So I've begun a parenting course to do with ABA. The first night was last night. I have the oldest kid in the class. All the other kids are 7 and under. I feel a little out of the loop, but I was told that once we get further along it will make more sense, and there will be more geared towards older kids. They have grouped IBI parents and ABA parents for the first couple of sessions.
I did learn about more reinforcers that I could use with Rosy. I'm glad about that. I need to use them right away and they have to be quick things, to get the point across at first (then they can be longer things like playing video games), when she is showing that she can do the things we want her to do. I want the kids to come in and empty their backpacks and their lunches before they do anything. That doesn't seem to be happening, so I need to find a small, quick reinforcer that will work. I plan on using it with both the kids, even though Flash is considered "normal."
I also learned about pairing and that we should be doing this every day. Pairing is when you play with your child and don't expect anything of them (like getting them to answer math questions). Rosy is getting older, so I need to figure out ways to spend one on one time with her and not have an agenda. After this busy, crazy week, I will put more effort into it. I tried tonight, but she didn't want to join me on a search around the computer. Oh well. I can't force her either.
I will post more as the course goes on, as I'm sure any help that I get may help any of you.
Bye for now!
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network
Family Life-Fun, Loving, and Special
Oct 12, 2011
As a member of S-O-S Research, I was asked if I could do a blog post to share with everyone. This is going to be part of their Best of the Best, Edition 11. Here is what we were asked to write about:
"I know all of the past issues are important and helpful. But there is another side of autism/special needs families that I think is equally important. The moments that make us laugh. It’s not all therapy, schedules and methodologies. There are the funny little moments in our day to day lives – that are just as significant. When it’s not about special needs – it’s about just being a family and enjoying our children just as they are."
I have to say this kinda stumped me for a bit. I didn't know what I could write about. I seem to remember all the crazy things and none of the good things. Another reason for this blog is to get those things down, but again, I keep forgetting to get on here and blog about them. Well not really forgetting, just not making or taking the time to post something (would be easier if this silly thing would allow me to post things from my phone - tried and I can't get it to work). So on to what I want to write about...
Rosy makes me smile every day! She can be angry about something one minute, and the next she is smiling and laughing about something. It could be as simple as the cat meowing to her, and she will have the biggest smile. She did something wonderful the other day, and even though I'm not impressed about one part of it, the other part makes me happy.
Saturday she came to me and told me that there were baby fish in her brother's tank. Now this is where I was unimpressed! She went into her brother's room again without his permission (he was at a birthday party, and she didn't have a chance to ask for permission). I went in to look at the tank and couldn't see any fish, and thought her working memory was causing her to believe that she saw a baby fish, so really I didn't believe her (I feel bad about that). Well, she insisted, and low and behold after watching for a few minutes, I did see a baby fish! I spent the next hour (and many times with her help) separating the babies and moving them to a beta tank that we have for sickies. Ten baby fish in all!
The reason I post about this, is her caring! She doesn't really seem to care for her brother much (do any 11 year old girls show love for their younger brothers, I ask?). This showed immense caring! She could have never told me, and all those babies would have been eaten by the mommy fish and the other fish in the tank (in fact I'm sure a few probably were). She even kept quiet when I asked her to (as I wanted to see if my son would notice the beta tank with water in it, since it was empty when he left for the party). She wasn't supposed to be in his room, but because of her impulsiveness, she was able to save 10 babies (mind you they may all die, we have to be prepared for that). I love her for that! I'm still trying to figure out ways to remember to ask permission before going into someone else's space (hard thing for an ADHD kid to learn).
So no, this is not about laughter, but we have shared many times with laughter. There has been joy in this house. Many tears too. We all need to focus on the good and positive things, or life will get you down. Thanksgiving for us (Canadians here), was this weekend. This is a good reminder for all the things we have to be thankful for!
Next blog post to be sooner, rather than later! Bye for now! Oh and here is a pic of the babies:
Dream Board Fun
Sep 30, 2011
Have a great weekend! I am off to get some more stuff done around my house.
New week, new schedule (maybe?)
Sep 29, 2011
So I got side tracked! Sorry!! Been so busy with the kids and work, that I didn't make time to post here. I would think about it, and then get doing something, and completely forget to post here. Some days I wonder, if I have ADHD?
Oh look, chipmunk on my deck.......LOL
Okay, not really. Not going to get sidetracked today. I'm quite please with Rosy's progress so far (in school). She is focused and staying on task, and is getting her homework done (there hasn't been much, thankfully). She is working on her dream board this week (it's due tomorrow). It's looking great! I think I will take a picture of it and post it on here for all to see. She was going to have a house (well mansion actually) that she wanted to own, and stuff like that, but has now changed it to what she wants to do in the future. A couple of jobs, and where she wants to travel, and do while she's travelling. I have never talked about it, but she wants to tour around Europe and check out castles, and that's what I have always wanted to do. Maybe we will have to do that when she gets a little older? I'm pleased that she is excited about this homework, and it will be fun to see how she finishes it tonight after school.
In terms of her ADHD, she still has a bit of an attitude in the evenings, if things aren't going her way. I saw her doctor last night, and she didn't really focus on the possibility of PDD-NOS (as the report says mild), so we talked about that a little. The doctor still feels she is just ADHD, and doesn't see the PDD-NOS. I have to check with the psychologist on that one. The doctor did prescribe Risperdal (small amount after school), and said that I could use it, or not. I'm planning on researching it a bit first and praying about it too. I will post more about it, when I get the chance to research (not planning on that today, as there isn't a rush).
So now, it's on to setting up a little bit of a schedule for myself. I really need to schedule my days better. Organization for someone else is fine, I can't organize myself! I want to spend more time in the Word, and in prayer, and then make sure to have time everyday for support stuff for YouVersion (something I'm going to do right after this posting). I found a blog about organizing stuff, and I think I'm going to spend a little time on it, seeing if there are any ideas for me there. The blog is: IHeart Organizing Maybe I can find stuff for Rosy there too. I really should search for organizational tools for kids with ADHD. Her room is much better, but it's getting her to stay on top of it and such.
Anyway, this is getting long. Post soon!
Oh look, chipmunk on my deck.......LOL
Okay, not really. Not going to get sidetracked today. I'm quite please with Rosy's progress so far (in school). She is focused and staying on task, and is getting her homework done (there hasn't been much, thankfully). She is working on her dream board this week (it's due tomorrow). It's looking great! I think I will take a picture of it and post it on here for all to see. She was going to have a house (well mansion actually) that she wanted to own, and stuff like that, but has now changed it to what she wants to do in the future. A couple of jobs, and where she wants to travel, and do while she's travelling. I have never talked about it, but she wants to tour around Europe and check out castles, and that's what I have always wanted to do. Maybe we will have to do that when she gets a little older? I'm pleased that she is excited about this homework, and it will be fun to see how she finishes it tonight after school.
In terms of her ADHD, she still has a bit of an attitude in the evenings, if things aren't going her way. I saw her doctor last night, and she didn't really focus on the possibility of PDD-NOS (as the report says mild), so we talked about that a little. The doctor still feels she is just ADHD, and doesn't see the PDD-NOS. I have to check with the psychologist on that one. The doctor did prescribe Risperdal (small amount after school), and said that I could use it, or not. I'm planning on researching it a bit first and praying about it too. I will post more about it, when I get the chance to research (not planning on that today, as there isn't a rush).
So now, it's on to setting up a little bit of a schedule for myself. I really need to schedule my days better. Organization for someone else is fine, I can't organize myself! I want to spend more time in the Word, and in prayer, and then make sure to have time everyday for support stuff for YouVersion (something I'm going to do right after this posting). I found a blog about organizing stuff, and I think I'm going to spend a little time on it, seeing if there are any ideas for me there. The blog is: IHeart Organizing Maybe I can find stuff for Rosy there too. I really should search for organizational tools for kids with ADHD. Her room is much better, but it's getting her to stay on top of it and such.
Anyway, this is getting long. Post soon!
School's In!
Sep 6, 2011
Yes, I'm excited. I don't have to worry about how I'm going to get babysitting for the kids while I work now (I only work a couple of days a week, and it's too expensive to put them in camp for a full week.
Now back to routine, and me being able to post on here more regularly. Still want to post motivational verses from the Bible and how they relate to what we are going through. Will start that shortly (just wanted to quickly update you all).
Rosy is doing well. The last few weeks have flown by and she is doing well on her new meds (Adderall XR). She still has her attitude at times, but I'm thinking it may be her age. We are getting a referral for behavioral help and hopefully that will start soon. She is working harder to look after her bunny too. Rosy surprised the heck out of me this morning, and was able to get up and get everything done that she needed too (including having a shower), with time to spare (lots of it). In fact I allowed the kids to watch a little TV this morning, as a treat. I want to limit screen time during the week, and only allow it on the weekends (so I have to figure out how to praise (bribe?) her every day that she does this). I hope now to be able to post more on the things that she does too, so that this may help others somehow.
Anyway, we all need motivation! I was in need of some (still am, everyday!), and came across this blog post (love how God works): My Mom Life
Well, I decided that I would write down all the verses, and then post them here (and others that I find) with a little reason as to why it speaks/spoke to me. I will try and post this separately from the regular posts too, but wanted to get this started now (plus I have to work the next couple of days, and nights are busy with volunteering for YouVersion helping out with their BlackBerry/Web support).
Now back to routine, and me being able to post on here more regularly. Still want to post motivational verses from the Bible and how they relate to what we are going through. Will start that shortly (just wanted to quickly update you all).
Rosy is doing well. The last few weeks have flown by and she is doing well on her new meds (Adderall XR). She still has her attitude at times, but I'm thinking it may be her age. We are getting a referral for behavioral help and hopefully that will start soon. She is working harder to look after her bunny too. Rosy surprised the heck out of me this morning, and was able to get up and get everything done that she needed too (including having a shower), with time to spare (lots of it). In fact I allowed the kids to watch a little TV this morning, as a treat. I want to limit screen time during the week, and only allow it on the weekends (so I have to figure out how to praise (bribe?) her every day that she does this). I hope now to be able to post more on the things that she does too, so that this may help others somehow.
Anyway, we all need motivation! I was in need of some (still am, everyday!), and came across this blog post (love how God works): My Mom Life
Well, I decided that I would write down all the verses, and then post them here (and others that I find) with a little reason as to why it speaks/spoke to me. I will try and post this separately from the regular posts too, but wanted to get this started now (plus I have to work the next couple of days, and nights are busy with volunteering for YouVersion helping out with their BlackBerry/Web support).
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. This of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
Hebrews 12:1-4
Well, I didn't mean to pick one of the longest ones, but it is one that jumped out at me. This one makes me think of the movie Passion of the Christ and how Jesus endured so much pain. I get so frustrated with Rosy, and she's not torturing me, or being as cruel as the people were to Jesus. Really, it's nothing compared to what Christ went through!! It makes me take more time and stop before I get frustrated (at least it did when I first read this). Rosy was shaking the bed, while I was reading this verse and writing some thoughts down, and I asked her a couple of times to stop (nicely). I choose not to get frustrated and didn't! Now to remember this the next time! Oh the joys of being a parent sometimes. She wasn't purposely bugging me, and I see that now. I have to remember this, and know that with her ADHD/PDD-NOS and her working memory issues, that she is not doing this stuff on purpose (well most of the time she isn't). We all need to remember what Jesus endured, and really think about the fact that we are not going through anything like that. He didn't get angry and scream and yell (or spank..lol...sorry seems a funny thought). We, as parents, need to take steps back and remember "it could be worse!"
Thanks for reading! Off to get the kids from their first day of school!
Another busy week
Aug 25, 2011
With school around the corner, things are getting busy here. This week was filled with work, a trip to Mont Cascades (a water park in Quebec, which is a ton of fun), and stuff around the house. Rosy seems to be doing okay, but I'm still worried about whether or not this is the right med for her or not. I don't know if she is supposed to still have a wicked attitude, or not. She notices that she can focus better, so that's a good thing. Oh the joys of figuring these things out.
My problem lately has been motivation. Motivation to do almost anything it seems. So I'm searching the Bible for motivational verses (and there are a lot). I'm finding them, and then reading them and trying to figure out how they apply to me and what is going on around here. Be prepared, as I plan on posting these on here, and will do so regularly. I hope they help others, as I know they will help me (as long as I apply them...working on it!).
I have been motivated to do one thing, that I'm really excited about! I'm now part of the YouVersion support team, for BlackBerries (or is it BlackBerry's?)!! Have you checked out YouVersion?? It is an awesome app for all phones, iPad's, iPod's, etc. Take the Bible (and many versions of it) with you! Plus it has awesome plans that you can sign up for and it will keep track of where you are (like reading through the Bible in a year, and many others). Bookmark verses, and even write notes, that you can share with everyone, or just keep it for yourself. Highly recommend this wonderful, free (always will be) app! Being a volunteer for the support team, is awesome! I'm having fun helping others. I know I'm weird (a geek, and I will admit it), but I really do enjoy figuring out how to help a person with their problem/issue and find it rewarding when it is fixed. So I am motivated to work on that (more so than my own "real" work, which that is another story, for another day). I just need to get motivated to do stuff around the house (which is the not so fun stuff). I will get there, I know I will.
Anyway, I better get some sleep, so that tomorrow I can get motivated to do some cleaning and laundry. Good night!!
My problem lately has been motivation. Motivation to do almost anything it seems. So I'm searching the Bible for motivational verses (and there are a lot). I'm finding them, and then reading them and trying to figure out how they apply to me and what is going on around here. Be prepared, as I plan on posting these on here, and will do so regularly. I hope they help others, as I know they will help me (as long as I apply them...working on it!).
I have been motivated to do one thing, that I'm really excited about! I'm now part of the YouVersion support team, for BlackBerries (or is it BlackBerry's?)!! Have you checked out YouVersion?? It is an awesome app for all phones, iPad's, iPod's, etc. Take the Bible (and many versions of it) with you! Plus it has awesome plans that you can sign up for and it will keep track of where you are (like reading through the Bible in a year, and many others). Bookmark verses, and even write notes, that you can share with everyone, or just keep it for yourself. Highly recommend this wonderful, free (always will be) app! Being a volunteer for the support team, is awesome! I'm having fun helping others. I know I'm weird (a geek, and I will admit it), but I really do enjoy figuring out how to help a person with their problem/issue and find it rewarding when it is fixed. So I am motivated to work on that (more so than my own "real" work, which that is another story, for another day). I just need to get motivated to do stuff around the house (which is the not so fun stuff). I will get there, I know I will.
Anyway, I better get some sleep, so that tomorrow I can get motivated to do some cleaning and laundry. Good night!!
Updating...
Aug 20, 2011
Well, it's been a while since I posted here. Sorry about that. The last couple of weeks have been a little busy. Hubby and I both had vacation time this week, so we spent some time visiting family, and just having fun with the kids. Vacation time is over, so it's back to the grind.
Rosy is sitting on the couch right now, going on about how she didn't play on the PS3 as long as her brother last night (only 5-10 min each at a friend's place). Oh and now her brother is an idiot, no wait, she is an idiot (that's what she is calling herself), and she's crying like crazy. She didn't get all the meds in today either (she had problems swallowing the pill this morning, so she pushed out all the little beads and managed to get most of them down with banana chunks. I keep reading about the meds, and how she should be acting, and now I'm second guessing this med, and whether or not it is working right for her. I will sprinkle all the beads tomorrow on something and see how she does. I'm going to have to go up to her room and see what the problem is.
Oh and she took her brother's DS and was hiding the fact that she was playing it today, and she wants to play on the Wii. Hmmmm, I don't think so. Oh the joys!
I'm going to check on her, and will have to post a little more later. Know that I haven't disappeared, just been busy. Can't wait to share more about our vacation time, and surprising my mother in law!
Bye for now!
Rosy is sitting on the couch right now, going on about how she didn't play on the PS3 as long as her brother last night (only 5-10 min each at a friend's place). Oh and now her brother is an idiot, no wait, she is an idiot (that's what she is calling herself), and she's crying like crazy. She didn't get all the meds in today either (she had problems swallowing the pill this morning, so she pushed out all the little beads and managed to get most of them down with banana chunks. I keep reading about the meds, and how she should be acting, and now I'm second guessing this med, and whether or not it is working right for her. I will sprinkle all the beads tomorrow on something and see how she does. I'm going to have to go up to her room and see what the problem is.
Oh and she took her brother's DS and was hiding the fact that she was playing it today, and she wants to play on the Wii. Hmmmm, I don't think so. Oh the joys!
I'm going to check on her, and will have to post a little more later. Know that I haven't disappeared, just been busy. Can't wait to share more about our vacation time, and surprising my mother in law!
Bye for now!
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About Me
- Chris
- Let's see....where to begin. I am a mom to two great kids, and wife to a wonderful hubby. Learning to walk with God, and learning about ADHD and Autism Spectrum disorders (PDD-NOS), and how to raise my daughter with them.
