectrum frequently have speech and language disorders with related attention and sensory processing problems. This combination of factors makes speech development and learning particularly complex.
Speech and Sensory Systems Speech is one of the most refined fine-motor functions in the body. Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-22614630877717881162011-12-05T05:18:00.000-05:002011-12-05T05:18:00.223-05:00Counting Down Our Top Ten Articles of 2011: #6Scooter Board Activities
by Patty Porch
When people come over to our house for the first time, they are usually a little surprised. Our family room looks like a crazy Romper Room, filled with swings, (including a net swing, pogo stick swing, the platform and tire swings, and the kids’ favorite: the trapeze swing) balls, and a mini trampoline. My family owns many, many pieces of therapy Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-33186346136339564722011-12-04T05:46:00.003-05:002011-12-06T15:00:48.655-05:003 Sensational Candy Experimentsby Loralee Leavitt
As the holidays roll around, the holiday candy can get overwhelming. How do you use all this candy while safeguarding your children's health? How can you turn it into a lesson your homeschoolers will enjoy?
Candy Experiments.
At Candy Experiments, we experiment with all sorts of candy to learn science lessons about melting, density, colored dyes, and ingredients. This Martiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11304352490207855367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-18489713032094458292011-12-04T05:41:00.003-05:002011-12-04T05:41:00.806-05:00Counting Down Our Top Ten Articles of 2011: #7Comic Strip Conversations
by Annette Becklund, MSW, LCSW
This past week, I facilitated a group discussion with both parents and middle school aged kids on the spectrum. We worked on learning how to construct comic strip conversations. Comic strip conversations get to the intention behind behaviors. They also help to extrapolate information verbal discussion would not decipher. The social Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-83470963125550965542011-12-03T05:31:00.002-05:002011-12-03T05:31:00.092-05:00Counting Down Our Top Ten Articles of 2011: #8The Journey Toward Accepting Autism
by Christie Ann Boyer
When you realize your child is not developing typically, there is a wide range of feelings people experience. Some feel angry, disappointed, or even cheated. They wanted and expected a typical child and everything that goes along with having a typical child. When you find your child has an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis, it can be a hard pillTiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-5571480244634671102011-12-02T05:16:00.002-05:002011-12-02T05:16:01.539-05:00Counting Down Our Top Ten Articles of 2011: #9Aquatic Therapy For Children: The Sensory-Motor Benefits
by Dr. Joni Redlich
Summer {Indoor Pools in Winter} is the perfect time to take advantage of all the therapeutic benefits of swimming and playing in the pool. Many children who have difficulty controlling their bodies for sports and gross motor activities will have success moving in the water. Its also such a calming and organizing sensory Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-28951564600182357072011-12-01T05:11:00.003-05:002011-12-01T05:11:00.229-05:00Counting Down Our Top Ten Articles of 2011: #10Sensory Diet = Yoga Throughout Your Day
by Brooke S. Backsen MOT, OTR/L, RYT
The goal of a sensory diet is to incorporate movement and sensory based activities throughout the day in order to promote regulation. Each sensory diet includes activities, designed by an occupational therapist, to provide input throughout the day to alert, calm, and organize the sensory systems. As adults, we have foundTiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-71723787886957010322011-12-01T04:58:00.002-05:002011-12-01T04:58:00.450-05:00A Dramatic ApproachBy Lori Ciccarelli
All the world's a stage,And all the men and women
merely players;They have their exits and
their entrances,And one man in his time
plays many parts…
..William Shakespeare
Life is like a stage; for what comes naturally for the neurotypical person, must be learned and rehearsed for those on the spectrum. It’s like a dress rehearsal for the real thing, for day-to-day Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-89422519854128027632011-11-30T04:51:00.000-05:002011-11-30T04:51:00.113-05:00What Did You Accomplish This Year?by Julie McAllister, Reiki Master
It is the time of year that we analyze what we have done in the past year, and while most of us tend to think about what we haven’t done, I know that you dear reader are thinking about what you HAVE done, right? You’re considering what you’re grateful for, what you’ve accomplished that you never imagined you would, and how your children have changed for the goodTiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-82841453769122144752011-11-29T04:45:00.003-05:002011-11-29T04:45:00.072-05:00I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas - Celebrating Spectrum Holidaysby Robin Schwoyer
In 1953, 10 year old, Gayla Peevy, sang the song I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas , which became quite popular. I love the lines:
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas; Only a hippopotamus will do. Don't want a doll, no dinky Tinker Toy. I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy! I want a hippopotamus for Christmas; Only a hippopotamus will do. No crocodiles, no Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-45100516148222680472011-11-29T04:04:00.000-05:002011-11-29T04:04:00.284-05:00Sensory Motor Holiday Gift Suggestionsby Bonnie J Hacker MHS, OTR/L
As December approaches, so do thoughts of holiday gifts for many parents. When you have a child with specific sensory and/or motor needs, it is important to keep these in mind. I still remember spending money I did not have for a gorgeous bear for my two-year-old son. What I didn’t think about was that the bears realistic fur coat was more scratchy than cuddly. Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-78224503624331685222011-11-28T04:38:00.000-05:002011-11-27T04:42:57.230-05:00Surviving Holiday CelebrationsBy Patty Porch
In the past, I have dreaded holiday parties. To be honest, I avoided them whenever possible. They were often just too stressful and full of sensory landmines for my kids to enjoy, which made the parties pretty miserable for my husband and me, too. Since I couldn't very well avoid all holiday festivities, I needed to find ways to cope.
And unless you live in the wilderness far Patty O.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-61679730172050980262011-11-28T04:17:00.000-05:002011-11-28T04:17:00.523-05:00Surviving Holiday Celebrationsby Patty Porch
In the past, I have dreaded holiday parties. To be honest, I avoided them whenever possible. They were often just too stressful and full of sensory landmines for my kids to enjoy, which made the parties pretty miserable for my husband and me, too. Since I couldn't very well avoid all holiday festivities, I needed to find ways to cope.
And unless you live in the wilderness far Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-13614256691162313662011-11-27T04:16:00.000-05:002011-11-27T04:16:25.917-05:00How to Lower Kids Stress at the Holidaysby Haley Moss
Every household handles the holidays differently depending the needs of their children. However, the holidays can be a very exciting yet stressful time. Everyone seems to be in a rush during the holidays (presents need to be bought and wrapped, food needs to be prepared and everyone just seems to be doing too much with too little time). That in turn leads to STRESS! Your children Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-44721565278829680022011-11-24T05:58:00.000-05:002011-11-24T05:58:49.512-05:00Wishing YOU Many Blessings on Thanksgiving!Happy Thanksgiving! May all the readers be blessed this Thanksgiving and all year long!
I am very thankful this year and what a perfect time to express my gratitude.
I am thankful for each and everyone of our remarkable contributors who share their personal and professional expertise with OUR Journey THRU Autism readers.
I am thankful for all of our readers, who take the time to spread theTiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-15271699106154655242011-11-24T05:19:00.002-05:002011-11-27T03:20:02.815-05:00Ready for “Black Friday?” An OT’s top picks for Christmas gifts for Sensational Kidsby Gwen Wild, OTR/L
It’s time to shop! Make sure your gifts are “sensory smart” by considering the following gift ideas for the sensational kids on your Christmas list.
Less than $20
Food Face Plate – makes eating fun by encouraging kids to play with their food!
Moon Sand - encourages tactile play, fine motor development, and hand strengthening.
Exercise Ball – check the sporting goods Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-80870819156505461452011-11-23T08:24:00.016-05:002011-11-23T13:58:55.917-05:005 Tips to Get Thru Thanksgiving for Kids with Autismby Haley Moss
Happy Thanksgiving to all! The holidays are coming upon us very fast and with them can come extra stress in the household. Moms and dads are busy enough with the school year and now they have to prepare for the holidays. How does this affect the family and the kids with autism? A lot!
Last tear, I shared some tips on helping your child to prepare for and get through Thanksgiving.Martiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11304352490207855367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-35380912686179279042011-11-23T05:15:00.002-05:002011-11-23T14:30:33.386-05:00Wearing SPD Lenses: A Thanksgiving Fingerplay Songby Martianne Stanger
Thanksgiving is tomorrow and with it comes time for fun and feasting -- and, of course, opportunities to don your SPD lenses to see old things in a new sensory-friendly way.
Today's Challenge How can a simple fingerplay become the basis for sensory-friendly themed learning?
Original Purpose A few minutes of entertainment for the kiddos.
With SPD Lenses Finger plays Martiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11304352490207855367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-18597200317518322252011-11-21T05:37:00.000-05:002011-11-21T05:37:00.167-05:00Once Upon a Time there was a Bunch of Tiny Frogs....…who arranged a running competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower. A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants. The race began....
Honestly, No one in the crowd really believed that the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower. You heard statements such as:
'Oh, WAY too difficult!!'
'They will NEVER make it to the top.'
'Not aTiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-56779637409976200742011-11-21T04:10:00.001-05:002011-11-21T04:10:00.237-05:00Six Tips for Capturing Santa Photos on the Autism Spectrumby Teresa Fair-Field, OTR/L
I don’t come from one of those families that, growing up, had a picture taken every single year, fail none, on Santa’s lap. My family had other traditions for the holidays, and Santa’s lap did not figure among them. So, when it comes to getting my son, on the spectrum, onto Santa’s lap, it is not the priority of our holiday season. However, I was determined to get atTiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-7866643067886930442011-11-20T10:32:00.001-05:002011-11-20T11:31:12.961-05:00Girl Power! All About Girls on the Spectrumby Joanna L. Keating-Velasco
Having a child with autism can be challenging on its own, but having or being a girl on the autism spectrum (AS) can make it even harder.
For one thing, it’s not uncommon for the initial diagnosis to be delayed. The symptoms of AS are not always as evident in girls as in boys. Sometimes the girls are just seen as quirky or shy. Even when parents are concerned and areChristie Annnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-1819173228171507272011-11-20T04:50:00.000-05:002011-11-20T04:50:09.388-05:00Pajaggle: Four Bloggers Review Just in Time for the Holiday SeasonWhat is Pajaggle? On their site the creators provide the following definition:
“Pajaggle™ (pa-jag-gul). The game that thinks it’s a puzzle. Pajaggle is an ever-growing collection of challenging games of fun made in America that brings people together regardless of age.“
But this definition barely scratches the surface. Four insightful bloggers review the game just in time for the holiday seasonTiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-4602730646680406362011-11-18T04:27:00.004-05:002011-11-18T04:27:00.788-05:00Thankfulness Challenge Acknowledging Your Child's Strengthsby Britt Collins, M.S., OTR/L
This is the time of year when families start making plans to spend time together, plan for food and fun. It’s a time to be thankful for what you have in your life. This can be difficult when you have child with special needs. I remember growing up with my younger sister (who has a genetic syndrome and cognitive delays) and thinking I was grateful to have her as Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-32966227140770503302011-11-16T05:09:00.004-05:002011-11-28T15:40:47.818-05:00Count Your Blessings - Living in a Family Impacted by ASDby Joanna L. Keating-Velasco
Thanksgiving is a great time to count our blessings and give thanks. Sometimes living in a family impacted by autism has parents spinning so many plates (with therapies, IEPs, medical visits, behavior issues, etc.), that one can’t even take a breath to contemplate blessings. Throughout my busy days at work, I am able to take some time to see things with a unique Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-66479323799167884672011-11-13T06:39:00.000-05:002011-11-13T06:39:18.519-05:00Giving Thanks for Restful Sleepby Barbara Gini
Thanksgiving and winter holidays are filled with traveling, food and family. Not only do our work and family schedules, diets and digestive systems go off balance, but also our sleep routines. In order to enjoy the holidays to the fullest, be sure that you (and your children) get the proper amount of sleep.
Studies show that after just 1 night of poor sleep, the decision making Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-70137219010846753482011-11-11T05:23:00.005-05:002011-11-11T05:23:00.491-05:00Holiday Gifts to Share with Your Community by Special Ed Expert, Joanna Keating-Velascoby Joanna L. Keating-Velasco
As the holidays approach, gifts and shopping are at the top of many of our "to do" lists. Let's take an expanded look at the idea of gifts from a less commercial perspective. Although for many of us, the holidays bring joy in exchanging gifts and visiting friends and family, for many, the holidays bring loneliness and sadness. Consider using your homeschooling Martiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11304352490207855367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-15115164640220370002011-11-10T05:07:00.000-05:002011-11-10T05:07:00.735-05:00May the Holidays Ring Out with Musical Benefits for Children with Special Needsby Martianne Stanger
With the holiday just around the corner, many children and parents are thinking about celebrations and gifts. As you do, I encourage you to think about music.
Holiday concerts provide a great opportunity to introduce your child to music (with, of course, a few prior considerations made for keeping sensory overload at bay). They also offer a way for your child to showcase Martiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11304352490207855367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-30515586168707378482011-11-09T05:27:00.001-05:002011-11-09T05:27:00.559-05:00Results are In...Medical Expenses Associated with Special Needs Kids on the Riseby Suzanne Cramer of CareOne Debt Relief Services
Medical expenses are listed as one of the top ten causes of debt. At CareOne Debt Relief Services we are hoping to reach out and help those in need develop a plan to manage their debt.
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//--Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-34027230970324788302011-11-08T05:04:00.002-05:002011-11-08T05:50:06.109-05:00From Thinking To Doing: How to Help Children Develop Automatic Movement Skillsby Joni Redlich,DPT
Children are very clever. When something is hard, many kids can think it out and use cognitive skills to overcome a sensory-motor challenge. This is a great compensation tool when necessary, but we want children to have automatic motor skills, so they can focus on listening, learning, and interacting rather than thinking about the underlying movement of their bodies.
What Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-13882628843418284582011-11-07T05:24:00.007-05:002011-11-07T06:36:36.810-05:00Observe Veterans Day with 10 Sensory Ideasby Martianne Stanger
Veterans Day is but a few days away. Do you have your plans set for it yet? If not, here are eleven sensory-diet friendly activities to get you started.
1. Patriotic Songs Bingo For auditory input, how about some Patriotic Songs Bingo? Using fine motor skills, fold a sheet of paper into nine sections, three across and three down. Then, draw or paste symbols for the Martiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11304352490207855367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-41907854199776330602011-11-06T05:13:00.000-05:002011-11-06T05:13:01.772-05:00Homeopathic Remedies for Oversensitivity to Soundby Dr. Linda Baker
Most people probably don’t think of homeopathy as a treatment for the sensory disorders that often accompany autism spectrum disorder but in fact homeopathic remedies are often very effective in alleviating sensory issues. Sensory problems can take a wide variety of forms including under and over sensitivity of all the various sensory organs. There are homeopathic remedies Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-29605178890587760402011-11-04T05:17:00.000-04:002011-11-04T05:17:00.645-04:00Restraint & Seclusion About.com Wants Your TestimonyHas your child been restrained or secluded in their special needs classroom?
In an attempt to raise awareness about the use of restraint or seclusion, About.com is seeking your story. They are seeking the following within the testimony:
Age/Grade of Child at Time of Incident
Child's Disability or Special Needs
Type of School or School Placement
Who Was Involved in the Incident
What HappenedTiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-67443848622117605842011-11-03T08:46:00.000-04:002011-11-03T08:46:56.037-04:00Four Second Quarter Classroom Challenges...and Solutionsby Barbara Lester, LCSW
School has been underway for a while now - we have just finished the second quarter here in Utah. The best laid plans from back at the beginning of the school year aren’t always working out for the best. Let’s look at some recent questions.
How do I get the teacher to realize my son needs to have a fidget in class?
Click title to learn how...
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google_ad_client = Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-29821962543029223982011-11-01T05:49:00.000-04:002011-11-01T05:49:00.634-04:00Control Emotional Responses to Avoid Outburstsby Lori Ciccarelli
When my son, JJ, was 16 years old, he was suspended from high school for his impulsive behavior. His peers knew what buttons to push and it continually got him into trouble. The Incredible 5-Point Scale helped JJ regulate his feelings and behavior visually and cognitively. It took consistency with his entire educational team to help him learn this process. Now at 21, JJ Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-10071441368456652852011-10-30T08:18:00.001-04:002011-11-19T05:38:43.362-05:00Did You Miss Out? Weighted Blankets, Financial Help, Dollars and Dinos and More...by Tiffani Lawton, RN
This month was indeed a very busy month at OUR Journey THRU Autism. I want to ensure that you tap into the four biggies of the month.
1) Dream Catcher Weight Blanket Review and Contest
I had the wonderful opportunity to review a weighted blanket from Dream Catcher Weighted Blankets. In the past, I have used a weighted lap pad with some success. I really did not Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-68817186819861081152011-10-30T07:00:00.000-04:002011-10-30T07:00:57.249-04:00Spooktacular Spectrum Moments - Halloween as a Creative Opportunity
Kevin
by Robin Schwoyer
For Autistic Spectrum families, Halloween can be a joy and a struggle for various reasons. Yet, it can be a great time to be creative and connect with our children in ways that are unique and helpful for them. One mom reported her non verbal daughter, with major sensory issues, has been dragging her to costume racks and finding ways to let Mom know she wants to be Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-23795243619354106392011-10-30T05:01:00.001-04:002011-11-06T07:06:34.870-05:00A Family's Body Sox Experienceby Martianne Stanger
It’s big. It’s green. It’s shiny. It crawls, jumps, rolls and otherwise makes its way down my hallway regularly. What is it?
One or two of my children getting some great proprioceptive, deep pressure and tactile experiences in our Body Sox, which was provided to us for review. What a great OT tool it is! Far better than I could have imagined.
Our Initial Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-2901833459969412082011-10-28T04:46:00.002-04:002011-10-28T04:46:00.731-04:00Engaging Reluctant Children in Art Playby Bonnie J Hacker MHS, OTR/L
One of the concerns repeatedly raised by parents is their child’s lack of interest and willingness to engage in art activities, especially coloring, drawing and beginning writing activities. Often this is the parent of a child, typically a boy, who is very active, demonstrating greater interest in running, jumping, climbing than in sitting down to draw. It can alsoTiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-62686907786735998842011-10-27T06:16:00.003-04:002011-10-27T06:16:00.568-04:00As the First Marking Period Comes to a Close...How Organized is Your Child?by Marcella Moran, MA, LMHC
We're just passed that honeymoon period of school when grades are good, students are somewhat organized, and everyone is motivated. At this time, papers start to pile up, some assignments are missing, and binders are getting fat. Parents are starting to feel the same way they did back in the spring, anxious.
Organizing School Work
If your child happens to be Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-17288037010819817232011-10-26T05:26:00.000-04:002011-10-26T05:26:00.182-04:00Three Ways To Help Make School A 'Sensational' Placeby Chynna Laird
There seems to be a lot more effort being made to inform teachers about sensory issues because so many children have issues in these areas, whether mild or severe. From my personal experience, the three most important things caregivers might consider to best support their ‘sensational’ kid in school are:
1. InformYou don’t need to go into the school and conduct a full workshop Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-41412861277184493572011-10-25T05:46:00.001-04:002011-10-25T05:46:00.400-04:00Five Fundamental Facts about SPDby Britt Collins, OTR/L
So many children that are on the autism spectrum have sensory issues and many people are not as familiar with what Sensory Integration (SI) is. Many Occupational Therapists (OT’s) are trained in SI work and use this in their treatment when working with all types of diagnosis but especially when working with children with ASD. Featured in this article are 7 sensory Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-74696860084905823562011-10-24T04:56:00.002-04:002011-10-25T04:38:32.673-04:00Tips from an Occupational Therapist for a Happy Halloweenby Gwen Wild, OTR
Itchy costumes, greasy face paint, strangers in masks, constant social interactions, scary music and black lights on porches… Halloween can be a short road to SENSORY OVERLOAD!
But there are some things you can do to help make Halloween less of a trick and more of a treat for your kids with sensory challenges.
1. Select the Costume Carefully
Consider skipping cheap costumes, Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-44837444625786866272011-10-23T06:23:00.000-04:002011-10-23T06:23:03.811-04:00Inattention is the Culprit Impacting the Educational Experienceby Tiffani Lawton, RN
Come November 1, 2011 new research from the University of Montreal will be published in the American Journal of Psychiatry demonstrating that inattention, rather than hyperactivity, impacts the educational experience for children with ADD or ADHD. This can also be said for those on the high functioning side of the autism spectrum. Over a span of 20 years, researchers Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-79038923308245216642011-10-22T07:07:00.000-04:002011-10-22T07:07:34.674-04:00Finger Weights: A Round Table Discussionby Tiffani Lawton, RN
I am always intrigued by new and interesting products or tools to help OUR children. Ever hear of finger weights? I had not heard of them before and thus, I was intrigued. With so many children struggling with handwriting difficulties, I wondered if and how can these little weights on the fingers possibly benefit children with fine motor challenges or sensory needs?
Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-81431504990683578992011-10-20T09:24:00.002-04:002011-11-04T04:33:13.464-04:00Help?! Calling all Dinosaurs....Supporting One of OUR Own!by Tiffani Lawton, RN
Kim Laing of of Dauphin County, PA has been a die hard autism advocate over the years. She has supported families with IEP development and through child study team meetings. She created Hoops Basketball, so kids with autism in her community would have an opportunity to play a sport while developing social skills. This is a woman who has selflessly given of herself over Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-33323203446413509872011-10-18T05:33:00.000-04:002011-10-18T05:33:00.193-04:00Play With Your Food for Sensory Motor Funby Bonnie Arnwine, Author of Starting Sensory Integration Therapy
Fine motor skills are essential for holding a pencil or eating utensils, turning pages while reading a book and so much more. When my kids were younger we had a Veggie Tales party, my son’s interest at the time. I instructed everyone to BYOV (Bring Your Own Veggies). Instead of eating them, we made Veggie Sculptures.
Click Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-66480111584297054742011-10-17T05:00:00.052-04:002011-10-17T05:00:08.444-04:00Sensory Overload Kicked In...A Personal Storyby Haley Moss
Happy SPD Awareness Month! Instead of talking about ways to combat sensory issues (I’m going to let the pros handle that), I would like to share a personal story with you about how embracing growth and awareness regarding sensory needs can lead to success.
Click on the title to see what happened....
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/* Left under image ad */Martiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11304352490207855367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-713218170733830952011-10-16T05:42:00.001-04:002011-10-16T05:42:00.644-04:00Elderberry: A Valuable Tool for Flu and Other Virusesby Jenni Wilson MH, Cedar City - Utah
Elderberries have been used for hundreds of years, especially in England, for the treatment of colds, fevers, flu and other maladies. Elderberry has been found to inhibit the replication of both type A and type B flu viruses. Researchers found that elderberry inhibited the enzyme that attaches the virus to human cells preventing the virus from invading Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-6395960910758033522011-10-16T05:19:00.001-04:002011-10-16T05:19:00.518-04:00Book Review - Autism and Your Church - Revised & Updated Editionby Joanna L. Keating-Velasco
I recently received a copy of Autism and Your Church: Nurturing the Spiritual Growth of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder written by Barbara J. Newman from Friendship Ministries. Having read the original version of this book, I was thrilled to review this revised and updated version and was immediately impressed with the revisions.
As in the original book, I Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-63787268474250909182011-10-15T05:44:00.001-04:002011-10-15T05:44:00.588-04:00Jam on the Drums for Sensational Funby Chynna Laird
Both Xander and Jaimie have auditory issues that have been helped tremendously through the iLs training they received during their OT sessions. One activity we do at home from Starting Sensory Integration Therapy by Bonnie Arnwine is drumming.
It’s simple, fun and costs nothing to create a little drum set for your child. Bonnie suggests using pots and pans and a wooden spoon.Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-23729763087755415452011-10-15T05:23:00.001-04:002011-10-25T06:10:47.763-04:00To Stim or not to Stim?by Lori Ciccarelli
According to the Autism Sourcebook by Karen Siff Exkorn, stimming or self stimulatory behavior is a repetitive behavior that releases opiate-like substances in the brain called beta-endorphins which can produce either a euphoric or anesthetic effect; it can cause a feeling of tranquility for those who are feeling over-stimulated.
Stimming Behaviors
Typical stimming behaviorsTiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-4104008491161888212011-10-15T05:13:00.037-04:002011-10-15T05:13:00.241-04:00Wearing SPD Lenses: 5 Ways to Make Pinecones Part of Your Sensory Dietby Martianne Stanger
For many of us, as cooler weather arrives, it becomes a season for boldly braving outerwear battles in order to get our children outside for a healthy dose of natural sensory input. With my own children, the lure to get my children to bundle up on some chilly days is pinecones. Yes, pinecones.
My children love to play with these ubiquitous evergreen seed pods, and, throughMartiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11304352490207855367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-76782503929008748032011-10-14T05:31:00.001-04:002011-10-14T05:31:00.336-04:00Award Winning, Behavior Solutions for the Inclusive Classroom, a Must for Raising Awareness
Foreword Magazine's Book of the Year Award
Reviewed by Teresa Fair-Field, OTR/L
Tired of tomes on child behavior, heavy with text, and requiring tables of contents, indices, a highlighter, and a clear mind? They do not serve as effective reference manuals if you can’t identify a problem and then get to a solution quickly.
When Behavior Solutions for the Inclusive Classroom by Beth Aune, OTRTiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-84410303106672006092011-10-13T05:38:00.001-04:002011-11-19T05:43:37.440-05:00DreamCatcher ™ Weighted Blankets: A Dream Come True
A review by Tiffani Lawton, RN
On my porch sat a heavy brown box full of what I would soon discover was worth more than its weight in gold! My DreamCatcher ™ Weighted Blanket for my son had arrived. Excitedly, I opened the package to discover our personal fabric selection with an adorable pirate theme. As I pulled the blanket from the box, I was pleasantly surprised by the hefty weight of Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-14230956242734128172011-10-13T04:57:00.000-04:002011-10-13T04:57:00.532-04:00Halloween: A Spooky Time for the Sensory Challengedby Barbara Gini
Fall has always been my favorite time of year. Cooler temperatures bring many opportunities for family and social activities: apple and pumpkin picking, fall festivals, hiking, raking leaves, outdoor picnics, 3 birthdays and of course, Halloween.
While most children (and some adults) love the idea of dressing up in costumes and going door to door with friends for candy, some Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-45494913490418362962011-10-11T05:13:00.004-04:002011-10-11T11:13:37.914-04:00Can You Recognize The Possible Symptoms of CAPD?by Tiffani Lawton, RN
"An Auditory Processing Disorder is the result of the central nervous system not processing auditory information appropriately. Problems are often associated with auditory discrimination, temporal sequencing, sound localization, auditory long and short term memory, auditory sequencing, listening in background noise, and more. These problems often interfere with Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-19538621437363675472011-10-10T05:58:00.003-04:002011-10-10T17:21:59.933-04:00Get to the "Good Stuff" in your Child's IEPby Charles E. Pugh, Esquire
Yes, we know that IEPs can seem scary at first. Some go on for fifty pages or more. They often include lots of strange abbreviations and confusing terminology. It can seem overwhelming.
The IEP is the Blueprint But don't give up! The IEP is the "blueprint" that tells you what you need to know about the team's plans, goals and services for your child. You need Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-25459306551771699942011-10-10T05:16:00.000-04:002011-10-10T05:16:00.334-04:005 Ideas for SI Breaks during Fire Prevention Weekby Martianne Stanger
Did you know it is Fire Prevention Week? Sure is! So, how about a quick and educational sensory break? Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Jump to It!For proprioception fun, draw a telephone number pad with chalk on your driveway or with markers on 12 sheets of paper that you can tape to the floor. When you call out, "Fire! Fire!", have your child run to jump onMartiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11304352490207855367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-20507118301507761332011-10-09T05:24:00.000-04:002011-10-09T05:24:00.246-04:00Batty Bowling for Motor Planning, Visual-Motor and Strengthening
Bowling is a wonderful sensory activity for kids. It offers heavy work, motor planning, strengthening, and visual motor planning. My boys LOVE to go bowling, but we can't always make it to the bowling alley.
So now, with the following idea, we can get creative and do a bit of "batty bowling" right in our back yard!
Batty Bowling is a game idea extracted from Kids' Outdoor Parties by Penny Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-58490761082930541882011-10-08T05:23:00.002-04:002011-10-14T10:11:34.144-04:00Sensational Solutions for Social Skillsby Chynna Laird
Jaimie has always struggled with social issues. When she was very young, she was terrified to be around other children and adults. She avoided any sort of social interaction, ran away from kids or adults who tried talking to her at the park or when we went out and broke down if someone got too close. We realized later on that her reactions stemmed from her feeling terrified withTiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-21018339612580967552011-10-08T05:09:00.001-04:002011-10-08T05:09:00.408-04:00Physical Therapy and SPD, The Sensory-Motor Teamby Dr. Joni Redlich
October is both National Physical Therapy Month and National Sensory Awareness Month. Given the timing of both of these opportunities to increase awareness of both of these topics, I would like to explore the crossroads between Physical Therapy and Sensory Processing Disorders.
In the BeginningWhen a baby is born they come into the world with an active vestibular system, Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-63198552311037672212011-10-07T05:33:00.000-04:002011-10-07T05:33:00.404-04:00Integrated Movement Therapy for Sensory Integrationby Patty Porch
When my son’s preschool teacher informed me that she was doing yoga exercises with her students during the school day, I was intrigued. She told me that she had heard great things about how yoga can help kids with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder. The more I researched it, the more it made sense to me. Yoga provides great muscle toning, body awareness training, and deep Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-64629069290235710352011-10-07T05:02:00.030-04:002011-10-07T05:02:00.711-04:00Public Schools and Music Programs for Children with Special Needsby Marlene Cooper-Williams
These days, it seems that public schools are faced with a huge increase in and awareness about Autism, ADHD, SPD and many other challenges, which requires them to offer special educational programs. Many of these schools are overwhelmed with this need and are even more challenged with the lack of funds available to address these problems. Thus, they make difficult Martiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11304352490207855367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-3432066428393560392011-10-06T05:13:00.004-04:002011-10-06T05:13:00.418-04:00Sensational Game Ideas for Body Awareness, Motor Planning and Gross MotorBig Foot Relay is a game idea extracted from Kids' Outdoor Parties by Penny Warner. Occupational Therapist, Lois Hickman puts her therapeutic spin on it. Have fun!
Original InstructionsHave the children bring two shoeboxes with them. Tape the lids onto the boxes, then cut a one-inch-wide and four-inch long slit in each top. Have the contestants slip their feet into the slits in the boxes and Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-67194229457568565922011-10-05T05:25:00.000-04:002011-10-05T07:26:19.820-04:00Tactile Shaving Cream Adventuresby Bonnie Arnwine, Author of Starting Sensory Integration Therapy
One day while I was cleaning the bathroom I realized the house was too quiet. I called out for my son- his response was wild laughter. I took off my gloves and walked down the hall to the living room. I turned a corner and almost passed out. My son was lying on the coffee table swimming in maple syrup! He looked at me, Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358754394875098399.post-10636754149866881552011-10-04T05:53:00.001-04:002011-10-04T05:55:13.326-04:00Uncovering Sensory Based Motor Disordersby Tiffani Lawton, RN
Since October is National Sensory Awareness Month AND Physical Therapy Awareness Month, it is a great time to introduce the very important connection between Sensory and Motor and how physical therapy can play an integral role in supporting sensory motor development.
Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants help individuals maintain, improve and restore Tiffani Lawton, OJTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15552759719756467489noreply@blogger.com