Have a Stimmer?

Self Stimulating Behaviors

What are they, what can I do? 

C is sensory seeking. He loves running his fingers through my hair, the dog's hair, and twirling his own hair is a tell tail sign that he is tired. While no one has directly told us that C has SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), I think at this point, it is a fair assumption to believe that he does.

Some common characteristics of a child exhibiting SPD:

People suffering from over-responsivity might:

• Dislike textures in fabrics, foods, grooming products or other materials found in daily living, to which most people would not react. This dislike interferes with normal function, for instance a child who refuses to wear socks or an adult who is so "picky" they can't go to restaurants with friends.
• Get so car sick they refuse to be in a moving vehicle.
• Refuse to kiss or hug, not because they don't like the person, but because the sensation of skin contact can be very negative.
• Feel seriously discomforted, sick or threatened by normal sounds, lights, movements, smells, tastes, or even inner sensations such as heartbeat.

People suffering from under-responsivity might:

• Fidget excessively
• Seek or make loud, disturbing noises
• Suck on or bite clothing, fingers, pencils, etc.

**From Wikipedia


C exhibits mostly over - responsivity symptoms. He frequently will wrap himself around my leg, throw the covers over top of himself, and roll up like a sausage, and is known to squeal when he is happy or excited. 

What we have learned, through Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration Therapy, is that children will use sensory seeking behaviors to help them better understand their surroundings and how their body fits within those surroundings. It is self soothing, and incorporates one of the fives senses. 

• Visual  staring at lights, repetitive blinking, moving fingers in front of the eyes, hand-flapping
• Auditory  tapping ears, snapping fingers, making vocal sounds
• Tactile  rubbing the skin with one's hands or with another object, scratching
• Vestibular  rocking front to back, rocking side-to-side
• Taste  placing body parts or objects in one's mouth, licking objects
• Smell  smelling objects, sniffing people

 **From the Autism Research Institute

Take, for example, a child who rocks back and forth. Though the behavior is a-typical, it is giving them feedback, allowing them to realize how their body fits within a certain setting. This is considered a "self-stimulating" behavior, or stimming. While it is providing self soothing benefits, research shows that stimming also decreases one's attention to task, correlating with the ability to learn new information. Many professionals in the field advise parents to monitor stimming behaviors and limit them, by giving new behaviors or coping mechanisms to enable the child to attend to a task, and feel comfortable in their environment. 

C has a variety of stims, from tapping his foot, to flapping his hand, he squeals loudly, and will rub his hands over his pants repeatedly. We have tested quite a few strategies to help him cope, specifically in school, but also in the home. We can tell what strategy we need to use, based on the stim. 

 











For instance, C will run his fingers through my hair. While most times I enjoy it, it also handicaps me from doing anything else. We know that his seeking textile feedback, and have made a rice bin filled with scoops and bowls for him to play with instead. This serves two purposes, it allows me to be a little more free, and allows C to practice fine motor skills, while getting the feedback he is craving. 

C will also, as I stated above, wrap his legs around me, or swaddle himself in blankets. We have a weighted blanket, which provides the pressure (evenly) that he is craving. In school, they have taken this strategy, and have replaced it with a weighted vest, which allows C to walk freely, while still getting the feedback he needs. We have noticed, that when used in school, it helps him attend better to tasks or activities.

We are still working on strategies to use for the squealing. He is high pitched an LOUD! I have heard that chewing gum helps, but I have been hesitant to give it to him, for fear that he may choke. 

We noticed that prior to our understanding of SPD, C was unbalanced, had a toddler gait, could not jump, and did not run with a straight gait. After 2 years of therapies, he is like a new child. He fine motor skills have improved, he is able to jump, and his language even blossomed. 

Many consider OT, or SI (Sensory Integration) for children who lack coordination or fine motor skills, however there are a great many other benefits. We tend to overlook a lot of behaviors that accompany our children, simply because it may be a symptom of the diagnosis. There are strategies to help our children overcome many of the self-stimulating behaviors. While I personally feel that there is a time and place where stimming is appropriate, I also understand that like everything else, it must be done in a structured and strategic manner. 

For more information on Sensory Integration:
Sensory Integration Therapy

  

Carly's Voice - A True Advocate for Autism Awareness

A must read for those trying to better understand Autism

In just 3 days I read Carly's Voice, Breaking Through Autism. I had prepared this wonderful piece introducing you to Sensory Integration, and C's experience with SI and OT, but after reading this book, I have to reconsider what I wrote.

Written primarily by Arthur Fleishmann, this book honestly and clearly paints the picture of a family raising a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. I laughed, I cried, I celebrated, and I marveled at this family's perseverance, but most importantly, I marveled at Carly's perseverance, at her will to want more, and her ability to use her voice, even when her traditional  voice failed her.

As I read, I found myself replacing Arthur and Tammy's anecdotes of daily life, of internal struggle, guilt, and happiness with our own stories of daily life. C rarely sleeps through the night. There was a period of time where we woke with him several times in the darkness of night, cleaning the havoc he created in his bedroom. He would tear his bed apart, throw all of the clothes out of the dresser, all of the toys out of the toy box and squeal so loudly, there was no choice but to wake. He was a midnight terror. We hadn't slept in years and we began to resent it, resent the witching hour, resent each other for not getting up first. After a consult with a Behavioral Psychologist, we stripped his room of just about everything personal. I joke that it looks more like a closet than a bedroom. It works. " 'Carly, get back in bed', I told her, a bit roughly. Although she complied, I knew this was the beginning of the day, not the end of a momentary disruption of the night." Arthur Fleishmann

Though Carly is non-verbal, her Autism symptoms so greatly resemble much of C's behavior (just a bit more extreme), I have found myself questioning everything I have read, everything I was told by doctors. Verbal Stim, or "Audio Filtering" as Carly describes it. Stimming behavior or OCD? Self Injurious behavior or a tactic to stop one's self from a worse behavior?

I have spent the last year chastising myself for not allowing C to be more independent, challenge him more in the area of self-help, push his educational limitations. It is frustrating, for him, for me, for our family. I find my patience wearing thin, never with C, but my poor, older boys definitely bear the brunt of my depleted patience. Is C being stubborn, is Autism creating a barrier, should I push, is it too much, how much is really too much?

After reading this book, specifically the last chapter, where Carly has the ability to really tell what Autism feels like to her, how aware she really is, her ability to persuade, all from her perspective, I feel like I have been given the key to the chest of hope. I know that C is intelligent, more so than many of us give him credit for. Does he play me for a fool, like Carly, is he able to manipulate ? Manipulation requires a multitude of high executive functioning abilities. I think I am not giving him credit for the little man that he really is. When he refuses to comply with a request, is he really just being defiant? Is Autism blocking his ability to filter the request into meaningful (to him) words?

Very often my husband and I say "if we could just help his brain figure out how to get from point A to point B, without interference, on the path of least resistance, maybe it would all just... click. " 'I feel like there's a button in her brain we just need to switch on,' Tammy said. But that button would remain out of sight, out of reach...it was time to stop asking why, and start asking now what?" And how often do I remind myself that the "why" won't help solve the immediate need of "now". That in order to understand the greater picture, I have to focus on what works now, and how that can help us in the future.

This book has resonated with me. I found myself dreaming of conversations I would have with Carly, if given the opportunity. I want to know how to best help my child, but I want to know from his perspective. I can see the questioning look in his eyes, when he tries to tell us something that we simply cannot comprehend, and rather than disassemble the pieces of the puzzle, mostly in an effort to be efficient, we just smile and nod. How frustrating for him to know that we just don't get it, and be unable to figure out how to speak to us, in our world, when he comprehends on a greater platform what is happening in his world. How frustrating for us, to want to help, and feel so hopeless in the endeavor.

It breaks my heart that Carly expresses the need to fit in, the want to "behave normally", and being in a body that just won't cooperate with those desires. The inability to be able to communicate in a traditional way gave the appearance that she cognitively was incapable of taking in and processing information in a useful way. Despite the doctor and psychologists low expectations, Tammy and Arthur fought, for every opportunity, every hope, every dream that they had for their daughter, and look at her now. A true self - advocate, speaking for those who have been unable to release their "inner voice".

On the day when we are to "Light it up Blue", to show our support and raise awareness for Autism, I find myself taking my own introspective look at how I advocate for my son's needs, how I educate those around me, and how I do my part in raising awareness. I have a new hero, and her name is Carly Fleishmann. I have a new perspective on life with Autism, and I have a new resolve to ensure that I show my deep respect for C's abilities and achievements, that I continue to embrace his independence and that I take each day in stride. I know how hard he is trying, just by the strides he has made over the last year. I, like Tammy and Arthur will continue to fight for what C needs, and I will ensure that his "inner voice" is heard.


For more exerpts from Carly's Voice:
Carly's Voice, Breaking Through Autism

For more information on Carly visit her You Tube Page:
Carly Fleishmann's You Tube Channel

Like Carly on Facebook:
Carly's Facebook Page

Disney Experience, Part II

 Top Ten Preparation Tips

It has been two months since our visit to Disney, and I feel like it was just yesterday. We went hopeful and yet skeptical. We didn't know how C would take to the crowds, the scents, the sights, the larger than life characters, he so lovingly adores. We knew that there would be moments of sensory overload. We knew that there would be challenges, what we didn't foresee was his ability to overcome those moments.

Our trip was a balancing act. It required planning, preparation, teamwork, and sometimes a zone defense to ensure that we met C's needs, while also ensuring everyone was able to enjoy the vacation. With 3 children, pre-teen to special needs, I am proud to say we accomplished everything that was on their "must do/must see" lists.

If I were to break down our trip into the top ten things you must do in preparation for a trip to Disney, specifically if travelling with a child who has special needs, it would look like this:


1. Reserve a hotel, rental home, condo, or suite that will fit your child's needs best.

We have stayed on Disney property, rented homes and condo's and have tried to make it work in a hotel suite. Our best bang for our buck, while also best suiting C's needs was renting a home just outside of the Disney property. While we had to drive to the parks everyday, and pay parking fees, we also had more room to spread out, were able to bring items from home to make the space more familiar, and the icing on the cake... a private pool and arcade room. We rented the home with with my husband's twin and his family. The cost for a week in the rental home was less than we would have paid in a hotel, with many more amenities. Another bonus... a full sized washer and dryer ;)

2. Stick to a schedule.

If your child wakes early, eats breakfast, watches a cartoon, has lunch at noon, a snack at 2pm, dinner followed by bath and a bed time story - stick with it. Your child is going to be filled with so many "new" experiences, even if it isn't your first trip to Disney. Rather than force a new routine along with new experiences, new people, a new environment, maintain the normalcy of their routine. The parks allow you bring in food and drink, take advantage of this! We always bring a cooler stocked with sandwiches, chips, fruit, water bottles, candy. It will help keep you on schedule, even while waiting in line.

3. About the lines - Use the DAS, plan ahead, and for God sake, don't promise to take your child on a ride without speaking to the ride attendant first.

The DAS (Disability Access Service card), allows for those with disability to use the fast pass lane, without holding a fast pass. Plan out the rides and attractions that are a "must do/must see" before entering the park. You will want to have this ready to fully take advantage of the DAS and fast pass. They key to success is to visit Guest Relations as soon as you enter the park. There they will be able to tell you ride times, fast pass availability, where you may need to use the DAS, where a fast pass will work better, or where you may not need anything. They will also help you plan how to best accomplish your "must do/ must see" list.

If you are using a DAS for a particular ride, my greatest piece of advice is to send one adult to that attraction. Explain you have a child with a disability, and they will either issue the DAS card for that ride, or indicate that the ride can accommodate your child now. If you are issued a DAS card, take the down time to see a nearby parade, visit a character, or ride a ride with a short wait time.

We survived lines, wait times and the DAS Card by keeping C out of the loop. We knew what attractions and rides were important to him, but never made a promise or indicated that we would see something "now".

4. Stroller as a wheelchair - If your child can still fit in a stroller, DO IT :)

C is 5 and weighs nearly 50 lbs. For a typical child, he may be too big for a stroller, however for a child with special needs, it is essential. We have even considered purchasing a stroller that accommodates a larger child. When vising Guest relations (upon arrival to each park you visit), explain that your child has a disability and that you would like the "stroller as a wheelchair" pass. It is that simple. They will strap a red sticker to your stroller that has a picture of a wheelchair on it. The stroller provides a safety net, it allows easy maneuverability in crowded situations, and  when used as a wheelchair, allows you to take it right to the attraction.

Disney has an amazing imagination. Every ride, every attraction, is designed to target each of the five senses. For most, it makes waiting in line more tolerable, for kids with Sensory Processing Disorder, it is overwhelming, and can have the opposite affect that was intended. With the stroller, C was able to maintain his personal space, throw the sun visor over top of him, keeping sensory overload at bay. For the rides that are not wheelchair accessible, you are able to completely bypass the line.

5. If you are driving, consider a Handicap Pass for your car.

I had mixed feelings initially, when my husband and I discussed this. I felt that perhaps we were taking advantage of a situation. I discussed it with our pediatrician, who must sign the paperwork for the pass to be issued, and he felt that it was in our child's best interest, and for the safety of our child and family that we receive the Handicap Pass. Now that we have it, I don't know how I survived without it. Have you ever walked through a crowded parking lot, maybe with groceries in hand, other children meandering behind you, while struggling to maintain hand contact with your special needs child. Then suddenly your child drops to the ground, splays out, and becomes dead weight? It happens regularly to me. Knowing that I can secure a parking spot closer to our destination gives me piece of mind, that I can safely walk from point A to point B.

Disney's Handicap spaces are almost directly in front of the park's entrance. If you need a quick getaway, the last thing you want is to have to hop on the tram and pray that you remember the charcter's name of the spot where you parked.

6. I mentioned it before, but it warrants mentioning again - bring food with you into the park.

Picture the mid day heat, a morning full of parades and rides, a DAS card for a ride that isn't good for another 1/2 an hour, and you have a handful of crankiness staring at you. You would run over to the nearest food vendor, but everyone else seems to be having a serious case of the"2:30 feeling". And then you remember, your cooler full of your child's favorite snacks and drinks sitting in the bottom of your stroller... Crisis averted!

Let's face it, one can only take so much of fried, greasy, amusement park food. At some point your body begins to crave nutrients, and you don't want to spend buku bucks on the good stuff, snack money should be reserved for the special treats. This is also where having a refrigerator in your temporary home is essential.

7. Don't overdo it.

If you are planning a 7 day vacation, don't expect your child to be able to survive 7 straight days of parks. Goodness, I would be surprised if you could survive 7 straight days of parks! We have found, in our 5 trips to Disney in the last 7 years, that 4 days of Parks is just enough. We feel that the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are our "must do" parks. Sometimes we visit Animal Kingdom (the safari ride and the Lion King show alone are enough to make you go at least once). If you have a child that loves animals, is inquisitive, and has a passion for fact finding, Animal Kingdom is great! It reminds me of an interactive zoo, with rides and attractions to keep everyone happy. Epcot is fabulous for those that enjoy different cultures, cuisines, and there are a few awesome rides, including Soaring and Mission Space. We almost always visit the Magic Kingdom a second day, but if you have never been to Disney World before, consider visiting all of the parks. We purchased Park Hoppers only once, and it was when we stayed on Disney Property. Because we had free transportation between parks, it was nice, but not necessary. If you are trying to remain frugal, don't do it ;)

We try to put a day between each day of parks. It allows us to rest our bodies, enjoy our vacation as a family, and visit other area attractions. Downtown Disney is fun, and has no entrance fee. Again, don't overdue it!

8. Download the "My Disney Experience App".

This app has maps of all the parks, allows you to map out your day, manage meal reservations, and sets reminders for upcoming parades and attractions. We used it everyday, multiple times a day, from initial vacation planning through our last day of vacation.

9. Take advantage of Photo Pass.

The photographers are strategically placed for the perfect photo opp, and they will also snap a photo with your camera or phone.  The photographer will issue you a card that you can carry around with you for the duration of your trip. When you see a photographer in a location you would like to have your photo taken, simply hand them the card, and it will upload to the website. You will need to create an account to access your photos and of course there is a fee, but you have the ability to select and choose the pictures you want, and of course, there is no obligation to buy.

10. Remember to have fun.

It is not often that our family is able to truly disconnect from the fast paced world and enjoy time together. It was a conscience decision to put work aside and really connect, really take part in this vacation with our children. Making the decision to be a part of the fun, to embrace each moment, and live in the now, is what made this trip so memorable. We each have our own and separate "favorite" moments. We each accomplished everything on our "must do/must see" list, and we certainly made "magical" memories.

This trip is possible, and fun, with children and adults with all abilities. Disney has, in our opinion, lived up to their promise of offering inclusive fun for all. Plan ahead, be prepared, and go with the flow. If you don't allow for the opportunity, the opportunity may just pass you by.

What Does 1 in 68 Really Mean?

Educate, Include, Empower, Embrace

I sat down to write Part Two of our Disney Adventure, and found my fingers itching to write about the CDC's new report highlighting another rise in the number of children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. While Disney is always a fun topic, I think that it is going to have to take a backseat today.

Yesterday the CDC released a report indicating that 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. If you click the above link, I think you will be pleasantly surprised that their report offers hope, calls for more information, more awareness, more education, a plea for early diagnosis. It does not slap the epidemic stamp on our children, it does not induce fear, and iterates the need for clinicians to use developmental screening tools to monitor a child's development and to take note of deficiencies, to educate parents on early intervention tools available.

It is also important to understand that this report is based off of children 8 years of age, and from 11 ADDM sites. In addition, the results are based on data collected in 2010, meaning that the children in the study were 8 at the time the data was collected.

I feel that it is important to take from these numbers that children with Autism, adults with Autism, are all a part of our community. You know someone with Autism. You know a family affected by this diagnosis. It should now be considered a part of our society's norm. While I understand the need and the want to know the cause, we need to embrace the community it affects. We need to ensure that our community at large is educated, understands the need of the individual with Autism, and offer community support, inclusion, and opportunities, equal to those of their typical peers.

When C was first diagnosed I found myself scouring the web, searching for a cause, secretly hoping that I was not to blame. I prayed that I didn't "give" this to my son. My grief turned to guilt. I wasn't alone, my husband felt guilty too. We simultaneously reassured one another that we were not to blame, while searching for hidden truths to the suspicion about ourselves. We started down a dark path, until one day we realized obsessing over the "why" wasn't going to help C. We redirected our efforts. We began looking at interventions, therapies, tools and accommodations to help C thrive. We educated ourselves and our family. We are continuously learning when to take a risk and push C's comfort threshold, and when to simply let him be... him.

C  having Autism isn't scary, it isn't the end of the world, it simply is. We hear that we should strive for our children to be like their "typical" peers, but what does that really mean? Who defines typical. We need to help our children survive in their environment. We need to help our children cope with the enormity that the world is. We need to give strategies to them, to ensure that they are reaching their full potential, and pushing them to be more than that. While a "cure" sounds fantastic in theory, what are we curing?

1 in 68 is alarming. What does 1 in 68 mean? It is no longer a "Disorder" that is rare, it is no longer an anomaly. Autism is a reality. We need to continue to educate our communities. Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is not a disease. It is not communicable. It is not scary. Our children are not violent. Our children have feelings. Our children understand, more than many can even comprehend. Our children have rights. Our children have names. Our children aren't just Autism. Autism isn't our children.This is the face of a child with Autism.


Autism Awareness Month is right around the corner. What does that mean? It means educate your neighbors, your co-workers, your family and friends. Take a moment to raise awareness. Does your child or a loved one, or a friend's child have Autism, what about ADHD, Developmental Disability, Intellectual Disability, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy, Oppositional Defiance, the list goes on and on, but what I want you to take from this is to please, please help educate those who need help understanding. Reach out to those who need help, support, respite. Don't look at 1 in 68 as a sad number, see it as a reason to help fight for the rights and abilities of those who fit within the statistic.

For the full CDC Report : CDC Report

For information on Child Development Screening: Child Development Screening

The Disney Experience, Part 1

Proper Prep Time

This past week we went to Disney World in Orlando, FL. Controversy has filled the pages of blogs, specifically within the Autism Community Blogosphere, in regards to the change from the Guest Assistance Card (GAC) to the Disability Access Service (DAS). Prior to our trip I researched, I called Guest Relations, I read every blog and formulated our plan of action to ensure that we had the best trip we could, as a family and one that would cater to C's needs.

Prior to our trip I had our doctor help me to fill out the application for a Handicap Pass for our car. While C is not in a wheelchair, he does have a permanent disability. One that inhibits him from safely walking long distances through parking lots. I know you have all experienced the sudden drop, where your child becomes spaghetti, and try as you might, it seems their body has become one with the pavement. This occurring while navigating a busy parking lot had me envisioning a trip to an unfamiliar Emergency Room, rather than the Magical Kingdom. Our Pediatrician had no problem filling out his portion of the application, once I explained my reasoning.

We also chose to drive, rather than fly. While it may seem like we were voluntarily torturing ourselves with a 14 hour car drive, we knew that it wouldn't be fair to C, our family, or every other person sharing a flight with us, to fly. When we calculated the additional time it would take to park in long term parking, load everything on the shuttle, make it through security, allow us extra time for potential C meltdowns, flight time, getting off the plane, baggage claim, car rental, and reloading the car... we would have saved half the time, but because we drove, we saved ourselves the stress and over 1/2 the cost of airfare. Driving works for us.

If you are considering flying and have a child with Autism, consider Jet Blue. They have launched a program for children called "Blue Horizons for Autism", and have made accommodations to  ensure a comfortable and pleasurable flight for children on the spectrum and the other passengers.

Because we have older children, and because C loves Disney Jr. and Nick Jr. cartoons equally, we chose to stay at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort. While the pools were amazing, we found the rest of the amenities including our room, run down, overpriced, and lacking the same "magic" we have come to expect from Disney properties. While we were a bit disappointed in the resort, I have to say that the staff was knowledgeable and accommodating, and helped to make up for what the resort itself had to offer. Were anyone to ask me if they should stay at the Nick Resort, unfortunately I would advise to put the extra money into a Disney property. We did participate in some of the evening activities, like Story Time with Dora, and C loved meeting Dora and Boots, and enjoyed the interactive story and songs.

We had a 3 day pass to the Disney Parks. We chose to drive, rather than rely on the Nickelodeon Transportation buses, to allow ourselves the leisure of coming and going on our schedule, rather than the preset bus schedule. Because we had the handicap pass, we were able to park right next to the gates, and only had short distances to walk. Luckily, our stroller is rated for children up to 80 lbs, and C is still within the weight range. I don't think he is ready for a full day of walking on his own. We toyed with the idea of buying the child leash, but there is just something that bugs us about tying our child up like an animal. That is another topic, and our personal preference. We are still on the fence about our feelings, some days we agree that leashes are a great idea for a child that has a tendency to bolt, and others we feel that it just points more attention to C's difference, and could leave him feeling as if he is being restrained rather than protected.

Once in the park we visited the Guest Relations office. There we were able to obtain a pass that allowed us to use our stroller as a wheelchair. This is an AMAZING benefit for those who have children still in strollers. It allowed us to wheel our stroller right through the lines, allowing C to have a place of comfort in an otherwise incredibly stimulating environment. An added perk, all of our belongings stayed with us, rather than outside of the attraction, luring other guests to check out our goods.

By doing the research ahead of time, knowing what to expect, and having a plan for C that worked for him, but allowed the other children to truly experience Disney as a typical child, made for an unforgettable vacation. Seeing C meet his favorite characters, and truly live in the moment, is a memory I will cherish for life. Knowing that my two older children did not have to sacrifice their vacation to cater to their brother's needs validated our want to continue vacationing with Disney. We are excited to plan our next trip and are even considering the Disney Cruise.

More to come on our wonderful vacation! There is just far too much information to share for one post. Stay tuned for more information on the new DAS, other tips and tricks for ensuring the best vacation for the whole family, and even a few pictures of our favorite moments.

The File Cabinet

A Verbal Stim, or Breaking into the Conversation?

"Mommy, where are we going?"

Did you hear that?? He asked a question, as I was getting his shoes and socks on, as I was preparing him to leave the house.

"We have to take your brothers to wrestling practice."

"Can we go too?"

Did you hear that?? A two part exchange? Real conversation??? One that is relative to what we are doing, what we are talking about. One that is not scripted, pulled from the files of shows and movies memorized. A conversation.

This child, I was told, would be able to speak...one day. To what extent, was in question. Just last year, it was suggested that he would not succeed in an inclusion environment, that he would be provided 1:1 instruction in a self - contained classroom. I fought. I fought hard.

Having a child model behaviors of his peers is what our children need for success. The lessons learned from "typical" classmates can be greater than lessons learned through instruction. Our children need to play, with one another. They need to foster their imagination.

Stop the scripting, I was told. It is a verbal stim, I was told. It will suck him into a world that can become dark, lonely, detrimental. I disagree. His scripting has led to conversation. When he doesn't have the words on his own, he has words, in his file cabinet that he can pull from, and keep him engaged in the conversation.

I know there are many views on stimming, scripting, and other behaviors associated with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder. I have sought advice and guidance from OT's, SLP's and educators. With their view point in mind, I have formulated the opinion that while his "verbal stim" can suck him into a world all his own, it also allows him to continue verbalizing. To continue practicing social skills and imaginative play, in circumstances that would otherwise leave him feeling left out of the conversation, fostering our belief that it is just a stim, and not his way of breaking into a conversation, in a time where words may otherwise fail him.

Allowing a child to go into a corner and spin the wheels of his Tonka, without engaging in the play, could lead to a dark and lonely world, I acknowledge that. Allowing the child to spin the wheels, and engaging with the child, creating conversation, asking "why", "how", facilitating conversation, may bring us into that world, and show that we respect the behavior, but also want to understand it, want to be a part of it. Taking these moments to build the relationship, and taking the time to ask questions to our child, shows that we respect their behavior, and respect them enough to question it, engage in it, and want to be a part of it.

There are many times, just like our conversation above, where I get C ready for the day, to go out, and while I warn him that we will be leaving, I fail to give him full details. With 3 kids, life is busy. Sometimes, it doesn't seem that there is enough time to fully explain where we are going, and why. With "Neuro-Typical" kids, this works. "We need to leave, now, and I will explain it in the car". Children with ASD, SPD, or other diagnoses, they need, and deserve more. My conversation above not only validates the need to constantly converse with our children, but that, despite their seemingly disinterest in our conversation, they are hearing what we are saying.

C constantly amazes me. Our initial diagnosis was hard. While he showed signs of one day being able to have conversational skills, no one could predict what those skills would evolve into. While we are still working on expressing needs and wants, slowly and surely we are making progress. Little reminders, like this, encourage us, as parents to continue pursuing more. To engage, to keep talking, even when it looks like he has lost interest. The words we say today, may be pulled from his "file cabinet" tomorrow, and help him express his needs in a way we never thought he could.

A Gluten Free Approach to Enchiladas

Gluten Free Enchiladas

My husband is a hunter. I am personally not a huge fan of venison, but it is hard to use that as an excuse, when he is dragging a 130-150 lb animal home, full of manly pride because he is able to provide meat for his family. 

I have been playing with recipes that cover the game(y) taste, enough for me to actually enjoy the meal. 
These enchiladas are almost creamy on the inside. The meat melts in your mouth, and I promise there is no residual game flavor left behind. Now, if your husband is not a hunter, ground beef or chicken would be awesome as well. 
With flavors that are authentic, and just enough kick to leave a small fire on your tongue, I truly think you will use this recipe again and again. The meat alone could be used for tacos and the best part... By using gluten free corn tortillas, this recipe is GLUTEN FREE, and using the full recipe will give you leftovers to freeze and have again for an easy dinner.
The Enchilada Sauce is really what made the taste so good, so here it goes. 

 

Ingredients:

3 lbs of ground meat (we used venison, but you could do chicken or beef)
1 tsp ancho chili powder (more will make the sauce spicier, and you could add a dash of Cayenne for even more heat)
1 12 oz can tomato paste
1/4 cup of oil (I used Canola because it was what I had on hand, but Corn is supposed to taste more authentic)
3 cloves of garlic minced
3 tsp salt
1/2 sweet onion (or 4-5 shallots, minced)
2 tsp dried oregeno
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tbs chili powder
pinch of pepper
1 full container of beef broth (reserve 1/2 for meat)
Flour or corn tortillas
2 cups Mexican Style shredded cheese (more or less depending on your taste)
Serve with sour cream and chopped green onions

Meat Mixture:

Start browning the meat in a Large Pot.
Saute onion and garlic in a separate Large Pot for about 5 mins, or until the onion is clear.
Meanwhile, combine the tomato paste, oil, 1/2 beef stock, and spices in a large mixing bowl, blending well and ensuring the oil is completely combined. Pour tomato mixture over the sauteed garlic and onion and simmer until thoroughly warmed.
After meat is browned, remove the grease, and pour the remaining beef stock over the meat. Simmer meat and stock for about 10 minutes.
Combine the tomato sauce with the meat and stock, leaving about 1 cup of the tomato sauce (now the enchilada sauce) in the bottom of the pot, reserved for dipping the tortillas. Allow to simmer for 30 mins (or longer).
Remove the meat mixture from the heat and allow to cool slightly.

Preparing the Enchiladas:

Prepare 2 baking dishes (I used 9in. rectangular glass cake pans) with cooking spray or butter.
Preheat the oven to 400 F.
I used the burrito size flour tortillas and the 3 pounds of meat filled 10 tortillas.
Place a single tortilla in the reserved tomato sauce, just enough to coat and soften it. Place the tortilla on a flat surface and place a single line of cheese down the center. Top the cheese with a serving of the meat mixture (I was generous with the serving size because I used the larger tortillas), and then fold the top and bottom over the meat mixture and roll, to create the enchilada. Place seam side down in the prepared baking dish and repeat this process, using all of the tortillas, and meat mixture.
Once the enchiladas are all in the baking dish, cover them with the remaining (reserved) enchilada (tomato) sauce. Top with cheese and bake in the preheated oven until the cheese on top is thoroughly melted. Serve with sour cream and chopped green onions, and enjoy!