Community Connections and Support…

overlooking our lovely valley..... our home 

Sometimes we may have moments that see us in a rut, powerless to balance out the day's events,

being unable to focus on those all important and necessary items, chores, or tasks.

Unfortunately over the past few weeks we've seen just that,

 it seems the universe has had alternate ideas than what we had planned or expected for us,

So Many Different Beginnings.

A.J. from beginning to now
 as the journey goes on.....

We all begin our journey from mismatched perspectives, with pathways all heading in different directions, and yet we can still connect together and relate in a way that will bind us.

Everyone has a story to tell, although unlike the 'standard' family's tales, those of us with our adorable quirky kids can tell an amazing array of stories like no other.

Ours was one, showing a family torn apart and shattered, after receiving the knowledge our own grandson was in crisis and needed our support. Stepping in and fighting with all of our very being, everything and anything we had, to gain the right to care for him in the way he rightly deserves, as does any and every child.

Guiding that same young child from the tender age of two into his teenage years, while learning of his lengthy multiple diagnosis, supporting him every step of the way, through understanding and acceptance.

Together while facing his demons, and make a full 180 degree turnaround from what was experienced on those very first days.

Showing that anyone can achieve the very best outcome, with a little patience, hard work, and a lot of love.

Accessing Help Within the School Environment

Last night after arriving home from attending another P&C meeting, I sat down with cuppa in hand and perused the leaflets handed to me regarding the amended 'standards' for students heading towards their HSC.

Now, it may be known A.J. is only in year 8 and a long way off his year 12 studies and the HSC, although with the expectations put on them they need to begin to prepare now for what they are heading into.

Add to that the additional demands and stresses on an ASD, special needs, or disadvantaged child, and the concerns may increase dramatically.

Sensory Diet, products and support

a few little items that can be helpful with sensory calming

 Many autistic kids struggle with processing different forms of sensory input.

This involves either 'over' or 'under' stimulation from the sensory areas of touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing, movement, and body awareness/balance.

When addressing this we first need to understand how the process works, starting with how the brain receives and organises sensory input from the surrounding environment.

Finding his own Personality

allowing A.J. to be himself can be portrayed in many ways... 

Days are flying past us at such an unimaginable rate, and we never seem to find the time for the little things.

It only feels like yesterday that a little frightened, timid, 18 month old bundle came to live with us, and yet I see this handsome 14 year old standing in front of me, already beginning to tower over me.

A now confident inquisitive teenager wanting to explore the world he lives in, questioning anything and everything he encounters.

As he gains more confidence to take yet another step towards independence, we still see the signs of insecure, indecisive, emotional, and physical restrictions that can so easily revert him into a huddle at any given time. Yet this still won't hold him back when positive moments take hold.

Weighted Blankets/Doonas and other Sensory Products

A.J. with Laura chilling out together

Finding the correct and appropriate products that will suit and benefit you, the consumer, (or more importantly your child), on a personal level, may at times be hard to source.

I personally know and understand the struggle, when first learning of sensory issues with A.J. I was confused by all the different things out there, how to use them, and if they were really worth it.

Searching for the tried-and-true products that will actually aid and assist to help calm and settle our kids during their most vulnerable Melt-Down moments, and not cost the earth.

Luckily for me I am very crafty, and willing to throw myself into the sewing room and give anything a go.

The first product we tried and were a great hit with A.J. was the basic lavender/wheat heat pillows.

Wanting to find a way to keep him warm, during his "I'm cold...." moments,  and not liking the idea of the old fashioned hot-water-bottles, I adapted the lavender/wheat heat-pillow into a larger size to accommodate his need.

The result being, I realised he was also using it in the form of a weighted blanket by laying two on his chest and torso, while gaining the added benefit of the heat he was seeking.

Progress, Development, Future prospects, Proposals.....

Over the years since I began to promote awareness and provide help, supports, and a better understanding, for ASD and Special Needs kids, I have come into contact and met with many different people from many different areas, covering all aspects from parents/families/carers, to service providers, and everything in between.

Many hours spent and many meetings have been held, all for the purpose of searching and researching the best ways to help our kids, for my child, and all those I have connected with within our community, as well as others from a far distance through our Facebook pages.