books have come in!!

So onto my self-tutoring for home-therapy and home-schooling of my children, using the more integrative approaches, that can be used for any child, regardless of diagnoses and capabilities.

I have finished reading this one, the day I brought them home. I hope to keep this on my shelf as a constant reference, not only does it give you tips but perspective on the differences that are inevitable between home learning and a public school environment. The preschool section was quite small, and focused on the prerequisites to functioning in a social environment and learning from others, peers or elders. Honestly I skimmed through the sections dedicated to more mature children. Will return to it soon!

MANNERS.  RESPECT. and MINDFULNESS.

This book explains the difference between a child with ADHD and Sensory Integrative disorders, or Sensory Processing disorders. It is an amazing read, and showcases strategies geared directly to kids who don't sit still for very long! It advocates team sports activities, and encourages understanding towards behaviours. Not only that, but serves as a companion to any treatment program you are undergoing for your child, as it takes a specialist to provide SI advice and maintenance, which is hard to find (in these parts anyways).

The key to this concept is knowing what type your child falls under, and then what activities can best accommodate him/her!

Right now I am reading the rest of this book, but have also started reading.

This book describes one method of implimenting speech therapy at home, it does mention a great deal of sitting across from one another, which is a difficult challenge when dealing with a hyperactive child who seeks out sensory stimulation, but I have only just started reading it.

From dabbling to all Seriousness now

I've tried trial and error techniques and strategies to discover any food intolerance hidden in my children's diets. Thus far the obvious ones were artificial sweeteners, colours and dyes, and fast food. 'A' was taken off cow's milk due to chronic constipation and abdominal cramping. Soy milk seems to accomodate easy digestion, and aids in the digestion of new foods. Also it provides that pleasant effect of combating acid reflux.

Chef Michael Smith's book has some awesome healthier alternatives to common family foods, including delicious multi-grain pancakes

I am still reading this one, but already I have a full list of daily nutritional supplements to get us on track towards better health, and closer to our goal of a balanced whole food diet. 

I have the second book to the left: Raising your Spirited Child, as a matter of fact I hadn't realized there was a whole series and am now going to look around for them, particularly this lovely looking workbook! This has given me a real world view of my child simply as being spirited, without any labels or medical terminology. It is an amazing reprieve, as well as revitalizes my own spirit as a mother.

Independent Book Club

I have always loved to read, so when I realized that I might have similar ideas to authors out there in regards to my children and their autism, and did so much research online that gave me answers I could work with, I started collecting paperbacks of a different kind.

The very first books I started out with were, What to Expect When Expecting, The First Year, and The Toddler years. These got me through many fears and challenges. When I was concerned about development it served me as a guide, and offered reassurance that he would be okay if he was a little later than the average child; and that he was. 'D' hit every milestone on at the end of the expected timespan, sometimes a little past. He suffered from digestive troubles and many sensitivities. His sensory issues showed within a few months life. Progressively more so depending on his consumption habits.

Next was a few Chicken Soup for the Soul books (a habit I picked up in high school).

An amazing start to any journey into home therapy for autism, Temple Grandin's book was motivating and encouraging in a very deliberate fashion. A disciplinarian and empathic heart, it was like having a parent looking over your shoulder, but being able to put the book down at will.

Temple Grandin

This book, although I found it to be a bit of a hit and miss at times, was a great (although heavy) paperback to keep at hand during rough times. When a crisis was unfolding, I'd turn to it, hoping for an answer and often finding an answer but to a different question. This reminded me to look past the moment, accept it for what it was, remember what set it off.. and move on to the next moment, one of peace and cheer. 

                                                                1001 tips ... a review 

Soon after, I began looking for more books, if these were inspiring and brought warmth to me in the cold, then maybe these others would too. One after another, testimonials, mothers' accounts of their paths to discovery and coping, what they were willing to go through and what worked best for them, not to mention views and opinions for others on a similar path, or even those who are not. That was enough.

I read, more and more, compulsively turning to this computer and knowing that Google would turn up what I needed to know at that moment, if I only had the right question, keyword, or phrase. We spent many months turning into years having to rely on our own research so that our children would still receive treatment for health issues (even matters as simple as strep throat) instead of being passed of as autistic.