amjad 79

  • Subscribe to our RSS feed.
  • Twitter
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • Facebook
  • Digg

Wednesday, 18 August 2010

Lost And Found at the Library

Posted on 11:54 by tripal h

We have worked really hard at trying to integrate our six year old daughter who is diagnosed with Infantile Autism Spectrum Disorder into the community. We have come a long way, but have an even longer way to go.


One of the things I have done to help with this is to take her to the local public library for brief visits. In the beginning, she would run up and down the stacks… I can only recollect once that a staff member got coy with us. However, I believe it was because my older daughter was trying to catch her for me (which could have appeared to be horse play).

Like I said, we have come a long way! Today started off like a typical day for us… We returned our books and movies, and then said 'Hi' to the front desk manager as we headed for the computers in the children’s section. My daughter loves to play Freddie the Fish while I quickly get my reserves (less than 30 seconds). I usually put my stuff on reserve so I don’t have a need to go into the stacks. I then take them over to the computer checkout near the table she is sitting at. This gives her a little autonomy while I am able to get my task done too.

But, today I broke routine... I decided to get a few books that weren’t on reserve. My daughter was sitting quietly on the computer engrossed in her game just like she had in recent visits… I knew I had about 10 minutes before she lost her attention span (or so I thought.) I asked a librarian to help me find a book on pioneers for my other daughter. I was in a stack just 5 aisles over for less than 20 seconds … and she was gone! I even took a double take!! I spun around in a circle and she was no where in sight.

In an instant I decided to go immediately to the front desk, “I can’t find my autistic daughter…. She is 6 years old. I am going to the parking lot to look.” I can’t remember the librarian’s exact response but I am sure it was something like, “I know who she is… Go, we will look inside.” And then I was bolting out the door!!

I ran to the jeep and scanned the entire lot… she wasn't there. I was relieved for a split second, and then more fear filled me. As I ran back towards the library I saw a staff member at the door gesturing to me as if to ask if I found her. When I shook my head ‘no’ she hurried away!

As I reentered the building, I was amazed; every staff member had been notified and they were looking for her in the bathrooms, meeting rooms, stacks, under tables and even around the perimeter of the building. The manager told me to stay by the front door to be sure she didn’t get past us… I told her immediately, “She has on a red Hanna Montana shirt with a purple skirt and has short brown hair”. The next thing I knew I heard my words echoed by 5 people… “She has on a red shirt with a purple skirt and has short brown hair.”

Time was suspended as I watched the staff work together! I found myself thinking about that GPS Locator I got in the mail yesterday… it was still sitting on the charger. (Mental note to self: get that up and running ASAP.) Then my mind wandered to the worse scenario… so I told the manager I was going to go look in the parking lot again. She told me it was best if I stayed where I was at the entrance (the only way in or out of the building).

I took a few deep breaths to center myself and agreed. Then out of the corner of my eye I saw my daughter walking beside a staff member towards me….I ran to her as she looked at me like, “What?”

She had been sitting on the ground safely looking at videos the entire time. After I thanked everyone, my daughter guided me to where the staff member had found her. Apparently, while I was initializing a full fledge search for her, she had been innocently looking for a video to check out. She picked up her video, went to the check out counter, and then walked calmly beside me to the jeep as if nothing happened.

As I sat there for a few minutes, several thoughts came to mind about what I did right…

1) Instead of looking for her by myself, I went and got help. This was difficult to do. My urge was to run through the stacks and start yelling her name. However, when your child is non-responsive verbally this would have done us little good.

2) I gave the staff a description of my child. Due to sensory issues my child changes her clothing daily dozens of times. However, I am always keenly aware of the last change of clothing… just in case!

3) I didn’t panic. Again, when you have a special needs child this is easy to do. When I did begin to have racing thoughts… I remembered to deep breath.

4) I listened to instructions from the manager in charge. This is difficult to do when you are used to be the ‘driver’s seat’ with all aspects of your child. But, by listening to her I knew that one person was in charge and that they were following an obvious protocol.

5) I stayed at the entrance. There was no way she was going in or out of that building with out my knowledge.


(A special thank you to all of the staff at The Columbus Metropolitan Library - Hilliard Branch where I, also, host a monthly Autism Support Group.)

Read More
Posted in autism, community, decision making, elopement, gps locator, gratitude, language, library | No comments

Friday, 13 August 2010

Counting Candy Bars & Breaking Stigmas!

Posted on 15:12 by tripal h

This is HUGE!!!



Sahara counted out 5 Hershey bars at the store (ignore that I let her eat candy bars).

So 1 was thrown away because it melted in the car and 1 was eaten in the store while shopping ... she pulled out the remaining 3 just now at home and counted them and said, "1,2,3.... no 4, 5... where 5? Oh No. Where'd it go?"

Yes, that would be my girl doing MATH!!!!

YAY!!

Tears of Joy Here!

That would be the same kid that was catatonic a year ago and the same kid they said couldn't count 3 months ago and, yes, the same kid they said would never be unable to live, work or socialize independently...

Busting through the stigma people!! If you don't believe in energy work and the power of intention and maternal love I am here to tell you it works! Don't let anyone tell you your kids can't do anything... and if they do... prove them wrong!! Sahara you Rock, Little Miss!! You are my greatest teacher!!
Read More
Posted in autism, Children's health, confidence, gratitude, self empowerment, The Mother Consciousness | No comments

Thursday, 12 August 2010

Back to School.... and I am sad!

Posted on 13:16 by tripal h

I just received the long awaited supply list from Sahara’s school for Kindergarten… and it made me cry!! Not only is my baby going to kindergarten, but it was 3x longer than any I had previously with her neuro-typical sister. And then seeing the personal care section… hit me like a ton of bricks.

Today, I feel overwhelmed with the concept of my daughter not entering a general education classroom. This week, I feel annoyed that I am already advocating for her rights and the school isn't even in session. Recently, I have been wondering how it would be like to just focus on purchasing back to school supplies and clothing like a ‘typical’ family. Right now, I feel sad!

This will all come to pass... and in the mean time I have a lot of shopping to do for just one child.

1. 1 box of colored pencils

2. 1 box of 24 count Crayola crayons

3. 4 bottles of Elmer’s white glue

4. 6 white or clear drying Elmer’s glue sticks (Please not blue)

5. 1 box / roll of industrial strength Velcro ( not the smaller button sized pieces please)

6. 1 pack of 4 count AA batteries

7. 1 pack of D batteries

8. 3 rolls of clear packing tape

9. 1 box of 8 count large washable Crayola markers

10. 3 bottles of hand sanitizer

11. 1 pack of colored bold tipped dry-erase markers

12. 6 boxes of tissue

13. 1 large bag of either of the following: Skittles, Gummy bears, M&M’s or Jelly Beans.

14. 1 of your child’s’ favorite CD’s or DVD’s

15. 1 snack pack size of Zip Lock bags

16. 5 no.2 pencils

17. 3 pink erasers

18. 2 water Crayola color tray sets

19. 1 pair of pointed scissors

20. 1 clipboard

21. 1 pack of 4x6in ruled index cards

22. 2 bottles of Lysol Kitchen Spray

Personal care items (please label)

1. 1 toothbrush

2. 1 nailbrush

3. 1 tube of toothpaste

4. 1 hairbrush

5. 5 plastic grocery bags (for soiled clothing)

6. 2 tubes of Chap Stick

7. 1 bottle of lotion

8. 1 bottle/tube of tear free sunscreen

9. 1 container of deodorant

10. 3 wash clothes

11. 1 bottle of tear-free body wash

12. I blanket labeled with your child’s name

Additional Requested Items

Clorox wipes - we use tons of theses

Large bag of various size and color buttons

Paper plates

Various colored Pom-Pom craft balls

Pipe cleaners

Play- doh, any color will do

Cotton Balls

Magnetic tape or strips

Craft “google eyes”

Any fun and easy board game or puzzle

Clear Self Adhesive Laminate (contact paper)

Yarn –any color

Fabric paint – any color

Bubble mixture and bubble toys

Read More
Posted in autism, Education | No comments

Wednesday, 11 August 2010

Do you Support Females on the Autism Spectrum? I DO!!

Posted on 07:18 by tripal h

Every morning for the past 11 days I have been reminding my online friends to vote for the Pepsi refresh Project. Specifically, I have asked them to support The Autism Women’s Network to win a $50,000 grant to fund AWN’S PROJECT FAIM (Female Autistic Insight Mentoring) which will host workshops across the USA.


Why is that so important to me?

…Simply, because I have a six year old daughter on the autism spectrum. Really I think that is enough of a reason, don’t you?

Before autism was intimately in my life, I had a fairy tale version of what my life would look like in my head. Yeah, I believe there may have even been a white picket fence in that dream. Silly Me!

When I started noticing (as early as 5 months of age) that my daughter wasn’t developing typically I went through the whole range of emotions… denial, anger, blame – you name it, it was there. Eventually after oceans of tears, I was able to move into a place of acceptance and even gratitude.

Autism HAS blessed my life with friends, opportunities and self growth that would have other wised failed to exist. But, that is my life… it is full of optimism. But, then I hesitate and think about my daughter's future… what will that look like? Will she dream of white picket fences?

Hold the breaks Mom… she is only six!!

Yes, I know, but I don’t think any differently about her life than I do about her neuro-typical sister’s. And with her sister in the middle of the tween-age years I am filled with more questions than answers:

Self esteem ~ Boys ~ Hygiene ~ Dating ~ Peer Pressure ~ Accountability ~ Respect for Self and Others ~ Hormones ~ Friends ~ Academics ~ Body Image ~ Sibling Rivalry ~ Drugs & Alcohol ~ Safe Sex ~ Female Empowerment ~ Communication

And as I am faced with these new issues with her sister, I cannot help but to wonder how I will address this with her. These issues are huge, but couple them with the challenges of autism...

Sensory Processing Issues ~ Communication Barriers ~ Environmental and Dietary Sensitivities ~ Discrimination ~ Physical Limitations ~ Emotional Imbalances ~ Vulnerabilities ~ Stemming ~ Pictorial Thinking ~ Facial Cue Integration ~ Socialization Challenges ~ Cognitive Delays

... and it can be overwhelming. How do I educate her? How do I promote safety? How will she develop self esteem and confidence?

Today she seems to have no awareness of most of these things… she lives for the moment, but that doesn’t mean I don’t prepare myself and become proactive in the female issues that she will eventually face.

I can even let my mind wander about her adult future and what that will look like and what challenges she may or may not endure … And I wonder how does being a female autistic impact these issues for her? How will she get the support she needs to be successful in whatever SHE chooses to do with her life? How will she become an empowered woman when she faces obvious challenges? How will she access the resources she needs for life skills?

College ~ Independent Living ~ Career ~ Marriage ~ Family ~ Childbirth ~ Motherhood ~ Abuse ~ Sexuality ~ Relationships ~ Rape ~ Civil Rights ~ Finances

Raising a daughter has its challenges… add autism to it and it becomes even more challenging.

I am perfectly capable of rising to this challenge… but that doesn’t mean I don’t reach out for supports and education. To me that is what the FAIM project is doing. My daughter does have some empowered Autistic Women on her side, advocating for her and it is through their experience that I embrace hope and yes even excitement about her future.

AWN through their FAIM project will visit 5 US cities to provide “effective supports to autistic females of all ages through sense of community, advocacy, and resources.” This is something our community needs… by community I mean the Female Autistic Community. As a mother to a female child on the autism spectrum, I believe that is my community too. And in my corner of the world we respect, support and encourage members of our community. So... having said that, I am asking all of my friends to support AWN with there vision.

Here is a list of things that this grant will provide (taken directly from the Pepsi Refresh Project Page)…

The Autism Women's Network is unique in that it was founded by women on the autism spectrum. Our mission is to provide effective supports to autistic females of all ages through a sense of community, advocacy, and resources.

· AWN's Project FAIM (Female Autistic Insight Mentoring) workshops will be the 1st of its kind.


· We plan to set up 5 Project FAIM Workshops across the USA which will focus on qualities specific to females on the autism spectrum. Topics will include: peer supports, adolescence, adult life, relationships, vulnerabilities and successful communications. Project FAIM Workshops will include active supports and information for everyone (autistics, parents, educators, etc.)


· The participants will meet renowned autistic females whereby gaining valuable insight.

· We will secure the Autism Women's Network non-profit status so we can continue to provide Community Events, online Forum support & E-Mentoring as well as our AWN Radio Show.


I believe that this grant will start a ripple effect that is needed among the female autistic population. So

, I invite you to vote for The Autism Women’s Network to win a $50,000 grant to fund AWN’S PROJECT FAIM (Female Autistic Insight Mentoring) daily until the end of this month, August 31, 2010.

Read More
Posted in autism, AWN, confidence, decision making, Education, emotional health, gratitude, hormones, proactive health, puberty, self empowerment, Siblings, Stress, tweens | No comments
Newer Posts Older Posts Home
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Popular Posts

  • Meet Sahara - YL Reconnect Testimony
    Sahara is 10 years old. She was 4 years old when she was diagnosed with classic infantile autism. She was non-verbal and catatonic 80-90...
  • Oil Spill, Meditation and Eradication
    The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is going to impact our planet, children and grandchildren, ecology, economy, etc. for centuries to come....
  • Autism Omnibus Trial
    Three families (of more than 5300 who have filed a court claim to prove that childhood vaccines caused their children's autism) had thei...
  • Independence Day
    Today I intend for all parents, grandparents, spouses, siblings, teachers, neighbors, and friends to have the free will to determine what is...
  • 5 Years Ago I Gave Birth To My Sunshine Girl!
    As Sahara's birthday quickly approaches I find myself thinking about her birth. I can't believe it has been five years since my baby...
  • Ionic Footbath
    The Ionic Footbath uses tap water in a basin and the water in your body to create a process of complete ionization. Through the electrolysi...
  • Gluten Free Foods
    A gluten free diet is promoted by many physicians as a treatment protocol for celiac disease, autism and ADHD. It has been reported in some...
  • Energy Healing With Cynthia
    Dear Cynthia, I wanted to personally thank you for your willingness to participate in our efforts to reverse our daughter’s diagnosis of aut...
  • Share the Gift of Simplicity and Ease With Those You Love...
    Black Friday seems to contradict what ‘The Holiday Season’ is all about. So, today I sit cozy and warm with my children while sipping hot ...
  • It's Been A Week!
    My apologies to my readers… I understand I haven’t blogged in 7 days, but I promise you it was for good reason… I would like to tell you it...

Categories

  • A Course in Weight Loss
  • Abraham
  • adhd
  • adventures
  • Aikido
  • Angela Warner
  • animal
  • Anions
  • anxiety
  • Art
  • Arts and Entertainment
  • attachment parenting
  • aut
  • autism
  • Autism awareness month
  • Autism Omnibus Trial
  • autism speaks
  • AWN
  • birthday
  • Black Friday
  • blessings
  • Book Review
  • breastfeeding
  • brushing
  • cabbage
  • cancer
  • cell phones
  • child's health
  • Childhood Aggression
  • Children's health
  • Children's Tylenol recall
  • Chiropractic
  • choking
  • Chriopractic
  • co-sleeping
  • coleslaw
  • Columbus Ohio
  • Common Cold
  • community
  • confidence
  • constipation
  • Coupons
  • decision making
  • donations
  • DQ
  • Dr. Mercola
  • Dr. Wayne Dyer
  • earth
  • Economy
  • Education
  • elopement
  • emotioanl health
  • emotional health
  • emotions
  • empathy
  • Energy
  • Essential Oils
  • Esther and Jerry Hicks
  • Exercise
  • facebook
  • family
  • Family Issues
  • fathers
  • fireworks
  • Floortime
  • Food Allergy
  • Food Sensitivity
  • friends
  • gardening
  • germs
  • GFCF recipe
  • global warming
  • gps locator
  • gratitude
  • Halloween
  • High Fructose Corn Syrup
  • Hippotherapy
  • holiday
  • Home Remedies
  • Homelessness
  • Homemade costumes
  • Homeschool
  • hormones
  • IEP
  • industrialization
  • Inquiring Mom Questions
  • Insurance
  • iPad
  • Jenny McCarthy
  • Journaling
  • kidney stones
  • language
  • laughter
  • lavender and autism
  • lent
  • library
  • Mamapalooza
  • Mamapalooza Columbus
  • Marianne Williamson
  • marriage
  • Mason Alert
  • media
  • Meditation
  • Memories
  • menopause
  • mental illness
  • Mercury
  • mercury and gestation
  • milestones
  • Money Saving Tip
  • mothers
  • movies
  • moving
  • Mr. President
  • music
  • Nail Polish
  • national health crisis
  • Natural Birth
  • Ningxia Red
  • nsory processing
  • nutrition
  • NZ
  • occupational therapy
  • ohio state fair
  • Oil Spill
  • Organic
  • OTC Recall
  • parabens
  • park
  • Pepsi Challenge
  • Phthalates
  • physical health
  • pica
  • picture communication
  • poetry
  • politics
  • Potassium Sorbate
  • Pregnancy
  • proactive health
  • Product Review
  • puberty
  • Radiation
  • Recall
  • Reiki
  • RhoGam
  • self empowerment
  • sensory issues
  • sensory processing
  • Serendipity
  • shoes
  • Siblings
  • Sisters
  • Sleep issues
  • socks
  • speech therapy
  • Spirit
  • Stress
  • swimming
  • talk radio
  • Temple Grandin
  • The Coffee Klatch
  • The F word
  • The Mother Consciousness
  • The Power of Intention
  • The Vortex
  • Tooth Fairy
  • Toxins
  • tweens
  • Twilight
  • twitter
  • Unity
  • Vaccination
  • Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
  • wakefield
  • wandering
  • Water
  • wi-active challenge
  • Young Living

Blog Archive

  • ►  2014 (5)
    • ►  August (1)
    • ►  July (4)
  • ►  2013 (1)
    • ►  February (1)
  • ►  2012 (8)
    • ►  November (1)
    • ►  October (1)
    • ►  April (3)
    • ►  March (2)
    • ►  February (1)
  • ►  2011 (27)
    • ►  December (1)
    • ►  November (1)
    • ►  October (1)
    • ►  August (1)
    • ►  July (1)
    • ►  June (1)
    • ►  May (3)
    • ►  April (5)
    • ►  March (4)
    • ►  February (6)
    • ►  January (3)
  • ▼  2010 (43)
    • ►  December (5)
    • ►  November (4)
    • ►  October (4)
    • ►  September (1)
    • ▼  August (4)
      • Lost And Found at the Library
      • Counting Candy Bars & Breaking Stigmas!
      • Back to School.... and I am sad!
      • Do you Support Females on the Autism Spectrum? I DO!!
    • ►  July (10)
    • ►  June (4)
    • ►  May (1)
    • ►  April (1)
    • ►  March (4)
    • ►  February (5)
  • ►  2009 (150)
    • ►  December (1)
    • ►  November (1)
    • ►  October (5)
    • ►  September (13)
    • ►  August (18)
    • ►  July (21)
    • ►  June (12)
    • ►  May (15)
    • ►  April (34)
    • ►  March (21)
    • ►  February (9)
Powered by Blogger.

About Me

tripal h
View my complete profile