"Sometimes I Feel ... (sad, mad, sleepy, excited, happy)"

Here is a song I came up with for a client for the purpose of:
1)  Identifying emotion of either anger or sadness that the client seems to be feeling
2)  Allowing for expression of the emotion (release)
3)  Allowing for discussion to identify the specific circumstance/incident that lead to this emotion

NOTE: This song starts out with "SAD" emotion and then moves through emotions, ending on "HAPPY". This was purposeful and appropriate for the client for which this was intended/recommended. This allows you to meet the client where they are (sad, i.e.), gives opportunity for the client to identify/express the emotion as well as to identify the scenario that lead to this emotion, and then moves them past this (onto contentment). Again, this is appropriate for certain situations, but not for others. Feel free to contact me for info on appropriateness/implementation.

ALSO, I sometimes will start out with "MAD", and follow with "SAD". I will rewrite the verse for "MAD" to say:
"Sometimes I feel Mad,
Mad, mad, mad!
(but) sometimes when I'm mad,
I'm really feeling sad.
Do you ever feel Mad like this?"
I will implement this when appropriate to a given scenario if I think the client is masking sadness with anger (often times anger is a 'safe' emotion). Following this then with "SAD" often helps the client to recognize if they are really feeling sadness or anger. This helps with identification and expression.

Visit the "SOUND CLIPS" page of my website to listen to this song. 
 
Jessica

Proposed Draft Revisions to DSM Disorders and Criteria

Publication of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is scheduled for May 2013.
Please visit the DSM-5 Development Web for information on proposed draft revisions to DSM Disorders and Criteria.  This site provides information culminated from over 10 years of revision activities, made possible thanks to the generous dedication of more than 600 global experts in the field of mental health.

"The DSM-5 Task Force and Work Group members are working to develop criteria for diagnoses that not only reflect new advances in the science and conceptualization of mental disorders, but also reflect the needs of our patients. We encourage you to delve into the wealth of information contained within this site to become familiar with some of the advancements in scientific and clinical knowledge that will assist in making diagnoses more accurate, valid, and clinically useful. We also hope that this knowledge will pave the way for further research in these important areas.
Your input, whether you are a clinician, a researcher, an administrator, or a person/family member affected by a mental disorder, is important to us. We thank you for taking part in this historic process and look forward to receiving your feedback. "
- David J. Kupfer, M.D., DSM-5 Task Force Chair
- Darrel A. Regier, M.D., M.P.H., DSM-5 Task Force Vice-Chair


NOTE that the DSM-5 Task Force is inviting applicable professionals as well as the general public (those who are or have family affected by a mental disorder) to give feedback.  Also, viewers will be able to submit comments until April 20, 2010. After that time, the site will be available for viewing only.



Jessica

St. Patrick's Day Activities and Songs

Here are some fun St. Patty's Day activities and songs I found while web surfing! I'm adding these to my collection :)

1. Fill a black pot (use a Halloween witch's cauldron) with either gold foil covered chocolates that look like coins, or gold foil wrapped Hershey's HUGS. To make the pot look really full, stuff the bottom of the pot with crumpled newspaper and cover that with a piece of black construction paper. Show the pot of gold to the children in the beginning of their session, then, when the class is out of the room, ask a co-worker to hide all the "gold" and turn the pot upside down in the center of the room. Have a note written on the chalkboard (in green chalk of course!) that reads: "Have some fun and find my gold". Explain to the class that leprechauns are full of fun and mischief and that they want to play a game! Find the hidden "gold" pieces and count them. You can use both types of candy for this activity and then do a sorting activity. Let each child take home one or two pieces of "gold".
2. Lucky Charms Chart : Take a box of Lucky Charms, and sort the marshmallows in rows. Ex. all rainbows in one row and stars in one row.  Count how many of each you found and eat the cereal.
3. We go searching for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! I run a very long length of ribbon throughout our playground. It weaves around trees, under large toys, around corners, etc. Actually, it is several long pieces of ribbon tied end to end...first red, then orange, yellow, green, blue, violet. The kids follow the rainbow path to find treasure -- a leprechaun's pot of gold coins, small toys, stickers, gold rocks, or whatever you want to hide! This activity works especially well if you have enough teachers to take the children out to the path in small groups.
4. "Leprechaun, Leprechaun Where's your shamrock?"
   (This game is a take off on "Doggy, Doggy, Where's Your Bone".)The "leprechaun' sits with his eyes closed and a paper shamrock behind him. A child is chosen to tiptoe up and take the shamrock and return to his seat. Then all the children hide their hands in their pockets or behind their backs and recite "Leprechaun, Leprechaun, where's your shamrock? Someone has it in their pocket!" The leprechaun gets 3 guesses as to who has his shamrock. The person with the shamrock is the next leprechaun.
5. Spray paint small rocks gold and hide them on the playground on St Patrick's Day. Some are almost in plain sight but some are hidden so well, they continue to find them for weeks. They can take them home in snack size ziplock bags.

Here are some St. Patty's Day themed songs to use with or without some of the activities listed above:

Leprechaun Song (to the tune of "I'm a Little Teapot")
"I'm a little Leprechaun
  Dressed in green,
  The tiniest man
  you ever did see.
  If you ever catch me, so it's told
  I will give you my pot of gold!"

You'll Never Catch Me or My Gold (to the tune of "Mary Had a Little Lamb")
"I'm a little leprechaun, leprechaun, leprechaun
I'm a little leprechaun
Who likes to hide my gold.
I dress in green from head to toe
head to toe
head to toe
I dress in green from head to toe
I wear green all day long!
You'll never catch me or my gold
not my gold
not my gold
You'll never catch me or my gold
I hide it all to well!"


The Leprechaun (Fingerplay)

A leprechaun is small and green,
(Use hand to indicate a small person.)
He hides where he cannot be seen.
(Cover eyes with hands.)
But if you catch one on this day,
(Shake finger.)
He must give all his gold away.
(Pretend to put gold in pocket.)


Happy St. Patrick's Day! Another St. Patty's Day has come and I still don't know ... do green eyes count for "wearing something green"? I think I'll wear some green to be safe ;)

Jessica

Autism Shop

Oh wow - how fun! I found this great link to an online book and toy
store geared toward ASD. 

"Autismshop.com is the online home of the Autism Resource Network, a one-of-a-kind Book & Toy Store that is packed with merchandise and information for individuals with ASD and those who love, care for, and educate them. We are a Minnesota nonprofit corporation."


*  Free shipping on orders of $100
*  Online purchases welcome
*  Proceeds benefit autism research and support
*  Lots of great resources, tools, and info!
Copyright © Autism Resource Network
Some featured items include:
- books
- jewelry, cards
- time timers
- PECS, visuals
- music, speech, language
- sensory items, chewables
- fidgets
- games
- software

I really had fun poking around the site! Enjoy :)

Jessica

Exciting New Social Stories Music Project!

You've heard me (read) mention of my new friend, Craig Evans, in the web autism community.  Craig hosts a wonderful site dedicated to the world of autism :  http://www.autismhangout.com/.  Craig is also a fellow musician (see past blog posting for more info on his wonderful CD that I use often in therapy!)

Craig, along with his fellow musician friends, are working on a project that I am especially excited about.  They are gathering various social stories, and putting them to music! I will be sharing with him some of my own, and I cannot wait to hear the finished product.  I am certain to get a lot of use out of these within session, and I also look forward to being able to send these with my clients for use outside of therapy.  See below excerpt from the AutismHangout webpage (or visit the page ... see link above) for more info.
_____________________________________________________________

A Call For Social Stories!! Let's Put Them To Music!
Teachers, aids, caregivers and parents, if you've a great Social Story, here's a chance to put it to music and share it with others.
It's been proven time and again that music helps open up our kids. So why not put together "the best of" our community-prepared Social Stories with music so that all our special kids can benefit? Read more here.




____________________________________________________________


I will keep you posted!

Jessica

Computer Games!

Although I always recommend moderation when it comes to time spent on the computer (and/or on video games), I do think that computer games can really be beneficial to our kids.  There are many skills learned through participation in computer/video games that kids naturally learn (while having fun in the process!)

Below are some great education based computer game sites on the web.  I have these websites saved in my 'favorites' folder, and will sometimes implement these within session when appropriate. 

http://www.do2learn.com/happy_holidays/st_patricks/activities.htm


This site has disability oriented info and activities which can also apply to typically developing children (be sure to take into consideration your child's age/developmental levels).  Some of the things included on this site are:

• Activities ideas and printables under these headings:  art projects, card games, fine motor skills, math helpers, reading/writing, shape recognition, sorting/matching
• Songs:  bus safety, fire safety, mall safety, parts of me, street safety
• Online and other Games:  Color/number, emotion (facial expressions, feeling game), sequencing games, word games
• Picture Cards

http://funschool.kaboose.com/globe-rider/explorer-adventures/games/game_tiki_treasure.html

http://www.abcya.com/fourth_grade_computers.htm

http://www.storyplace.org/eel/other.asp



I hope your children and clients enjoy these as much as mine have! If you have any great activity website suggestions, please share them :)

Jessica

Putumayo new song collection/CD Jazz Playground

About Jazz Playground


Included is a colorful new kid-friendly booklet!
"On March 9th, Putumayo Kids will add to its acclaimed Playground series with the release of Jazz Playground, a new collection of international jazz songs for children. From bebop and swing to Latin and African jazz, this multicultural CD celebrates the vibrant diversity and global influence of jazz and will get the whole family grooving!"        - Putumayo Playground website
      
For more info and TO LISTEN TO SOUND CLIPS OF THE SONGS, visit http://www.putumayo.com/en/putumayo_kids_catalog_item.php?album_id=1004

I am not the bigges Jazz fan, but love several of the songs in this collection.  Several of them provide a really great solid beat ... makes you want to move! I also adore #10 The Mighty Buzzniks • Agree & Disagree - (Australia).  This really is a great song for showing that we can still get along regardless of what we may or may not have in common, and that's it's ok to have differences.  This is a great concept for any of us, but I immediately thought of some of my little clients who have autism (tolerance for change/different ways of doing things) as well as some of my adolescent clients (self image, individuality).

Jessica

Adolescents

Today's blog is inspired both by my professional and personal aspects on the subject. 

This past Saturday, we had our spring state MTASC meeting here in Charleston, and after the meeting a CMTE course was offered, entitled,  I Write the Songs = Songwriting in/as Music Therapy.  I write a good bit of songs, both professionally and personally, and don't always see eye to eye with some of the concepts taught in some other similar workshops I have attended.  However, I have to say that this CMTE course was great.  Thank you, thank you, Tracy Richardson, for your insights! 

Anyhow, at one point, Tracy divided us into groups for group songwriting for a (hypothetical) group of 6 adolescent boys, ages 12-14 years old within a psychiatric setting.  We were only to write 1 verse and the chorus (we didn't have time to write a whole song).  One thing that seems to be consistent with any adolescent (whether "typical" or in a facility/with disorder) seems to be a need for understanding and a need for self expression.  How many times have you heard a teenager say, "No one understands me!"  (???) So our group goal for this song was: To facilitate opportunity for self expression.  Here is the song portion we wrote:

"No one understands,
 No one understands
 I feel so alone,
 I need a voice of my own.

 I have so many "friends"
 are they really friends?
 Many people surround me,
 do they really see ME?"

In a session, this could really go a long way to giving someone a way to voice this ... well, to give him/her a voice.  It would be great way lead in to an activity to allow opportunity to highlight individuality (increase self image/esteem).  First (1) express this feeling of not being understood, and then (2) allowing an opporunity to be understood by expressing self, strengths/opinions, thoughts/ideas.

So, that's the professional aspect.

The personal aspect I have on this is that I have a teenager which results in teenage friends and neighbors who congregate in my house.  My sweet niece (who is my child's bf) made an amazingly insightful post on Facebook yesterday that really caught my attention.  It's related to what is mentioned above, I think.  She is a naturally confident girl who likes herself, and is not afraid to be herself.  I greatly admire that about her, especially considering her age.  She gave voice to what, most likely, every one her age feels.

This was her FB posting:
"Why is it so hard to be yourself in today's society? You dress how people want, talk like people want, and be what people what you to be. Why can't I just be me?"

Wow. 

Anyone who knows me won't be at all surprised at the way that I answered this ... with a Dr. Suess quote, of course! :)

 no matter how people try, no1 can ever be good at being anyone else but themselves. a famous philosopher once said (ok, so it was Dr. Seuss) :

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ... He also said,
"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You."

... good stuff. Anybody who you truely admire is someone who is being themselves.

Jessica

Hey - if you checked the blog below yesterday and had trouble with the link, please try it again.  The link I had posted yesterday was incorrect.  I've changed it below.  She's amazing!

Jessica

Black History Month - the great Odetta Holmes

In honor of both Black History Month and of an amazingly beautiful musician/music, I wanted to dedicate today's blog to Ms. Odetta Holmes. 

My Uncle Alan, one of the great influences on my life and my music, sent me an email recently with YouTube links that lead me to Odetta's gorgeously (a new word just for blogging ;) haunting rendition of "House of the Rising Sun". 
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aaya8jYZBO8&feature=related
You aren't able to see it in this clip, but Odetta was an amazing guitarist as well.

Excerpt from Wiki on Odetta Holmes:


Her first professional experience was in musical theatre and was in the national touring company of Finian's Rainbow.

While touring, she was bitted by the early folk music bug in California. She played in the major/developing folk clubs/night clubs in Calif (hungry i) and NYC (Blue Angel) then performed/recorded with Woody Guthrie, Harry Bellafonte, etc. In addition to folk/blues recording and concerts, involvement in 60s civil rights, she also acted in several films including film of William Faulkner's Sanctuary (1961) and The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974).
 
Jessica

Charleston Oyster Roast for autism

17th Annual Charleston Oyster Roast

Saturday, February 20 7:00pm



Event: 17th Annual Charleston Oyster Roast

What: Fundraiser to benefit CAROLINA AUTISM

Date/Time: Saturday, February 20 at 7:00pm

Where: Visitors Center Bus Shed

http://www.charitablesocietyofcharleston.org/news/events.html

Music Therapy and Mental Health

What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. It is an established health service similar to occupational therapy and physical therapy and consists of using music therapeutically to address physical, psychological, cognitive and/or social functioning for patients of all ages. Because music therapy is a powerful and non-invasive medium, unique outcomes are possible. In addition to its applications in mental health, music therapy is used successfully in a variety of additional healthcare and educational settings.

How Does Music Therapy Make a Difference for Persons with Mental Health Needs?

Music therapy is an efficacious and valid treatment for persons who have psychosocial, affective, cognitive and communicative needs. Research results and clinical experiences attest to the viability of music therapy even in those who are resistive to other treatment approaches. Music is a form of sensory stimulation that provokes responses due to the familiarity, predictability and feelings of security associated with it. Music therapy for clients with mental health concerns uses musical interaction as a means of communication and expression. The aim of therapy is to help individuals develop relationships and address issues they may not be able to address using words alone. Music therapy sessions include the use of active music making, music listening, and discussion.
 
Click on the links below to view full (4 page) summary on MT and Mental Health.  This includes general goal areas, treatment outcomes, and references to resources for extended research.

Music Therapy and Mental Health

Here's another great link (this is a great one that goes into a little more detail) :

Music Therapy in Mental Health— Evidence-Based Practice Support 

Jessica

Putumayo Haitian Relief AND new Cd release

HAITIAN RELIEF

In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Putumayo is re-releasing French Caribbean and our children’s CD Caribbean Playground and will be donating 100% of our proceeds from the sale of each CD

to The Red Cross.

French Caribbean

Caribbean Playground

____________________________________________________________

CONGRATULATIONS NEW ORLEANS!

The city and Putumayo's New Orleans office is celebrating the almost implausible story of a team and a community rising above their problems.

___________________________________________________________
 

Putamayo RHYTHM & BLUES
(click above link to listen)

Classic rhythm & blues performed by first generation legends and rising stars of today’s retro R&B revival

 
 





_____________________________________________________________
 
I love Putumayo!
Jessica

Upcoming Vday FREE Event for Families of Special Needs Children

Hello Friends,


I just wanted to pass this along for anyone who is interested. Seacoast Church is hosting a very special evening for families of children with special needs. They will be providing dinner (catered by Sticky Fingers) and fun on Sunday, February 14, and it's FREE! See below for more information or you may visit the website page at http://www.seacoast.org/Story.asp?storyid=1734
Jessica

_________________________________________________

The Luke 14 Banquet

Sunday, February 14th, 5:00 until 7:00

Seacoast Church in the Warehouse

750 Long Point Rd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

In the Luke 14 story, while sitting at a dinner table in Jerusalem
and conversing with His host, Jesus said,

"when you give a banquet, invite the

poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,
and you will be blessed. Go out to

the roads and country lanes and make them come in,
so that my house will be full. When one of those at the table
with Him heard this, he said to

Jesus, "Blessed are those who will eat at the feast
in the Kingdom of

God." Luke 14:13-23 NIV

In response, Seacoast Church and Healing Farm Ministries
will be partnering to host a Luke 14 Banquet
for families touched by a disability.

Please join us for free dinner and entertainment
to delight the whole family.

For more information on attending

this event or how you can serve the

families at this banquet, please

contact wandagilbert@seacoast.org

or click HERE to register

by February 7th

Our Sponsors:

The Tutterow Agency

The Kickin' Chicken/RPM Management

Kat's Famous

________________________________________________

Listen to Music Therapy from around the world

Are you interested to hear how music therapy sounds around the world?

I recently received an email from MT ENews about WFMT (World Federation of Music Therapy).   On the WFMT site is a section entitled "Sound Board", and I just had to share this wonderful resource with you!!!

The WFMT Sound Board allows you to listen to "how music therapy sounds around the world" (WFMT, MT ENews).  Various Music Therapists around the world have uploaded sound files (via WFMT), capturing therapeutic moments of music therapist's clinical work.  So, you are able to listen to samples from actual music therapy sessions in various regions of the world. It was really amazing to hear similarities and differences of different regions.  I just love this! I encourage you to visit http://www.wfmt.info/WFMT/Sound_Board.html to experience this!


The World Federation of Music Therapy, Incorporated (WFMT) is the only international organization dedicated to the development and promotion of music therapy world wide and was established at the 5th World Congress of Music Therapy in Genoa Italy, in 1985. The principal objective of the WFMT is to act as the International Organization for the profession of music therapy and to:

• Promote the exchange of information on music therapy.
• Hold international congresses.
• Identify similarities and distinguishing features of the theory and practice of music therapy throughout the world.
• Establish and maintain guidelines for:
• the practice of music therapy. the education and training of music therapists.
• the ethical conduct of music therapists.
• professional registration.
• research in music therapy.
• Promote international cooperation among music therapy associations, music therapists and other related professional groups.
• Promote the official recognition of music therapy as a profession with various governmental legislative and/or regulatory bodies.
• Promote, establish, and maintain professional publications in music therapy.
• Promote all aspects of research in music therapy.    

                                                                                            - WFMT


Enjoy!
Jessica

Oh Monday ...

WHAT IF MONDAYS COULD GO FROM

<<  THIS .................................... TO THIS >>

Most people feel like this about Mondays ...

Monday Morning

I wake up
and it starts again.
I get up
then I fall back in.
I'm just
not ready for another a week this Monday morning!
I get ready
for a boring day.
I head out
to school on my way.
I just
want it to be over soon this Monday morning!
It's first period
and it's draggin on.
I can't wait
for the bell to ring, I'm gone.
I just
hope there isn't too much of this Monday morning!


The bell rings
fifth period has begun.
I can't believe
the morning's still not done.
I just
need afternoon to drive away this Monday morning!


I get home
finally I'm back.
But there's homework
my, it's such a stack.
I just
wish this day hadn't started off with Monday morning!
-Jane Meyer

I have found something that works to ease the jolt of the things that I dread facing but have to.  It's all about associations, really.  I've blogged on this idea before, but thought that "Monday" would be a great thing to apply it to.  After all, no one can get out of a Monday, and it happens every time every week.

Come up with something that you relish, and a build a Monday ritual around it.  The key is to only allow yourself to do that thing on Monday.  Obviously, it has to be something that you can fit into a Monday easily, and will be able to include EVERY Monday.  "Going to the park" may be something you are able to do this Monday, but may not be something that you know that you'll be able to do every Monday (or it may be depending on your particular location and schedule).  "Grabbing a donut and certain drink (that you only allow yourself on Mondays) on the way to work" may be a good one.  Or, eating at a certain restaurant on Monday for LUNCH may be another good one.  For those of use by the beach, establishing a tradition or grabbing a cup of coffee/treat, and sitting in our car looking out at the ocean for a few minutes b/f work may be a great new tradition (that would go far for me, personally!)

There are many, many possibilities, but make sure it's something that you can really really get excited about.  It has to be catered to you.  If you are trying to come up with this for your child, either think of something that they will look forward to (catered around them) or just simply ask them and let them come up with it. 

NOTE:  Do not put your new Monday tradition in the evening time because by that time, the worst part of Monday is practically over, and you are already close to relaxation and looking forward to Monday's close.  Put this tradition "within reach" during the day (morning or noontime, I would say).  You will then hopefully spend the first part of your day (the typical "hard-to-get-of-bed dread") by looking forward to your Monday tradition, and you will spend the rest of the day feeling refreshed from your Monday moment.  Hey, you may find that you want to include 2 special Monday traditions (one for the morning and one for the afternoon) ... I guess that depends on your degree of typical Monday loathing! ;)

I would love to know your new Monday traditions! They may be ones others would like to adopt as well :)

May the dread of your Monday be softened by the relish of at least one good Monday moment,
Jessica 

Lay It Down

Lay It Down

-jdaisi grooms
"I feel so tired.
I feel so alone.
So many burdens
and mistakes I've made ...
Tired of carrying them
all my days.


I want to lay them down...
I've got to lay them down...
I'm going to lay them down...
Right now."

Are there things you have been carrying? Things that aren't healthy for you? Things you need to let go of ... things you need to let go of you?

Don't believe those thoughts that you deserve your burdon ... that you earned it.  Don't believe that it's there to stay, that you can't shake it. 

It's time. 

Lay it down. 

Take a moment soon to go to a private peaceful place where you can be alone and focus ... free of distractions.  Put on some instrumental music, and close your eyes and try to focus on making these words count ... then say the above poem/lyrics out loud.  Mean every word.  You may want to take it a step further, and write down those burdens that you are releasing, and then physically 'get rid of them' by throwing the paper in the trash (ripping it first, if you'd like to ... to feel, maybe, that it's truly finished). 

Take a some time afterwards to breath deeply, and picture yourself without those burdens anymore.  Go back to life and reality in that new state.

Jessica

Quake survivor played music in his mind

Quake survivor played music in his mind

"In the darkness that followed, Haitian-born violinist Romel Joseph thought the earthquake that shook his Port-au-Prince music school to pieces was a dream.

Born partially blind, his recollections relied on his stronger senses."

Find the rest of this wonderful article at Cincinatti.com.  A bitter sweet article, but another instance on the power of music and it's ability to reach anyone, anywhere.

Jessica

New Mt. Pleasant restaurant BISTRO 536 offers some gluten free options!

BISTRO 536    Both of my sweet sisters are now working at a new restaurant that just opened in Mt. Pleasant, Bistro 536 (across from Belle Hall Shopping Center - next to Subway - where the Nirlep and Seal's Fish Camp used to be).  This restaurant is owned and run by a former chef from 5 Loaves (downtown).

"Alastair Nairn is offering Mount Pleasant a new casual, upscale dining experience. As owner and head chef, Alastair wanted to give customers eclectic food at fair prices. With inventive food pairings, Bistro 536 is sure to surprise the senses."  http://bistro536.com/


I have had the opportunity to dine there a few times, and as most of you know, I am allergic to gluten.  This significantly limits not only my food options, but my 'eating out' options.  The chefs and staff at Bistro 536 are able to provide me with gluten free options, and (even more) I trust their knowledge about not only what contains gluten, but proper food prep as well.

I just wanted to share this info with all my fellow gluten intolerants ... it's nice to know our options.  "YEAH!!! ANOTHER RESTAURANT WE CAN EAT AT!"

Please spread the word! I want this restaurant to do well for several reasons ...

1)  This is not a chain, but owned and run by locals
2)  The owners and staff support the "buy local" mindset, and include this within certain menu items
3)  I really want to keep one of the few places that provides safe eating for those with gluten sensitivities
4)  The food is high quality and amazing!

Visit the BISTRO 536 website (see above) or find them on FB! Actually, just go in. 

Jessica

Dear John Premiere!

Hello everyone! This is so exciting! See below!

Dear John Charleston Premiere


A benefit event for Carolina Autism

Date: Sunday, January 24, 2010

Time: 5:30pm - 11:00pm

Location: Screening: Terrace Hippodrome, Official After Party: SC Aquarium

Street: 360 Concord St/100 Aquarium Wharf

City/Town: Charleston, SC

COCKTAIL ATTIRE
A Night of Spotlights and Stars to raise funds for autism treatment
The stars will be out at the Charleston premiere of Dear John, the new movie Directed by Lasse Hallström and based on the novel by best-selling author Nicholas Sparks. Now 400 fans will have a chance to see the stars and the new movie! The waterfront Hippodrome Theater is the setting for the premiere followed by a Hollywood style after-party next door at the beautiful South Carolina Aquarium. Plan to attend or just come on down to join the paparazzi and wave to the stars as the limos pull up to the red carpet.
DEAR JOHN tells story of John Tyree (Channing Tatum), a young soldier home on leave, and Savannah Curtis (Amanda Seyfried), the idealistic college student he falls in love with during her spring vacation. Over the next seven tumultuous years, the couple is separated by John’s increasingly dangerous deployments. While meeting only sporadically, they stay in touch by sending a continuous stream of love letters overseas--correspondence that eventually triggers fateful consequences.
The movie premiere is a fund raising benefit for Carolina Autism (http://www.carolinaautism.org/), a local charity that serves children and adults with autism. Proceeds from the event will go toward their intensive early intervention program, helping young children with autism and their families. Carolina Autism staff helped with the production of the movie and will be featured on the DVD of the film when it is released.
Tickets are $250 (portion tax deductible) and are available at http://www.DearJohnCharlestonPremiere.com

_____________________________________________________
Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks

Cast: Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried, Henry Thomas, Scott Porter, Richard Jenkins and introducing Braeden Reed, a child actor from Charleston with autism, served by Carolina Autism


FOR TICKETS GO TO http://www.dearjohncharlestonpremiere.com/

Please arrive by 6pm for seating. Adult beverages served with proof of age.
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Jessica

Haiti

I wanted to express my love, thoughts, support, and grief for Haiti, but it's hard to put anything into words when it's all so unbelievable.

It's so hard to imagine so many people gone. It's hard to fatham so many of the remaining people roaming the streets with terrible injuries with no medical treatment available. And the sights they have to see ...

Its unimaginable the thought of a mommy or daddy holding their injured child knowing that they cannot do anything to 'make it better'. And then the people who are trapped. I watched a video of someone being rescued, and I couldn't help but think of the shock she was still in for once she saw what her land and people are facing ... to go through being trapped and terrified and alone to the realities of what is going on on the outside. I just can't fathom.

I'm so sorry for you all, Haiti. Nothing I am doing here at the moment seems even a fraction as important as what you are going through, and I sincerely wish I could come there right now to do whatever ... whatever would help.

Like so many around the world, you are on my mind and heart, and I am sending up prayers for you all.

Jessica

Autism Broadcast (upcoming)

I received an email about an upcoming broadcast on Autism.  Check out the below message for details. 

++++++++++++++++
Dear Friends and Colleagues: Please see this forwarded message.



A broadcast about the Autism Collaborative Center at Eastern Michigan University, including music therapy, is planned for Tuesday February 2. Locally, it will show at 5:30 pm on Channel 56 WTVS Detroit.

The show is entitled "A Wider World" and focuses on opportunities for persons with disabilities.

We were told that the show will air across Michigan, other midwest states, Canada, the Carolinas and some southern states and California and some western states. The show will air again in April during autism awareness month.
+++++++++++++++++

I plan on contacting EMU to find out what channel/time to look for it in other parts of the US (especially since it mentions that it will be showing in the Carolinas).  Anyhow, for those of you in Michigan, this is all you need.  For the rest of you, I will let you know what I find out.

Have a great day!
Jessica

Crayola dot com

As you know, many of the products you buy (kid oriented) will often have websites you can visit containing info, online games, and activities.  I will often go ahead and check out the websites of the products I buy for my practice.  This is always a nice addition to activities within session in which I use these products.  For example, I mentioned on a previous blog a website which has videos of various well-known ('famous') people reading children's stories aloud.  I have sometimes incorporated this into session.

I have really enjoyed a lot of the activities that I find on http://www.crayola.com/ .  I also receive email updates on holiday based additions to the site.  It's nice because they never go overboard with the email updates! I receive them only every now and then. 

Anyhow, check it out! You may find some great activities that would assist your child/client in working on goal related areas (or simply fun free time activities).

Jessica

Find me on LinkedIn

You can find me on LinkedIn! If you have a professional profile on LinkedIn, search me next time you are on, and we'll get connected.
LinkedIn is such a great way to stay connected within your work field and/or related fields. Its also a great tool for increasing your awareness and knowledge in areas of interest through connections to certain groups.

Some of my groups are:

• American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)
• Autism Speaks
• Children's grief support
• National Down Syndrome Society

When connected to these groups, you are able to follow discussions related to these.

If you are familiar with LinkedIn, you know that you are also able to connect with the professional profiles of your family and friends as well.

See you on LinkedIn!

Jessica

Down Syndrome spotlight, Colin Gets a Chance

I received a message through LinkedIn regarding a new resource.  I have not yet been able to view this myself, but am anxious to.  The book, Colin Gets a Chance, was written by Brian Beale in honor of his son, Colin, who has Down Syndrome.

Below is a portion of the description of this book.

"It’s a book about a little boy who never gets a chance to play the game he loves (baseball) until the last game of the season when his team steps up to the coach and asks him to let Colin bat as they want to cheer for him as he’s done for them all season long.
This is a truly inspirational book as the book cover and all illustrations were done by individuals with Down syndrome. It just does not get any better than that!!! “Colin Gets a Chance” is a children’s book about acceptance and inclusion of others who appear different on the surface, but are so much more alike than different once given a chance."
-Brian Beale, PHR, Author
Visit http://www.colingetsachance.com to learn more about this book as well as to view a sampling of the illustrations.  You are also able to view a video, and meet 'the real Colin'.

I can't wait to get my hands on this book!

Jessica

New Year

Happy New Year! I hope this new year is treating you all well so far.  For all of you who had a tough year in 2009, look forward to this year full of new opportunities, hope, and healing. 

We are all 'cleaning out our closets', so to speak, this time of the year, and coming down from chaos.  We are packing up our decorations, and doing a little spring cleaning January style.  We are looking to new things and renewing commitments to others (which, in itself, brings newness).  I wish you well as you embark on your goals, resolutions, and journeys for your new year.  I am working on that, myself.  I am telling myself these things, and working on keeping my head up.  Just thought I would share a few of my own thoughts with you. 

This blog slowed down a bit during the holidays, but it's gearing up for a new year, hoping to inspire, inform, and connect you.  Thank you for your thoughts and ideas along the way in 2009. 

Jessica

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you all! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday, filled with joy, peace, and lots of love. 

Jessica

Putumayo Music Holiday E-card

You have heard me mention the Putumayo World Music collections before ... AMAZING! I use the various kid's playground CDs in session, in particular.  Anyhow, I receive Putumayo updates through emails, and received this (see below) in a recent email. 

It's great! I was able to download a photo to send in an ecard to friends and family, and I loved that Putumayo holiday-inspired music was playing in the background.  I received a lot of feedback on this one from friends and family :) What is really exciting is that after sending your card, you are able to download a free song from a recent Putumayo collection (I believe it's a different one from the one that plays with the card).  See below for more information, and to create your ecard!

1. Choose a personal photo

2. Write your own custom holiday message

3. Send your personalized holiday e-card to
    your friends and family

4. Receive a free holiday song download!
Create your e-card now

Other languages : Español
Français
Deutsch
(The e-card will launch in a new window and requires the Flash player.)

Enjoy!
Jessica

"In My Stocking" (a speech related activity)

Here's another little holiday related activity that is very easy to implement ... I think anyone could do this one with no problem :)








"In My Stocking" (to the tune of: " Oh My Darlin' ")

In my stocking,
In my stocking,
In my special Christmas stocking,
Look inside for little prizes
In my special Christmas stocking!

Materials Needed:

• Stocking
• small toys or pictures of small toys/candy prizes

Directions:

1. Sing song through 1x.  (slowing down speech to enunciate/stress certain words and/or syllables on targeted words)
2. Have child reach into stocking to pull out 1 (only one) item.
3. Look at and name the item.  Repeat item name (i.e. "dinosaur", "ball", etc), being sure to encourage/practice verbal clarity and speech fluency. 
4. Make sure you have fun with this!

Targeted Goal Areas:

• Speech production/clarity/fluency
• Impulse control
• Auditory cueing/Auditory attention
• Attention to task for duration

NOTE:  If working mainly toward speech goals with this activity, be sure to choose items (to go in stocking) that include speech sounds/characteristics that fit your child's speech needs.  For example, if your child needs improvement on blended sounds, include an item with blended sounds in it's name (maybe a blue item /bl/).  If your child needs improvement on producing words with 2 or 2+ syllables, include items with multi syllables (maybe "dinosaur" or "alligator"). 

Have a great weekend!
Jessica

Gluten Free Chocolate Eclairs at Chucktown Coffee!

Wow - I just ate a gluten free chocolate eclair ... at a coffee shop! I went up to the register like a normal person and ordered a pastry! It was amazing.  It tasted like a chocolate eclair and the custard inside was perfection! Sweet Jennifer, the owner, has recently ordered several wonderful pastries from a local gluten free bakery.  In the case right now are gluten free Lemon Bars, gluten free Cheesecake Bombs, gluten free Chocolate Eclairs, and gluten free Coconut Macaroons. 

If you live in or near Mount Pleasant, stop in! If you have celiac/gluten intolerance, you know how few and far between gluten free options are (outside of making it yourself) ... especially in our area.  Starbucks used to carry a gluten free muffin, but stopped because they said they didn't sell.  I am convinced that it's just because noone knew! I surely didn't know, and I'm constantly online looking into GF options/looking up GF brands.  I never saw it posted anywhere. 

So, spread the word! Chucktown Coffee (in the Target shopping Center) has gluten free pastry options!

Jessica

a school social story

You have heard me mention the use of social stories.  Carol Gray has many wonderful social stories that I highly recommend.  (Search her on this site for blog postings on her). 

Anyhow, I have created a school social story (click on link to view and/or print).  Included are pictures to go with each scenario mentioned.  This is a good tool to implement when a child is being first introduced to school, returning from summer break or a holiday, or when he/she is demonstrating anxiety related to going to school.  This could help to prepare and acclimate your child. 

You may want to introduce this in a fun way ... in a song, a game, a story, a chant ... keep in mind what would work for your child.  Remember to build positive associations.

After introducing this, you may want to review it on a consistent basis (it can become a morning ritual).  You may even want to print and laminate a copy for your child to keep with him/her.

Feel free to contact me for other ideas on how to implement this.
Jessica

The Silly Elf (activity)

Anytime I can use a general theme for a session or activity, I do.  Developing a theme always seems to pull things together as well as faciliates increased attention and interest.  Simply put ... themes are fun!

Holidays provide perfect opportunities for themed concepts and activities.  Below is a little poem/rhyme that I came up with a couple years ago for use in sessions.  Due to it's simplicity, it's fairly easy to implement outside of session so I'm posting it here :) 

I typically use this activity for these goal areas:

• Facilitate/Improve auditory attention
• Increase Impulse control
• Decrease auditory response time
• Increase cognitive skill (color identification, sequence commands/events, reading/story comprehension, etc)
• Increase visual attention

If working on pre-reading skills, you may want to print this story  (focusing on 1 sentence at a time if necessary) rather than just reading it yourself.

MATERIALS NEEDED:
-  "Silly Elf" story
-  Pictures (street, elf, feet, tic tac toe, Nintendo, smiling)
-  Colored items (bells, instruments, scarves)
-  A drum (or like item)
-  "The End!" paper (for on top of drum)

DIRECTIONS for activity:

1. Set up items in semi circle or table around child/client.  Introduce each item.  If appropriate, present child/client with a "pointer" (this can be a special wand, drum stick/mallet, etc) for child to point to items as they are named in the story. 
2. Explain that the child/client will get to touch and point to each item/picture in the story, but he/she has to wait until they hear that word first. (see above for picture sheet you can print)
3. Practice saying the word of an item, and having child/client point to the item. 
4. Have the child practice "playing" a color item (i.e., when you say "red", the child will play the instrument/item associated with that color.  NOTE:  For the colors, I typically have colored bells that the child gets to play when he/she hears the color name.  This makes this more interactive, and provides the opportunity to change from different types of cues within the activity (pointing to some items, playing other items).  IN PLACE OF COLORED BELLS, you may want to gather instruments or items that can be used as instruments (or items that make funny sounds).  Have a solid colored scarf or paper next to/under each of the noise/instrument items (i.e., have one item placed on a green scarf or piece of paper, and when when child/client here's "green" said in the activity, he/she will play the that item).
5. OPTIONAL:  Have a drum (or like item) with paper on it ("THE END!").  Child/client has to wait until the very end when he/she hears you say, "The End!", to play the drum.  This is lots of fun - a great opportunity for impulse control, and it really creates increased auditory attentoin and anticipation ;) 

The Silly Elf

One day as I was walking down the street
I came upon a jolly elf with red shoes upon his feet.
He smiled at me and said, “Orange you going to play with me?”
It was a glorious, sunny day,
a sky decked in yellow.
I decided I'd play with my new red footed friend -
He was quite a nice fellow.

We played a game of tic tac toe,
and then a game of Nintendo.
Jumping jacks, and sliding down green hills -
Oh what a thrill!
Hide and seek, and purple cookies to eat.
A long day of fun we've had,
I said goodbye to my new red footed friend.
Smiling and waving, I said,
“The End!”