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ABA Autism Therapy: 6 Months In

March 7, 2012 By 7 Comments

autism ribbon pinkAs most of my regular readers know, my little girl is autistic.  It has been some time since I gave an update, since she has reached the 6 month point in ABA therapy (applied behavior analysis) and will be five years old in a few moths, this seemed like a good milestone  for a progress report.

M. has been receiving 30 hours per week of in-home ABA Therapy, to help her overcome the limitations autism has caused her.  While she has had other therapies in the past, and there was a set-up process, which did include some therapy, it has been roughly 6 months since we started the intensive 30 hour/week program.  While M is still not saying more than a rare blurt of a word, she has made great progress in many areas.

The ABA program was an adjustment for both of us.  M. gets frustrated at times, being asked to repetitively do tasks for hours a day (wouldn’t anyone), but she adores her therapists and they work hard to make things enjoyable for her.  At this point,  I would say she is in good spirits for more than 80% of her therapy, and whines  or seems annoyed with the process less than 20% of the time.  That seems like a pretty typical mood ratio for a preschool age kid, especially one who struggles to express her wants.  Due to the intensity of her in-home program, her teachers at preschool are now focusing more on social skills, handling school routines, and getting her to use the bathroom at school.  She also gets Occupational and Speech Therapy while she is there.  Between school and therapy, we are pretty much booked 8:30am to 6pm M-F, plus Sat. mornings.  Sometimes I think M handles the schedule better than I do.

picture exchange communication autism

My daughter enjoying a plum that she requested with a PECs (picture exchange communication) card.

Since starting the ABA therapy, my daughter seems to have better focus.  It is easier to get her attention, and she seems to “get” what others are saying more. Although verbal words still escape her for the most part, and her fine motor delays hinder signing, she has been getting pretty good at picture exchange.  This teamed with her improved ability to point out individual pictures, has prepared her to start using an iPad to assist in communication, which I am working on getting her now.

In addition to better focus and communication, M has been working on her colors, letters and a few sight words.  The card exchange technique her therapists use with her allows us to better see how much M understands.  It creates a simple repetitive scenario, where all she has to do is hand the picture of the item/color/letter/word to the therapist (or match it), out of a field of 3-12 cards.  Initially,  this brought a great deal of protest from M, but once she figured out what was expected of her, she has excelled in the part of the program.  I’m sure it helps that she is a little ham & loves the extra praise and attention that comes along with it.

The ABA therapists are also working with M on imitation skills, something that can be tough for autistic kids to do.  Starting out, M struggled in this area, more than with the card tasks, but has been making great progress in both object and physical imitation.  They are also helping her to be able to carry out simple commands (ie. bring 1 object from a field of three, from a specified location).  This is still something she struggles with, but it is starting to help with daily life.  For example, I may have to ask M several times to bring her snack bowl for a re-fill, and wait her out a bit, she may protest, I may have to assist her to get it, but more and more she is doing better with these types of tasks.

pink puzzle peiceThere are small victories each day.  Like most parents with autistic kids, you learn to focus on the progress your child is making, not what typical peers their age are doing.  This is not to say you don’t fight to keep them from falling behind, but more to fight the limitations autism is causing them.  If they can overcome those difficulties, they are stronger than most.

Filed Under: Autism Tagged With: , , ,

Make Sure Your Child Is Not Left Behind with the Help of Sylvan Learning Fit 4 Algebra

October 12, 2011 By 1 Comment

fit 4 algebra logoThe current state of mathematics education in our country is a bit dis-spiriting.  It always surprises me, to see young people who can’t even grasp the concept of counting change back.  If they don’t have the basics, what chance do they have with more complex concepts.  Algebra is the stepping stone from basic arithmetic to more complex math and science subjects, so it is essential your child gets a strong understanding of the concepts involved.  Doing well in Algebra, sets the stage for a smooth path toward college.

Parents are not required to just sit back and accept the level of education offered in their district though.  Help is available though Sylvan, especially for the subject of Algebra.  I recently tried the Algebra screener from Sylvan.  It is designed to evaluate your child’s skill level in the subject, and pinpoint the areas where he or she may need some more work.

In my opinion this screener is an excellent tool for both parents and their children to make sure students are staying on track in this important subject.  The screener questionnaire is not too lengthy, so it won’t be torturous for kids to do on top of their regular homework schedule.  It touches upon sets of concepts from the subject, starting with the basics.  Parents can then log on and see an analysis of the results, including the pinpointing of areas that need work.

With 41% children admitting that their algebra work makes them more nervous than the intimidating task of asking someone out on a date, getting all the help they can at home is important.  If your child needs more help than you can provide, it is better to identify the need for additional tutoring sooner rather than later.

If you would like to check out this helpful screener test, for possible use with your children here is the link:  http://letsgolearn.com/fit4algebra/

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Sylvan Learning and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Filed Under: Informational Tagged With: ,

She Said “Red” : Autism (ABA Therapy )

September 14, 2011 By 4 Comments

autistic girlAs many of my regular readers already know, my daughter is autistic and pretty much non-verbal.  After sitting on a waiting list for nearly a year, M started ABA therapy (Applied Behavioral Analysis) set-up in the spring.  Due to staffing changes, as well as, a change to her plan, the actual therapy sessions didn’t start until this Monday.  This week she is only getting her 3 hour afternoon sessions.  Next week, morning sessions should be staffed for her.

Although the ABA therapy is pretty intensive, M is handling it better than I expected, even often staying at the table during her breaks.  She seems to enjoy all that extra focused attention, but gets frustrated with having demands placed on her.

The first day, included a little training of the therapist, by the clinician, but was mostly teaching.  Yesterday was pretty much a regular ABA session.  While working on colors with her therapist, M was repeatedly asked to “give red”, and hand her the appropriate colored card.  Unexpectedly, M blurted out the word “red”, as clear as day.  This is a word she has never said before.  As the three hour session was nearly at an end, M announced “done”.  It seems she had had enough at that point.

In just 6 hours of therapy, we have seen some great results.  I am very hopeful that with the nearly 30 hours per week she will be doing, she will really blossom.

Filed Under: Autism Tagged With: , ,

Touching Autism Video from a Dad who Cares

September 11, 2011 By 2 Comments

My friend Jessica, who also has a child affected by autism shared this video on Facebook and it really got to me. It brought waves of the memories of my daughter’s autism diagnosis crashing in. With the progress of my husband and I’s separation, my focus has been somewhat split. Thank goodness her ABA therapy is starting Monday.

It was good to see a man so dedicated to healing his little girl, and the music was a perfect choice.

Filed Under: Autism Tagged With: ,

Animal DVDs to Help Your Kids Learn Their ABC’s and 123′s

August 4, 2011 By

NCircle released a pair of DVDs last month that teach children their ABC’s and 123′s with the help of animals.  Kids love animals so is a wonderful pairing.  I received the ABC DVD, for my daughter and I to review (123′s was lost due to packaging damage in shipping).  I to honest with you I left the movie aside for awhile before having my daughter view it, because I wasn’t sure she would really go for it… she did.  The songs and animals did indeed have a real appeal to her.  If you have a preschooler, picking up these reasonably priced DVDs would be a good investment.

animal 123's dvdanimal abc's dvd

Run Time:  60 minutes

Synopsis

Introduce preschoolers to letters and numbers using the amazing animal kingdom!  Animal ABCs and Animal 123’s strengthens letter, number and animal name recognition by teaching children about animals from around the globe. Sing along as we explore Earth’s animals, from the cute and cuddly to the wild and wonderful.  These DVDs include fun facts, unique songs and a bonus sections with flashcards.  Practicing your ABCs and 123s has never been so fun!

Media copy provided

 

 

Filed Under: Children Tagged With: , ,

Like Mother Like Daughter

May 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

role modelMoms are a huge influence on their daughters.  My own mother’s calm demeanor in child rearing is something I have inherited from her.  Since, I had my daughter at the ripe old age of forty, much has changed in recommended parenting techniques, but keeping a cool head is helpful no matter what your parenting style.

I am working hard to be a good role model for my own daughter.  She already loves drinking milk, eating fruits and vegetables and is a very active child, but I want to also set the example for her to continue with these good habits throughout her life.  I have been working on changing my own eating habits for some time now, and have already seen positive results from that.  Recently, I added a daily workout routine to my morning schedule, and have been taking my daughter on walks with me.  The extra exercise is beneficial to my health and sets a good precedent for her.being a good role model for daughter

A recent study has shown that moms who maintain a healthy lifestyle, that incorporates a wide variety of healthful foods like milk and fruits and vegetables, as well as  exercise,  have daughters who also live a similar healthy lifestyle.  So I guess I am on the right track.

To learn more about the study, Like Mother Like Daughter role modeling campaign,  and several other great features “like” the Milk Mustache Campaign on Facebook

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of the National Milk Mustache got milk? Campaign and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Filed Under: Health, Misc. Tagged With: , ,

Loving Lampposts: A Frank Discussion on What It Means to Be Autistic

April 5, 2011 By 3 Comments

Loving Lamposts autism movie reviewLoving Lampposts is film which gives an encompassing view of autism.  The film looks at the differing viewpoints on what it means to be autistic, in a frank and open manner.  The filmmaker, Todd Drezner, is the father of an autistic child himself, so this film is not just a project for him, but also a quest for answers.

There are two seemingly very different viewpoints on autism.  The medical community and much of the general public see autism as a sickness, which must be fought and cured.  There is also a ‘neurodiversity’ movement, which proclaims autism is just a variation of the human brain, and should be accepted as such.  To them it is disrespectful to say autistic people should be cured.loving lamposts dvd review

Loving Lampposts presents the differing viewpoints from, parents of autistic children, the medical community and most importantly autistic adults.  From parents, there are discussions on how they have fought or come to accept autism.   Some children have indeed lost their autism diagnosis, others have not. Among the parents who have accepted that autism is the way their children are, they are still endeavoring to help their kids be the most they can be.  It is just their viewpoint which has changed.  The medical community takes a disease curing approach to autism.  Theorizing that if the underlying causes of the condition can be cured, the person will become “normal”.

Of the most interest to myself, and I would think most people who have a loved one with autism, were the interviews with autistic adults.  Many are proponents of the ‘neurodiversity’ movement.  They do not want to be treated as if they are damaged and sick.  They just want to be accepted as who they are.

I found Loving Lampposts to be a very thoughtful presentation.  As the mother of an autistic child, I sometimes feel a bit pulled between the cure vs. accept models.  As my daughter is still rather young, I am  focusing more on treatments that would be considered more in the “cure” camp, but for me the emphasis is more on helping her gain skills that will make her future life easier and more fulfilling.  Would I like her to lose her diagnosis, yes, but first and foremost I want her to be what makes her happy.  I guess that sort of puts me somewhere between these two camps.

Loving Lampposts came out on DVD March 29th.  It is now available for rent or purchase.  If you are the parent of an autistic child, an educator, or just someone who wants to better understand the “epidemic” of autism, I highly recommend this movie, from Cinema Libre Studio.

Disclosure: Media copy was provided for the purpose of this review.  All opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Autism, Reviews & Giveaways Tagged With: , , , , ,

What to Expect the Second Year Gift Basket Giveaway

April 4, 2011 By

what to expect the second year

What to Expect the Second Year, by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel will be hitting store shelves tomorrow, April 5th.  We have already gone through the second year in our home, and I assure you it is quite an adventure.  This follow up to the popular What to Expect the First Year, would have been handy to have around.  In our case the information would have been more useful in reflecting the things M wasn’t doing, rather than how to deal with things as they happened.  You see, the second year is often when disabilities first become noticeable.

If you are preparing for , or currently in the second year with your child, this book could be helpful on many levels. While I opted not to review this particular title, since it was not applicable to our family, I am familiar with the series, and feel this would be a useful parenting tool.

As I mentioned above, What to Expect the Second Year will be released April 5th. In celebration of the book’s release, I am hosting a gift basket giveaway.

Disclosure: Posted as courtesy to my readers.  Prize provided by publisher.

what to expect the second year giveawayWhat to Expect the Second Year Gift Basket Giveaway

One lucky Blommi reader will win a What to Expect the Second Year Gift Basket with $75 worth of products perfect for that second year of life.

Ways to Enter (do as many or as few as you like, but make sure to do a separate comment for each entry)

One time entries:

  • Visit the What to Expect the Second Year web page, and tell me something you learned there.
  • Register while on their site.
  • Follow this blog via email.
  • Follow this blog via RSS
  • Follow me through Google Friend Connect
  • “Like” Blommi on Facebook
  • “Like” What to Expect on Facebook
  • Share or “like” this giveaway on Facebook
  • For 2 entries! Grab my ad button (available here), or add Blommi.com to your blogroll -> blog must be public with minimum 25 followers. Leave a link where it can be found, in your comment. (remember to leave 2 separate comments)

Daily Entries:

  • Follow both @Heidi-Murkoff and  @TwiMommi on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway can be done Can be done once daily (account must be public and have at least 50 followers).
  • Stumble any non-giveaway post that appeals to you. Can be done once daily – leave your Stumble Upon name in comment.

One winner will be randomly selected from all valid entries, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification. If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn. Giveaways hosted on Blommi are sponsored by third parties. Site owner will of course endeavor to see all prizes are fulfilled, but is not responsible for fulfillment, nor for missing or damaged prizes. Contest ends April 18, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT. Open to US residents , age 18+.

Confirmed winner Trixx!

Filed Under: Children Tagged With: ,

Autism Awareness Month

April 1, 2011 By 5 Comments

pink puzzle peice

As many of you already know, Autism Awareness Month kicks off today.  I have a number of new articles planned, plus some reviews of new books and movies concerning autism.

This evening the Empire State Building will light up blue in honor of Autism Awareness month, and many people will shine a blue light in their home in support of individuals with autism.

While light blue is the official color of Autism Awareness month, you will notice the puzzle piece I feature is pink.  It is in honor of my daughter, who was diagnosed with autism a little over a year ago.  Because of her, my personal focus is geared more specifically to girls with autism.  While girls and boys share most of the same symptoms and benefit from the same overall therapies, as one who expect, there is some different factors to consider.

 

Filed Under: Autism Tagged With: ,
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