Questions about Autism or Autism Interventions

March 27, 2009 By

I was getting ready this morning and as often happens, my mind wandered to this blog. What will my next post be about? What do people want to read? So I stumbled upon a great, unique idea. I thought I’d ask you? What do YOU want to read about?

  • Do you want more recipes? Specific foods or meal plans
  • More success stories? Ours? Other people’s?
  • Do you want to read more about resources you can access?
  • What about other interventions such as ABA, Listening Therapy, Sensory Processing Disorder?
  • Ideas for art projects or other cool products?

Let me know what you want to read about and I’ll try to get it to you.

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GFCF Marshmallows

March 26, 2009 By

Today I thought I’d offer up some yummy homemade GFCF Marshmallows. They are actually easier than you think and they taste so delicious. The ones in the picture were made with regular store-bought corn syrup, but recently I found Wholesome Sweetners Organic Corn Syrup and will be using that in my next candy making adventure.

My father, who is a self proclaimed marshmallow expert, said that these were so good that he doesn’t even want to eat store-bought marshmallows ever again. And he and my mother both want me to make bunny shaped marshmallows (cut using a cookie cutter) so they can make chocolate covered marshmallows for the boys for Easter. So yummy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 3 packages unflavored gelatin
  • 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract – you can also add peppermint extract for the winter to add to hot chocolate.
  • Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Preparation:

Combine thegelatin and 1/2 cup of cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and allow to sit while you make the syrup.

Meanwhile, combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Raise the heat to high and cook until the syrup reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat. With the mixer on low speed slowly pour the sugar syrup into the dissolved gelatin. Put the mixer on high speed and whip until the mixture is very thick, about 15 minutes. Add the vanilla and mix thoroughly.

With a sieve, generously dust an 8 x 12-inch non-metal baking dish with confectioners’ sugar. Pour the marshmallow mixture into the pan, smooth the top and dust with more confectioners’ sugar. Allow to stand uncovered overnight until it dries out.

Turn the marshmallows onto a board and cut them in squares. dust them with more confectioners’ sugar.

Yield: 20 to 40 marshmallows, depending on cut size

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There Is Nothing As Extraordinary As A Whole Child

March 24, 2009 By

This morning, amidst our daily “getting ready for school” routine, Matthew did something so completely normal that it was extraordinary. He found the two Ken dolls my parents got the boys for Christmas and he began to play with them. The truly extraordinary thing about this was that there was nothing unusual about it at all. Matthew named the first doll Tuesday and the second, Monday. Maybe not the best names, or the most creative names, but for a child with ASD they were fantastic names. He used his imagination and created them. But I think what was more amazing, and Godly, is the fact that he proceeded to play with the dolls.

I overheard him telling the dolls, right before he went to the bathroom, that he would be right back to play with them some more, and that they should wait on the window ledge. He came into the bathroom and told me that Tuesday and Monday were fighting because Tuesday wanted to do something Monday did not. When he got back to the windowsill he had them hug and I heard him say, as if he were Monday, “Oh Tuesday, you’re back!” Just six months ago this scene would have been impossible.

I don’t think there is anything as extraordinary as a whole and healthy child. It amazes me when Matthew does things that are typical, especially when I think back to the child that did no more than spin in circles while peering out the side of his eyes. Or the child that constantly repeated phrases with no meaning behind them. “The light is on. The light is on. The light is on. The light is on the light is on thelightisonthelightison.” Sunday Matthew did something else so extraordinary it made my heart sing. He kept singing a song over and over again. I know, you probably think I’m crazy because I was just complaining that he used to say phrases over and over. How is this any different? Well, first he was singing a song. “What do you do with a scurvy pirate? What do you do with a scurvy pirate? What do you do with a scurvy pirate? Make him walk the plank!” But more importantly it was the intent with which he was singing that song. He enjoyed it as any other four year old would enjoy a song, and repeating it till their parents were ready to scream. There was life in his eyes and in his voice. He was completely present as he sang the song. When Matthew used to perseverate on phrases there was a blankness in his eyes. Matthew was not there. It was almost as if he were hypnotized, or as if he had drawn deep within himself and the words were comfort or protection. There was no Matthew at those moments. But this singing, well it was phenomenal. I think I will hear it in my dreams. Because it is what our dreams are made of. Normal, boring, childhood things that every parent longs to enjoy with their children. We are thinking of taking Matthew to the aquarium and the B&O Railroad Museum, because for the first time in his life we feel he will actually enjoy both of these. That he would be able to really see what was there in front of him. I imagine what his world must have been like before we started interventions. I think it must have been very flat, with lots of colors and lights but without meaning. He could not discern different items and if something was in the distance he had no concept of even how to shift his eyes to see where we were directing his gaze. I wish you could see the difference. I wish I could offer you a chance to go back in time and experience the old Matthew, then bring you back to today. You would be witness to our miracle.

I’m a pretty spiritual girl. I grew up Catholic and I still consider the Catholic religion to be the right one for me. So I do tend to believe that God has a hand in these things. I pray to Him ever single night to remove autism from Matthew and all children that have it. I also ask the Blessed Virgin Mary, all the Angels and Saints, especially Saint Joseph and Pope John Paul II to intercede on my behalf and recover Matthew and all children with autism. I believe that God does grant miracles and that during this Lenten Season He will grant more. All we need to do is believe.

And, well, work really, really hard. And never give up on our children!

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Creating Some Buzz for Autism Awareness Month

March 19, 2009 By

Next month is Autism Awareness month and in honor of it I will be hosting my first ever Autism Awareness Giveaway. I have lined up some great vendors that have donated a range of Autism related items ranging from beautiful jewelry to original artwork by an Autistic woman, to sweet smelling sensory putty and even a weighted lap pad. The contest will start in April and a winner will be picked for each item. Tell your friends and family members to check back in April and register to win.

I can’t wait for you all to see what great gifts I have found. I want you to meet the vendors, some of whom have children or family members on the spectrum, and get the word out. Autism is Treatable!

much love.

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