Thank you, June, for being so kind

First and foremost ... HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my step-father, Jose! I look forward to celebrating your bday later this evening!

Wow - can you believe it's the last day of June already? I am looking back on this first month of summer break, and hoping I've spent it wisely. As far as my family goes, I think we've made the most of it. We've celebrated 2 birthdays, Father's Day, made a weekend trip to Disney, I had a weekend NC trip with my sisters, my son has spent some nice time both at our pool and his grandmomma's pool, and we've had several beach days fit in there as well. Professionally, I think I've managed to get through this month of new clients, changed client schedules (due to summer schedules), treatment updates and meetings, and have had some great new client sessions. Thank you, June, for being so kind.

Summertime is my favorite time of the year, and there is nothing like getting to the end of your summer and realizing you didn't make the most of it. I've certainly done that before. I also find that if I stay too busy (even if it is with fun things such as trips), then my summer feels like it's gone too fast. Lazy days (or sometimes just lazy moments) are crucial!

I'm looking forward to July ... fireworks, cookouts, boat trips out to Dewey's and through Shem Creek, and good times with friend's and family, a short trip to Fontana, and lazy days. I look forward to new client progress (some I am already seeing - yay!), strengthening new client and client family relationships, and more summertime Music Therapy fun!

I relate this whole summer thing to being like a squirrel storing up for winter months. So, on some cold, grey January day I will bring out the memory of sunshine on my face, the sight of my tan faced boy playing in the surf, the smell of the grill, and the sound of the waves hitting the boat, and it will bring a little sunshine into my day.

On that note, I hope you all are enjoying your summer. Make the most of it!!!

Jessica

Autism focus

Hello all.

I am back from my "Sister's Get-a-way Trip", and am feeling ready for the week ahead. Thank you, again, to my sweet sisters.

This blog today is focused on AUTISM. I wanted to mention a couple of resources here for you today. First off, (and I have mentioned this before in past MT newsletter) I listen to a daily podcast on http://www.faqautism.com/. I have subscribed to it, and have a link for it on my Google homepage so it's very convenient. Cathy Knoll posts these very informative and very pertinent podcasts that have not only served as a resource for me, but also for the parent's of some of my clients. The podcasts are short and sweet which is also very convenient.

I also wanted to bring to your attention (for those of you who are net yet familiar with this tool) the use of Social Stories™. If you are not familiar with Social Stories™, here is a brief description.

"A Social Story™ describes a situation, skill, or concept in terms of relevant social cues, perspectives, and common responses in a specifically defined style and format. The goal of a Social Story™ is to share accurate social information in a patient and reassuring manner that is easily understood by its audience. Half of all Social Stories™ developed should affirm something that an individual does well. Although the goal of a Story™ should never be to change the individual’s behavior, that individual’s improved understanding of events and expectations may lead to more effective responses." (http://www.thegraycenter.org/ , Carol Gray)

Although Social Stories™ were initially developed for children with ASD, they are certainly very useful for persons outside of an ASD diagnoses. This may include persons with similar needs (those with social and/or communication delays) as well as typically developing persons.

Here is an example of a Social Story:

BRUSHING MY TEETH
At night I need to brush my teeth so they are clean.
I put the toothbrush in my mouth.
First I brush in the back on the bottom.
Next I brush in the back on the top.
Then I brush in the front on the bottom.
Last I brush in the front on the top.
When I am done brushing my teeth I can spit out the toothpaste.
I can rinse off my tooth brush after I spit.
When I am ALL DONE I can have something special.

Visit the link above to view/order the various Social Stories™ tools and resources, including Social Stories™ book, Social Stories™ 10.0 (PDF download), Storymovie Professional Vol. 1 (DVD), etc.

A Sister's Getaway

I am so fortunate.

I have been kidnapped by two very special people, my two little sisters. I am blogging today from North Carolina. We have just checked in, and I am sitting in my room at a beautiful inn.

I recently had a birthday, and as I was opening my presents I came upon a homemade card. On the first page, it read, "What are you doing on the weekend of __________?". After I answered with a "Nothing", I was to turn to the next page which read, "Sister's trip to _________ or ____________ !" (and I was to check the location that I wanted).

So, that was their birthday present to me ... a sister's weekend. They have not allowed me to even contribute to paying for gas. THEY DIDN'T EVEN LET ME BUY MY OWN CANDY BAR at the gas station on the way here! (Don't worry, I'll get them somehow ... after all I am the eldest sister!)

I am so fortunate. I'm hoping you see this, Jordan and Sammie. I love you, and I am so thankful for you both.

Jessica

Brand Spankin' New

Here it is - my very first blog posting. Be for warned, my friends, that this initial blog will be minus the bells and whistles as I am simply writing this today to 1) to say 'hello', and 2) to get my toes wet in the blogpool.

Each time I've considered creating a blog, I have this same thought that runs through my head. I am reminded of the many times (as a wife, mother, and therapist) of the fact that I often feel as though I cannot fit one more thing in my day.

Knock, knock, knock - enter another thought that reminds me of just how much I have gained from reading other blogs. I tend to blog more on a professional basis, and I have great appreciation for colleagues and such who have shared wisdom and experiences through their own blogs, many of which have aided me in some way or another.

Creative minds can be a gift, but can also come with the curse of creativity overload. How many of you who have a 'creative mind' find yourself needing to pull in the reigns on some of the thoughts, interests, and ideas you have that continually bombard your mind (and schedule!). I certainly do. There are so many things that I research due to my professional interest in anything and everything that relates to the field of Music Therapy and/or related professions. I'm hoping this can be a great outlet for those! I guess it's about time to 'give back to the blogging world' and share some of my own findings, thoughts, and fun.

Well ... Cheers! (Or should I say, "Cheer Up" ... my mother has told me the story way too many times of when I was a child and instead of saying, "cheers!", I'd raise my glass and say, "cheer up!" So, that one's for you, mom.)

Jessica

Music Instinct: Science and Song

To see a baby smile within the womb in response to music. That was a true testiment to the very natural and primative effect that music has on us. This program was packed full of very science-based research, findings, ideas, and accounts of the effect of music on the human brain and body.

The other day, the mother of one of my clients passed on some info to me regarding this wonderful PBS special. The program piece is entitled Music Instinct: Science and Song.

It was scheduled to show last night on PBS at 9pm (EST). I caught a good bit of it, but wasn't able to watch the whole program. What I did see of it was amazing, and so I thought I would pass this onto you in the hopes that you can catch it again on another showing. PBS often repeats it's programs. Visit the PBS website for the program schedule.

Jessica