Toilet Tips 8
From Becky: Toilet Training an Older Child!
All the same techniques from this series of blogs apply to older children too. Experiment with modifying your explanations and celebrations in an age appropriate way.
If your child is into science, show them a diagram of the human body and how it works, how our bodies break down food and what happens to it. If they like music, make up a rap about the toilet. Talk to them about what it feels like to know when you have to go and how you can relax and focus so much more once you have been.
Give your child privacy to check out the toilet on their own and spend time getting used to being in the bathroom.
I once worked with a 15 year old boy who did his first pee in the toilet ever while at our Intensive Program here at The Autism Treatment Center of America
Have fun!
All the same techniques from this series of blogs apply to older children too. Experiment with modifying your explanations and celebrations in an age appropriate way.
If your child is into science, show them a diagram of the human body and how it works, how our bodies break down food and what happens to it. If they like music, make up a rap about the toilet. Talk to them about what it feels like to know when you have to go and how you can relax and focus so much more once you have been.
Give your child privacy to check out the toilet on their own and spend time getting used to being in the bathroom.
I once worked with a 15 year old boy who did his first pee in the toilet ever while at our Intensive Program here at The Autism Treatment Center of America
Have fun!
Labels: Self-Help Skills, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
10:02 AM
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Thursday, March 4, 2010
10 New Ideas!
From Jack: OK, so here are some more fun ideas you can try in the The Son-Rise Program playroom using everyday household objects. Today, let's do 10 quick game ideas you could try using a handkerchief! Remember - YOU create the fun in the game, not your prop. It is your enthusiasm and committment to your game that will make it enticing for your autistic child.
- Blowing Contest! Work on physical participation and flexibility with your child by having a competition to see who can blow the handkerchief up in the air the longest! You could add an extra element by taking turns and asking your child to count the seconds and keeping score!
- Who's behind the Handkerchief? Hide your face behind the handkerchief and help your child with their eye contact by popping out from behind it as a different animal each time. Make big, funny sounds and animated facial expressions to inspire them to look at you.
- Silly Noise Machine - half stuff the handkerchief down your sleeve. Invite your child to physically participate to pull on the handkerchief. Them pulling on it causes you to make silly sounds.
- Find the Tickle! If your chld likes tickles, initiate a fun tickle game when they are available. Then hide your hand under the handkerchief and request them to pull it off so you can give them more tickles.
- Where's the Treasure? Hide some "treasure" (e.g. a picture of a character they like) somewhere in the playroom. You are the pirate sent to find the treasure but your map (the handkerchief) has had the ink washed off! Encourage your chld to help you make a new map, working on their verbal participation. Give them fun prompts such as "I remember there was a scary forest somewhere on this map" then once the new map is made, go on an adventure to find the treasure!
- What does my voice tell you? To help a child understand intonation, use the handkerchief to blindfold each other (if your child will let you). Your child's role, once blindfolded, is to guess how you are feeling from the sound of your voice. Really exaggerate the emotion in your voice to help them along. Encourage them to blindfold you and then THEY can play with communicating emotion through the tone of their voice.
- Blow blow blow! A simple game for children working on clear single words - once your child is engaged with you, lie on the floor and, in an animated way, blow the handkerchief as far as you can across the playroom, modeling the word "blow". Be really fun and silly as you do this - many children love to see things blown around the room. Once they are motivated, help them say "blow".
- Sticking spot! Use some artist's tape and stick the handkerchief to the floor of your playroom. When your child is available, initiate a fun chase game. But, when you tread on the handkerchief, you suddenly become stuck! Help your child say the word "move" to free you and continue the chase game.
Feel free to post any of your own ideas or modifications to any of these games, and have a wonderful time trying them out!
With laughs and smiles
Jack
Labels: Fun and Games, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Jack at
6:23 PM
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Toileting - Take 7
From Becky:It's a gradual process
The first step to toilet training your child is to get them used to what you are working on. It's rare that we as people immediately start performing a new skill perfectly, we need warm up time to study and familiarize oursleves with the material before we get it right.
Let's make the first focus be promoting how fun the toilet is, talking about the toilet, celebrating all of our child's interest in toileting and modelling how to use and why to use the toilet to them before we actually ask them to put their pee and poop in it.
Our children like things to be familiar and predictable. By making the toilet a focus without actually inviting them onto it first, our children get to grow accustomed to what we are introducing to them, therefore when it comes to using the toilet, they already know and trust what it's all about.
It can be tempting to "Push" the challenge with our children when we are hungry for them to develop new skills. If you take your time and have fun along the way, both you and your child will be more motivated to keep trying.
The first step to toilet training your child is to get them used to what you are working on. It's rare that we as people immediately start performing a new skill perfectly, we need warm up time to study and familiarize oursleves with the material before we get it right.
Let's make the first focus be promoting how fun the toilet is, talking about the toilet, celebrating all of our child's interest in toileting and modelling how to use and why to use the toilet to them before we actually ask them to put their pee and poop in it.
Our children like things to be familiar and predictable. By making the toilet a focus without actually inviting them onto it first, our children get to grow accustomed to what we are introducing to them, therefore when it comes to using the toilet, they already know and trust what it's all about.
It can be tempting to "Push" the challenge with our children when we are hungry for them to develop new skills. If you take your time and have fun along the way, both you and your child will be more motivated to keep trying.
Labels: Inspiration, Self-Help Skills, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
2:13 PM
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Assumption - Assumption, What's Your Function?
From Katrina:
Hello all you amazing people,
I'd like to talk a little bit about assumptions of what your child can and can't do. Here’s the thing...the possibilities are endless, so why limit your child? Just because you've never seen your child do it before, does not mean he/she cannot do it today!
This week we have an amazing Man here at our Son Rise Program Intensive. He is 33 years old, he's an adult and he would be the first to tell you that! I wanted to do something more adult with him so I had our amazing Option Institute property department (Bob and Ashton - you guys are AWESOME!) put together some materials so this autistic man and I could build our own stool. (If you are interested they also tell me you can buy Do-it-yourself kits from hobby shops). The family had never before seen their son build anything, they thought he would cringe at the sound of a hammer, and would not know what to do with a screwdriver.
Even though he had never done anything like it in his life, my friend and I built this stool in its entirety. He was putting together wood, hammering nails, grabbing the screws and turning them before I had the chance. Any time he said he couldn't do something, I gave him another opportunity and he did it!!! Even I was impressed with how quickly we put that piece of art together.
After my session I took out the stool to ensure that it was sturdy and nothing was sticking out to far. When I brought it back in, my friend looked at it, said "It's done nicely" and immediately sat on it. It has been his stool of preference ever since. What a charmer!
Next time you think your child can’t do something, think again!
Wishing you a week of possibilities,
Katrina
Hello all you amazing people,
I'd like to talk a little bit about assumptions of what your child can and can't do. Here’s the thing...the possibilities are endless, so why limit your child? Just because you've never seen your child do it before, does not mean he/she cannot do it today!
This week we have an amazing Man here at our Son Rise Program Intensive. He is 33 years old, he's an adult and he would be the first to tell you that! I wanted to do something more adult with him so I had our amazing Option Institute property department (Bob and Ashton - you guys are AWESOME!) put together some materials so this autistic man and I could build our own stool. (If you are interested they also tell me you can buy Do-it-yourself kits from hobby shops). The family had never before seen their son build anything, they thought he would cringe at the sound of a hammer, and would not know what to do with a screwdriver.
Even though he had never done anything like it in his life, my friend and I built this stool in its entirety. He was putting together wood, hammering nails, grabbing the screws and turning them before I had the chance. Any time he said he couldn't do something, I gave him another opportunity and he did it!!! Even I was impressed with how quickly we put that piece of art together.
After my session I took out the stool to ensure that it was sturdy and nothing was sticking out to far. When I brought it back in, my friend looked at it, said "It's done nicely" and immediately sat on it. It has been his stool of preference ever since. What a charmer!
Next time you think your child can’t do something, think again!
Wishing you a week of possibilities,
Katrina
Labels: Inspiration, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Katrina at
2:10 PM
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
10 Fun Game Ideas!
From Jack: Here are 10 easy, fun ideas of games that you can do with the simplest prop imaginable - a bucket! Seriously, in the magic world of The Son-Rise Program ANYTHING can be fun and ANYTHING can be the doorway to an amazing interaction as you help your autistic child grow and change!
- The Magic Cauldron - You are the bubble/squeeze/tickle (or whatever your child loves) witch and your child has to stir your magic bucket-cauldron to help you make the bubble/squeeze/tickle spell and then they get the thing they are motivated for! Encourage their flexibility through physical participation! Expand this fun game by adding a list of ingredients that need to be added before the spell will work (e.g. two scarves, a toy car and a blue marker).
- A rock-star drum! Turn the bucket upside-down and drum on it! Sing your child's favorite songs and rock out together! You can work on different challenges depending on where your child is: clear words (e.g. "music"), verbal participation (e.g. your child sings while you drum), physical participation (e.g. your child drums while you sing).
- Help your friend around the playroom - put the bucket on your head and have a fun, silly time wobbling around the playroom, bumping into things. Your child's role is to verbally guide you safely around the playroom. You could even take turns!
- The tickle bucket! There's a tickle monster hiding in the bucket - any part of your child's body (e.g. legs, arms) that they put in the bucket will get tickled! Encourage their physical participation in this fun, simple game.
- Hiding animals - turn the bucket upside down. Tell your child there is something hiding under the bucket, but you don't know what it is! Slowly lift up one side and make a crazy animal sound! Your child's role is to guess which animal is under the bucket. Once they have done so, either swap and encourage your child to make the animal sounds, or come up with a different animal for your child to guess.
- Fly to the moon - if your child is small and light enough, invite them to stand in the bucket and fly them around the playroom. Once they are motivated you could help them to say the word "fly".
- Spin the bucket! Stick different motivating activities in a large circle on your playroom floor (e.g. tickle, squeeze, sing, ride). Place your amazing bucket in the middle of the circle and spin it. Whichever activity it ends up pointing towards will be what you do with your child! Take turns spinning your bucket and helping lengthen your child's attention span with all these different games!
- Guess what's in the bucket! To help your child ask questions, place one of their favorite things in the bucket and put it on the top shelf so your child can't see what is in it. Tell them that one of your child's favorite things is in there and your child has to guess what it is. Model questions they could ask (e.g. "Is it something you wear?" "Is it red?") and celebrate in a huge, fun way when they guess!
- Dodge the bucket! Have a fun time with your child rolling the bucket at each other, while the other one tries to dodge out of the way! Once one of you gets "hit" then swap over who is rolling and who is running.
- Playroom firemen - encourage imaginative and symbolic play by pretending that there is a fire in the corner of the playroom and you have to rescue your child's favorite character (Bob the Builder, Barney, The Wiggles). You could fill the bucket with scarves or paper and pretend that it's water as your playfully splash it around to put out the fire!
See how something as simple as a bucket can be the source of SO much fun and silliness!
Have a wonderful time playing
With love,
Jack
Labels: Fun and Games, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Jack at
11:14 AM
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Monday, March 1, 2010
Autistic Communication
From Amanda: Hello Beautiful Son Rise Friends and Family,
What does it feel like to be on the Autism Spectrum? Hmmm! No one really knows the answer to this question accept the Autistic person him/her self. Wouldn't it be nice to know!?
I just watched a beautiful story about Amanda Baggs. She is an Autistic woman who has many different exclusive and repetitious behaviors and doesn't use verbal communication at all. Although she doesn't use verbal communication she will type 120 words a minute and describe in detail her experiences of being autistic. She explains that her repetitious behaviors are her communications with her environment and it's her form of language. She says "the world views her failure to speak as defiant yet other people's failure to learn her language is seen as natural and acceptable".
Here at the Autism Treatment Center of America we want to learn the language by which people with Autism communicate. It is our belief that ever thing the child does has a purpose for either expressing a want or a not want; or it is a way for the child to take care of him/her self. An example of this may be when an autistic child covers their ears as a parent speaks to them; Some may think they are being oppositional and are misbehaved while our Son Rise Program views it as an opportunity to learn and listen to what the child is saying to us. Maybe they want you to speak softly or more slowly so they can process the information? When the autistic child is hitting their hands against a wall or repeatedly jumping up and down on the ground; Some may look at the child as hyper active and unable to sit still while the Son Rise Program looks at the child and asks "how we can help this child meet their sensory input needs". Maybe their body is craving pressure on his/her joints and they are communicating this by showing us with actions and not words. As the Autistic child dances back and forth to the rhythm of their own music; Some may view this as inappropriate while we at the Son Rise Program believe this is a dance often done so child can center him/her self in this universe.
When you look closely at Autism through loving, judgement free eyes, you may notice that people with Autism don't lack communication at all. They actually have an ability to communicate with the universe far more advanced than many of us can begin to comprehend. They immerse fully into their surroundings and are super present with the environment. They are communicators with the universe and we are due to learn this amazing language.
At the Autism Treatment Center of America we believe all communication is language. Let's love it, join it, and learn this wonderful language!
What does it feel like to be on the Autism Spectrum? Hmmm! No one really knows the answer to this question accept the Autistic person him/her self. Wouldn't it be nice to know!?
I just watched a beautiful story about Amanda Baggs. She is an Autistic woman who has many different exclusive and repetitious behaviors and doesn't use verbal communication at all. Although she doesn't use verbal communication she will type 120 words a minute and describe in detail her experiences of being autistic. She explains that her repetitious behaviors are her communications with her environment and it's her form of language. She says "the world views her failure to speak as defiant yet other people's failure to learn her language is seen as natural and acceptable".
Here at the Autism Treatment Center of America we want to learn the language by which people with Autism communicate. It is our belief that ever thing the child does has a purpose for either expressing a want or a not want; or it is a way for the child to take care of him/her self. An example of this may be when an autistic child covers their ears as a parent speaks to them; Some may think they are being oppositional and are misbehaved while our Son Rise Program views it as an opportunity to learn and listen to what the child is saying to us. Maybe they want you to speak softly or more slowly so they can process the information? When the autistic child is hitting their hands against a wall or repeatedly jumping up and down on the ground; Some may look at the child as hyper active and unable to sit still while the Son Rise Program looks at the child and asks "how we can help this child meet their sensory input needs". Maybe their body is craving pressure on his/her joints and they are communicating this by showing us with actions and not words. As the Autistic child dances back and forth to the rhythm of their own music; Some may view this as inappropriate while we at the Son Rise Program believe this is a dance often done so child can center him/her self in this universe.
When you look closely at Autism through loving, judgement free eyes, you may notice that people with Autism don't lack communication at all. They actually have an ability to communicate with the universe far more advanced than many of us can begin to comprehend. They immerse fully into their surroundings and are super present with the environment. They are communicators with the universe and we are due to learn this amazing language.
At the Autism Treatment Center of America we believe all communication is language. Let's love it, join it, and learn this wonderful language!
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posted by Amanda at
1:21 PM
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From Kate: Building Ideas
Click on the video below to see some building ideas that you can use with your child on the Autism Spectrum. As always, it isn't the game itself that is important when encouraging our children to interact with us, but how much WE are enjoying what we are presenting to our children.
Do let us know how these ideas are helping your children - and do post any variations and experiences you have using theses so that other parents can benefit form your experiences.
If you are on Facebook right now, click on the title of this post, then on"View Original Post", then on the video itself. You can also view this video on YouTube.
Much love to you all
Kate
Do let us know how these ideas are helping your children - and do post any variations and experiences you have using theses so that other parents can benefit form your experiences.
If you are on Facebook right now, click on the title of this post, then on"View Original Post", then on the video itself. You can also view this video on YouTube.
Much love to you all
Kate
Labels: Creativity, Fun and Games, Kate, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Kate Wilde at
5:14 AM
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Friday, February 26, 2010
From Amanda-Being Creative
Good Morning Dear Son Rise Program Parents and Friends,
When I first began my work here as a Child Facilitator at the Autism Treatment Center of America, I had serious challenges with creativity. The challenge was not that I lacked creativity, rather it was that I did not trust in my creativity. I thought I had to come up with amazing games and themes to bring into the playroom or it would be a direct reflection of who I was as a person and a facilitator. Boy was I wrong.
My perception of creativity changed one day in a themes class with one of our amazing Son Rise Program Teachers. She arrived in the classroom with a satchel full of objects. For an entire hour she had each of us reach into the bag and grab an object. The idea was to use it as a prop in as many ways you could possibly think to use it. We were encouraged to think outside the realm of ordinary and really go for creativity. There were things like hand weights that we used turned into heavy buckets; there were hats that we used as cauldron to stir a witches brew; there was a fake piece of fruit that we turned into a telephone; and so on. When I first began to partake in this activity, I would pause and try to think of what to do with the prop. My teacher then said "Just do the first thing that comes to your mind!". Well, after she said that my creative juices began to flow and I was fantastic. Come to find out, I had quite a knack at being creative. The only thing that changed is that I went from judging myself to completely trusting myself and my abilities. I went from discomfort to being totally comfortable. Yippee! I allowed myself to be a kid again.
Being creative and playful in the playroom doesn't have to be an agonizing and dreadful experience. You can decide to let yourself go and be a child and you can practice this even when you aren't in the playroom. Last week we had a mom here for a Son Rise Program Family Intensive and we had just finished their group meeting. For the last 45 minutes of the meeting we brain storm games to help the parents think of themes for their child. When we were done she was thanking us for helping her tap into her creative energy and then she began top laugh. She was looking at a piece of paper on the table and said "I can't help but think of all the different things I can do with a simple piece of paper now."
I too practice at home. Just last weekend I filled a satchel with props and played the very same game I played in class with my own children. Not only did I get to brush up on my own skills but my children and I had a blast playing a really great game together!
Let go and have fun with your creativity!
When I first began my work here as a Child Facilitator at the Autism Treatment Center of America, I had serious challenges with creativity. The challenge was not that I lacked creativity, rather it was that I did not trust in my creativity. I thought I had to come up with amazing games and themes to bring into the playroom or it would be a direct reflection of who I was as a person and a facilitator. Boy was I wrong.
My perception of creativity changed one day in a themes class with one of our amazing Son Rise Program Teachers. She arrived in the classroom with a satchel full of objects. For an entire hour she had each of us reach into the bag and grab an object. The idea was to use it as a prop in as many ways you could possibly think to use it. We were encouraged to think outside the realm of ordinary and really go for creativity. There were things like hand weights that we used turned into heavy buckets; there were hats that we used as cauldron to stir a witches brew; there was a fake piece of fruit that we turned into a telephone; and so on. When I first began to partake in this activity, I would pause and try to think of what to do with the prop. My teacher then said "Just do the first thing that comes to your mind!". Well, after she said that my creative juices began to flow and I was fantastic. Come to find out, I had quite a knack at being creative. The only thing that changed is that I went from judging myself to completely trusting myself and my abilities. I went from discomfort to being totally comfortable. Yippee! I allowed myself to be a kid again.
Being creative and playful in the playroom doesn't have to be an agonizing and dreadful experience. You can decide to let yourself go and be a child and you can practice this even when you aren't in the playroom. Last week we had a mom here for a Son Rise Program Family Intensive and we had just finished their group meeting. For the last 45 minutes of the meeting we brain storm games to help the parents think of themes for their child. When we were done she was thanking us for helping her tap into her creative energy and then she began top laugh. She was looking at a piece of paper on the table and said "I can't help but think of all the different things I can do with a simple piece of paper now."
I too practice at home. Just last weekend I filled a satchel with props and played the very same game I played in class with my own children. Not only did I get to brush up on my own skills but my children and I had a blast playing a really great game together!
Let go and have fun with your creativity!
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posted by Amanda at
6:14 AM
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From Becky: Potty Training Take 6
Being a Child Facilitator and a Teacher in The Son-Rise Program, there are many skills that I have acquired over the years. One of those skills is.......
Persistence! To work on any skill with our children we need to be persistent and keep trying. If we gave up after the the first attempt of helping our child use the toilet then they would never get the opportunity to really work on their area of challenge. Here are some ways to think when toilet training your child that will help you to be persistent.
1) I beleive that my child will want to use the toilet. Our children might not immediately show signs of wanting to use the toilet, but holding this belief will inspire them to keep trying because you believe in them. If you don't truly get behind the idea that your child has the ability to be successful in this then you won't put much effort into it and therefore your child will follow suite. You are your child's biggest resource and they will take on the beliefs that you have. What we ultimately believe, comes to pass eventually so the belief in itself will help you hugely.
2) I am not attached (needing) them to use the toilet. If there is a "Push" or a "Need" for your child to become toilet trained then your they will pick up on that and resist against it. Be prepared to lovingly persist without your success or happiness being dependant upon whether they pee/poo in the potty or not.
3) Toilet Training is fun! The minute that you stop being excited about helping your child get intersted in the toilet, the minute your child will stop being intersted.
4) "No means no for now, but not forever" When your child pulls away from the toilet or tells you or shows you that they are not interested right now. It doesn't mean that all has failed and they mean no forever, be excited to give them control and then try again later.
5) Just because they haven't done it yet, it doesn't mean that they won't want to do it now or in the future. If we always make our decisions based on past experiences then we will never try new things. If we want our children to stretch themselves and do new things then we actually need to think differently, let's be the pioneers of new things to inspire our children.
Some children will toilet train in two weeks, and some will take two years, but in either circumstance, persistence is key!
Have fun being persistent.
Persistence! To work on any skill with our children we need to be persistent and keep trying. If we gave up after the the first attempt of helping our child use the toilet then they would never get the opportunity to really work on their area of challenge. Here are some ways to think when toilet training your child that will help you to be persistent.
1) I beleive that my child will want to use the toilet. Our children might not immediately show signs of wanting to use the toilet, but holding this belief will inspire them to keep trying because you believe in them. If you don't truly get behind the idea that your child has the ability to be successful in this then you won't put much effort into it and therefore your child will follow suite. You are your child's biggest resource and they will take on the beliefs that you have. What we ultimately believe, comes to pass eventually so the belief in itself will help you hugely.
2) I am not attached (needing) them to use the toilet. If there is a "Push" or a "Need" for your child to become toilet trained then your they will pick up on that and resist against it. Be prepared to lovingly persist without your success or happiness being dependant upon whether they pee/poo in the potty or not.
3) Toilet Training is fun! The minute that you stop being excited about helping your child get intersted in the toilet, the minute your child will stop being intersted.
4) "No means no for now, but not forever" When your child pulls away from the toilet or tells you or shows you that they are not interested right now. It doesn't mean that all has failed and they mean no forever, be excited to give them control and then try again later.
5) Just because they haven't done it yet, it doesn't mean that they won't want to do it now or in the future. If we always make our decisions based on past experiences then we will never try new things. If we want our children to stretch themselves and do new things then we actually need to think differently, let's be the pioneers of new things to inspire our children.
Some children will toilet train in two weeks, and some will take two years, but in either circumstance, persistence is key!
Have fun being persistent.
Labels: Inspiration, Self-Help Skills, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
6:00 AM
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Thursday, February 25, 2010
From Jack: Inspirational Thoughts
Hey guys
Often when people come here to the Autism Treatment Center of America, they are amazed by the level of energy, excitement and enthusiasm of our staff here. They ask how we are able to sustain such passion in our work, using The Son-Rise Program to help recover children and adults with autism. Well - we teach here that it is a CHOICE. We can choose, in any moment, to have a wonderful experience when working with autistic children - and from the joy we create from that experience comes our excitement and energy.
One thing that I find so helpful in guiding myself towards seeing the perfection and beauty is to keep a folder full of inspirational quotes and poems: things I can read every day to remind myself of the healing power of love, the beauty of the present moment, the gift of a challenge - all attitudinal thoughts that are so useful when in the Son-Rise Program playroom!
Today, I read this, and felt it was so applicable to my job here as a Child Facilitator:
The healer knows we heal no one, we cure no one;
to attempt the cure denies the truth:
disharmony sown in spirit reaps imbalance in the flesh.
To regain the point of balance only open your heart,
merely offer your life;
allow the love to heal, allow the weak to grow;
say ‘I am the healer’, you stay out of the flow.
Why not make your own folder of inspirational writings, and read one piece before each of your sessions. Challenge yourself to go even deeper into your appreciation of your child and your life.
With love,
Jack
Often when people come here to the Autism Treatment Center of America, they are amazed by the level of energy, excitement and enthusiasm of our staff here. They ask how we are able to sustain such passion in our work, using The Son-Rise Program to help recover children and adults with autism. Well - we teach here that it is a CHOICE. We can choose, in any moment, to have a wonderful experience when working with autistic children - and from the joy we create from that experience comes our excitement and energy.
One thing that I find so helpful in guiding myself towards seeing the perfection and beauty is to keep a folder full of inspirational quotes and poems: things I can read every day to remind myself of the healing power of love, the beauty of the present moment, the gift of a challenge - all attitudinal thoughts that are so useful when in the Son-Rise Program playroom!
Today, I read this, and felt it was so applicable to my job here as a Child Facilitator:
The healer knows we heal no one, we cure no one;
to attempt the cure denies the truth:
disharmony sown in spirit reaps imbalance in the flesh.
To regain the point of balance only open your heart,
merely offer your life;
allow the love to heal, allow the weak to grow;
say ‘I am the healer’, you stay out of the flow.
Why not make your own folder of inspirational writings, and read one piece before each of your sessions. Challenge yourself to go even deeper into your appreciation of your child and your life.
With love,
Jack
Labels: Inspiration, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Jack at
11:30 AM
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Games!
From Kate Wilde: Here at The autism Treatment center of America we are dedicated to bringing you varied and interesting games and activities you can play with your children on the autism Spectrum.
So, Just click on the video below to view yet another fun game. If you are on face book right now, click on the title of this blog, then on "View original blog" then on the video itself. You can also view this video on YouTube.
have fun playing this humorous game
With much love to you
Kate
So, Just click on the video below to view yet another fun game. If you are on face book right now, click on the title of this blog, then on "View original blog" then on the video itself. You can also view this video on YouTube.
have fun playing this humorous game
With much love to you
Kate
Labels: Creativity, Fun and Games, Kate, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Kate Wilde at
9:13 AM
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
From Katrina - Tea time thoughts
As I am sitting here drinking my tea, I see the little saying that comes attached to the yogi tea bag ..."happiness comes when you overcome the most impossible obstacle", hmmm, not in my world. My world is much better than that. I know that happiness comes whenever I WANT IT to come.
I was thinking about that this morning at the dentist, there was a time when I hated the dentist and everything associated with it. Because I hated it I made the experience even worse for myself. I would tense up, cringe at the sound of any whirring, hate the feel of plastic gloves, just basically make it awful on myself. No more! I go to the dentist to take care of my teeth and therefore my body, there is no reason to make this an awful experience, this experience is helping me. Today, I acknowledged that, and had the best time I could at the dentist. I was relaxed, I made playful conversation with the dentist, let him work his expertise on me, and I tapped my feet to the radio and thought about well...this blog. If I can make the dentist a happy experience I know I can take this intention with me anywhere.
When I am in a Son Rise program playroom I always bring that happiness. If I ever feel my energy drop, I remember why I am there, to help this child and show him/her how wonderful connecting with other people can be. I feel like giving this child my happiness and acceptance no matter what is the best way to invite them into my world. I remember what Samahria always says that you don't have to go into the playroom, that is also a choice. So, if I choose to go into that playroom I am going to show that child the most exciting happy world I can!
wishing you all happy times,
Katrina
I was thinking about that this morning at the dentist, there was a time when I hated the dentist and everything associated with it. Because I hated it I made the experience even worse for myself. I would tense up, cringe at the sound of any whirring, hate the feel of plastic gloves, just basically make it awful on myself. No more! I go to the dentist to take care of my teeth and therefore my body, there is no reason to make this an awful experience, this experience is helping me. Today, I acknowledged that, and had the best time I could at the dentist. I was relaxed, I made playful conversation with the dentist, let him work his expertise on me, and I tapped my feet to the radio and thought about well...this blog. If I can make the dentist a happy experience I know I can take this intention with me anywhere.
When I am in a Son Rise program playroom I always bring that happiness. If I ever feel my energy drop, I remember why I am there, to help this child and show him/her how wonderful connecting with other people can be. I feel like giving this child my happiness and acceptance no matter what is the best way to invite them into my world. I remember what Samahria always says that you don't have to go into the playroom, that is also a choice. So, if I choose to go into that playroom I am going to show that child the most exciting happy world I can!
wishing you all happy times,
Katrina
Labels: Attitude, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Katrina at
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From Amanda:Control in the Playroom
Hello Wonderful Son Rise Family,
This week at the Autism Treatment Center of America we have a beautiful little boy who has been working on his challenges with control and allowing our presence in the playroom. On Monday, he would easily allow his parents into the playroom but would often have the Child Facilitators sit in the bathroom while he was in the playroom. On Tuesday however, things began to change.
How does one work with a child who has a challenge with control and will not allow your presence in the room? There are many different answers I am sure, but I am going to share the approach that was most effective for me when I had my session.
For me, it was important that I set a clear intention before going into the playroom. I decided to be completely comfortable if he wanted me in the bathroom. I decided this after I adopted the belief that he was taking care of himself in some way so if being in the bathroom was helping him do this then I was going to love the experience. Next, even though I was going to go into the bathroom if that is where he wanted me, I could still WANT to be in the playroom and work on lovingly building the connection to facilitate this happening.
After setting my intention, I went to the apartment and knocked on the playroom door where Dad was already playing. The little boy opened the door and said "no" and pushed me into the bathroom and shut the door. I celebrated him for telling me exactly what he wanted and I would respect his wishes. In the meantime Dad went out the other door. I stayed in the bathroom for about 2 minutes and decided to open the door to see if he had changed his mind. Still, this little angel came over to me again and shut the door. I again celebrated him for communicating his wants and told him I would try again in a couple of minutes. I still felt completely comfortable.
The little boy checked on me several times to be sure I was still in the bathroom and then he sat at the table to be exclusive. I again waited about 2 minutes and then I opened the door to see if he would invite me into the playroom. He simply looked at me and did not tell me to leave so I explained to him that I was going to come into the playroom and just be with him. I walked slowly to the opposite side of the room and joined him in his exclusive activity. I lowered my energy and made myself small to help him know that this was still his room and I was respecting his space.
After 5 minutes of joining, this little boy began to look at me so I raised my energy and celebrated him with excitement and enthusiasm. We were building a connection! As he looked at me I began to get bigger and built on his activity by doing a silly dance. Before you know it we were in a silly song and dance game and I was no longer in the bathroom.
I believe that giving this little boy complete control and allowing him to put us in the bathroom was extremely helpful in building a trusting relationship. I also believe being comfortable with this helped facilitate in building this trust. Wanting and believing that he would allow us in the room helped keep my intention alive. I never assumed his "no" meant no forever so I kept coming back to the initial want....WANTING TO BE IN THE PLAYROOM!
This week at the Autism Treatment Center of America we have a beautiful little boy who has been working on his challenges with control and allowing our presence in the playroom. On Monday, he would easily allow his parents into the playroom but would often have the Child Facilitators sit in the bathroom while he was in the playroom. On Tuesday however, things began to change.
How does one work with a child who has a challenge with control and will not allow your presence in the room? There are many different answers I am sure, but I am going to share the approach that was most effective for me when I had my session.
For me, it was important that I set a clear intention before going into the playroom. I decided to be completely comfortable if he wanted me in the bathroom. I decided this after I adopted the belief that he was taking care of himself in some way so if being in the bathroom was helping him do this then I was going to love the experience. Next, even though I was going to go into the bathroom if that is where he wanted me, I could still WANT to be in the playroom and work on lovingly building the connection to facilitate this happening.
After setting my intention, I went to the apartment and knocked on the playroom door where Dad was already playing. The little boy opened the door and said "no" and pushed me into the bathroom and shut the door. I celebrated him for telling me exactly what he wanted and I would respect his wishes. In the meantime Dad went out the other door. I stayed in the bathroom for about 2 minutes and decided to open the door to see if he had changed his mind. Still, this little angel came over to me again and shut the door. I again celebrated him for communicating his wants and told him I would try again in a couple of minutes. I still felt completely comfortable.
The little boy checked on me several times to be sure I was still in the bathroom and then he sat at the table to be exclusive. I again waited about 2 minutes and then I opened the door to see if he would invite me into the playroom. He simply looked at me and did not tell me to leave so I explained to him that I was going to come into the playroom and just be with him. I walked slowly to the opposite side of the room and joined him in his exclusive activity. I lowered my energy and made myself small to help him know that this was still his room and I was respecting his space.
After 5 minutes of joining, this little boy began to look at me so I raised my energy and celebrated him with excitement and enthusiasm. We were building a connection! As he looked at me I began to get bigger and built on his activity by doing a silly dance. Before you know it we were in a silly song and dance game and I was no longer in the bathroom.
I believe that giving this little boy complete control and allowing him to put us in the bathroom was extremely helpful in building a trusting relationship. I also believe being comfortable with this helped facilitate in building this trust. Wanting and believing that he would allow us in the room helped keep my intention alive. I never assumed his "no" meant no forever so I kept coming back to the initial want....WANTING TO BE IN THE PLAYROOM!
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posted by Amanda at
10:33 AM
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Tuesday, February 23, 2010
From Jack: Talking time!
Good day friends!
Let's talk about talking :)
We all love to do it, we all want our children to do it and we all want our children to do it TYPICALLY.
Now ask yourself this: "How do I talk to my special child when I'm doing The Son-Rise Program?"
Do you tend to be loud? Do you tend to use a baby-voice? Do you talk all the time? Do you only do silly voices?
At the Autism Treatment Center of America we believe that when we are working with autistic children and adults that we are MODELING effective social interaction. When you talk to your child you have a wonderful opportunity to model to them how typical people talk to each other. As a Son-Rise Program Child Facilitator I love to talk to the children here in my normal voice - not shouting all the time, not speaking down to them, not bull-dozing them with words - just my relaxed, normal voice. I feel able to create a genuine friendship with them this way, plus I know that they are learning from me how to use their voice typically. Sure, friends shout, whoop, laugh and sing together, but they also chat. Try that - even if your child isn't at the point yet of being able to reply, I know they will take in and appreciate you talking to them as an equal.
Have fun my chitter-chatterers!
Love Jack
Let's talk about talking :)
We all love to do it, we all want our children to do it and we all want our children to do it TYPICALLY.
Now ask yourself this: "How do I talk to my special child when I'm doing The Son-Rise Program?"
Do you tend to be loud? Do you tend to use a baby-voice? Do you talk all the time? Do you only do silly voices?
At the Autism Treatment Center of America we believe that when we are working with autistic children and adults that we are MODELING effective social interaction. When you talk to your child you have a wonderful opportunity to model to them how typical people talk to each other. As a Son-Rise Program Child Facilitator I love to talk to the children here in my normal voice - not shouting all the time, not speaking down to them, not bull-dozing them with words - just my relaxed, normal voice. I feel able to create a genuine friendship with them this way, plus I know that they are learning from me how to use their voice typically. Sure, friends shout, whoop, laugh and sing together, but they also chat. Try that - even if your child isn't at the point yet of being able to reply, I know they will take in and appreciate you talking to them as an equal.
Have fun my chitter-chatterers!
Love Jack
Labels: Language, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Jack at
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From Katrina - Aaaah! A child's perspective
Imagine this:
You are lost in thought; perhaps contemplating the mysteries of the universe, when out of nowhere someone approaches you. He grabs at your hands, you do not know what is happening. You pull your hands back, He grabs at them again. You scream in protest, "what is going on?" you think. This person is large, much larger than you and stronger too. He pulls at your clothes fast and hard and he doesn't listen when you cry out. You try to fight him, but he just keeps at it. He holds your hands and rips your shirt over your head. You struggle, but he holds strong. Now he has an object in his hand he is pushing toward you. He is now trying to push this over your head, even when you scream he continues and then grabs at your arms and pulls them through holes. Finally, the struggle ends and the person walks off.
This could be what it feels like to our children when we simply change their shirt. Even if we have the best of intentions, to our children we may be invaders.
This is another lesson that I too learned with my infant child. Kyla would scream and cry any time we attempted to change her clothes, so we tried to be quick and get it over as soon as possible. After awhile of doing this, I remembered my Son Rise training. I slowed down, I approached her calmly and explained what I was doing and why I was doing it. I moved slowly and talked her through everything I was doing. Amazingly, she has stopped crying. Babies, just like all people and our autistic children, like to be respected and treated well.
Next time you are wanting to change your child's clothes, put on their coat, or move them in some way think about it from their perspective and guide them through it slowly. And when you are in the playroom remember to always give control if they don't want what you are offering. This is a safe haven for the child where they are in charge!
loving you wherever you are,
Katrina
You are lost in thought; perhaps contemplating the mysteries of the universe, when out of nowhere someone approaches you. He grabs at your hands, you do not know what is happening. You pull your hands back, He grabs at them again. You scream in protest, "what is going on?" you think. This person is large, much larger than you and stronger too. He pulls at your clothes fast and hard and he doesn't listen when you cry out. You try to fight him, but he just keeps at it. He holds your hands and rips your shirt over your head. You struggle, but he holds strong. Now he has an object in his hand he is pushing toward you. He is now trying to push this over your head, even when you scream he continues and then grabs at your arms and pulls them through holes. Finally, the struggle ends and the person walks off.
This could be what it feels like to our children when we simply change their shirt. Even if we have the best of intentions, to our children we may be invaders.
This is another lesson that I too learned with my infant child. Kyla would scream and cry any time we attempted to change her clothes, so we tried to be quick and get it over as soon as possible. After awhile of doing this, I remembered my Son Rise training. I slowed down, I approached her calmly and explained what I was doing and why I was doing it. I moved slowly and talked her through everything I was doing. Amazingly, she has stopped crying. Babies, just like all people and our autistic children, like to be respected and treated well.
Next time you are wanting to change your child's clothes, put on their coat, or move them in some way think about it from their perspective and guide them through it slowly. And when you are in the playroom remember to always give control if they don't want what you are offering. This is a safe haven for the child where they are in charge!
loving you wherever you are,
Katrina
Labels: Giving Control, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Katrina at
9:46 AM
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Sunday, February 21, 2010
From Becky: Toilet Training take 4
Give your child control!
Here at The Autism Treatment Center of America, giving our special children as much control as possible is always on the main menu.
This is because The Son-Rise Program inpires our children to actually want to do things for themselves (like using the toilet in this example).
Giving our children control make us both attractive to be with and gives our children an opportunity to choose to develop self help skills such as toilet training. That means that whenever your child says "No", pulls away or indicates that they are not interested in the toilet then we will honor that and give them an immediate respect to their comunication.
Every time we honor our child's telling us or showing us "No", we are a step closer to them saying "Yes!" Giving control in an exaggerated way helps our children to become much more flexible therefore allowing them to open themselves up to new experiences.
In a world where things can be unpredictable we can be a constant source of solid predictability where no means no! When you honor your child's "No", it doesn't mean that you are giving up or dropping your focus of offering the toilet, it simply means that in that moment, your child is not open to it, that is not to say that in 10 minutes our child may be different.
Have fun!
Here at The Autism Treatment Center of America, giving our special children as much control as possible is always on the main menu.
This is because The Son-Rise Program inpires our children to actually want to do things for themselves (like using the toilet in this example).
Giving our children control make us both attractive to be with and gives our children an opportunity to choose to develop self help skills such as toilet training. That means that whenever your child says "No", pulls away or indicates that they are not interested in the toilet then we will honor that and give them an immediate respect to their comunication.
Every time we honor our child's telling us or showing us "No", we are a step closer to them saying "Yes!" Giving control in an exaggerated way helps our children to become much more flexible therefore allowing them to open themselves up to new experiences.
In a world where things can be unpredictable we can be a constant source of solid predictability where no means no! When you honor your child's "No", it doesn't mean that you are giving up or dropping your focus of offering the toilet, it simply means that in that moment, your child is not open to it, that is not to say that in 10 minutes our child may be different.
Have fun!
Labels: Giving Control, Inspiration, Self-Help Skills, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
6:26 PM
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Friday, February 19, 2010
From Katrina - A blast from the past
Recently I rewatched the Inspiring Journeys of Son Rise Program Families and thier Children DVD which includes the BBC Documentary "I Want My Little Boy Back" (to order a copy call us at 413-229-2100) It shows a 2 week version of our intensive program. Watching an outside perspective of what happens here I was blown away once again at the power of our work and how much children can accomplish through love and motivation.
The first time I watched this movie over 3 years ago was the instant I fell in love with the Son Rise program. I rememeber this moment vividly. I was working with a family who was doing ABA with thier child at the time. They had the DVD and asked me to watch it to see what I thought about it. I was so overwhelmed I cried, because when I watched this movie it was the first time I could actually envision myself working with autistic children as a career because I felt there was finally a therapy I could get behind. That very night I looked up the program and decided I wanted to train to be a professional child facilitator.
Now I get to be the behind the camera professional who gets to love these children and help them make monumental changes for themselves. I love my job!
The first time I watched this movie over 3 years ago was the instant I fell in love with the Son Rise program. I rememeber this moment vividly. I was working with a family who was doing ABA with thier child at the time. They had the DVD and asked me to watch it to see what I thought about it. I was so overwhelmed I cried, because when I watched this movie it was the first time I could actually envision myself working with autistic children as a career because I felt there was finally a therapy I could get behind. That very night I looked up the program and decided I wanted to train to be a professional child facilitator.
Now I get to be the behind the camera professional who gets to love these children and help them make monumental changes for themselves. I love my job!
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posted by Katrina at
12:55 PM
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Jack's Playroom Stories #2
From Jack:
Hi there friends!
So here is one of my special playroom moments from this week! Over the last few days I have been lucky enough to spend time playing with the CUTEST little 3 year autistic boy from Canada, here at the Autism Treatment Center of America. He has black messy hair, deep brown eyes and the sweetest smile in the world. Today, as we were approaching the end of his session he decided to start crying, really quite loudly. Now, having been trained in The Son-Rise Program, my first thought wasn't "Oh no! My friend is unhappy!" but instead "Hmmm, my friend is trying to tell me he wants something in the best way he knows how. How can I help him tell me more effectively?"
S0 I went over to this little munchkin and said "Hey, I love you but I don't know what you want. Why don't you take a deep breath and tell me what you want?" and he took a breath and said "Open!"
Now even though the door still wasn't going to open, I felt so proud of my friend! He, in that moment, had decided not to cry and to communicate with me in the most effective way: using his language! As a Son-Rise Program Child Facilitator I really view children crying as a wonderful gift - a chance to show them the beautiful power of using their language versus crying. I encourage everyone out there with children on the autistic spectrum to delight in their children when they choose to cry and think "I have a beautiful opportunity to help my child TELL me what they want."
With love and smiles to you all
Jack
Hi there friends!
So here is one of my special playroom moments from this week! Over the last few days I have been lucky enough to spend time playing with the CUTEST little 3 year autistic boy from Canada, here at the Autism Treatment Center of America. He has black messy hair, deep brown eyes and the sweetest smile in the world. Today, as we were approaching the end of his session he decided to start crying, really quite loudly. Now, having been trained in The Son-Rise Program, my first thought wasn't "Oh no! My friend is unhappy!" but instead "Hmmm, my friend is trying to tell me he wants something in the best way he knows how. How can I help him tell me more effectively?"
S0 I went over to this little munchkin and said "Hey, I love you but I don't know what you want. Why don't you take a deep breath and tell me what you want?" and he took a breath and said "Open!"
Now even though the door still wasn't going to open, I felt so proud of my friend! He, in that moment, had decided not to cry and to communicate with me in the most effective way: using his language! As a Son-Rise Program Child Facilitator I really view children crying as a wonderful gift - a chance to show them the beautiful power of using their language versus crying. I encourage everyone out there with children on the autistic spectrum to delight in their children when they choose to cry and think "I have a beautiful opportunity to help my child TELL me what they want."
With love and smiles to you all
Jack
Labels: Crying, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Jack at
12:43 PM
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
What do YOU want?
From Jack: Yo yo yo Son-Rise amigos!
So I'm sat here at my desk, at the start of a new day at the Autism Treatment Center of America and I wanted to share you all something I do at the start of every day that I feel helps me have great clarity of purpose and daring action throughout my day.
Every morning I wrote down a list of 5 things that I WANT from my day. These can be anything - an attitudinal experience, to complete a task, to connect with an old friend - but the important thing is to be SPECIFIC: "I want to complete x task in 30 minutes," "I want to feel comfortable and loving while talking to x," "I want to be completely present while playing with x;"
And YES - do this for the playroom! Using The Son-Rise Program when working with our autistic children is all about US being specific in what we want for our child in each moment: "I want to connect deeply through joining my child," "I want to show my child how much I love their activity," "I want my child to look at me," "I want my child to say the word down"
I believe that when we are clear on what WE want from our children then it is clearer to them what to do for us.
Enjoy going for what you want my friends!
Love Jack
So I'm sat here at my desk, at the start of a new day at the Autism Treatment Center of America and I wanted to share you all something I do at the start of every day that I feel helps me have great clarity of purpose and daring action throughout my day.
Every morning I wrote down a list of 5 things that I WANT from my day. These can be anything - an attitudinal experience, to complete a task, to connect with an old friend - but the important thing is to be SPECIFIC: "I want to complete x task in 30 minutes," "I want to feel comfortable and loving while talking to x," "I want to be completely present while playing with x;"
And YES - do this for the playroom! Using The Son-Rise Program when working with our autistic children is all about US being specific in what we want for our child in each moment: "I want to connect deeply through joining my child," "I want to show my child how much I love their activity," "I want my child to look at me," "I want my child to say the word down"
I believe that when we are clear on what WE want from our children then it is clearer to them what to do for us.
Enjoy going for what you want my friends!
Love Jack
Labels: Highlighted, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Jack at
5:32 AM
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Joining-It really is a beautiful experience
Hello my Friends,
I am writing to you today directly from the Autism Treatment Center of America in Sheffield , Massachusetts. I wanted to share an experience I had with a beautiful boy with Autism who is here this week for his week long Intensive Program. I am going to share with you the beauty of joining.
As I entered the playroom today this little boy walked over to me and immediately noticed a tool box I had in my hand so I celebrated him and put the tool box on the table. He began to explore the different toys and immersed himself in what seemed a most amazing experience. People who don't know the Son Rise Program may simply sit and watch this little boy play in his own world of wonder and excitement or they may walk away to do something on their list of chores since "he doesn't notice we are there". Here at the Autism Treatment Center of America we do something quite the opposite of watching or walking away. WE JOIN THEM!
This amazing little boy held the tools in his hand and twisted ed and torqued the screws while saying "this is a great way to work with tools". I too began to do the exact same thing he did; I twisted and torqued the screws while saying "this is a great way to work with tools". Once in awhile he would give me a look so I celebrated these special moments. Then, it happened, he looked at me, smiled, and then looked at my hands as if he wanted to be sure I was still with him in his world of wonder.
This little boy and I went on for several more minutes as if we were both in a harmonious dance. Then he stopped what he was doing and took my hand. He placed it on top of the tool bench and directed me to turn the screws with the screwdriver in the way he had been doing for minutes before. He looked with a smile and said "Now it's your turn!" I did exactly as I was told in this moment and recited the words he had been speaking "this is a great way to work with tools!" He looked my way again and began to ask questions and give me directions on how to build a bridge. Before you know it we were completely connected and enjoyed a beautiful game together.
While the game was fantastic and fun, the most important element was building the connection through joining. I believe this child felt my presence as I joined him and it was this action that developed rapport.
It may take minutes, hours, or even days, but joining is truly an integral aspect to the Son Rise Program. Having fun joining-It really is a beautiful experience!
I am writing to you today directly from the Autism Treatment Center of America in Sheffield , Massachusetts. I wanted to share an experience I had with a beautiful boy with Autism who is here this week for his week long Intensive Program. I am going to share with you the beauty of joining.
As I entered the playroom today this little boy walked over to me and immediately noticed a tool box I had in my hand so I celebrated him and put the tool box on the table. He began to explore the different toys and immersed himself in what seemed a most amazing experience. People who don't know the Son Rise Program may simply sit and watch this little boy play in his own world of wonder and excitement or they may walk away to do something on their list of chores since "he doesn't notice we are there". Here at the Autism Treatment Center of America we do something quite the opposite of watching or walking away. WE JOIN THEM!
This amazing little boy held the tools in his hand and twisted ed and torqued the screws while saying "this is a great way to work with tools". I too began to do the exact same thing he did; I twisted and torqued the screws while saying "this is a great way to work with tools". Once in awhile he would give me a look so I celebrated these special moments. Then, it happened, he looked at me, smiled, and then looked at my hands as if he wanted to be sure I was still with him in his world of wonder.
This little boy and I went on for several more minutes as if we were both in a harmonious dance. Then he stopped what he was doing and took my hand. He placed it on top of the tool bench and directed me to turn the screws with the screwdriver in the way he had been doing for minutes before. He looked with a smile and said "Now it's your turn!" I did exactly as I was told in this moment and recited the words he had been speaking "this is a great way to work with tools!" He looked my way again and began to ask questions and give me directions on how to build a bridge. Before you know it we were completely connected and enjoyed a beautiful game together.
While the game was fantastic and fun, the most important element was building the connection through joining. I believe this child felt my presence as I joined him and it was this action that developed rapport.
It may take minutes, hours, or even days, but joining is truly an integral aspect to the Son Rise Program. Having fun joining-It really is a beautiful experience!
Labels: Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Amanda at
2:14 PM
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From Katrina - I love my literal friends!
Hey everyone,
We often laugh in our office as we rehash events that took place in the playroom, but today I couldn't stop laughing enough to tell the story. I had brought in a game I had made, including a book titled with stickers that said "SUPER SPELLS". However when I first walked in, the beautiful boy from England was holding himself and wiggling. I offered him the toilet, when he looked at me I again reminded him that he could put his pee in the toilet (pee being an American word, English folk might say wee). He said "P?" I said yes, let's go put our pee in the toilet. He then proceeded to take the letter P off of my spell book and put it in the toilet! I had to giggle, it was so sweet.
My autistic friend has been so literal this week that it has been a challenge for him to stretch his imagination to symbolic play. I was often told today that objects were not what I was saying they were. "That is not a fire hose, it's a drum stick", "that is not a map, its paper", "that is not a screw driver its a bubble wand". Every time I would agree with him, and suggest we could pretend it was the new object. Most of the time that idea was shot down. This did not mean I could not try again. What I love about the Son Rise program playroom is that the child always has full control, but I can always try again later! And even if it doesn't happen today, there is always tomorrow!
Wishing you all a fun and persistently challenging day!
love,
Katrina
We often laugh in our office as we rehash events that took place in the playroom, but today I couldn't stop laughing enough to tell the story. I had brought in a game I had made, including a book titled with stickers that said "SUPER SPELLS". However when I first walked in, the beautiful boy from England was holding himself and wiggling. I offered him the toilet, when he looked at me I again reminded him that he could put his pee in the toilet (pee being an American word, English folk might say wee). He said "P?" I said yes, let's go put our pee in the toilet. He then proceeded to take the letter P off of my spell book and put it in the toilet! I had to giggle, it was so sweet.
My autistic friend has been so literal this week that it has been a challenge for him to stretch his imagination to symbolic play. I was often told today that objects were not what I was saying they were. "That is not a fire hose, it's a drum stick", "that is not a map, its paper", "that is not a screw driver its a bubble wand". Every time I would agree with him, and suggest we could pretend it was the new object. Most of the time that idea was shot down. This did not mean I could not try again. What I love about the Son Rise program playroom is that the child always has full control, but I can always try again later! And even if it doesn't happen today, there is always tomorrow!
Wishing you all a fun and persistently challenging day!
love,
Katrina
Labels: Environment, Giving Control, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Katrina at
2:08 PM
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Monday, February 15, 2010
Start Up Greetings
Good Morning Incredible Son Rise Parents and Friends,
I am writing from home today as I have the day off with my children. Even though I have this time with my family I thought I would write a note to my extended family; All of you out there in our amazing Son Rise Program Community. I felt compelled to write to you today because I had the opportunity to meet some wonderful parents as they arrived here at the Autism Treatment Center of America to begin their journey with the Son Rise Program at the Start Up Program this week.
As a Child Facilitator, I can't express to you how truly honored I feel to meet people as they arrive here for the Start Up Program and begin this amazing journey with their child. As cars drove slowly into the driveway of the Option Institute and the Autism Treatment Center and pulled of to the side of the road looking for direction, I realized I was faced with an opportunity to be a really powerful representative of what the Son Rise Program is truly about. Some of our participants would roll down their car windows with a bit of hesitation and I greeted them with an excited "Hello, my name is Amanda and I am so happy you are here with us this week. How are you today?" One of the participants stepped out of his car and said "Well, I would be allot better if I knew where the hell I was going?" My reply to this man was even more excited than the way in which I greeted him as I said "You are here with us now so I would say for sure you know where you are going!" A sudden easiness appeared to flow through this man's body and a smile came to his face. In this brief moment, we had a common goal and that was to confirmation that he indeed knew where he was going and that he was here for what will be a life changing experience. I then told him where he was staying and he was on his way. As this man drove away I thought to myself "I so love this job!".
Many other cars pulled into the drive here at the Autism Treatment Center of America last evening and each person was met with the same love and excitement. No one knows for sure what will come at the end of the week but what is known for sure is that each one has taken the first step. The first step may have been a baby step taken after many years of contemplation or a giant step without hesitation. Which ever one it may be, they are all here together with a common purpose. Each and every parent has ventured here because they are wanting the very best for their child.
I know as I greeted our friends last evening I felt the love and energy flow from their cars and into me so I hope the love and excitement I felt flowed equally into them. Let our common focus of wanting the very best for their child be the goal this week.
I am grateful to all of you as Son Rise Parents for taking the first step and sharing your growth and love with all of us here at the Autism Treatment Center of America.
Much love and excitement to all of you!!
Love,
Amanda
I am writing from home today as I have the day off with my children. Even though I have this time with my family I thought I would write a note to my extended family; All of you out there in our amazing Son Rise Program Community. I felt compelled to write to you today because I had the opportunity to meet some wonderful parents as they arrived here at the Autism Treatment Center of America to begin their journey with the Son Rise Program at the Start Up Program this week.
As a Child Facilitator, I can't express to you how truly honored I feel to meet people as they arrive here for the Start Up Program and begin this amazing journey with their child. As cars drove slowly into the driveway of the Option Institute and the Autism Treatment Center and pulled of to the side of the road looking for direction, I realized I was faced with an opportunity to be a really powerful representative of what the Son Rise Program is truly about. Some of our participants would roll down their car windows with a bit of hesitation and I greeted them with an excited "Hello, my name is Amanda and I am so happy you are here with us this week. How are you today?" One of the participants stepped out of his car and said "Well, I would be allot better if I knew where the hell I was going?" My reply to this man was even more excited than the way in which I greeted him as I said "You are here with us now so I would say for sure you know where you are going!" A sudden easiness appeared to flow through this man's body and a smile came to his face. In this brief moment, we had a common goal and that was to confirmation that he indeed knew where he was going and that he was here for what will be a life changing experience. I then told him where he was staying and he was on his way. As this man drove away I thought to myself "I so love this job!".
Many other cars pulled into the drive here at the Autism Treatment Center of America last evening and each person was met with the same love and excitement. No one knows for sure what will come at the end of the week but what is known for sure is that each one has taken the first step. The first step may have been a baby step taken after many years of contemplation or a giant step without hesitation. Which ever one it may be, they are all here together with a common purpose. Each and every parent has ventured here because they are wanting the very best for their child.
I know as I greeted our friends last evening I felt the love and energy flow from their cars and into me so I hope the love and excitement I felt flowed equally into them. Let our common focus of wanting the very best for their child be the goal this week.
I am grateful to all of you as Son Rise Parents for taking the first step and sharing your growth and love with all of us here at the Autism Treatment Center of America.
Much love and excitement to all of you!!
Love,
Amanda
Labels: Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Amanda at
6:38 AM
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Friday, February 12, 2010
From Katrina - Exclusivity is exciting!
Hello again fellow playroom superstars!
This week I had another amazing example of how being exclusive helps a child grow. We have a lovely little girl here this week who had a challenge being completely stable on her feet. She would often lean into you while walking stairs, or jump at you instead of moving on her own. She started the week interactive with a high attention span. As the week progressed she became more exclusive, one of her isms was walking the stairs and sliding down the slide. As our staff gave her the space to do this on her own, she became more confident and able. On Thursday and Friday she was much more interactive and she was able to easily climb up stairs and slide down instead of jumping at you.
I truly believe that she was using the time she was exclusive to challenge herself and use her new found skill without pressure. By giving her this time we allowed her to find her own motivation to use her feet! Her parents were deeply impressed with her new gait SHE found here at the Autism Treatment Center of America.
There are many reasons that our children are exclusive, and all of them are important and valuable. Let us respect this and join in in order to help them grow!
Love to you all,
Katrina
This week I had another amazing example of how being exclusive helps a child grow. We have a lovely little girl here this week who had a challenge being completely stable on her feet. She would often lean into you while walking stairs, or jump at you instead of moving on her own. She started the week interactive with a high attention span. As the week progressed she became more exclusive, one of her isms was walking the stairs and sliding down the slide. As our staff gave her the space to do this on her own, she became more confident and able. On Thursday and Friday she was much more interactive and she was able to easily climb up stairs and slide down instead of jumping at you.
I truly believe that she was using the time she was exclusive to challenge herself and use her new found skill without pressure. By giving her this time we allowed her to find her own motivation to use her feet! Her parents were deeply impressed with her new gait SHE found here at the Autism Treatment Center of America.
There are many reasons that our children are exclusive, and all of them are important and valuable. Let us respect this and join in in order to help them grow!
Love to you all,
Katrina
Labels: Joining, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Katrina at
11:04 AM
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Thursday, February 11, 2010
What did YOU learn today?
Hey hey from the Autism Treatment Center of America!!
So this week I celebrated my 25th birthday and that got me to thinking. What a journey with The Son-Rise Program I've had, from the age of 21 when I started to volunteer with with families in the UK to today being a professional Child Facilitator, helping children with autism grow, change and recover!
One thing that has kept me inspired and energised through this journey is really deciding to learn from each and every child and adult I work with. They are all so unique, beautiful and special in their own ways - I always leave my playroom sessions feeling like I have learnt something and this helps foster a sense of gratitude and love for my time in the playroom. So, here are my top learnings:
So this week I celebrated my 25th birthday and that got me to thinking. What a journey with The Son-Rise Program I've had, from the age of 21 when I started to volunteer with with families in the UK to today being a professional Child Facilitator, helping children with autism grow, change and recover!
One thing that has kept me inspired and energised through this journey is really deciding to learn from each and every child and adult I work with. They are all so unique, beautiful and special in their own ways - I always leave my playroom sessions feeling like I have learnt something and this helps foster a sense of gratitude and love for my time in the playroom. So, here are my top learnings:
- That it is possible to find beauty in anything: the play of dust in the light, the movement of my shadow, the blur of my fingers as I wave them... Anything I attend to, I can make it beautiful.
- The pleasure of being in the present moment: our children are so attentive and focused - they are so present to their environment, not worrying about the economy or taxes or insurance. My time with them is a beautiful practice of letting go of the outside world and deciding to love, moment by moment.
- That it feels good to love someone. In fact, it's the BEST feeling. From my playroom time I have learnt how good it feels to give so deeply of myself that I need nothing back in return - just giving in itself feels sooooo good!
What are YOUR favourite playroom learnings? Why not write them down before your next session, as way to focus on your love and gratitude for your special child? Maybe you could get your volunteers to write them down and share them in your next group meeting?
Remember, we are always on the journey and there is always something more to learn :)
With 25 years of love,
Jack
Labels: Attitude, Personal Growth, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Jack at
12:18 PM
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010
From Katrina - Playroom Theme Song
Hi Guys,
While getting ready for the playroom at the Autism Treatment Center of America today, I was looking up songs that go along with the child's motivation. I found the theme song for Diego, and thought it could be a great theme song for any playroom, so I wanted to share it with you(words have been modified to coincide with the Son Rise program playroom - insert your own child's name) Sing it to the tune of Go Diego Go
Oh... Oh.., Oh... ah
Go YOUR CHILD Go
Deep inside the playroom where love is running wild
Coming to the rescue is a very special child
Talking to her friends and swinging with her arms
This rough and tough adventurer is working all her charms
Yo Viene YOUR CHLID...YOUR CHILD...YOUR CHILD...Go, YOUR CHILD, Go
I am on a mission we're going for a ride
YOUR CHILD is on the road with Son Rise on her side
Discovering together, Yeah we're always having fun
Helping out each other is good for everyone
And there goes YOUR CHILD...YOUR CHILD...YOUR CHILD...Go, YOUR CHILD, Go
Have fun in the playroom!
Love,
Katrina
While getting ready for the playroom at the Autism Treatment Center of America today, I was looking up songs that go along with the child's motivation. I found the theme song for Diego, and thought it could be a great theme song for any playroom, so I wanted to share it with you(words have been modified to coincide with the Son Rise program playroom - insert your own child's name) Sing it to the tune of Go Diego Go
Oh... Oh.., Oh... ah
Go YOUR CHILD Go
Deep inside the playroom where love is running wild
Coming to the rescue is a very special child
Talking to her friends and swinging with her arms
This rough and tough adventurer is working all her charms
Yo Viene YOUR CHLID...YOUR CHILD...YOUR CHILD...Go, YOUR CHILD, Go
I am on a mission we're going for a ride
YOUR CHILD is on the road with Son Rise on her side
Discovering together, Yeah we're always having fun
Helping out each other is good for everyone
And there goes YOUR CHILD...YOUR CHILD...YOUR CHILD...Go, YOUR CHILD, Go
Have fun in the playroom!
Love,
Katrina
Labels: Fun and Games, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Katrina at
11:52 AM
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From Becky: Potty Training Take Two!
Hi,
Here are some more ideas that we use at The Autism Treatment Center of America to help our children to want to use the toilet.
2) Look for signs! Observe your child and see if they are giving you any clues as to when they are about to go to the toilet.
Do they get quiet and go into the corner? Do they hide? Do they fidget? Do they start to touch themselves? Some of our special children have sensitive guts and may press their belly or roll on their stomachs on a therapy ball when they have a poo coming. Pay attention to how many fluids they have drunk to know when they are due to pee.
The more we can recognise the signs our children are giving us when they are about to pee or poop, the more we will know they are ready for us to introduce the toilet to them.
The Son-Rise Program playroom is the perfect place to do this because it's a low distraction environment where you can be present with your child and really hone in on their cues. Also, if you have a linoleum style flooring that is easy to clean, it isn't a big deal if they have a few accidents along the way.
When you see the signs from your child, it's time to explain that it looks like they have a pee or poop coming. Excitedly encourage them to use the toilet. Whether your child is verbal or not yet verbal, our children still have receptive language, the explanations will educate them and help you to become predictable and easy to relate to.
Call (413)229-2100 to book a 25 minute toilet training consultation with one of our staff. We will give you specific techniques to use that are individual to your child.
More coming soon........
Here are some more ideas that we use at The Autism Treatment Center of America to help our children to want to use the toilet.
2) Look for signs! Observe your child and see if they are giving you any clues as to when they are about to go to the toilet.
Do they get quiet and go into the corner? Do they hide? Do they fidget? Do they start to touch themselves? Some of our special children have sensitive guts and may press their belly or roll on their stomachs on a therapy ball when they have a poo coming. Pay attention to how many fluids they have drunk to know when they are due to pee.
The more we can recognise the signs our children are giving us when they are about to pee or poop, the more we will know they are ready for us to introduce the toilet to them.
The Son-Rise Program playroom is the perfect place to do this because it's a low distraction environment where you can be present with your child and really hone in on their cues. Also, if you have a linoleum style flooring that is easy to clean, it isn't a big deal if they have a few accidents along the way.
When you see the signs from your child, it's time to explain that it looks like they have a pee or poop coming. Excitedly encourage them to use the toilet. Whether your child is verbal or not yet verbal, our children still have receptive language, the explanations will educate them and help you to become predictable and easy to relate to.
Call (413)229-2100 to book a 25 minute toilet training consultation with one of our staff. We will give you specific techniques to use that are individual to your child.
More coming soon........
Labels: Inspiration, Self-Help Skills, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
7:14 AM
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Applying the Son Rise Priciples-Love and Acceptance
Hello wonderful and amazing friends,
Many of you do not know who I am so I would like to tell you a little about myself. My name is Amanda and I am a Son Rise Program Child Facilitator here at the Autism Treatment Center of America in Sheffield Massachusetts. I am a life long resident of Berkshire County and intend to continue to raise my two children here as well. I have a beautiful 6 year old daughter and a wonderful 11 year old son with ADHD. I want to share with you how useful the Son Rise Program has been for me both in my professional life and in my personal life.
When my son was diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago (and before I came to the Autism Treatment Center of America) I felt anger and sadness. I was angry because I felt as though I had done something wrong in my parenting and sadness because I felt as though my son would have to live with a "label" for the his life. My own self judgement and self pity lead to feelings of angst toward others including my son. I decided to resent my son's ADHD and in turn resented a very beautiful piece of my son's soul. At this point I did all I could to help him hide his ADHD including seeing a child psychologist and starting him on medication.
Since coming to the Autism Treatment Center of America I have adapted a completely different view of ADHD (as well all Autism Spectrum Disorders). One of the first things taught to us by the Son Rise Program Teacher's is the importance of finding a loving and accepting attitude for others and for ourselves. I immediately looked at this within myself and realized I had not accepted or loved my son's ADHD at all and instead had this belief that is was "bad" for my son. I also did a pretty good job at judging myself and felt worthless as a parent. In an instant, I made the decision to love everything about ADHD and wanted to know much more about it rather than look for ways to prevent it or "fix it". I also wanted to love and accept my own parenting.
Before adapting a loving and accepting attitude, my son felt the affects of how I felt about his ADHD. Our relationship was distant, he didn't participate in sports, he had very few friends, and he hardly left my side. He also had a bed wetting challenge and often had difficulty falling asleep. When I changed my attitude to one of acceptance and love my son seemed to grow before my eyes. He became easy with his ADHD as well. He would tell his friends about his ADHD and they in turn developed a sense of love and respect for him. I have freed myself from being a victim of circumstance and changed to one of opportunity. My son tooo has a gift that he can share with the rest of the world and I want him to love it just as I do. He is no longer on medicine, he has joined the swim team, he hasn't wet his bed in 6 months, and he had his first sleepover at his friends house over winter break. WOW!
I now embrace each moment I have with ADHD and treat it as an opportunity to grow and learn. When I receive letters from my son's teacher's stating that "he had difficulty in class today" I no longer approach my son with feelings of upset but instead approach him with an open, loving heart. No amount of medicine or therapy can compare to the Son Rise Program attitude of love and acceptance.
The Son Rise Program Principles have helped me change my life and it has helped my son evolve into a self loving being as well.
Many of you do not know who I am so I would like to tell you a little about myself. My name is Amanda and I am a Son Rise Program Child Facilitator here at the Autism Treatment Center of America in Sheffield Massachusetts. I am a life long resident of Berkshire County and intend to continue to raise my two children here as well. I have a beautiful 6 year old daughter and a wonderful 11 year old son with ADHD. I want to share with you how useful the Son Rise Program has been for me both in my professional life and in my personal life.
When my son was diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago (and before I came to the Autism Treatment Center of America) I felt anger and sadness. I was angry because I felt as though I had done something wrong in my parenting and sadness because I felt as though my son would have to live with a "label" for the his life. My own self judgement and self pity lead to feelings of angst toward others including my son. I decided to resent my son's ADHD and in turn resented a very beautiful piece of my son's soul. At this point I did all I could to help him hide his ADHD including seeing a child psychologist and starting him on medication.
Since coming to the Autism Treatment Center of America I have adapted a completely different view of ADHD (as well all Autism Spectrum Disorders). One of the first things taught to us by the Son Rise Program Teacher's is the importance of finding a loving and accepting attitude for others and for ourselves. I immediately looked at this within myself and realized I had not accepted or loved my son's ADHD at all and instead had this belief that is was "bad" for my son. I also did a pretty good job at judging myself and felt worthless as a parent. In an instant, I made the decision to love everything about ADHD and wanted to know much more about it rather than look for ways to prevent it or "fix it". I also wanted to love and accept my own parenting.
Before adapting a loving and accepting attitude, my son felt the affects of how I felt about his ADHD. Our relationship was distant, he didn't participate in sports, he had very few friends, and he hardly left my side. He also had a bed wetting challenge and often had difficulty falling asleep. When I changed my attitude to one of acceptance and love my son seemed to grow before my eyes. He became easy with his ADHD as well. He would tell his friends about his ADHD and they in turn developed a sense of love and respect for him. I have freed myself from being a victim of circumstance and changed to one of opportunity. My son tooo has a gift that he can share with the rest of the world and I want him to love it just as I do. He is no longer on medicine, he has joined the swim team, he hasn't wet his bed in 6 months, and he had his first sleepover at his friends house over winter break. WOW!
I now embrace each moment I have with ADHD and treat it as an opportunity to grow and learn. When I receive letters from my son's teacher's stating that "he had difficulty in class today" I no longer approach my son with feelings of upset but instead approach him with an open, loving heart. No amount of medicine or therapy can compare to the Son Rise Program attitude of love and acceptance.
The Son Rise Program Principles have helped me change my life and it has helped my son evolve into a self loving being as well.
Labels: Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Amanda at
7:13 AM
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Tuesday, February 9, 2010
From Becky: Potty Fun!
Hi All,
My next series of blogs are going to be about the toilet!!! Yeah for the toilet. Here at The Autism Treatment Center of America we love the toilet, we are excited about the toilet and we have many many ideas that can help your child get interested in the toilet, be motivated to sit on it, and to use it.
1) Get excited about pee and poop! How do we expect our children to be interested using the toilet if we, ourselves are making the pee and poop experience out to be a negative one.
I used to babysit for a Neuro-Typical 2 year old who's parents would make a big face as they would change his diaper and say "Peeeeeeeewww", they would refer to it as a "Stinky diaper" and then as a result, he wouldn't ever want to get his diaper changed and would be controlling around it.
Let's let our children know that peeing and pooping is a natural thing that out body does, it's helpful to us, useful and fun! Our bodies feel better when we do it and everybody does it. If you hide the fact that you do it too from them, then they will never learn how to manage it themselves.
When you need to go for a pee or a poop, tell them what's happening for you, do it in front of them and then give yourself a big cheer for putting it in the toilet. This is great to model with your other children and your partners. Give eachother a high five when you poop in the potty, let eachother flush the toilet after you have done a pee. We need to exaggerate things for our special children so that they take notice.
Let's get pee and poop, out of the closet!
More coming soon..........
My next series of blogs are going to be about the toilet!!! Yeah for the toilet. Here at The Autism Treatment Center of America we love the toilet, we are excited about the toilet and we have many many ideas that can help your child get interested in the toilet, be motivated to sit on it, and to use it.
1) Get excited about pee and poop! How do we expect our children to be interested using the toilet if we, ourselves are making the pee and poop experience out to be a negative one.
I used to babysit for a Neuro-Typical 2 year old who's parents would make a big face as they would change his diaper and say "Peeeeeeeewww", they would refer to it as a "Stinky diaper" and then as a result, he wouldn't ever want to get his diaper changed and would be controlling around it.
Let's let our children know that peeing and pooping is a natural thing that out body does, it's helpful to us, useful and fun! Our bodies feel better when we do it and everybody does it. If you hide the fact that you do it too from them, then they will never learn how to manage it themselves.
When you need to go for a pee or a poop, tell them what's happening for you, do it in front of them and then give yourself a big cheer for putting it in the toilet. This is great to model with your other children and your partners. Give eachother a high five when you poop in the potty, let eachother flush the toilet after you have done a pee. We need to exaggerate things for our special children so that they take notice.
Let's get pee and poop, out of the closet!
More coming soon..........
Labels: Attitude, Inspiration, Self-Help Skills, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
1:33 PM
2 Comments
Jack's Playroom Stories #1
Howdy friends!
I've decided to start writing weekly stories, relating my favourite playroom moments from the week from The Son-Rise Program(R) Intensive here at the Autism Treatment Center of America. As a Child Facilitator for children with Autism and Asperger's syndrome, I have so many moment, every week, that just blow me away. Here is something special from this week:
We are working with the sweetest little 4 year old girl. She has dark brown eyes, cute braided hair and loves squeezes, rubs, tickles and singing. I was watching one of my colleagues playing with this wonderful girl in our playroom, trying to help her say the word "Squeeze". After playfully giving her squeezes for nearly 5 minutes, just playing, having fun and modeling the joy of social interaction, the Child Facilitator explained to this girl the power of her language and lovingly encouraged her to say "Squeeze". There was a long pause - maybe 40 seconds - and then this amazing little girl said "Sss"! Not just once, but three times!
Up until this point, her parents had NEVER heard her use this sound. It was so beautiful and inspiring to be there at the moment that this brave little girl decided to stretch her boundaries, challenge herself, try something new. There is constant inspiration to find in our autistic children, if we choose to see it.
Have fun, my friends!
Love Jack
I've decided to start writing weekly stories, relating my favourite playroom moments from the week from The Son-Rise Program(R) Intensive here at the Autism Treatment Center of America. As a Child Facilitator for children with Autism and Asperger's syndrome, I have so many moment, every week, that just blow me away. Here is something special from this week:
We are working with the sweetest little 4 year old girl. She has dark brown eyes, cute braided hair and loves squeezes, rubs, tickles and singing. I was watching one of my colleagues playing with this wonderful girl in our playroom, trying to help her say the word "Squeeze". After playfully giving her squeezes for nearly 5 minutes, just playing, having fun and modeling the joy of social interaction, the Child Facilitator explained to this girl the power of her language and lovingly encouraged her to say "Squeeze". There was a long pause - maybe 40 seconds - and then this amazing little girl said "Sss"! Not just once, but three times!
Up until this point, her parents had NEVER heard her use this sound. It was so beautiful and inspiring to be there at the moment that this brave little girl decided to stretch her boundaries, challenge herself, try something new. There is constant inspiration to find in our autistic children, if we choose to see it.
Have fun, my friends!
Love Jack
Labels: Inspiration, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Jack at
12:24 PM
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Friday, January 29, 2010
Velro Hoop
From kate Wilde: A great idea for your Son-Rise Program Playrooms.
To see this fun build idea presented by our talented Son-Rise Program child facilitator Jack Goodall, just click on the video below, or if you are on face book right now, click on the title of this blog, then on "view original blog" then on the video itself.
Love to you all
Kate
To see this fun build idea presented by our talented Son-Rise Program child facilitator Jack Goodall, just click on the video below, or if you are on face book right now, click on the title of this blog, then on "view original blog" then on the video itself.
Love to you all
Kate
Labels: Creativity, Fun and Games, Kate, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Kate Wilde at
8:02 AM
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Thursday, January 28, 2010
From Becky: What is my purpose?
This is a question that has come up in discussions recently when working with wonderful parents and volunteers in The Son-Rise Program.
Is my purpose in the playroom to position for eye contact? To request language? To catch every green light?, to join at the perfect distance?
Or.........
is it to build a loving relationship with my child?, to be as accepting to myself and my child as possible? To be comfortable and present? To relax and have a good time?
The list goes on.........
Sometimes we can get so caught up in the technical side of things that we forget to focus on the attitude.
The very core of the The Son-Rise Program is the attitude! When I am in the attitude and see that as my purpose when working with children and parents, I have unstop able creativity and ideas flowing out of my pores.
Ask yourself, what is my purpose? the next time you go to work with your child. Re-define it for yourself, when you choose to have a purpose that is attitudinal versus technical, the techniques and your creativity will endlessly pore from you because you will be relaxed and present and therefore see what your child is doing with new eyes.
Is my purpose in the playroom to position for eye contact? To request language? To catch every green light?, to join at the perfect distance?
Or.........
is it to build a loving relationship with my child?, to be as accepting to myself and my child as possible? To be comfortable and present? To relax and have a good time?
The list goes on.........
Sometimes we can get so caught up in the technical side of things that we forget to focus on the attitude.
The very core of the The Son-Rise Program is the attitude! When I am in the attitude and see that as my purpose when working with children and parents, I have unstop able creativity and ideas flowing out of my pores.
Ask yourself, what is my purpose? the next time you go to work with your child. Re-define it for yourself, when you choose to have a purpose that is attitudinal versus technical, the techniques and your creativity will endlessly pore from you because you will be relaxed and present and therefore see what your child is doing with new eyes.
Labels: Attitude, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
6:52 AM
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
From Katrina: I'm back!
From Katrina: Hello all of you amazing people! I am excited to be back to work at the Autism Treatment Center of America after taking a 3 month hiatus to be with my beautiful new baby, Kyla.
Joining the ranks of motherhood has probably been easier I think, since I have been trained in the Son Rise program. So much that I have learned has proven extra effective in parenting at home. For example:
On my very first day with Kyla she would not eat. I tried many people's suggestions, but Kyla just wouldn't do it. We even took her to the doctor who gave us some ideas that still would not work. I was putting a lot of pressure on myself, in order to be a "good" mother I had to get my child to eat. Everyone was watching me and waiting for Kyla to perform. Finally, at the end of the day the midwife left me alone to relax, she said to not worry and just enjoy my baby. When she left, I let go of my need to "control" the situation. I could feel the tension ease out of my body. Literally the second I did this, Kyla decided to eat.
Like Kyla, many nonverbal or autistic children can sense our moods. When we try to put pressure on them to do something our way, they resist. Yet, when we give them the control, accept them no matter what, and still go for what we want, they are more likely to do it. This is what I love about the Son Rise program. We put the power in the child's hands. This is so much more motivating for them ... and it works for me!
I'm excited to be with you all again and back in that magical playroom!
Lots of Love,
Katrina
Joining the ranks of motherhood has probably been easier I think, since I have been trained in the Son Rise program. So much that I have learned has proven extra effective in parenting at home. For example:
On my very first day with Kyla she would not eat. I tried many people's suggestions, but Kyla just wouldn't do it. We even took her to the doctor who gave us some ideas that still would not work. I was putting a lot of pressure on myself, in order to be a "good" mother I had to get my child to eat. Everyone was watching me and waiting for Kyla to perform. Finally, at the end of the day the midwife left me alone to relax, she said to not worry and just enjoy my baby. When she left, I let go of my need to "control" the situation. I could feel the tension ease out of my body. Literally the second I did this, Kyla decided to eat.
Like Kyla, many nonverbal or autistic children can sense our moods. When we try to put pressure on them to do something our way, they resist. Yet, when we give them the control, accept them no matter what, and still go for what we want, they are more likely to do it. This is what I love about the Son Rise program. We put the power in the child's hands. This is so much more motivating for them ... and it works for me!
I'm excited to be with you all again and back in that magical playroom!
Lots of Love,
Katrina
Labels: Attitude, Giving Control, Parenting, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Katrina at
12:36 PM
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Friday, January 22, 2010
From Becky: Repetitious Games
Hi Everyone!
At the weekend I went to a wonderful family's home to work with them and their indredible twin boys using The Son-Rise Program. While I was there, a question about repetitious games came up. One of their boys liked to take their hand and have them draw on flash cards over and over again. They were unsure of how to help him in this activity. Seeing as many of our children have repetitious activities similar to this, I'd love to share my response with you.
1) Is might be a stim: This depends on how rigid, or how open your child is. If they have little or no eye contact, a blank facial expression, are not responding to you when you try and vary the activity and are physically manipulating you in an intense way then they are being exclusive. Even though they are involving you, they are not including you in a connected way but using you more as a tool to get the repetition they crave. In this case, your role is to join them by being excited to be that tool and doing the activity in the exact way they want it, thus showing you are trustworthy and attractive to be with and building a relationship with them.
2) Control: Our children crave predictability in their lives, that's why they have repetitious and exclusive behaviors. Our world is often unpredictable and over-stimulating for them so these predictable activities are of comfort to our children. The fact that they are involving us in an activity like this is great! They could be stimming in the corner on their own so feel grateful that you can be there for them in this way.
3) Wait until they are open: The more that you join your child and easily do this activity, the more open they will be to your ideas. When your child is more open (e.g. relaxing their intensity, leaving some space for you to add something, looking at you more, with a more connected facial expression or talking to you), this is the time to inspire growth.
4) How do I inspire growth?: Add something new! A way that we can help our children be more flexible and open to other's ideas is to vary the game. Try drawing something totally different or making up a song about what you are drawing. Ask for eye contact! If your child is more open but not looking at you, playfully request that they look so that you can draw more for them. Work on language: Ask them to choose what to draw next by giving them chioces (e.g "Shall I draw a dinasoar of Daddy?").
5) Celebrate! Help your child to feel successful, express your gratitude for choosing you to draw for them, if they say "No" when you try to challenge them, honor that and drop your challenge, every no, is going in the bank for a yes later.
Have fun!
At the weekend I went to a wonderful family's home to work with them and their indredible twin boys using The Son-Rise Program. While I was there, a question about repetitious games came up. One of their boys liked to take their hand and have them draw on flash cards over and over again. They were unsure of how to help him in this activity. Seeing as many of our children have repetitious activities similar to this, I'd love to share my response with you.
1) Is might be a stim: This depends on how rigid, or how open your child is. If they have little or no eye contact, a blank facial expression, are not responding to you when you try and vary the activity and are physically manipulating you in an intense way then they are being exclusive. Even though they are involving you, they are not including you in a connected way but using you more as a tool to get the repetition they crave. In this case, your role is to join them by being excited to be that tool and doing the activity in the exact way they want it, thus showing you are trustworthy and attractive to be with and building a relationship with them.
2) Control: Our children crave predictability in their lives, that's why they have repetitious and exclusive behaviors. Our world is often unpredictable and over-stimulating for them so these predictable activities are of comfort to our children. The fact that they are involving us in an activity like this is great! They could be stimming in the corner on their own so feel grateful that you can be there for them in this way.
3) Wait until they are open: The more that you join your child and easily do this activity, the more open they will be to your ideas. When your child is more open (e.g. relaxing their intensity, leaving some space for you to add something, looking at you more, with a more connected facial expression or talking to you), this is the time to inspire growth.
4) How do I inspire growth?: Add something new! A way that we can help our children be more flexible and open to other's ideas is to vary the game. Try drawing something totally different or making up a song about what you are drawing. Ask for eye contact! If your child is more open but not looking at you, playfully request that they look so that you can draw more for them. Work on language: Ask them to choose what to draw next by giving them chioces (e.g "Shall I draw a dinasoar of Daddy?").
5) Celebrate! Help your child to feel successful, express your gratitude for choosing you to draw for them, if they say "No" when you try to challenge them, honor that and drop your challenge, every no, is going in the bank for a yes later.
Have fun!
Labels: Flexibility, Giving Control, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
6:13 AM
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Good Sound/Bad Sound?
From Jack: Hidy-ho Son-Rise amigos!
I hope you are all having amazing, exciting, dynamic and thrilling adventures in your playrooms around the world - here at the Autism Treatment Center of America we definitely are!
This week we have the CUTEST little boy here for the Son-Rise Program Intensive and, wow! Does he have the greatest isms! He loves numbers, math, spelling, dancing and... grinding his teeth! This one got me thinking... I used to really HATE the sound of teeth grinding (I remember my little brother used to do it when he was a baby) but here, with this boy, I am so fine with the sound. In fact, I love it! You know why? Because if I can choose to love anything a child does, then I can choose to love ANY sound!
So often we are sold beliefs about "good", "bad", "fun" or "painful" sounds. How many times have we seen people wince when someone screams, or heard someone say how they hate the sound of nails on a chalkboard or a certain genre of music. We are encouraged to believe that the sound CONTROLS how we feel. I know this is utterly untrue.
Try this out - take a sound you may previously have decided not to like (your child crying, workmen drilling the road outside) and find ONE THING to love about it. Find one thing about that sound that is fascinating and unique. Is it the way your ears vibrate? Is it the after-sound - the way your ears ring? Is there are special rhythm to it? Can you even detect a faint tune that only you can hear?
Now, think what a gift it would be to your child if you decided to love EVERY sound they make in the playroom - crying, screaming, laughing, shouting... yes, even teeth grinding! There is nothing your child can do that you can not love :)
With excitement and joy for all of you
Jack
I hope you are all having amazing, exciting, dynamic and thrilling adventures in your playrooms around the world - here at the Autism Treatment Center of America we definitely are!
This week we have the CUTEST little boy here for the Son-Rise Program Intensive and, wow! Does he have the greatest isms! He loves numbers, math, spelling, dancing and... grinding his teeth! This one got me thinking... I used to really HATE the sound of teeth grinding (I remember my little brother used to do it when he was a baby) but here, with this boy, I am so fine with the sound. In fact, I love it! You know why? Because if I can choose to love anything a child does, then I can choose to love ANY sound!
So often we are sold beliefs about "good", "bad", "fun" or "painful" sounds. How many times have we seen people wince when someone screams, or heard someone say how they hate the sound of nails on a chalkboard or a certain genre of music. We are encouraged to believe that the sound CONTROLS how we feel. I know this is utterly untrue.
Try this out - take a sound you may previously have decided not to like (your child crying, workmen drilling the road outside) and find ONE THING to love about it. Find one thing about that sound that is fascinating and unique. Is it the way your ears vibrate? Is it the after-sound - the way your ears ring? Is there are special rhythm to it? Can you even detect a faint tune that only you can hear?
Now, think what a gift it would be to your child if you decided to love EVERY sound they make in the playroom - crying, screaming, laughing, shouting... yes, even teeth grinding! There is nothing your child can do that you can not love :)
With excitement and joy for all of you
Jack
Labels: Crying, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Jack at
7:52 AM
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Friday, January 15, 2010
From Becky: Boundaries
I was recently working with a Mother who is doing The Son-Rise Program with her child.
An issue she had was that her child kept asking to go out of the playroom. He'd turn off the lights, stand by the door and rattle the door handle several times.
This wonderful Mother who is working on language with her child would ask "What do you want, tell me what you want?" To which he would say "I want out".
Then she would let him out because she wanted to show him the power of his language by giving him what he had asked for. Then the session would be over.
If this sounds familiar to you then here are some ideas.
1) At The Autism Treatment Center of America, we believe in setting clear boundaries for our children. We know that boundaries are useful and will help our children in their lives. One boundary we always set is that when we are in The Son-Rise Program playroom the door stays shut and locked. This is because we know that working with our child in this one to one environment with no distractions for us or our child is absolutely the best way to help them.
2) That it's ok if our children are going to the door or wanting to get out, the idea is not to try and distract them away from the door but to help them see that in life you don’t always get what you want and help them to work through that.
3) That we can still work on language and celebrate them for talking to us. So even if they are saying "I want out", we can say "I love that you are talking to me but the door will still be locked because I love you and want to help you".
4) Offer an alternative. Maybe your child is wanting something that is outside that they don't know is in the playroom, always ensure that you have fresh snacks, a drink and a way for your child to use the bathroom in the room and have fun showing them all of these things and offering them what they might want.
5) Feel comfortable, loving and assumption free even if your child whines, cries, shouts or tantrums about the door staying locked. If when you don't open the door your child does this, it doesn't necessarily mean that your child is unhappy, they are trying to communicate with you and see what might work to get what they want and they also could be seeking a reaction from you so that you eventually "Cave" and open the door.
6) Having the door shut and locked is an act of love. In this playroom I can accept my child, join my child, give my child much more control than outside of the playroom, I can celebrate my child and teach my child in this room.
An issue she had was that her child kept asking to go out of the playroom. He'd turn off the lights, stand by the door and rattle the door handle several times.
This wonderful Mother who is working on language with her child would ask "What do you want, tell me what you want?" To which he would say "I want out".
Then she would let him out because she wanted to show him the power of his language by giving him what he had asked for. Then the session would be over.
If this sounds familiar to you then here are some ideas.
1) At The Autism Treatment Center of America, we believe in setting clear boundaries for our children. We know that boundaries are useful and will help our children in their lives. One boundary we always set is that when we are in The Son-Rise Program playroom the door stays shut and locked. This is because we know that working with our child in this one to one environment with no distractions for us or our child is absolutely the best way to help them.
2) That it's ok if our children are going to the door or wanting to get out, the idea is not to try and distract them away from the door but to help them see that in life you don’t always get what you want and help them to work through that.
3) That we can still work on language and celebrate them for talking to us. So even if they are saying "I want out", we can say "I love that you are talking to me but the door will still be locked because I love you and want to help you".
4) Offer an alternative. Maybe your child is wanting something that is outside that they don't know is in the playroom, always ensure that you have fresh snacks, a drink and a way for your child to use the bathroom in the room and have fun showing them all of these things and offering them what they might want.
5) Feel comfortable, loving and assumption free even if your child whines, cries, shouts or tantrums about the door staying locked. If when you don't open the door your child does this, it doesn't necessarily mean that your child is unhappy, they are trying to communicate with you and see what might work to get what they want and they also could be seeking a reaction from you so that you eventually "Cave" and open the door.
6) Having the door shut and locked is an act of love. In this playroom I can accept my child, join my child, give my child much more control than outside of the playroom, I can celebrate my child and teach my child in this room.
Labels: Environment, Inspiration, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
6:53 AM
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Thursday, January 7, 2010
From Becky: Bread substitute!
Here are some more Gluten, Casein and sugar free ideas.
Question: What is shaped like a burger bun and is 10 times more tasty and nutritious for our children?
Answer: A Portabello Mushroom
A tasty addition to a burger instead of using a bun is to use two Portabello mushrooms brushed with olive oil. Put them on the grill, place your burger inside and voila!
Question: What is shaped like a burger bun and is 10 times more tasty and nutritious for our children?
Answer: A Portabello Mushroom
A tasty addition to a burger instead of using a bun is to use two Portabello mushrooms brushed with olive oil. Put them on the grill, place your burger inside and voila!
Labels: Diet - Biomedical, Inspiration, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
6:32 PM
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Wednesday, January 6, 2010
From Becky: Diet - more ideas!
Hi,
Recently I was looking for something gluten/casein and sugar free with a soft texture that I could use us a thickener or a dipping sauce and I found........ Hummus.
Look at the ingredients if you are shopping for Hummus but I have found several tasty brands that just contain chick peas, tahini, garlic and olive oil. I enjoy them to dip veggies in or as a salad dressing and I had a great dinner last night of steamed fish with lemon hummus on it.
Enjoy!
Recently I was looking for something gluten/casein and sugar free with a soft texture that I could use us a thickener or a dipping sauce and I found........ Hummus.
Look at the ingredients if you are shopping for Hummus but I have found several tasty brands that just contain chick peas, tahini, garlic and olive oil. I enjoy them to dip veggies in or as a salad dressing and I had a great dinner last night of steamed fish with lemon hummus on it.
Enjoy!
Labels: Diet - Biomedical, Inspiration, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
7:14 PM
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From Becky: More GF/CF/Sugar Free
Delicious Dessert!
Many children that I work with at The Autism Treatment Center of America enjoy eating sweet, sugary foods.
I have discovered an absolutely delicious dessert that you can find in Health Food Stores. It's totally gluten, casein, sugar and soy free and has a lovely creamy texture like ice cream. It's called Coconut Bliss and I just ate some for dessert.....yummy!
Many children that I work with at The Autism Treatment Center of America enjoy eating sweet, sugary foods.
I have discovered an absolutely delicious dessert that you can find in Health Food Stores. It's totally gluten, casein, sugar and soy free and has a lovely creamy texture like ice cream. It's called Coconut Bliss and I just ate some for dessert.....yummy!
Labels: Diet - Biomedical, Inspiration, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
7:02 PM
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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
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Sunday, December 20, 2009
From Jack: On Anger and Powerlessness...
From Jack: Hullo friends!
So I'm writing this from JFK airport, where I have been stranded for 12 hours due to heavy snows, and am due to be here for another 12 hours before a replacement flight back to the UK can be scheduled... this entails trying to sleep on the hard, cold floor (all the hotels were booked by the time they cancelled my flight), not having anything to wash with for over 24 hours (!!!) and missing a big family party back in England that I was excited to attend.
Now, this has got me thinking about when things happen that are outside our control. I noticed that when our flight was first delayed, then cancelled, many people reacted by getting angry. Some just looked grumpy and muttered to each other, others shouted at the airline staff. I even noticed myself getting a little frustrated - this wasn't turning out to be the smooth travel experience I wanted!
And then I thought a little about anger. So often, we get angry because things are happening that we cannot control. We feel powerless and so shouting at someone is a way for us to feel more powerful. But my question is - does it really work? I know that whether I get angry or not, my plane won't magically be able to take off. So why get myself upset and angry about it? Why not enjoy the situation that the universe has given me? Why not see this sense of powerlessness as a challenge to step-up and find something to love in any circumstance? If we can't change the situation, why not at least give ourselves the best experience waiting it out?
Have a wonderful, deeply loving holiday season
Much love and warmth
Jack
So I'm writing this from JFK airport, where I have been stranded for 12 hours due to heavy snows, and am due to be here for another 12 hours before a replacement flight back to the UK can be scheduled... this entails trying to sleep on the hard, cold floor (all the hotels were booked by the time they cancelled my flight), not having anything to wash with for over 24 hours (!!!) and missing a big family party back in England that I was excited to attend.
Now, this has got me thinking about when things happen that are outside our control. I noticed that when our flight was first delayed, then cancelled, many people reacted by getting angry. Some just looked grumpy and muttered to each other, others shouted at the airline staff. I even noticed myself getting a little frustrated - this wasn't turning out to be the smooth travel experience I wanted!
And then I thought a little about anger. So often, we get angry because things are happening that we cannot control. We feel powerless and so shouting at someone is a way for us to feel more powerful. But my question is - does it really work? I know that whether I get angry or not, my plane won't magically be able to take off. So why get myself upset and angry about it? Why not enjoy the situation that the universe has given me? Why not see this sense of powerlessness as a challenge to step-up and find something to love in any circumstance? If we can't change the situation, why not at least give ourselves the best experience waiting it out?
Have a wonderful, deeply loving holiday season
Much love and warmth
Jack
Labels: Attitude, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Jack at
3:45 AM
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Friday, December 18, 2009
From Becky: Diet Tips take 3
More Ideas to spice up a gluten/casein and sugar free diet:
Mustard
Mustard is great because it's the only condiment I have found that doesn't contain sugar and sugar products, wheat or dairy.
You can find all kinds of different mustard's at the grocery store. Always check the labels because some do contain sugar.
I use spicy brown mustard as a dipping sauce. This is great if your child is used to eating lots of sugary condiments such as ketchup, steak or barbecue sauce. It makes for a sweet and interesting substitute.
I Make my own salad dressing out of mustard, olive oil, vinegar and garlic. I keep whole garlic cloves in the bottle so they don't fall out when pouring and just keep topping up the other ingredients to taste.
You can also use mustard as part of a marinade or when cooking to thicken meat or vegetable juices.
Yeah for mustard!
Mustard
Mustard is great because it's the only condiment I have found that doesn't contain sugar and sugar products, wheat or dairy.
You can find all kinds of different mustard's at the grocery store. Always check the labels because some do contain sugar.
I use spicy brown mustard as a dipping sauce. This is great if your child is used to eating lots of sugary condiments such as ketchup, steak or barbecue sauce. It makes for a sweet and interesting substitute.
I Make my own salad dressing out of mustard, olive oil, vinegar and garlic. I keep whole garlic cloves in the bottle so they don't fall out when pouring and just keep topping up the other ingredients to taste.
You can also use mustard as part of a marinade or when cooking to thicken meat or vegetable juices.
Yeah for mustard!
Labels: Diet - Biomedical, Inspiration, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
6:15 AM
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Thursday, December 17, 2009
From Becky, more ideas for GF/CF Sugar Free Diet
At The Autisn Treatment Center of America, we work with many children on specific diets. Here are some more ideas to keep cooking interesting for you and your kids.
Some food ideas that I use as my "Saving Grace" when following a gluten, casein and sugar free diet.
Coconut products.
Coconut oil - It's sweet, creamy and delicious and can be used in marinades for meat and vegetables, to saute with or in cakes or breads.
Coconut milk - when cooking rice, substitute half or all the water with coconut milk to make for a delicious variation on plain rice.
Unsweetened coconut flakes or shredded coconut. I use the shredded kind as a subtitute for grated cheese, fantastic sprinkled on top of meat sauce.
If your child likes breadcrumb procucts, such as chicken nuggets, dip the chicken pieces in egg first, then almond or soy flour, and finally shredded coconut before baking or shallow frying. You can also use it to coat fish.
Enjoy
Some food ideas that I use as my "Saving Grace" when following a gluten, casein and sugar free diet.
Coconut products.
Coconut oil - It's sweet, creamy and delicious and can be used in marinades for meat and vegetables, to saute with or in cakes or breads.
Coconut milk - when cooking rice, substitute half or all the water with coconut milk to make for a delicious variation on plain rice.
Unsweetened coconut flakes or shredded coconut. I use the shredded kind as a subtitute for grated cheese, fantastic sprinkled on top of meat sauce.
If your child likes breadcrumb procucts, such as chicken nuggets, dip the chicken pieces in egg first, then almond or soy flour, and finally shredded coconut before baking or shallow frying. You can also use it to coat fish.
Enjoy
Labels: Diet - Biomedical, Inspiration, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
2:08 PM
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Wednesday, December 16, 2009
What's my body saying?
From Kate Wilde: Another game from the Autism Treatment Center of America!
This game is called, "What's my body saying?" and is designed to help our children on the Autism Spectrum read social cues. To understand not only what we are saying with our verbal comminucation, but what our gestures, facile expressions and internation are communicating.
There are two versions of this game, one about simple gestures and facial expressions, and one to help with more complex social cues, such as sarcasm.
Just click on the video below, or if you are on face book right now, click on the title of this post then on "view original post" then on the video itself.
enjoy!
With love to you all
Kate
This game is called, "What's my body saying?" and is designed to help our children on the Autism Spectrum read social cues. To understand not only what we are saying with our verbal comminucation, but what our gestures, facile expressions and internation are communicating.
There are two versions of this game, one about simple gestures and facial expressions, and one to help with more complex social cues, such as sarcasm.
Just click on the video below, or if you are on face book right now, click on the title of this post then on "view original post" then on the video itself.
enjoy!
With love to you all
Kate
Labels: Creativity, Fun and Games, Kate, Language, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Kate Wilde at
9:19 AM
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Friday, December 11, 2009
From Becky: Gluten, Casein and Sugar Free Treats!
From Becky: Is your child, or your family on a Gluten, Casein and Sugar free diet?, if so, here are some yummy treats that you can make if you or your child have a sweet tooth.
Orange Pudding
1 cup of pureed cooked carrots
1 cup of pureed cooked pears
1 tablespoon of nut butter (almond or cashew)
Blend together and enjoy
Green Pudding
1 ripe avocado
1 ripe banana
1 tablespoon nut butter (almond or cashew)
1 teaspoon of honey (optional)
Blend together and enjoy
Delicious!
Orange Pudding
1 cup of pureed cooked carrots
1 cup of pureed cooked pears
1 tablespoon of nut butter (almond or cashew)
Blend together and enjoy
Green Pudding
1 ripe avocado
1 ripe banana
1 tablespoon nut butter (almond or cashew)
1 teaspoon of honey (optional)
Blend together and enjoy
Delicious!
Labels: Diet - Biomedical, Inspiration, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
8:31 AM
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Tuesday, December 8, 2009
From Becky: This Dog is an Inspiration!
From Becky: Working at The Autism Treatment Center of America, I see examples again and again of our special children doing things that their families have been told they will never do (e.g. saying their first word at 9 years old, saying "Mommy I love you!", doing imagination play, or taking a first step).
Because I believe anything is possible, I am continually being sent emails and videos by people who have like-minded attitudes and want to share their stories of persistence and hope.
Check out this video about a dog and its owner's experience doing just that.
Because I believe anything is possible, I am continually being sent emails and videos by people who have like-minded attitudes and want to share their stories of persistence and hope.
Check out this video about a dog and its owner's experience doing just that.
Labels: Attitude, Inspiration, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
9:25 AM
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Friday, December 4, 2009
From Becky: Prime of My Life!
From Becky: Today it is my 35th birthday! Recently I was having a conversation with one of my close friends about how my birthday was coming up and it wasn't a big deal. My friend said "Don't you ever say that it's not a big deal! Your birthday is the day you were born and that's a very BIG DEAL!!!"
From that moment, I realized that by saying that I was playing myself down and making myself small and irrelevant which is how I lived most of my life up until coming the work at The Autism Treatment Center of America. I changed my attitude in an instant.
So today I am going to celebrate celebrate celebrate! It is really something that I am here, I am alive and I was born!
It matters that I choose happiness everyday when so many people around me are choosing anger, hate and discomfort.
It is a big deal that I have helped so many families reach their special children over the years and that I have inspired children to stretch and grow in unimaginable ways.
It is important that I have challenged so many beliefs, and changed the ones that weren't working for me anymore, even when I thought for sure that I wasn't able to.
And most of all, I am extremely grateful to myself for being my own biggest teacher.
I am in the prime of my life! Some may think that being in your twenties is being in the prime of your life. As I turn 35 today, I am living my life in a bigger way than I ever have.
When I was thirty, I began my journey at The Autism Treatment Center of America, and began an incredible adventure, an adventure of love, acceptance and hope. Why would I want to be younger when I have so much more today?
I encourage you all to celebrate yourselves for being born today! You matter and you are a big deal!
From that moment, I realized that by saying that I was playing myself down and making myself small and irrelevant which is how I lived most of my life up until coming the work at The Autism Treatment Center of America. I changed my attitude in an instant.
So today I am going to celebrate celebrate celebrate! It is really something that I am here, I am alive and I was born!
It matters that I choose happiness everyday when so many people around me are choosing anger, hate and discomfort.
It is a big deal that I have helped so many families reach their special children over the years and that I have inspired children to stretch and grow in unimaginable ways.
It is important that I have challenged so many beliefs, and changed the ones that weren't working for me anymore, even when I thought for sure that I wasn't able to.
And most of all, I am extremely grateful to myself for being my own biggest teacher.
I am in the prime of my life! Some may think that being in your twenties is being in the prime of your life. As I turn 35 today, I am living my life in a bigger way than I ever have.
When I was thirty, I began my journey at The Autism Treatment Center of America, and began an incredible adventure, an adventure of love, acceptance and hope. Why would I want to be younger when I have so much more today?
I encourage you all to celebrate yourselves for being born today! You matter and you are a big deal!
Labels: Attitude, Celebrations, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
5:54 AM
2 Comments
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
From Becky: Being Present!
From Becky: Recently I flew to Houston, TX to work with a beautiful Mother and her son for the weekend using The Son-Rise Program.
One of the principles of The Son-Rise Program is to be present when we are working with our children in the playroom so that we are comfortable and super aware of how to help them. Being present is something I have practised over the years but I do not always choose it outside of the playroom.
One area where I don't typically choose to be present is when I am travelling. On this flight to Houston, I had a long journey ahead of me, getting up at 3am to get on a flight and then a connecting flight to my destination.
Usually when I'm flying, there comes a point that I start living in the past or the future (e.g. "I wish I had got a window seat", "I hope we get there soon", etc).
As I sat on my 3 hour flight from Washington Dulles to Houston, there was nothing but the present moment. I decided to focus on the here and now and embrace each moment that came. I sat for three hours, allowing nothing else to come into my mind about what was going to happen next, or what had already happened.
Our children are so present, they find joy in the simplest things (e.g. shaking a drumstick, eating, pacing back and fourth, etc). There is nowhere for them to be, nothing else for them to do.
As I sat being present for that extended period of time, I came to a place of complete peace and as a result of that I had a great experience, instead of an "OK" one.
One of the principles of The Son-Rise Program is to be present when we are working with our children in the playroom so that we are comfortable and super aware of how to help them. Being present is something I have practised over the years but I do not always choose it outside of the playroom.
One area where I don't typically choose to be present is when I am travelling. On this flight to Houston, I had a long journey ahead of me, getting up at 3am to get on a flight and then a connecting flight to my destination.
Usually when I'm flying, there comes a point that I start living in the past or the future (e.g. "I wish I had got a window seat", "I hope we get there soon", etc).
As I sat on my 3 hour flight from Washington Dulles to Houston, there was nothing but the present moment. I decided to focus on the here and now and embrace each moment that came. I sat for three hours, allowing nothing else to come into my mind about what was going to happen next, or what had already happened.
Our children are so present, they find joy in the simplest things (e.g. shaking a drumstick, eating, pacing back and fourth, etc). There is nowhere for them to be, nothing else for them to do.
As I sat being present for that extended period of time, I came to a place of complete peace and as a result of that I had a great experience, instead of an "OK" one.
Labels: Attitude, Inspiration, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
8:35 AM
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Thursday, November 19, 2009
Celebrate Good Times, C'mon!!
Woo! Celebrate, celebrate, CELEBRATE! I looooooooove to celebrate!!
So often when someone new to the Son-Rise Program observes us working with autistic children here at the Autism Treatment Center of America, the thing that really stands out to them is how much we celebrate the child. Everything a special child does is a wonder and a gift to us and boy, do we let them know it! Celebrating our special children is such a beautiful way to show them how perfect they are, how much we love everything they do and to highlight the new and incredible things they do in the Son-Rise playroom... ultimately, we believe celebration will help inspire them as they move towards recovery from autism.
(And here's the added bonus - it feels great for us too!)
Seriously, if there is one HUGE thing I've taken from my work here as a Son-Rise Child Facilitator it is to find something to celebrate every day, in every area of my life. Focus on the positives, my friends, and by heck you will find MORE positives!
So let's try an experiment together. Let's all find 5 things to celebrate today that we have NEVER celebrated before. Hmmm... here are some ideas:
So often when someone new to the Son-Rise Program observes us working with autistic children here at the Autism Treatment Center of America, the thing that really stands out to them is how much we celebrate the child. Everything a special child does is a wonder and a gift to us and boy, do we let them know it! Celebrating our special children is such a beautiful way to show them how perfect they are, how much we love everything they do and to highlight the new and incredible things they do in the Son-Rise playroom... ultimately, we believe celebration will help inspire them as they move towards recovery from autism.
(And here's the added bonus - it feels great for us too!)
Seriously, if there is one HUGE thing I've taken from my work here as a Son-Rise Child Facilitator it is to find something to celebrate every day, in every area of my life. Focus on the positives, my friends, and by heck you will find MORE positives!
So let's try an experiment together. Let's all find 5 things to celebrate today that we have NEVER celebrated before. Hmmm... here are some ideas:
- The people who collect your garbage: yeah - those guys do an incredible job - let them know it!
- The check-out person at your local store - I bet they hear enough complaints so why not make their day with a celebration?
- Your bus driver - so... your bus was 10 minutes late? Great! It could have been 30 miunutes late! Thank you driver!
- Your spouse - how often do we really, deeply, genuinely celebrate those we see every day?
- Your neighbors - what a wonderful way to create a supportive community around your special person.
So go forth and celebrate my friends! Have fun!
(... and don't forget to celebrate the most important person - YOURSELF!)
Big love,
Jack
Labels: Celebrations, Fun and Games, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Jack at
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Change your career and your life!
Apply for professional staff training at the
Autism treatment Center of America.
Change your career and your life! We are recruiting passionate individuals who love special children to train to become part of our elite team of Son-Rise Program staff in Sheffield MA, at The Autism Treatment Center of America.
We are dedicated to helping families, care givers, and professionals enable children to dramatically improve in all areas of learning, development, communication and skill acquisition.
Email admissions@option.org for more details.
Applications are due by February 19th 2010.
Labels: Kate, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Kate Wilde at
7:04 AM
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Monday, November 16, 2009
10 Ways to Build off Squeezes
Hi all,
Many children that I have worked with at The Autism Treatment Center of America have really enjoyed squeezes on their hands, legs, heads, etc, and big body squeezes. Here are 10 ideas to try if your child likes squeezes.
1) Bring 2 pillows into the playroom and hold them in your arms. Have fun squishing your child in the pillows when they motivated for squeezes.
2) Use puppets to give squeezes on their hands and feet. Use different character voices for each puppet as you model the word squeeze them.
3) Fill a hat with adjectives writen on several strips of paper (e.g. fast, slow, deep, shaky, etc). Experiment with having your child pick out of the hat to see what type of squeezes to have next.
4) For an older child, pretend you are at the day spa. Draw a menu on a piece of posterboard of the different treatments you offer at the spa (e.g. finger massage, deep massage treatment, rolling pin massage, etc).
5) Attach circles of different textured fabrics to the fingers of a cheap pair of gloves to squeeze with (e.g. Velcro, satin, foam, etc).
6) Pretend your child is a piece of pizza dough that you need to shape and mould by kneading the dough.
7) Fly around the playroom to different planets (e.g. hand planet, foot planet, elbow planet, etc). Each time you land on one of the planets, where you have to squeeze that body part.
8) Pretend that you are a blind person who can't see where to squeeze without your child looking at you. Have fun fumbling around trying to find your child each time they look away. This is a great way to work on eye contact too.
9) Work on choices with your child by having them choose which part of their body they want squeezing.
10) Roll a dice with different animal pictures on each side, then squeeze your child in the style of that animal (e.g. monkey squeeze, bird squeeze, cat squeeze, etc).
Have fun!
Many children that I have worked with at The Autism Treatment Center of America have really enjoyed squeezes on their hands, legs, heads, etc, and big body squeezes. Here are 10 ideas to try if your child likes squeezes.
1) Bring 2 pillows into the playroom and hold them in your arms. Have fun squishing your child in the pillows when they motivated for squeezes.
2) Use puppets to give squeezes on their hands and feet. Use different character voices for each puppet as you model the word squeeze them.
3) Fill a hat with adjectives writen on several strips of paper (e.g. fast, slow, deep, shaky, etc). Experiment with having your child pick out of the hat to see what type of squeezes to have next.
4) For an older child, pretend you are at the day spa. Draw a menu on a piece of posterboard of the different treatments you offer at the spa (e.g. finger massage, deep massage treatment, rolling pin massage, etc).
5) Attach circles of different textured fabrics to the fingers of a cheap pair of gloves to squeeze with (e.g. Velcro, satin, foam, etc).
6) Pretend your child is a piece of pizza dough that you need to shape and mould by kneading the dough.
7) Fly around the playroom to different planets (e.g. hand planet, foot planet, elbow planet, etc). Each time you land on one of the planets, where you have to squeeze that body part.
8) Pretend that you are a blind person who can't see where to squeeze without your child looking at you. Have fun fumbling around trying to find your child each time they look away. This is a great way to work on eye contact too.
9) Work on choices with your child by having them choose which part of their body they want squeezing.
10) Roll a dice with different animal pictures on each side, then squeeze your child in the style of that animal (e.g. monkey squeeze, bird squeeze, cat squeeze, etc).
Have fun!
Labels: Fun and Games, Inspiration, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
2:07 PM
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Wednesday, November 4, 2009
10 ways to make the toilet fun!
Here are 10 ways you can make going to the toilet fun, yes actually fun!
One way I have seen many children explore the toilet on their own accord successfully is to make it a fun and easy experience for both you and them and use their motivations to inspire them be near it, sit on it, and eventually use it!
1)Decorate the toilet with fun pictures or stickers of your child's favorite characters.
2) Give different stuffed animals and figurines rides to "Potty Station" to deliver their pee and poop, when your child is motivated, offer him/her a ride too.
3) Pick one of your child's main motivations (e.g. tickles, singing, bubbles, etc) and make the toilet into Tickle/Singing/Bubble toilet! each time your child goes near, or sits on the toilet, give him/her lots of the fun activity he/she loves. Being near, or sitiing on the toilet activates the fun activity.
4) Decorate the toilet like a throne and each time your child sits on it, tell him/her they are the king/queen and run to give them things (e.g. food, music, etc) as their servant.
5) Hang a fun mobil above the toilet so that when they sit on it, it's visually stimulating for them to watch. Experiment with blowing or moving the mobil for them once they sit on the toilet.
6) Try putting a couple of cheerio's down the toilet and encourage your child to hit the cheerio targets with their pee.
7) Use a fun, colorful seat to put on the toilet and a handy step stool if your child is smaller.
8) Celebrate Celebrate Celebrate! Whenever your child looks at, touches, sits on the toilet and ultimately uses it, cheer them on for all their attempts, help them to feel successful in what they are doing.
9) Give your child plenty of control, whenever he/she says "No" or resists what you offering, celebrate him/her for showing you and drop it for a while.
10) Be persistent, keep trying in many fun and different ways, it may not happen over night, be easy with yourself and your child, believe it will happen when your child is ready!
Have fun!
One way I have seen many children explore the toilet on their own accord successfully is to make it a fun and easy experience for both you and them and use their motivations to inspire them be near it, sit on it, and eventually use it!
1)Decorate the toilet with fun pictures or stickers of your child's favorite characters.
2) Give different stuffed animals and figurines rides to "Potty Station" to deliver their pee and poop, when your child is motivated, offer him/her a ride too.
3) Pick one of your child's main motivations (e.g. tickles, singing, bubbles, etc) and make the toilet into Tickle/Singing/Bubble toilet! each time your child goes near, or sits on the toilet, give him/her lots of the fun activity he/she loves. Being near, or sitiing on the toilet activates the fun activity.
4) Decorate the toilet like a throne and each time your child sits on it, tell him/her they are the king/queen and run to give them things (e.g. food, music, etc) as their servant.
5) Hang a fun mobil above the toilet so that when they sit on it, it's visually stimulating for them to watch. Experiment with blowing or moving the mobil for them once they sit on the toilet.
6) Try putting a couple of cheerio's down the toilet and encourage your child to hit the cheerio targets with their pee.
7) Use a fun, colorful seat to put on the toilet and a handy step stool if your child is smaller.
8) Celebrate Celebrate Celebrate! Whenever your child looks at, touches, sits on the toilet and ultimately uses it, cheer them on for all their attempts, help them to feel successful in what they are doing.
9) Give your child plenty of control, whenever he/she says "No" or resists what you offering, celebrate him/her for showing you and drop it for a while.
10) Be persistent, keep trying in many fun and different ways, it may not happen over night, be easy with yourself and your child, believe it will happen when your child is ready!
Have fun!
Labels: Creativity, Inspiration, Self-Help Skills, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
5:55 AM
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Thursday, October 29, 2009
10 Variations for Snack
This week we are working in "The Son-Rise Program" intensive with a gorgeous five year old boy who is very motivated for food.
Here are 10 things you can do to vary the game as you give your child snacks from the shelf.
1) Put each piece of food into a toy bus/car/train/ambulance and deliver it to your child using a fun sound effect that goes with the vehicle you are using.
2) Wear a hat with the top cut off and a bowl of your child's favorite snack inside of it, you can work on eye contact as you bring each piece down.
3) Use fun puppets to bring each piece of snack down to your child.
4) Invite your child take your hands and dance to the shelf together to get the food. Experiment with dancing in different styles (e.g. rock and roll, ballet, etc).
5) Throw a tea party and serve up your childs snacks and drinks bit by bit using plastic cups and plates.
6) Bring each snack down for your child in a different way each time (e.g. fly it down, bounce it down, wobble it down, etc).
7) Bring two pieces of food down and hide them behind your back in both hands. invite your child to pick the hand he wants to get the corresponding snack.
8) Cut out circles from construction paper and tape them to the floor, pretend they are giant stepping stones or lilly pads that the two of you have to jump across to get to the food. Play around with pretending to fall into the water to lengthen the game.
9) Place strips of Artist's tape across the floor to the shelf pretending it's a train track. You are the "eat train" which gives your child rides to the shelf and back with the snacks being your fuel to keep you both going.
10) Pretend that each time you touch the different snacks they make you do fun, slapstick actions (e.g. fall over, get the hiccups, start giggling, etc).
Have fun with food!
Here are 10 things you can do to vary the game as you give your child snacks from the shelf.
1) Put each piece of food into a toy bus/car/train/ambulance and deliver it to your child using a fun sound effect that goes with the vehicle you are using.
2) Wear a hat with the top cut off and a bowl of your child's favorite snack inside of it, you can work on eye contact as you bring each piece down.
3) Use fun puppets to bring each piece of snack down to your child.
4) Invite your child take your hands and dance to the shelf together to get the food. Experiment with dancing in different styles (e.g. rock and roll, ballet, etc).
5) Throw a tea party and serve up your childs snacks and drinks bit by bit using plastic cups and plates.
6) Bring each snack down for your child in a different way each time (e.g. fly it down, bounce it down, wobble it down, etc).
7) Bring two pieces of food down and hide them behind your back in both hands. invite your child to pick the hand he wants to get the corresponding snack.
8) Cut out circles from construction paper and tape them to the floor, pretend they are giant stepping stones or lilly pads that the two of you have to jump across to get to the food. Play around with pretending to fall into the water to lengthen the game.
9) Place strips of Artist's tape across the floor to the shelf pretending it's a train track. You are the "eat train" which gives your child rides to the shelf and back with the snacks being your fuel to keep you both going.
10) Pretend that each time you touch the different snacks they make you do fun, slapstick actions (e.g. fall over, get the hiccups, start giggling, etc).
Have fun with food!
Labels: Creativity, Fun and Games, Inspiration, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
11:31 AM
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Monday, October 26, 2009
What Your Soul Sings
I recently came across the lyrics to a song that really touched me. Since working at The Autism Treatment Center of America, I have learned to be more authentic, to listen to my inner voice and follow my heart and most importantly to love myself. Enjoy.
What Your Soul Sings
Don't be afraid
Open your mouth and say
Say what your soul sings to you
Your mind can never change
Unless you ask it to
Lovingly re-arrange
The thoughts that make you blue
The things that bring you down
Only do harm to you
So make your choice joy
The joy belongs to you
And when you do
You'll find the one you love is you
You'll find you love you
Don't be ashamed
To open your heart and pray
Say what your soul sings
To you
So no longer pretend
That you can't feel it near
That tickle on your head
That tingle in your ear
Oh ask it anything
Because it loves you dear
It's your most precious king
If only you could hear
And when you do
You'll find the one you need is you
You'll find you love you
What Your Soul Sings
Don't be afraid
Open your mouth and say
Say what your soul sings to you
Your mind can never change
Unless you ask it to
Lovingly re-arrange
The thoughts that make you blue
The things that bring you down
Only do harm to you
So make your choice joy
The joy belongs to you
And when you do
You'll find the one you love is you
You'll find you love you
Don't be ashamed
To open your heart and pray
Say what your soul sings
To you
So no longer pretend
That you can't feel it near
That tickle on your head
That tingle in your ear
Oh ask it anything
Because it loves you dear
It's your most precious king
If only you could hear
And when you do
You'll find the one you need is you
You'll find you love you
Labels: Attitude, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
10:54 AM
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Wednesday, October 21, 2009
It's All About Attitude
At The Son-Rise Program we choose to believe that anything is possible for out children. Check out this amazing video about how the attitude you have greatly affects the experience you have in life.
Labels: Attitude, Inspiration, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
10:11 AM
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Tuesday, October 20, 2009
10 Variations for the Door
When working with children in The Son-Rise Program playroom there is one thing that happens quite often, especially when first transitioning the parents of the child. That is, the child goes to the door, either tries to open it when it is locked, asks for Mummy and Daddy or says "Open the door".
The first thing to do is explain to the child that the door is going to be locked and exactly when the parents will be back. Sometimes, the child accepts that and drops it, other times, they continue to perseverate on the door.
Here are 10 things that you can do when your child does this.
1) Go on a hunt around the playroom to find the key, try different, fun things such as the tail of a toy dinosaur, the spout of a teapot, the whisker of a cat puppet, etc.
2) Get a pretend magic wand (e.g. a marker or drumstick) and create magic spells to cast on the door to see if it opens (e.g. "Hocus Pocus Diddly Deeze, make this door open with a sneeze").
3) Sing a song about the door.
4) Write a letter to Mom and Dad and post it under the door.
5) Try and crack the secret knocking code that opens the door (e.g. is it 2 quiet knock and one loud?, 3 short knocks and kiss?, etc).
6) Draw different keys, cut them out and try each one.
7) Pretend that the door knob is too slippery to grasp and entertain your child as you try to open it.
8) Line up all the toys in the playroom with you and your child at the front and try and pull the door open with all the toys helping you.
9) Pretend to be the person that your child is asking for by impersonating their voice, wearing a wig, etc, and giving them fun things in the way that person might (e.g. "I bet Daddy would tickle you like this.....", etc).
10) Brainstorm the things that your child might want that are outside the room and create them inside the playroom (e.g. if they want chips, make some pretend giant chips out of toy blocks, if the want Mom, offer them a hug, etc).
The first thing to do is explain to the child that the door is going to be locked and exactly when the parents will be back. Sometimes, the child accepts that and drops it, other times, they continue to perseverate on the door.
Here are 10 things that you can do when your child does this.
1) Go on a hunt around the playroom to find the key, try different, fun things such as the tail of a toy dinosaur, the spout of a teapot, the whisker of a cat puppet, etc.
2) Get a pretend magic wand (e.g. a marker or drumstick) and create magic spells to cast on the door to see if it opens (e.g. "Hocus Pocus Diddly Deeze, make this door open with a sneeze").
3) Sing a song about the door.
4) Write a letter to Mom and Dad and post it under the door.
5) Try and crack the secret knocking code that opens the door (e.g. is it 2 quiet knock and one loud?, 3 short knocks and kiss?, etc).
6) Draw different keys, cut them out and try each one.
7) Pretend that the door knob is too slippery to grasp and entertain your child as you try to open it.
8) Line up all the toys in the playroom with you and your child at the front and try and pull the door open with all the toys helping you.
9) Pretend to be the person that your child is asking for by impersonating their voice, wearing a wig, etc, and giving them fun things in the way that person might (e.g. "I bet Daddy would tickle you like this.....", etc).
10) Brainstorm the things that your child might want that are outside the room and create them inside the playroom (e.g. if they want chips, make some pretend giant chips out of toy blocks, if the want Mom, offer them a hug, etc).
Labels: Environment, Inspiration, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Becky Damgaard, Son-Rise Program Teacher at
9:08 AM
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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
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Inspiring words
Hey Son-Rise peeps!
I saw this on a card and loved it. I think these words represent a wonderful way to live our lives - taking joy in each moment and constantly challenging ourselves to try new things and PERSISTENCE! If we can bring all these qualities to our work with our special children, wouldn't that be amazing??
"Take surprise in each sunrise and comfort in each moon.
Move often, carrying your Home with you.
Climb mountains. Stroll beaches. Drive cars on busy streets
and sail bicycles
down
big
hills.
Love among the hate, when love is what you truly feel.
Suck strength from your anger, then let it go.
Scream at the ocean.
Run when the sign says walk.
Question authority and accept Change.
Fill your soul instead of your pockets.
Have lunch on busy sidewalks.
Dance alone in your kitchen.
Talk to everyone, including the soldiers inside your head.
Watch closely. Read something. Listen hard.
Smile in every mirror. Grow with each tear.
With a heart and a brain, loneliness is unacceptable.
HAVE FUN! Without maps or directions.
Cherish Happiness. Buy it if you have to, but give it away freely.
Wave at the uniformed at the unsavoury.
Keep them guessing, and praying, and hoping, and laughing.
Struggle, Fight, Try, Reach, Build, Learn,
Crawl, Invent, Rally, Fall, Get up again.
And if the heavens should happen to open,
offering transportation to even the smallest of dreams,
Ride the nearest cloud."
Let's model to our children the amazingness of a life fully lived, and increase our capacity to love every moment!
Smiles,
Jack xXx
I saw this on a card and loved it. I think these words represent a wonderful way to live our lives - taking joy in each moment and constantly challenging ourselves to try new things and PERSISTENCE! If we can bring all these qualities to our work with our special children, wouldn't that be amazing??
"Take surprise in each sunrise and comfort in each moon.
Move often, carrying your Home with you.
Climb mountains. Stroll beaches. Drive cars on busy streets
and sail bicycles
down
big
hills.
Love among the hate, when love is what you truly feel.
Suck strength from your anger, then let it go.
Scream at the ocean.
Run when the sign says walk.
Question authority and accept Change.
Fill your soul instead of your pockets.
Have lunch on busy sidewalks.
Dance alone in your kitchen.
Talk to everyone, including the soldiers inside your head.
Watch closely. Read something. Listen hard.
Smile in every mirror. Grow with each tear.
With a heart and a brain, loneliness is unacceptable.
HAVE FUN! Without maps or directions.
Cherish Happiness. Buy it if you have to, but give it away freely.
Wave at the uniformed at the unsavoury.
Keep them guessing, and praying, and hoping, and laughing.
Struggle, Fight, Try, Reach, Build, Learn,
Crawl, Invent, Rally, Fall, Get up again.
And if the heavens should happen to open,
offering transportation to even the smallest of dreams,
Ride the nearest cloud."
Let's model to our children the amazingness of a life fully lived, and increase our capacity to love every moment!
Smiles,
Jack xXx
Labels: Inspiration, Son-Rise Program Staff
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posted by Jack at
8:18 AM
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