Autism and Smart Phones

One of Autism's hallmarks is language disorder. This means the child's language development occurs not in a normal sequence, but in an out-of-order sequence. My son's language is definitely out of order and that makes for some hilarious phrases, observations and sentences. The other night he declared, "Mom, I need a phone that has an apple and is really smart." :o) He sees our family and friends call and text so now he wants to act like a grown-up. Curious thing is that the Autism spectrum is characterized by impaired ability to read and respond to social cues. With so many of us who are not on the spectrum and yet using texting and emailing, it seems like we also take in less on social cues, ie. facial expressions and voice tone. Maybe there is common ground for those who are on the spectrum and those who are not? Do you think people not on the spectrum enjoy today's technology because social cues are less visible??   

Favor your Feet

Feet take a beating all year long. Whether we are working on our feet at home or at the job site, feet can become stiff and painful. To help ease the pain, check out Better Braces for products to wear during the day and even at night. My UPS delivery man is on his feet most of each day. Between jumping in and out of the truck and carrying packages to doorsteps, his feet really do take a beating. He described to me that when he wears his night feet support and then stretches his feet first thing in the morning, his pain is much lower. Spare yourself one more pain source and take care of your feet. How do you handle foot pain?

Summer Sandals for Efficiency and Health

Last week we had a taste of summer weather. The Texas heat and humidity makes it necessary to take breaks from outside play/work...which means the boys and I run in and out of the house. Texas summer also means it's necessary to wear shoes/sandals outside to prevent getting bit by snakes, fire ants, etc. We take off our shoes when we enter the house to keep dirt/allergens off the carpet (where the boys love to wrestle). But who wants to mess with shoes laces all summer long? Check out http:www.FootSmart.com for sandals from Crocs, Lifestride, Easy Spirit, Anne Klein, SoftWalk, Merrell, and Gardena (to name a few). This catalog also offers supportive stockings, which I wear when I stand for several hours in front of the pad printer (to create QCharm sets: http:www.qcharm.com). And if you have a bad back like I do, FootSmart also offers LumbarWear back supports, which look like undergarments. How do you and your loved ones spend time together over the summer? What tips and insights do you have to make summer vacation fun and efficient?

Patience has its rewards

www.thecountryhouse.com

In my previous post, I mentioned that my son has a difficult time waiting patiently. So I had to laugh when I spotted this plaque in a newly received catalog (The Country House): "Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your kids." As I get ready for the boys to be home this summer, I am cleaning/staging the back porch and yard areas so the boys can entertain themselves while they wait for me to answer email and process QCharm orders. Otherwise, I fear that I will have to do most of my computer/QCharm work at night...yikes! I don't know if my boys will have children...especially my son with Autism...but at least I can dream.

Firefox Browser | Tips & tricks to help you get the most out of the Web

Firefox Browser | Tips & tricks to help you get the most out of the Web

Having taken some time away from my computer and my blog, I am noticing that changes have been happening. Looks like Firefox has several upgrades, which can be downloaded for free. So when I have to hurry-up and get computer work done (before my son looses patience with me), I can quickly access what I need. If you like to be efficient (and if your children have a hard time waiting for use of the computer), you may want to look into Firefox. I would love to hear stories of how you handle your loved ones' impatience:).

Play Now! | HerInteractive

Play Now! | HerInteractive

For all of you storm chasers:-) My son is obsessed with tornado and storm activity so this game is perfect for him. 'Tis the tornado season...Yikes!

Youtube videos of our life with Autism

While searching for Adam's newest game request (Lego Pirates of the Caribbean for PS3), I took some time to create a YouTube account. Now I will be able to show you videos on this blog and via YouTube...with the intention of bringing a smile to your face, an idea to your head or an inspiration to your heart. My hope is that you will feel compelled to join us on our journey and to share your journeys with us. Videos coming soon:-)

My SOAR Ministry Program Approved!

I am so excited to announce that S.O.A.R. has been approved by the church I attend (Our Savior's Lutheran Church [OSLC] in College Station, TX). This is the ministry program I designed to link local and online resources with caregivers with the intention of helping caregivers manage their have-to-do tasks so they can enjoy their love-to-do activities, ie. attend place of worship). I have included a link to  OSLC so you can see and learn about the other worship and ministry activities. If you own a business or if you are a caregiver, please contact me or comment on this blog to share your ideas and enjoy our new adventure.

New! Videos coming to this blog.

As soon as I figure out how to use my new video camcorder, I will upload videos that celebrate life as a caregiver. (One thing my son has taught me is that life can be perceived in many ways!)

I invite you to join me and share your insights, stories, words of inspiration and exasperation. :)

Camp Life/Camp For All: Excellent program!

For caregivers, this Camp/program provides learning and socializing experience for children with special needs + caregiver respite. Our son with autism attended Camp Life this past weekend which gave my husband and I Fri pm through Sunday am to enjoy time with each other and with friends. We even spent some time with our 14 year old son :-) Thank you, Dr. Amy Sharp (Director of our local Family Support Network) for providing our family with this program.

I strongly urge you to find and use resources like this program so that you, too, can recharge your battery.