Autism And Emotions Printable

Welcome to AuSumness.

We're back with what we hope is another helpful edition to your arsenal of brilliant ideas on how to deal with symptoms of autism.  Download our free printable and help your friends, family or students when they are having problems with emotion overload.

As many of you know, emotions and social interactions can be very challenging for those with autism.  At times it can be difficult for some to understand and many times we're left shaking our heads, not having an idea what to do with all of this anger, sadness or even happiness.

Take a look at this helpful chart.  Print it out, laminate it and hang it in a place that's easy to access.  Remind the person in need of help of the chart.  Bring it to them, point to it or stand them in front of it.  Whatever method will help best with that particular person.

Right click and save to your downloads.

Right click and save to your downloads.

I've got two different versions for you.  Choose the one you need or take both.

Consider changing the subject and use distraction if none of the above steps work.  That one works wonders for our youngest.  If you can give the person time to vent or cry, than do that, too as long as they are not being destructive.  We spoke about destructive behaviour in a previous blog.

Thanks so much for joining us, today!  We've got a group on Facebook where you can chat with other people who have autistic children.  I've also got a board on Pinterest dedicated to Autism.

Best of luck!

How You Can Help Friends and Family With Autistic or Special Needs Children

Welcome to AuSumness!

On our road to finding the awesome in Autism, we often come across bumps or even broken bridges. We sometimes meander down dark roads, but it's essential to keep looking for the light.  We hope, through our entries on this blog to give encouragement, help and to let you know, you are not alone.

Last week, we talked about the destructive side of autism.  Today, we're looking at ways that friends and family can help us with our autistic children.

Acceptance:  For us, things started getting a lot better when people started accepting that our children have Autism.  We were continuously accused, by those we loved, that we were spoiling our children or not feeding them properly or they were not getting enough sleep or the worst, "they just HAVE to learn".

Especially, when a diagnosis has been given, it's time to take off the gloves and jump in and help.  Having children with special needs is incredibly taxing.  Mentally, physically and emotionally draining to the point where the parents or caregivers can become sick themselves.

Sympathy:  It's always nice to hear, "I can't even imagine what it would be like" or "It must be very difficult".  This is so much better than, suck it up, life goes on or everyone's got it rough..."  The chances are, those parents are hearing that from most other people anyway, so let's mix it up.  It's often relieving to hear these things.  The other things just infuriate or exasperate already spent emotions.

Don't take it personally:  This is a big one and I'll try my best to explain.  Often, autistic people can say things that might hurt your feelings or act in a way that makes YOU feel uncomfortable.  Never do this.  Do not let it get to you.  It's not an excuse and there certainly isn't anything wrong letting that person know, that you feel sad, unloved or embarrassed, but do not expect them to understand.

For example, I thought my mother-in-law might cry when my son got very upset at her choice of gifts.  For one, I told her I'd be happy to buy things I know he likes and she could reimburse me.  I've reminded her that money gifts are not well accepted and that most of the time, the boys need TIME to get to know their gifts before they start liking them.  Which brings us to the next tip.

Listen:  Listening is something we can all do better.  Take notes if you have to.  If you are going to ask about things you can do to help, make sure you listen to what they say.  When your friends are venting, zone in on things that really bother them and see if there might be a way to step in.  Sometimes just listening silently is helpful.

Ignore unpleasant behaviour:  If only most people would do this.  Look at the bigger picture.  How are evil stares or even complaints, going to change anything?  Just focus on the parents and give them your attention, not the child's.  Ignoring ill behaviour can even be advantageous at times.

Patience:  It is very, very difficult for some parents of autistic children to give you, their full attention.  It might not even be safe to do that.  Try your best not to think of yourself if you find you're in a position like this.  I know many friends and family cannot stand the constant interruption of my kids or me having to stop conversation to address a problem.  It bothers us, too.  It bothers us that we can't sit and speak for even just a couple of minutes without interruption and it also bothers us that our friends and family get upset when this happens.

Offer to babysit:  I realise, that this one is a doozy.  For many parents and caretakers of those with special needs a babysitter is not even an option!  For years my husband and I couldn't go out or rather, get away from all of the chaos, sadness and uncertainty.  Not even for a few hours.  There are very few people out there wanting to fill our shoes and have these kids for a couple of hours.  I totally get it.  If it is something that you absolutely could never dream of, then don't offer.

Include:  Another thing one might not consider that parents and caregivers of special needs kids go through is inclusion.  My high functioning son gets to do a lot of outside activities.  He goes to parties, stays the night with friends and does sports, but my youngest has NEVER slept at a friend's house and when my older son's friends come to play JJ is often not included in their games.  There are very little groups or extra curricular activities for special needs kids.  If there is ever an opportunity for you to include that person, then it would certainly be appreciated.  It would be an excellent learning experience for that person and it would be one fine example to others.

So many times, people assume that the autistic person is not listening or realise what's going on around them, but it is more than likely that they are.  Many autistic people do not look into your eyes or at you or do anything for you to know that they are paying attention and or following the conversation.  Do not act as if they are not there.  It's insulting and it hurts which is how you might also feel by their lack of interaction with you.  Talking about them, with them right there, in a negative way is a big time no, no.

Try your best not to take it personal.  Try to not make it all about you.

No pity party, please:  When I asked around to other friends who have special needs children, they were pretty passionate about their kid's uniqueness and do not consider it in any way shape or form as something negative.  Though, I do not feel the same, I can see why some might look at it like this.  Some folks feel like they were chosen to have children like this.  Can't say I agree with that either, but we all look at things differently and it is something to consider when approaching people about the issue.

I hope these tips have been helpful.  If you have anything helpful to add, join our group on Facebook or leave something positive in the comments.

Best of luck!

The Destructive Side of Autism

Welcome to AuSumness.

We're looking into the destructiveness that can often be a symptom on the ASD scale.  We'll share some of our stories and things that have worked to eliminate some of this behaviour.

The images I've provided is not even a tip of the iceberg when it comes to the destruction of this place.  Our couches sway in the middle from the unending jumping up and down.  The leather has been used in place of art paper several times.  I hang a large, dark blanket over it and I refuse to buy new ones until this stage is over.  (Still waiting...)

We have replaced FIVE beds also from excessive jumping.  They either don't make things like they used to or we've got a real problem here.

If any kinds of tools are left around, they will be gladly and vigorously used as destructive weapons.  Even toy tools!  Shortly after painting my son's room for the third time in 2 years, he used a wooden, toy hammer on the freshly painted walls.  My, when you leave your child unattended for just a few shorts minutes?!  You want to give them freedom and need to leave them alone at times, but these are the things that can happen.

Our hamster was even stepped on and killed!  He laughed like crazy while I cried and was so upset.  I kept thinking, "I'm raising a monster!" You talk about a warning sign!  I suppose that is another entry, entirely.

We live in Europe and over here, the walls are very NOT perfect and therefore, wall paper is the usual wall covering.  As you can see by some of my images here, wall paper and my autistic children do not combine well.

Writing on on my $50 a roll wall paper was a very common occurrence, for years.  We purchased an older house that needed restoration and slowly we made it to the bathroom.  We put so much love and care into this very used room and after two weeks, the walls were scribbled on.  I read and read, trying to find a way to get rid of this scribble and nothing worked.  Finally, after years of the sun shining through the window (maybe would not have taken that long if we had more sun.  Hehehe...) it's finally nearly faded. Of course, 10 years later, the entire bathroom needs re-doing!  Ugh!

I just leave this stuff for the most part.  I refuse to keep re purchasing all of these materials and re doing all of this work.

Another huge decorating mistake I made was this wall paper with a motif.  Both of my boys just love to pick at it.  Well, they used to.

This must have been the 6th time I've replaced and re wall papered the hall only to have the paper picked at just a couple of days later.  You can punish all you like.  You can beg for them not to do this, but it still goes on.

At least I found a cheap, fast and easy solution for wall paper glue.  Just take any kind of powder starch and mix it with a bit of water, stir and apply to your paper.  I have a tiny brush I use for quick fixes.

Here is an excellent fix to the peeling of wall paper.  It's fibreglass wall covering that you paint over.  It covers the imperfections in the wall, including hammer indentations, is fire retardant and can be painted over again and again for scribbles.  It's absolutely ideal for in our house.

I'm slowly going back around the house and using this fibreglass paper in every room.

Our youngest has Pica which is yet another symptom on the ASD scale.  It's when non food items are consumed.  JJ just loves squishy, soft foamy things to chew on and I have had to replace our bathroom squeegee half a dozen times before I started putting it out of eye and hands reach for him.

You can see the bite marks and the little pieces that were chewed off.  It's much better than the rusty nails and rocks that he used to chew and consume.

What works best for this kind of behaviour, that we have found, is relentless watching, reprimanding and even more effective, nipping it in the bud!  We often have to be very specific as to why this kind of behaviour is not tolerated nor healthy!  Let them know they can get sick or remind them of the times that they were in fact sick from consuming something inedible.

Another helpful trick is make them clean it up or fix it.  Of course, my kids are not at a stage where this is possible, but I sure do try and sit back and watch them try.  Then I make them sit on their butts and see how I fix it and they have to stay seated there until I'm finished so they see how long it takes and the kind of work it takes.  I told them, I'm taking money from their piggy bank the next time I have to buy wall paper.  Hehehe...

I still can't keep my youngest from jumping very energetically on his bed or the couch no matter what we try.  I've told gruesome stories of blood and carnage from accidents of people jumping on furniture and that doesn't help either.  Hehehe...I suppose it's this inability to not give into urges even when they know it is wrong.

I thought having swings inside and letting them ride their scooters inside might help with other physical destruction, but to no avail.  Getting them out swimming all morning, going hiking and many other activities still does not curb this urge, which more than likely comes from stress and or over stimulation.

Of course self destructive behaviour is also an occurrence and I cannot honestly say that my children never hit, punch, push or hurt each other either.

Consider these things:

*be vigilant whenever possible

*keep them busy

*start correcting immediately

*the sooner the better

*get help

*become aware of anger cues

*help with methods to calm down

*use positive reinforcement where you can

*anticipate and avoid triggers for destructive behaviour

*problem solve with them

*consider meds, but understand they are not cured, the meds simply "hide" the problem

I found this article to have a lot of useful information for steps parents can take to help with destruction.

Destruction is serious.  It can lead to future problems and it needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

I hope this entry has been helpful for you.  If you know of any excellent resources on this subject, leave a link in the comments.

Best of luck!

Big Kid Little Kid Problems and Autism

Welcome to AuSumness.

Every day we are looking for the awesome in autism, but let's face it.  It isn't always awesome.  When we do find things that work or read something that might help, we share it here.  Sometimes we just may vent, but everyone needs that at times, too.

Our last few entries looked specifically at food, the environment and other possible factors that might contribute to the symptoms of autism.  We gave several suggestions to try out and see if they don't help reduce the many symptoms of autism.

Today, we looking at socialisation, again.  As many of you may know, socialising can be very difficult for those on the spectrum and their friends and family.

I may have mentioned before, that when you have a child that appears physically normal most people falsely assume that they are in fact, typical, normally functioning children.  We certainly know what it's like to get the evil stares and accusations of being bad parents for our children's unusual behaviour.

Something with us that has started with our youngest son, is his age versus his mental intelligence for his age.  He's 10, but acts like a 5 year old.  I recently asked myself, does it make sense to speak to him and treat him like a 10 year old, if perhaps he doesn't have the mental capacity to understand me?

I must speak in short sentences and as direct and clearly as possible.  Forget metaphors or sarcasm.

He loves playing with toys for little kids.  He likes clothing for little kids.  He still can't swim and is much more comfortable splashing around in the baby pool, but according to the rules, he's not supposed to be in there.  This morning he told me he doesn't like free time any more because he is no longer allowed to play on the little kids playground.

I've watched him carefully and he does not harm or make fun of the little kids, so for me, it's fine.  I can't expect him to act like a 10 year old.  It's not always easy ignoring the glares, but it's just about all you can do until you are approached.  For so many folks, having autism is an excuse.  That's only because they have never lived with it and as we may want and expect compassion, we must also do the same.  We have to be patient with others and provide the best example we can for our friends and family.

We also need to be an advocate!  We need to continuously point out our issues and ask for help when necessary.  When I explain about autism at the pool, most of the workers there are cool about it and let him play.  I'll certainly ask at school what the deal is.  I'd hate to think that at a special school, age would be a determining factor.  Ugh!

I'm on the hunt for companies that provide big sizes and kid like items for older people.  Things like clothes that are fun, cotton, obviously inside out or backwards and easy to get on and off would certainly be helpful in our household.  Some kind of bike or ride along system would be great, too. I've left some links I've found, but still haven't found just the right thing.

If you know of any sites that offer things like this, leave the link in the comments and we'll be sure to share them around.

Here are some things I found that may help you.

http://www.happyfaceapparel.org/hfa/products-page/

http://adaptiveclothingshowroom.com/childrens-adaptive-clothing/

https://www.etsy.com/market/special_needs

http://www.bikemania.biz/adult-trikes-teen-trikes/special-needs-tricycles.html

http://buddybike.com/Stories/BuddyBikeStory-TerryLuke.html

https://tadpoleadaptive.com/adaptive-bikes-1.html

Best of luck!

Our Environment And Autism

Welcome to AuSumness.

For the past couple of weeks we've been looking into possible diet ideas that might reduce the symptoms of autism.  We looked a bit in depth into the gluten free and casein free diet and looked at measures that pregnant women can take to possibly reduce the chance of having a child with autism.

I just read today, in regards to the gluten free diet, that health factors may not be completely attributed to gluten, but perhaps, the over processed version of grains that we are consuming.  I thought I'd dive just a bit into our environment.  I have mentioned my ideas about autism and environment and would like to draw them out a bit.

You'll see all kinds of different statistics when it comes to autism and genetics.  You may be in my position, asking yourself, how can it be genetics when no one else in our family has any kind of cognitive issues.  Putting the finger on the environment certainly makes sense to me.  Just look in your very own house for damaging products, foods, cleaners, clothes, flea repellents...how much of what is in your very own house is all natural?  How can all of these chemicals NOT have an affect on our health?

Our environment is in quite a state and we are the products of that environment.  Of course we are going to have health issues that reflect that.

GMO foods, agrochemicals, food additives, processed foods and many other daily items ruin our gut flora.  To understand why this is so important, look back at this blog where I explain it in detail.  Nutritional deficiencies can also lead to physical and psychological problems.

The quality of food we are consuming has to come into question.  Have you looked at the ingredients carefully before buying?  Can you even pronounce half of them?  I always thought I understood what eating healthy was, but not until I actually started reading more into it.

Today's foods are not like the food from even one hundred years ago.  Our food is losing its nutritional value more and more due to over production on the same soil and of course, all of the chemicals we are using on them.  When we purchase foods from other countries, that also has an effect on our body.  It's ideal to eat food from your own region for optimisation.  It's also ideal to eat what's in season.  You can see, just how difficult it is to eat like this.

Looking back at environment, let's look briefly at electromagnetic radiation.  This comes from cell towers, cell phones, WiFi...and this radiation hinders detoxification.  So if you are surrounded with electromagnetic radiation at work and at home, you'll certainly have toxicity issues which can also prevent normal brain function amongst other illnesses.

In a nutshell, here's what ya need to start doing:

-  ditch the sugar (do it gradually if you like, but do it)

-  consider the chemicals you are using in your home and look for natural alternatives

-  reduce or remove electromagnetic radiation from your surroundings (especially where you sleep)

-  check for food allergies and remove certain products like gluten and dairy to see if there is health    improvements

-  purchase whole, quality, fresh food  (consider organic, locally grown, seasonal food)

- omit processed and over processed foods from your diet

I suggest going slow and step by step.  Read, read, read.  There is a ton of information out there. If you have been eating processed, non fresh, restaurant food because it's easy, then you're not reading enough.  There are a lot of recipes out there that are 100% fresh and made in minutes.  You just have to learn how to eat right and it isn't easy.

I'm leaving you with some links to help address the above checks.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/04/20/sugar-dangers.aspx

http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/top-12-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-in-your-home

http://www.livingthenourishedlife.com/sources-emfs-home/

https://authoritynutrition.com/9-ways-that-processed-foods-are-killing-people/

http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/top-reasons-choose-organic-foods

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/whole-food-recipes/  

I just love Pinterest for recipes.  My board is also full of whole food recipes.  Eating healthy is just a matter of habit as well as knowing what really is best for us.

I wish you the best!

UPDATE:

Electromagnetic radiation affects people with Autism even more than others. Do your research to learn more. Even the NIH has some interesting reading on Autism and EMF.

We've been eating whole foods, organic food and growing and sharing home grown food for many years now because the results were astounding. Perhaps on a side note though certainly noteworthy, none of us has exposed ourselves to any kind of ... prickly medical interventions for years either. (Insert cheeky emoji of your choice.)

Many people even claim our children, "don't have Autism". We've managed to minimalize most of their symptoms, but we've still got a long way to go.

The Removal of Casein As A Possible Cure for Autism

Welcome to AuSumness.

Last week we went into some detail about how diet can adversely affect behaviour and overall health.  We are continuing our research and sharing the most interesting findings with our readers in an easy to understand manner.  We are not professionals.  We are parents of two boys with Autism, looking for ways to help ease the symptoms and perhaps eradicate autism completely.

We specifically spoke of taking gluten out of your diet to see if there were a reduction in mental and physical capacities.  Check it out, here.  Testing for allergies and intolerance isn't always easy. A dietary approach can be a safe way to do this, it certainly would be worth considering.  If you do want to try these elimination diets, make sure you know of healthy substitutes by speaking with a professional.

I mentioned that diet is often scoffed at when producing the idea to medical professionals.  However, there are countless testimonials of parents who have tried these diets with success.  There is also world wide research being done showing promising results as well.

These diets are not easy, but think how much more enjoyable life could be for you and your loved ones with an ease or perhaps eradication of autism and its symptoms.  Do your research and give it consideration.

Similar to gluten, when casein proteins begin to break down, opiate receptors kick in which makes it addictive and or cause cravings.  Making it very difficult to remove from diet, but should certainly be considered for optimal health.  Again, be sure to learn the best substitutes if you are considering removing casein and or gluten from your diet.

So, in the middle of all of this research, I also came across articles saying these diets do not work.  As well as articles saying if your kid has autism, you should put them on a casein and gluten free diet.  Jeez, Luis!

In many of the testimonials I read, there were immediate results.  I certainly would assume that eliminating one or both of the products for just a couple of days or weeks would be totally worth it if you notice positive changes.

I'm on a slow path to removing gluten and dairy from our diets, but it sure isn't easy.  My husband is totally NOT on board.  How old school?  Hehehe...I plan on doing it very sneakily.  In the summer, I'll be alone a lot with my boys and I'll eliminate all gluten first and see how it goes.  Then I'll go for the casein and see how that goes.  Of course, I'll share all of my findings here in hopes of you getting a better a perspective of all of this information.

I would assume, though I'm not sure, nor has it been proven, that results will vary with each and every individual.

A couple of weeks ago, I asked if there were a cure for autism, would you bother and everyone said they wouldn't.  They didn't want their kids to change.  I'm still dumb founded by this.  To each his own, I suppose.

If you'd like to share useful information and or friendly advice, join our group on Facebook or leave a comment.

I wish you the best of luck in your journey with autism.

Possible Solutions For Reducing The Symptoms Of Autism

Welcome to AuSumness.

We are continuing our posts on possible ways to help reduce the symptoms of autism.  Last time we gave a few tips on the importance of diet, especially whilst pregnant.  This time, we will look more closely at the gluten free diet.

Omitting gluten from our diet can and has helped many people with autism.  There has been a lot of research given to this.  From the information I have been reading over the years, this has justified my thoughts that each and every person with autism is completely different and what works for one may not work for another. Until we know exactly how one acquires autism it is essential that we look at all perspectives.

I'm simply providing a regurgitation of information in hopes of giving an unbiased and educationally sound direction for readers to proceed in hopes of eradicating or at least minimising autistic symptoms.

Gluten are natural proteins found in wheat, barely, rye and triticale.  Not all grains contain gluten.  Oats, buckwheat, quinoa and several other grains  are gluten free.  However, these non gluten grains can be contaminated during processing.  Check out this link for more information on foods containing and NOT containing gluten.  It's crucial to consider the foods than CAN be consumed rather than getting caught up on the food that cannot.

Gluten is not bad for everyone and I've read repeatedly, that if there is no celiac disease or physical intolerance for gluten, that it is recommended to not omit gluten from your diet because the chance increases for nutrient deficiencies.

Irritable bowel syndrome can also be caused from gluten consumption.  Gluten is high in starches and sugars that can cause bloating, cramping and diarrhea. Get a feel for bowel issues with yourself or with your children and see if after the consumption of gluten, if there are intestinal problems.  Fatigue and joint pain can also be associated with gluten. If you or your family members are illy affected by gluten, consult your doctor and see if removing gluten from the diet will help.  There are tests.

You may be asking yourself, what ones bowels have to do with autism?  There is an amazing connection between our bowels and our brains.  Gluten and casein foods contain peptides and during the breakdown and absorption process, these peptides are not being broken down completely in some people.  This can cause a bio chemical and neuro regulatory disruption in the process of the peptide break down.  A simple pee pee test would show a significant number in peptides.

This would be considered an alternative treatment and as far as I read the only real risk is that of the nutrient deficiencies which could be addressed and substituted with guidance from health and nutritional professionals.

An abnormal gut flora such as mentioned above has been implicated in autism over and over providing the example of the significant importance of a healthy or finely tuned diet to assist with the reduction of autistic symptoms.  Probiotics and prebiotics are known to help improve the integrity of the gut mucosa as well.

There are many ways that we can safely try to help heal our autistic friends and family. As mentioned above, the removal of gluten and casein from the diet is one treatment ideal as is the introduction of pre and probiotics.

These bad or sick guts are toxic.  This toxicity of the bowels is preventing the brain's normal function.  Are you asking the question again?  How does the gut have anything to do with the brain?  Apparently and to my surprise, because I am NOT a professional, there are neurons in our gastrointestinal system. The enteric nervous system and I might just be a complete geek but found this part of the research absolutely awesome, is this enteric nervous system is embedded in the walls of our gastrointestinal tract also connected with the central nervous and digestive systems.  So there you can physiologically see the connection!  It's even called the second brain!  So the gut can upset the brain just like the brain the gut.  Wow!

Ever heard the phrase, worried sick?  Our brains can certainly mess with our digestion and guess what? The gut can mess with the brain as well.  Ever had gut feelings?  It's because, like the brain, our gut has neurotransmitters, proteins and a network of neurons.  Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine are also found in the gut.  Wow!  Mind boggling! There are even psychoactive chemicals in there for goodness sake.  So now, you can top asking the question of how it is possible that the gut can have an affect on our brains.

I hope this wasn't too technical of an entry.  It's just that I'm ALWAYS laughed at by psychologists, doctors and other medical professionals when I mention how a change in diet might help reduce my boy's autistic symptoms.

We ARE what we eat.

If you'd like to join me in some chatter or have friendly, helpful advice, join us in our group on Facebook.

We will be back next week with the removal of dairy as a means of help.

Best of luck!