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Our MAPS doctor appointment is today!  Notes to follow.

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New Facebook Group: Hope for Our Children

I've started a new Facebook group for those just starting a new diet, or for those interested or just starting Biomedical Therapies with their children.

Hope for Our Children: Biomedical Options for Healing

Page description:
For families with picky eaters, GI issues, diagnosis of ASD, ADD/ADHD, SPD/SID, PDD-NOS, JD, JRA, Asthma/Allergies, Food Allergies.

This group is for anyone interested in learning more about Biomedical Treatments and therapies, including special diets, nutrition, blood tests, allergy tests, and more.

It's a closed group so you will need to be approved once you request to join. Only positive comments and questions will be allowed. Trolls will be deleted, so don't be a troll.  ; )  We welcome anyone with questions about how to start and continue with Biomedical treatments for their child.

Parenting: You're Doing It Right (Light Saber Edition)

Hayden is pretty proud of Rylie in this video. He keeps watching it over and over. He told her, "Rylie, that was a cool move that you did. You knocked out my light saber."

Therapy Toy Suggestions

Therapy Toys Suggestions

Therapy balls on Amazon

Fun and Function

More OT and sensory ideas on my Pinterest board.

Snowpocalypse 2014

I don't think we've had a regular week of school or work since before Christmas break.

Again today, we got this email:

Here's the forecast.

Front walk a few weeks ago:

Front walk today: 

 

 

At the stop light. 

They don't really plow in our neighborhood.
It makes it hard to see where you should drive.

We've made snow men, snow forts, and snow trails. We've gone sledding and had all-day PJ Days.  

But we're SO looking forward to the end of this weather and the beginning of spring!

 

Parent Liaison: Part 2

In which I explain what I do all day, and you fall asleep on your keyboard...

Cornerstone Blog Part 2

Rylie Bug

From last year. A super cute Rylie bug for Valentine's day. :)

Valentine's Friday #FUA:

Last night I was helping Hayden get in the shower while Joe mitigated a tantrum with Rylie in the other room. I walked into the bathroom with eyebrows raised, ready to hear Hayden explain as usual that he didn't like the screaming, as it echoed in from the other room.

Instead he said, "Rylie is sure upset."

"Yeah," I replied, "She is fussing a lot tonight. It's ok. She needs a time out."

Hayden said, "Or maybe if we cheer her up. We can do something like get her blankie, or I can give her a hug."

Kids with #Autism can't usually express themselves. Or show empathy. Or remain calm in chaotic situations. They don't always even like to give hugs or be touched.

But my son with Autism just did all those things, like it was no big deal. Piece of cake.

I got Hayden in the shower and went back to Rylie and Joe, who were now discussing her consequences for throwing a fit. I told Joe, "Hayden's screaming used to go on like that every night for hours. At least you missed that part."

And then I realized how far Hayden has come. One more tiny milestone, one more little pebble of Hope, piled on what used to be a screaming, non-verbal mess of #Autism. Now there's a quiet, thoughtful boy saying, "Maybe she just needs a hug."

Autism is treatable. Recovery is happening.

Have Hope on this day of Love that with a parent's Love and hard work, these kids DO get better. You can improve their quality of life.

FU Autism. I was told you were forever, but I'm replacing you with #Hope.

One hug at a time.

#FUA Archive: 1/31/14

FB Archive:  Friday #FUA,  From 1/31/14:

(And random picture of our snow fort because I don't have a picture of the day's event.)

Remember how Hayden is improving, but a main barrier was his need to have consistency?  He can't handle change, especially when it comes to his food.

Well tonight I was packing food for his weekend at his dad's, and saw that some of his favorite dairy-free cheese (I know, it's gross) was in the fridge with a single helping left. Normally, I'd put it on a plate, and use a knife to cut it into little squares.

Tonight I was feeling hurried, so I took the cheese square out of the package and handed it to him.

Me: Here, I'm going to give you this cheese but I'm not going to cut it, ok? You just have to take little bites.

I look over and Hayden already has half the cheese in his mouth.

Me: Or big bites. You know, whatever.

Hayden has by now finished the cheese. 

H: Why didn't you cut the cheese I just ate?

Me: Because it's easier. Doesn't it taste the same? 

H: Yep. 

Well whatdoyouknow. 

FUA. We eat our cheese how we want around here, and you aren't the boss of us anymore.

Happy Valentine's Day

I have a keeper. 

Current Supplement Sheet

Based on the most recent Autism appointment and test results (notes are here on this post).   

Notes from the appointment: 

This supplement program is based on my kids' needs and test results. Make sure to find a DAN or MAPS doctor in your area to help you create a program for your children. : )