The next step to understanding the Senses....

Taking a closer look at our seven senses, by breaking down each group to better understand what they do, and what each one means for an ASD and Sensory Processing diagnosis.

It is easy to overlook the concept of our Sensory system in everyday life, no-one really specifically takes notice or acknowledges how every dynamic can effect our natural reactions to daily actions.

The benefits of Weighted Blankets.

quilt design option 

Deep Pressure Touch Stimulation (DPTS) refers to the application of a tactile stimulus to help provide the feeling sensations received from a firm hug, cuddle, squeeze, stroking motion, or massage. The calming element to settle nerves and emotional wellbeing.

The use of specific weighted products help to give the same deep pressure massaging effect in a non-invasive manner to help release Melatonin, Serotonin and Endorphins, the hormones that regulate various human functions such as sleep, appetite and mood.

Serotonin produce a calming action, sending soothing messages between nerve cells;

Endorphins are "Happy" stimulators with natural pain-killing substances;

Both bring pleasurable feelings, elevated moods and calmness of body and mind.

Melatonin is a substance regulating circadian rhythms to control sleep patterns, hormone release, body temperature, and other human functions.

Homework - Am I doing the right thing???!!!!

A.J. and Myself,

we have a great bond together

I am just another person, no-one special, someone taking each day as it comes, facing the same issues as everyone else, at times struggling to make ends meet, and definitely with no idea of what is going to present itself tomorrow or the next day.

At times we have, and still do, struggle to understand the whole picture of what A.J. has been and is still going through; and with his additional needs, why it had been so hard to gain those much needed supports early on, fighting for every piece of assistance and understanding.

For that very reason I stepped up and did what any loving caring 'parent' would do and sought out whatever he needed, gaining anything and everything that I thought would help to better his chances to be an active participant in "Life".

Some Days are a Struggle...

A.J. relaxing after a long day of therapies

Why is it so hard for us to gain official understanding of what our kids go through.

Why is it so hard for the bureaucratic officials in their high-end offices, the same ones that are not even fully qualified or experienced in these areas, to truly understand the day-to-day struggles and torment our kids face.

I am at the moment so angry and stressed.

After fighting for years to have someone give acknowledgement A.J. needed additional help, fighting by myself to find the right direction, struggling to seek the right services required, to start down the pathway of understanding and supports, taking till he was almost 10 years old before the links were finally placed and the 'official diagnosis' of Autism Spectrum Disorder given.

Fighting again and again to gain help through the official channels, for recognition as to A.J. having an actual diagnosed Disability, to help him source funding for his much needed services and medications, etc.

Then taking till this year for those pieces finally reaching and connecting with those much needed additional supports and

assistance, by linking to NDIS and more services that will help A.J. come out of the fog, gaining understanding and progress within himself.

What is SPD.... Sensory Processing Disorder????

helping to gain harmony within the seven senses 

When 'explaining' our child has ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, (or - is Autistic), there are still many people who will state they have no idea or knowledge regarding the exact specifics or understanding of the diagnosis/disability.

Then explaining the additional conditions the main cause of underlying concerns, it may confuse them even more.

*Noting* I know, most Autistics or family members don't like to label ASD as a disability, and in the general sense I can agree, although there are moments, like this, when it's the best way to explain the full extend of what ASD represents.

In general many have come to accept the term .... "Special Needs", this covering all areas of their diagnosis.

To help newcomers and novices better understand what they're beginning to encounter, or for some of us 'old-hats' at the game, to refresh our minds about a few things we may have forgotten, or to help with a new issue that may have recently arisen, etc, I will begin by reviewing the different dynamics of Autism.

Everyone, goes through those, when-will-it-end days.

those special moments with those that matter
A.J. and Laura bonding time

We don't have to be Autism parents to face any unknown areas of LIFE ...

Days when we question everything we do, hoping for something positive, wondering why we're the ones that seem to repeatedly fall on bad times, struggling to make ends meet, wanting the best for our family, trying to find that perfect solution to an imperfect situation.

Facing everyday situations as everyday people. Trying to make our lives look ....... "normal".  

Yes I know we have additional requirements that we have to continually face, although we must remind ourselves that at any given time 'Neurotypical' families can also face unusual events that can place them in difficult situations as well.

No-one is immune from dilemmas and dramas.

A Day in the Life of......

one of the performances at our local Ironfest,
fun events and lots of noise although A.J. still enjoyed the day

It's been a long hard journey, we can all agree to that, trying to help our not-so-little man address every part of his diagnosis and overcome each obstacle and complication as he faces them, while also helping him to manage every setback.

So when he reaches each new milestone, we all instinctively understand the need to acknowledge it.

No matter how minimal or insignificant others may view each single step and achievement, to us they are all worth celebrating.

Those 'simple' accomplishments may have been the reward for months and months of therapy and specialised assistance, as well as repetitive learning and training programs.