Spouse with AS

Another post about living with a spouse with AS. (or is it?) We are loving, family-oriented, prayerful, busy, tired, and agree on which puppy to pick. I cannot put my finger on an issue at the moment... but seems as if something is awry anyhow. Will everyday always feel like this? I am not "looking" for problems... I like the peace. But somehow I feel like it will blow up again, soon- very soon. It is probably MY head issues... I have succombed to it - I don't feel so NT now. Nothing to be done... just keep busy, stay positive & release on this blog.

Rewards System

I have been on the look out for something that will work with my son, to help him understand consequences, reward for hard work & life in general. This is what I found: I am trying the "Ticket System" with my 6 yo son, starting tomorrow. I purchased a roll of tickets at Wal-Mart for less than $4.00, to hand out to him when I catch him being good & when he cooperates during the day.

He will get some t.v. time at bedtime, play Cartoon Network games online or have chocolate ice cream as his rewards. These are the only things that entice him, so I am using it.

We will see how well it works, I will update.

Autism Twitter Day- DEC 16

Will you join us? Autism Twitter Day – Tuesday, Dec 16th pacific standard time – 9AM, 12:30 PM and 8 PM. Prizes will be given out and a panel will be available with information and to answer questions. This is open to twitter members, specifically those who are members of the autism community, whether it be a parent, sibling or relative. If you are on the spectrum you are welcome to take part. Most of the prizes are geared to children and young adults with autism or asperger syndrome. The hashtag to be used for autism twitter day is #ASD. This means when you post a tweet that day which is on the topic of autism – positive autism awareness, please use the hashtag, either in front or at end of the tweet. Open up a window at www.summize.com and input #ASD to follow along with the conversation at the specified times. Most likely they will run longer than one hour. Stay tuned here and to my blog for prize and panel info. We will be testing your knowledge on autism spectrum disorders, this is how the prizes will be awarded. Bonnie has assembled an ever-growing collection of prizes, ranging from a children’s hammock (Charlie is too big for this, I suspect) to software to storytime felt sets. I’m not a big Twitter-er (my Twitter id is autismvox) but will be sure to be Twitter-ing on December 16th, and I don’t think I’ll be alone. So join in and see what you can find out and or contribute. You can follow along #ASD here!

Do You Twitter?

I have discovered that I like the online app, Twitter> www.twitter.com/somewannaknow is my screen name... I have many 'acquantinces' on there that are Autism advocates & I have met some neat people. Thought I would share... Oh, Gavin Bollard is on there, too!

The Zac Browser

The Zac Browser- created by a parent with Autistic children in mind. Works well for any child, in my opinion. Keeps the child on certain sites, with minimal distractions, such as ads, pop-ups, etc.

User-friendly to use & Free to download!

"We have made this browser for the children - for their enjoyment, enrichment, and freedom. Children touch it, use it, play it, interact with it, and experience independence through ZAC." -zacbrowser.com

Watch a AP news report about it here .

Must see! No problems so far... love it, actually!

Making Picture Schedules

Making Picture Schedules & Story Strips for daily life for someone with AS.

Thanks to dotolearn.com for the clip art. I have a 6 yo son with Asperger's, as many of you know. We have a very hard time transitioning him into getting dressed for our Bible Services, especially. He knows he will be sitting, though we allow him to draw, write & look at books while there, hence the non-cooperativeness. He usually opts out of the choices we give him to do while there & wiggles around instead. Understandable, we are lenient in this situation. We allow him to undo his top button & take off his shoes while sitting; which is way more than would be otherwise expected, I think.

So, in light of this, I have made several Picture/ Visuals for him & it helps, so we will stick with it till it stops helping. Thought I would share...

Wordless Wednesday

Asperger's Oriented Books I Love

Four Books that I cannot get enough of & use them for references throughout my life:

*The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome by Tony Attwood a definitive handbook for anyone affected by AS.

The chapters examine: causes & indications of the syndrome; the diagnosis & its effect on the individual; theory of mind; the perception of emotions in self and others; social interaction; including friendships; long-term relationships; teasing, bullying & mental health issues; the effect of AS on language & cognitive abilities, sensory sensitivity, movement & co-ordination skills; career development.

*Parenting Your Asperger Child by Alan Sohn, Ed.D, and Cathy Grayson, M.A. individualized solutions for teaching your child practical skills

The chapters examine: everyday challenges- from getting dressed, to riding in the car, to applying for a job; improving interactions in social situations & school integration.

*The Other Half of Asperger Syndrome by Maxine C. Aston a guide to living in an intimate relationship with a partner who has AS.

The chapters examine: the initial diagnosis; OCD or Special Interests; Socializing; Communication; Living & coping with AS; Getting your message across; Anger & AS; Sex; Money; Parenting; Routines; AS cannot be blamed for everything!; Staying Together