Wanted/Needed Aspie Interpreter

      This morning began as most mornings do around here. Medicine time, first. Rachel did a great job taking hers,this morning. No complaints, no dragging it out, stalling... Smooth starts always make my day better!
      She even promptly began washing the syringes... from her meds. She then said "Can you tell, I'm taking a role call?"   Huh? I didn't know what she was talking about, (per norm), so I just smiled. She then asked again. I guessed maybe "A role call of your meds?". "NO!" Frustration sets in on both sides!
    She finished cleaning up...only to proclaim again: "I did the role call fast." ....Silence...I chose to ignore what I couldn't decipher.
    As I'm cleaning up the rest of the kitchen, she is getting more and more frustrated. When she finally says "I'm roll on."  Hmmm.... Huh? I ask where are you rolling? She says "No, no, no. Can't you see, how fast I took my medicine and cleaned up? I'm roll on!"
    Alas, another Rachelism. I then ask, (after the light bulb flashed above my head), "Oh, so you are on a roll?"...." NO! "I'm roll on, you know, getting things done faster than usual!"
    Ah... Asperger's and the nuances of the English language. Does anyone know of an Aspie Interpreter? I need one!

Fishy Summertime!




Fish Cake - 6/11/11

         When it's book fair time, at school, most kids are picking out the "popular at the moment" books. This year it seems to have been Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, chapter books, the ever popular Harry Potter...(all of which, she has limited interest in, if any). If you want an original selection, take an Aspie to a book fair!

         At Rachel's first book fair, she chose a cookbook. I was not terribly surprised, simply because, not a lot can surprise me any more. What did pleasantly surprise me is the retained interest in this book.

     Last year when she was making her Christmas "list" for Santa, she wanted cookbooks. Well, he fulfilled that wish. We, now, are owners of numerous cookbooks, geared towards interesting children in cooking. Once again, I thought that interest would wane, BUT... this summer I discovered a fun way of using these books to solve more than one need for Rachel:



Some of Rachel's Favorite Cookbooks



    1) Rachel's reading skills, lag behind her peers', so, I'm always looking for ways to sneak in some reading that actually interests her. Cookbooks seem to do that, and have expanded her vocabulary as well, while using up countless patience & energy on my part. Aspie's learn differently. What can I say?

    2)Rachel's had some problems with measurements & the concept of time. I've discovered she's much more willing to work on telling time when she knows our food creation depends on being promptly on time, whether cooking, mixing, chilling, cooling... She is getting a "little" better grasp on how long a segment of time is. (Although she still asks if 15 minutes is a long time....) Cooking is filled with fractions, problem-solving...

    3)Rachel loves to create and plan! If you know her, personally, you know that is an understatement!  ;0)  Well, what better way to actually use some of these obsessions & compulsions than trying to help her learn how to plan, to shop, and to prepare food. (Although, it has been kind of tricky, talking her into a product that has an ounce or two, more or less, than the recipe calls for.)
   4)Rachel loves science, so we are looking at our cooking time as experiments. She has come up with a LOT of hypotheses, steps, conclusions, causes... which she, at times, eagerly records in her notebook!
   5)And the most obvious benefit to me, is we are doing something that is useful, while being creative, and allows us some "fun" time together, creating what I hope will be good memories for a long time!
   
      After all, every one's got to eat!


Spring Veggie Fritata - 6/11

     So, this summer, we have already tried a few new items, including a fish-shaped cake. (Of course, she would not let me call it a goldfish, since it was not golden enough. I resisted the urge to ask her to compare it to the Goldfish brand snack crackers.) You've got to pick your battles, as you all know!  ;0)
     We also made a "Spring Veggie Fritata". I let her cut up the asparagus into 1/4s, etc.... She first measured the lengths of the spears, but I eventually got her to somewhat estimate the cuts, since she was terribly upset that "this one is longer..."
     So far, everything we've attempted has turned out o.k. I don't know how I will handle it, WHEN something falls apart, etc.

       All I CAN say, is, at this point, her original book fair choice has provided much interest and many unforeseen opportunities for "us". I would love to hear about some of the "fun" and helpful activities you have encountered this summer, with your child!



Latest Book Fair Choice



     I'm thankful we have such a variety of cookbooks to choose from. I'm thinking we should not run out of ideas and projects for along time. Which is something I am extremely thankful for, considering her most recent book fair selection! (See picture, posted above!)  
    Have a creative week!







Surfers for Autism- Cocoa Beach Event ROCKED!

Rachel with some of her volunteer surfing helpers at the Cocoa Beach event!  www.surfersforautism.org/

     Have you ever wanted to volunteer, but not sure what would be the best use of your time, talents, energy, spirit...? Do I have a recommendation for YOU! Those of you that personally know me, know that I have  some causes that I adore & enjoy helping however I can. But I have found a new one to recommend. SURFER'S FOR AUTISM! They are on Facebook... but words don't do their efforts, service & love justice! I saw a variety of volunteers, including: many college students, surfing schools, complete families (parents & kids), pro-surfers, self-proclaimed beach bums, folks that traveled hundreds of miles to volunteer...


Rachel: self appointed "Hula-Hoop Champ"!

    Saturday, June 4, 2011 was the third annual "Space Coast Surfers for Autism" at that location, in Cocoa Beach. This group has events at various beaches throughout the year. The atmosphere was wonderful! I had trouble imagining what it would be like, beforehand, knowing there would be 200 Autistic "surfers" in one limited location. Go ahead...take a minute and imagine. The possibilities were endless in my imagination, before the event.


"Got a Butterfly Tattoo! I'll never bathe again!"

     The event is an all day event at the various locations. Official hours are 9am-4pm. Of course the main calling is the opportunity to surf, but it was so much more than just that! They had a variety of tents set up, with opportunities for the kids (although any age is welcomed, for the first 200 pre-registering) including, bean bag tosses, hula-hooping (where we hung out a LOT), snow-cone booths, tattoos, music, smoothies, sun protecting products, balance boards to mimic the surfing balance...live music... It was great! And everything was free for the participants & their families.


Official logo of this year's event!

     When it got to be time for lunch, various restaurants provided a great array of delicious food for every (including picky) food palette there!  They had pizza, hotdogs, fruit, pasta, wraps, wings... yep. Plenty of choices. And let me add, the organization of everything was mind-blowing. It was of course, set up immediately in front of a life-guard station. Everything ran like clockwork, from the way they divided the surfers, before the event even started, to the way the MANY surfboards were laid out, to the vinegar spray for "potential" jellyfish stings, tents for activities, services... Can you tell? We had a great time!


It's ALWAYS time for Rachel to dance! (NO judgements at this event-just encouragement!)

          Two groups went ahead of Rachel's (white-banded) group. She was soooo excited! While we were waiting, she was watching the others, getting excited for her turn. A very nice pro-surfer approached us & asked if we would like him to be our volunteer. He talked with us before they raised Rachel's group's white flag, indicating it was "time"! There were probably 5 or 6 additional helpers for Rachel's assistance. They headed out and suddenly, I saw her jump! Jellyfish sting! She attempted to go out 3 different times after that, but wound up with 4 jellyfish stings. And, of course the volunteers were getting stung, chest to toe. "We" finally decided to wait  & see if the jellies moved out. Unfortunately they were swarming all day, but it didn't cause us to have a bad day. We still had a blast! Rachel danced to the music...etc for over 6 hours! No Judging Day! THANK-YOU SURFERS for AUTISM! And I have never felt better about "our" life. It was wonderful being with other families that know the challenges, but are making the most of every good opportunity. A very encouraging day!


Rachel exiting the surf with her amazing Volunteer, surfing pro! OUCH!

       I would love to hear from you, readers, about any other opportunities, that you have encountered, that might be helpful for others! Any recommendations? And would, certainly, encourage anyone to get involved with this group, whether to volunteer, register a surfer, financially support... It was an amazing opportunity, that we are so appreciative of!
      
     Now, for a few interesting observations: the kids kept the cut-out toss boards, spotless. Some were consumed with making sure NO sand stayed on the boards during the games. Rachel's donation seemed to be sorting and stacking the hula-hoops in order according to size, color, bends in them... She would ONLY use the sparkly solid pink one, that had a slight bend. Some kids would not lay on the surfboards when they were on land, but happily "rode a wave" in the actual surf! Many kids, including Rachel covered their ears with the "loud" live music, all the while she was dancing. We saw many tops of heads, as there was limited eye-contact for some. Some had sensory issues, unique eating habits, some had "inappropriate contact space" difficulties, obvious communication difficulties... For once, Rachel was NOT nearly, the only toe-walker; there were several others. Yes, there were several meltdowns, by some participants, awkward moments, if in the "general" population, but nothing, but acceptance and encouragement & support were available, yesterday. What more could we ask? Thank you, again! We will be back & can't wait for that opportunity!

A Time to Plant...

(Photo from 2005)

 
  Celebrating Memorial Day, today. I must admit, the occassion is meaning something different this year to me. My childhood friend, Jenny Newsom's son, Kevin Balduf, was killed in Afghanistan this month for our country. May God give comfort and strength to all those families who have given all for us! Kevin left behind a young wife, 2 young daughters, his twin, Kyle, his Mom, Jenny, Aunt Joyce, Uncle Howard and so many more family & friends.
    When Rachel said she wanted to make a card for Kevin's mom, she handed me a crayon picture of a mitten. Interesting... She then said "there are actually 2 mittens, you just can't see one of them. They are touching together to pray."
    On a completely different topic... Today is Rachel's first real day of summer vacation. And of course, that means to expect the unexpected... she is of course, an Aspie! She was watching a cartoon early this morning & came into my room to ask me "Can we plant eggs?"..... My brain was trying to recover from a migraine, so I wasn't sure what she asked. "What?"  To which she asked again "Can we plant eggs?"... immediate confusion! Followed by the "No; why did you ask that?" 
    "Well, how do you get an EGGPLANT?"... completely sincere.
     Of course... I am so slow! Got to love another Rachelism! And why is the English language so inaccurate, anyway?
    Enjoy your holiday & remember the sacrifices that so many have made for our freedoms! God bless the USA & may we bless GOD!
  

Facts of Life...

(Rosie & Rachel in years gone by)

     Wanted to share a sweet Rachelism this morning...
     If you, personally know Rachel, you know Rosebug, our dog, is her "life" (her words). Last summer, we began discussing and reading about changes. Changes that occur as a girl becomes a young woman... Interesting to say the least! And that's pretty much all I will share about that. BUT....
      Yesterday, we were talking about Rosie. "Is she ever going to have puppies?..."  So, trying to be creative, but give her a picture she could understand.... I explained that Rosie's "nest" had been removed when she was young, so she would never have puppies. Quiet....Thinking...Quiet... "So, Rosie's eggs are gone?".... Yes....(Sigh of relief; she understands.)  Not!
    More silence & look of concern on Rachel's face... She began loving on Rosie, looking kind of concerned again.... Then she asked "Are there some very special birds watching over & caring for Rosie's eggs?" It was another innocent Aspie conversation, that I will probably remember forever. Smiles....
      

Aspie-Perfect Description

    On a lighter note, this Saturday morning....
    Our yard and all of our area yards have been in desperate need of rain. So, when some clouds rolled in yesterday afternoon, excitement & hope were the "words" around here! (Daytona area) We even heard the promising roll of thunder...we got the winds, cloud, thunder... rain? not so much, if any, at our house.
   So, this morning, I asked Rachel if she thought we got any rain last night. To which she replied: "I think so. The yard looks a little MOISTURIZED"! Perfect beginning of a day with an Aspie!

Sometimes the Truth Hurts....

    Well, what can I say? Thankfully it's Friday! No school for 2 days! Today (aka Rachel), started out in a good mood. By the time I picked her up at 3:05 from school, some things had changed. Or had they?
    It was book fair week at school this week. Rachel chose a story about bullies and how to handle them. (I'm now thinking we should have read the whole book...FASTER!) Bullies have been an increasing problem for Rachel at school. Aspies do not understand the social cues the way others do, nor do they always know when to keep silent. We always tell our children to be honest, BUT sometimes I forget to remind Rachel that "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Of course these 2 rules seem complete opposites to her.
    Here goes our afternoon.... Her teacher meets me at my car in the pick-up line at school. I can tell, she does not look like she is happy it's Friday. Everything ran through my mind in speed of light time. I then reassured myself, how bad could it be? No one called me today from the school. Whew. Maybe the teacher was just tired. hmmmm
    I didn't have to wait long to hear that there had been an "incident", today. Swallow hard. "What happened?" Teacher says, "well, Rachel damaged some property and will have to repay the other student for the replacement." Uh oh.
   Her teacher went on to explain "I don't encourage the children to autograph each other's school shirts, but it was happening some today." O.K. Rachel explained that in "the past tense", when I was in school, we signed each other's yearbooks. But, now, they use their school shirts to write on at the end of the year. Still sounds fairly innocent, but could tell by Mrs. Adkin's demeanor that this was not so friendly.
    Mrs. Adkins proceeded to tell me that Rachel had been asked to "sign" a little girl's shirt.

    Here is where I will remind you of Rachel's lifelong friend, Mollie! Mollie and her family have always been there for Rachel and she feels fiercely loyal to them, as do I. Apparently, some of the girls were taking sides and picking on Mollie. Rachel just could not ignore it. So, knowing the importance of telling the truth,, Rachel "signs" (not knowing she was just supposed to sign her name) the little girl's shirt, who was being less than nice to Mollie. Rachel said she "signed" it: "Stop doing what you are doing to Mollie." She simply "signed" the girl's shirt & didn't want that girl to pick on her friend.

    Well, needless to say, the way she showed her loyalty was "unappreciated" by the shirt owner, (although highly appreciated by Mollie), and the teacher....  She was promptly put in time out in the corner of the classroom. And now will repay for the girl to get a new shirt.

    I can certainly understand the importance of respecting other people's property, and understand her duty to replace the shirt, but I must say, the line felt a little blurry to me, so far as explaining how important it is that you stand up for your friends, but in a non-hurtful way. Life is so complicated these days. 

   Sometimes..."writing the truth, hurts". I am sad that it all happened, but I also think it's kind of sweet, that Rachel loves her friend and wants to protect her. I'm writing about this to show, how Aspies have even more than the normal trouble, dealing with social situations.

   We, as parents, need wisdom, above and beyond any norm, to know how to handle these situations and how to train & prepare them for everyday situations. Have a great weekend! Love your friends!