Happy New Year: Resolutions and Goal Work ... make it fun!

Happy New Year to You All !!!

Goal work ... this is what we work on all the time in therapy with our kids.  This is the time of year, though, that we all take pause to do a little self reflection, and come up with our own self goals.  Hence, the New Year's resolutions!  It's also a great time to reiterate some of the goals some of our kids have (related to interventions, therapies, and such that our kids are receiving).  Why not make it fun? Our kids have been hearing a lot about New Year's resolutions this month, in particular.  Why not create a fun game, activity, and/or craft project to map out applicable goals. 

Another thought that would be easily replicated at home is to rewrite an already familiar song (i.e. "Twinkle, ,Twinkle", "Mary Had a Little Lamb", "Hokey Pokey", or use a more current song that your child likes).  Focus the lyrics around goal work ... what area(s) you want to work toward on a daily basis.  Most of you are familiar with Social Stories, and how effective they are.  Setting social stories to music takes it one more step further, making it more exciting (fun!) as well as making them easier to memorize and recall on spot.  Also, we all know how a certain tune can get "stuck in your head", right?   Why not use this concept to your advantage?   It's what was done with the ABC song, and look how effective that has been! It's used in every commercial you see for a reason.  Sing the song (maybe even have pictures or some visual prop to accompany) in the mornings and/or just before the related task (goal related task). 

Jessica

Crayola Holiday Savings

If You "LIKE" Crayola You'll Love more in Savings!
Get amazing Crayola savings on our hottest holiday gifts starting November 23. If you "LIKE" Crayola on Facebook, Facebook friends have exclusive access to special bonus coupons for in-store savings on select products. Hurry - coupon quantities will be limited to the first 10,000 coupons per product - limit one per person per offer!

This offer is exclusively for our Crayola Facebook friends. You must be a Facebook user to participate.

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Hey everyone -

I love Crayola.com! I sometimes encorporate some things I see on the site (when appropriate) in session.  I wanted to share the info above with you all as well.  It may help for the holidays!

Jessica

Upcoming Pet Pageant for charity ... FUN, FUN!

I saw this, and thought, "How fun is this!"  The kids will get a kick out of this ;)  See below!

Jessica
1st Annual Carolina Children’s Charity Pet Pageant

Date:  Saturday, November 13th
Location:  Citadel Mall

Bring your favorite pet to support CCC's newest event and fundraiser! Prizes!





ALSO :  Coming up in December ...

**On Saturday, December 4th, the St. Andrews Fire Department will be hosting an event to benefit the Carolina Children's Charity. Come out on the 4th and get your family holiday pictures with Santa. **








Thanks for supporting CCC as they continue their mission of serving Lowcountry children with birth defects and childhood diseases. Proceeds from both events will benefit CCC.

The Autism Shop - great stuff!

THE AUTISM SHOP - A Fun Resource
My friend, Craig Evans of Autism Hangout (http://www.autismhangout.com/), recently posted a video, live from this wonderful autism store/resource, The Autism Shop.  Click on this link to view.

The Autism Shop - A one-of-a-kind book and toy store for people on the spectrum.

Cherri's 20+ years of first-hand experience with families and teachers of people with autism help her in finding and/or designing the ideal products for our special kids.

Cherri's shop features over 1,000 hand-picked items that she ships worldwide.  (- Craig Evans, Autism Hangout)


Enjoy!
Jessica

REMINDER: Tomorrow Night! Party With a Purpose!

Party With a Purpose ~ Funny Hat ThemeShow off your funny hat for a cause!!!
Time: Thursday, October 21 · 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:

 Mad River Bar and Grille
32 North Market Street
Charleston, SC



LIVE music by GROOVE Train!!

Nightly Drink specials

Special half price menu
$5 donation at the door will get you your first Bacardi Drink or Domestic Beer FREE!!
If you wear a funny hat you will receive a special shot chosen for this event.
Winners of the Funny Hat contest will winl Mad River Bar Tabs
Local Firefighters will be bartenders and a silent auction will also be held
ALL MONEY RAISED HERE STAYS HERE!!
See www.carolinachildren.org and click on the events tab to see the entire flyer or to print one and distribute. PLEASE INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!!!!

Musicians with disabilities ... call for entries!

VSA is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts


http://www.vsarts.org/

Music Unites

"One Love" - Live From Madrid


"Whenever the Playing For Change Band takes the stage, there is always a tremendous amount of love and energy in the air. For this very special performance it was even more palpable, as the band was joined by many of our friends featured in our various Songs Around the World: Tula's amazing vocals, Roberto Luti playing the National steel slide guitar, Francois Viguie on the bongos, Stefano Tomaselli on the sax, Venkat playing the tablas, and the beautiful choir vocals of Sinamuva.
This performance served as a powerful milestone in the evolution of Playing For Change. Seeing so many talented musicians from all different cultures and walks of life united on stage for this very special night was a physical manifestation of our mission: to connect the world and bring peace through music."  - Playing for Change


I adore Playing for Change - hope you enjoy this.  Click on the link above to the website to listen to more music. 

Music unites.

Jessica

Potty Training Tips and Tricks

When searching some great little behavior charts on this site (http://www.freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com/ ), I found some potty training ideas.  Some I had heard of, some are new.  Also, see below for potty training behavior charts, potty training pics/PECS, and other resources.
*Use a drink and wet doll to demonstrate to your child how to go to the potty. After you pour water into the doll's mouth, you can have your child walk the doll to the potty chair, pull the doll's underwear down, seat it on the potty and watch the doll "pee". This is a good visual aid to motivate your child to do the same.
*Give your child a lot of fluids so that he has to go to the potty more often. The more often he goes, the quicker the child will be potty trained, and the more he will be trained to hold it in.
*If your child looks like she wants to go, then take the child to the potty every thirty minutes or so until he pees.
*If the child does not urinate right away, have him remain seated on the potty for a couple of minutes and maybe read a book together until he is ready to pee. You could also try placing his feet in warm water or turning on the faucet to encourage him to pee.
*Have your child look at learning aids such as books, videos and DVDs as they are an educational and fun introduction to potty training.
*Play games such as the blue and yellow make green game. Put some drops of blue food coloring into the toilet water, have your child urinate and he will see the water turn green much to the child's delight.
*Drop a couple of cheerios cereal into the toilet water and have your child aim and pee at them.
*Use charts and stickers to positively encourage and reinforce the habit. You can give stickers to your child for going to the potty, sitting on the potty, peeing successfully into the potty, or for been accident-free
*Use potty training toys such as musical potty chairs that play tunes when your child uses the potty, or potty training watches that vibrate at a set time to remind your child that it's potty time.
*Get rid of the diapers and put toilet training pants on your child for easier toilet training.

Potty Training Coupons  - look in side column under "Reward Coupons, Stickers, and Other printables"

Potty Training Behavior Charts  - look in side column under "Behavior Charts"

Potty Training Pics/PECS

Potty Training Books

Let me know of any tips/tricks you may have that have worked for your little one!

Jessica

For more information, please visit:

http://www.dsalowcountry.org/

Strides For Autism

Walks Across South Carolina








This fall, the community will walk in support of South Carolina families affected by autism in both the Grand Strand and Lowcountry at the Strides for Autism events to benefit the South Carolina Autism Society (SCAS). These are the last of our four signature fund-raising and awareness walks, which include a 5k walk, resource fair, and family-fun events. Strides for Autism is among various activities that benefit the organization and the families it serves.

MYRTLE BEACH EVENT:
The Grand Strand event will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at Grand Park at Market Common.

CHARLESTON EVENT:
The Lowcountry event will occur one week later on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at Memorial Waterfront Park in Mt. Pleasant.
Registration for each event will begin at 8:00 am, and the walks will begin at 9:00 am.
If you have not already registered to participate in our resource fair as an exhibitor, we encourage you to do so! Rates are just $100 for non-profit organizations or state agencies, and $150 for for-profit companies. We welcome you at one or both of the events. Attached is an information and registration form that you can complete and return to us. To pay by credit card, please complete the form and then call the Columbia office at 1-800-438-4790 to process your payment.
We also have spaces left for Corporate Sponsorship to increase the visibility of your organization. Please see the attached sponsorship forms for additional information.
According to Craig Stoxen, President & CEO of the South Carolina Autism Society, we have two goals with our Strides event.
1) To raise the awareness of autism spectrum disorders. With the occurrence rate of autism at 1 in 110, everyone is or will soon be affected in one way or another by autism. It may be a family member or it may be coworker’s child or a friend’s child. So the better understanding our society has, the better the quality of life for those on the spectrum will be.
2) To raise funds for the South Carolina Autism Society. This fundraiser is to help ensure SCAS can meet the needs of families through information and referral, trainings and workshops and advocacy.
SCAS is the only statewide agency advocating for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders and their families, while also providing assistance and resources. SCAS promotes, educates and raises awareness that one in every 110 births in the U.S. is a child with autism, and provides support for South Carolina-based research and development. Most importantly, SCAS works to ensure that the 28,000 individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) living in South Carolina have opportunities to achieve a quality of life comparable to their peers.
Monies raised for South Carolina Autism Society stay in South Carolina and go towards family supports, education, advocacy, and South Carolina-based research.
We encourage you to join us at Strides for Autism, and spread the word to your clients. Registration and other information for Strides for Autism, along with information about autism and SCAS, is available at the event Web site, www.scautism.org/strides/, or by calling the Columbia SCAS office at 1-800-438-4790.


South Carolina Autism Society
http://www.scautism.org/

Behavior Charts

I found some great behavior charts that I wanted to share with you all.  The ones I have included below are common to some of my little clients, and are targeted around specific behaviors.  Follow this link to charts you can print and implement. 

• I Didn't Talk Back/Frown When Asked to Do Something (chart 1)
• I Didn't Talk Back/Frown When Asked to Do Something (chart 2)
• I Slept in My Own Bed
• I'm Not a Picky Eater
• No Tantrums (blue chart for boy)
• No Tantrums (pink chart for girl)
• I Got Along with My Sibling(s) Today!
• I Stayed in the Room for Quiet Time
• No Hitting
• I Didn't Suck My Thumb Today
• I Didn't Bite Today
  

Jessica

Hello ALL !

Long time, no blog, I know.  I apologize for my long absence.  This has been a very busy summer, business-wise - whew! Lots of assessments, meetings, treatment plans, etc, etc.! I am thankful for all my sweet new clients and business endeavors, though.  Definitely!

Anyhow, things are settling down a bit now, especially since the start of school has come and gone.  I am getting back to blogging - yay! We've got so much to catch up on!

Tune in, I'm back ;)

Jessica

Bycicle Camp - DSAL event for children with special needs

Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry (DSAL) Event!
(Click link below for registration form/info)

Lose the Training Wheels

Bicycle Camp For Children with Special Needs
 
Did you know that only 10% of children with Down syndrome and 20% of those with autism ever learn to ride a bike?


This camp will help teach up to 40 children with special needs how to ride a conventional bike without training wheels. We provide specialized  bicycle riding equipment developed by Rainbow Trainers, Inc., as well as a team of experts and volunteers.

Each child will attend one 75 minute session per day for five consecutive days. There will be 1-2 volunteers assisting the trainers with each child.

Our goal is to change the lives of children by teaching them a skill that will build self-confidence, provide inclusion with their peers and open the door to unlimited recreational opportunities. This program has an 85% success rate.
 
When:    July 26-July 30, 2010

Where:     North Charleston Convention Center     
                 5001 Coliseum Drive Charleston

Schedule:

Session A 8:30-9:45
Session B 10:00-11:15
Session C 11:30-12:45
Session D 1:45—3:00
Session E 3:15-4:30

Registration Fee:   $175
*  Majority of camp costs will be covered by grants and donations. Some scholarship money is available upon request.

Autistic Salutatorian Delivers High School Graduation Speech

July 4 coming soon ...

Our Independence Day holiday is just around the corner! I'll be posting some more in preparation for that this week, but I also wanted to mention past postings on the subject.  Visit these past blog postings for July 4th holiday tips and fun:

"Fun for the 4th"
"Welcome to July"



Jessica

IEP meeting prep

IEP meetings and such can really be a very intimidating and stressful time for parents/caregivers.  I have heard so many stories, and often can see the anxiety parents carry over IEP meetings, in particular.  That's not to say that they are all terrible, though.  I know many wonderful teachers who are very much invested in their sweet students, and come to meetings with their best interest in mind as well.  Sometimes, though, effective communication and general understanding of needs/goals/etc can be difficult. 

In searching the web on "IEP meeting tips/preparation", I found some good resources out there so be sure to do your research beforehand.  I came upon some video segments (which had checklists to accompany them), and was excited to suggest these as a resource for some of my parents UNTIL I realized that these were more geared toward and catered around laws and such that don't necessarily apply to our state.  So, be sure to make note of that in your own research to be sure the info is applicable to your area.

I do want to mention the option of having an advocate help you with preparation for meetings (and even to be present with you in the meeting).  Below is the name and contact information of an advocate I know of who recently presented on IEPs and advocacy at the same seminar which I was presenting (on Music Therapy for Children with Autism).  Kelly had lots of great pointers and tips (see below for some of those).  Kelly is advocate of one of my clients, actually, and my client's mother mentioned how great it was to have an advocate present in the IEP meeting (and in helping with preparation as well). 

Kelly L. Herrick, LPN, BS
(843) 330-2709
enchantedacreshorses@yahoo.com
(Kelly is also a pediatric nurse and director of the Exceptional Rider Program at Enchanted Acres)

Kelly's IEP tips:

• Request a draft of the IEP if possible (b/f the meeting)
• Request a copy of educational testing, data used to assist with the preparation of the IEP
• Be prepared! Be on time!
• Prepare an agenda that will address all of your concerns
• Compile a brief written list of items you would like the team to review.  Submit it to the appropriate school district representative in advance of the meeting
• Do not feel rushed to sign the IEP.  You can always take the IEP home to go over prior to signing it
• Read the minutes/summary notes and ensure they are correct
• Send a follow up letter stating all that you understood to be offered and request that IEP team notify you in writing if anything is incorrect
• Follow up!

I know it's the summertime, and it's nice to not have to think about IEPs for the moment, but this will help you when you begin IEP preparation during the school year  ... don't let it sneak up on you!

Jessica

Gluten Free recipes for JULY 4

For all my fellow gluten avoidant/gluten intolerant buddies, I wanted to share this ...

I was browsing for some gluten free recipes for July 4th, and I stumbled upon this article by Examiner.com/Columbia.  Click on the link below to go to the actual page (which includes the recipes). 

Top ten gluten free July 4th summer recipes


1.  Sweet and Sassy Red Potato Salad – Bored with your old potato salad? Think again and try this zesty twist on a traditional favorite!


2.  Apple Mint Salad – a crisp, different, and delicious take on a fruit salad for your summer party!

3.  Simple Strata Salad – a southern favorite, the layered salad with lots of meat, veggies, and cheese. Great for a side dish or lite dinner!

4.  Summer Squash Scramble - What can you do with all that leftover yellow squash or zucchini? This recipe is the answer for you!

5.  Homemade Caesar Salad – If you’ve ever wondered how to make a REAL Caesar salad this is your guide. Perfect to go with your grilled hamburgers and hotdogs!

6.  Fresh Strawberry Pie – Always a favorite, but with a perfect gluten free crust it makes the best dessert on the table for your July 4th celebrations!

7.  Secret Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies – Your kids won’t eat vegetables? They will now! They will never know the secret ingredients of these delicious kid-friendly treats!

8.  Easy Skillet Cornbread – The easiest and most delicious gluten free cornbread you will ever make! Perfect to go with your baked beans and corn on the cob this July 4th!

9.  Southern Fried Summer Squash – The classic southern fried squash you love. If you haven’t tried this already with your Farmer’s Market finds, you need to now!

10.  The BEST chocolate chip cookies – Your friends and family will NEVER know these truly amazing cookies are gluten free. Enjoy these classic cookies on your dessert table this July 4th!
 
So ... I have not yet tried any of these recipes so you and I are in the same boat ... sitting here with our mouths watering as we read over this list wondering if they are as good as they sound.  The southern fried summer squash, strawberry pie, and skillet cornbread are all on my list of things to make this July 4 weekend, though.  Yes, mom, add it to the list of yummies we'll be enjoying on our trip ;)

I'm stoked about the cornbread, in particular, because I have tried several attempts at 'the perfect cornbread' since I've been gluten free ... am still tryin! My only concern, though, is that I will be baking this up in the mountains this weekend which I know can affect rising ... correct? Any suggestions?

As an added note ... I sometimes make fried zucchini/squash as an appetizer in the summer time when I have family/friends over.  When I do, I make a HORSERADISH DIPPING SAUCE to go with it that's pretty yummy.  I don't have a recipe as I just sort of throw things together, but typically, it includes:

• fresh horseradish (not prepared sauce as I find those to be a little too sweet for my taste - also I can be sure this way that it's GF)
• mayo (again, I don't prefer the sweet stuff generally so I often go with Kraft)
• a little garlic
• salt and pepper to taste
• a squirt or two of lemon
• and a little dill weed. 

 
I'm hungry now. 
 
Jessica

Fun Children's CD

I was just listening to samplings of kid's Cds/compilations online, and found some great songs in the mix!

Anyhow, as I said, I only listened to a sampling of each song.  See the list of albums below, and visit the links to listen to samples of each song on the album. 
  http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1551750023855622875&postID=3102461226962272551

http://www.amazon.com/For-The-Kids/dp/B002P0UQXO/ref=pd_sim_dmusic_a_2

http://www.amazon.com/Its-A-Big-World/dp/B002SB7C32/ref=pd_sim_dmusic_a_6

http://www.amazon.com/You-Are-My-Little-Bird/dp/B000S5B0YM/ref=pd_sim_dmusic_a_9

http://www.amazon.com/Its-A-Big-World/dp/B002SB7C32/ref=pd_sim_dmusic_a_6




(I love this one! Great harmonies - lots of sweet ballads good for quiet time, relaxation, lullabys - especially love "Powder Blue Solo" as a lullaby)

Looks like my WISH LIST is going to get an some additions! Have fun!

Jessica

Father's Day Gifts and Crafts

Looking for gift ideas for Father's Day? Visit the below links for lots of great little 'from-the-heart' crafts for the kids to make ... my favorites are the Car Air Freshener Craft, the Altoids tin pocket memory book, and the luggage tags ... brilliant. The site includes pictures, directions, and templates for crafts listed.

http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/mengifts.html

Jessica


 

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1129/562815285_bee11adbe4.jpg&imgrefurl=http://mamaurchin.com/category/paper-crafts/&usg=__J43zM7NcJ0qrf_WKcEWLKVY5BbQ=&h=333&w=500&sz=50&hl=en&start=125&sig2=m1mRaUg_khHZulLJ9Bet-A&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=ENZTiqu9cR2Y_M:&tbnh=87&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dfather%2527s%2Bday%2Bcrafts%26start%3D120%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1W1TSHB_en%26ndsp%3D20%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=znAZTOrbO4OClAer4MCpCw

Summer Sensory Spaces!

Here's another activity I found online.  My very first thought, actually, with this was that it could also be used to make a "Summer Sensory Place".  For children who are on the spectrum and/or have sensory processing needs, you could include sensory toys/materials/items.  This would also be helpful for some of my little clients who have anxiety related needs.   Have fun!                    Jessica

Summer Quiet Place


This provides a place for children to go to be alone or to read a book.

Materials:

• A small plastic pool
• scissors
• blue tissue paper
• one or two small blow up rings used in swimming pools
• few good books (or for sensory - sensory materials/toys/items/etc

Description:

1. Put a small plastic swimming pool in a corner of the room.
2. Add several sheets of blue tissue paper and scissors. The children will love taking turns cutting the paper in small pieces. This will be your water. OR use satin type blue material/cloth
3. Add a couple of small swimming rings that you have filled with air.
4. Add a child or two and a few books.

*No problem at clean up time. They love picking up the "spilled water".

Comments:
This is a good quiet center when talking about water, swimming, oceans and lakes.

http://www.preschoolrainbow.org/preschool-summer.htm