Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Catherine Frazee has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for her advancement of the rights of persons with disabilities, and as an advocate for social justice.

Here is a excerpt from the article, from our friends at LiveWorkPlay:
"Her advocacy is not limited to any particular disability label or condition, and through her involvement with CACL she is a revered figure among those who are working towards full citizenship for people with intellectual disabilities.
I am not courageous. I have many fears, but disability is not – will never be – one of them. I am not inspirational. I revel in all of the excesses of a charmed life – privileged in work, in love, in pride, in care, in comfort. ~ Catherine Frazee"
Please click on the link and read the full article. Catherine Frazee is so deserving of this recognition. Please read more about her. 



Sunday, December 28, 2014

Meet Jessie, who is an almost 25 year old dancer! She is also part of VATTA The Voices at the Table Advocacy Committee (VATTA) is composed of a group of adults with Down syndrome who believe that through their diversity and advocacy efforts, equitable opportunities will be available for all Canadians. This exciting project has created a valuable Canadian resource that brings a unique personal perspective to guide the work of the Canadian Down Syndrome Society.

Here's a piece from Jessie's contribution to the blog:
The first and most important step is to find out what your passion is. Your passion does not have to be in the arts, it can be anything! My advice to all of you is if you have a passion and you want to pursue that passion, go for it. Find other people who share your passion; believe in yourself and share your talents and passions, and together you can all create wonderful opportunities to change the world. Making your passion into a job can take a very long time. But don’t give up! It will work if you find the right people, the ones who share your passion.

read the full article at:

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Description of what happens when a meltdown occurs. Managing stress and self regulation is key. I have included a link to a facebook page: ThAutcast: Aspergers and Autism community, if you would like to follow their posts. 


A meltdown happens when an autistic person is overwhelmed and cannot get the overwhelming things to stop.
It is not a sign of personal weakness or bad character. Lots of times autistic people have meltdowns because we are working hard at things that are very important but very difficult and uncomfortable.
When a meltdown begins, the trick is to disengage. Get yourself alone. Get yourself calmed down. Get yourself safe.
If you are working with an autistic person, you want to try to learn to disengage before the meltdown begins. Once it does, you will not be able to finish the lesson or the bath, anyway. Your goal will need to be to get the autistic person to regulate himself or herself.
If you are an autistic person working on frustrating things, you also want to learn to disengage before the meltdown begins. We can learn to pay attention to signals our bodies give us when we are losing control. We can learn the things that calm us. We can work on finding ways to tell other people that we need them to back off that they can hear and not be hurt by.
An autistic person who is in meltdown is not usually able to listen to reason. Any correction, no matter how gentle, is likely to be perceived as an attack.
Meltdowns are physically and emotionally exhausting, sometimes for days afterward.
The only way to keep them from happening is carefully manage stress.

COMING UP! FREE WEBINAR  there will be a free webinar on "Inclusion: How to Create a Positive Classroom Experience" on Wed. Jan 7 @ 8 pm EST. Join this interactive webinar to learn how to successfully include students of all abilities

to register for this webinar use this link:

Monday, December 22, 2014



Many Blessings from our Family to Yours this Holiday season. May the Magic and Wonder of the Season fill your Heart & Home. 



You may have seen this video before, but as it's that time of year, thought I would share it again. Claire Koch signs for her parents who are in the audience and are Deaf. 

Very entertaining video of a KODA (kid of deaf adults) enthusiastically singing holiday songs using sign language and animated facial expressions. Watch this and it would be the best 3:40 minutes you've spent in your day.



Rachel Lamping, a college senior in the Fall of 2013, created this great video about her experiences living with a condition called Asperger's Syndrome. Be sure to take the time to watch. 


Wednesday, December 17, 2014


Christmas baking~ Gluten free cookies & other goodies!

Many families are on a gluten free menu, thought I would share a link to some great looking desserts...well..because they look delicious and I love cookies. Happy baking!





"Finding your voice"
Great article about taking opportunity to build awareness and understanding. Often, we as families, are immersed in the day to day needs of our loved one. We have planned ahead, set up supports, made lists, cleared paths. By sharing our stories, we can, hopefully, begin to create a more inclusive, understanding community and support circle for our loved one.



Friday, December 12, 2014

This site was suggested, and it's wonderful!! It's from a Mom who is also an OT. She has some great information on the site and suggestions for gifts for different ages, as well as sensory seekers, and fine motor/ pre-pencil skills. Be sure to take some time to have a look, not only at her gift guide suggestions, but at the super OT suggestions on the site. 








Asperger's syndrome explained for children:
 PBS show, Arthur,  made a huge stride with this episode by introducing Carl, a character who is misunderstood by his classmates. In the following clip, George, a recurring character, has questions about his friend and comes to the understanding that his friend has Asperger's Syndrome.

A big virtual “high-five” to the writers of this beloved children’s program!



Wednesday, December 10, 2014



Awesome link that has free printable token systems and social stories around many of the holiday traditions that can cause disruption in our kids schedules, and routines. Worth taking a look at. 






http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_christmas.html
This time of the year, many families happily anticipate the coming holiday season. For families with children with exception needs,  the upcoming days may be filled with new and unexpected situations and challenges, especially when schedules are disrupted and routines broken. Here's a few hints that I think are really great. It's a longer blog, but worth reading. Happy Holidays to you and Yours! 

1. Preparation is crucial for all families. It is important to first determine how much preparation may be needed. For example, if your child has a tendency to become anxious when anticipating an event, you may want to adjust the number of days in advance you prepare him or her. Preparation can occur in various ways by using a calendar and marking the dates of various events, or by creating a social story that highlights what will happen at a given event or time.
2. Decorations around the house may be disruptive. It may be helpful to visit pictures from previous holidays that show decorations in the house. It may also be helpful to take them shopping with you for holiday decorations so that they are engaged in the process, or involve them in the process of decorating the house. Once holiday decorations have been put up, you may need to create rules about what can and cannot be touched.
3. If a family member has difficulty with change gradually decorate the house. For example, on the first day, put up the Christmas tree, then on the next day, decorate the tree, and so on. Again, engage your family as much as possible. It may be also helpful to develop a visual schedule or calendar that shows what will be done on each day.
4. Making Santa safe and fun for familiesIf you plan to visit Santa, if possible talk to him ahead of time to see if he can be extra understanding and gentle with your child. Explain that your child may not feel comfortable sitting on Santa’s lap or maybe your child can hold your hand or a favorite toy when they talk to Santa.
Not visit Santa? An alternative may be a letter written to Santa. You can make a specially decorated mail box that delivers letters straight to the North Pole, or you can arrange a special call from Santa. Your child may enjoy telling Santa what they want for Christmas over the phone rather than in person or remember Santa does have email! Check out your local Malls as well, they may have a 'sensitive santa" option.
5. Teach your child how to leave a situation or get support when an event becomes overwhelming. If you are having visitors, have a space set aside for the child as a calm space and teach them to find that space in times of uneasiness.
6. Traveling for the holidays? Make sure to bring your child’s favorite foods, books or toys. Having familiar items available can help to calm stressful situations. Also, prepare your child via social stories or other communications for any unexpected occurrences while traveling. Use social stories and pictures to rehearse what will happen when traveling.
7. Holiday Parties: making your child feel comfortable and safe. When you are invited to a holiday party make plans in advance to keep your child safe and happy. Find ways to make your child feel secure in this strange situation bring their favorite teddy bear or toy for them to hold and play with. Try to find a room with less lights and music that presents a more soothing atmosphere. Other ways to entertain your child include, bringing a special Holiday video they can watch along with the other children, or perhaps a new book will keep them content. And finally, know you have the option of having a babysitter stay at home with your child.
8. Prepare a photo album in advance of the relatives and other guests who will be visiting during the holidays.Allow your child access to these photos and also go through the photo album with them while you talk about each family member.
9. Practice opening and giving gifts, taking turns, and responding appropriately. Role play with your child to prepare them for getting a gift they may not want. Talk them through this process to avoid embarrassing moments with family members.
10. Prepare family members for how to help minimize anxiety or behavioral incidents. Help them to understand if your child prefers to be hugged or not, needs calm discussions, or provide other suggestions that will help create a smooth holiday season. If your child becomes upset, it might also be helpful to coach others to remain calm and neutral in an effort to minimize behavioral outbursts.
11. If your child is on special diet, make sure there is food available that he/she can eat. Even if they are not on a special diet, be cautious of the amount of sugar consumed and try to maintain a sleep and meal routine.
12. Above all, know your loved child. Know how much noise and other sensory input they can take. Know their level of anxiety and the amount of preparation it may take. Know their fears and those things that will make the season more enjoyable for everyone.

Monday, December 8, 2014

This should bring a smile to your face this morning. Every girl should  have such a Dad, to dance with, with such love in his eyes. Beautiful. Thanks to all the Dad's out there who love- just like this. 




Found some neat ideas for holiday crafts- the salt dough ornaments, ice cream cone Christmas tree and the marshmellow garland, really caught my eye. Neat stuff, check it out!



Traditional holiday crafts can be tough for kids who have issues with fine motor skills. If your child has trouble drawing, cutting or gluing, consider these fun alternatives. Some even can help build motor skills!


Read more: http://www.understood.org/en/family/events-outings/holidays-celebrations/holiday-crafts-for-kids-with-motor-skills-issues#ixzz3LJFnRJG4 
Follow us: @UnderstoodOrg on Twitter | Understood on Facebook

Monday, December 1, 2014


Another great post about Calm down jars, with one of my personal favorites, GLITTER and Lego..how can you pass that up? :) Besides, breaking out the glitter glue and sparkles will help you get a head start on decorating for the holidays...it's a win-win...

Do you have a child who can get quite upset, needs quiet time, or enjoys being alone?  Due to some kids struggles with sensory processing disorder and anxiety, getting really worked up and overstimulated can happen easily. This Lego Calm Down Jar can been a lifesaver many times over the upcoming holidays, or just when a little down time and quiet is needed. 




As I seem to be in 'sensory' mode these days, thought I would continue with some helpful hints for sensory tools and toys, that may help your loved one. As it can be overwhelming trying to decide what may be not only fun, but appropriately address sensory issues, this site breaks it down into categories- I added the links for each one for you, to make it easier. Happy browsing!


http://www.thesensoryspectrum.com/sensory-christmas-gifts-guide-kids/

Sensory Tools & Toys for Home: Gross Motor Toys & ToolsFine Motor Toys & ToolsProprioception Toys & ToolsVestibular Toys & ToolsTactile Toys & ToolsVisual Tools & ToysFeeding / Oral Sensory Tools & ToysAuditory Tools & Toys