Product Name: Soothing Stars Vibrating Pillow
Price: $22.95
Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Company Name: Achievement Products
Company Website: www.achievement-products.com
Company Phone Number: 1-800-373-4699

Congratulations to AutismSpot.com's former Editor, Leigh Attaway Wilcox! Why are we congratulating her? Read about it below!

In the past many doctors have suggested exposing an infant to gluten if they were at risk for developing celiac disease. These children “at risk” are those that have parents or siblings with the condition. I have never condoned this practice but new research backs up that this early introduction is a bad idea. The University of Maryland said “there may be a benefit to delayed exposure, waiting until at least 12 months of age.” This new information comes after looking at the intestines of 26 at-risk infants exposed to gluten early VS late.

Do you remember that TV show “Kids Say the Darndest Things?” It was a show, hosted by Bill Cosby, that ran over a decade ago in which the host would ask kids questions in hopes of getting them to say something funny or inappropriate.
Well, you don’t have to put my daughter, Lizzie, on a TV show to get her to say something inappropriate. Inappropriate comments flow so freely out of her sweet little mouth that I sometimes find myself thinking, “We worked so, so hard to get you to talk, and seriously, is this what you are going to say?!!!!”
Having a child with autism causes every subject to be laid out on the table for discussion. There is no ability to dance around a topic or keep hush-hush on any subject. Every topic, regardless of how socially inappropriate, is thrust out in the open to be discussed with no filter on what might be said. For Lizzie, her thoughts and her words are one and the same, and sometimes her words can catch me completely off guard.

We all have an optimal state for learning and processing information. Some of us have naturally high arousal and some of us have naturally low arousal. As adults, we automatically regulate our emotions and sensory needs and typically don’t even realize it. If we are feeling low, we may have an extra cup of coffee in the morning. If we are feeling stressed, we may twiddle our hair, listen to classical music, take some deep breaths or take a quiet break. Children with autism may have a difficult time doing this. It is challenging for them to understand their emotions and their bodies.

Product Name: Weighted Shawl
Price: $42.95
Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Company Name: Achievement Products
Company Website: www.achievement-products.com
Company Phone Number: 1-800-373-4699
Product Description: “This snuggly blanket hes induce calmness and relaxation. Weighs 5 lbs., unscented and is made with microfleece.”
Measure 20” x 28”. Lead free.

Product Name: Button Bear Weighted Lap Pad
Price: $39.95
Recommended Age: 3 years and up
Company Name: Achievement Products
Company Website: www.achievement-products.com
Company Phone Number: 1-800-373-4699
Product Description:

I haven't been to the bathroom by myself in 7 years.
SEVEN.
For some reason, there is always my little mini me shadow that follows. He can sense it. If I step more than two feet in the bathroom, BAM - he's there. My lil Rockstar.
Not completely sure why. Separation Anxiety? I go with him every time, so he's trying to get even? Entertainment? I don't know.

KidSpeak is taking a break from blogging to wrap up the rest of the summer semester, to prepare for the new school year and to spend some time with family and friends. We will be back in September with lots of new material to help you prepare for the holidays and for keeping your child social during the fall!

When working with kids with special needs, we all strive to take on a team approach in order to help each child the best that we can. The child may have several professionals working with them at the same time like a tutor, occupational therapist, speech therapist, physical therapist, neurologist, psychologist, ABA specialist and most importantly, their teachers. As we juggle our crazy schedules and what comes with the day to day routine, it can be challenging to create a successful team intervention approach.