The people in all of our lives are always in them for a reason. It seems to be an over used saying - "Everything happens for a Reason" - but as we look back on our lives we can see most times why things happen. I can say that about walking into Canadian Tire one day and seeing a little service dog foster puppy. This started a huge journey for us, a "special" part of that journey has been our now friend Pat. I think from day one Kaitlyn made Pat smile, never a pity smile, she never thought awww that poor girl. She always thought great things about her. Recently she made her feel the right kind of "special" as I want to explain it. Kaitlyn has been hating the term special needs, has shared she hates being called the special needs girl but loves to feel the right kind of "special". Pat gave Kaitlyn the honour of naming a service dog. Kaitlyn named him Soda, like Pop that Kailtyn loves. Everyone corrects Kaitlyn saying it isn't Soda its Pop and Kaitlyn says no I like calling it Soda. So I think there is a great meaning behind the name, she is growing up confident enough to say what she wants and let people know that every time she corrects them. So thank you Pat for making Kaitlyn feel the right kind of "special" and letting share her voice and get to correct everyone even more by naming Soda.

The place I find most of my information now on Autism is from people with Autism or if is a parental question - from a parent of a child with Autism, or if it is a sibling question I would ask a sibling of a person with Autism. I definitely appreciate the medical side of things but only to a limited degree. Since Autism isn't something to be "cured" there isn't a lot of medical help that can be provided.

So from what I have read over and over from people with Autism is I am so much more then all the negative things about it. I have also read to remember everything we say they hear so if we say negative things all the time to people about our child, the child will feel badly.

I thought I would share part of my email where I was inquiring about if an art class would be a good fit for Kaitlyn.

"My question is about my daughter and your class. She's 11 and loves art, draws all the time, mostly people. She is a very sensory kid, loves to paint, plays with putty all the time. Very hands on. She also have autism, I never like to lead with this because this is only a part of her. In school shes going into grade 6 but doing about a grade 3/4 level. Shes a very happy, friendly girl who usually wins the hearts of most people with her smile.  I wanted to make sure the art class is more about expression of their talents then a technical one because she loves it but might feel a little bad if things are too structured. "

I received the best response! She is very excited to have Kaitlyn in her class. Can't wait to see her art. I needed to know this is a person who truly loves art then she would understand and agree what Kaitlyn makes is as much art as any other student in the class. 

I always push Kaitlyn to participate in new things but I also make sure I try to set her up for success as well. So far it has worked out pretty well.

 

Oobleck  has always been a hit at my house. It is fun for the kids and very safe. There are just 2 items needed.

1. Water

2. Cornstarch

Other items you can add is food coloring and glitter but at our house we tend to just go with the natural way so there is no worry of stain anything. 

The ratio for mixing is 1.5 parts Cornstarch to 1 part water. Start with 1/2 cup of water and then start slowly adding the Cornstarch. 

What can you expect when you play with Oobleck? 

If you slowly lower you hand into it, your hand will sink into the Oobleck and your hand will become covered. 

If you punch or squeeze the Oobleck, it will feel solid. My kids even used a hammer to smash it to see what would happen. Please use proper safety precautions. 

If you make a ball with the Oobleck it will remain in that shape - as long as you keep continuing to make it into the ball shape. When you stop the Oobleck will turn into a liquid and fall through your hands. 

Ooleck can be messy when the corn starch dries but it is easily washed away. Playing with it outside is even easier, a hose or bucket of water will clean up the cornstarch. 

Happy Sensory! 

Today Kaitlyn, William and I were talking about an upcoming week at camp. Kaitlyn was sharing with William and I about how she is a little shy when she meets new people. I told her not to worry because I know she is always a great friend to everyone and the camp leaders would make sure she wasn't to shy to meet others. She then asked me if I could tell the leaders a bit about her, I said of course but then asked her what should I say? She said "tell them I am always hungry, I like to swim, do crafts - oh and tell them I am special needs, I know it makes me different but its ok to still like me".....My heart dropped and I am sure William's did as well because he said KK you are not different and everyone will like you, don't think like that (he was upset as well). It took me a minute because it makes me SO sad and angry that other peoples labels have stuck to Kaitlyn and she now calls herself that. My reply to her - Kaitlyn, what if I took my glasses off right now? I can't drive - I have a special need. Don't label yourself - the next person that labels you like that you tell them - I am not special needs - I am Kaitlyn! Yes I have autism but I am Kaitlyn.

Labels create Limits - My daughter will grow up living a life of sky's the limit and that her name is Kaitlyn, caring, sweet, a great friend, an artist, shy at times and she has so much to offer to anyone who is lucky enough to be a part of her life. 

 Sensory Bottles are a great way for someone to show their self expression in sensory regulation. This is an inexpensive way to see what someone is drawn to. Also by making them together it is a great time to spend talking about what might be enjoyable about this particular sensory bottle.

You will need

Plastic bottle - My favourite to use is an energy drink bottle because the top opening is large so this makes it easier to add items.

Toothpicks - You can experiment with how many you would like to add. Different amounts will give you different sounds.

Rice - Again you can experiment with how much you would like to add. Your rice must be able to flow though the Toothpicks.

Glitter can be added if you like for some sparkle.