What I Know For Sure

I realized today that there are things in life that are absolute, no exception:
1. Making mistakes is a privilege.
2. Being happy with what you have is easier said than done.
3. You're only as happy as your saddest child.
4. Being right doesn't make you happy...but it does make you smarter. 😌
5. People will remember the bad things you've done because it makes them feel better about themselves.
6. Having 1 good friend that you can depend on is pretty lonely.
7. If life throws you lemons...DUCK!
8. Life and weekends are too short.

Parents as Therapists (Courtesy of My Life My Autism)

Parents as Therapists

With the high costs associated with raising a child with autism, many parents are desperate to find ways in which to support their children with limited financial resources. Many states now allow insurance companies to cover some or all of the costs of services such as speech and ABA therapy. However, there are still some families in need of additional options that will improve the outcomes of their children.

Organizations like Rethink Autism offer cost-efficient alternatives for families who may be in need of additional support or who, for whatever reason, may not be able to cover the cost of therapy. Rethink Autism specifically supports families, caregivers and professionals through guided instruction using targeted "behaviorally-based teaching strategies..." with a "sequence of 7-10 minute training modules model all of the research-based techniques used in our expert-reviewed, video-based lesson curriculum in jargon-free accessible language." 

As with any program, families should do their research before making any final decisions. Questions that should be asked during the decision-making process include:

1. What do I want for my child?
2. What am I getting for the money that I will be paying to use the service?
3. Are the recommended strategies research-based?
4. Will I be able to chart my child's growth as I am using the program?
5. How do the programs compare to one another?
6. Does the program offer support through email or by telephone if I have questions or concerns that I need to be addressed?

Autism...The Next Unsung

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed that autism has all but vanished from the public consciousness? I remember several years ago the big push to Light It Up Blue and how everyone seem to have some sort of opinion about the hows and whys of autism. Now you will be hard-pressed to find even the slightest mention of autism in the media. So what has happened to change the attention that was given to promoting and supporting autism acceptance? I know a lot of people objected to the whole Light It Up Blue initiative because it was associated with Autism Speaks. But now there are no true initiatives in place to keep autism on the forefront. What will that mean for my children and the children of others? I don't know...

Rock the Vote

Whomever you are, whatever you do, exercise your right to vote!!!

Bullying Stops Here

Bullying has become a major epidemic in our schools. We have to teach our children, those who are being bullied, to speak up and speak out. Here's what you can do as a parent if you suspect your child is being bullied:
° Look for changes in behavior.
° Encourage your child to talk openly about his or her experiences.
° Report bullying to school administrators
° Be proactive about seeking a solution.
° If your concerns are not being adequately addressed at the school level, file a complaint with central office.
° Use social media to bring awareness.
° Seek counseling for your child if necessary. Bullying can lead to mental and emotional trauma.

#bullyingstopshere

Check Out My Interview Segment w/ Yaya the Diamond

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dreamchasersradio/2016/10/24/dream-chasers-unite

Animated Lesson Plan on Disability

This year has been incredibly amazing and BUSY!!! One of the projects I have worked on is a disability lesson plan based on characters created by Fairmore  & Friends and animated by @UMBC. The lesson is great for elementary and middle school students, as it teaches them the importance of understanding and accepting differences. Perfect as a resource for teaching character education in school or personal conversations with the kiddos at home. Contact @TheOddballz on Twitter or download the Fairmore & Friends app from the Google Play Store to get a copy of the visual lesson plan!