Did ya miss me?

I just read a really great post at Extreme Retirement. He talks about all his interests and the cycles he goes through with them. I guess that is what is going on with me. I just never thought it through.

Anyway, my daughter, the one with full fledged autism, broke her PCA's car while I was out of town last Friday. They were at Walmart arguing about a video. To say the least I was not happy but at least when she kicked the windshield she didn't break it. She broke mine years ago.

At least everyone is listening to me now. The provider company isn't happy about paying the bill to fix it. We came up with a schedule to meet her needs instead of what everyone else wants. Schedules are one of those accommodations that help some people with autism. Or at least my people with autism. Let's see how that goes....

Out of the Ordinary Places to Get Needed Equipment for Children with Autism

(or any other disability for that matter!)

At some point in time most parents of children with autism will realize that they need different pieces of equipment or tools to work with their child. This article explores some of the ways parents have found to meet those needs.

After working with therapists many parents choose to buy specific pieces of equipment. Of course this is the easiest and probably the quickest solution. The only suggestion is not to forget to use the good shopping techniques you have learned in other areas of your life. Just because some of the equipment you need might be considered medical equipment does not mean you can not shop around for the best price.

Call several places or look up several prices online. Do not forget to ask for a discount. If buying online and you are buying several items will the company give you free shipping. Also check if there is a just as good piece of this equipment that is not considered medical or therapy. A ball pool can be expensive if bought through a company that supplies medical equipment and quite a bit less expensive when bought as a toy.

Another suggestion is to use skills you already possess. Can you barter those skills for needed supplies? Of course this might only work with a physical company but may be well worth your time. Small medical supply companies might be more than willing to barter typing, accounting, or even cleaning skills for equipment.

Do you know other parents who have children with autism? Can you trade items which your child no longer uses? If you know parent of older children would they be willing to ‘hand me down’ old equipment. Of course you need to make sure the equipment is appropriate and in working order. Bring it to your therapy provider and ask them to check the item out.

Another possibility is to look for local organizations which operate a loan closet. Many disability organizations operate a loan closet. Those closets can have pieces of equipment that are reusable as well as one time use equipment. One of our local loan closets at times has special formulae and the larger than baby size diapers. Of course you can find equipment that you can try out or keep indefinitely as well.

Indespensible Tips When Raising Children With Autism, A Little Something Extra

 Use schedules. My children-all of them-knew what time we got up and what time we took a bath. My child with autism had visual schedules for her day. She also had a visual schedule for individual tasks. My child with asbergers understood time if I had a digital clock. She knew what time things were supposed to happen. This also gave us the opportunity to discuss what was happening if we were going to deviate from the schedule. We are a real live family and that happens sometimes.
 First look towards changing the environment when trying to work through a problem. Changing the environment is many times the easiest solution. We, the adults, are smarter than they are!
 Work with your child to learn to complete single steps. There is no point in frustrating you or them until they can “put this in the trash”.
 Sometime we have to get up and model the behavior or action we want to see. Words are not enough. Children on the autism spectrum need to see and feel what should happen.
 If you have siblings of children with autism a good rule of thumb is ‘Everyone has to do what they can do.’ This gives all of the children the opportunity to be part of the team, your family. Then we all accomplish the tasks necessary to family life.
 Children with autism and other disabilities do not seem to have the positive self talk others have. Remember and talk to them about past good accomplishments so they will remember. Celebrate all those little things!


A Little Something Extra to Think About…

Children with autism and other disabilities have short attention spans. It is one of those characteristics which seem to cross disabilities. Obsessive compulsive disorders and a tic disorder are two others. These also seem to be characteristics which show up in siblings and/or parents.

Accommodations Are Part of the Answer

Accommodations Are Part of the Answer

My 16 year old came in from school and didn’t say a word. Then at 4 o’clock she tells me the Algebra teacher would not let them use the calculator on the Final. The calculators were getting stolen. Every year we go through this. Everyone knows she has to use a calculator. It is critical for students with Aspergers to use their accommodations and to use them consistently. This is so important for their success in school and out of school.

Anyway I luckily got the principal at 4pm. He said to come in the first thing in the morning and she would be able to retake it with the calculator. The present principal was the vice principal and really worked with me when the 20 year old was at this high school. He is also more than helpful with the 16 year old. Building relationships before you need them is another technique which can save time and in the long run money.