F.A.L.A. February 2009 Newsletter

My Very Personal Nine-Month Collaboration with Big Wave Project in Half Moon Bay

On July 24, 2007 I phoned Big Wave Project and spoke with Kimberly Brennan and after several conversations with Kimberly and Jeff Peck, Big Wave's President and Co-Founder, I emailed them my Proposal that I had designed on September 24, 2007; A Self-sustainable Organic Farmstead Model that gained National Recognition from the most prominent Autism Professionals and experts across the United States.

Jeff Peck promised me a position on his Advisory Board and to secure a spot for my 10-year-old autistic son in exchange for collaborating and sharing my ideas and vision with Big Wave Project.

I spoke to Jeff about "Going Green 100%" (when I met Jeff, he had no intention of going green) on every aspect of planning and how it would help with the Permit Process especially because he was near the Coast. I also sent him my Live, Work, Green Proposal that I had also designed from scratch in February 2008 which includes a Full-Recycle Center & Live/Work Green Lofts and Businesses.

I designed my son's, Alex's Day at Big Wave and a written Architectural Layout of the Wellness & Community Development Center per Jeff Peck's request in November of 2007:

Alex’s First Day of his Month at Big Wave by Kim Ashburn

It is Monday morning and Alex has been studying his new Monthly Schedule all weekend. Alex is an early riser and his alarm goes off at 6:00 a.m. He heads to the shower and his music is set for 20-minutes. Alex washes his hair, cleans himself, and turns off the shower. He dries himself off, combs his hair, cleans his ears, and picks out his clothes based on the News Weather Forecast. He takes his vitamins, brushes his teeth, and gargles and heads out the door with his peers and his Life Skills Coaches at 6:45 a.m.

They walk to the Wellness Center and head towards the Cafe’s Commercial Kitchen. The Recipes for today’s Breakfast Brunch have been written on each of the chalk boards surrounding each workstation. They quickly move to their workstations and begin preparing today’s Breakfast Brunch; GF/CF French Toast, Apple Sausage, Fresh Fruit, Cold Cereal, Oatmeal, and Juice alongside their volunteers/mentors.

After completing setting up the Breakfast Buffet Bar, the group of six peers sits and eats their breakfast and discusses their next task with the help of their Life Skills Coaches. They each take out their punch cards that lists today’s activities.

Their Life Skills Coach punches their time cards for completing their morning task. It is now 9:00 a.m. and they are ready for some education. Alex’s peer group receives an hour of Computer Lab. They are learning the concepts of the computer and how to increase their speed typing. Alex does a great job by staying on task and his Life Skill’s Coaches punch his time card for completing his Computer Lab.

It is 10:00 a.m. and Alex’s peer group heads off to the Science Room. This month’s lesson is The Galaxy. Alex loves Science and cannot wait to get involved in an open-discussion with his peers and Science Teacher. Their Life Skills Coach punches their time cards for completing their tasks in Science.

It is 11:00 a.m. and lunch time and Alex and his peers head to the Cafe. They eat their lunch and head towards the Music Room at 12:00 p.m. for this month’s Choir Practice. They are preparing for an end of the month performance. They are excited to find out what song they will be performing.

A Mentor enters the room and it is someone very special in the Music Industry. The Mentor plays his songs to Alex and his friends so they can get a feel for what they will be performing. They pick their song and begin to practice. Their Life Skill’s Coach punches their time cards and they move onto Physical Education.

It is 1:00 p.m. and Alex’s group is aligned with other students. They spilt off into two teams. This month’s Special Olympics Featured Sport is “Soccer.” Alex is on the Blue Team and he likes to play Goalie. He is excited to play his favorite sport. After Alex completes Soccer at 2:30 p.m., Alex and his Team Mates head into the locker room and shower. Alex gets dressed and his Life Skills Coach punches his time card.

At 3:00 p.m. Alex helps run the Library. He loves to organize and help others. Alex and his peers work at the Library for two hours. It is 5:00 p.m. and Alex and his peers head to the Cafe for dinner. At 6:00 p.m. Alex’s Life Skill’s Coach punches his time card and hands him his tokens for the Arcade.

Alex thoroughly enjoys interacting with peers at the Arcade. The Arcade closes at 8:00 p.m. and Alex heads across the street with his peers and Life Skill’s Coaches and it is time for bed. Alex is excited to begin his next day at CDC!

Architectural Layout of Big Wave Wellness & Community Development Center

Basement next to Jeff Peck’s Movie Theatre: Snack Bar, Arcade: Dance, Dance Revolution, Dart Boards (Soft Tip), Pool Table, Ping Pong Table, Table Shuffle Board, Juke Box, Dance Floor, Two-Lane Bowling Alley, Pin Ball Machines, Electronic Game Area: Wii, Playstion, GameCube, etc...

First Floor: Gym with Weight Room, Tread Mill, Bikes, Racquetball Court, Indoor Salt Water Pool with retractable roof, Epsom Salt Jacuzzi, Infrared Sauna, Massage Room, Sensorcize Room; Yoga, Karate, Meditation, Jazzercise. Gymnasium with Stage; Full Basketball Court, Indoor Soccer, Power Walking, Adaptive Recreation, Gymnastics, etc... Gymnasium would be used for Performances, Socials, Family Events, Lectures, etc...

Centered: Cafe/Deli with Commercial Kitchen (Residents will create Daily Deli Specials), Organic Juice Bar, Organic Coffee Bar, and Bakery.

Store Fronts: Animal Grooming (all natural, no chemicals), Dog Walking & Training, Dry Cleaners (all natural, no chemicals), Book & Music Store, Library w/Computer Lab, Travel Agency, Postal Annex, Video & Game Rentals, Eco-Chic Boutique; Arts & Crafts, Gallery, Organic and 100% Natural Clothing, Towels, Stationary, etc...

Second Floor: Classrooms; Culinary Cooking Class w/Commercial Kitchen and work areas. (I sent a follow-up email to move this to the first floor adjoining to the Cafe/Deli because it would make more sense!). Science Room, Computer Lab & Graphics, Music Room/Choir, Fine Arts; Painting, Ceramics, Arts & Crafts (3), Acting/Performing Arts (they can use stage in Gymnasium), Dance/Ballet/Jazz/Tap, General Education (2), Banking, Billing & Receiving, Advertising & Marketing, Big Wave Executive Suites.

I also called Jeff Peck and spoke of the Eco-Friendly Solar Modular's and how the Germans just took first place again at Washington DC. I also phoned Jeff Peck about Live/Work Lofts and Studios that my husband had built and how in downtown Sacramento they rented for $2500.00 a month for a 900 sq. ft. Studio and that by renting more units at Big Wave Project could raise much more needed income to help its sustainability.

I highly question the statement that Jeff Peck made at the 6-8-08 Unveil of Big Wave where he stated, "After having a beer after work six to eight months ago with Steve Barber drove them to scrap their existing plans and start new and that their existing plans weren't good enough!"

Eight months prior on October 23, 2007, Jeff Peck was having lunch in my home in Sacramento while I shared my Proposal, my Model, and gave Jeff constant feedback over a nine-month period which I was more than willing to do in exchange of serving on the Advisory Board and being part of the Big Wave Team. And, to help secure a spot for my son's future.

It was brought to my attention at the 6-8-08 meeting, that Big Wave will be partnering with C-PALS to design and create an Organic Farmstead and Permanent Living with For Profit Businesses. Their Concepts according to the person who I spoke with are exactly like my Model that I shared with them and that I have personally designed and emailed to Jeff Peck and Kimberly Brennan in September 2007.

I asked Jeff Peck months ago that if I helped Big Wave and they liked my ideas and concepts, would Big Wave in return help me build my Model for my son and those like him?

When I questioned Jeff Peck as to why he did not invite me to one Advisory Board Meeting over a nine-month period (9/07 to 6/07/08) along with not listing my name on the 6-8-08 Slide Presentation along with all of the other Advisory Board Members, and never once introduced me to one person during the two hours that my family was there ...

He stated, "It was an oversight and he said to even suggest that they would need to or want to steal my ideas goes beyond ridiculous. He then went onto say that our family was not the right fit for Big Wave!"

Yet, it is very apparent to anyone who had ever read my proposals that every idea and concept that Big Wave Project has incorporated into their unique and one-of-a-kind "NEW PLANS" came from my two Proposals and my nine-month Collaboration which Jeff Peck and his Team deny to this day?

F.A.L.A. December Newsletter

Two Is Company ... Three Is A Crowd!

Several months ago, our dog Rocky became ill so I took him to the Veterinarian in Rocklin, California. While waiting for his test results, I struck up a conversation with a woman who was a mother of a Asperger male adult who was nearing the end of his second year at The University of San Diego.

I was so interested in what she had to say that I was glued to my seat and wanted to know everything that had taken place over the past two years. She started out by saying that his first year as a freshman was very difficult due to him living at the on-campus dorms.

She went on to say, that her son was so overwhelmed by the day-to-day chaos of living in the dormitory that she was fearful that her son would not go on to graduate. She stated that they spoke on the phone everyday and helped coach her son to focus on school versus the dorm.

The following summer, she and her son put together a Roommate Wanted Ad and posted it in the Campus Newspaper and Administrative Office. Two sophomore males answered the ad and the three of them moved into an Apartment close to Campus.

She stated that at first everything was running smoothly but as time went by, the other two roommates became close friends and would often venture out without including or inviting her son to join them. At the end of year two, she had new fears of her son being isolated, having his feelings hurt, and possible depression.

My dog was ready to go home so I said good bye and thanked her for sharing her story with me. On the way home, I could not stop thinking about what she had said and I was in tears. I thought myself ... how could two young adults be so cruel?

But, the more I started to think about it, the more it started to make sense from a reality standpoint. Looking back on all of my childhood and adult memories her son's experience rang near. Whenever I got together with two other girls, the samething always happened. The two would hook up and would not include me.

So, once again I started to think about "Three-Packs." A term the government uses to describe a living situation that they feel is ideal coupled with financial reasons as a living arrangement for people with Autism and disabilities.

And, once again I have to say that this is not the right solution. Two is company and three is definitely a crowd. As far as an ideal design, a two-bedroom Master Suite Apartment, Townhouse, Condo, Modular, and Cottage would be ideal.

I would have the two-bedroom Suites share a common kitchen and living room or great room and have the bedrooms placed on opposite sides with full bathrooms and sitting areas. Making every effort possible to allow room for privacy and personal space.

If you are designing a Model, base your architectural design on two maximum capacity and Studios or one bedrooms for those who simply prefer to live on their own. People with disabilities are no different than those who are not disabled or have special needs!

F.A.L.A. November 2008 Newsletter

Why The Gluten Free (GF) & Casein Free (CF) Diet?

There appears to be some mass confusion amongst the Autism Community in regards to the GF/CF Diet. First, have your child tested by a Allergist to determine if your child is ALLERGIC to Wheat/Gluten & Dairy/Casein!

According to Cade's Study of 150 Autistic children, 87% tested positive to Gluten and 90% tested positive to Casein. Cade also followed 70 children on a GF/CF diet for 1-8 years and 81% showed significant improvements within the first three months with continuing improvements over the next 12 months. 1/3 of the 19% that showed no improvement was tested and Cade found large amounts of casein and gluten in their blood due to not following the diet?

If a child or adult’s food allergies goes undetected (if they are not tested for food allergies and this is one of the biggest problems) and they continue to eat allergic foods, they form a fungus and bacteria in their gut known as Leaky Gut or Gastrointestinal Inflammation.

Due to having holes in their stomach lining (Leaky Gut), any nutrients that go in their mouths (food, minerals, and supplements) escape through the holes in the gut and do not get to the brain and their Brains swell (Inflammation of the Brain). Also, Leaky Gut lowers their immune system due to lack of nutrients which makes them more susceptible to diseases.

Our son, Alex was tested for Gluten and Casein and the test results concluded that he was allergic to both. Our family has been dedicated to following a strict Gluten & Casein Free Diet for over two-and-a-half years and has seen significant improvements in Alex's communication, behavior, and overall health.

Alex’s Flintstones Vitamins contained artificial flavors, food dyes, and milk so we ordered Casein Free/Gluten Free Vitamins from Kirkman based on the Defeat Autism Now (D.A.N.) protocols. We also started Alex on Epsom Salt Baths and Methyl-B12 injections.

We are very willing to treat our son and to work towards a possible recovery and hope to help many others do the same. The key to recovery is becoming an educated parent.

Dr. Bernard Rimland, Autism Research Institute, and Defeat Autism Now (D.A.N.): For over Forty-years, Dr. Rimland, a father of an autistic child and founder of the Autism Research Institute (ARI) in San Diego, dedicated his life to studying and researching over 25,000 children and adults with Autism. Their motto is “Autism is Treatable.”

Defeat Autism Now (D.A.N.) is an Association also founded by Dr. Rimland which includes researchers and physicians who have dedicated the past twelve years to reversing autism. Twelve years ago, there was only one child by the name of Garret G. who had recovered from Autism due to Bio-Medical Intervention. Today, there are thousands who have recovered as a result of Bio-Medical Interventions pioneered by innovative researchers and physicians in the D.A.N. movement.

I highly recommend that every parent read "Autism: Effective Biomedical Treatments" by Jon Pangborn, Ph.D. and Sidney M. Baker, M.D. and “Unraveling The Mystery of Autism, A Mother’s Story of Research and Recovery” by Karyn Seroussi. These two books have given us hope and have changed our lives.

Once you have determined that your child is ALLERGIC to Wheat/Gluten & Dairy/Casein, tackle the Diet immediately along with taking a Prescribed Antibiotic to clean the gut from the fungus and bacteria.

Easy and Delicious GF/CF Replacement Foods & Menu (Low Oxalates)
Our Family’s Favorite Store Bought Replacements: Bel Air/Raley’s Natural Foods Isle, Winco has some products, Sac Co-op is where we shop, Trader Joe’s, Sunshine Foods, Whole Foods, and Costco:

BBQ Marinades: Costco's Organicville Original BBQ Sauce, Lawry’s Tequila Lime (Chicken), Lawry’s Caribbean Jerk (Tri-Tip), Lawry’s Baja Chipolte (Skirt Steak), Annie’s Naturals Organic BBQ Sauces.
Beans: S & W’s Beans and Black Beans, Bush’s Best Baked Beans.
Breads: Potato Flour Breads, Ener-G Light Tapioca; Loaf, Hamburger Buns, Hot Dog Buns, Dinner Rolls, Pretzels, and Pizza Crusts.
Butter: Organic Earth Balance Whipped Buttery Spread, Shortening Butter for Baking.
Cereal: Enviro Kidz Organic Gorrilla Munch and Amazon Frosted Flakes, Barbara’s Organic Wild Puffs, Rice Krispies, Honey Nut Chex.
Cheese: Galaxy Nutritional Foods; American and Pepper Jack Flavor Rice Slices, Mozzarella Flavor Shreds, and Parmesan Flavor Grated Topping, Goat & Sheep Cheese.
Cookies: Pamela’s Products Gourmet All Natural Cookies, Newman-O’s
Eggs: Brown Organic Eggs
Fruit Juices: 100% Natural Organic mixed with 1/2 Water.
Ice Cream: Rice Dream Vanilla, Haagen-Dazs Mango and Zesty Lemon Sorbets.
Ice Cream Fruit Bars: Breyers All Natural Pure Fruit Bars, Dryer’s All Natural Lemonade Fruit Bars.
Mayonnaise: Follow Your Heart Vegenaise Dressing & Sandwich Spread.
Milk: Rice Dream Rice Drink Vanilla, A Taste of Thai Coconut Milk.
Oils: Olive Oil and Canola Oil.
Pasta: Tinkyada Pasta Joy Brown Rice Pastas, A Taste of Thai Rice Noodles.
Pizza Crusts: Ener-G Light Tapioca Pizza Crusts and Amy’s Brown Rice Pizza Crusts.
Pizza Pasta Sauce: Muir Glen Organic Tomato Paste
Potatoes: Alexia’s Yukon Gold Frozen Potatoes, Organic Red and Brown Potatoes.
Rice: Mahatma Jasmine & Balsamic Rice.
Salad Dressing: Follow Your Heart Ranch Dressing, Briannas’; Vinaigrette, Poppyseed, Honey Dijon, Newmans’ Olive Oil & Vinegar.
Other Spreads: Miso Mayo’s Spicy Red Pepper
Sugar: Stevia
Syrup: Costco’s Kirkland 100% Pure Maple Syrup.
Taco Sauce: Ortega’s Medium Smokey Chipolte
Tarter Sauce: Miso Mayo’s Garlic ‘N’ Dill and you can make your own w/Vegenaise.
Waffles: Van’s All Natural Wheat Free Original Waffles.

APPETIZERS
Nachos: Organic White Corn Tortilla Chips, Melted Galaxy Mozzarella, Black Beans, Salsa, and Guacamole.
Taquitos: StarLite Cuisine Chicken, Beef, and Chorizo Taquitos and Guacamole.
Foster Farms Grilled Chicken Strips with Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce.
Foster Farms Buffalo Wings, Celery & Carrot Sticks, and Follow Your Heart Ranch Dressing.
Pepperoni Pizza: Ener-G Light Tapioca Pizza Crust or Amy’s Brown Rice Pizza Crust, Muir Glen Organic Tomato Paste, Galaxy Mozzarella, and Sliced Pepperoni.
All Natural BBQ Sausages/Brats with a variety of Mustards
BBQ Chipolte Shrimp or Scallops wrapped in All Natural Bacon.
Shrimp Cocktail

BREADS
Bob’s Red Mill Homemade Wonderful GF Bread Mix, Bob’s Walrus Bread, Bob’s All Purpose GF Baking Flour’s Banana Bread, Bob’s Wheat Free Biscuit & Baking Mix: Biscuits, Pancakes, and Shortcake, Bob’s White Rice Flour: Sue’s Rice Muffins and Rice Flour Pie Crust. Namaste’s GF/Sugar Free Pizza Crust Mix, Muffin Mix, Spice Cake Mix, and Brownie Mix.

EXAMPLE OF OUR WEEKLY DINNER MENU
Tri-Tip Monday: Green Salad w/Newman’s Olive Oil & Vinegar, Ener-G Light Tapioca Dinner Rolls, BBQ Caribbean Jerk Tri-Tip, Baked Potato, and cooked Carrots.

Taco Tuesday: Ground Beef, White Corn Tortillas, Galaxy Mozzarella Flavor Shreds, Shredded Lettuce, Diced Tomatoes, Salsa, Smokey Chipolte Taco Sauce, Mexican Rice, Black Beans, and White Corn Tortilla Chips.

Spaghetti Wednesday: Leftover Ground Beef, Muir Glen Organic Pasta Sauce, Brown Rice Pasta, Green Salad w/Briannas’ Vinaigrette Dressing, Green Peas, and Garlic & Parmesan Bread.

BBQ Chicken Thursday: Tequila Lime BBQ Chicken, Jasmine Rice, Steamed Carrotts, Green Salad w/Briannas’ Poppyseed Dressing, and Ener-G Light Tapioca Dinner Rolls.

Chinese Take-out Friday: P.F. Chang’s GF/CF Chinese take out.

Cheeseburger Saturday: Cheeseburgers, French Fries, Homemade Coleslaw, and Baked Beans.

Seafood Sunday: Shrimp Scampi, Jasmine Rice, Grilled Asparagus Spears, Asian Cucumber Salad, and Ener-G Light Tapioca Dinner Rolls.

DESSERT
Rice Dream Vanilla Ice Cream & Root beer floats, Haagen-Dazs Mango and Zesty Lemon Sorbet, Dryer’s Lemonade Fruit Bars.

F.A.L.A. October Newsletter

A Sense of Belonging

When my son was six-years-old he was mainstreamed into Kindergarten with several aides. His I.E.P. had stated that the School would gradually increase his time spent in the classroom but Alex would start out by spending the majority of his day in the Learning Center. The same was stated in his I.E.P. in First Grade.

However, the school did not adhere to his I.E.P. and after speaking with his teachers at the end of each school year, they had both stated that Alex was only in the Classroom setting for an hour per day regardless of his behavior.

So, when Second Grade rolled around, I asked for an Emergency I.E.P. and asked that the school adhere to his I.E.P. and gradually increase Alex’s time spent in the classroom. But, they chose to place Alex in the classroom full-time with several aides.

Alex began to have melt-downs due to being over-stimulated so the school stated that he needed to be moved to Special Ed. I was in tears and felt like a failure.

I began talking with other parents and professionals and they stated that moving him to Special Ed would be a huge mistake and that his chances of being mainstreamed in the future would be slim to none.

After two weeks of being in Special Ed, I asked Alex if he wanted to go back to Regular Ed and he replied, “No Mom, I finally have friends!” I immediately broke down in tears of joy coupled with the guilt of keeping my son from being able to build quality friendships over the past two years.

But, was relieved that my son had finally found his place in his world and knew that he belonged and fit in versus being placed in Regular Ed with no friends that he could relate to.

I share this story with Parents and Professionals because once again, we feel that we know what is best for our children. I know now after this eye-opening experience that when Alex is ready to go back to Regular Education, he will let me know through constant communication.

Alex has been in Special Ed going on two years and he is very happy and has made some great friends. I am ecstatic that he had the language skills, intelligence and a sense of belonging in order to communicate his feelings.

If you are a parent of a child with disabilities, take the time to help educate and teach them how to embrace who they are. Your children rely on your honesty, friendship and trust.

My son asked me if he was different and I replied, “Yes, you are! And, you are so talented in so many areas and I listed them all.” Everyone wants to fit in and have a sense of belonging. Being different is a very beautiful thing!

Every Child Needs Coaching & Facilitated Play
When I was growing up, recess was one of the happiest and best times of my life. We would run to the field, choose Team Captains, pick teams, and play real sports; Kick-Ball, Throw-Ball, Volleyball, Basketball, Four-Square, Tether ball, etc...

The Teachers were always involved and kept a close eye out for bad sportsmanship and kept us on track for helping us be successful at whatever sport we were playing. It taught me how to be competitive, take pride in winning, it kept me in shape, and inspired me.

Unfortunately those days are gone. When I visit my twin’s playgrounds at recess, instead of teachers being involved with hands-on sports, there are paid (our tax dollars) “Yard Duty Officers” which are mostly parents and relatives of the children who attend the school.

The Yard Duty Officers mostly stand around and converse with one another and do not offer hands-on strategies of helping the kids learn sports. At times, they do try to make sure that the school rules are followed.

What I have noticed is a lack of team sportsmanship and unity. It was the teachers involvement on the playground that made recess a fun and enjoyable experience. Those experiences also led me to be successful after school and on weekends while playing in the streets with my friends.

Over the summer, I took our twins to their Grandparent’s Pool at Del Webb for Recreational Swimming. When we got to the pool, the kids were all separated and playing by themselves while their Grandparents watched.

I made a point of gathering all of the kids together and introducing them to one another. I made up fun games, teams, and contests for all of us to play. The kids were ecstatic and asked when we would be back to play again.

At our friends 4th of July Party, I did the same. I created contests and games for the older kids and for the younger kids who I referred to as “Floaties.” I was in the pool for three-hours while the parents took in the fun by watching. The children had a blast and the parents all thanked me. It was so much fun and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

My point is that most kids are very shy and children with disabilities struggle even more. It takes a parent, teacher, or a leader to round them up and help them participate and play with one another. It is no different than a Coach who teaches his team how to master a sport.

We need more Coaching & Facilitating to ensure that our kids get a strong head start and learn a sport so as they get older and more assure of themselves, they have the tools necessary in order to be successful. Regardless if it is at school, at a park or on the streets, kids need role-models!

F.A.L.A. September 2008 Newsletter

Our Summer Visual Chart
This summer was very successful and a lot of work. I designed and put together a Visual Chart and Reward System for both of our twin boys.

I structured our Visual Chart based on the time of day coupled with self-enrichment, household chores, education, and free-time. Our goal was to limit both boy’s “Free Time” and help them become more well-rounded and find a healthy balance.

The Chart included the following:

6:00-Shower, clean ears, comb hair, pick out clothes, and get dressed.
7:00-Fix breakfast, eat, clean-up, and take Vitamins.
8:00-Brush teeth, gargle, make bed, laundry, take out trash.
9:00-Take dog for walk to park.
10:00-Free Time
11:00-Fix lunch, clean-up.
12:00-Reading, Math, Writing, and Art.
3:30-Free Time
5:00-Make dinner, eat, and clean-up.
6:00-Relax
7:00-Bath, fold laundry
8:00-Brush teeth, gargle, and go to bed.

On each side of the schedule were areas for each of the boys to feature their visual reward(s) as far as what they were earning (i.e.) Lego’s, Ant Farm, and Wii Card.

Directly below their visual item(s) that they were earning was a open space to place their stickers. Every time they completed a task, they placed a sticker on their side of their board area.

We also added a list of “Extra Credit Behavior Goals” in order to help them both be successful.

These were Alex’s goals:

• Alex will use an “Indoor Voice.”
• Alex will remain calm when frustrated.
• Alex will complete tasks without being asked.
• Alex will ask for a break or time-out when needed.
• Alex will count to 10 and take deep breathes when needed.
  

All-in-all the program was a huge success. Both boys reached their summer goals and were rewarded by doing so. I shared this chart with other moms and they loved the concept.

Thanks to some creativity and a lot of hard work, our Summer Visual Chart helped my twin boys experience a well-rounded and extremely rewarding summer.

Our Family Vacation was a Huge Success!
Last Easter, we made a point of limiting my autistic son’s exposure to electronic games while on family vacation and it was the best decision that we have ever made.

Alex was very willing and excited to be involved in what we were all doing for the first time. We played tennis, swam, went to Knox Berry Farm, and worked out in the Hotel Gym. We had a blast!

In the past, we would load up Alex’s backpack with his Gameboy, DS, and games. Alex would spend most of his time playing his games indoors and when asked to swim or participate in family fun, he would have horrible tantrums.

Last August, we spent ten days at our Summer Beach House. Again, we voted as a family to bring only one game which was “Rock Band.” I boxed up the drums and guitar along with the PlayStation and placed it in our guest room when we got to the beach.

Once again, Alex was very engaged in what the entire family was doing. We played Chess several times, Card Games, Boogie Boarded, dug a big hole in the sand, and played Frisbee and Horseshoes. We also enjoyed watching the Olympics at night together as a family.

Limit your child’s exposure to electronics while on vacation and reap the benefits of enjoying quality time spent together as a family!

It’s Back to School Time!
It is Back-to-School time and my goal this year is to make sure that every Special Need’s Classroom is not overlooked and has an Art Docent, Music Mentor, and PE Mentor.

I started my quest by meeting with both of my twin’s School Principals and discussed the importance of inclusion of all Special Needs Children when addressing all Campus Programs and Events.

In the past, the Special Need’s children have been excluded from Campus Assemblies, Art Docent Showcases, Campus Badge Systems, Campus Yearbooks, Campus Music Programs, and most likely countless programs that I am not personally aware of?

A couple of years ago, I designed a School Badge System but the Principal and Assistant Principal failed to acknowledge the program and did not follow through. So, this year I requested that it be put in place.

This will be my sixth-year as an Art Docent to my twin’s Classmates and the second year at two different Schools. In addition, I have volunteered to be a Art Docent for another Special Ed Classroom.

I am also meeting with Placer County Arts & Cultural Director, Angela Tahti in order to ask local artists to volunteer to work with Special Need’s Children throughout Placer County.

Advocate for Special Education and make a difference in our children’s lives!

F.A.L.A. August 2008 Newsletter

Do Parents Really Know Their Kids?
I had a wonderful conversation with a person from the Regional Center in the L.A. area. He said, “You parents think that you know your kids and what is best for their future, I want to share a story with you.

There was an Architect who raised millions of dollars and bought a property on the Wharf. She designed a two-story building with several apartments on the second floor and a Senior Center on the first floor. Three months after her son moved in, he said, “Mom, I’m outa here. I’m not living with these freaks anymore!” We laughed.

I replied, “Had the other apartments been rented to six of his childhood friends and had his mom designed a hip and thriving business on the lower floor that all seven residents enjoyed doing and were good at, do you think he would have wanted to leave?” He replied, No.”

Detail, Design, Thoughtfulness, Creativity, and taking much needed time to get to know your kids and understand what makes them tick is vital to helping them become successful adults and lead productive and rich lives.

If you are a parent designing a Permanent Living Model for your child, start by building long-term friendships now.

Spend a significant amount of time with your child and their close friends and ask them what they enjoy doing and design your models around them.

A “Bittersweet” Solution
I contacted Bittersweet Farms in Ohio, a 25-year-old Organic Farmstead and Permanent Living for Autistic Adults over a year ago and spoke with one of their Directors.

Jan shared with me two very heartfelt stories about two of their residents that I often share with parents and professionals.

One adult resident had a fixation of tearing fabrics and her clothes. Her parents kept sending boxes of clothes but she kept ripping them to shreds.

Their staff of professionals analyzed the psychological and sensory need of the woman resident and came up with a “Bittersweet Solution.”

They taught the woman to tear fabric and create tie-placemats, tie-rugs, and other gift items. She then gave the gifts to family and friends.

The other story was about a resident who had a fetish of pulling out people’s hair. So again the staff recognized a psychological and sensory need.

They gave the man cardboard to shred for the animal stalls. The man then cleaned the stalls and churned the cardboard and animal manure into the organic garden.

He then planted various seeds. When the plants bloomed, he took the seeds and made Bird and Animal Feeders and sold them at Market. "How Bittersweet!”

"Project A.F.F.E.C.T. Autism"

affect: to act upon, to bring about change, to move the feelings of someone.

Align: Partner and form Alliances with National & Global Autism Organizations & Professionals.

Facilitate: Create Focus Groups to aid in Project A.F.F.E.C.T.’s Goals and Mission.

Fund Raise: Attain National Sponsors and create Autism Ad Campaigns to increase Global Awareness.

Educate: Educate Public and Professionals through National and Global Ad Campaigns.

Create: Design and build: Socially Facilitated Recreation Centers. Non-Profit Resource & Treatment Centers. Permanent Living Communities for Adults on the spectrum. Create Businesses for Profit under the Non-Profit Umbrella that is employed and operated by Spectrum Teens and Adults.

Treat: Increase quality of ongoing Professional Services for all children and adults on the Spectrum; Special Education, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Psychiatry & Intellectual Development, Behavior Intervention, Adaptive Recreation, Self- Enrichment Skills, Social Interaction Skills, Diet, Nutrition, Exercise, & Treatment, Special Olympic Training, Job Skill Training, and Employment.

I designed Project A.F.F.E.C.T. Autism in hopes that the Autism Community will come together as one, put their differences aside, eliminate the politics, and become One Voice and Deliver One Heck of a Strong Message!

No Doubt, Vaccines Did Affect My Autistic Son
I read an article yesterday in USAAA “CDC Data Confirms Vaccine-Autism Link.” Do I feel that Alex’s six-month vaccine impacted my son’s autism, without a doubt. Do I feel other environmental toxins, casein/gluten, and grass allergies played a role as well, absolutely.

Mrs. Stills made a great analogy of her son’s contributing factors to her son’s diagnosis in “Autism: The Musical.” She referred to Bean Soup and how every child’s bean soup is different and that every single bean represents a different contributing factor.

Last October when I flew down for the Defeat Autism Now Conference, my mom informed me for the first time that my Granny was Lactose intolerant. My mom’s side of the family were also Farmers from Fresno, CA.

My 28-year-old nephew has been paralyzed from the waste down for five years due to a severe onset of M.S. My niece, his sister, had seizures and sought medical help but no one was able to determine what caused them.

My oldest brother had severe reactions to Grass following two Varsity Football Games but refused to be tested for allergies. My younger brother’s ears would turn bright red when he consumed tomatoes.

I am convinced that if my entire family were tested, we would uncover generations of untreated allergies.

F.A.L.A. July 2008 Newsletter

No Child Left Behind!
In April 2003 and again in November of 2006, I started my quest for Partnering to Create a Brighter Future for Adults on the Spectrum.

I set out by seeking input from families and professionals in order to design the most Comprehensive Permanent Living Model that would greatly improve my son’s quality of life and enable him to have a bright future.

The number one question on everyone’s mind was ... do we include all people with varying disabilities or do we create an exclusive Autism Model? This question became a heated debate across the United States.

The other heated discussion that began to surface was the debate of those who believed that Vaccines caused Autism versus Genetics. It became very apparent that there was a divided line within the Autism Community.

I was so overwhelmed by all of the opinions and finger pointing that I had to speak up and state, “This is not about placing blame. We need to eliminate all the politics and concentrate on designing programs that will help our children become successful and productive adults. We need to focus on “The Big Picture ... our children‘s future.”

What I learned after speaking to hundreds of parents and professionals across the U.S. was ... One Model was NOT the solution for all children with disabilities. Our children are so different that it would be tragic to think that one Model could possibly address all of our children’s varying needs.

So, what do I believe is the politically correct design ... “Several Very Different Models.” These Models should be designed based on varying levels of interests and capability coupled with I.Q., regardless of disability and diagnosis.

I designed my Model based on understanding my son’s capabilities; bright, behavior issues, computer savvy, huge vocabulary, wonderful writing skills, great sense of humor, loves music, and is socially young (has difficulty interacting with others but seeks friendships).

I am also a true believer that “No Child Be Left Behind.” Designing a Eco-Friendly Planned Community with a Organic Farmstead and a Gluten-Free/Casein Menu will not be for everybody. But, I didn’t design my Model for everyone, I designed my Model for my son.

If my son was placed in a Permanent Living Model where his peers were low-functioning, non-social, and incapable of building relationships, I would question my son’s quality of life and his future.

It is imperative that Model Design as well as Placement, focus on the varying needs of each very different and very special individual.

“Family Model” Group Homes vs. Planned Communities

It takes a compassionate Community to embrace and accept our kids for who they are. I am constantly challenging the Government, DDS, and various Regional Centers when they state that placing Alex in a “Family Model” Group Home (TEACCH) within a typical Neighborhood is the right solution for his future?

My twins just turned ten-years-old and it has become painfully clear that our Community accepts Jay and does not embrace my son, Alex. So, are “Family Model” Group Homes the answer to my child’s future?

Not for my high-functioning son who I know will be a successful working and fairly independent adult someday. However, for the lower-functioning adult whose mental capabilities are those of a young child, I could see how this would work. Again, one solution is not the answer for all people with disabilities.

Well over a year ago, the Coordinator at Prader-Willi Homes of Oconomowoc in Wisconsin and I discussed my Model and I asked her if managing their homes that were spread out in the community was difficult versus managing a planned community of homes and having a Community Development Center serving as its core?

She thought the Planned Community made a lot of sense. I also asked if her residents had a local Community Center where they could all meet, swim, have socials, and she loved the idea and was going to look into contacting several Centers in the area to ask if they would share their facility with them.

I recently spoke to a man who has a child with brain injury. He was interested in purchasing three homes for other brain injured adults. I asked him to check out my website for ideas.

He called me back and stated, “Your Model is a large Planned Community.“ I replied, “A Planned Community can also be small, three homes with a small Organic Garden serving as the core and anchor of the Community.

Planned Communities can be large, medium or small. They can be Dorms with a shared Community Development Center. An Apartment, Condominium, Duplex, with a Shared BBQ, Pool, and Recreation Center, Cottages with a shared common area, or all of the above.

Tight-knit Planned Communities where families who have children with varying disabilities can come together, help one another, and build lifetime friendships “is the concept” not the size of the Community.

Communities that relate to our children, accept them with open arms, and who are compassionate and caring human beings. I cherish my childhood and remain close to my former neighbors and want the same for my son.