Welcome!

Welcome guests! The intent of my blog is to provide a place to post information related to children, families, mental health concerns and aspects of life that impact these. I often find great information that would be nice to share with others such as, interesting readings, videos, or links. Nothing on this blog should be taken as advice on its own, however, as readers/bloggers you should consult with your family doctor or mental health practitioner if an issue seems relevant to you.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Issues with Blogspot

So, i've had some problems with Blogspot having changed to gmail platforms. I was having trouble getting into the system to convert things over to a google email address. However I appear to have it sorted out and thus hope that I am back for some "mental health" blogging.

I hope everyone has enjoyed their warm, dry summer and that we are ready to get back to the grind!

Cheers,
Sarah

Saturday, May 1, 2010

ASD and Disney

While on a family trip to Disney I was surprised at my child's propensity to manage herself MOST of the time. Struggling with ASD contributes to her inability to regulate her mood and this was evident (as it is at home) throughout the trip. For example, waiting in lines for attractions and characters could be a chore. On one occasion we waited in line to see Chip and Dale for a period of time and finally got to meet the character WHEN THE RODENTS TOOK A COFFEE BREAK.....mood swing for daughter which invariably required a significant amount of "talking through". As a parent I wind up managing her mood for her.

My strategies to intervene:......1. bring wait time distractions; 2. limit amount of characters/attractions that you wait for; 3. expect struggles; 4. prompt in advance that character breaks are short, that they will take breaks etc; talk with the parents around you, in the event that you need to label or identify the disability when mood swing occurs.

Struggling with ASD also means that my child becomes easily overstimulated (by noise, too much activity, sensory input visually, touch etc) and highly anxious in new or novel situations. This was an obvious issue for us.

My intervention: 1. shorten day by visiting the parks in the a.m. and returning to resort/hotel early afternoon for quiet time or a swim in the pool; 2. keep my expectations low about what we can accomplish in one day; 3. expect to move slowly at times and to have to take time to cue child verbally or physically.

So there were a number of other noticable issues we faced but these will have to wait for another posting. (motor skills, self in physical space - getting lost ).....constant cueing.....one direction at a time.

That's all for now.
SHC

Monday, April 26, 2010

Back from a Disney Vacation with ASD child!

Just in! Met other parents of ASD children on the vacation. Updates to come. Watch for upcoming blogging....

Friday, April 16, 2010

Walt Disney World with 6.5 year old with Autism (Asperger's)

I'm currently heading to Disney World with the children. I'm fortunate to have my spouse accompanying, while i am aware that several single parents have attempted this feat. My son, age 4.5, will also be along for the fun. I feel as though we are embarking on an experiment in light of our daughter's special needs.

For true stories from the experience and a good giggle check in over the next week or so for 'the life and times of a Young Gal at Disney World'.....

SHC

My Practice Updates

As of the month of April 2010, I am available several hours per week for therapy appointments.

My practice phone number if folks are looking to book appointments continues to be 705.441.5504.
Practice location has moved from 78 Moberly Street in Collingwood to 46 Brock Crescent.
I have added a sliding scale to my practice whereby individuals are able to access a rate in line with their income.

So long for today.
SHC

Sunday, March 14, 2010

ASD Evening - Temple Grandin

http://www.autismontario.com/

The following website is offering a great opportunity for inspiration and education related to ASD-HF in Barrie at the end of June. Check it out. I'll be there. Wouldn't miss it.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Gabor Mate, MD

If you've never seen this man speak, any opportunity is a good one.

He is booked to run a seminar in Toronto on May 6-7 2010 entitled "Taming the Hungry Ghosts". This seminar will illuminate where and how addictions originate and what they have in common. A large component of the seminar will be devoted to learning about brain chemistry and physiology of people with substance dependency.

He is also well know for his books/seminars: Scattered Minds, When the Body Says No, and Hold On to Your Kids.

You may find this workshop noted at http://www.leadingedgeseminars.org/

Interesting Books

  • When the Body says No (trauma)
  • Scattered Minds (ADHD)
  • Cinderally Revisited
  • It's Not About Food by Normandi & Roark
  • Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism by Temple Grandin
  • The Optimistic Child by M.Seligman
  • Where the Pavement Ends by Wadden
  • Codependent No More by M.Beattie
  • Raising Adopted Children by L. Ruskai Melina
  • the Dance of Anger by H.G.Lerner
  • Queen Bees and Wannabes by R. Wiseman
  • Get Out of my Life, but first could you drive me and Cheryl to the mall?
  • Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls by M. Pipher
  • Dinosaurs Divorce
  • No Body's Perfect Journal by K. Kirberger