Summer Camp

That he does not have a one-to-one personal assistant is why my son was turned down for attending a summer day camp in Long Beach, California.  It is a reasonable decision on the part of the camp administration, but a real eye-opener for me.

Who can turn down a child who wishes to play with the others?  Why aren't there more options for recreational activities for Special Needs children?  The ones that do exist cost an arm and a leg, and they do not last the whole summer or even for a full day or week.  I am quite discouraged at this reality, and today I am making it my personal goal to establish and/or find a program that makes my son, and other kids like him, feel as important as other children.  Moreso than other kids, autistic kids really need to play and interact with other children their age, so why there are not more programs that encourage this, I do not know.

Our workload is heavy and the days to carry it are long, Super Parents, but let's hang in there and get some proper and equivalent services for our autistic kids.  It is the only right thing to do because, after all, they only have one life to live just like the rest of us.  They deserve to enjoy it -- especially in the summer while they are still young!

Peace, love and happiness to you all...

Strides

My son has definitely improved his behavior since implementing the lesson of the timer, and he has made some definite strides.  I am happy with the way he controls his behavior while expecting a treat in the near future.  I must truly thank my classmate and friend, Antonio, who taught me what to do.  In short, I give Junior his favorite thing (which is currently four M and M's), every time he behaves properly for a five-minute period of time.  That's it!  It is just that simple.  The continued treats encourage ongoing, long-lasting good behavior from him and he no longer has time to behave badly.  Who knew!

So without the timer, but by using my mental timer, I have implemented a successful behavior strategy that really works.  Super Parents, go out and give this technique a try!  I guarantee you will be happy with the results.  Thanks Antonio, and peace, love and happiness to you all!

The Timer

Last week my friend and classmate was very gracious and supplied me with a timer for my son, along with instructions on how to use it.  Basically, I will time the intervals of good behavior that my son displays, and when the timer goes off and he is still behaving nicely, I would then reward him with a treat.  This is a type of conditioning in order to solicit continued good behavior and deter him from throwing tantrums.

I am very grateful to my classmate for this idea.  He works with Autistic children daily, specifically in an attempt to improve their behavior.  I hope that this will be a positive solution to his tantrums, and I cannot wait to try it out.  I will keep you all updated on the results of the timer.

Thanks, friend!  And to all you Super Parents, let's get through this together!  Pease, love and happiness to you all.

Fight Mode

While researching some remedies to my son's behavior on the internet, I was reminded that my energy needs to shift into combat mode if I want to receive any district services for him.  The district, other moms of autistic children report, is notorious for not supplying the students with the proper therapy they need to thrive as young adults, such as speech therapy beyond the normal 30 minutes per week.  Without demanding these services legally, they will not be granted, especially if you live and attend school in a low-income area of the district.  These findings were reported in the LA Times also, so it is not just heresay.

So my advice to all you Super Parents for the day is this:  Put on your combat gear and get to work if your son or daughter is simply attending the district's Special Day Class and receiving only the minimal services, just to finish the school year.  This is a huge DISSERVICE to your child and he or she will not become independent if you roll over ad take what is given.  Only you know your child's needs and it is up to you, since you are the mouthpiece for your child, to demand these services by any means necessary.  Time is of the essence!

Peace, love and happiness to you all!