I feel like I'm blogging annually now.  What's up with that?  I need to blog more, possibly bi-annually? 

Still in Michigan.  It's snowing outside - again.  I'm tired of snow.  I'm really not digging the snow.  The snow that had fallen a few weeks was just starting to come off the ground.  DJ's not feeling the snow either.  He likes the first snowfall or two.  Then it's all over for him. 

As you know, we're new to Midland.  We're new to the neighborhood, new to the schools.  First impressions are really important! 

Anyway, I swear the school thinks we are white trash - seriously.  A few weeks ago, DJ comes home with one of his tests.  He was supposed to write a sentence for each of his spelling words.  Of course, I read each of his sentences.  One of his sentences stuck out.  "I beat meat."  Mull over that for a second.  I know I did.

Fast forward to this week.  The other night, BFF came over for dinner.  I totally forget what we were talking about, but DJ says in the middle of the conversation, "Call my Mom, 'Sweetcheeks'."  Of course he did, because BFF's an ass.  And of course he shared it with our friends because, well, he's an ass.  DJ's also calling me Sweetcheeks.  Can't wait until that shows up in a sentence.

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better....Picture Thanksgiving dinner.  Picture family sitting around a table sharing a very good meal (I know it was good because I cooked it).  Picture my son calling me, "sex fiend".  Yes.  He did.  What the hell??  So I ask him where he heard it from.  He tells me "Spaceballs".  What's up with that?  I don't remember that part in the movie.  Of course I explained to him that it's not nice to say and all that, but my kid barely remembers to put on shoes when he goes out the front door.  I can't wait to see this week's tests.

Yep, I guess it's been awhile, eh?  A long while, even?   I've still been reading all of my links, just haven't commented any.  I've also thought of plenty of things to say over the past year, just haven't wrote anything.  Sucks, eh?

I guess my biggest news goes hand in hand.  First and foremest, I moved - a whopping move.  I moved to Michigan in August.  Why?  Plenty of resons.  First, I was having tons of problems with placement for DJ.  His program ended at the end of the school year and the Philly School District (those bastards!) wanted to send him back to The School From Hell!  No way.  Not on MY watch.  I had major plans to homeschool him - on top of work, on top of my own school.  I know, crazy talk, right?

It's beautiful here!  There's grass.  Grass is luxurious commodity in Philly.  Not here, it's everywhere! 

The house I live in is more than double what I had in Philly.  The best part about it:  there's a separate living area (complete with kitchen, bedroom, living room) on the bottom floor where Pops is now residing. 

DJ is excelling in school here.  He's mainstreamed - can you believe it?  He also made tons of friends here.  He has the girls swooning over him, too.  I'm not sure how I feel about that, yet.  I'll have to ponder that a bit and get back to ya.

The only bad news....I'm unemployed.  Eh, but you have to take the bad with the good.  Thankfully, I'm getting money, because, well, someone  has to pay the rent and all.  But that's a story for another day.  And another day will come, I promise! 

Thanks a lot, Irish:)

1. I usually have way more going on in my life than I can handle - and it's because I take too much on.
2. I'm very forgetful.
3. I listen to an INXS cd every day and I have my son hooked on them too.  I think I'm obsessed.
4. I'm really shy in person.
5. I spoil my son way more than I should.
6. I really wish I could make enough money so I could move my dad next door to me instead of actually living with me.  He drives me nuts.
7. I wear glasses when I'm on the computer.
8. I haven't been on a date in months.  I'm really picky.
9. I don't like my job right now.
10. A guilty pleasure I have is reading celebrity gossip blogs and mags.

I don't think I have anyone to tag, because just about everyone has been tagged, but I'll give it a try!  If you've already been tagged by someone else, my apologies:)

Kristen, Michele, Dawn, Linda, Mom-NOS, Cathy, Kelly, Kira, and Chris go for it!

I promise, a more detailed post later on.  I know I'm behind!

MAKING THE HOLIDAYS HAPPY FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

School

Visual Supports/Routines

• Present the upcoming holiday in a visual manner through use of a calendar; e.g. mark the days at home in one color and days at school in a different color.
• Social stories that describe upcoming holiday schedule changes
• Maintain visual daily schedule and incorporate any holiday event changes within the schedule (e.g. change in music schedule, rearrangement of classes, upcoming holiday concerts.)
• Strive to maintain consistent and familiar routines for the student with ASD.
• Rehearse the schedule in advance with the child (especially changes in routine)
• Consider giving the student additional breaks in their day throughout the holiday season; it will be especially for the student to have a means of requesting a break during this time.
• Develop social stories that will assist the child in participating in holiday programs. Include information concerning where the students will sit and stand, who will be standing beside them, who will be in the audience, etc.
• Prior to the holiday break, start preparing for class changes, block changes, and new semester calendar.

 

Sensory

• Be alert to additional sensory processing pressures during this time such as lights, glitter, holiday sounds/music, and smells.
• Consult with the school OT for recommendations as to how these potential sensory overloads might be handled.
• Additional sensory diet activities might be employed during breaks.
• Gradually decorate the classroom to lessen the change the environment.
• In art activities, consider that fact that some children avoid messy materials due to sensory differences. Encourage gradual exposure at the child’s pace or rate.

 

Curriculum

• Include in your reading sessions and play sessions stories about giving and receiving presents; rehearse appropriate responses can be rehearsed during that time.
• Model good manners such as saying, “Thank you,” and responding positively when the present is not what the child expected.
• Pre-teach and role play turn-taking activities related to giving and receiving gifts.
• At snack, explore different foods that the child may experience during the holiday season.
• Pre-teach specific roles for the student during holiday activities such as class parties, Santa visit, music programs, i.e. passing out candy canes, setting the table, assisting in preparation for the music program, or developing and utilizing an audience participation sign.

 

Home

Visual Supports/Routine

• Prepare a holiday schedule. Plan structured activities and events for each day and make sure they are on the schedule.
• Develop social stories about the relatives who might be visiting. Include pictures if possible.
• Consider developing specific social scripts of tasks to help your child participate in holiday celebrations. For example, greet each guest by handing him or her an ornament for the tree or take their coat and putting it on the bed or in the closet.
• If your child has difficulty with wrapped presents because he or she does not understand what is inside, consider wrapping them in cellophane (this way he or she can unwrap the gift yet still see what is inside); draw the item on the gift tag; or put a catalog picture on the gift tag.
• Try to avoid canceling regular activities; maintain as much of the normal household routine as possible.
• Make a concerted effort to go to bed and get up at the same time each day.
• Also consider the need for consistency in medication and mealtimes.
• Attempt to complete holiday shopping and other planning activities within your regular errand routine. Set up respite options before and during the holiday season.
• Do not allow your child’s bedroom to become the guestroom for out-of-town visitors.
• Consider the use of a “mini-schedule” to prepare the child for the day’s events, particularly when making long trips (e.g. car, McDonald’s, gas, rest stop, Grandma’s house.)
• Decide if a transition object/picture, photo would be helpful to communicate that your child will not be sleeping/staying at home for that evening. A sleeping bag could be used to show her that she will be sleeping at Grandma’s house that evening.
• If staying at home, consider asking relatives to stagger visits to your home.

 

Sensory

• Determine the activities that are calming and enjoyable for your child and keep
• these activities in his or her daily schedule.
• Designate a break area or home base area in your home or the home in which you will be staying. Represent this area in object/photo/PIC symbol format so that the child will understand where he or she can request to go if necessary.
• Problem solve ways to avoid crowds or congested areas if they are troublesome to your child.
• When going to a restaurant, sit in a remote area or separate room.
• Develop and keep a sensory overload emergency kit based on recommendations developed by the OT
• When selecting holiday outfits, respect the child’s desire for certain textures.
• Pre-warn family members that your child has a more pleasant experience when he or she is allowed to determine whether and/or when thug or kiss other people.
• Have an awareness of the possible increase in variety and intensity of aromas during the holidays. Consider limiting scented candles, potpourri, real trees and garland, as these odors may overload the child’s olfactory system.
• Gradually decorate your home and tree tallow the child to adjust the change and to the sensory information.
• Pre-teach the present-opening routine, including what the child may and may not open. Allow some flexibility as the child explores new wrapping materials.
• Consider your child’s sensory needs when selecting presents. For example, toys should be visually plain, i.e. lacking in busy patterns (this allows the child to concentrate on the function of the toy rather than becoming distracted by the visual aspects); toys that have parts that nest or assemble easily; jigsaw puzzles should be chunky and lie flat and have a definite fit (some children with ASD have fine motor difficulties that make assembly difficult and frustrating).
• Consider bringing favorite food choices for your child to holiday events.

 

Other

• Because of your child’s possible difficulties with recognizing and being sensitive to the feelings of others, provide opportunities for your child to open presents from other people in the presence of immediate family only. Model appropriate responses (e.g. “thank you,” “that was kind of you,” smiles directed to others, etc.)
• Be prepared to answer questions that family or friends may pose related to your son or daughter’s specific needs during the holidays. Use this as an opportunity to enrich their understanding of autism spectrum disorders.

 

School/Home

After Holiday Vacation

• Be sure to prepare individual’s daily schedule for the child’s return to regular routine.
• Avoid having substitutes during the first week back to school. If this cannot be avoided, be certain that a social story or similar preparation is completed to assist the child in adapting to the change.
• Continue the increased number of breaks in the child’s daily schedule as he or she transitions back in to the daily routine.
• Be sure to place specific emphasis on scheduled times to review past and future events.

Ok, this is awesome, and I just had to pass on.  We all need this!

***Update***

I just found out this is an article on About.com.  If you wish to read the article, please go here.  This is a great article written by Terri Mauro and I'm sure all of us could use some (if not all) the wishes on this list!

I dragged my body out of bed at 4:30 am on Friday.  I wound up taking a 20 minute shower to get all the sleepies out of my eyes. DJ didn't really ask for a big present this year, instead, I found one for him.  How cool does this laptop look?  I was hoping either Walmart or Toys R' Us would sell it a bit cheaper first thing in the morning. 

I pulled into the Walmart right up the road at 5:10am, and proceed to pull right out.  There was a huge line to get in the store.  No way.  I drove to the one about 15 minutes way in another city.  I swear no one goes there.  I was even able to park out front of the store!  They didn't have the laptop, but they did have the Darth Vader Voice Changer (for almost half off, I might add).  I threw that in the cart along with the batmobile, some action figures from Star Wars, Fantastic Four, Power Ranges, etc (all half off as well).  Cut me some slack, my boy wanted nothing to do with action figures before now!  I went a little crazy- just a little. 

Then I decide to brave Toys R' Us.  I pull into a full parking lot, but at least there were a few spaces left.  I thought, how bad could it really be?  Are you laughing, yet?  Real bad.  No shopping carts were left, but I figure I'm only really looking for the laptop and how heavy could it be.  They didn't have the laptop either.  But I did find some cute board games.  He didn't play board games until this year either.  I know, my boy lived under a rock for seven years.  His whole life revolved around the TV and his gamecube.  But that's another story.

I figured I'd check out their Gamecube games anyway, because they do run some good sales on them.  There was line to get in the R' Zone.  You have got to be kidding me.  The salesperson told me you went up to the register and told them what you wanted - no browsing.  Ummm, kay.  I don't want a game that bad.  But, the line to check out went around the whole store.  Nope, no way.  I didn't want the board games that bad and they weren't even on sale.  I could get them another day.  As I'm walking out, I look at the cashier area.  They only had 2 cashiers working.  On Black Friday.  That was smart.

When I got home, DJ was awake.  I think he was a little bleary eyed because when he asked why I was out so early and I told him I had to go get bread, he just nodded.  He's so cute.

For lunch, we went out with a former co-worker of mine to get some dimsum.  She adores DJ and DJ thinks she awesome.  As we were getting ready to go, DJ decided he had to put cologne on so he could smell good for her.  What a stud.  After we were finished eating, DJ said we had to hurry up.  Of course, we ask him why.  He tells us he has a hot date.  My former co-worker just looked at each other.  We were about to ask him what was going on and he says, "And her name is TV.  She doesn't like to be kept waiting."  What do you say to things like that? 

My baby big boy makes me so proud.  I stand in awe at his accomplishments.  Sometimes I want to call up his former kindergarten teacher and just tell her that NONE of her predictions came true, then slam the phone down on her. 

Last night, PIC and I went to AC Moore.  DJ wanted to come with us once he found out paints are sold there.  I originally went there for embroidery floss and some yarn.  I have no idea how to knit, but I really want to learn:)  I wound up buying this picture I saw weeks ago.  DJ found lots of things he wanted but I reminded him of the paints, which were affordable, compared to the $50 build a pirate ship he really wanted. 

We found a cute little paint set.  It was The Lion King, but for some reason DJ wasn't too happy.  I asked him what was wrong and he said he really wanted Floam.  I asked him what Floam was, because I had no clue.  I looked a PIC for some guidance, but she just shook her head.  No help there.  DJ couldn't really explain it.  I told him if we see it, we'll get some (not).  As we were walking back towards the front to pay for our purchases, I saw Floam and hurried DJ up.  He and I were talking about it all the way to the cash register.  I assured him I would keep looking for it (I'm thinking - Chrismas present) and as soon as I found it, I'd buy it for him.  Well, a nice saleslady heard us talking and says, "I know where Floam is."  DJ got really excited.  I felt like wringing her neck. 

After dealing with Asperger's for 2 years now, I know what I can and can't do.  DJ still has meltdowns - very infrequently, and I damned sure didn't want a meltdown in the middle of the store.  I knew if I told him no, there would be a meltdown.  DJ seems to understand some things, such as not being able to find it, and me going to look for it at another store is ok; but the store carrying it and Mommy NOT buying it after he worked himself up over (and Mommy promising she'd buy it after she "found" it) it is not ok.  Don't ask me to explain it, I can't.  It's Asperger's and it doesn't have to make sense to me.  It just has to make sense to DJ.  Them's the rules. 

PIC looks at me with this wild look in her eyes and she's mouthing to me, "I don't believe this."  I just shrugged my shoulders and followed along after the overly helpful salesperson.  Dom got his Floam and was a very happy camper.  I was glad there was no meltdown. 

PIC and I went to Harry Potter last night, or this morning.  It gets very confusing:)  We were so hyped - evidently since we were going to a 12AM showing that wouldn't be done until after 2:30 on a work night.  DJ didn't come along and I'm glad he didn't it.  It was PACKED.  We got there a little over an hour before it started and they were already seating.  Over half was filled already.  Five sold out shows in one theater.  It was crazy. 

You could tell everyone was excited.  PIC and I were psyched.  Then the movie started.  To be honest I was disappointed in the movie.  First, no Winky, no Dobby.  Totally deleted the whole SPEW storyline - which I didn't miss, but where are the house elves?  No wand was picked up by Winky or anyone after the Quidditch game - the ONLY Quidditch game.  Actually, it wasn't even a game!  Another missing person - Charlie Weasley.  It was crazy.  I didn't feel the character development either.  Luckily I read the book so I understood more of what was going on.  PIC didn't read the book and had no clue why people were acting the way they did.  In the movie, Cedric Diggory wasn't portrayed as a really nice guy.  It was assumed HE made the Potter Stinks badges.  I had to set PIC straight about that.  They got rid of the whole Veela storyline too.  Rita Skeeter?  A tiny part.  That's it.  The maze at the end, huh?  I thought Voldie was a joke.  Really. 

There were things I did like in the movie, though.  I loved the portrayal of Viktor Krum - everything I imagined.  Fred and George were hilarious - of course!  The dragon part of the Triwizard Tournament was great, as was the underwater challenge.  

Why, oh why, couldn't they have done either the two parter or a longer movie with intermission.  The book really deserved it.  But, because it's Harry Potter, I will go see it again with DJ AND it will sit on my dvd shelf when it comes out.