Archive for March, 2010
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Sibbling Issues With Autism
I found this article here and I want to post this here.
Raising a child with autism places some extraordinary demands on parents as individuals and on the family as a whole. Prime among these demands is the lack of enough hours in the day to do all one wishes. The time involved in meeting the needs of a family member with autism may leave parents with little time for their other children.Many parents indicate that even as they do all they can for their child with autism, they are always struggling with how best to respond to the needs of the family as a whole. They say that although their own life as an individual may be put “on hold” and a couple may share an understanding of the need to make sacrifices on behalf of their child with autism, few parents are willing to make that same demand of other children in the family. As a result, there is a continual tension between the needs of the child with autism and the other children. Read the rest of this entry »
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Be A Fan
Intellectual disability is the largest single life-long handicap existing in the Philippines today, affecting 3-7% of the population. More than 30,000 are born annually with the condition, and each passing year sees a rise in this figure. Each one of these special individuals needs the same care, attention and opportunity to be treated with respect and understanding as everyone else – because in the end, we are all human.
On the same month that Presidential Proclamation Nos. 1358 and 157 calls national attention on Down Syndrome and developmental disability, Special Olympics Philippines (SOP) calls on everyone to “Be a Fan,” a movement tapping into core attributes that everyone can appreciate – unity, acceptance, empowerment, dignity, courage, strength, pride, confidence and fun – for special individuals to receive the treatment they rightfully deserve, a rights based one. Read the rest of this entry »
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Happy Birthday Grishan
To say that my sister and I are two very different people is an understatement. I’m a calm and she’s quick tempered. .Growing up, my sister was the one who took most things seriously and I was the one who just wanted to have fun. She protected me from the bullies.She stood up for me and protected me the best way she knew how.
No matter how different we are or how differently we communicate there is nothing that I would not do for her and I know she feels the same about me.We do have our misunderstandings and disagreements from time to time but all sisters do. I’m always proud to say that she is my sister. I would forever appreciate her and be thankful that she is so supportive and I love her for loving my kids. What’s not to love about her she’s pretty,she’s fashionable,she’s smart,she’s a fighter,confident and no one could ever let her down.I could go on and on.I don’t know if she knows that I love her and that I’ll be here for her. I’m contented to just stay in the shadows to support her if she needs me.
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Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew
Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew
By Ellen Notbohm South Florida ParentingHere are 10 things every child with autism wishes you knew.
1. I am a child with autism. I am not “autistic.” My autismis one aspect of my total character. It does not define me as a person. Are you a person with thoughts, feelings and many talents, or are you just fat (overweight), myopic (wear glasses) or klutzy (uncoordinated, not good at sports)?
2. My sensory perceptions are disordered. This means the ordinary sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches of everyday life that you may not even notice can be downright painful for me. The very environment in which I have to live often seems hostile. I may appear withdrawn or belligerent to you, but I am really just trying to defend myself. A “simple” trip to the grocery store may be hell for me. My hearing may be hyperacute. Dozens of people are talking at once. The loudspeaker booms today’s special. Muzak whines from the sound system. Cash registers beep and cough. A coffee grinder is chugging. The meat cutter screeches, babies wail, carts creak, the fluorescent lighting hums. My brain can’t filter all the input, and I’m in overload! My sense of smell may be highly sensitive. The fish at the meat counter isn’t quite fresh, the guy standing next to us hasn’t showered today, the deli is handing out sausage samples, the baby in line ahead of us has a poopy diaper, they’re mopping up pickles on Aisle 3 with ammonia. … I can’t sort it all out, I’m too nauseous. Because I am visually oriented, this may be my first sense to become overstimulated. The fluorescent light is too bright. Read the rest of this entry » -
Top 10 Terrific Traits of People living with Autism
If you’re sick of hearing about all the “deficits” challenging people on the autism spectrum, join the club! But for every down side to autism, there seems to be a positive — an unusual trait that rarely appears among the “typical” community, but shines out among autistic folk. These pluses are well worth celebrating.1) People on the Autism Spectrum Rarely Lie
We all claim to value the truth, but almost all of us tell little white lies. All, that is, except people on the autism spectrum. To them, truth is truth — and a good word from a person on the spectrum is the real deal.2) People on the Autism Spectrum Live in the Moment
How often do typical people fail to notice what’s in front of their eyes because they’re distracted by social cues or random chitchat? People on the autism spectrum truely attend to the sensory input that surrounds them. Many have achieved the ideal of mindfulness.3) People with Autism Rarely Judge Others
Who’s fatter? Richer? Smarter? For people on the autism spectrum, these distinctions hold much less importance than for typical folks. In fact, people on the spectrum often see through such surface appearances to discover the real person.
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Velocity Bar
Initially when I was told that we will be going to a bar I was hesitant.I really thought that I would be old for the bar scene. But I was really surprised the layout of the place really surprised me. It was comfy, csol and cozy. It wasn’t too crowded and best of all it wasn’t filled with smoke.This is what Marriott Hotel Manila wants to bring to their customers. Just like what their slogan says” The place to work and play”, it is indeed a fine place that will suit every traveler’s needs. From the hotel’s superb accommodation, excellent and first class services and facilities up to the food they serve, you can really say that you love all the good things that life can offer! Read the rest of this entry »
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Special Olympics
Special Olympics is made up of passionate, committed individuals from every walk of life, who recognize the value and unique gifts of people with intellectual disabilities. And who, together, share the common belief in dignity, equality and opportunity for ALL people.
Special Olympics is a global nonprofit organization targeting the nearly 200 million people round the world who have intellectual disabilities. With a presence in nearly 200 countries worldwide and seven world-region offices, we are constantly expanding. We can say with all truth that “the sun never sets on the Special Olympics movement.”
Working Every Day Read the rest of this entry » -
Orange Chicken
Chowking refreshes those tired taste buds with its latest offering — the Orange Chicken. With its sweet and spicy taste sauce withMandarin orange bits, Orange Chicken is the perfect way to enjoy a well-deserved lunch and dinner break
Rice Chow Meal, PHP 69 -
Joshwa: My Special Son
I think it’s a blessing that my son’s birthday is so close to Christmas Day. He’s the best Christmas gift that I have ever received. Having Joshwa taught us a lot of things like how to survive on four hours’ sleep, the best ways to navigate through a tantrum, and how to make him eat vegetables. But I don’t think I came face to face with the true range of what motherhood means to me until a surprising revelation came to me a few months month ago.
When Joshwa was 10 months old he had measles so I panicked and I took him to the pediatrician. While I was there at the doctors office I also asked the pediatrician is there something wrong with my son. Because he wouldn’t look at me when I call his name every time looked right into his face and he doesn’t seem to learning any of the tricks that I was teaching him. I always felt that something isn’t right. She quickly dismissed my fears saying that it was just normal no need to worry.
So I quickly rejected that thought because every time I would talk to my husband about it he’ll say that I’m too paranoid .I just filled myself with gratitude for the beautiful family that I have.
After 5 months I went back to the same doctor for Joshwa’s check up.I asked her the same question this time she gave me a different answer. Take your son to ENT (eyes , nose, throat) to have his hearing checked after that try to find a developmental pediatrician. Luckily I was able to find a developmental pediatrician on such a short notice. She gave me the grim news. Your son might have autism.
I knew nothing about Autism syndrome, but I had lots of frightening preconceptions. My first thought, was how can I help him. I kept blaming myself I felt such a failure I had dyscalulia and now I have passed something on to my son. I cried myself to sleep that night. When the tears dried, I began the long learning process that will continue, I imagine, for the rest of my life. Having resolved to find out everything I could, I went online, I read books, I talked to people. I was surprised to discover that everyone in the world, it seemed, knew or had an idea of what autism was. Everyone but me. I discovered an Internet support group for parents.. Our spirits soared. Friends and family had been very supportive, but, let’s face it, they knew as much about Autism as we had. And they were all a little sad, too. But these other parents weren’t sad at all. They felt that their children were a great gift, Autism or no.
As I pored over the books and talked with these other parents, I found the factual side of Autism fairly easy to piece together. No one really knows where it came from or what caused it according to studies Autism is a neurological disability most likely caused by immature development in the cerebellum & limbic system.
Of course, there was nothing in those reference books that could fully explain the other side of the story — the ups and downs of raising a child with Autism in our society. That’s what we’ve been learning from Joshwa himself, and it’s been a lesson filled with wonder. Joshwa’s life so far has been more complicated than other kid’s was. There are more ongoing appointments — he has therapy 5 times a week. There have been challenging days and frustrating moments as we’ve all struggled to learn about each other.
Joshwa is actually more like other kids than he is different. He will learn to walk, talk, read, sing, and dance, although he will have to work harder than most kids to reach those milestones. And we will have to slow down and allow him the extra time. Beyond that, he will have skills, talents, and quirks all his own. He already does. He can watch TV and not get distracted he knows when I’m angry and keeps quiet when I say no.
The future for people with Autism is brighter than it has ever been, which makes me hopeful for my son’s adulthood. Early intervention, medical advances, inclusive schools that educate all kids together, and new therapies have meant that people with Autism can live longer, achieve more, and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. Most of them graduate from high school, many live independently, marry, and have jobs.I dream about the possibilities. Will he love 80’s music the way his father does? Maybe he’ll want to work as a Chef and run a restaurant , like what his my great grandmother does.
It has been only a short time since Joshwa came into our world. To a degree, we’re still on an emotional roller coaster. We have days of unadulterated joy over our family and what Joshwa brings to us. Sometimes. Many days I feel guilty and unsure as to whether we’re doing enough for Joshwa. Would he be better off if we could afford this program, those vitamins, or that new therapy? And sometime I get scared about what’s down the road, especially when I think of the struggles he may face .
I’ve long since realized that our luck did not run out. Not at all. In many ways, our lives have been transformed. We have found loving support from people who used to be strangers. We look at the world differently and consider ourselves lucky to be able to. We have an appreciation for a slower pace, we take greater delight in each small step.
this was something I wrote 7 years ago.
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Managing Social Anxiety In Children With Autism
As a parent with an autistic child, you want to do everything you can to protect your child. We don’t want to place our children in circumstances that scare them, however, setting your child up in a program or providing them with social activities can help them to learn how to manage their social anxieties.First of all, when your child is diagnosed with autism, research the symptoms that are associated with this developmental disorder. The more information you have, the better you will be qualified to deal with certain situations. It will also help to join a support group for parents with autistic children. You’ll find other parents will be willing to share their sources of information with you. Read the rest of this entry »
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