Tag Archives: parenting

Richard Karampatsos , Author of Heading Toward the Final Finish Line and Running on the Living Edge

TRUST ~~~ WHEN YOU CAN TRUST THE PERSON WHO WROTE A BOOK YOU ARE OF TO A RUNNING START TO BE BLESSED! When that person knows the subject that they are not only putting into words, but have already paid the price for the information being shared – you will also be enriched by what you read. HOPE ~ There is always a need and a source for HOPE> Pamela knows how to reach out with her words to do just that: H- helping O- other P- people E – endure. In fact, with the Lord’s guidance she does more than just help folks dealing with this heath challenge to ‘endure’ but be overcomes!

M. Brooks

The author delivers the most intimate truths about her life in the most genuine way. She sheds a light on the highs as well as the lows. I believe this book will not only benefit the families living directly with autism but also those on the outside; such as myself. It has helped me to have a better understanding of the inner life of autism. She has brought a guide that can be used for all to cope, understand, and learn while keeping it simplistic in terminology and personal so we can empathize with the emotions. I highly recommend this book to anyone as it has the ability to help you find hope and gratitude. Well done!

Dad of Divas (www. dadofdivas.com)

While I do not live with autism daily, this was an interesting read. I appreciated how in-depth the author was in regards to what parents have to deal with in an honest, upfront and truthful manner. The book was easy to understand and the author talks to you as if you are a trusted friend. That being said I was very impressed with the amount of information that was shared and I can honestly say that I learned SO much from reading this that I was not aware of previous to reading. The book is definitely a resource that will offer hope and resources for anyone touched by autism. The daily reflections really make you think differently about autism and what this means to you and the people around you!

*I received this for review – all opinions are my own*

Kelly

When I received Pamela Bryson-Weaver’s Living Autism day-by-day, I knew that it would be of interest to several moms that I know.

It begins with an informational intro, then transitions into a journal of sorts. Each day has a story, quote, and /or info, and has a space for notes or reflections. It’s a great hybrid of clinical information and lovely thoughts and quotes. I thought it would be a great resource and personal notebook for the parent of an ASD child.

I gave the book to a friend and asked for her review, as someone who is very knowledgeable on the subject and truly is living autism day-by-day. Below are her thoughts:

“I appreciate Mrs Bryson-Weaver’s positive breath of fresh air on a variety of topics that are very difficult for most parents of an ASD child. Daily she provides a famous inspirational quote, a topic to revel over, and a small daily objective to strive for. She covers advocating for the ASD child as well as advocating for yourself to find the answers you seek, the support you need, and acceptance of your child for who they are.

Her knowledge and suggestions are current in terms of biomedical and dietary treatment approaches. I’m not so sure that all of her ideas are reasonable though. As a mother myself of a child with an ASD, I was quite surprised to find her “home schooling” suggestion.

On a whole, the book is a must read for parents of a newly diagnosed child!!”

10 Must-Have Tech Toys and Stuff for Children with Autism

Children of all ages, whether on the spectrum or not, love toys. It gives them a sense of fun and entertainment. Parents to children with autism, however, must be aware that their children need toys that stimulate their senses but not so much that it can set them into a tailspin or a meltdown. Children on the spectrum have differing sensitivities to sounds, lights, tastes, odors, and touch. One child may be overly sensitive to loud sounds, while another basks in amazement over flashing of light. Most, if not all, though have experienced sensory overload leaving them out of control—and this is what you as a parent should keep in mind when choosing an educational gadget for your child.

Recommended Interactive Toys and Gadgets

1. Buddy Tag

toys-buddy-tagAccording to their website, “A lost child is a parent’s worst nightmare,” and we could not agree more. Buddy Tag is one of the highly recommended gadget recommended to parents, especially those to children with autism. This Bluetooth tracker cum wristband warns parents when a child is out of proximity. It has a one-touch panic button that sends instantaneous alert to parents when their children are in danger or when they are facing any threat. There is also an app which runs on various smartphones. Subsequently, Buddy Tag also sends email for the time and location of where your child is last seen making it truly conducive for everyone in this day and age.

toys-little-blueprint2. Little Blueprint

Most children with autism rely on consistent routine to go about their daily activities. Little Blueprint customized or ready-made books are highly recommended for kids with autism and to their parents. Not only will it instill confidence in them, it also enhances their brainpower, sense of security and resilience. Parents are provided with “script” which can be used when telling stories. Having one customized with your child’s pictures and name will definitely go a long way. Perfect for setting a sleeping routine…

 

3. SensaCalm Weighted Lap Pads and Blankets

toys-sensacalmWeighted lap pads and blankets are great for children with sensory processing disorder, a common developmental issue to those with autism. These can provide a sense of security to them, and subsequently produce a calming effect. The odd textures on the cloth and the attached fidget toys on weighted lap pads can stimulate their senses making it a great companion when traveling or when outdoors. Like a baby cocooned in a blanket, weighted blankets also add a sense of security and calm for children with autism as they sleep.

toys-watch-minder4. Watchminder3

Specifically developed for kids with developmental disorder by a child psychologist, WatchMinder3 is quite fashionable, fun, and helpful in teaching kids with autism keep track of time and tasks. It also instills positive behavior and gives them an edge in managing their own time and in developing independent living skills.

 

5. Multi Voice Changer

toys-multi-voice-changerPredominantly, children with autism have language or speech problems. This, however, can be stimulated to their advantage. This multi-voice speaker encourages children to speak out and have fun. Whether it be a warbled sound or a grunt or a nonsensical voice, the multi voice speaker can turn this into 10 different voice combinations stimulating their interest to learn more and improve on their speech. This megaphone also has a red flashing LED light to fire up their vision.

toys-sensory-pea-pad6.Sensory Pea Pod

Think of how secure a pea is when inside its pod. For some children, this cocooning effect can deliver the calming effect that seeps into their core. Children with autism are often cranky and hyperactive making them vulnerable to meltdown or temper tantrums. With this inflatable vinyl built for comfort and warmth, a child can get the soothing effect when resting or when doing about their favorite activity.

7. Noise Reduction Earmuffs

toys-noise-reduction-earmuffSome, if not most, children with Autism Spectrum Disorders have sensitive hearing. They are very receptive to their surroundings thus, can be easily upset when exposed to sounds that are either too loud or too shrilly for them. When undergoing sensory storm, this playful noise-reduction earmuffs can provide great cushion in easing up to 27-decibel noise reduction rating while still allowing children to listen to conversation.

 

toys-tech4everyone8. Tech4Everyone

Think about having an amped Windows desktop. A favorite among teachers, parents to home-schooled kids, homes for the aged, and other service establishments catering to those with developmental needs, the Tech4Everyone software is a revolutionary breakthrough in early childhood computer education. Children with autism will benefit largely from this software platform as it stimulates language, visual and auditory development. Your child simply clicks on his picture and voila! He is presented with a customized set of computer learning activities catering to his individual needs.

9. SmartEd Pad

toys-smartED-padThis is the answer to parents to children with autism. Designed to engage (not distracted) children to technology, and enable therapy continuity even when at home, the SmartEd Pad is a dedicated therapy-specific device which comes complete with lesson plans and apps configured specially by special educators. This device is known to fully support children with autism at home.
SmartEdPad is a dedicated therapy-specific device, with lesson plans and relevant apps configured by special educators, that parents can easily use to support a student at home..

toys-ipads-android-tablets10. iPads and Android Tablets

With hundreds of available apps specifically created to cater to kids with developmental disorder like Autism, iPads or any Android tablets are truly wise investment. Apps like Brain Parade, Math Board, AutisMate, Proloquo2Go, Choiceworks, Pictello, Word SLaPps, iTubelist, and many more are waiting with just one tap.

Lisa

My kids were so excited seeing their faces in the book and truly, the book is a beautiful honoring of those with autism as well as parents on that journey to support their little ones…. 

I’ve gotten my son to show it to his Autism school, Pathlight School, the only dedicated-autism school in Singapore and they are interested to get copies of this to either sell or have in their library – am waiting for them to tell me what they intend to do – but so many teachers and the vice-principal has already seen the book and everyone’s so taken in by the book! So honouring you and the gift of your book to the world! Thank you once again for the heart you have for autism and for the little ones you hold dearly. 

Will reconnect soon once I hear back from the school on what they would like to do… cheers and divine blessings for you always! 

Kimberly Arsenault

Thank you so much for the advance copy of your book! The book is fabulous, and I highly recommend it! The website is also fabulous, and will continue to be a wonderful resource, I look forward to seeing it continue to grow and evolve! 

You are such a wonderful mother and such an inspiration! Keep up the amazing work and know that you are making such a difference in this world! God Bless!

Rita

I had such a crazy thing happen to me this morning that I just had to share it with you.

I went into work today, which was not required, to participate in a new student orientation program.  I was unsure where I was suppose to go, so I walked into a classroom where 2 of my co-workers were talking.  I had several rooms that I could chose from, but randomly picked the one I did.  As I walked in they were in a deep conversation so I just stood back for awhile to let them finish.  To my amazement the conversation was about the son of one of them who is currently in the process of being diagnosed as autistic.  I couldn’t believe it.  Her son is 4 years old and they are in the run around stage of trying to diagnose her son.  I immediately shared your information with her.  She was very excited to have another resource and I am sure she will be checking out your website.  I sensed she was feeling the frustration of trying to find out what is happening with her son.  It sounded like some intense testing is coming up soon.

It was so crazy that I just had to share this.  I had no idea she was dealing with this with her son.  Again, I think the stars must be in line.  It felt so good to me to be able to share your information with her.