At The Conference

Ryan is in the top picture.  He is sitting next to
 the moderator, 3rd from left.

Photo Credit: AZ Assist

Ryan did very well at the convention. He sat thru some long talks, which were very informative to me. By 3pm he was tired-- social engagement is like a marathon to kids with autism. Took a break. By 4pm he was giving his presentation, complete with power point and special effects. He spoke clearly and slowly. A job well done. I am a very proud mama!

Autism Conference and Ryan

A few weeks ago Ryan was invited to give a presentation at an upcoming autism conference.  To my surprise, he accepted!  For a kid who didn't talk until he was 5 and has never really liked talking, this is HUGE.  Ryan will be part of a panel of young adults with autism.  They will speak individually about their lives with autism, and then they can focus on some aspect, whether it's their future, their education, or their outlook on life.

Last week we met with the coach and monitor of this panel.  Ryan was not comfortable at first, but he answered all of her questions.  He showed her how he'd use a microphone.  Basically, they covered the ground rules and expectations.  He said he understood everything.

In the last week I've had to push him to finish his presentation with slides.  He kept procrastinating, saying he'd work on it "tomorrow".  Finally on Tuesday, I said he needed to finish it, so he could practice his presentation with the slides.  I love how there is always tomorrow...

On Wednesday he gave his presentation to his grandparents.  They were quite happy!  Ryan spoke clearly and slowly.  Very deliberately.

I can't wait until tomorrow. 

Eating Healthy: Making My Own Vanilla Extract

Vanilla Beans

I can't buy vanilla extract without it having some sort of junk in it. Since I bake all the breads, cakes, etc from scratch, we go through a ton of vanilla. Consequently, I purchased vanilla beans a couple weeks ago.  The aroma from the beans was heaven scent.  Yes, pun intended, scent vs sent.  Dry humor...

Anyways, since I don't know much about hard liquor, I asked several people what kind of alcohol to soak the beans in. I received quite an array of suggestions, such as vodka, brandy, rum, and bourbon. My cousin recommended bourbon since it "inherently has vanilla notes."  He also said that brandy might be heavy, but might work as would a light rum.  That contrasts with my mother in law who said that brandy would be more mellow.  Most everyone agreed vodka is tasteless, so it would remain neutral.  I'd love to try all the suggestions.  I have enough vanilla beans.  However, the cost of liquor is a bit pricy for my checking account!

I ended up purchasing vodka and bourbon. I cut up the equivalent of 3 beans in inch sections per 1 cup of alcohol. Sealed bottles. Shook them. Placed in a dark closet. 

Will revisit them next Sun to shake again. Now we wait... some say 2 months, others say 6 months. I hope by Christmas season, I'll have some savory vanilla of my own. We'll see!

photo credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/acfou/

Coping with the Daily Turmoil of Autism

I was asked yesterday how I get through the daily turmoil of autism. I replied, "A lot of prayer" and... "one moment at a time." Makes me think, if I could remove the autism, of course, I would; however, I wouldn't remove one moment of my life with these boys. The challenges, tears, etc. I'd keep it all. I love my boys.

Happy Birthday, Ryan!

Ryan turned 18 over the weekend.  It was a happy occasion.  I started planning the day about a week ahead of time.  Having autism, Ryan doesn't have a lot of friends.  He talks with people, if they ask him a question.  However, extended conversations still elude Ryan.  Therefore, it is difficult to cultivate and maintain typical friendships.  Since this was a milestone, I wanted it to be memorable for Ryan.

I surprised him in the morning by taking him out for a birthday breakfast.  A local restaurant offers a free breakfast on the actual birth date.  He had no problem with that.  Ryan then visited a fellow home schooling family.  I knew Ryan wanted to go to Benihana's for dinner, but I had other plans in store for him.  So we went to lunch there.  He felt at ease since we had been there recently.  He gave a big smile when the camera came around, as compared to the photo taken about a month ago.  Ryan doesn't usually smile with such ease.

In the evening I ran some errands with the boys to keep them guessing where we were going.  I was successful for most of the ride.  Eventually, they guessed where we were destined, but they didn't guess a surprise party with extended family members.  We had a wonderful pool party with cousins and relatives.  Ryan enjoyed the surprise and the festivities.

I was very thankful that most relatives came.  It is very hard for a parent to celebrate events for teens with autism.  My sister's comment illustrated the point.  Her daughter asked why Ryan wasn't celebrating with his friends? My sister had to explain to her daughter that autism can inhibit communication with others. So even kids who know Matthew quite well don't fully comprehend what it's like socially for a teen with autism.  That circle of friends that seems so typical of teenagers doesn't necessarily exist for these autistic kids.

It's always a question for the parents:  how to fill that void?  I'm not sure there is an answer.

For now, I'm glad that Ryan had a happy birthday, and we continue to work on conversation skills. 

School Supplies--Free Flash Drive Offer

Ryan came home from school with a list of needed items.  I glance over the list of usual items, but there is an unusual one:  a flash drive.

So I am no tech guru, as my children are.  I am very comfortable living with pen and paper and a rotary phone.  However, my children like the technological advances.  I have always looked at some of these tools as luxury items, but school is now making these tools a necessity.  And these are not cheap when multiple kids are involved.

When a friend of mine posted about this opportunity, I knew I had to pursue it: a free 2GB flash drives from USB Memory Direct.  There is helpful information already loaded on the flash drive, geared to help moms.  The 75 tips cover topics such as school lunches and snacks, homework, and after school activities.

You can find more information here as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Who couldn't use helpful information AND free school supplies?

By posting this promotion, I am eligible to receive a free flash drive.  I receive no additional compensation.

Posh Traveling Improvised

Ryan, Nick, and Cam with me

One of our summer endeavors has been to expose the boys to different ethnic restaurants because the boys still have sensory issues.  We'd love to travel to various countries, but money dictates creativity.   I set the boys on a hunt:  to find restaurants with different ethnic or cultural foods.  The computer blazed, and we found several different places.

We "travel" to a different country every time, which saves on airline costs. HA. Most of the restaurants are family owned.  We have tried to stay away from the chain restaurant, but how they enjoyed Benihana! This place was infused with entertainment.  The boys loved seeing the food sizzle in front of them.  The chef amazed them with tricks like flipping the bowls into his hat.  Quite a show.

The different country aspect is all a part of expanding their horizons with various tastes, textures, cultures. etc.  They are now not as sensitive to unfamiliar smells, sounds, tastes, etc., as they were at the beginning of summer. So this "therapy" is working!  Tis amazing how thinking outside the box has helped our boys.