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10 Art Projects for Kids with Sensory Issues by Erin McNeill

Karen Krejcha - Thu May 09, 2013 @ 08:07PM

Comments: 1

Art is an expression of creative skill and imagination and can take many forms. Participating in art projects often opens the door for communication that may otherwise be difficult for an individual on the autism spectrum to express.

For children on the autism spectrum with sensory processing challenges, finding the right art projects to take on can be a challenge. Today's guest blogger, Erin McNeill shares her article, 10 Art Projects for Kids with Sensory Issues.

This blog was submitted to us with permission to reprint. To find the original article, please visit 4Nannies.com.

Kids with sensory issues are sometimes resistant to art projects because they don’t enjoy being messy or they don’t enjoy touching the mediums that are squishy, wet, or are made up of smaller parts, such as sand or rice. If you want to engage your child in art projects, it’s best to start with non-messy experiences for your child and build up to bigger projects. Go slowly and encourage your child to try new things, even if it’s just for a very short time. Here are some projects and activities to get you started.

Keep encouraging your child to try new things. You can start with just having them touch it, then put it away for another day if it’s too much for them. It will take time to introduce your child to different substances and textures, and may take repeated exposure to get them to enjoy the experience. Praise them for their efforts and make the experience fun for them!

Plastic baggy painting – This is a great project to start with for kids with sensory issues as it doesn’t require the child to actually touch the paint and get messy, but it still gives them the opportunity to move and squish the paint around in the bag. This gives a more mild sensory experience. Simply squirt a small amount of paint into a zip top plastic bag (the freezer type are stronger), use multiple colors for mixing, close the top and tape to the table or the window and have your child “paint” inside the baggy. Observe what happens to the paint and discuss the mixing of colors and what colors make up other colors.
Water play – Set out a large tub, fill up some smaller containers with water and a few drops of food coloring, pick out some utensils to play with and go to town! Your child can experiment by mixing the containers of colored water and transferring liquids from container to container. Water is generally a non-threatening item to most children and can create a calming experience for a child. Be prepared with plenty of towels and a dry change of clothes!
Model Magic Clay – Model Magic Clay can be found at any craft store or big box store. It will provide a non-messy clay experience for children. It is light-weight and easy to manipulate for children of all ages and it dries in about 24 hours for those little ones that can’t wait to play with their creations. Once dry you can paint your creation if you’d like!
Sensory tubs – As your child becomes more and more adapted to touching the world around them, a sensory tub can be a great place to really dig in, so to speak. Fill a medium tub with rice, dry pasta, sand or whatever else you can find. Food grains are generally a good option, and you can save them for another time. You will want to label them for crafts. Bury small objects for your child to find. It may take them a bit to be willing to dig for the items, but the surprise of what they’ll find usually wins out! Give your child tools to use in the tub to move around the objects and the grains. It’s best to start with one tactile substance in the tub at a time. As your child is more willing to touch different things, you can start mixing what you put in the tub.
Color Wonder – Color Wonder provides art experiences for children without the mess. The markers or finger paints will only show up on the special Color Wonder paper, which means that they are clear and won’t show up on your child’s skin as they are creating their masterpiece.
Painting with tools – Finger painting may be a long stretch for children with sensory issues, but creating an experience where your child won’t have to touch the paint is a step between no painting and finger painting. Have your child paint with unusual objects, such as a fly swatter, spoons, rolling a car or marbles in a tray of paper with paint squirted on top or using string. Let your imagination go wild; just make sure whatever you paint with is washable.
Shaving cream play – Playing and painting with shaving cream is a messy project that your child may be resistant to, but knowing that clean-up will be easy may help them start this project. Once your child has started playing in the shaving cream, you might want to see if they’d like to create marble paper with the foam. If your child is sensitive to smells, use unscented shaving cream so the smell isn’t overwhelming to them.
Puffy paint in squeeze bottles – You can make this puffy paint at home and put it in squeeze bottles. Have your child squirt out designs and write with the paint. Allow the paint to dry and then you can have your child trace the paint with their fingers, creating an entirely different experience for your child.
Styrofoam sculptures – Save Styrofoam from packaging and use it to create art projects! Have your child create sculptures with the Styrofoam; you can use toothpicks, skewers or craft glue to keep items together while building.
Gak – Once your child has gotten used to handling objects and substances that are messy, squishy or even kind of gross, it’s time to make gak! Gak is a science experiment with a very fun result. Making the gak is incredibly overwhelming for a lot of children, but that portion of the experiment only lasts for a short while and soon you have transformed some ordinary ingredients into a wonderful play substance that will provide hours and hours of entertainment!

Erin McNeill has over eight years of experience as a full-time nanny caring for newborn through school-aged children. She graduated in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in recreation and leisure studies and in 2008 completed a graduate teaching licensure program with an emphasis on middle school mathematics.

Erin currently sits on the board of a local nanny group, Massachusetts Alliance of Professional Nannies (MAPN), which she helped found in 2010 to strengthen the voice of the nanny in the workplace, build social connections, foster leadership skills and provide nannies with the skills they need to be extraordinary caregivers.

You can find Erin blogging at www.4Nannies.com

Tags: Art, Sensory, SPD, Autism, Processing, Sensory Issues, 4Nannies.com, Erin McNeill

Comments: 1

I'll Holiday in Holland but give me Disneyworld instead!

Karen Krejcha - Sat Apr 27, 2013 @ 12:28AM

Comments: 2

I’ll holiday in Holland but give me Disneyworld instead!

This adds a different perspective to the widely circulated essay "Welcome to Holland" about raising a child with a disability as well as the subsequent response, “Farewell to Holland”. The author is diagnosed on the autism spectrum and self-identifies as Aspie, Autistic or preferably, “Karen”. She is the loving mom of two sons on the autism spectrum identified as Justin and Ryan. The intent is to show that people come into this world with different perspectives and that’s okay. It is also to help promote acceptance and empowerment in the Autism & Asperger communities.

When I was preparing for my first baby, there were people out there who told me what it would be like. Unconditional love at first sight. CHECK. Sleepless nights. CHECK. Lack of instructional manual. CHECK. Lots and lots of diapers. CHECK, CHECK, CHECK.

Those were my expectations. Did I have dreams for my child? Yes. I dreamed that my child would find a person he or she loved, a career where he or she thrived and that my son or daughter would find the passion and calling within themselves to make the world a better place.

So if you and your friends came up and told me that having a baby would be like planning a fabulous journey to Italy, I would have asked for Disneyworld instead. Give me the rides with the twists and turns. Give me the unbridled joy. Give me the magic of seeing the world through my child’s eyes.

Yeah, I suppose Italy could be pretty great. Amazing sights, yummy food. Maybe worth a holiday. But what does that have to do with raising my child?

You and your friends look confused. You’re thinking, she’s different but we’ll give her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe she’s just a bit confused. Maybe it’s because she’s in shock that Italy is no longer on the table for her.

So you try and explain to me. These Italy tickets, the ones you say you don’t want....well, don’t worry about that because you and your family aren’t going there anyway. Instead there is a different place for you.

It’s called Holland.

Holland? Now what in the world does a trip to Holland have to do with having and raising a baby? They have windmills and tulips, I guess. Washington has tulips too. If we’re talking about tulips, why can’t I just raise my baby here in Washington state?

You’re not getting it, they say. You see, Holland… that’s the place for parents that you know, (quiet voice) have children with disabilities. It’s got a lot of really great stuff, don’t get me wrong but parents know it’s not Italy.

I scratch my head. I’m not interested in living in Italy or Holland. Truth be known, I’m much more interested in taking my baby on our own path together. You guys can have your countries. We’ll find our own.

No, no, you don’t get it, you argue. You see, Italy isn’t good and Holland isn’t bad, although quite frankly, everyone we know is bragging about Italy and our friends got some really great shoes there and a couple of purses and… you know, even if your kids don’t go to Italy, they can still have a good time in Holland… with… well, the Holland folk. You can meet lots of great families in Holland, be with your own kind and commiserate over what you missed out from in not going to Italy. Because after all, you say, the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away… because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

Now, wait. What on earth are you talking about? I didn’t sign up for Italy. I didn’t sign up for Holland. I signed up to be the best mom I could to be the child that God gave me. This isn’t about me and my trip to Italy or Holland.

It’s about my child’s journey, my child’s world, how I can best get into his or her world and travel wherever he or she goes.

No, no, no, they say. You’re not thinking about this right. Don’t you get it? YOUR CHILD IS DIFFERENT… as in “not the same” as in most of the kids in the world are NOT like your kid. YOU DO NOT GET TO LIVE IN ITALY. You get to live in Holland. It’s different.

So I stand back and reflect and realize that you and I have a completely different perspective on things. We are truly from different cultures.

To you, Italy is AMAZING. You admit that Holland can be pretty darn great too but it really isn’t Italy. In your eyes, there will always be something inside yearning for something you couldn’t have because your child is different.

I respect your right to your opinion. It seems to be that of many in your culture. The thing is… that isn’t my view. I was never planning to go to Italy. I was never planning to go to Holland, although admittedly, it sounds like a good place to spend a holiday because I’d find some pretty cool people there my kids and I would probably get along with.

Truth be known, I often feel like I’m from a different world altogether and if it’s Disneyworld, well, that’s a fine place to be. Chances are that your kid on the autism spectrum may feel similarly. Whatever place they call home, make sure you’re right there with them. If you need a holiday to Holland or Italy for yourself, by all means take it but accept and love their world too.

Tags: Welcome to Holland, Farewell to Holland, Autism, Aspergers, Disabilities, Neurodiversity, Disneyworld, Acceptance, Empowerment

Comments: 2

Finding Your Own Way To Grieve by Karla Helbert - A Creative Activity Workbook for Kids & Teens on the Autism Spectrum

Karen Krejcha - Fri Apr 12, 2013 @ 12:30PM

Comments: 0

Coping with the loss of a loved one can be difficult for anyone, however for those on the autism spectrum, there are often additional challenges with understanding and working through the intensity of the grieving process. The chaotic experience of grief can exacerbate characteristics and symptoms of autism and leave a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder more at risk for complication of bereavement and potentially, other mental health difficulties.

Last year we had the chance to read, Finding Your Own Way To Grieve, A Creative Activity Workbook for Kids and Teens on the Autism Spectrum. Prior to this book, I had never read anything pertaining to grief and the autism spectrum. As an adult Aspie, I found the book not only helpful to be able to share with my children when the time comes but to use for me as well.

This innovative book by author, Karla Helbert, LPC offers creative and expressive activities that help youth and adults with the grieving process. The workbook includes writing, arts and crafts, cooking, movement, relaxation and remembrance activities as well as illustrations. It gives ideas for a parent or caregiver to use to help one who is grieving do so in their own personal way, something important to remember for individuals on the autism spectrum who may not always express themselves in traditional ways.

This interactive, experiential book explains death in concrete terms that can be easily understood, explores difficult feelings and experiences the reader may encounter in grief, provides aid in finding support, and helps all readers to understand that grief is a normal and natural response to the death of a loved one.Checklists and questions help determine the reader's emotional and mental states. Pertinent advice and information for parents and other support people is provided throughout.

Last year, Karla Helbert was a featured guest at Autism Empowerment Radio ahd offered great advice for our listeners. If you missed that interview, you can listen by clicking the link below.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/autismempowerment/2012/12/19/helping-youth-with-autism-grieve--karla-helbert-interview

Karla Helbert, a Richmond, Virginia, USA based psychotherapist and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), operates a private therapy and consultation practice. She treats those on the autism spectrum as well as other populations. Her specialties include grief and bereavement, traumatic grief, Autism Spectrum Disorders, anxiety, depression and stress management. Ms. Helbert is well acquainted with the pain of grief having experienced the death of her own son from a brain tumor in 2006.

To learn more about Karla Helbert, please visit her website at http://www.karlahelbert.com

Tags: Karla Helbert, Grief, Autism, Youth, Teens, Depression, Death, Book, Author, Healing, Finding Your Own Way to Grieve, Help

Comments: 0

Michael Tolleson, Autistic Savant Artist with a HeART to Give During Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month

Autism Empowerment - Sun Apr 07, 2013 @ 06:05PM

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On March 18th, Karen Krejcha from Autism Empowerment Radio had the pleasure of interviewing Michael Tolleson and Jack Carl Anderson, two amazing artists on the autism spectrum who are not only incredibly gifted but incredibly GIVING as well in terms of what they are doing for the autism community.

Michael Tolleson and Jack Carl Anderson from Seattle, Washington appeared on our episode which featured their HeART of the Spectrum Autistic Community Arts Center and mentoring program. We also talked about HeART the Gallery, a diverse and splendid art gallery featuring works from Michael, Jack Carl and many other talented artists.

If you missed that show, you can download and/or listen to it for free on demand. It's worth the time.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/autismempowerment/2013/03/18/heart-of-the-spectrum--autistic-community-arts

Michael Tolleson is an artistic autistic savant with an incredible talent toward art and creating galley quality paintings in under an hour's time. Interestingly enough, he just learned he had this ability less than two years ago! He talks about his art and creation process quite a bit on our radio show, so please do listen in.

However if you want to actually SEE Michael in action, you are going to have a special chance to do so as Michael is going to be featured on NBC King5.com TV on New Morning Northwest on Tuesday, April 16th. Read on for more details!

It is not surprising when a self-diagnosed person with Aspergers has been given a savant gift, and wants to give back. Michael Tolleson, autistic savant artist extraordinaire, continues to give throughout the year, but finds April to be a special month in which he simply wants to do more. “April is National Autism Awareness Month, and I am delighted to take part in a featured segment on NBC's New Day Northwest during their televised April Autism Awareness programming on Tuesday, April 16th, where I will be completing a full 24 x 48 inch acrylic painting during the one hour show segment, and revealing it at the end of the show. The painting will then be donated to the Seattle Children Hospital’s Autism Center where they can use it as a featured auction item for their upcoming Benefit Gala”.

Mr. Tolleson not only uses April as a platform to build awareness for autism, but he gives throughout the year, as he is continually told that his paintings give hope, inspiration, and light to the autistic community. Donations to “Make a Wish Foundation”, and to other non-verbal children with autism have proven mind boggling as he witnesses firsthand the emotional bond his paintings have with children with autism and the entire autism spectrum community. Children, that normally do not respond, suddenly hold his paintings in their hands, and they start to caress the surface, and resonate with the bold color palette and the horses and other landscape that stretch across the canvas. Somehow Michael is able to communicate through his art, and to open a gateway into the children's minds, where they can experience and imagine hope and light.

Michael has donated his work to numerous charitable organizations across the U.S. in hopes that he will continue to open more gateways and inspire more children with autism to believe that they too can communicate through artistic expression. “My paintings cross all boundaries as I receive hundreds of correspondence daily, explaining to me that somehow my paintings are touching people on a deep level, and they are resonating with the work and the emotion that it is embedded in each painting. They explain that the experiences are changing their lives, and their child that wouldn’t respond before, is somehow now responding to my paintings, including one child that wanted to sleep with it at night, as it somehow comforted him and gave him a sense of peace”, explained Tolleson. “These stories are powerful, and this gift I have been given is a powerful one, and I will use it to create change, awareness, and to make the world a better place”.

In addition to his astronomical acclaim in the Autistic community, Mr. Tolleson will be featured in an upcoming book written by autistic and Aspie adults to serve as mentoring and inspiration for other adults on the autism spectrum. His paintings will reflect different themes throughout the book, and as the discussion continues on the pages, his artwork will reflect the words spoken on each page. Depression, meltdown, and anxiety are just a few subjects in which Michael will provide paintings for in a new book titled “Been There, Done That, Try This” by featured authors, Craig Evans, Anita Lesko, and acclaimed autism specialist Dr. Tony Attwood with contributions from many on the spectrum worldwide including previous Autism Empowerment Radio guests (and host), Jennifer Cook O'Toole, Liane Holliday Willey and Karen Krejcha.

Michael is considered a beacon of light within the autistic community and he simply "wants to show the world that his art can be a symbol of hope for others who want to reach out and create, but feel they cannot."

Currently Michael's work can be seen in over seven prominent galleries worldwide, including a special gallery that hand selects special savant and autistic artists to be featured inside. Polly's Place in London currently exhibits his work as his paintings sell quite well in the European market.

One may ask, where does Mr. Tolleson gather his inspiration to paint? He simply looks at a picture or photo and is able to gather an emotion or feeling, and then he expresses that onto his canvas in 60 minutes or less through palette knife and brush. "My art speaks of acceptance of each other and the comfort by which we travel in the world," touts Mr. Tolleson. "I am here to give emotion to each piece, to say something paramount, something that others can identify with and understand. I want to share my journey with others, and simply inspire."

Michael Tolleson, along with his partner Jack Carl Anderson, run an innovative and thoughtful art mentoring program in Seattle (Heart of the Spectrum) where children on the autistic spectrum have the opportunity to express themselves through art and various mediums. So for Michael, April is a special month in which he goes that extra step to ensure that his community is acknowledged, and that the world understands that being autistic does not mean that you cannot achieve greatness.

For more information about Michael Tolleson, please visit: http://www.michaeltollesonartist.com

For bio and additional information please go to http://www.michaeltollesonartist.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Art-of-Michael-Tolleson/300007513391922?ref=hl

Tags: Michael Tolleson, Jack Carl Anderson, Heart of the Spectrum, Aspergers, Autism, Autistic, Artist, Savant, Seattle, New Day Northwest, Philanthrophy

Comments: 0

Autism and Scouting Patch Raises Acceptance & Funds for Autism Empowerment

Karen Krejcha - Thu Apr 04, 2013 @ 09:35PM

Comments: 0

Help support Autism Empowerment's Autism and Scouting Program during Autism Acceptance month!

Autism Empowerment is happy to announce that we are now offering a special Autism Empowerment Autism and Scouting Patch for sale just in time for Autism Acceptance month.

All net proceeds from the sale of this patch goes directly to supporting scouts on the autism spectrum through our Autism and Scouting program.

Autism and Scouting Patch

This colorful 3 inch by 3 inch Autism Empowerment Autism and Scouting patch promotes the four key foundational pillars of Autism Empowerment: Accept (in green), Enrich (in red), Inspire (in orange) and Empower (in purple). The fleur-de-lis symbol in the middle is the international symbol for scouting and contains a blend of the four foundational Autism Empowerment colors.

It comes with a button loop so that you may hang it on a scouting uniform shirt with a button.

Patches will be in stock around April 19th and for those who have pre-ordered, they will start to ship around Monday, April 22nd, 2013.

In the USA, price shipped is $6.50 for 1 patch and $10.00 for 2 patches. If purchasing more than 2, additional patches shipped in the same order are $5.00 apiece.

If shipping outside the USA, price is $6.50 for 1 patch + $5.00 shipping and $10.00 for 2 patches + $7.50 shipping. If purchasing more than 2 internationally, additional patches shipped in the same order are $5.00 apiece + $2.50 each shipping. If ordering in large quantities (above 10), please contact us for a shipping quote. (It may be more cost-effective to send larger orders via USPS Priority Insured flat rate.)

Patches will be in stock around April 19th and for those who have pre-ordered, they will start to ship around Monday, April 22nd, 2013.

If you would like to make a direct donation directly to our Autism and Scouting Program, you may do so through the donation link below:

We also accept mailed contributions payable to "Autism Empowerment" and mailed to:

Autism Empowerment, P.O. Box 871676, Vancouver, WA 98687

Autism Empowerment is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity. Thank you so much for your generosity! If your group is interested in doing a fundraiser for our organization, please let us know! We can send you information about our organization to aid in your fundraising!

Tags: Autism and Scouting, Autism Empowerment, Autism, Acceptance, Awareness, Scouting, Patch, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Venturers, Cub Scouts, Joeys, WOSM

Comments: 0

Autism Empowerment World Autism Awareness & Acceptance Day Radio Show

Karen Krejcha - Tue Apr 02, 2013 @ 10:53AM

Comments: 0

Although April 2nd is World Autism Awareness day and April is Autism Acceptance month, every day of the year promotes acceptance, advocacy, awareness and action when you are at Autism Empowerment.

Listen into our special show today live or on demand at NOON PST on Autism Empowerment Radio.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/autismempowerment/2013/04/02/autism-empowerment-world-autism-acceptance-awareness-show

Today's show features Karen & John Krejcha, Autism Empowerment founders talking about the recent Easter Egg Hunt for Acceptance of All Abilities (over 1000 egg hunters turned out), updates on exisitng programs, the launch of a special new program called Autism Serves and all the great events that Autism Empowerment will be participating in throughout the month of April 2013.

We will also talk about the release of the new Chicken Soup for the Soul book: Raising Kids on the Spectrum: 101 Inspirational Stories for Parents of Children with Autism and Asperger's. Karen has a poem on page 13 and will be reading it during the broadcast.

We continue the celebration tonight at a World Autism Acceptance / Awareness open-house party at the downtown Vancouver Community Library Columbia Room, 901 C Street, Vancouver, WA from 5 - 7:30 p.m. It's a casual drop-in event so Stop in, say hi, meet our team, get free resources, learn about existing programs and services and the launch of our new volunteerism program, Autism Serves.

The four foundational pillars of Autism Empowerment are Accept, Enrich, Inspire and Empower. Autism Empowerment makes life better for those within the Autism & Asperger communities locally, regionally and worldwide.

We need your personal and financial support today and throughout Autism Acceptance month. Please help us grow and expand. We want to serve you but we need your support to do so. This month we're trying to raise $100,000.

Will you please send a $5 (or greater) donation today? You can do so through the Donation link on our website or mailing a check to "Autism Empowerment", Autism Empowerment, P.O. Box 871676, Vancouver, WA 98687. We are a 501(c) non-profit charity. Tax ID #45-2455219.

Whether you light it up Green, Red, Orange, Purple or Blue, when you let your light shine, light it up YOU! Come as you are, let your light shine!

Tags: Autism, Aspergers, World Autism Awareness Day, Light it Up Blue, Light It Up You

Comments: 0

Preparing for Passover and Easter for Your Child with Autism by Stacey Hoaglund

Karen Krejcha - Wed Mar 27, 2013 @ 11:27PM

Comments: 0

Autism Empowerment thanks Stacey Hoaglund for allowing us permission to reprint her article. To connect with Stacey, please visit: www.disabilitytrainingandsupport.com and connect with her on Facebook.

Preparing for Passover and Easter for Your Child with Autism

by Stacey Hoaglund, Guest Blogger - www.disabilitytrainingandsupport.com

While many people find this time of the year filled with excitement and new beginnings (spring time), kids with autism can find it more than challenging. New places, new foods and new experiences can send them into utter distress. Being prepared will help make this season memorable for the whole family.

• Prepare your child by creating social stories about the upcoming holiday, the events of the day and what it’s all about. Using a schedule of the events of the day will help to outline what to expect.

• Go to a local book store with your child and pick out some eye appealing books on the special holiday that your family practices. There are some beautiful books on both Passover and Easter. Books filled with attractive pictures will help you convey the message to your visual child. For many kids, videos hold the key to understanding, and interest. Check out your local library for tons of choices (old and new)

• If your family tradition includes coloring Easter eggs, visual task strips for this activity work out great. A task strip will show the steps of the egg coloring process. This is a fabulous activity for children and their siblings to do together.

• “Gateways, Access to Jewish Education” offers some nice visual supports that include the Passover meal, songs and order of the Seder.

• If going to someone else’s home, let the host know about your child’s autism and what to expect. If they have children, provide information in a kid friendly manner.

• Consider lessening clothing expectations. Many families wear formal attire at this time of the year. If your child does not like to wear new clothing or finds it’s confining or “itchy”, pick your battles and let them wear something they find comfortable. Planning in advance of the special day will help the day go smoother.

• Consider the special meal. If your child is a picky eater, or on a special diet, find out what will be served in advance and prepare substitute dishes that your child will find enjoyable.

• If you plan to go to a place of worship, have a “bag of tricks” to keep your child busy during the service should they become “antsy” (a new book of their preferred topic, books of their favorite heroes, small quiet toys, chewy but not crunchy snacks, etc)

• Remember to have fun, and not to sweat the small stuff!

This holiday time can be joyous for all in your home, with preparation, love and understanding!

Thank you again, to Stacey Hoaglund! To connect with Stacey, please visit: www.disabilitytrainingandsupport.com and connect with her on Facebook.

Tags: Passover, Easter, Autism, Preparing, Holidays, Tips, Tradition, Support, Parenting

Comments: 0

Jefferson Award Winner, Karen Krejcha from Autism Empowerment on Evening Magazine, Monday, March 18th

John Krejcha - Fri Mar 15, 2013 @ 05:55PM

Comments: 4

Autism Empowerment has an amazing opportunity to receive statewide coverage of our mission, vision and goals. We also may have a NATIONWIDE opportunity to be represent our platform and new Autism Serves volunteerism program in Washington D.C.! As part of our community, you have an opportunity to help support that vision with your vote! Here is how:

Karen Krejcha from Autism Empowerment was named on February 26th, 2013 as one of 5 Washington State Jefferson Award Winners for 2013. The Jefferson Awards are a prestigious national recognition system honoring community and public service in America. The Jefferson Awards are presented on two levels: national and local. They began in 1972 to create a Nobel Prize for public service and the program was co-founded by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, U.S. Senator Robert Taft Jr. and Sam Beard. The primary purpose of the awards is to serve as a "Call to Action for Volunteers" in local communities.

As Executive Director and co-founder of Autism Empowerment, Karen is very humbled and excited about this honor. She hopes to use it as a positive platform to promote Acceptance, Enrichment, Inspiration and Empowerment for those within the Autism and Asperger communities throughout the state and throughout the country. This a wonderful opportunity for our grassroots organization to grow and serve more and it coincides very nicely with the April 2nd, 2013 launch of our Autism Serves program, a movement that promotes volunteerism within the autism community worldwide.

Karen and the other winners will be honored and presenting at a special Awards Breakfast on Tuesday, April 9th, 2013 at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center in Seattle, WA. (In the area? Come get tickets for the event!) Doors open at 7:00 a.m. and the event is from 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

One of the 5 winners will have a chance to represent Washington State and bring their story and platform to Washington D.C. in June 2013! The winner will be announced AT the Awards Breakfast and will then

Autism Empowerment would love for Karen Krejcha to represent Autism Empowerment in Washington D.C. Your help can make that happen!!!

Watch!

The 2013 Washington State Jefferson Awards winners will be featured Monday, March 18 at 7:00 p.m. PST on KING 5's Evening Magazine ! Tune in or stream online at KING5.com. View afterwards on demand or at the link below:

It will also show on Northwest Cable News (statewide for WA) on Monday, March 18th at 10:00 pm. PST. Tune in, stream online or view afterwards on demand!

Karen was interviewed by Evening Magazine producer, Eric Riddle from King5.com

Vote!

The five Washington State winners were chosen by our panel of judges, but you can help them pick the National Nominee! After tuning into the March 18 special, vote online or call 866.257.5533 March 18 - 25 for who you think should represent our state at the National Jefferson Awards.

The decision of who goes to Washington DC will be determined 50% by public vote and 50% by the judges' vote. (This year's winners were chosen from the largest nomination pool ever since the awards started in Washington in 1972.)

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE for your consideration! This is a wonderful opportunity for Autism Empowerment and we appreciate your help!

Tags: Jefferson Awards, Karen Krejcha, Washington, 2013, Seattle, King5, Evening Magazine

Comments: 4

Dude, I'm An Aspie - Thoughts & Illustrations on living with Asperger's Syndrome

Karen Krejcha - Mon Mar 11, 2013 @ 09:31PM

Comments: 0

The following blog is a copy of Matt Friedman's original Dude, I’m An Aspie post on Sunday, November 29, 2009. Matt has since published Dude, I'm an Aspie as a book for adults and he also has created a Dude I'm An Aspie version for kids. We have a copy of both in the Autism Empowerment library and think they're great.

Dude, I'm An Aspie

Thoughts and illustrations on living with Asperger’s syndrome

republished with permission from Matt Friedman from www.DudeImAnAspie.com
Text and images are copyright 2009-2013 Matt Friedman. All rights reserved. All characters are fictitious; any similarity to actual persons is purely coincidental.

My name is Matt and I have Asperger’s syndrome. What’s that mean, you ask? Well, you’re in luck, cause I’ve made this helpful guide!

Asperger’s is part of the autism spectrum. It has many characteristics, but generally we have difficulty knowing what someone is thinking, explaining our thoughts verbally, and interacting socially with our peers. It is sometimes described as having “a dash of autism.”

Asperger’s is not a disease, it is a genetic variation and a neurological condition. Though I’ve just recently discovered I have it, I always have and always will. Some say it is a gift, and even vital to human evolution.

Asperger’s is sometimes called Wrong Planet syndrome. This is because we feel like we come from a different culture and have a different way of perceiving the world – (Tony Attwood)

Once I learned what Asperger’s is, I knew it described me. It answered a lot of questions and explained why I am the way I am. So it was kind of good news! Like finding a box I fit in.

Now for some myths and facts: First, I will not look you in the eye for long periods or when I’m talking to you. This is not to be rude. It’s because it is the only way I can concentrate on what you’re saying.

In social situations, I don’t process information as fast as you. Facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice all convey subtle information to our brain. The more people who are present, the more info there is to process.

Likewise, I don’t like crowds and noisy places. This is too much information to take in and causes sensory overload.

Sometimes we have super-senses. This makes us easily distractible to background noise, a sudden loud noise, or unpleasant odors.

If I run into you somewhere I don’t expect to, I probably won’t recognize you right away. This is called faceblindness. Even though I know what you look like, my mental picture of you is strongly tied to context, your voice, and how other people interact with you.

Sometimes I interpret things literally, or I can’t tell when you’re being sarcastic. This is a neurological delay in reading your tone of voice.

For neurotypical people (that’s you), socializing with others relieves your stress or makes you feel energized. We Aspies are the opposite way. Conversation can wear us out, and we often need alone time to “recharge our batteries.”

We usually have special topics or hobbies that we like to pursue with intense concentration and on our own. Examples include trains, foreign cultures, and washing machines.

Are there advantages to being an Aspie? Yes! We are honest, detail-oriented, good listeners, and have a unique view of things. Often, we achieve high levels of success in our special interest area.

So that is a glimpse into my world. I hope it has helped you better understand me and others like me. We are all different, and with all differences, knowledge brings understanding. If we understand each other, then there won't be any need for a right planet or a wrong planet. Smile

If you liked Matt's work, be sure to hear his story and learn more about the Dude, I'm An Aspie cast and crew. On Saturday, February 2nd, Karen at Autism Empowerment Radio had a great interview with Matt Friedman. If you haven't yet listened to this show, it has been one of Karen's favorites and one of the most popular Autism Empowerment Radio shows of all time:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/autismempowerment/2013/02/02/dude-im-an-aspie-interview-with-cartoonist-matt-friedman

Be sure to follow Matt at www.DudeImAnAspie.com. You can also pick up his books in hard copy or via Kindle at this link.

Tags: Aspie, Aspergers, Matt Friedman, Cartooning, Autism Empowerment Radio, Autism

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The Spectraland Saga - The First Seven Months

Brian Tashima - Guest Blogger - Fri Mar 08, 2013 @ 05:10PM

Comments: 0

The Spectraland Saga: The First Seven Months

My debut novel came out last July. That novel, Secret of the Songshell, is a young adult sci-fi/fantasy story about a teenage boy with Asperger’s Syndrome who travels to another world where music has magical properties. It’s the first in a planned series of seven books called The Spectraland Saga. And just as its protagonist, Joel Suzuki, goes on an epic quest full of challenges, obstacles and victories, I’ve also found myself undertaking a real-life journey as I navigate the treacherous yet rewarding terrain of independent book publishing and promotion.

Fortunately, this is not my first adventure. My prior experience as the managing partner of an indie record label taught me a lot about do-it-yourself marketing and the business world in general; in fact, it was that experience that gave me the confidence to self-publish Secret of the Songshell in the first place. I knew going in that it would take a lot of resources in terms of time, money and effort, but I also knew that I was going to have fun.

And it has been a lot of fun (honestly). The launch parties were a blast, and I’ve enjoyed all of the signings, readings and interviews that I’ve done so far. The positive reviews, feedback and awards that Songshell has garnered have all been very encouraging and exciting as well. As an artist, it’s always nice to know that your work has touched people in a positive way, whether it’s through the creation of an empowering role model for kids on the autism spectrum, or simply by providing a source of momentary enjoyment and entertainment. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet and interact with lots of incredible people from all around the world — writers, readers, parents, kids, some with connections to the spectrum, some without.

After seven months, the journey is really just beginning. I’m currently hard at work on the second book in the series, which will be titled Mystery of the Moonfire. For those of you who are familiar with the first book, in this next installment Joel and Felicity return to Spectraland to help Fireflower find the source of a strange force that is nullifying the Wavemakers’ abilities to control the Aura. Or, at least, that’s what I think they’re doing. I have a detailed outline of the whole story, but I’m still only on chapter two of the first draft! I previously got as far as chapter seven, but I didn’t like the way it was turning out, so I scrapped it and started over. These things happen. My goal was originally to have Moonfire out by the fall of 2013, but now I’m targeting early 2014 instead. If I get done sooner, I’ll let you know.

In the meantime, I’m planning a re-launch campaign for Songshell that will begin in April of this year, which will include another launch party (I like parties), a newly redesigned cover, a detailed Spectraland map, and possibly some flash fiction pieces about Spectraland that are outside of the main saga.

I want to offer my special thanks to Karen, John, and everyone at Autism Empowerment, who have recently honored me with a seat on their Board of Directors. I look forward to working with them for many years to come. Also, thank you to everyone else who has supported and assisted me on this journey. Joel and I did not accomplish our missions alone — we both had the invaluable help of friends and allies along the way. So, to all of you I say: mahalo. You guys rock.

Tags: Brian Tashima, Secret of the Songshell, Spectraland Saga, Joel Suzuki, Aspergers, Autism, Autism Empowerment

Comments: 0

Autism Empowerment

Accept, Enrich, Inspire, Empower

Blog

I’ll holiday in Holland but give me Disneyworld instead!

Help support Autism Empowerment's Autism and Scouting Program during Autism Acceptance month!

All net proceeds from the sale of this patch goes directly to supporting scouts on the autism spectrum through our Autism and Scouting program.

If you would like to make a direct donation directly to our Autism and Scouting Program, you may do so through the donation link below:

Preparing for Passover and Easter for Your Child with Autism

by Stacey Hoaglund, Guest Blogger - www.disabilitytrainingandsupport.com

• Prepare your child by creating social stories about the upcoming holiday, the events of the day and what it’s all about. Using a schedule of the events of the day will help to outline what to expect.

• If your family tradition includes coloring Easter eggs, visual task strips for this activity work out great. A task strip will show the steps of the egg coloring process. This is a fabulous activity for children and their siblings to do together.

• “Gateways, Access to Jewish Education” offers some nice visual supports that include the Passover meal, songs and order of the Seder.

• If going to someone else’s home, let the host know about your child’s autism and what to expect. If they have children, provide information in a kid friendly manner.

• Consider the special meal. If your child is a picky eater, or on a special diet, find out what will be served in advance and prepare substitute dishes that your child will find enjoyable.

• If you plan to go to a place of worship, have a “bag of tricks” to keep your child busy during the service should they become “antsy” (a new book of their preferred topic, books of their favorite heroes, small quiet toys, chewy but not crunchy snacks, etc)

• Remember to have fun, and not to sweat the small stuff!

This holiday time can be joyous for all in your home, with preparation, love and understanding!

powered by Doodlekit™ Free Website Builder

Autism Empowerment

Accept, Enrich, Inspire, Empower

Blog

I’ll holiday in Holland but give me Disneyworld instead!

Help support Autism Empowerment's Autism and Scouting Program during Autism Acceptance month!

All net proceeds from the sale of this patch goes directly to supporting scouts on the autism spectrum through our Autism and Scouting program.

If you would like to make a direct donation directly to our Autism and Scouting Program, you may do so through the donation link below:

Preparing for Passover and Easter for Your Child with Autism

by Stacey Hoaglund, Guest Blogger - www.disabilitytrainingandsupport.com

• Prepare your child by creating social stories about the upcoming holiday, the events of the day and what it’s all about. Using a schedule of the events of the day will help to outline what to expect.

• If your family tradition includes coloring Easter eggs, visual task strips for this activity work out great. A task strip will show the steps of the egg coloring process. This is a fabulous activity for children and their siblings to do together.

• “Gateways, Access to Jewish Education” offers some nice visual supports that include the Passover meal, songs and order of the Seder.

• If going to someone else’s home, let the host know about your child’s autism and what to expect. If they have children, provide information in a kid friendly manner.

• Consider the special meal. If your child is a picky eater, or on a special diet, find out what will be served in advance and prepare substitute dishes that your child will find enjoyable.

• If you plan to go to a place of worship, have a “bag of tricks” to keep your child busy during the service should they become “antsy” (a new book of their preferred topic, books of their favorite heroes, small quiet toys, chewy but not crunchy snacks, etc)

• Remember to have fun, and not to sweat the small stuff! This holiday time can be joyous for all in your home, with preparation, love and understanding!

powered by Doodlekit™ Free Website Builder

• Remember to have fun, and not to sweat the small stuff!

This holiday time can be joyous for all in your home, with preparation, love and understanding!