Autism: The “Invisible” Disorder.

Autism doesn’t have a look.

Down Syndrome, Spinal Bifida, and Cerebral Palsy all have one thing in common. They have a look. When you encounter a person with one of these different abilities, you can see their uniqueness.

However, if you were to encounter a person with autism, you wouldn’t know that there was more to them than what you see, and for some observers, seeing is believing.

People are often very surprised when I tell them that Nicholas has autism. The typical response is “Really? You can’t tell.”

When did our society turn into a place where your different ability had to be obvious or visible in order to be accepted?

People with autism are oftentimes misunderstood. Their behaviors are perceived as “odd”, or people see them as “out of control”, or in need of “parental supervision and guidance”. Parents are often accused of not doing “whatever it takes” to cure their children.

What is a parent to do when society awards “normality” and where being different is sometimes frowned upon?

Why do we feel as if we have to “advertise” autism in order to be accepted?

Why do I feel a pang of guilt whenever my son wears his t- shirt that proudly portrays autism as being, “Always Unique Totally Interesting Sometimes Mysterious”?

Why do I feel a pang of guilt for not having a placard on my car that informs people that there is a person with autism “on board”?

Why do I feel a pang of guilt whenever he wears his emergency bracelet which advises emergency personnel of his autism as well as his food and drug allergies?

I often wonder why people don’t take the time to see a person with autism in the same way they see everyone else.

What is it about autism that has people waging wars against it?

Some parents with children on the spectrum are desperately fighting for a cure. They believe autism is an illness. That autism has stolen their child, and it has done away with the “normalness” of their existence.

Autism has made them different.

It is incomprehensible to me how a parent can advocate for awareness while making every attempt to eradicate autism. While they are advocating for modalities that allegedly recover their children from autism, what does this do to the efforts of those of us who are simultaneously advocating for awareness and social acceptance?

Autism has become an “epidemic”.

Perhaps, some may even perceive it as being contagious. Young women are afraid to vaccinate their children for fear that they will “get autism”. Others are merely afraid to have children because they dread the probability of having a child with autism.

Why aren’t other disabilities perceived in the same way?  Apparently, there is greater social acceptance towards disabilities that have “a look”. After all, you “can tell” that the person is different.

Perhaps, it is easier for people to embrace differences because that difference is obvious. Then again, this way of thinking also preserves society’s narrow-mindedness in that everything must be properly labeled and obvious in order to be accepted.

The statistics are not in autism’s favor. Vaccines have been accused, by many in the autism community, as being the sole cause of autism. However, I believe there are other factors that should be taken into consideration. I also feel that society should be better educated in that they receive all points of view regarding possible causation and not just the opinion of some.

Although my son is not considered non-verbal, if he could speak, in traditional format, I wonder what he would say. Would he be saddened by the things people are saying about autism? Would he want to be cured? Would he see himself as broken and in need of repair? Would he choose to do away with the very things that make him different in order to fit in or be accepted?

In my opinion, he is a typical child. He dresses and feeds himself; goes to the bathroom unassisted, brushes his own teeth; and lets me know when he does or does not want something. Of course, he does all of these things in a way that is normal for him.

When I look into his eyes, I don’t see an empty shell nor do I see a person who “isn’t all there”. I see a vibrant boy who’s full of life; I see a boy who is very curious about the world around him.

Why don’t people see my son for who he is and not what he has? He is a loving, affectionate, tender-hearted, sensitive, highly intelligent, artistic, funny, friendly youngster.

His brain may be wired a little differently, and he may do things differently than others, but there’s nothing wrong with him.

Autism is what he has not who he is. When I look at my son, I see him.

Autism and Genetically Modified Foods.

It is common for a person with autism to have certain food allergies.  And it is also common, within the community, for those individuals to be on very restrictive diets; the more popular being GFCF (Gluten-free Casein-free).

Although, precautionary measures are taken to ensure one does not consume foods containing any triggers, some thought may not be given to whether or not the allergen-free foods are manufactured by companies who do not use genetically modified ingredients.

Although, I’m very particular about what my family eats but there have been times when I’ve “caved” and bought a treat.  Little did I know those treats were doing more harm than good.

As a active advocate for human rights & the environment, I was somewhat taken aback when I learned that some of the companies I support (by way of my weekly grocery shopping) actually use GM ingredients.

So what exactly is GM, and why should you care?

What’s wrong with genetic engineering?

The products of genetic engineering are living organisms that could never have evolved naturally and do not have a natural habitat.

These genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can spread and interbreed with natural organisms, thereby contaminating non ‘GE’ environments and future generations in an unforeseeable and uncontrollable way. This ‘genetic pollution’ is a major threat because GMOs cannot be recalled once released into the environment.

Because of commercial interests, the public is being denied the right to know about GE ingredients, thereby losing the right to avoid them despite labeling laws in certain countries.

Threats of genetic engineering

Crop genetic diversity is critical to the continuing development of varieties resistant to new pests, diseases, and changing climatic and environmental conditions. In this way, diversity is essential for global food security. The lack of genetic diversity, in fact, can be linked to many of the major crop epidemics in human history. Biological diversity must be protected and respected.

If threatening biodiversity wasn’t enough, the biotech giants make farmers pay for the privilege of using these human-made organisms. Farmers in North America and Latin America, where most of the world’s GE agriculture is, must sign a contract that specifies that if they save the seeds to plant again the following year or use any herbicide other than the corporation’s own, they are likely to be prosecuted.

{Source: Greenpeace USA}

The damage caused by GM/GE foods is irreparable.   Additionally, prolonged consumption can effect future generations as well (through gene transfer).

We have become a society that relies too heavily on what we’re told vs. researching said information for ourselves.  We are also too reliant on our government, perhaps, even too trusting that we’ll be taken cared of.

I didn’t transition to a holistic lifestyle until 3 years ago.  Meaning I was having my fill of foods that were ultimately not providing me with sound nutrition.

I was completely oblivious to any harm my food was causing.  Oblivious? More like I didn’t really care.

I’ve since learned that GM/GE foods are dangerous on many counts; they wreak havoc not only on a personal level but an environmental one as well.

Health Hazards:

• No Long-Term Safety Testing
• Toxins
• Allergic Reactions
• Decreased Nutritional Value
• Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
• Problems Cannot Be Traced

Environmental Hazards:

• Increased use of Herbicides
• More Pesticides
• Ecology may be damaged
• Gene Pollution Cannot Be Cleaned Up
• Side Effects can Kill

{Source: Safe Food.org}

Not everyone likes to read labels; I’m definitely not a fan. In the beginning, it can be an exhausting and trying task particularly when you just “want to run in and grab a few things”.  However, I have come to realize that it is a necessary evil if I want to keep my family healthy.

I’ve also learned that GFCF doesn’t necessarily mean GM/GE-free.  If you have a laundry list of food allergies, your label reading days are about to be extended, especially if you’re looking to keep your diet as toxin-free as possible.

I contacted the following companies, because I purchase a lot of their goods, and asked if they were GMO-free.  Due to FDA regulations, American companies are not permitted to state this fact on their labeling due to their inability to provide a guarantee that their products have not  been affected by cross-contamination.

• Bob’s Red Mill: Doesn’t use GM/GE ingredients
• Eden Organic: Does not use GM/GE ingredients.
• Ener-G: Doesn’t use GM/GE ingredients
• Enjoy Life: Doesn’t use GM/GE ingredients
• Gluten-Free Pantry/Glutino: Does use GM/GE ingredients. See product list for GM/GE-free products.
• Ian’s Natural Foods: Doesn’t use GM/GE ingredients
• Morning Star Farms: Does use GM/GE ingredients. Only Organic Soy® products are GM/GE-free.
• Namaste Foods: Doesn’t use GM/GE ingredients
• Nature’s Path: Doesn’t use GM/GE ingredients (Canadian company: 100% GMO-free)
• Newman’s Own: Does use GM/GE ingredients in non-organic products; also uses MSG.
• Orgran: Doesn’t use GM/GE ingredients (an Australian company)
• Pamela’s Products: Doesn’t use GM/GE ingredients

Even with these companies, we have to remain cautious in the items we purchase.  This is America and cross-contamination is likely to occur.

The best option is to choose organic foods as much as possible.  You’ll not only be supporting your local growers, but you’ll be doing more to ensure you and your family consume the healthiest food possible.

Most individuals with autism are chemically sensitive which implies that certain behaviors could be exacerbated with the continual consumption of GM/GE foods.

Here’s a great starter guide to get you on the path to living a GMO-free life.  The time has come for us to relinquish our grasp on unhealthy processed foods and return to making meals from scratch.

Extended meal prep? Yes.  A slight/moderate increase in your food budget?  Goes without saying.

But I ask you this… isn’t your family worth it?

The Naked Truth about the Flu Vaccine.

According to a recent article, 70% of doctors and nurses and 62% of health care workers do NOT receive this annual vaccination.  What’s even more surprising is their reasons for not doing so:

• They didn’t believe the vaccine would work
• They believed their immune systems were strong enough to withstand exposure to the flu
• They were concerned about side effects

My son has never received the vaccine, and it’s not because of the vaccine-autism “link”.  I just never thought it necessary, and I think it’s been at least 16 years since I’ve had one (the military was always injecting us with one toxin after another).

The following video is an eye-opener at best, especially for you folks who still believe that this shot actually DOES something to PREVENT the flu.

If the MAJORITY of the health care industry doesn’t get it, why are you?

Stop injecting yourself with another useless vaccine made from things that should never be injected into ANY species!  Instead, try these key steps to staying healthy this season and seasons to come:

• Get plenty of sunshine, safe tanning bed exposure or supplemental vitamin D3
• Eat right for your nutritional type, including avoiding sugar
• Exercise
• Get adequate sleep
• Address emotional stress
• Wash your hands regularly

References:  Mercola.com, ThinkTwice Global

Time to Change How You Think About Autism.

With so many people and organizations trying to rid the world of autism, those of us who are do not think along these lines feel a sense of urgency for the greater need to raise positive awareness.

While others are seeking for acceptance in how they were born, others simply want to ensure that autism is no longer part of their lives.

To eradicate something that defines, in many ways, who a person is and how they interact with the world is what some scientists, researchers, and parents are attempting to do at an alarming rate.

Yes, at times, living with autism can be very challenging, but if more people would just stop and remove their selfish personal agendas out of the picture, perhaps then, they would be able to see autism for what is truly is.

I believe autism has presented itself in such great numbers because maybe it’s time for the world to change it’s views and attitudes on those things that are perceived as different or odd.

Instead of changing autism so that it blends in, perhaps we should be sitting back and seeing the valuable lessons to be learned.

It is time for the us to change the conversation.  It is time for us to put our needs aside and be more considerate and empathetic of others.

It is time for us to Rethink Autism!

UPDATE:

It’s videos like this (produced by Autism Speaks) that make individuals, who are  living with autism and who like who they are, feel less than!

CHANGE THE CONVERSATION!

[Transcript via Codeman38]

I am autism.

I’m visible in your children, but if I can help it, I am invisible to you until it’s too late.

I know where you live, and guess what? I live there too. I hover around all of you.

I know no color barrier, no religion, no morality, no currency. I speak your language fluently, and with every voice I take away, I acquire yet another language.

I work very quickly. I work faster than pediatric AIDS, cancer, and diabetes combined.

And if you are happily married, I will make sure that your marriage fails. Your money will fall into my hands, and I will bankrupt you for my own self-gain.

I don’t sleep, so I make sure you don’t either. I will make it virtually impossible for your family to easily attend a temple, a birthday party, a public park, without a struggle, without embarrassment, without pain.

You have no cure for me. Your scientists don’t have the resources, and I relish their desperation.

Your neighbors are happier to pretend that I don’t exist, of course, until it’s their child. I am autism.

I have no interest in right or wrong. I derive great pleasure out of your loneliness. I will fight to take away your hope. I will plot to rob you of your children and your dreams.

I will make sure that every day you wake up, you will cry, wondering ‘who will take care of my child after I die?’ And the truth is, I am still winning, and you are scared, and you should be.

I am autism.

You ignored me.

That was a mistake.

ADHD: Life Under Siege?

Like autism, ADHD has become a common diagnosis among youth.  There are currently 5 million children in America living with the disorder, and the “symptoms” can be exacerbated due to lack of treatment (i.e. medication, dietary restrictions, behavioral therapy, etc.).

And like autism, ADHD also affects boys more often then girls.

What is ADHD?

Almost all children have behavior issues from time to time. But, for children with ADHD, behavior problems are persistent and occur over a long period of time. For a child with ADHD, their symptoms can create challenges all day, every day.

ADHD is a real and treatable neurobehavioral condition that affects 5 million children in the United States. ADHD symptoms fall into 3 basic subtypes, which include inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive behavior, and a combination of both. These symptoms are persistent (in other words, they must be present for at least 6 months) and occur more frequently in children with ADHD than other children their age.

Among other symptoms, a child with ADHD may have trouble sitting still, finishing tasks, or following directions. ADHD can affect your child at school, at home, and at play.

{Source: Concerta}

When speaking with other parents, one of the more common complaints is the constant rise in food costs, thereby, making it increasingly difficult to keep their children on the foods that do not cause any issues in their behavior.

Then there are those parents, who do not feel that dietary changes are necessary and purchase junky foods because it’s not only cheaper to do so, they are also not “in the mood” to “fight” with their children over what they can and cannot have.

Life then remains exhausting because removing themselves from the line of fire is a stance they prefer to take, more often than not.

But who’s the real “winner” in that scenario?

Not being a medical professional, I was baffled to learn that stimulants are a common ingredient in ADHD medications.  It seemed odd to me that one would administer a stimulant to an individual who is already “overstimulated”. But according to Concerta, they’re added for good reason.

Stimulants are believed to enhance the availability of the brain’s chemical messengers dopamine and norepinephrine. These messengers are believed to play a role in behaviors like attention and movement.

Learn something new every day!

We can continue to help our children by being more conscientious about the chemicals they are exposed to (through food, household cleaners, etc.).  We need to stop pumping our children with sugary “snacks” simply because they’re cheaper, or, worse, because we just want to give them something, anything, to “keep ‘em quiet”.

We all know what too much sugar does to a child who does NOT have ADHD…

The choices for how we can keep our children healthy are endless.

And I am merely an observer… who wants to see our children get the best now so they can live a healthy tomorrow.

Living with Alzheimer’s While Raising Autism

A medical diagnosis, of any kind, can be life-altering.  A life that once offered some measure of stability would now be forever changed.

In 2005, our family received two blows to our way of living.  That April, my son was diagnosed with autism, and a few months later, my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

What is very interesting about the two disorders is they both affect a person’s neurodevelopment; however, the affects are experienced at the opposite ends of a person’s life.  While autism affects the youth and how they interact with the world, Alzheimer’s typically affects the elderly (over 65) and, ultimately, their interaction with the world outside.

While my son “struggles” with how to communicate his needs in a manner that will be understood by others, my grandmother has simply forgotten who it is she is communicating with.

My son and my grandmother are fascinated with one another.  He doesn’t know what Alzheimer’s is nor does she have any knowledge about autism.  However, it is obvious to the observer that they “get” one another, that there is a deeper level of knowing.  Perhaps, it isn’t for me to understand.  When I watch them, I see purity and innocence; I don’t see two people frustrated by the cards dealt them.

Although, my son and I lived out of state for three years and only recently returned, neither is anxious or overwhelmed by the other.

Is Alzheimer’s autism… in “reverse”?  Could this offer an explanation for their intense connection?

Looking for any “similarities” between the two different abilities, I found approximately 1,850,000 search results to read.   It didn’t exactly make for light reading, but here are a few “similarities” I found in my search that you may also find interesting.

Autism Spectrum Disorder	Alzheimer’s Disease
Fastest-growing developmental disability	Diagnoses have increased 10-fold over past decade.
Often unable to handle sensory overload	Often unable to handle sensory overload
Not looked upon as “being present” or “all there”.	No longer looked upon as “being present” or “all there”.
Disorder has “robbed” individual of a “normal” life	Disease has “robbed” individual of a “normal” life
Individual often fixates on inanimate objects	Individual often fixates on inanimate objects
Repetitive, incoherent, and/or absence of speech	Repetitive, incoherent, and/or absence of speech
Individual has difficulty “reading” social cues.	Individual has difficulty “reading” social cues.
Individual has difficulty with cognition.	Individual has difficulty with cognition.

Of the similarities, a person being seen as not “being present” or “all there” is the one that makes me the most uncomfortable.  Just because a person has been “stricken” with these disabilities does not imply that they are any less than human.  They are still people who deserve to be respected.  They are here, and it is society that needs to deal with that reality.

Oftentimes, people only see the disorder/disease and not the person.  During conversation, they are spoken of as if they are not physically present, and sadly, are ignored.  Additionally, family members have a tendency to feel sorry for themselves because they now have an individual in their life that doesn’t fit into their ideal way of living.

Although, I am not the one who was diagnosed with autism, my life has changed as a result of my son’s diagnosis.  Yet, I do not feel sorry for me nor do I feel sorry for him. I also do not feel sorry for my grandmother.

When I watch them interacting with one another, I do not see two people who are miserable or unhappy in any way.  What I see are two people whose brains are wired differently than my own.  In spite of their different abilities, they both manage to pull, from within themselves, strength and courage to face each day.  I see my son and my grandmother as my sources of inspiration not as burdens or crosses to bear.

In my opinion, society has it all wrong.  I believe we must adapt to their way of living, and stop seeing and treating different as if it were abnormal or even a curse.

With the current growth rates for both disabilities, abnormal and different will quickly become the norm.

I have been raising “autism” for over 4 years, and if I were to compare my son’s disorder to my grandmother’s disease, I would say that autism, for me, is easier to live with.

My grandmother, once the pillar of strength and the foundation of my family, is now a fragile woman desperate to retain her grasp on things.

Her speech, once clear and forceful, has now been reduced to faint mumbling.  Memories of her chasing me or my siblings around fill my mind while I watch her shuffle from one spot to another.

My grandmother will not be reduced to “my grandmother with Alzheimer’s”.  I will not let the disease replace my childhood memories of her, not even those memories when she was whoppin’ on my hindparts.

Her future is not as promising as my son’s.  However, at 86, she has lived a life full of adventures as well as “foolishness and mayhem”.

Unlike his mind, hers will continue to “betray” her.  One day, she will no longer recognize herself as she gazes in the mirror.  She, too, will become a stranger.

In the meantime, my uncle will continue to ensure that her remaining days are filled with love and joy, just as I will continue to do the same for my son.

My life, and his, have been touched and changed in ways we could have never imagined.  Had it not been for Alzheimer’s or autism, neither one of us would have experienced the necessary growth that has made, and continues to make, us better people with each new day.

American “Autism”: The Friendly Skies?

Traveling can be challenging.

Enter your neighborhood airport, and you’ll be faced with long security lines, crowded concourses, uncomfortable waiting areas, and once you’ve dealt with that, there’s still the hustle and bustle of trying to get in your seat without being ran over by other passengers seeking to do the same.

Now, if you’re a person with autism, the challenge is dealing with this seemingly chaotic situation without having a meltdown.

Lori Guthrie, a friend and founder of Rainbow Project DFW in Fort Worth, Texas, recently told me about her family’s experience with American Airlines. Like me, she has a son on the spectrum, and traveling is usually quite challenging for him. Dealing with a fast-paced and busy environment can sometimes wreak havoc on his nerves, and she makes every attempt to ensure he is comfortable while traveling.

She spoke highly of her experience with this airline, even in the aftermath of last year’s incident where a mother, Janice Farrell, and her son, Jarrett, who also has autism, were removed from a flight departing Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina because he was reportedly “out of control” and “pitching a raging fit”.

Now, we have all had our share of flights where we are seated next to crying infants and toddlers or belligerent adults who have had one too many cocktails in the airport lounge, but to be removed from a flight entails a different scenario altogether.

The reports depict a situation where the flight crew was sharp with the mother and her son. The flight attendant allegedly kept tugging at Jarrett’s seatbelt making it tighter, thereby, exacerbating the situation and a pilot reportedly came to the cabin and “issued a stern warning”.

Janice was probably in shock and embarrassed by how she and her son were being treated which would explain why I have not read anything about her “going off” on the flight attendant for speaking to her and her son in the manner that has been reported.

The reports also state that Jarrett was “rolling in the aisle” and this behavior can definitely pose a few safety concerns if not dealt with in a timely manner.

Do I believe the child was a danger to others? No, I do not. And there isn’t a whole lot that can be done to change the mindsets of those who “don’t want to be bothered” while traveling amongst children.

Perhaps, the state of our economy has desensitized people in that they have lost their ability to treat people with dignity. With massive layoffs occurring almost daily, employees of companies in the customer service industry appear to be losing their edge. To announce to the cabin that the plane was being turned around because “there was a woman and her child on the plane and the child is uncontrollable” was in extremely poor taste, to say the least.

Some people within the autism community feel Jarrett was removed because he has autism.

I disagree.

Airlines have protocols that must be enforced at all times to ensure the safety of all its passengers, not just those with special needs. If parents do not inform companies of their special needs, how can they expect people to act appropriately? After all, not everyone received “good home training” by mom and dad, and dealing* with a toddler having a temper tantrum is exceedingly different than dealing* with a child with autism having a meltdown.

When I spoke with Lori, she stated the crew was very accommodating to her son’s needs. The staff member, at the check-in counter, was compassionate and empathetic to her situation. Lori and her family were allowed to pre-board so her son could settle in, and he was also permitted to leave his headphones on and read during the safety speech.

American Airlines did more for her family then just give them an extra bag of peanuts or more ice in their beverages. They made them feel welcome, and because of the staff’s actions, her family felt accepted.

With autism diagnosis rates continually on the rise, the news reports of late show us that we still a lot of  public educating ahead of us regarding how one needs to properly interact with the special needs community as a whole.

The crew was definitely out of line in how they handled this situation, and I hope that American Airlines has learned a valuable lesson and are making every effort to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

However, as a parent, you cannot assume everyone will be compassionate to your situation. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure people are fully aware of any and all special needs… particularly if you’re about to travel several hours in a metal tube that will eventually find itself 37,000 feet in the air.

Bottom line: choose the special needs option, if applicable, while making your reservation.  You’re not “advertising” the disability; you’re merely ensuring that people are aware and prepared.

Transitioning with Autism.

I am often asked about how Nicholas “deals with change”, and my response regularly receives raised brows for he adjusts pretty well to the new and unfamiliar.  His hand flapping may be briefly exacerbated, but the smile never leaves his face.

While traveling to California which happened to be nearly a 1,500-mile drive, unlike a neurotypical child, I didn’t hear, “Are we there yet?’ nor did I hear sighs of anguish for being stuck in a car longer than 2 minutes.  What I did hear was laughter, singing, or silence whenever I spied him in deep thought or simply taking in the scenery.

Like any parent, I was deeply concerned about how Nicholas would fare going from being in a 2-parent environment back to one of single parenthood.

I was also concerned about whether or not he would ask for his “papi”, or if his dreams would be adversely affected from such an abrupt disruption in what had become the norm for him.

But I have, once again, been blessed with pretty calm seas in that he hasn’t displayed any “negative” or unusual-for-him behavior such as prolonged temper tantrums, hitting himself, or biting.

I can, however, look in his eyes and see that he is probably wondering about the major change that has taken place in our lives.  However, I do not hear any words expressing that concern.

He has become more affectionate than usual (which is not a bad thing), and he doesn’t like to be left alone in a room for any extended period of time which tells me that he needs to feel safe and secure now more than ever before.

In time, I hope he will come to understand that I will always keep him safe and surround him with loving people who want to be in his life.

The past two years were froth with drama.  I had to deal with insecurity, distrust, betrayal while doing my best to protect my son from hearing the hurtful words that filled the air.

I am grateful for being strong enough to remove ourselves out of that situation.  I am grateful for my faith in knowing that all would work out for us by doing so; that we would not suffer from my decision.  That we would be just fine.

Transitioning with autism has not been so bad.  This particular transition has made me a stronger parent.  I did what needed to be done.

This transition was about doing what was best not only for me but for my son too.  And I know that this decision was for the best for all involved.

Sometimes, change can be a very good thing!

Calming Autism.

You’re probably getting tired of me always plugging Twitter, but I can’t help myself!  The place rocks!

A couple of weeks ago, one of my Tweeps approached me to review an auditory calming system manufactured by his company, B-CalmSound.com!

I’m all for testing new gadgets, so I said, “Yes!”

At first glance, the system just looks like your average mp3 player, but it’s the sound tracks that deliver the gifts.

Here’s what the manufacturer has to say about the system.

What is b-Calm?  What is AudioSedation?

The simple and effective way to relax and improve concentration for ADHD and Autistic students.

For many students who cope  with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) school can be struggle.  Sounds that are typically ignored or unnoticed are often the source of stress, confusion and distraction for students with ADHD and ASD.

That’s why b-Calm has developed AudioSedation.  Using familiar headphones and personal audio technology b-Calm is able to make typically distracting and stressful noises unapparent to the wearer!  The result is a student better relaxed focused and ready to learn.

Common b-Calm Benefits Include

• Dramatic drops in behavior outbursts by ASD students
• Less distracted ADHD student
• Longer attention span on individual work
• Better writing clarity and math comprehension

I gave the system to HRH, and let him “have at it”. The first track actually made him more excited, but the subsequent tracks seemed to calm him somewhat.  I brought this “issue” to b-Calm’s attention because I was curious if other parents had reported similar concerns.

Considering the fact that our brains are all hard wired differently, I wasn’t exactly expecting a miracle.  However, Curtis, my Tweep, was kind enough to email a newly produced track for me to try.

Ah, sweet serenity!

What I’ve noticed in the two weeks that we’ve been in “testing mode is a quiet surrender has come about HRH whenever he’s listening to the system.  He also seems calmer in situations that previously caused increased stimming.

I would highly recommend the b-Calm system as an alternative healing modality for children on the Spectrum.

Heck!  I’d recommend the system for anyone who’s looking to quiet their minds, and who’s also looking for increased clarity, awareness and concentration!

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰

Autism: An Adult Perspective.

I have been very fortunate to have met some pretty amazing people on Twitter.  There is one person who I’ve only recently had contact with (he found via the search function) that I find extremely fascinating.  His name is Michael Riedel, and he is an adult living on the Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Michael contacted me via my book site, and we’ve been commuting almost daily ever since.  He is 25, gainfully employed, and has many interests.

I asked Michael if I could interview him openly on my blog, and he graciously accepted.

Here’s what Michael has to say about living with autism.

*************************************************************************

How old were you when you were diagnosed?

I was diagnosed at Age 22, with Aspergers, however I probably had it when I was younger.

What steps or course of action did your parents take after they received the diagnosis? Did you receive early intervention? Did they try “traditional” modalities to ease your autism “symptoms”, or did they opt for alternative methods (i.e. homeopathics, biomeds, etc.)?

My Parents supported me when they found out I had Aspergers. When I was younger I liked the color Green since my Mom had a bright green shirt and liked anything with the color Nine. I took Special Education K-8 and some in High School and got special services at CPCC Community College. When I was younger sometimes when I got upset my Parents would spank me since they did not know why I got upset. I think it made me a better person even though at the time it sucked to have my Butt hit. I had few friends until the 12th Grade and have had few since I finished CPCC April of 2007.

I take a pill for Depression because I sometimes get Upset if something does not go my way, however since 2006 I have been depressed much less.

What are your thoughts on some of the more controversial issues that surround our community (i.e. vaccines, cure, recovery, etc.)?

I think that Autism does not need a cure. Medicine to help I think is ok. I believe God placed for me to have Aspergers so that there would be topics I would know a lot about.

Do you see yourself as being “broken” or “in need of repair”?  Do you want to be “cured”?

I do not think that I need to be cured because with knowing about Aspergers I would never know why I had selective interests.

What do you see as being the “cause” for your autism?

I think the “cause” of my Autism is that I focus allot on certain topics and have trouble talking about other people’s passions.

Autism Awareness Month is an everyday occurrence when you’re living with it. What do you do to raise awareness? How do you educate people?

When I read a book on Autism/Aspergers I share some details to my family and friends. My Parents run last Fall for a Autism fundraiser. I can not because of my legs, but think that and any cause for Autism/Aspergers is helpful.

As an adult on the spectrum, what are your views on the accessibility of resources (i.e. support groups, state programs, therapies, etc.)? With so much emphasis on children, do you feel your needs are being met by your state officials?

I think my needs are being met by North Carolina Standards. I get help from my psychology doctor, job Coach, and come early this coming Summer from a lady that will help me with things around the House and going places like Shopping.