Fun Fine Motor Toys - Bed Bugs Game

Fine motor skills are so important.  We need to develop fine motor skills so we can hold a pencil correctly, use a spoon or fork, get dressed - you name it.  To develop fine motor skills you have to exercise the small muscles in the fingers, hands and wrists.  For the child with poor fine motor skills this often isn't very fun and can be very frustrating for them and for you.

As usual, if you can turn therapy into play often its more successful.  One way to develop fine motor skills is to play with fine motor toys or something like play-doh or Theraputty. But what about the child who is tactile defensive?  Play-doh and theraputty isn't fun at all!  So finding toys that exercise those fine motor muscles can be really helpful.

My Favorite Fine Motor Toy: The Bed Bugs Game
One game that has been working well for this is the Bed Bugs Game.  Here are the reasons why it works so well as a fine motor toy:

1. You have to grab the bugs with tweezers.  Tweezers are great because they help develop the muscles necessary for holding a pencil correctly.
2. You can adapt the game by taking turns.  Remember we are talking about working out muscles.  Even though fine motor muscles are small remember they get tired.  By taking turns with an activity you give muscles a chance for rest.
3. It's cute and fun.  I like that the bedbugs are bright primary colors and don't look ugly.  Its also funny to watch them hop on the bed.  
4. You can easily vary the time of the game by the amount of bed bugs you place on the bed.  This is helpful in classroom or therapy sessions.
5. It's a fun game designed for all kids that is not language intensive.  This makes it great for inclusive situations.

I'm always on the look out for a new, fun fine motor toy or game.  Do you have a good one to recommend?  If so please share it!

How to use Picture Communication Cards for Autism

Picture communication cards can help people who can’t communicate with speech. This low tech form of augmentative communication is fairly inexpensive and it’s easy to tailor cards to meet the specific needs of a person.

If you are beginning to use pictures for augmentative communication, it’s best to start with expressive communication. Begin by identifying common requests the communicator will want or need to use. Next, create a simple picture card to symbolize the request. You can purchase picture cards sets that are already laminated or picture software Boardmaker is the most expensive but cheaper software priced well under $100 with thousands of photos is now available too. You can also take photographs of objects yourself or download free pictures off the internet.

Some common expressive symbols include:

• Say hello or good-bye
• Make a request for an object such as a toy, food, or an activity
• Start, continue or stop an activity
• Ask for help
• Express feelings such as happy, sad, sick or tired.
• Indicate a preference or choice

Picture communication is easiest to teach if you start with simple requests like yes, no, and I want. The goal is for the communicator to make a simple request by pointing at the communication card. When starting the program make sure the picture cards are easily accessible, immediately acknowledge the request and positively reinforce the new behavior. Also remember to keep in mind the hand preference of the communicator when you offer the picture cards.

When teaching someone to use picture cards remember:

• Start slow.
• Use simple picture cards that depict high use words like drink, food, help or toilet.
• Be consistent.
• Be patient!

As a communicator progresses using simple communication cards you should see frustration go down, and independence increase. After learning to make simple requests, greetings, and answering simple questions, its time to move on to sentences. To teach sentences again it’s best to start with simple requests. You can create a word card that says 'I want’ or ‘I need’ and then use it with a picture card of a specific high use item the communicator is requesting.

Once you have a set of picture communication cards that it looks like the communicator will use often you may want to laminate them. Often people will laminate their cards and then use velcro coins to attach cards to fabric communication books, choice boards or schedules. For in-depth information on using picture communication a very helpful and easy to follow book is A Pictures Worth.

When God Interrupts Your Schedule

Recently I was in New York City, trolling a huge toy fair trying to find suitable toys for kids on the spectrum. This is my favorite part of working at National Autism Resources. I love to find new things, fun things, helpful things, things I wish I would've had. The good news is I found about five new things, which is a lot for me!

On the last day of the show I realized I hadn't seen a large part of the show. I woke up early, downed some coffee and headed to the show. I moved quickly from booth to booth and as I made progress I decided to to skip lunch and see if I could finish seeing everything. By two o'clock I was done, I grabbed my coat, and started for the taxi.

I decided to go to the airport early and eat at one of the restaurants there. Before I got to the taxi stand I noticed a line for the shuttle, it was due to leave for the airport. So I bought a ticket and waited for the shuttle. The shuttle was fifteen minutes late, then thirty, then forty and soon it was over an hour late. People started getting angry.

Over an hour later, we find out the shuttle has broken down and another one is on the way. Now I've gone from getting to the airport early, to arriving on time. I took a deep breath and felt peaceful. After all, what's the worse that could happen? I miss my flight, and have to reschedule another one. When the shuttle shows up its ninety minutes late and many in our group are loud and angry. A man standing next to me turned and said, "you don't seem to be too upset."

I replied, "I'm not. Getting upset won't get me to the airport earlier, so I'm not worried."

He introduced himself and asked for my card. When he saw what I did he became very excited and asked if he could show me his online platform, that he thought autistic kids would love. I said sure and at 4:00pm our shuttle showed up and we moved into NYC rush hour traffic.

The man introduced himself as Gaston and proceeded to tell me all about his online platform, how it started, why it started and what made it special. At one point he lamented that he couldn't show me any video, so I took out my I phone and he showed me every video he had. After awhile it became apparent that Gaston had run out of things to say.

At 4:30 we started to talk about personal things. I shared with him about my life, my children and the peace I have that comes from God. He shared how he constantly felt angry/guilty/angry with God. How he was going to have a child and decided that she would grow up without knowing God. So for the next half hour I talked to him about God's goodness, kindness, patience and love. By the time we got to the airport, my plane was do to leave in 45 minutes. I quickly grabbed my suitcase, Gaston wished me well as I ran into the terminal.

I didn't have my ticket printed and there was a huge line. Fortunately, I pulled up my receipt on my phone and showed it to a JetBlue attendant. He walked over and printed my ticket and walked me over to security. (It pays to travel like crazy!) I thought, my goodness I may make my flight, and then we turned the corner and saw the security line, the attendant said, "I'm sorry but I can't help you with this!"

I stood in line and silently thanked God for getting me this far and for the chance to talk to Gaston even if I miss my flight. As soon as I finished the prayer a new section of security opened and my line broke in half! Wow, I thought, "I just might make it" and then the line broke again. I walked straight and turned to a line with only three people in it! I prayed, "thank you Lord, I think I will make it." When it was my turn I was really happy, and then I heard the a man say, "you've been randomly selected for a security check."

Oh no, really, I'm this close.. I was bummed as I stepped out of line. An officer walked me to a side machine, wiped my hands with a piece of paper, tested it under a laser and pronounced "You're fine to go."

I grabbed my stuff and started running to my terminal. I heard them starting to board my flight. By this time I was so hungry I quickly prayed, "please help me Lord" and ran through an airport shop grabbed a salad, payed cash and kept running. By the time I got to my terminal I was the last in line to board my section of the flight.

I sat down winded, but so thankful. My plan was to leave early and have a nice dinner at the airport, but God wanted me to talk to Gaston. Had the shuttle not been late we never would have met. Had the shuttle not been stuck in rush hour traffic we never would have had the time to talk about spiritual things. God let me spend absolutely as much time as possible talking to Gaston about His goodness.

I wish I could say I'm always patient, always peaceful, but my friends that's not the case. Even as I sit here I wonder how many times I've lost out on being used by God because I was unwilling to let my plans be interrupted.

Proverbs 16:9 says: In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Creating a Calm Space for the Child with Autism

Children with autism often find it difficult to cope with common sensory experiences. Their sensory threshold can be lower than the general population and daily experiences can be very tiring for them. When overwhelmed an autistic child may try to counteract over stimulation with self stimulation like rocking, hand flapping or stereotypical behaviors.

When an autistic child is overwhelmed its best to give them lots of space and quiet. They may need quiet time several times in one day. This can be a challenge in a small house, or a classroom. To make a calming area you can use:

• A corner, blocked off with curtains or furniture
• A large cardboard box, like one for large appliances.
• A portable play tent.
• A table covered with a large sheet or blanket.

Place some comfortable, calming items in your quiet area. Some ideas can include soft blankets, pillows, vibrating items, soothing visual items such as liquid timers, sand panels, or rhythmic moving motion lamps.

Limit visual stimulation such as bright lights or posters. If possible try to make your calming area darker and quieter than the rest of the room.

Allow the child with autism to go into the calming area whenever they are finding it difficult to cope. You could also allow them to do some activities in his quiet space like reading, writing or working in a workbook. Make sure other children do not disturb the child when he or she is there.

Keep in mind that this support may be harder to provide as the child grows older. As the child grows try to replace this space with more socially acceptable accommodations such as a chair in the corner of the room, rocking chair, weighted vest or small, calming vibrating item or visual timer.

Fun Christmas Stocking Ideas

Here are my top five Christmas stocking gifts for this year - woo!

Hairy Tangle
You've heard me rave about the Tangle Relax, we'll this tangle has small hairs that are soft and fantastic to play with. It's been a hit at our house with my teens and all of the kids in the neighborhood thus far. Thank God I get them wholesale or I'd be going broke by this point. So bottom line any kid, unless they are tactile defensive will love this in their stocking and they are only about $6,

Skittles Light Up Rainbow Wand
Candy is a must in our stockings, please people don't judge me, it's just the way it is. Since Skittles are G's favorite candy this was a must have for us. The wand lights up when you press a button and it can be refilled so I'll probably refill it from time to time when I need to help G stay motivated to do something. I try to limit candy in our stockings so this should satisfy with only a little candy because of the wow factor.

Mini Spectra Globe
Spinning flashing lights connected to a breakaway necklace - awesome. You can read my feelings about spinning toys and autism here. Hey if you have to travel or have visitors around it's an instant distraction or calmer and is an inexpensive stocking gift.

Moody Face
He's, cute, he's squeezable, he has Koosh type hair and he's cheap. I don't know how long he'll last (I think if they pull too hard his hair will come off) but he's going in the stocking.

Beaded Spaghetti Ball
This thing is awesome think of thin spaghetti noodles that don't break wiggling around in your hands, now add some texture and you've got an idea of what the Beaded Spaghetti Ball feels like. Super squishy, super stretchy and it's super fun.

These are my top five stocking gifts for this year. What about you? Do you have a good Christmas stocking idea? If so please share it there's still time to keep filling our stockings!!

Gift Ideas for Autistic Teenagers

I guess because G is 16 lots of people ask me for gift ideas for autistic teenagers. I do have experience buying gifts for him, but "If you've met one person with autism – you've met one person with autism" Stephen Shore. All teenagers are different and everyone has their unique special interests. So with that disclaimer I'll give you my gift ideas for autistic teenagers.

Special Interests
If the autistic teen you are going to buy a present for has a special interest start there. My son loves aviation and Star Wars, every year we buy him a gift related to these two areas. I always buy a Star Wars calendar and I usually buy it in October because I have my choice then. I've also learned that waiting until the last minute can get me in trouble. So if your autistic teen has a favorite subject be on the look out now for a gift in that area.

Calming Items
Life can be stressful for any teen. There are lots of transitions, complex social interactions and confusing situations teens on the autism spectrum face daily. A wonderful gift for an autistic teen is something that's calming.

• Vibration toys, pillows or tubes are all very calming. This year I plan to give my son a Vibramat. We can put his bean bag on top of the vibrating mat for a vibrating chair or under his mattress to make it vibrate.
• Weighted items - weighted vests, lap pads or blankets are more expensive, but can be very soothing. It's always great when a grandparent or family member will give this kind of gift.

Visual Items
Many autistic teenagers are highly visual. Visually interesting items make great gifts. One of my son's favorite items is an Ooze tube. Some more highly visual items that make great gifts include liquid timers, sand panels, disco balls, light up or spinning items.

These are just a few gift suggestions. Do you have a good gift idea for an autistic teen? If so please share it, I'm in the same boat as everyone else and I always appreciate good ideas!

Update National Autism Resources has put together a gift page for autistic teens.

When Rumors Become Truths

The Internet is amazing to me because the amount of information we can get is incredibly vast. We can read the news, watch video interviews by experts, search professional databases all from the comfort of our home. There is lots, and lots, and lots of information out there. But is it true?

I have watched assumptions and rumors become truths. One glaring assumption that has become a "truth" - families of a child with autism are much more likely to divorce. I've heard this "truth" touted on TV shows, quoted in newspapers, blogs, you name it. However, the truth is - this is NOT true! As a matter of fact, parents of kids with autism are NOT more likely to divorce. You can read the research here.

But rumors are nothing new. I was reading today about Mary Magdalene, the former prostitute, or so I thought. After all there are Magdalene houses all over the world that minister to women of the night. Well in my study I was surprised to learn no where in the Bible is she referred to as a prostitute. It turns out that rumors have turned into truths for this woman. You can read all about her in Matthew 27:56; Matthew 27:61; Matthew 28:1; Mark 15:40; Mark 15:47; Mark 16:1-19; Luke 8:2; Luke 24:10; John 19:25; John 20:1-18. If you take the time to read it you'll find no reference to prostitution.

So once again I'm reminded there is nothing new "under the sun" and just because the majority of people believe something is true, does not mean it is.

This reminds me of a therapy, the gluten- and casein-free diet. Some claim it "cures" autism and others claim it's all just "wishful thinking" on the part of the parents. At this point the research says we need more research. Nothing is definitive, the GFCF diet may significantly help a subset of the autistic population. It didn't help my son, but I've heard many first hand reports from very logical parents that it did work for their children. At this point I'm going to assume these parents aren't morons.

I think part of the reason we don't hear "the GFCF diet might work" in the media is because it's not exciting. It's not like saying she's a prostitute, or here's the cure, or those parents are just delusional.

Everyone is clamoring to be heard on the Internet, so where does that leave us, the common person. It leaves us with the responsibility of digging a little deeper. Thankfully, with the Internet you can e-mail a newspaper, professional expert or blogger and ask where they found their information. Can you send me the links? By the way, for the most part I've included my references, but if you want more information on anything I've referred to feel free to ask me.