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Country: USA
Member since: Oct 23, 2007
Last logged in: Nov 20, 2008
Hi everyone
My name is Jan and I am Mom to my wonderful son, 22 year old Andrew who has regressive autism that is fairly classic in it's presentation, (the result of his MMR vaccine at 16 months.) He also has bipolar disorder and tourettes syndrome.
I also have a wonderful (NT) daughter Allie who is 25 and working on hers Masters Degree in Fine Arts.
I work for an Autism agency and spend the rest of my time advocating for my son. I am trying to get the people in power in the adult service world to understand what "Best Practices" are for people with Autism.
I have been married for 26 years to my DH who is a sweetie and very content to let me do the "autism stuff."
Andrew has just transitioned from school to adult services, a very disheartening event! Adult Services knowledge about people with Autism and their needs is generally where the school system's knowledge was back in 1993!!
I am really hoping to be able to corespond with other parents of young adults with Autism who are also strong advocates for their sons and daughters. This is a tough enough road to travel, without having to do it without being able to share ideas with others who are also facing the similar issues.
Favorite Compositions (0)
janneane7's Compositions
by janneane7 on 12.30.07 - public - 105 visits
Nothing works 100% of the time for Andrew but these are some of the things that help.
* Sitting on the couch with me, in the quiet, closing our eyes together and practicing our deep breaths.
* In the summer, going in the pool; but this only helps if he has someone to go in with him, because he firmly believes the pool is no fun alone.
* Believe it or not hanging laundry (one of the best things I ever taught him to do LOL!) He really seems to just relax when he is hanging clothes.
* Also doing work around the house or going to work at the food pantry. A busy Andy is generally a calm and happy Andy.
* And the BIG ONE is BUBBLES!!! Andy doesn't blow bubbles, rather he dips the wand and snaps his wrist to make the bubbles fly. He has been doing bubbles virtually every day (it doesn't matter if there is snow, sleet, rain he is out there) for about 13 or 14 years, maybe longer. I venture I have spent between $5,000.00 to $8,000.00 on bubbles over that time. Doing bubbles really seems most times to calm him down and help him feel relaxed.
Comments(1)
carmel66
Posted on Mon, 31 Dec 2007
Yeah for bubbles - better than smoking, or gambling, that's for sure. Hanging laundry - that's the first i've heard that one. Good for you.
