tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88460943962813417892024-03-12T17:37:22.495-07:00Connecting One Piece at a TimeOne Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.comBlogger926125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-45512585251712620042017-07-08T08:16:00.001-07:002017-07-08T08:22:10.795-07:00OK It's Almost TimeSummer time goes so quickly! Here is the trajectory. <br><br>1. A couple of weeks for children and parents to adjust and settle into summer. <br>2. Swim lessons<br>3. Summer camp<br>4. Summers sports leagues/camps/2 a day practices<br>5. Family Vacation<br>6. Vacation Bible School<br>7. Summer reading and library visits<br>8. Go to the pool<br>9. Camping on the weekends<br>10. And BACK TO SCHOOL shopping!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrEWGd3mEqL2ZPBIJnqwamNVrPO22JGEjgIscmfxyEhUueyk8BAtxyityG_ck1hcel6bGBUbUnciii69As_g2kUnsFT_hoztJN52hnenjxqTvrX8K-vTjR1UK37PxQdnDEq_IID7XbATD/s640/blogger-image-1343259360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrEWGd3mEqL2ZPBIJnqwamNVrPO22JGEjgIscmfxyEhUueyk8BAtxyityG_ck1hcel6bGBUbUnciii69As_g2kUnsFT_hoztJN52hnenjxqTvrX8K-vTjR1UK37PxQdnDEq_IID7XbATD/s640/blogger-image-1343259360.jpg"></a></div><br>My friends who are teachers tell me they need to start preparing for fall after July Fourth. I learned this more last summer than any year in the past. I was getting my son ,who is diagnosed with a disability, prepared to go away from home to college. He was going 6 hours from home so I needed to make sure He had what he needed in his dorm room. I couldn't just drop by and bring him something. <br><br>Last summer, I researched, purchased and packed. This summer, I want to figure out exactly what I did and document it. I'll share this with my readers over the next few weeks. <br><br>My thought initially was to make my son's room and supplies easily accessible. He would have so many challenges managing all the change and new situations that his room could be a place of Predictability. It worked out well for him. <br><br>See you next week as we start the "Off to College" Series. <br><br>- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-48408312120914594782017-06-16T11:20:00.001-07:002017-06-16T11:23:43.156-07:00Summer StressThe first couple weeks of summer vacation are exhausting! They are hard for all mom's but those families have a child with learning differences: it can be really difficult. If you are ready to wave the white flag----hold on for a little while longer. You don't have to give in to all of your child's demands just to survive the summer. But why is it so hard?<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLnUrgAjH3pB1Q6-mZJWMkIfo2Di6cgAEWXfbfIADdnTtgjD6x3Py4AJ7flxIj9jj5W-6Yw0K1mTxaeKubQ-6sNq1wUwJ53sXckY-J6WDHJQFJt2OyhNpihSx9IRmobKWWjIJbVpZCqVa/s640/blogger-image--410464041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLnUrgAjH3pB1Q6-mZJWMkIfo2Di6cgAEWXfbfIADdnTtgjD6x3Py4AJ7flxIj9jj5W-6Yw0K1mTxaeKubQ-6sNq1wUwJ53sXckY-J6WDHJQFJt2OyhNpihSx9IRmobKWWjIJbVpZCqVa/s640/blogger-image--410464041.jpg"></a></div><br><br><br>Let's take a step back and look at things from your child's perspective. <br><br>1. This is change. It's actually a pretty radical change. There has not been more than 6-7 schools days off at a time for nine months. This is going to last for a while. It might be a little upsetting to the child's system.<br><br>2. Life at home is never as structured as the day at school. Most children with learning differences thrive on structure. It is a dependable schedule giving a child a sense of what to expect. In the summer, many days and weeks don't resemble each other. This is true for children who go to the same daycare as they do before and after school care. It is true if there is a babysitter at your house. <br><br>3. School age children are use to being gone without demands from home for several hours a day. It's an independence that has been lost. All the demands come from mom, dad, a grandparent or a sitter/nanny. There is not as much break from these people. <br><br>4. There will be day camps, vacation Bible school, overnight camps for many children. It's fun for the kids but it is also stressful. New places, new adults, new peers each week. Some weeks there are lots of activities and other weeks it's more just hanging out at home or with a sitter. It's hard for many children to make this many transitions constantly throughout the summer. <br><br>5. Vacations can be fun but also stressful. Some pre-planning can really help with heightened anxiety. <br><br>After thinking about how hard the summer transition is for kids, it encourages a parent to be long-suffering with the children as they transition to this "new normal." <br><br>Next week, let's consider how a mom manages the summer transition especially when she has been stretched as far as she can handle. This is real. I've been there. You have been too! Let's look for some ways to handle this early summer stress!<br><br><br>- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br></div>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-6365874221225917572017-06-13T08:12:00.001-07:002017-06-13T08:19:09.045-07:00Summer GoalsI have taken a few weeks off from blogging working on other projects. One of those has been building my knowledge on executive functioning. I have had a lot of interest in this subject because of my son's weaknesses in managing his belongings over the years. When he went to away to college last year, he received weekly executive Functioning support. It has made such a difference. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJImPywpXuzlKa15Asaz0JiJTHlF6dmNCa1ox00Q4Jdiw7y7or9KjxOFY5VDWAj1Lt0KVZqH8qst1DlMqt-0x379a_g_W6vvzxx_CkpZXSicAEzwykw7QrVmLlxLPCzNfPSoQSVVYryVty/s640/blogger-image-1183629543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJImPywpXuzlKa15Asaz0JiJTHlF6dmNCa1ox00Q4Jdiw7y7or9KjxOFY5VDWAj1Lt0KVZqH8qst1DlMqt-0x379a_g_W6vvzxx_CkpZXSicAEzwykw7QrVmLlxLPCzNfPSoQSVVYryVty/s640/blogger-image-1183629543.jpg"></a></div><br><br>Over the last few years I have been able to attend some executive skills trainings. I started about three years ago attending Minnesota Autism Society's training by Jill Kuzma. Since that time I have read and listened to anything I could find on this subject. Recently, I was able to attend a seminar led by Sarah Ward. It was truly a game changer for me. <br><br>Over the next several weeks, a summer goal is to help students and parents understand how executive functioning affects life more than one would think. Summer is such a great time to work on this area because the schedule is more laid back and no pressing academic demands. It will be fun to see the gains and how they help once the fall schedule and schoolwork begins.<br><br>Next week, we'll jump into helping your child remediate some lacking skills in this area. <br><br><br>- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-17196159363633670342017-05-03T19:04:00.001-07:002017-05-03T19:07:33.902-07:00You are loved!<div>On this Pre-Mother's Day week of posts, I want you to know you are loved!</div><div><br></div><div>Your child(ren) don't only love ❤️ you but need you. You are the glue that holds things together for a child with learning differences. When the life gets crazy in a child's world, you are the calming influence. Your voice is comforting. Your face is reassuring. Your touch is calming. Your voice can calm like no other. Your investment creates such stability for the child. All of these have created a relationship of love between the two of you. Even on the hardest days, there is a smile that comes over your face when you see your child. Even with the sleepless nights, aggressive behavior and hours of helping with homework, you love that child and he loves you!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsGr8AqV1fpyhQy5bIz1cLj6VtMWzVfYKe2vlUqdrz2LcVZVnNQm6C5jivcy6lFBVznfrR720TwqAW6TBS4Lk5mu2aA4hyphenhyphen9Nj_zR7iagmPdKrLchQ7DHyb-Qd84vnwLu9nmzcVrFoL4uC/s640/blogger-image-1995155393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsGr8AqV1fpyhQy5bIz1cLj6VtMWzVfYKe2vlUqdrz2LcVZVnNQm6C5jivcy6lFBVznfrR720TwqAW6TBS4Lk5mu2aA4hyphenhyphen9Nj_zR7iagmPdKrLchQ7DHyb-Qd84vnwLu9nmzcVrFoL4uC/s640/blogger-image-1995155393.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>There are many others who love and appreciate you. Hopefully, family and friends let you know. But even if you get little appreciation from others, there is One who loves you beyond what you can even imagine. The God of the Bible loves you in a way that is beyond comprehension. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness..Jeremiah 31:3</div><div><br></div><div>Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.</div><div><br></div><div>Psalm 136:26 Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.</div><div><br></div><div>Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,</div><div><br></div><div>These are great scriptures to remember how much God loves you. I don't want you to forget how God's is demonstrative. He loved people (including YOU) not just as creator but as redeemer. Here are a few verses of God's active involvement to bring us into a relationship with Him. </div><div><br></div><div>Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved—</div><div><br></div><div>I John 4:9-10. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.</div><div><br></div><div>Mom, remember you are loved. Your child loves you intensely. God loves you even more, more than you will ever know. He loves you because He created you in His own image. He showed His love by the ultimate sacrifice of his son, Jesus. Jesus died for your sins to bring you into a relationship with God, the Father. Know that the love of God is an extravagant love toward you.</div><div><br></div><div>Mom, YOU ARE LOVED!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad</div><div><br></div>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-51110548262908331012017-05-01T19:45:00.001-07:002017-05-01T19:47:33.749-07:00Hats Off to All the Therapy MomsContinuing with a salute to moms parenting a child with learning differences! <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_NoxTPUPucWCDm4olwMlS0EpKHGel_E6X79hyphenhyphen9GsqAv5KdEM1qpWGH8P1Eo3BPT9EaPlw06WVE6cZbSIoL-rE_Zeo88t60m-fvUnOiHenzaF72yjrtQ97NDKI8uUtIXmiJkzzSxN7nrj/s640/blogger-image-404563411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_NoxTPUPucWCDm4olwMlS0EpKHGel_E6X79hyphenhyphen9GsqAv5KdEM1qpWGH8P1Eo3BPT9EaPlw06WVE6cZbSIoL-rE_Zeo88t60m-fvUnOiHenzaF72yjrtQ97NDKI8uUtIXmiJkzzSxN7nrj/s640/blogger-image-404563411.jpg"></a></div> <br><br>I know you take on the role of a therapy mom often. It is very individual to your child, family and yourself. There is no one size that fits all as a therapy mom. It may be serving...<br><br> 1. Chief researcher about your child's diagnosis and the needs S/he has. This is a major part of a therapy mom's role.<br>2. Developing your child's team. Finding the "right" people to work with your child is a full time job. There are new issues that arise and others who are unavailable to continue in their current role on the team. There is a constant need to find and secure people on your child's team.<br>3. There is homework from therapy sessions to do with the child. It takes time and effort to follow through.<br>4. There are supplies to buy and/or make for home programs. <br>5. There are therapy appointments and collaboration to do with professions who work with your child. On the other side, you may be training others how to work with your child. Especially with child care providers.<br><br>Yes, you are a therapy mom! It is a hard job but very essential. I salute you! It is making such a difference in your child's life!<br><br><br><br>- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br></div>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-23500523009191637492017-04-30T17:57:00.001-07:002017-04-30T18:03:42.155-07:00Mother as AdvocateThis week leads up to Mother's Day. The posts this week will center in on the roles that a mom plays in the life of a child with learning differences. Today let's talk about mom as Advocate. <div> <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OHi1fiPBSqTr5b5ZAlPZlWltE9Wo7xBeDGoA7xwXCaIsaBPuZR12Q7nZ28TGrzQiYfaihyniblY5ooOBgaanGmJ-qiGr1RhmnRX-Dd4_LuYfWqoP51uhSYAEmSBPAHtbLiJY3kec_-68/s640/blogger-image-451922982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OHi1fiPBSqTr5b5ZAlPZlWltE9Wo7xBeDGoA7xwXCaIsaBPuZR12Q7nZ28TGrzQiYfaihyniblY5ooOBgaanGmJ-qiGr1RhmnRX-Dd4_LuYfWqoP51uhSYAEmSBPAHtbLiJY3kec_-68/s640/blogger-image-451922982.jpg"></a></div><br>As a mom, I advocate almost everyday. My son is away at college so it is the least I've ever done. It might be talking him though something that heightens his anxiety. It might be an email to the autism program graduate assistant. In fact I just got off the phone with her and my son. We were problem solving various ways of handling three final exams on one day. Advocating looks different these days. Many times I advocate while including my son as a way of modeling things he needs to do himself. <br><br>As a mom, you advocate at least once a day with the school, a dance teacher or a child care provider. More likely, you may advocate at least once an hour. It is tiring, demanding and often overwhelming. Advocating takes tremendous patience, gentleness while being assertive and strong diplomatic skills. Perseverance is absolutely essential. I'm not telling you anything you don't know. Advocating is one of the most difficult and important roles you play. <br><br>This is a week of celebrating mothers. Today, I want to tell you that the advocating you are doing makes an enormous difference. You are helping your child to have environments that are best. Your advocating is teaching others what this child needs. It is a way that your child will progress...one step at a time. <br><br>- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br></div>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-76348420396466558522017-04-26T19:26:00.001-07:002017-04-29T04:58:59.843-07:00Mom, Do You Need Some Incentives?Many of our children who receive special education services complete inventories about what motivates him/her. This is how the teacher gets your child to do hard or non preferred tasks. I remember telling myself as a college student that when I finish this chapter I will go and get a Coke. I was rewarding myself for getting through tedious information. <br><br>Let me ask you a question. What are the things that motivate you? I know, you have too much to do parenting, taking care of your home and a slew of others things to worry about motivation. I lived in that world for a lot of years. The thing I found was I worked all the time but never At a very strong pace. I slowed down because there was no real reason to speed up. I could of gotten more done but never enough to feel like I could take a break. Since I never "rewarded" myself, I accomplished even less and a vicious circle had been placed in motion. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwOFhS_BKPyZzJ0U3MC0WK2hEFWja6TIWJQCCMyb2SoMjWQo8ivHA5OduzBFclh2hgmjKm1C4F4lssO1R5Zhm09bWN0ocn4YBMyYQ4f41QgH0faQY0zJr3Q0hjh4EekLMzR0efyaDTthd/s640/blogger-image--1610763567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwOFhS_BKPyZzJ0U3MC0WK2hEFWja6TIWJQCCMyb2SoMjWQo8ivHA5OduzBFclh2hgmjKm1C4F4lssO1R5Zhm09bWN0ocn4YBMyYQ4f41QgH0faQY0zJr3Q0hjh4EekLMzR0efyaDTthd/s640/blogger-image--1610763567.jpg"></a></div> <br><br>If you are going to fare well in the special needs parenting race, you need to find some ways in to energize yourself. It takes good strategies to run a full marathon. That is what is necessary in parenting, especially with children diagnosed with learning differences. A sprint will zap your energy and you won't be able to finish the race. No one wins when that happens. <br><br>This might look different for you than it does for me. It might be doing something alone like a trip to Target without the kids. Another person may need to take some creative thing on Pinterest and find a way to accomplish it. A girlfriend Starbucks outing might be another choice. If you recharge by Intellectual pursuits, it might be time to plan a trip to the library or take a class. It might be a variety of things. I can remember organizing spices and staples into Tupperware. I have done cooking days making a month of meals. I spent time at Panera reading books. <br><br>Find an incentive that can keep you going on the long road of your daily ups and downs of special needs parenting. Once you figure out what it is, work hard at implementing it into your life!<br><br><br>- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br></div>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-32591839780047828552017-04-25T21:07:00.001-07:002017-04-25T21:09:33.916-07:00Organizing Your Child's PaperworkCreating order with all the documentation that a child diagnosed with a disability can make life so much better. It is important to be able to retrieve not just information but official documentation when it's needed. This is a huge task if you have been stuffing things is some type of container. You have thought, "I know I have it somewhere!" But where! I have had mothers say I have no idea of where to start. I heard something many years ago that has really stick. "Start with the first thing." Let's look at some basic organizing principles that might apply. <div><br></div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZolX0hMST1qCDrCfQXx8uFLGyQTZhqvmkToAMQTfqeqQZt0etRWXczzEjsgczdt35yRW6YYMrPFLRAP9x4LhNdpOFJUjZKQXKRVTTODpJN99clrW3Kzwz2Pm5F3uUnYFPCcS2VsM5-lv/s640/blogger-image-313133820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZolX0hMST1qCDrCfQXx8uFLGyQTZhqvmkToAMQTfqeqQZt0etRWXczzEjsgczdt35yRW6YYMrPFLRAP9x4LhNdpOFJUjZKQXKRVTTODpJN99clrW3Kzwz2Pm5F3uUnYFPCcS2VsM5-lv/s640/blogger-image-313133820.jpg"></a></div><br><br>1. Be ready to put the most important documents somewhere. I like to use a portable file drawer with folders. I have used hanging file folders labeled with categories placed in the file. I put folders of specific things within the categories in each hanging folder. Start simple. As you sort, you can assign specific things to a file folder within each category. <br><br>2. Begin sorting through your paperwork. There should be three basic piles accumulated. The throw away pile. If you don't need it, pitch it. If you are a little unsure if you will need it in the future, put it in a "I'll save for now" pile. If it's important to save, put it in a file folder in the file box. <br><br>3. Continue this process until you get through all the scores of paperwork you have. If your save for now paperwork is large then you may need to come back in a few months and go through it again and purge some more. It helps me release it fully if I save it for a while. <br><br>4. Store the "save for now" paperwork in some file folders/accordion folder within some basic categories. It need not be as specific as the information you put in the file box. Honestly, much of these things will eventually be pitched. <br><br>Once your file box has been organized, it will be amazing how little paperwork you still have. The majority of the paperwork will go in the trash. Now, it will be much easier to find the documents that you need!<br><br><br>- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br></div>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-5076611077162458112017-04-23T10:06:00.001-07:002017-04-23T10:08:40.715-07:00What is a Parent Advocate's Role?As you think of employing a parent Advocate, questions might come into your mind. I have head a variety of questions over the last few years here are some examples.<br><br> I don't really know what I want or need. I just know what is happening at school isn't the right suggestion. What would you suggest?<br><br>I would like someone to be our liaison to the school, can you do that?<br><br>We need someone who can push the school to give our child what the law entitles him. Can you help with that?<br><br>Here is the IEP. Can you help me understand it? If it's not what he needs, can you help?<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jBHKOc7W9KEjg77w1eBFvGxw32jgFDdIt99E3U2GsJr_fWAKGGzcC-i97l0YH-Co3mUc_6RfRkJLDAduCriTk4Uyx381UwFMuqmz1rwVf6CtRuABLH3Q1mB3z6pKbz227EPFS10GzKSt/s640/blogger-image--175491126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jBHKOc7W9KEjg77w1eBFvGxw32jgFDdIt99E3U2GsJr_fWAKGGzcC-i97l0YH-Co3mUc_6RfRkJLDAduCriTk4Uyx381UwFMuqmz1rwVf6CtRuABLH3Q1mB3z6pKbz227EPFS10GzKSt/s640/blogger-image--175491126.jpg"></a></div><br><br>These are just a few questions a parent might ask a potential parent advocate. There is not a set role that an advocate must have. It's a role of expertise in what is needed, special education law and advocating skills to navigate change in the IEP process. As a parent, share concerns, current state of the child and her school experience and what services are desired. If more input is desired , ask the advocate how the structure of the services might look. There may be services she does not provide. For example, some advocates observe in schools and some do not. It is also important to determine if s/he is the "right" person for the job. Much like a child must connect with a therapist for progress to be made, a parent and parent Advocate work closely together and need to "click." If the parent advocate has an agenda different than yours, she's probably not the right person. The parent advocate should support the parent's wishes and desires. The advocate who has her own agenda is not a good choice.<br><br>A parent Advocate who not only understands the child but also his parents, is a huge asset. The parent is always the one who needs to have the final say in any decision that affects the child even though it may be said that all services are an IEP team decision. If a parent is not comfortable with the direction the IEP team is going, the parent should not agree to it. A good parent advocate can really be an asset in those sticky situations!<br><br><br><br><br>- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br></div>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-57249491901471805322017-04-17T15:01:00.001-07:002017-04-19T17:38:58.680-07:00Qualities of a Parent AdvocateWhat makes a good parent advocate? There are several qualities that are important when looking for this person. They may be different than what you may of first thought. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OEin5nATXiX0HPp5sQN0Ztt13zDPVO7jW3zxalrEsS0A5Y6LBeP7TXX9tUdHm_Lj_ucTp42uGK46BCHnYmv-LGpP5Jl9xW6JYRCdu2x-fAEopeI6AveSiQe-VAXBxp9g_sVIOL3StkuF/s640/blogger-image--1656623391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OEin5nATXiX0HPp5sQN0Ztt13zDPVO7jW3zxalrEsS0A5Y6LBeP7TXX9tUdHm_Lj_ucTp42uGK46BCHnYmv-LGpP5Jl9xW6JYRCdu2x-fAEopeI6AveSiQe-VAXBxp9g_sVIOL3StkuF/s640/blogger-image--1656623391.jpg"></a></div><br><br>1. Find someone that understands the special needs life. I remember someone that had a several academic degrees and experience in special education asked why someone would hire me. She didn't understand that parents are looking for a person who understand the 24-7-365 reality of being a caretaker of a child with learning differences. I answered, "because I go home at night to a child with learning differences."<br>2. If you hire a parent, find out how his/her child is doing? Has this person been an effective advocate for his/her child?<br>3. Does the advocate have an agenda or does S/he support and desire to help you meet YOUR goals for the child?<br>4. Does the parent Advocate have a calm demeanor but at the same time know how be a strong advocate? Leadership and relational skills are not a match with every parent advocate.<br>5. Skills, knowledge and experience in the advocating process. Some areas to look for: special education law knowledge, curriculum choices, understanding of strategies, therapies and school personnel. <br><br>I would love to hear other qualities that you have found to be helpful in a parent Advocate. <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-5364134422024350052017-04-05T08:21:00.001-07:002017-04-05T08:31:42.585-07:00It's All About the One That's LovedThis month, I see a lot of posts to express the fact it is autism awareness month. I know there are tons of disabilities with awareness days and months but autism is the one in my life. It affects me as a mom of a young man who was diagnosed on the spectrum just about 14 years ago. I have spent many days praying for him, learning strategies and attempting to use those strategies to help him. I've cried many tears on his behalf. I've tried lots of things. Some have worked, some have not. He has made some amazing progress through the years. I'm not finished. I am learning new ways to help him develop his own abilities. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgmtX2ugmRZJPZu7udiIkOxURAnTccMzXyyB_KMrBrw4czIRoewI57Kyzqix8Mh-suJz49pcONg-yi3dGeNQaq-oRWdO0KgfF_dDPOogm2nZ4C7OgFynjFMhtw7ffANWx5vYmNP1EjABQ/s640/blogger-image-1617406643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgmtX2ugmRZJPZu7udiIkOxURAnTccMzXyyB_KMrBrw4czIRoewI57Kyzqix8Mh-suJz49pcONg-yi3dGeNQaq-oRWdO0KgfF_dDPOogm2nZ4C7OgFynjFMhtw7ffANWx5vYmNP1EjABQ/s640/blogger-image-1617406643.jpg"></a></div> <br><br>Interestingly, I have made many mom friends who walk a similar path. Our children have different needs. As mothers, we have different passions. Some love one autism organization and another mom doesn't want anything to do with that group. As with anything else in life, opinions differ on views of autism. There is definitely a"spectrum" of thoughts regarding this diagnosis by parents. <br><br>Some parents are politically involved. Others organize fund raisers. Still others start support groups for parents. My passion is working with children who have autism and helping families develop a lifestyle that helps them progress. I believe the day-in day-out life of a family affected by autism is a key to progress. <br><br>I have to admit, I don't get involved in some of the controversial discussions that are appearing online this month. I have found that I have to concentrate on my passion and calling in autism. Others may have different interests as an autism parent. I have a strong conviction that my calling is not anyone else's. It is important that I give other autism moms the freedom to pursue their passion and calling. No one needs to be me and I don't have to do things just like someone else. This is true in all of life. It is also true in the world of being a disability mom. Allow yourself the freedom to be yourself while doing the same for your friends. <br><br><br>- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br></div>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-32192159072690608732017-04-03T19:17:00.001-07:002017-04-05T08:00:55.829-07:00Finding a Parent Advocate?Where do you find this person that helps a family advocate for their child? There are lots of places to look. There are online resources, special education lawyers and advocacy groups that have formal listings. I have to admit, none of my advocacy clients found me this way. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBDe7lddKvbxuSpnBWhXzzlx9lzaa5oYXTnyIPn8ohJsuR-4Q9cj3B2Wv4PTLCPGIa12SCPU_K8xcc8NGW65z8Y5I7HcdvgUGQ3BSBJOy3Jj8dYMmgM-WQFHrrf4c1__D6BiGS0GofMpl/s640/blogger-image-1145895462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBDe7lddKvbxuSpnBWhXzzlx9lzaa5oYXTnyIPn8ohJsuR-4Q9cj3B2Wv4PTLCPGIa12SCPU_K8xcc8NGW65z8Y5I7HcdvgUGQ3BSBJOy3Jj8dYMmgM-WQFHrrf4c1__D6BiGS0GofMpl/s640/blogger-image-1145895462.jpg"></a></div><br><br>I depend on a more organic approach. I connect regularly with mental health professional, Occupational therapist and speech and language professionals. Many of these people recommend me to parents. Ask the professionals on your team for advocate referrals. <br><br>The best way to find a parent Advocate is through another parent. Honestly, other parents are normally the best way to find any kind of resource for your child. These days, I gain almost all my clients this way. Parents recommendations can come via message boards, conversations in therapy waiting rooms, at support group meetings and over coffee with a friend. In the last several months, new clients have come through most of the ways listed. I believe parents that network find the most effective services. Parents have a tenacity to look in both traditional and less traditional ways to find what is needed to help a child progress. <br><br>I would love to hear how you find advocacy resources. <br><br><br><br><br>- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-86726592065745703732017-03-29T18:20:00.001-07:002017-03-29T18:23:13.824-07:00Love❤️ makes the world go around or that's how the saying goes. I don't know about the world but it certainly is the most central thing in parenting a child. The author, Agatha Christie once said, "A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dates all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path."<br><br>That's especially true when it comes to a mom of a child with learning differences. At least for me, it is hard to explain. It is like nothing else. I show love through hugs, kisses and snuggles just as any mom would for her child. It comes out through comfort and care just like one would expect. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuO0cOzc9uEIhpScvovzaotcmdY2SgyUJOt7LufESsSn3qVCkbQGzqIe6Gz0lMmwvAnnIMpDkcQqjeI2zECDfvKbrj9v9KoohGinqI1qr22lPLjHT4ROeqiJcSy8pefO8V7Ay3CCU-vKt/s640/blogger-image-812855038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuO0cOzc9uEIhpScvovzaotcmdY2SgyUJOt7LufESsSn3qVCkbQGzqIe6Gz0lMmwvAnnIMpDkcQqjeI2zECDfvKbrj9v9KoohGinqI1qr22lPLjHT4ROeqiJcSy8pefO8V7Ay3CCU-vKt/s640/blogger-image-812855038.jpg"></a></div> <br><br>When a child has challenges, a mother's love ❤️ comes out in ways that many would not include in a standard definition. There is a tenacity and fight for this child that can only be fully comprehended by a mom who walks in the same shoes. It is not a fight against anyone but for this child. <br><br>I remember reading a bible verse early in my special needs mom's journey. "I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron." Isaiah 45:2. This verse was one I clung to in the early years of my son's diagnosis. It was a strong active discription of what I was asking God to do. I wanted the mountains I could not to take on to be crushed. I prayed that God would break down the gates and bars of autism when I had no idea what to do. This wasn't a passive love it was active. <br><br>Love called me to learn all I could about autism and strategies to use with my son. Love made me learn through lots of trial and error. Love caused me to keep going no matter how many set backs came. Love caused me to cry when I saw how hard certain things were for my son. Love caused me to make my son do things he didn't want to do. I had help him not to give up. In order to do that, love caused me not to give up.<br><br>A mother's love is strong. It is the core. All other qualities will not carry through without love. Love is the most important part of the relationship between a parent and a child. <br><br><br>- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br></div>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-9676669261442976602017-03-27T19:10:00.001-07:002017-03-27T19:17:25.010-07:00Language SupportsLanguage is a hot topic when talking about a child with learning differences. On this blog, I often discuss the importance of using visual communication to lower the verbal processing a child must do. That is important but the reality of life is a child will need to process verbal language. What are some good strategies to do this?<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcs82qxdiY-Jl7mdNpKthcrx3cGUJYq7OaL6gLfrzA1mCCKsUhyphenhyphenQMzORupqtFehBW3pYLIXWO7NxbQqWW626A9BnA8ue-UGJPergrVYWHfdw0GDiDp2SwlPukwqfK6gJ3VLDtw2TSIGGB/s640/blogger-image-1399419682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcs82qxdiY-Jl7mdNpKthcrx3cGUJYq7OaL6gLfrzA1mCCKsUhyphenhyphenQMzORupqtFehBW3pYLIXWO7NxbQqWW626A9BnA8ue-UGJPergrVYWHfdw0GDiDp2SwlPukwqfK6gJ3VLDtw2TSIGGB/s640/blogger-image-1399419682.jpg"></a></div></div></div><br>1. Pair short verbal instructions with a visual.<br>2. Use a social narrative to explain a process. Prepare it so it can be read over and over again before the child must do something. Always include visuals with it. An example would be making a little picture book for preschool dropoff time. There would be a picture and one sentence of explanation for each element of the routine. <br>3. Use a power card strategy incorporating a special interest. If a child has trouble excepting his own mistakes and likes movies, use verbal communication and images to tackle this problem. Make up a little card for the child to use with a movie icon that says even movie directors make mistakes and have to press rewind. An adult can refer to this card when the child is getting upset at a mistake. <br>4. Vocabulary/cue words can be used to help a child generalize behavior from one situation to another. An example would be to teach a child how to be "flexible" when he walks in a room and he can't sit in his favorite chair. Once he is understands what flexible means in this situation and can handle being flexible, generalization can occur. The narrative might sound something like this: "I want you to be flexible by being ok going to Arby's this time. Remember how you are flexible about sitting in a different chair at dinner. I know you can be flexible with going to eat at Arby's this time."<br><br><br>- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-88811379827274875452017-03-26T09:46:00.001-07:002017-03-26T09:48:10.749-07:00Parent AdvocateWhat is a Parent Advocate? You might find various definitions but I would say a Parent Advocate is someone who comes along side of a child's parent to help advocate for the child. I serve in this role for many parents. Here are some of the reasons people hire me for this role.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzmvZBeBZQnWmMQvOlgKNS7IPLp6LNwxfJhBm3HLynLZnF-Jw9sQSau4TOOFyKSFc8uzP3Uhd-4xkgAapG7EW1ZUlYcM3tCEHXEgT7WfRESr0Q2VCQh3OrfICZ5WHPOKzCkHIT0SH7GnS/s640/blogger-image-511337452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzmvZBeBZQnWmMQvOlgKNS7IPLp6LNwxfJhBm3HLynLZnF-Jw9sQSau4TOOFyKSFc8uzP3Uhd-4xkgAapG7EW1ZUlYcM3tCEHXEgT7WfRESr0Q2VCQh3OrfICZ5WHPOKzCkHIT0SH7GnS/s640/blogger-image-511337452.jpg"></a></div><br> I have been a parent of a child with a disability and have advocated for years on his behalf. (I'm experienced)<br><br> I understand special education law (I served on a panel at the Department of Education in our state for 6 years and learned a tremendous amount of things about special education law. (I'm trained)<br><br> I have experience with the educational agencies and schools in my area. I know the personalities and "bents" of various personnel in the educational community (experience and knowledge of who I will need to interact)<br><br> I know other resources in the community that may have helpful resources or knowledge. (Knowledge, networks and relationships)<br><br> I can work with the child to determine needs, learning style and strengths and deficits. (My skill set is greater than Advocacy I am trained and experienced in various strategies and therapeutic remedial programming)<br><br> Finally, as a mom of a child on the autism spectrum, I know what it feels to be the parent. I can relate and help parents through the feelings, stresses and up's and downs of parenting a child with learning differences (lots of experience as a parent and as a parenting mentor/coach).<br><br>Join me next week as I explore another issue of the parent advocate.<br>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-9753074580102223062017-03-26T09:15:00.001-07:002017-03-26T09:15:27.627-07:00Character<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">Have you started day out feeling good saying "this is going to be an epic day." Well, maybe not. The idea is that you want to have a good day and make some great memories with family and friends. Then life happens. It comes in many forms, frustrations, accidents, difficulties and a few interpersonal conflicts. Sound familiar? How can a parent turn these things around? As I was thinking about this question I thought about the character qualities that are outlined in the Bible and referred to as the Fruit of the Spirit. We need to put on these things rather than reacting to the many things that trip us up. </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnoF-6A8Y5UUPlEckn6Og2XycTRGsaWreZuMF49GCFFHTvYr2hUBLq955xfmjbJ3TRtVb1GNlYQPHA_1IR9lOKMQTld9Qmy3MvyO9PZ8aLO-eTW0oPsyBxY0CYTeG2bCVNgxmcoYgONfW/s640/blogger-image--622803928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnoF-6A8Y5UUPlEckn6Og2XycTRGsaWreZuMF49GCFFHTvYr2hUBLq955xfmjbJ3TRtVb1GNlYQPHA_1IR9lOKMQTld9Qmy3MvyO9PZ8aLO-eTW0oPsyBxY0CYTeG2bCVNgxmcoYgONfW/s640/blogger-image--622803928.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">"But the fruit of the Spirit is </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"> love</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"> joy</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"> peace</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"> patience</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"> kindness</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"> goodness</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"> faithfulness</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"> gentleness </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"> self-control.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">Over the next few weeks, we'll look at each of the attributes and how they can make a difference in daily relationships and our perspective on life. Please join me for this series. It has the potential of being life changing. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-60964329314298312012017-03-21T10:43:00.001-07:002017-03-21T11:10:29.993-07:00Routines<div>I love spontaneity but too much drives me crazy! I need a little bit of it along with a lot of routine. If this is true for me as a neuro </div><div>-typical adult, It is really true for a child who has some learning differences. Why? </div><div><br></div><div>1. I have more life experiences than a child so I know what to expect in a variety of situations so veering away from a routine doesn't create confusion and stress. </div><div>2. A child with learning differences needs a way to predict what will come next. A routine that is practiced over and over helps this child to know how to do this. It lowers anxiety and builds confidence. </div><div>3. Children with learning differences often struggle with putting events, objects and people in categories. The ability to categorize can be seen as a file folder of information stored in the brain. This enables working memory to work smarter rather than harder when asked to retrieve information. Routines help a child store information of in a "file folder."</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_Bjjl_pwOmbm8ejAnqzz7iV6p0wR8e5SMVm8mmznWjGDBL-azMubAYITeT559aNo0iOnsl0awMNbxWII84vte2XsnAssOzbV6v6-CeBcrQHgOAJHYSSApPxP6hV1yvzbnt_ljkk8Iouc/s640/blogger-image-334282869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_Bjjl_pwOmbm8ejAnqzz7iV6p0wR8e5SMVm8mmznWjGDBL-azMubAYITeT559aNo0iOnsl0awMNbxWII84vte2XsnAssOzbV6v6-CeBcrQHgOAJHYSSApPxP6hV1yvzbnt_ljkk8Iouc/s640/blogger-image-334282869.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><br></div><div><br></div><div>So let's get started! Many children have a hard time learning routines if they are only present through verbal prompting. A visual routine enables a child to have a lasting reminder of what to do next. This enables the child to internalize the elements of the routine and develop independence. </div><div><br></div><div>A visual routine can come in lots of forms: a picture schedule with or without words, a schedule app, a list of words on a white board or a sticky note. The visual routine displayed may require a response like a ✅ or pulling off a Velcro schedule piece and placing it in a "all done" compartment. A visual routine will look differently depending on various criteria like age, communication or academic ability. </div><div><br></div><div>The important thing to remember teaching a child routine is that he/she needs to understand and connect to the way it's presented. Teaching routines requires a significant amount of effort but it does pay itself forward. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad</div><div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-27728446491873087482017-03-19T20:05:00.001-07:002017-03-19T20:22:47.400-07:00Parent Advocate 101Do you ever feel like "I need someone to help me navigate the maze of special education. <div> <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhTCkLu3LKSQjizV82zExnRLC_2eoFd1wzjiR_AYCg_UzXao3xVxBVa6kCZwv8FS_sng9yJHN2jzb2SfwHarpnuDgbWxLm3QB_Gwl-mgG-fZT94VuatpdgcBtFlmI_FqxXV3aJICRJlM3/s640/blogger-image--375938849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhTCkLu3LKSQjizV82zExnRLC_2eoFd1wzjiR_AYCg_UzXao3xVxBVa6kCZwv8FS_sng9yJHN2jzb2SfwHarpnuDgbWxLm3QB_Gwl-mgG-fZT94VuatpdgcBtFlmI_FqxXV3aJICRJlM3/s640/blogger-image--375938849.jpg"></a></div><br>Do you ever feel like this?<br>1. I left a school meeting and I have no idea what was decided? I didn't understand much the special education vocabulary.<br>2. Is there an unsettling feeling that my child is not getting what is needed in her/his school program?<br>3. I have lots of papers related to my child's IEP but I still don't really understand what the teachers are doing to help her on a daily basis.<br>4. I love my child but I feel like I'm not really effective advocating. What should I do?<br><br>It might be time to find a parent advocate. Over the next few weeks, the blog posts will explore the following questions <br><br> 📒 What is a parent advocate?<br> 📘 How do I find one?<br> 📕 What characteristics should I look for in a parent advocate?<br> 📙 What role do I play and what role does the parent advocate play?<br> 📗 How does a parent really advance my child's education?<br><br>Beyond these questions, we will look at cost, right fit and ability to understand parents, children and school personnel. <br><br>Join me for this side of advocating.<br><br><br><br><br>- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br></div>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-8527368870539894032017-03-01T21:19:00.001-08:002017-03-03T22:12:46.510-08:00Friends and Enemy= Frienemy!Dear mom of learning different child:<br><br><br>I am so sorry you have or likely will have to deal with a frienemy! But what is a FRIENEMY? It is a friend, maybe a long time relationship, who doesn't understand your life as a mom of a child with learning differences. She not only doesn't understand but she doesn't try to understand. In fact, she makes YOU feel guilty for not being a good friend to her. Sometimes, she is subtle. Other times it is very direct. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93D7wQrRfGTYAabPbrpYOSxbQ1DABUov3hpFo_pZqauAoWDDw6uTaVwFpcInEDDCfJFc_sp2n7JYm-UTLNEbcLaok9-QF4oC8STgnTC4bvm7LZBMlthdHYRbTN4Mu_xMHo__LsjhyphenhyphenPgoT/s640/blogger-image--942600915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93D7wQrRfGTYAabPbrpYOSxbQ1DABUov3hpFo_pZqauAoWDDw6uTaVwFpcInEDDCfJFc_sp2n7JYm-UTLNEbcLaok9-QF4oC8STgnTC4bvm7LZBMlthdHYRbTN4Mu_xMHo__LsjhyphenhyphenPgoT/s640/blogger-image--942600915.jpg"></a></div> <br><br>What causes the problem? Well, maybe you've grown a part with changes in life. Maybe it's a lack of empathy by is friend. She just can't see things from anyone's perspective but her own. She liked how things used to be and is mad the relationship isn't the same anymore. This happens as a mom's children grow and many moms can "get away" for girlfriend time. A mom with learning different children may not be able to do this easily. It may take a lot of pre planning to pull off some girlfriend time. This friend does't get it! She misses the way things used to be and gets irritated. When guilt tripping you does not work, anger might emerge and finally she says "forget it. I'm done with this relationship."<br><br>Let's rewind a bit. You have gone through a life altering event: discovering your child has learning differences. You thought that a friend would walk beside you and come to your aid. It didn't happen. In fact, you have felt forgotten, misunderstood and even rejected. How did this happen? We were good friends! <br><br>I posed this question to a friend who has seen this occur. She has seen this many times. Her response was the friend hasn't been through a "big thing" in her life because when that happens that will change her. I thought back on my life. I could be critical of leaders if I had not been a pastor's wife. If i wasn't a mom of a son on the autism spectrum, I could be unsympathetic to so many things. Experience teaches so much.</div><div><br>What do I learn from this? A person doesn't know what she doesn't know. Difficulties change a person. I have seen this over and over again. Even though the FRIENEMY can hurt you, it's helpful to understand that she just may not of had the experiences to reach out to you. Hang in there with your Personal FRIENEMY!<br><br><br>- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br></div>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-62936565554907366962017-02-27T19:25:00.001-08:002017-02-27T19:35:21.467-08:00Sensory Profile<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">No one has a perfect sensory system. But there are some individuals that have more struggles with a less perfect sensory system. Difficulties are seen in a wide variety of ways.</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsk2gKs1ZJunQkgAV54j6IBE8Rr9vqq7oTp_qN6EY30hugXumfuMKfpfDuz_1jk8dI7tnEnslGTvWRSmomfPRqiYUJSv_-70xP0JOwdsfxczvjJEEDrDNqi4KGi7EzW4Ran9XceBQLL7-/s640/blogger-image--30748409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsk2gKs1ZJunQkgAV54j6IBE8Rr9vqq7oTp_qN6EY30hugXumfuMKfpfDuz_1jk8dI7tnEnslGTvWRSmomfPRqiYUJSv_-70xP0JOwdsfxczvjJEEDrDNqi4KGi7EzW4Ran9XceBQLL7-/s640/blogger-image--30748409.jpg"></a></div><br><p></p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">1. One sense may be the culprit. It could be touch...certain fabrics just are excruciating. Other fabrics are so preferred, the child can't stop feeling them. Think of that soft blanket she can't stop rubbing on her face.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">2. It may be the integration of 2 or more senses. It is so much easier to assess the social environment when the visual and auditory senses work together to integrate information that from both of those senses. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">3. Some individuals receive sensory messages more or less intensely than they should. Sometimes one sense is stronger and another sense is weaker. It's hard to integrate across the senses with these mixed messages. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">4. Another difficulty is in knowing where I am in space and body placement issues. If I want to put on a pair of gloves, I need good messages from my brain where my hands are in space and where the gloves are if I want to slide my hands into them. </p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">So how do I help a child who struggles with the sensory system? Well, the first thing is to get an evaluation from an occupational therapist to determine the exact issues.while talking with the OT, ask if she would recommend a primitive reflex evaluation. If the answer is yes, pursue it also. Once, these evaluations are done, do any exercises, the therapist suggests. Seek to learn as much as you can about the sensory systems. Some great books are:</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"> Sensational Kids by Lucy Jane Miller</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"> Raising a Sensory Smart Child by Bielefeld and Penske</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"> Any books by Carol Kranowitz</p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">It takes time to develop a sensory life style but it can be done once the issues are defined. It is important to work with a trained professional (an occupational therapist with expertise in sensory integration therapy.). Then it is important to educate yourself as well as following through daily with strategies you learn. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-48272144033957655362017-02-26T17:45:00.001-08:002017-02-26T17:47:39.122-08:00Spring Meeting<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">At my house, it's a couple weeks from spring break which means it's time to schedule a meeting at school. But why? I haven't "digested" what I heard at the parent teacher conference. Well, if a meeting gets scheduled right after spring break, it will give you time to think about what you heard at conference. If you want a conference in the next few weeks, it's time to email the teacher, principal and/or counselor to get it scheduled. </p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">There are many reasons for a meeting. </p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">1. You know that changes need to occur so the "team" needs to be brought together to discuss next steps.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">2. You may want to request an IEP meeting. If may be due or it may of already occurred this year. That doesn't matter. A parent may request an IEP meeting at anytime. It must happen at least once a year but may happen more often than that. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">3. The yearly IEP meeting may be coming up this spring but you would like to have an IEP "planning meeting" ahead of time to voice concerns and what you, as the parents, are looking for when the IEP draft in written. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">4. Communication between parents and school is always a good thing. It may aid you in communicating what you would like to see for next fall. It is a time that concerns and thoughts about teacher selection and next year's can be discussed. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">5. If there is any kind of a transition such as moving to a new building next year, it is important to discuss what supports will be put in place to ease the student into the changes ahead. Even, if there is a formal transition meeting, a preliminary meeting where preparations are discussed is very important. Will there be a visit to the new school before he is an actual student? Who will the child's "go to" staff member be at the new school? How will he meet this advocate and build a relationship? If the child needs a break, what is the procedure and how will this be communicated?</p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">You might have a totally different reason for calling a school meeting this spring. No matter the reason, go ahead and request it. It will only help you as a parent and give you a chance to advocate for your child and that's a good thing.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;">- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad</p>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-460368603628861802017-02-19T21:43:00.001-08:002017-02-19T22:11:25.533-08:00Motivation: Key to a Child's Progress<div><br></div><div><br></div>Motivation is a key to helping any child to push through to the next big thing. This is not only true for children with learning differences, it's ESSENTIAL! But how do I motivate a child who does not want to try new things? Great question! One problem: there are as many answers as there are children. With that said, there are a few principles from the study of behavior that are helpful.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dMMTwvvGDRSSBlT2Zl4_z26cnpO3h_XzUJP9_QpDOV7CZ5tlZa4CT7w04upwCx22slVc-oll1YgcbI-kt2THLPs8ot8cpQxPaZy5JZW1Hh0OIQ-LjdRXvAfZ3JMqDnObuoDvKhxEuptG/s640/blogger-image--1354070469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dMMTwvvGDRSSBlT2Zl4_z26cnpO3h_XzUJP9_QpDOV7CZ5tlZa4CT7w04upwCx22slVc-oll1YgcbI-kt2THLPs8ot8cpQxPaZy5JZW1Hh0OIQ-LjdRXvAfZ3JMqDnObuoDvKhxEuptG/s640/blogger-image--1354070469.jpg"></a></div><br>1. A child with a learning differences often needs an external motivator. It would be great if she wanted.to learn to tie her shoes because she is self motivated and wants to do it herself. That would be nice but it doesn't often happen with this child. <br><br>2. First....Then. Is often a great strategy. IF you try to tie your shoes 10 times THEN you will be able to use your Leapster toy for five minutes. This encourages perseverance when a child wants to give up. Perseverance is vital if she is going to learn non-preferred tasks that are difficult for her. <br><br>3. Find a very strong motivator for the child to earn. This motivator may wane in its power to get this child to persevere and work hard. If this happens, a parent needs to find a new motivator. Some children need frequent tweaks to this. It is often called a reinforcer. It may take work finding the "right" reinforcer now. Just because it works now doesn't mean it will last for long. If it ceases to motivate, find a new reinforcer that's more powerful. <br><br>4. Isolate the reinforcer. If it is the most motivating thing for this child, he can only have access to it by doing the hard thing that is being asked. If he has access to the reinforcer any other way, it loses its power to motivate in this situation. If the reinforcer is 5 minutes playing his favorite video game, he should only be able to play this game by doing this skill. If he has 15 minutes on this game after school then it will not be as motivating. <br><br>I would love to hear from you about things that have worked in motivating your child. Please share comments and questions. <br><br><br><br>- Posted using BlogPress from my iPa<br>One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-41778432366857112282017-02-18T09:03:00.001-08:002017-02-18T16:50:57.346-08:00Spring Conference: What Now?Spring conferences are here. For most schools they occur before spring break. Let's have a heart to heart talk here. If the tweaks or needed overhaul of your child's program has not happened yet this year, it's not going to happen. Ok, I'm not a optimist on this one. Experience in the advocating process has taught me that after spring break it's time to concentrate on NEXT YEAR. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-HAJKUXoE-TLucYoE4bUPBGpVvItM8HjP2uakwcibMu6H6Cuzw-pqKG9IN_ANqllhcL1VvY8T251TdmAAvDdATxSJ1CAr_f8guj26VpB9BYQAjUAEDJytoQoJWFAbSivra69nHIppxqB/s288/iphone_photo.jpg'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-HAJKUXoE-TLucYoE4bUPBGpVvItM8HjP2uakwcibMu6H6Cuzw-pqKG9IN_ANqllhcL1VvY8T251TdmAAvDdATxSJ1CAr_f8guj26VpB9BYQAjUAEDJytoQoJWFAbSivra69nHIppxqB/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='393' height='800' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><br />By the time conferences happen and you have time to process the information, it's the middle of March. It's time to cut any losses for this year and use the time you have left before summer to advocate for the fall. If you have a yearly IEP or 504 meeting, this is a natural time to concentrate on next year. Even if you've had this meeting for the year, you can call the team together to address concerns or have another meeting. The "rules" for IEP teams and 504 meetings are different. I will do a post in the next few weeks on this. <br /><br />Even if things have gone well this year, it is important to allow a forum so the teachers for next year can hear from the current ones. There are things that can be communicated in a gathering that just does not happen in the school hallways in the busyness of a school day. I will be writing a post on how to structure this exchange of information about your child. The great part of this kind of meeting is that you, the parent, may learn some valuable information. <br /><br />During conferences, your classroom teacher may suggest that more supports are needed for your child. This could mean observations and evaluations by school personnel. I may also lead you to pursue some private testing by a therapist. Whatever you may choose to pursue, there is time to do this before the end of this school year. It is always helpful to have the results before the end of this year as the plan unfolds for next year. Again, an upcoming post will address this.<br /><br />What if you feel your child is "flying under the radar" at school and you need to figure out how to advocate for her. I will also address this in this series. <br /><br />Please join me over the next few weeks for the "many faces" of advocating before summer break.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-91249832980407890402017-02-04T14:48:00.001-08:002017-02-10T21:36:51.728-08:00Learning to Maintain BalanceI am an emotional person but life has taught me a few things about handling my emotional side. I am very excitable and can be on "cloud nine." I also can be hurt or disappointed easily. Those roller coaster emotions don't help an adult woman who is trying to manage a marriage, parenting and the day to day responsibilities of running a household. Now, let's throw in the reality of being a pastor's wife, teenagers and a child with autism. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscnC94xxAGbLCUgQp8a7Xvf9D4685h9JfRGMaySnx_1KsSlzjdsDGwTRWJvQFjjNFRsrCACYCoEXvYYHLX2bTMpfSTXzEsXdtmzevSfqZFtncpFRutLkkGlXjCRwYgX_etgtatAEAPcab/s288/iphone_photo.jpg'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscnC94xxAGbLCUgQp8a7Xvf9D4685h9JfRGMaySnx_1KsSlzjdsDGwTRWJvQFjjNFRsrCACYCoEXvYYHLX2bTMpfSTXzEsXdtmzevSfqZFtncpFRutLkkGlXjCRwYgX_etgtatAEAPcab/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='186' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><br />I wasn't going to do well if I was "UP and DOWN" emotionally on a consistent basis. With some of these responsibilities, I was "down" a lot. This was no way to live life. I liked to be happy but the reality of being an adult woman meant there were demanding days that didn't make me happy by my definition of happiness. Something had to change, but what?<br /><br />I learned (not easily) that I needed what we call "margins" at our home. I found that just because I could do something didn't mean I should. I had to ask myself. "If I take this volunteer position and my son has a meltdown at church, can I manage both on Sunday mornings?" To maintain balance and emotional control I had to focus on the most important things and make sure I had enough emotional reserve to stay even tempered and in control of my own emotions. This was a hard lesson because I love being involved in lots of things. I find a lot of those outside areas were the things I really wanted to do. They really gave me positive strokes but I couldn't manage life well with them during a certain season of my life. <br /><br />Seasons of life come and go. I am able to do lots of things now my family responsibilities have changed with adult children. The changes I made in those days help me as I evaluate new opportunities that present themselves. It isn't easy to maintain balance. It is a discipline that is worth the effort!<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8846094396281341789.post-364318301586313382017-02-04T14:25:00.001-08:002017-02-07T13:28:34.139-08:00Routines and VisualsIf you are a routine oriented person, you feel a little out of sorts when there's been no consistency in your schedule for a few days. How many times have you heard a mom say, "I am so glad the holidays are over. It was great but it's time to get back into our routines." If a mom feels that way, think about how out of sorts a child feels but without a routine to manage the activities of her day. This is true for most children with learning differences. But why?<br /><br />Children with learning differences often have difficulties with understanding how time works. Time is such an elusive concept. Does your child really know what it means when you say, "we're leaving in five minutes?" If she's like my son and those I work with, she probably has no idea! This is why routines are so important. It gives a child a way to know what to do next and next and last. It provides structure and Predictability. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUaEqj96PRulrKLHjwMMIN6XHTH04GJyQQwcs4856oB7gfSAq5T-Vud8CiJ1KL1hQ4LMWCtB2UJ2XojCiHyOCfSC7LkbOs8FaxSdHU7lLMR3mW50TQS5BJZPwhYCclj9bzrgkYTCZQTj8/s288/iphone_photo.jpg'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUaEqj96PRulrKLHjwMMIN6XHTH04GJyQQwcs4856oB7gfSAq5T-Vud8CiJ1KL1hQ4LMWCtB2UJ2XojCiHyOCfSC7LkbOs8FaxSdHU7lLMR3mW50TQS5BJZPwhYCclj9bzrgkYTCZQTj8/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrD4RQSjbt5Cquoc3u_OwC-tZQQWpdcN-fG58IWiO58UDKXhIz3T7DPDoD77xQaObK-jaIi6xJmcR3KACzvGwGLgyNzUTZgga7mWqHffIYR4La8Oq2TZYIvZyyBftPhJ3bGBZUQruY2zV/s288/iphone_photo.jpg'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrD4RQSjbt5Cquoc3u_OwC-tZQQWpdcN-fG58IWiO58UDKXhIz3T7DPDoD77xQaObK-jaIi6xJmcR3KACzvGwGLgyNzUTZgga7mWqHffIYR4La8Oq2TZYIvZyyBftPhJ3bGBZUQruY2zV/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />I saw these visual directions at a preschool where I tutor a student. They display a routine visually with images and words above the sink where children wash hands. This helps a student who struggles with the process of washing hands to have a visual sequential routine to memorize. <br /><br />A child needs to have routines for all of her daily activities. If you go into a preschool or early elementary classroom, there will be lots of visually displayed routines. These diminish in upper grades but a child with learning differences may still need visually displayed routines for new or activities not completed often. <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />One Piece At A Timehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11815012165126917682noreply@blogger.com0