Frozen

We went to see “Frozen” at a special needs showing at the Marcus movie theater in Orland Park, Illinois.  They have these showings about once a month.  The movies are in 2D, the volume is lowered and the lights are only half-down. As usual, I loved the fact that my kids can be as weird and loud as they want to, because all the kids are like that and no one is judging.  It’s such a free feeling. My son loves to run right up to the screen and dance along when characters are dancing; if there is a chase scene, he runs across the length of the screen like he’s involved in the chase.  My little guy can crawl on the floor, take popcorn out of other people’s containers – no one flinches.

As far as the movie – it’s based on “The Snow Queen” by Hans Christian Andersen.  My brother commented that this is an uncommon fairy tale where a curse is broken by family love as opposed to the usual romantic love.  Sorry if that’s a spoiler! J

Another even better article from our school's social worker

Holiday Tips for Families of Children with Autism

 

The holiday period can be a stressful time for those on the autism spectrum because it is a breach in their daily routine. However, if we anticipate the holidays and what they entail before they arrive, the person with autism can be made more comfortable and at ease—ensuring joy for all throughout the holidays!

 

These tips can be easily adapted by a parent, a friend, a sibling or any family member. Try them out with your loved one on the spectrum. A few tips can really pay off big.

 

“Everyone in the car!” Starting Off on Successful Outings

· To help day trips run more smoothly, travel in two cars so that one person can return home

                with your loved one on the autism spectrum if he/she gets distressed.

· Eat before leaving home or bring food with you.

· Bring a quiet toy, like a calculator, to a restaurant, during religious services or other social

                activity.

 

“We are going to Grandma’s!” Tips for Social Gatherings

· When going to large social gatherings, arrive early to let the person on the autism spectrum get

                accustomed to the growing number of people.

· If he/she becomes distressed during a social gathering, pick a quiet place to go or take him out

                For a walk.

· When visiting someone’s home, ask to remove breakables from reach; think carefully about

                visiting those who refuse to accommodate your request.

· Bring a preferred item, favorite toys or stuffed animals to a family gathering or other   social

                event.

· Before going to a family event, look at individual pictures of family members and teach him/

                her their names.

· Before going to a social event, use “social stories” and practice simple courtesy phrases and

                responses to questions, either verbal, with pictures, or gestures. (“How are you?”

                “I am fine.” “How is school?” “Good.”)

· Let trusted others spend time with your child if they volunteer.

· Ask for help if you need it.  Families and friends are often eager to participate.

 

“Do we have to go to the mall???” Shopping Without Stress

· To help your loved one with autism get used to malls, go early before the stores open. walk

                around, get familiar with the building, buy a snack when the stores open, and leave. Extend

                the amount of time at the mall each time you go.

· When shopping, be positive and give small rewards, such as a piece of candy, for staying with

                you.

· To teach your child not to touch things when shopping, visit a clothing store or another store

                with unbreakable objects; this gives him/her an opportunity to model behavior and

                minimize risk.

· When shopping, bring a helper to have an extra set of eyes and hands until you are confident of a safe experience.

· Provide headphones or earplugs to the person with autism spectrum to moderate the noise and

                activity around them.

Going to Worship Services

· Talk with the worship leader about what he/she might expect and how the congregation might support the family.

· Arrange for a friend or neighbor to come with you to stay with siblings should the person

                with autism spectrum need to leave during the worship service.

· Bring a quiet object of concentration, such as a rubber band, pictures, books, or an object of

                visual focus, can be very helpful, particularly if it has religious significance to enhance

                the worship experience.

· Have the child or adult on the spectrum help out. Depending on their ability, they can:

                * Greet people with a smile, and hand out service bulletins.

                * Gather up the bulletins and papers left in the pews after the service, restoring order to

                                the sanctuary.

                * Assist in holiday volunteer activities of the congregation, such as the delivery of cards,

                                toys or food.

 

Above all...

Be Consistent. Remember to apply the techniques used to involve the person with autism in daily activities to these special activities.

 

Discuss your expectations. Unwelcome surprises are never fun for anyone.

 

Be prepared and stand firm. Accept well-meaning but unwanted advice with the phrase, “I’ll have to think about that,” and smile.

 

Be safe and have fun!

Enjoy the holiday season!   

 

***These tips were taken from the Autism Society of Illinois

 

 

 

Great article - most of this stuff we know, but...

Traveling with Special Needs Children

Pediatric Therapist Aviva Weiss Offers Ten Tips to Prepare for Good Times Together

The chaos of packing, airport crowds and security, lengthy car rides and yes, even overexposure to family and friends is enough to erode any holiday traveler’s festive spirit. Add traveling with children into the equation, especially when special needs are involved, and some parents might wish they could just stay home. But a few preparations, says Fun and Function LLC founder Aviva Weiss, can go a long way toward ensuring a good time for everyone.

 

Traveling disrupts routines and removes children from familiar surroundings. This can be especially stressful and difficult for children with special needs notes Weiss, a certified pediatric occupational therapist. A mother of four, including a daughter with sensory processing disorder, she says parents of special needs children can pave the way toward less stressful trips by observing these ten guidelines:

 

1. Prepare the child in advance as much as possible. Practice for the trip for a period leading up to the actual travels. Talk about the upcoming experience to help your child overcome anxiety. Act out or role play anticipated events in advance, from taking off shoes for airport security to applauding after a toast.

 

2. Redirect anxious energy into constructive activity. To take the edge off the potential anxiety of seeing many less familiar faces all at once, make the event a fun and educational by creating a special activity. Create a small photo album featuring people who will be at the event, and help your child play “Family Bingo,” checking off each person he or she greets or sees across the room. Or, create a pictogram of your itinerary or agenda and help your child follow along.

 

3. Encourage creative expression. For those able to write or draw, a pocket journal or sketchbook for illustrating what they’re experiencing can provide another useful outlet. Children who are more observers than participants may appreciate assignments such as taking pictures with a digital camera.

 

4. Don't expect perfection. Whenever you travel with children, it’s best to “expect the unexpected,” or at least leave room for something to pop up to divert you from your agenda.

 

5. Secure an extra set of hands. Try traveling with a friend, family member or caregiver to help keep things in order when you’re on the move, provide manpower for carrying belongings and an extra set of eyes, and even make bathroom breaks with multiple children an easier task.

 

6. Manage expectations for you and your hosts. A pending visit from a special needs child may produce stress for the host as well as the child and the parent. Prepare everyone by communicating your child’s needs in advance and asking for some general ground rules for inside the home, as a gesture toward making the visit as pleasant and peaceful as possible.

 

7. Bring along some “friends.” Pack a bag of objects that are fun and familiar. Sensory gadgets/fidgets, noise reduction headphones, weighted vests, or favorite belongings from home will help filter out outside stimuli and provide a comforting connection to “home.”

 

8. Minimize changes to eating habits. Try to keep your child’s diet consistent to prevent constipation, indigestion, allergic reactions or other adverse developments. Feed your child something satisfying to comfort them before a long trip, and take along favorite utensils as a connection to more familiar situations. Don't expect your child to sit for an entire meal. Rather, prepare a spot where he or she can rest, play or calm down while the meal continues.

 

9. RX for safer travels. Ready a medicine kit with prescriptions, medical information and OTC products to confront fevers, allergies, cuts and other issues that may surface when you travel out of your home.

 

10. Preserve the moment but reserve time for breaks. The ingredients of posing for pictures – people huddled close together, bright flashes, noise and the need to stay still – can lead to overstimulation. Don't oblige your child to participate in all the photos, and be sure to take breaks in between.

 

“Traveling with a special needs child – or any child, for that matter – needn’t be a stressful event,” Weiss says. “In fact, it can be a great experience, offering lessons and fond memories for all. The keys are to prepare everyone in advance, include a few fun and familiar items and activities, and above all remember that it takes time and patience to learn how to manage change.”

 

IKEA Recalls Children’s Wall-Mounted Lamps Due to Strangulation Hazard; One Child Death Reported | CPSC.gov

IKEA Recalls Children’s Wall-Mounted Lamps Due to Strangulation Hazard; One Child Death Reported | CPSC.gov