HOPE

Last week I had the opportunity to hear 3 AMAZING Autism experts share their knowledge with engaged audiences. Last Wednesday Dr. Bennett Leventhal gave a presentation on Autism Spectrum Disorders. He was brought in by UNM Department of Psychology. It was kind of an Autism 101. The audience was counselors, educators and some parents. I can take Autism 101 a million times and still learn something new. One thing he said that brought tears of happiness to my eyes was what he works on first with new clients. He teaches them "I love you mommy and I love you daddy." He said even though they may not know the meaning behind it, it is just what the parents of a just diagnosed Autistic child need to hear. I could not agree more! Dr. Leventhal’s lecture is online! So if you know of someone who would benefit, or would simply like to watch it yourself, go here: http://hsc.unm.edu/som/psychiatry/IDEAS/

On Friday I went to a daylong seminar at Sandia Casino that showcased Dr. Jed Baker and Temple Grandin. I went as part of a group with Shining Stars Preschool. Some educators and parents. That day went by so fast and I just wish it would have never ended. Dr. Baker spoke most of the day and offered some great tips, advice and wisdom. The very first thing he said was we can never lose HOPE. HOPE is what will get parents, teachers, therapists, and families through the journey. He spoke a lot about his book, No More Meltdowns, and talked about the importance of positive discipline. He said that the more frustrated and angry we get the worse the meltdown. He talked about redirection, humor and other ways to deal with a situation. I bought his book and Amos and I have been trying to read it between diapers, baths and bedtime. Dr. Baker is from New Jersey and is a consultant to schools and takes patients as well. I am so pleased that speakers of his caliber are being brought to NM to educate us.

Over the last few days I have tried some of his suggested techniques and it is amazing what they have done. Yes they require A LOT of PATIENCE, but they work. Prestyn has a very hard time with the word WAIT, Dr. Baker addressed that. To an autistic child the word wait is not an acceptable. They associate that word with NO. One of the best ways to help them understand is by using a timer. Start off slow with 10 seconds then build it up. There is nothing like just getting in the car and having a 4 year old yell that he wants gum and continue to ask until he gets it. And not only does he want 1 piece of gum but 2, and he wants to take the wrapper off himself, and then hand the wrapper to you while you are driving and he is not satisfied until all 3 of those actions are done and in that order. This is something that we are going to work on with Prestyn over the next few weeks.

Temple Grandin spoke for about 2 hours and as usual was so inspirational. I have heard her speak before and just as I expected was off the top. She was hanging out in the lobby prior to her presentation and I got her to sign Dr. Bakers book. She makes no eye contact and is very down to business. She showed very little emotion and could come across as rude if you did not know her. She is absolutely amazing and cares so much about Early Intervention. She wants to see every Autistic individual learn how to live on their own and amount to something. Anything, she knows and understands their abilities and encourages parents, teachers, therapists to use child’s strengths to help them develop.

All in all it was a great week! Now to take what I learned and implement as much as I can into the day to day life of The Baca's!