From Alison: Once more into the playroom dear friends!
I have just been away to the Option Institute for two weeks to do the Group Facilitation Program and I was wondering how things would be on the playroom front on my return, Here's what happened:
I was particularly excited as I walked in through the playroom door after nearly three weeks away, there is something delicious about having two whole hours uninterrupted Mummy and Jordan time to do whatever takes our fancy in the moment. But this time was extra special because Jordan had stood at the foot of the stairs and called up "Mummy, I'm ready to play" I had legged it down the stairs as fast as I could not wanting to miss his cue. We started off playing an Ice Cream game (this is a seriously big motivation for him and me) then moved on to playing a music game where we link our love of music with garbage disposal, it works by taking songs and then replacing some of the words with the word bin - so Pink's song u and ur hand becomes u and ur bin - such fun to do and before long our sides hurt because we were laughing so much. Then on to a christmas cracker game. One game followed another and before I knew it the session was over - almost totally interactive. Then it occurred to me about how I had created the excitement for myself because I believed that the first session after an absence of nearly three weeks would be especially magical. But, what if I could create that level of excitement every time, I could make up all sorts of reasons to be excited, but just think of the impact that could have for Jordan, how different would I be if I ran to the playroom everytime just longing to play with him again, I could make every day special, it would make my love for him and my desire to play with him so much more visible. So what beliefs could we make up to get us in that place where we are so excited we just can't wait to get in there? Read more!
I was particularly excited as I walked in through the playroom door after nearly three weeks away, there is something delicious about having two whole hours uninterrupted Mummy and Jordan time to do whatever takes our fancy in the moment. But this time was extra special because Jordan had stood at the foot of the stairs and called up "Mummy, I'm ready to play" I had legged it down the stairs as fast as I could not wanting to miss his cue. We started off playing an Ice Cream game (this is a seriously big motivation for him and me) then moved on to playing a music game where we link our love of music with garbage disposal, it works by taking songs and then replacing some of the words with the word bin - so Pink's song u and ur hand becomes u and ur bin - such fun to do and before long our sides hurt because we were laughing so much. Then on to a christmas cracker game. One game followed another and before I knew it the session was over - almost totally interactive. Then it occurred to me about how I had created the excitement for myself because I believed that the first session after an absence of nearly three weeks would be especially magical. But, what if I could create that level of excitement every time, I could make up all sorts of reasons to be excited, but just think of the impact that could have for Jordan, how different would I be if I ran to the playroom everytime just longing to play with him again, I could make every day special, it would make my love for him and my desire to play with him so much more visible. So what beliefs could we make up to get us in that place where we are so excited we just can't wait to get in there? Read more!
posted by Alison Taylor at
2:19 PM
2 Comments
Monday, December 28, 2009
Back by Popular Demand!
From kate Wilde: Hello Everyone!
Click on the video below for a little inspiration in keeping your energy levels up this Holiday season.
Looking forward to spending another year helping children on the Autism Spectrum and their families.
Much love to you all
Kate and Jack
Click on the video below for a little inspiration in keeping your energy levels up this Holiday season.
Looking forward to spending another year helping children on the Autism Spectrum and their families.
Much love to you all
Kate and Jack
Labels: 3Es, Kate, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Kate Wilde at
12:10 PM
0 Comments
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Be Silly
Hello Again!
There at The Autism Treatment Center of America being silly is on the menu everyday.
All children whether they are on the Autism Spectrum or not can be touched and reached by silliness.
Silliness knows no bounds -when we are silly there is no right or wrong, good or bad, just a delight in what is.
A desire to reach out, and play with the gifts that life has given us.
Click on the video below, (or if you are on Facebook, click on the title of this blog, then on "View Original Post" which will take you to the video) for a little bit of silly inspiration, the Son-Rise Program way.
Much love to you and your lovely children.
Kate
There at The Autism Treatment Center of America being silly is on the menu everyday.
All children whether they are on the Autism Spectrum or not can be touched and reached by silliness.
Silliness knows no bounds -when we are silly there is no right or wrong, good or bad, just a delight in what is.
A desire to reach out, and play with the gifts that life has given us.
Click on the video below, (or if you are on Facebook, click on the title of this blog, then on "View Original Post" which will take you to the video) for a little bit of silly inspiration, the Son-Rise Program way.
Much love to you and your lovely children.
Kate
Labels: 3Es, Creativity, Fun and Games, Kate
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posted by Kate Wilde at
11:16 AM
0 Comments
Monday, October 26, 2009
The SON-RISE LIFE!!!
Enjoy this wonderful song written and performed with delight and enthusiasm by our Son-Rise Program Maximum Impact participants.
At our Son-Rise Program Advanced Training courses, each parent learns nitty-gritty specifics of how to help their child (or "children" as a number of the parents you see singing have 2 autistic children) but more importantly get re-energised, re-inspired and motivated for the next step in their Son-Rise Program journey.
I hope you enjoy this song as I did when they first sang it to me before starting class one day.
Smiles and celebrations
William
At our Son-Rise Program Advanced Training courses, each parent learns nitty-gritty specifics of how to help their child (or "children" as a number of the parents you see singing have 2 autistic children) but more importantly get re-energised, re-inspired and motivated for the next step in their Son-Rise Program journey.
I hope you enjoy this song as I did when they first sang it to me before starting class one day.
Smiles and celebrations
William
Labels: 3Es, Training Programs, William
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posted by William Hogan, Senior Son-Rise Program Teacher at
6:48 AM
1 Comments
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Generating Enthusiasm
Hi Everyone,
Today I want to share with you a short video clip that was sent to me. When I watched the clip, it reminded me of how wonderful it is to work at The Autism Treatment Center of America.
I am surrounded by a team of Teachers and Child Facilitators who are always choosing comfort over discomfort, always choosing fun and playfulness over seriousness and pressure, and always reaching for the thought that feels better.
This video is about encouraging people to be enthusiastic about taking the stairs instead of the escalator. Enjoy!
Today I want to share with you a short video clip that was sent to me. When I watched the clip, it reminded me of how wonderful it is to work at The Autism Treatment Center of America.
I am surrounded by a team of Teachers and Child Facilitators who are always choosing comfort over discomfort, always choosing fun and playfulness over seriousness and pressure, and always reaching for the thought that feels better.
This video is about encouraging people to be enthusiastic about taking the stairs instead of the escalator. Enjoy!
Labels: 3Es, Fun and Games, Inspiration, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
7:28 AM
0 Comments
Monday, October 5, 2009
Energy Enthusiam and Excitement
Here at The autism Treatment Center of America everything we do, we do with Energy Enthusiasm and Excitement - the keys to creating fun, creative and joyful interactions with our children on the Autism Spectrum. Click on the video below for a tip to kick start your enthusiasm! Or if you are on face book right now, click on the title of this blog, then on "View Original blog" that will take you to where the video is stored, then just click on the video itself.
Enjoy
With much love
Kate
Read more!
Enjoy
With much love
Kate
posted by Kate Wilde at
5:24 AM
4 Comments
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Fun Creator!
The Son Rise Program playroom is one of the places where I feel truly alive. I can do anything in the playroom! The best part of this is, the more fun I have, the more fun I believe the children have. This was demonstrated to me very well yesterday.
I was joining this amazing young man (he is 18 and the size of an American football player). He began a new ism, by rocking on his feet, touching the mirror and then sitting down. I threw my 3E's (Energy, Excitement and Enthusiasm) into joining and I laughed as I touched the mirror and ran to sit down. He looked over and smiled. I began building a game by racing myself. I jumped up, ran to the mirror touched it, ran back over to my seat on the floor and slid into it like home plate (For those of you who don't know me I'm 5 months pregnant, and I've never felt better). The beautiful man laughed and started racing with me. We both started running across a 6 foot space touching a mirror and sliding into the floor.
I turned it into a dance game where I was rockin' and groovin'. This man supported me by laughing and saying "don" for dance of course! It was so much fun. I know that I can create whatever experience I want for myself, and I love to be a FUN creator!
I was joining this amazing young man (he is 18 and the size of an American football player). He began a new ism, by rocking on his feet, touching the mirror and then sitting down. I threw my 3E's (Energy, Excitement and Enthusiasm) into joining and I laughed as I touched the mirror and ran to sit down. He looked over and smiled. I began building a game by racing myself. I jumped up, ran to the mirror touched it, ran back over to my seat on the floor and slid into it like home plate (For those of you who don't know me I'm 5 months pregnant, and I've never felt better). The beautiful man laughed and started racing with me. We both started running across a 6 foot space touching a mirror and sliding into the floor.
I turned it into a dance game where I was rockin' and groovin'. This man supported me by laughing and saying "don" for dance of course! It was so much fun. I know that I can create whatever experience I want for myself, and I love to be a FUN creator!
Labels: 3Es, Attitude, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Katrina at
9:11 AM
1 Comments
Monday, May 11, 2009
Big Mountains to Climb
A note from Julie:
OK! ! need some love:
My husband is in the army, he was deployed last year, and has been here & gone quite a bit over the last few months... my daughter (5) is a daddy's girl (so was i) and each time he leaves, she gets very anxious. and the old isms come back. I think she fears he won't come back. Each time he does, he brings them a small gift, so hopefully they'll think about their little goodie rather than that he's gone. we're trying to work through it, but i also have a little guy (3) and I'm spread very thin. It's a difficult balance...
I have only one volunteer right now, and she helps occupy my little guy so i can work with my daughter... so, I'm a little overwhelmed lately.
Please send some love and a few "E's" my way.... i could use them.
A message from Bears:
Julie: Some of us have little mountains to climb; some of us have big ones to climb. The benevolent universe never gives us more than we can handle. So, if you got some big ones, it's because you are "big" inside -- and you can find the way. Yes, sometimes we feel overwhelmed...yes, I understand only one volunteer for your Son-Rise Program is a... Read More huge challenge and your husband, bless him, just visiting from military deployment on limited leaves is surely another big challenge...but that's not about our circumstances; it's about how we embrace them (or resist them). Imagine a universe that we can never quite understand with our small and sweet brains...but, nevertheless, a universe that operates with an intentionality to support us and to love us (even when it doesn't seem so). We could call that trust or faith. So, close you eyes and decide to open them with a new perspective. And then rather than "need" love from the outside, bless yourself with love from the inside. Love, Bears
A message back from Julie:
Thank you again for helping me re-evaluate the situation. sometimes it takes another person's guidance & insight to open your eyes again. I may me in an unfamiliar place, with no family around me, but there is a handful of people I've met through my daughter that care deeply... and I need to appreciate THEM instead of dwell on who's NOT here.... and to be my own force of nature.
Thank you, bears, and thanks again for leaving me in a puddle of tears :)
gratefully,
Julie
OK! ! need some love:
My husband is in the army, he was deployed last year, and has been here & gone quite a bit over the last few months... my daughter (5) is a daddy's girl (so was i) and each time he leaves, she gets very anxious. and the old isms come back. I think she fears he won't come back. Each time he does, he brings them a small gift, so hopefully they'll think about their little goodie rather than that he's gone. we're trying to work through it, but i also have a little guy (3) and I'm spread very thin. It's a difficult balance...
I have only one volunteer right now, and she helps occupy my little guy so i can work with my daughter... so, I'm a little overwhelmed lately.
Please send some love and a few "E's" my way.... i could use them.
A message from Bears:
Julie: Some of us have little mountains to climb; some of us have big ones to climb. The benevolent universe never gives us more than we can handle. So, if you got some big ones, it's because you are "big" inside -- and you can find the way. Yes, sometimes we feel overwhelmed...yes, I understand only one volunteer for your Son-Rise Program is a... Read More huge challenge and your husband, bless him, just visiting from military deployment on limited leaves is surely another big challenge...but that's not about our circumstances; it's about how we embrace them (or resist them). Imagine a universe that we can never quite understand with our small and sweet brains...but, nevertheless, a universe that operates with an intentionality to support us and to love us (even when it doesn't seem so). We could call that trust or faith. So, close you eyes and decide to open them with a new perspective. And then rather than "need" love from the outside, bless yourself with love from the inside. Love, Bears
A message back from Julie:
Thank you again for helping me re-evaluate the situation. sometimes it takes another person's guidance & insight to open your eyes again. I may me in an unfamiliar place, with no family around me, but there is a handful of people I've met through my daughter that care deeply... and I need to appreciate THEM instead of dwell on who's NOT here.... and to be my own force of nature.
Thank you, bears, and thanks again for leaving me in a puddle of tears :)
gratefully,
Julie
Labels: 3Es, Bears, Personal Growth
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posted by (Bears) Barry Neil Kaufman, Founder, Option Inst. at
10:02 AM
1 Comments
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Back to Basics
Hi. I'm a Son-Rise Mum and I have been running a programme for 5 years. Has it been hard? Yes. Has it been glorious? Yes. Is my daughter still autistic? Yes. Did I hope otherwise? Yes.
So many Yes's.
But the hardest one has been Back to Basics.
You see, when we started, my daughter was so "high functioning", she could already talk. So I could tick that one off the list. Did she already have eye contact? Yes. Was her communication normal and her eye contact normal? No. So we had a lot to work/play on.... but my daughter responded quickly, loved the Playroom, loved the one-to-one contact with her playmates. We even got onto "Advanced Friendship Skills". From one loop conversations we were up to 10 minutes. Interactive games could last an hour!!! I was so proud. "I'm doing this properly. I can Be Happy".
And then it all changed. My daughter stopped sleeping, her behaviour changed and her progress in the Playroom skidded to a halt. In fact, it slid all the way back to way before we started the programme. She was struggling to survive, her (teenage) body was putting such demands on her.
My volunteers and I were confused. What to do? Of course it was obvious - back to basics- but Oh! we resisted.....How we tried our favourite interactive ploys -nothing....How we introduced new games - nothing....How we tried to make conversation - nothing....
We mourned. In one meeting, we had to face the fact that our dreams ("We will make K. better") seemed to be crumbling. "Choose to be Happy". Mmm. Seemed a long way away.
So of course we went Back to Basics. Joining, joining, joining. The 3 e's. Celebrating. Although we had never stopped doing these, we were rusty on doing them so purely, for hour after hour, especially joining. Luckily, my daughter's main ism is tearing bits of paper, which is quite soothing.....
My mentor, Bryn, asked me. "If she was like this from now on, could that memory of that connection be enough? Could you celebrate her for how she is now? Can you be with her now with absolute abandon?"
And the answer was Yes.
Was I doing Son-Rise wrong? No. Is my daughter going through hormonal challenges (she is 16)? Yes. Does joining work? Yes.
Thank you for Back to Basics. I need to go and do some tearing now.......
So many Yes's.
But the hardest one has been Back to Basics.
You see, when we started, my daughter was so "high functioning", she could already talk. So I could tick that one off the list. Did she already have eye contact? Yes. Was her communication normal and her eye contact normal? No. So we had a lot to work/play on.... but my daughter responded quickly, loved the Playroom, loved the one-to-one contact with her playmates. We even got onto "Advanced Friendship Skills". From one loop conversations we were up to 10 minutes. Interactive games could last an hour!!! I was so proud. "I'm doing this properly. I can Be Happy".
And then it all changed. My daughter stopped sleeping, her behaviour changed and her progress in the Playroom skidded to a halt. In fact, it slid all the way back to way before we started the programme. She was struggling to survive, her (teenage) body was putting such demands on her.
My volunteers and I were confused. What to do? Of course it was obvious - back to basics- but Oh! we resisted.....How we tried our favourite interactive ploys -nothing....How we introduced new games - nothing....How we tried to make conversation - nothing....
We mourned. In one meeting, we had to face the fact that our dreams ("We will make K. better") seemed to be crumbling. "Choose to be Happy". Mmm. Seemed a long way away.
So of course we went Back to Basics. Joining, joining, joining. The 3 e's. Celebrating. Although we had never stopped doing these, we were rusty on doing them so purely, for hour after hour, especially joining. Luckily, my daughter's main ism is tearing bits of paper, which is quite soothing.....
My mentor, Bryn, asked me. "If she was like this from now on, could that memory of that connection be enough? Could you celebrate her for how she is now? Can you be with her now with absolute abandon?"
And the answer was Yes.
Was I doing Son-Rise wrong? No. Is my daughter going through hormonal challenges (she is 16)? Yes. Does joining work? Yes.
Thank you for Back to Basics. I need to go and do some tearing now.......
Labels: 3Es, Attitude, Joining, Personal Growth
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posted by Claire Hayes at
12:27 AM
1 Comments
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
The Power of Being Silly
There is something about this sweet little video that felt so good to my heart.
I love knowing that there are people in the world who believe in random acts of silliness. The impact of our love and silliness on those around us is such a profound and beautiful gift. When we are willing to share our joy - fully, without editing ourselves or holding anything back - we encourage others to do the same. And the effect is endless. You impact one person, he impacts another, she impacts another and another and another... And within no time the silliness and joy can be seen everywhere you look. Worldwide happiness is dependent only on enough of us being willing to BEGIN.
Every day with our children with autism we are given an opportunity: we can hold back and spend our time worrying about the future - or we can decide to enjoy ourselves in this moment RIGHT NOW. Try it today - choose happiness and joy and see just how much silliness and laughter you receive in return.
I love knowing that there are people in the world who believe in random acts of silliness. The impact of our love and silliness on those around us is such a profound and beautiful gift. When we are willing to share our joy - fully, without editing ourselves or holding anything back - we encourage others to do the same. And the effect is endless. You impact one person, he impacts another, she impacts another and another and another... And within no time the silliness and joy can be seen everywhere you look. Worldwide happiness is dependent only on enough of us being willing to BEGIN.
Every day with our children with autism we are given an opportunity: we can hold back and spend our time worrying about the future - or we can decide to enjoy ourselves in this moment RIGHT NOW. Try it today - choose happiness and joy and see just how much silliness and laughter you receive in return.
Labels: 3Es, Attitude, Carolina
Read more!
posted by Carolina, Son-Rise Program Senior Teacher at
10:14 AM
2 Comments
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