Boog

Boog

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Stress Does What?


Sometimes it can be easy to forget a special needs child is within earshot. I myself have had to make changes, not in what I say in front of Boog, but of including him in conversations and asking more questions. I also make sure to compliment (brag) on him to others when he can hear me. He needs to know how proud I am of all he does just like any child.

I recently read a study on the effects of childhood stress manifesting into actually physiological changes/disorders. Meaning kids that live in frequent stress can end up with things like asthma. Seriously. Children with Autism often deal with much more stress than neueo-typical kids. The stress of not being able to do what a teacher requests even after trying for weeks and weeks. The stress of not being able to, in detail, tell someone how you feel and what you want.

The study discusses children that are born into a family life of abuse, but I think it still holds value. It's a great reminder that what's going on now greatly changes the future:

"The science to support my claim is documented in the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study – epidemiological research done by the Centers for Disease Control and Kaiser Permanente in San Diego. This study documents the undeniable link between toxic stress caused by experiences such as family addiction, abuse, dysfunction, violence, and divorce in childhood, and adult chronic diseases such as heart disease, lung cancer, diabetes, some breast cancers, and a host of autoimmune diseases."

I will link the study below and think it's a valuable read for any parent.


Terrifying Children into a Life of Asthma






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Sunday, April 16, 2017

A United Front


A United Front.

Right now those three words have multiple meanings.

1. The airline, United, is currently putting up a Front that they're remorseful for the severe beating of a defenseless man. In reality it's big time damage control.

2. A United Front is required to hold companies accountable. If we don't point our finger, tell our opinion and boycott, then our voice is never heard and we are invisible.


I have friends of all races, colors, creed, age, body type, social standing and sexual orientation. Why? Because a truly good friend is a very hard thing to find. Why would you limit your chance of finding people you care about and will be there for you when you need them? Exactly.

The man recently attacked by employees of United Airlines is Asian and believes that played a part in why he was chosen. That is incredibly scary for anyone of a cultural/national minority.

What does this have to do with Autism?
Everything.
Why?
Because Autism is invisible.

Autism is found more in males, but it definitely doesn't discriminate.

So follow me for a minute:
Airline employee tells random person they have to give up their seat.
Person "refuses".
Person is then humiliated, harmed or both.


The following is included in the description of Aspergers on Wikipedia:



So what do we learn here? That someone with Aspergers or Autism can have difficulties in basic social interactions. They may have problems making eye contact or responding to someone's questions. They may inadvertently make a gesture they cannot control that could very well be misinterpreted.

Now do you see my fear?

If a PHYSICIAN couldn't make these horrible people listen to him, what chance does someone with Autism have?

Thank you, United Airlines, for giving us yet another reason to fear for our loved ones who are on the spectrum.



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Thursday, April 13, 2017

Barnes Being Very Noble


I love bookstores. Something about being able to browse real books while I drink a light, sugar free, no whip mocha is awesome. I also end up reading more real books than I read using the kindle app. I guess I'm old school - or instead as I prefer to call it, being an "OG".



Barnes and Noble is doing something awesome this summer for kids in grades 1 through 6. Basically you:

1. Check out the list of books for your child to read this summer from B&N's list (you can see the lists by grade here).
2. Have your child journal about each book (or you guys journal together). The journal can be printed HERE
3. Bring the journal to your local B&N between May 16 - September 5th
4. They get to choose a free book!

Encouraging reading and something free = fantastic. Boog loves to read and I'm very, very thankful for that.

For all of the specifics, look  HERE



This is really a great opportunity..... But you don't have to take my word for it! (ten points if you know where that phrase is from).

-Boog's Mommy


**This is not a sponsored post. I just like spreading the word on fun things.




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Sunday, April 9, 2017

Autism Awareness - Free Printables!


Boog's elementary school is beyond amazing and supportive. Not only did we decorate for Autusm Awareness Month, but

Students are encouraged to wear blue on Fridays
Teachers are creating a dialogue with students about Autism (grades k-6!)
I created a booklet that explains common situations dealing with Autism


I found facts online, free clipart and creativity to make this up. It took a long time, but was so worth it. Please feel free to print/save any of the pages as long as it is for no personal gain, monetary or otherwise. The following are available for educational purposes only:



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Hopefully this can be helpful to some of you guys out there. 

Have a great week!

-Boog's Mommy













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Thursday, April 6, 2017

Go Ahead and Toy With Me

Children with Autism usually have a very hard time with imaginative play, i.e. a farm set is ignored because it doesn't "do" anything. Unless a toy moves, has buttons or lights up it just sits there.

Boog has been doing so many new things lately. I'm thanking God a lot these days. I should be thanking Him a lot everyday, and I'm working on that.




This would just look like a box of stuffed toys to anyone else, but to me it means the world.

These are all toys Boog picked out by himself. And it's not like before when he would just get a toy to appease me. He likes these toys.

At night right before bed I give him the box and he picks out who needs to come sleep with him that night. And I couldn't be happier.

Thankful, Blessed and so Appreciative,
Boog's Mommy




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Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Autism Awareness - Is There Adult Awareness?


Autism Awareness Month is mostly focused on the children/adults with Autism. Often forgotten are the mothers, fathers, family and caregivers behind the person they love.

I hope thie following article can shed some light on what goes on behind the scenes.
Autism Mom's Have Stress Similar to Combat Soldiers


This is not a cry for attention or request for pity. I'm presenting it as more of an explaination. Why is that Mom always late? Why does she look deshelved? Why was she short with me? Why did she forget our lunch and not show up?
No, we don't need sympathy - empathy. There's a big difference.
This is from dictionary.com:

"To sum up the differences between the most commonly used meanings of these two terms: sympathy is feeling compassion, sorrow, or pity for the hardships that another person encounters, while empathy is putting yourself in the shoes of another."

Like it says, please don't feel sorry for me. My child is amazing. Feeling sorry or having pity means there is something wrong. There's nothing wrong, it's just different and a lot more.



Please feel free to send this blog post via email or share it on social media. I think it could really help.

- Boog's Often Tired, No Makeup, Yoga Pants Wearing Mom



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