Hello Everyone,

My name is Cathy and I am in the beginning stages of creating a non profit childcare center specifically designed for children with spectrum disorders ranging from mild to severe.  I am presently looking for volunteers to sit on the board of directors.  Anyone wishing to donate some of their time to make this much needed childcare a reality is most welcome.  Volunteers can be any of the following but not limited to:  Parents of children with developmental disabilities, individuals who work with children with developmental disabilities, anyone with accounting/finance backgrounds, anyone that can offer legal assistance, etc.

Anyone who would like more information or would like to volunteer can contact me at  allchildrenarespecial@yahoo.com  or leave a message at 603-736-0046 with your contact information and the best times to contact you.

Thank-you,

Cathy O'Carroll

I am back! After four months of healing from falling fourteen feet off a ladder and fracturing two vertebra and shattering my heel, I am beginning to reshape my life and getting back to writing on the Parenting Autism blog. My first professional step forward... many other steps taken (literally), with help of physical therapist, I am learning to re-walk.

While laying on the couch (my bed for eight weeks since I could not climb the stairs) my parenting plan of organic, whole foods and after-school activities like swimming, Lego club, art class, gymnastics, and karate exploded into hours of watching movies and eating cereal and toast for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our after school plan was simply:

1. Roll my walker with one foot while sitting on the bench, that clearly states "Warning DO NOT attempt to sit on seat while moving", from couch to front door.
2. Get coat on and open door.
3. Roll walker out on the front porch and sit in the frigged, Vermont Fall.
4. SMILE!
5. Wave at kids and moms that are helping Tristan and Dylan off the bus.
6. Kiss Tristan and Dylan.
7. Inquire about their school day; trying to pry-out more than what they ate for lunch.
8. Open door and roll back into our house while reminding the boys to pick-up their backpacks, coats, and shoes off the floor, so I can get back into the house.
9. Sit at the door, yelling, "I can't get through with your stuff all over the floor."
10. Roll through the living room dodging any dropped toys, books, food, and collapse on the couch.

The above mission would take me about forty-five minutes to execute. After an afternoon nap I would lift my head long enough to help Tristan and Dylan with homework-- no executive functioning plans on how we would set-up our afternoon, straight and simply-- survival.  read more »

   Was I in for it today! My 13 year old son, told me I talked too much and he wanted to run away. I weathered the storm and told him I loved him. We're buddies again.

   With everything going on in our own lives, it's easy to overlook when your child has a great day. My son had a great day yesterday and I barely acknowledged it to him. I'll be sure to reward him today and tell him how much I love him.

   To express autism in terms of being good or bad, expresses a value judgement that few, if any of us, are qualified to make. This world would be a far inferior place were it not for contributions made by those with autism. Examples include Albert Einstein and Michael Phelps. Every individual has talents which surpass all others and weaknesses which are below all others. Most traits are on a continuum between the two extremes. 

   Five  categories of functioning for  human beings include socialization, motor skills, reasoning, emotion and independence. Persons with autism often lack the socialization skills to easily form bonds with others. Their emotions are often self directed which allows for the ability to excel in some subjects such as music and art. They are not burdened by the cumbersome  task of dealing with the outside world, therefore allowing for a more thorough devotion and focus to information more to their liking. This is partly due to selectively tuning out information to their brain. Certain information  is allowed into the brain because it provides a benefit for their thinking process, otherwise, it would have been tuned out.  

   The ability to control voluntary reactions to  situations, likely to cause stress, is less for the autistic population. Information is processed in the brain, at a slower pace. Expectations to what behavior is acceptable or "normal", need to be relaxed. 

   Case in point. My autistic son, was scheduled to be suspended from school, 8th. grade, because he stole an answer book, from one of his teachers. The suspension was retracted, after I explained to the principal that this severe punishment was unjust due to my sons lack of judgement.  Perhaps this is too much of a generalization. Feel free to express contrary views.  

   The mood swings of a person with autism tends to be disproportionately higher than the general population. Care must be taken to diffuse a quick build up of tension, before it gets out of hand. This allows for the opportunity to  redirect this energy into something positive. 

    Autistic individuals may favor one interest over all others. This interest can be used an an inducement to learn new tasks.

   Offer praise often and consistantly. A special link is held between the caregiver and autistic person. Treasure the reationship. Reciprical acknowledgement for your efforts is sporadic at best.