Living in the Wonderful World of Autism - Part 2

Following is a Guest Blog by Shelly Lewis, President of Jackson Autism Support Network.

 This is the second in a series of blogs by Shelly, detailing both her personal experiences dealing with autism and as President of Jackson Autism Support Network

Living in the Wonderful World of Autism Part 2

As I think back over the years of Living in the Autism World, I think of all the challenges and things that a parent goes through to help their child.  The perfect program at school (which I am here to say most likely does not exist). The insurance fight when nothing is covered, or you just haven’t found the key to the back door. The challenges at home dealing with behaviors that most likely just come out of the blue, or the repetitive behavior that is embedded in your brain for the rest of your life (like Elmo’s voice). Or maybe you have to work and now you have to find the right person to care for your child who has all these challenges.

Yes, we parents deal with a lot in one day, and that island you may feel like you are on, where no one gets your life, sometimes is enough to make you feel like you are hanging on by a thread.  Yes, we all are feeling a little stressed (ok a lot) and we have the anxiety.  One thing that has been helpful over the years to keep my mind in a better place is networking with other parents.  Wouldn’t it be great if you were handed a great tip that helped you with the behavior that your child had that you just could not get under control?  Networking with others is not only fun but it also may save you lots of time and frustration.

When Brad was diagnosed, I was very thankful that I met several other parents that I could brain storm with.  We all learned a lot together.  Today, going through the second round with Garrett, I have been meeting with some wonderful parents and we have become good friends.  As our network of parents grows, we become a stronger force for our children.  We all have great ideas and skills to bring to the group.

If you have related to any of this, come check out our network (Jackson Autism Support Network.) It feels good to be in a safe place, with others that get your life.

                                                                                 

lewisautismstory@gmail.com

www.lewisautismstory.com

www.jasn-mi.org/

Copyright 2012 Shelly Lewis

leif.borreson@gmail.com
http://www.therapyjackson.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Comprehensive-Speech-and-Therapy-Center/269988219679426

https://twitter.com/#!/CSTCJacksonMI

"Living in the Wonderful World of Autism"

Following is a Guest Blog by Shelly Lewis, President of  Jackson Autism Support Network.

 This is the first in a series of blogs by Shelly, detailing both her personal experiences dealing with autism and as President of Jackson Autism Support Network

Living in the Wonderful World of Autism

WOW 17 years!  That seems like a long time.  The thing is, that is the only world I know.  My name is Shelly Lewis and I have 2 boys that are living with autism, Brad, who is 21 and Garrett, who is 10.  My boys are on the opposite ends of the spectrum.  Brad is very high functioning and Garrett has many challenges and is non-verbal. 

Both boys were officially diagnosed at 4 ½. Brad was diagnosed in California, where we were living at the time and Garrett was diagnosed at the University of Michigan.  It is mind blowing that the rate of autism has increased so dramatically over the years.  When Brad was diagnosed, it was 1 in every 2000 and now it is 1 in every 100.  When Brad was diagnosed, we were not only given a diagnoses for our son that I had never heard of, but they also said that he would never be able to do what his peers were doing.  He would never go to college, he would never live on his own, he would never get married or have kids and that we should set up a trust fund for him.  He would need 24 hour care the rest of his life.  I often would say that the aliens come down and took my little boy. 

The doctors painted a very bleak future for my son.  However if there is one thing I have learned living in this world of autism, is that never under estimate the human body and mind.  If our bodies are given the right stuff, they can do some really great things.  Brad reminds me of that every day.  He is going to college - studying theater, he has a learner’s permit and will soon take his road test, he works part time at the accounting office with me, volunteers at the Michigan Theater and does a lot around the house to help me out – dishes, cleans bathrooms, garbage, vacuuming, mows the lawn, and shovels snow. 

Living with autism is very challenging for both the person and the family; however NEVER give up on searching for help for your child.  It is definitely a puzzle and we have to search for all the pieces, but along the way enjoy the positive things that they do.  It is so heartwarming.

lewisautismstory@gmail.com www.lewisautismstory.com http://www.jasn-mi.org/ Copyright 2011 Shelly Lewis

 

leif.borreson@gmail.com
http://www.therapyjackson.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Comprehensive-Speech-and-Therapy-Center/269988219679426 https://twitter.com/#!/CSTCJacksonMI

Singing Therapy Helps Stroke Patients Speak Again

Here is a great article we wanted to share...

Singing Therapy Helps Stroke Patients Speak Again

Happy Holidays From CSTC

 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to our friends and family! 2011 has been a year of growth and change at Comprehensive Speech and Therapy Center. We have welcomed new staff and many new clients. We have also bid goodbye to many clients who have “graduated” from our therapy/programs.
 We have doubled our staff over the last year, adding more Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists and Administration Staff in an effort to be the Very Best multi-disciplinary therapy clinic in our area.
 Thank you so much for your support and friendship throughout this past year. Please join us as we enter into another exciting year ahead, full of growth and improvement.

Copyright 2011 Comprehensive Speech and Therapy Center

leif.borreson@gmail.com
http://www.therapyjackson.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Comprehensive-Speech-and-Therapy-Center/269988219679426 https://twitter.com/#!/CSTCJacksonMI

Understanding Sensory Integration

Understanding Sensory Integration

What is a “SENSORY” issue?

Children with difficulties in the areas of sensory processing and modulation exhibit certain behavioral symptoms that are often reported as challenging, stressful, and problematic. Difficulties in the areas of sensory processing may affect a child’s ability to participate in play activities, academics, self care, and social interactions.

What is sensory processing? Sensory processing is the way our brain perceives sensory input. Sensory input includes:

·         What we see (vision)                         

·         What we taste (oral)

·         Balance and movement (vestibular)

·         What we hear (auditory)

·         What we smell (olfactory)

·         Touch, movement, and body position (proprioceptive)

When a child’s sensory processing is intact, he is able to take in sensory information, correctly interpret it in his brain, and make an appropriate response. However, when sensory processing is compromised, the child’s ability to correctly interpret a response is affected. In turn, he may exhibit a response to sensory input that seems either undersensitive or overly sensitive. It is important to note that a child may be undersensitive to one kind of input and overly sensitive to another. A child who is undersensitive may seek out more sensory experiences. He may be described as constantly touching everything, can’t sit still, pushes and bumps into everyone and everything, and runs all over constantly. An overly sensitive child may withdraw, or actively avoid, certain experiences. This child may dislike hugging, seem scared to step down the stairs or curbs, become very overwhelmed in busy or noisy places, and hates having her hair washed.

Behavioral symptoms need to be exhibited with frequency, intensity, and duration for it to be considered sensory integrative dysfunction. Frequency means these behaviors happen several times in a day. Intensity implies that the child either actively avoids sensory stimulation or that he throws his whole body into getting the stimulation he needs. Duration means that the behaviors persist for several minutes or longer.

What kinds of behaviors may be a sign that a child has “sensory issues” or sensory processing dysfunction?

·         Avoids touching or being touched                         

·         Uncoordinated or clumsy

·         Constantly moving and fidgeting

·         Shows a decreased safety awareness; is a “daredevil”

·         Seems to ignore voices or has difficulty following directions

·         Is particular about what she touches or wears

·         Seems stiff and rigid in movements

·         Impulsive and distractible

·         Unusually high or low activity level

·         Trouble using markers, crayons, doing puzzles, building with blocks, manipulating toys

·         Insecure with movement or anxious when feet leave the ground

·         Unaware of pain or temperature

·         Chews or licks non-food objects, such as shirt sleeves or playdough

·         Overly sensitive to bright lights and noises, covers his eyes and/or ears

·         Complains of odors or sounds that most others don’t seem to notice

·         Avoids playground equipment and other activities that most kids seem to like

·         Gags when eating certain foods

·         Difficulty learning new motor skills, such as clapping rhythms, using utensils, and climbing stairs

·         Resistance to novel situations, frequent “meltdowns” or temper tantrums

·         Easily frustrated

Resources:

These books are parent friendly and offer good explanations and suggestions.

1.       The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Integrative Dysfunction by Carol Stock Kranowitz

2.       Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child With Sensory Integrative Issues by Lindsey Biel

3.       Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder by Lucy Jane Miller

Copyright 2011 Comprehensive Speech and Therapy. No reproduction without permission

leif.borreson@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Comprehensive-Speech-and-Therapy-Center/269988219679426 https://twitter.com/#!/CSTCJacksonMI

Positions open for P.T./P.T.A.

 Comprehensive Speech and Therapy center in Jackson, MI is seeking a Part-Time, leading to


 Full Time Physical Therapist to join our team. A position for our adult and pediatric


 outpatient program is available. Fax resume to 517-782-4717 or email to


 Julie@therapyjackson.com.




  Comprehensive Speech and Therapy Center in Jackson, Michigan is seeking a Part-Time or


 PRN Physical Therapist Assistant to join our team. A position for our adult and pediatric


 outpatient program is available. Fax resume to 517-782-


4717 or email to Julie@therapyjackson.com.








leif.borreson@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Comprehensive-Speech-and-Therapy-Center/269988219679426 https://twitter.com/#!/CSTCJacksonMI

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