Easter is coming up soon, so thought I would share some cute ideas. This site had some really cute easy Easter crafts. Some are messier than others, some will not work with sensory issues, but I liked some of the ideas. Worth checking out. Have fun!!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/25/easy-easter-crafts_n_6934710.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000037

Temple Grandin again, is very eloquent with her description of Autism & how the minds of a person with autism work. Also how she 'thinks in pictures'. I am sharing a TEDx talk that she did in 2011.- called " A different kind of minds". May give you some insight on how to support, or to adjust your thinking somewhat, for problem solving and identifying what may create the optimum learning environments for different learners. 


A tireless advocate for people who think differently, Grandin makes the case that we need the collaboration of all kinds of minds to solve problems, prevent disasters, and accomplish objectives. Diagnosed with autism and someone who "thinks in pictures", Grandin sees the value in every individuals ability to make a contribution



The movie that Temple Grandin is referring to is one that Claire Danes starred in, in 2010 called "Temple Grandin". Definitely worth the watch.

I am always glad to see an article that Temple Grandin is featured in. To read once again, her words, and see her work, is profoundly important to the lives of our loved ones on the ASD spectrum. Every time I read a piece, I learn something, and it makes me think about how to better to support not only my Son, but the families that I walk with. 

Here is a excerpt from the article:

"The defining characteristic of autism, she explained, is a very uneven set of skills and abilities. That’s true of everyone, but the discrepancies are more extreme in those with autism, who tend to be “very good at some things, and not good at something else.” For those working with students or family members with autism, Grandin said, it’s important both to provide instruction on basic skills that may be lacking, and to support and reinforce the person’s skills and interests.

Such people may need a bit of extra help or accommodation along the way, she added, such as leaving a bit more time than usual to wait for a response to a question. “I want to see kids that are different get good outcomes,” she said. “I'm getting worried about that quirky kid who gets shunted aside.”

They key thing, she said, is to “Look at what they can do, not what they can’t do.”

Read the full article at:

https://newsoffice.mit.edu/2015/temple-grandin-talk-0318

This post may be a little long with the "25 things Parents want you to know", but I really liked it, and see a lot of value in a number of the points. We all take, identify with,  and see the 'aha' moments, I am sure,in a number of them. Read it over and see for yourself. It reminds me, that we are not alone in our journey. Take care of yourselves and each other today. It is directed towards what we want to convey to our children's Teachers, but I really think a number of the points can be for anyone in our sons & daughter's lives. 

http://www.easytolovebut.com/?p=3224#more-3224

Here’s the advice. It’s wonderful. Pass it around. Link to it. Print it out. Share.

1. Children with “invisible” special needs, like ADHD, PDD, SPD, PBD, FASD, OCD, Anxiety,  ODD, Autism, Asperger’s, and many others manifest their disabilities behaviorally. It is EASY to blame the parents for these behavioral problems. It is ACCURATE to see these behaviors as a result of their brain dysfunction.
2. Communicate, communicate, communicate. Communicate! We can’t help if we don’t know what’s going on.
3. On the flip side, if we over-communicate, cut us some slack. We are not helicopter moms, we are experts in our own children’s special needs. They, and we, are often misinterpreted and we’ve found that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Let us squeak! It’s not nosiness. It’s not pestering. Really, most days, we would much rather say “It’s your school, you handle it, don’t call me”– but we want our kids to be successful. Which means being their best advocates. Which means we call or email as much as is necessary.
4. Most kids with neuro-developmental and neuro-behavioral disorders keep it together in school, then let it all out at home. This is not because school is a more stable and structured environment. This is not because you can manage our children better than we can! This is because at home they feel safe, they can relax, and they take out their frustrations on the people who love them best. Believe us when we tell you that they do this. Realize that we are jealous that they can keep it together when they are with you.
5. Treat us and talk to us with respect. Yes, you are a professional and you may have years of experience. But we LIVE with our children day in and day out.
6. As parents we are our child’s best advocates. We know our children better than anyone. We are not outsiders, but are part of the IEP TEAM, treat us like the other team members. It should never be an “us against them” mentality. We all want what’s in the best interest of the child and that can’t happen if there is a line drawn in the sand.
7. Realize that we know that our children can be exhausting, we live with them.
8. Reach out to us and make us your allies because we will do whatever it takes to help our kids.
9. Try to LIKE our children despite their behavior.
10. Don’t yell at our children or punish their symptoms. You cannot punish or consequence brain differences away.
11. Don’t give an ADHD boy soup to take home from cooking class in a resealable plastic bag and then ask why an earth he put it in his school bag.
12.  EVERY child can learn, but not the same way.
13. Please study multiple methods of teaching and never stop looking for answers.
14. Never underestimate the power of sensory dysfunctions in students.
15. Please listen to what I tell you about my child, I may not be a teacher or a doctor but I do know my child.
16. Most children do not choose to be “bad” or “irritating”. In fact, they’d rather not be seen that way. Help them be good!
17. Accommodations, kind words or showing a child that you are cheering for them can make a world of difference.
18. Be patient with my child, it isn’t that he/she isn’t trying hard enough and doesn’t want to please you, it’s that some days he/she is simply doing their best to stay centered.
19. Thank you for taking on the challenging kids. We didn’t have a choice in it – you did.
20. I’m sorry. I’m sorry he disrupts the regular classroom, that he makes your job difficult and that he tries your patience.  And he’s sorry, too. More often than not he is not deliberately choosing to act this way.
21. Just because you “knew” or “worked with” a child with ____ before, does not necessarily mean you know how to work with MY child. The label/diagnosis does NOT define the child. You do not know EVERYTHING about the child because of his/her diagnosis. First and foremost he/she is an individual with likes, dislikes, dreams, passions, strengths, and challenges, just like anyone else. Please take the time to recognize, acknowledge, and appreciate that.
22. Twice Exceptional students DO exist!
23. Please follow my child’s 504/IEP and help her to be the best that she can be and to reach her potential.
24. If the hair doesn’t get combed or something like that- there is just so much energy to get through the day on. Cut us some slack.
25. It takes a special teacher to love our special children. Everyday will not be roses and daises and sunshine… but there will be those special days that your heart will melt or you will beam with pride when they have made a major accomplishment, helping you remember WHY you chose this profession. These children see you every day and will grow to either love you or fear you… make sure you choose wisely.

Janet Charchuk is from Western PEI, and  has been working very hard, on creating awareness and ensuring a person's voice is heard. We are thrilled to hear about Janet's accomplishments & her recent trip to Trinidad and Tobago. Well done Janet. Thanks for all your hard work. 

Janet along with her mother Jackie, her father, George, and President and Founder Glen Niles spoke to the High Commissioner of Canada to Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Gerard Latulippe. The Down Syndrome Family Network said Mr. Latulippe was very impressed by Janet and all of her accomplishments! Way to go Janet!

‪#‎SeeTheAbility‬ ‪#‎WDSD15‬

Happy World Down Syndrome Day! What are you doing today? Are you wearing Lots of Socks? Joining the World Down Syndrome Day - Blue Nails Campaign? Going to a ‪#‎WDSD15‬ event? Let them know what you're doing to teach others to ‪#‎SeeTheAbility‬!

http://www.cdss.ca/wdsd/

Here's a fantastic video that has a super message, be sure to watch it and share. #MoreAlikeThanDifferent #inclusion.

 WOW THERE ARE LOTS OF IDEAS FOR BORED ON PINTEREST!! CHECK IT OUT! shared a few pictures/lists that had some good ideas. Some are obviously for summer, but a good place to start, so you are not suggesting as they say 'no, i don't want to do that' print off the list, and have them pick 5 to start!!

We are under an Island wide shut down, yet again..sigh...this Winter seems to be never-ending. The start of the Kids March Break as well- thought I would share a few ideas for when they come to you today or a day this week, and say "I'm Bored" hope these ideas help, or create new ideas to do- let us know how you make it over the week! hope you can take a moment or two, to relax and enjoy the break, and make some memories as a family. Take care of yourselves! Hope shoveling out doesn't take too long!

Decorate a jar, or box and use and a bit of creativity to make our “I’m Bored” jar fun! If you are stumped about what activities to include in your jar, here are some of our favourites-

• Make an obstacle course
• Read a book
• Call a grandparent
• Write in your journal
• Play a board game
• Eat ice cream or a special treat
• Interview a family member
• Make cookies with a parent
• Do an art project
• Watch a movie with popcorn
• Have a friend come over
• Draw a picture
• Plan a family activity
• Do a good deed for someone of your choice
• Take pictures of anything you want
• Play a game on the computer for half an hour
• Help mom plan dinner
• Build a fort indoors
• Dance
• Go on a scavenger hunt
• Play dress up
• Put on a sock puppet show
• Play hide and seek

If you make an “I’m Bored” jar of your own, let us know your favourite activities you included in it, and how it turned out when it came time to using it!

~thanks to Scholar's choice for the ideas/article~

I was looking for a video or music this morning, to have a 'feel good' day. Came across this video. Love it!! This is a great video, made as part of an awareness campaign for The National Down Syndrome Congress. " We are more alike than Different" well done!! 

People with Down syndrome make great employees, are honest and hardworking, have dreams and aspirations, and have more in common with you and I than we realize. Helping change these perceptions is the goal of the successful campaign from The National Down Syndrome Congress

Just to follow up on some discussions we had last week, on the Cyber chat, I noticed that the Geneva Centre also  has free down loadable visuals, token boards, and schedules that may be helpful!! they look great, and again, should give you a great idea on what one looks like, if you are 'new' to doing up visual schedules, and if you need a place to get the actual pictures! Nice to have it all in one spot and not  have to be searching for the pictures. http://visuals.autism.net/main.php

*Often times, the schools also have access to the boardmaker program that is what generates these pictures. If you need particular pictures for your son or daughter, I am sure if you asked their resource teacher or classroom teacher to have particular ones printed off for you, that would be possible. 

The Geneva Centre for Autism has a great list of elearning opportunities : http://elearning.autism.net/some that are free, have a look, they have a great selection, covering a wide variety of interests and topics. 

I also have included a facebook link to the following Webinar that does cost, but is on a topic that we as families are often facing, and looking for resources on. I wanted to share with you, so you can check it out.:Certificate Workshop: Coping With Anxiety & Autism Spectrum Disorder: Techniques that Help Webinar

https://www.facebook.com/events/486562291519600/

Description:
Learn about the impact of mild to severe anxiety in the daily lives of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. This training event will include examples of first-hand accounts; indicators of anxiety; assessment tools; and effective interventions that may decrease anxiety and enhance self-regulation.

Learning Objectives:
Participants will:

Define anxiety as a mental state and as a diagnosis
Identify potential causes of anxiety for individuals with ASD
Explain how assessment tools are used to identify anxiety triggers
Be able to develop an intervention plan based on anxiety assessment tools
Describe a variety of interventions to assist individuals with the reduction of anxiety

I have posted Matty B's video on here already, the "true colors" one, I am sure you have seen before, this clip gives a little more background. Check it out. Here is a great example of siblings who love & support one another, and are making the world a little more aware of what we ALL can offer, given the chance. Well done!

Matty B May and his family put together a song and music video to empower his sister who was born with Down syndrome.

Great article around being a sibling of a brother or sister with disability. True words. I just took a clip from it, below, but click on the link for the complete article. As parents we need to remember that we had time to gather resources, skills, while they jumped in right from birth of the sibling. That needs to be valued and honored. I thank all the siblings, for walking the journey, and helping to create more inclusive communities for us all. These next generations of siblings, 'typical' or 'exceptional' needs are going to shatter walls, and grow past what we thought was possible. In that, I trust. 

http://themighty.com/2014/07/to-the-typical-siblings-of-a-brother-or-sister-with-a-disability/?fb_ref=Default

"And you smile at life, enjoying every moment. You are stirring the people around you, helping them to see what you see, to know what you know. You are affecting people’s perceptions of disability as you advocate for your sibling, as you give them a voice when needed. You have willingly embraced this role… it humbles me, it brings me to tears.

You are moving those around you, and you will continue to do so.

As parents, we hope to make this place a better place for our kids. But as the siblings – with hearts so full of acceptance, compassion, an understanding of the value of life – you will go out into this world and change it. Not just for your siblings, but for all of us."

Our first Cyber Village Chat was a great success! We certainly had a lot of participation, and questions. I apologize , again, if someone's question was missed, we certainly were busy chatting, and attempting to stay with the current question. If you have an issue, you would like more information on please email me: familysupport@peiacl.org I will get back to you. I have also attempted to put up links to the great variety of questions we had around Sensory issues, social stories, March break ideas, and anxiety. Have a look through some of the archived posts here on the blog, as well as the other 'tabs' as I have shared a lot of those already here. So I am going to try to post new ones that I hadn't discovered before! Again, all the best, thanks for joining us, I think we should try another on during the March break, and see how everyone is doing. Will post another event note. Talk soon.

~Julie

March Break ideas:

http://www.recreationtherapy.com/tx/txdd.htm

http://eastcoastmommyblog.blogspot.ca/2014/03/10-simple-march-break-activites.html

http://www.yummymummyclub.ca/family/family-fun/106-great-activities-to-keep-your-kids-busy (lots of other ideas here so i included the whole site verses just the March break ideas)

http://eastcoastmommyblog.blogspot.ca/2014/03/10-simple-march-break-activites.html  ( it is different than the one above) 

Sensory& Anxiety Resources:

http://laughingkidslearn.com/2014/02/silky-stretchy-play-dough-using-2-ingredients.html/

http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/ (explains about sensory processing issues, and the tabs on the left side let you sort through what may help. There is also a good description of weighted blankets/vests here) 

http://www.anktangle.com/2011/11/making-weighted-stuffed-animals.html?spref=fb (great article on making a weighted stuffy)

http://www.autismsupportnetwork.com/news/occupational-therapy-autism-and-tactics-self-regulation-998241 (occupational therapy, autism & tips of self-regulation)

http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2012/06/27/10-ways-to-remove-separation-anxiety-from-your-special-needs-child/ (seperation anxiety issues)

Social stories & visual schedules:

http://www.do2learn.com/( provides thousands of free pages with social skills and behavioral regulation activities and guidance, learning songs and games, communication cards, academic material, and transition guides for employment and life skills) 

http://www.child-autism-parent-cafe.com/autism-social-stories.html ( gives you an idea of what it is, and a few examples, also has links on left hand side)

http://www.myaspergerschild.com/2011/02/how-to-write-social-stories.html

http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2013/02/11/12-computer-programs-websites-and-apps-for-making-social-stories/

There was lots of great ideas shared, movie afternoon or night, break out the favorite Disney movies!! camping out in living room, activities outside- walking, sliding, rolling, snow angels, snowman building, dance & karaoke parties, games night. "play date" for Moms & kids, great way to connect and get together! Big thing is to keep it somewhat structured, vary the activities so that gross motor/sensory needs get met, as well as some organized family & friend time. Hope this helps.  

We are always trying to think of new ways, methods, social media paths to connect families together, so we can support each other, share resources, ideas or just 'hang out'. We are going to have a first ever "Cyber-Village Chat" tonight on Face book from 9-10 p.m. We hoped that time frame would allow you to  have time to yourself, grab a cuppa and pull up a chair or cozy up on the couch with your laptop, and join us in a discussion. As we all know the saying "It takes a Village to raise a Child", those of us who have a son or daughter, a loved one, or support a family who does, know how true that can be. We all ,at some point in our journey,need to look outside our tight circle, and ask for help, in the many forms that it is available. If you are free, and would like to join us, please feel welcome to do so. 
https://www.facebook.com/events/1425729584386059/

For our first session, Wednesday night, March 4th, from 9-10pm, we thought we would share about some ideas for March Break, some tips on reducing anxiety, when plans, regular routines, school days seem to be disrupted. We can also talk about whatever else comes up! We will be chatting right on the Face book Event page, Let's try out this new avenue of connecting with each other. 
Looking forward to 'seeing' you at our chat. 

LOVE , LOVE, LOVE THIS!! To my friends in the Toronto area, or if you have the opportunity to travel to the area, be sure to check out this restaurant! "Signs" We should all be using signing in our communication with others. Let's try, and do our part to be as inclusive as we can. 



Here is the link to a newspaper article as well. 
http://elitedaily.com/news/world/new-restaurant-canada-requires-order-sign-language-video/696897/



 

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/working-wisdom-how-workers-with-disabilities-give-companies-an-edge/article23236023/

The Globe and Mail, has published an article around the benefits that companies are seeing with hiring persons with disabilities. There  is also a  video in the article that features a firm called Meticulon Consulting Inc. Company co-founder Garth Johnson looks for people with autism because he has found that they offer unique skills such as precision, diligence, attention to detail and an ability to sustain focus.Opportunity for many people like him is still scarce. Statistics show us that more than two million Canadian adults, or 11 per cent of the population, have some sort of disability and only about half of them participate in the labour force. Of those who do look for work, the jobless rate is 40 per cent or more for some groups. Underemployment is higher and even if they hold a job, incomes among adults with disabilities are typically far lower than the rest of the population. Companies not only in Canada, but in the US, and around the World, are realizing that People living with a variety of disabilities are Ready, Willing and Able to work. Well done!

For more information on The Ready, Willing & Able (RWA) initiative is designed to increase labour force participation of people with developmental disabilities, and thereby advance economic productivity and social inclusion in Canada, that PEI Association for Community Living is a part of, please visit our web page at: http://peiacl.org/what-we-do/employment-ready-willing-able/