Wow! this is wonderful! ...Malik could still benefit from this room but, he could have really used it when he was younger! ... This is Great !
for further reading
http://travel.usatoday.com/hotels/post/2010/06/wyndham-hotel-in-austin-offers-autism-aware-rooms/96749/1
Monday, June 21, 2010
13/YO W/AUTISM COMMUNICATES W/DEVICE
Great read. I try and encourage Malik 2type all the time ! He knoe the letters on the keyboard which is a great start. I have been trying to get a communication device the prompts him to type instead of pressing a button to answer a question. What if a question that is not on the machine is asked ?????????
enjoy this 13 year old story!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/10338131.stm
enjoy this 13 year old story!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/10338131.stm
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
HAIRCUT TIME!!!
Malik is coming n 2 his own! ...As time passes he's becoming more & more independent !
Although, he'll 4eva &always b my babe .... I luv his independence! ...He has his own opinions and he knoes what he wants and doesnt want ! Things I neva thought he would do on his own ..he's now doing ... for eg: last weekend, was haircut time ..... As soon as I said it was that time. Malik ran 2 the bathroom grabbed his stool, haircutting smock, and the clippers along w/a big smile ....
Malik's receptiveness caused me 2 reminisce back2 his 1st ever haircut ... like all new mothers I was soooo excited 4 his first haircut @ 1year old......He cried of course bcuz, @ that time he was really spoiled, I didnt think ne thing of it ... so, the barber turned the clippers on and was starting to cut his hair ...Malik became irrate ! he kept trying 2slide down from the chair , he screamed/kicked, he grabbed the clippers ...he was something awful! ...the barber asked 'is he ok?" of course I said yea continue, he'll be fine ... ...The barber refused 2finish! .... that was our 1st and last time n a barber's chair ..... Needless 2say our 1st year haircut was not a good look! ...As I stated many times b4 ... I was Sooooooo ignorant concerning Autism !..I didnt have a clue! ..I thought ok ...I'll give him a lil time and cut his hair at home ... it'll be okay .... So Shawn and I became Malik's barber from that point on ... (and occasionally my brother Jr )...
Little did I knoe ....that was just the beginning ..it didnot get better ...it actually got worse. The haircutting ritual became a scheduled event 4us ... We had 2plan 4 it ...but, it was such an effort/event ...it absolutely drained us all! ..my goodness ...now, It took me a looooooooonnnnng time to figure out ....the sensation along w/the buzzzing noise the clippers made was too much 4 Malik sensors ...so they would became overloaded ...and cause him to act out ....and when I say act out .....oooh my u have no idea ....the haircutting event was a guranteed workout 4which ever1 of us had the pleasure of participating n the event .....he would kick..any and everything near him eg:mirror, toiletries. He would scream eg:to the top of his lungs ..he was beyond crying ...he would also grab his head and hold it while screaming.....Grab the clippers eg:plug, on/off button ...ne thing he could get his hands on .. and ur talking about
S T R O N G ...it would take me & Shawn both to hold him ...one of us would hold his legs ..the other one cut his hair while holding his arms ...
Goodlawd!!! those times were awful !
I would get sooo frustrated and I couldnt understand 4 the life of me what the big fuss was ...I would run the clippers along my arm to show him it was no big deal but, Malik was beyond reasoning ! I would often cry ...bcuz, my child would be looking up at me with red water filled eyes and gasping 4 his breath.... @times Malik would cry so much he would often throw up .... I would feel TERRIBLE !!!
As time went on ...I would often purchase new clippers (hoping that would stop the events)...Most times Malik would break them ...(the older he got the stronger he became) ..I was also convinced the clippers had to be hurting him for him 2act out like that ... ...Like I said I was so ignorant back then ... To this day, I still beat myself up ...for not knowing ....i knoe.....duuuuhhhh ...how could I knoe ...Autism was not an IN topic ...info about the disorder was not readily on the internet .... and Doctors didn't knoe ANYTHING!! So, our journey was definitely a learning process!
Now my boy is 15 years old and welcomes his haircuts he often grab the clippers and help cut his own hair!!! Those times n that bathroom @650 lenox Avenue NYC ..seem sooo long ago ...
I often wonder how Malik would do w/a professional barber ....I think he would be fine ...but, until then ...Shawn & I will remain the only 2 who cut his hair ...and occasionally my brother Jr!
Although, he'll 4eva &always b my babe .... I luv his independence! ...He has his own opinions and he knoes what he wants and doesnt want ! Things I neva thought he would do on his own ..he's now doing ... for eg: last weekend, was haircut time ..... As soon as I said it was that time. Malik ran 2 the bathroom grabbed his stool, haircutting smock, and the clippers along w/a big smile ....
Malik's receptiveness caused me 2 reminisce back2 his 1st ever haircut ... like all new mothers I was soooo excited 4 his first haircut @ 1year old......He cried of course bcuz, @ that time he was really spoiled, I didnt think ne thing of it ... so, the barber turned the clippers on and was starting to cut his hair ...Malik became irrate ! he kept trying 2slide down from the chair , he screamed/kicked, he grabbed the clippers ...he was something awful! ...the barber asked 'is he ok?" of course I said yea continue, he'll be fine ... ...The barber refused 2finish! .... that was our 1st and last time n a barber's chair ..... Needless 2say our 1st year haircut was not a good look! ...As I stated many times b4 ... I was Sooooooo ignorant concerning Autism !..I didnt have a clue! ..I thought ok ...I'll give him a lil time and cut his hair at home ... it'll be okay .... So Shawn and I became Malik's barber from that point on ... (and occasionally my brother Jr )...
Little did I knoe ....that was just the beginning ..it didnot get better ...it actually got worse. The haircutting ritual became a scheduled event 4us ... We had 2plan 4 it ...but, it was such an effort/event ...it absolutely drained us all! ..my goodness ...now, It took me a looooooooonnnnng time to figure out ....the sensation along w/the buzzzing noise the clippers made was too much 4 Malik sensors ...so they would became overloaded ...and cause him to act out ....and when I say act out .....oooh my u have no idea ....the haircutting event was a guranteed workout 4which ever1 of us had the pleasure of participating n the event .....he would kick..any and everything near him eg:mirror, toiletries. He would scream eg:to the top of his lungs ..he was beyond crying ...he would also grab his head and hold it while screaming.....Grab the clippers eg:plug, on/off button ...ne thing he could get his hands on .. and ur talking about
S T R O N G ...it would take me & Shawn both to hold him ...one of us would hold his legs ..the other one cut his hair while holding his arms ...
Goodlawd!!! those times were awful !
I would get sooo frustrated and I couldnt understand 4 the life of me what the big fuss was ...I would run the clippers along my arm to show him it was no big deal but, Malik was beyond reasoning ! I would often cry ...bcuz, my child would be looking up at me with red water filled eyes and gasping 4 his breath.... @times Malik would cry so much he would often throw up .... I would feel TERRIBLE !!!
As time went on ...I would often purchase new clippers (hoping that would stop the events)...Most times Malik would break them ...(the older he got the stronger he became) ..I was also convinced the clippers had to be hurting him for him 2act out like that ... ...Like I said I was so ignorant back then ... To this day, I still beat myself up ...for not knowing ....i knoe.....duuuuhhhh ...how could I knoe ...Autism was not an IN topic ...info about the disorder was not readily on the internet .... and Doctors didn't knoe ANYTHING!! So, our journey was definitely a learning process!
Now my boy is 15 years old and welcomes his haircuts he often grab the clippers and help cut his own hair!!! Those times n that bathroom @650 lenox Avenue NYC ..seem sooo long ago ...
I often wonder how Malik would do w/a professional barber ....I think he would be fine ...but, until then ...Shawn & I will remain the only 2 who cut his hair ...and occasionally my brother Jr!
GET UP & GET NVOLVED !!!
FYI..... After reading an article from Age of Autism ..I started thinking I would luv 4 my boy 2 have a graduation !
I think if Malik could go to a dance/prom ..that would be wonderful ...He needs 2 mingle & have friends !
Then, I thought why doesnt he? .... I think its time I become more nvolved ....I called Lithonia Middle School and asked if I could sit on the board @ school council ...and join the PTSA!
So, next year ....hopefully w/my big mouth ...my boy may have a graduation, dance/prom!
I mean .... I CANT C ANY REASON WHY HE SHOULDN'T, CAN U????
ooooh yea ....We're nvolved ....
I think if Malik could go to a dance/prom ..that would be wonderful ...He needs 2 mingle & have friends !
Then, I thought why doesnt he? .... I think its time I become more nvolved ....I called Lithonia Middle School and asked if I could sit on the board @ school council ...and join the PTSA!
So, next year ....hopefully w/my big mouth ...my boy may have a graduation, dance/prom!
I mean .... I CANT C ANY REASON WHY HE SHOULDN'T, CAN U????
ooooh yea ....We're nvolved ....
SHOE PARTY!!!
Last week I had the pleasure of attending a shoe party @the W Hotel Perimeter Center location ....Hello Stiletto presented The Stuart Weitzman summer collection!
I am still on a shoe frenzy high! I felt like a celeb (the person i was meant 2be...afab person wife/mother)....I drank wine ...2glasses, mind u ....lol ..munched on salmon strips, prosciutto, and get this ...wasabi deviled eggs ...I was in heaven!! ..I drank muched and mingled!!
I had a wonderful time ...met so many great people!
At the shoe party they had a walk off ...where u walk a lil runway (carpet runner) and showcase ur shoes, outfit, bag and attitude....The 2 glasses of wine made me participate and showcase my shoes/outfit and attitude ....lol .......a tall nicely dressed woman won ...shoe participants whispered ...she was a model and participates in the walk offs quite often ....but, sistagurl had on som badddddd blk/wht shoes ....w/matching bag ....although, my shoe game is not up 2the level of these ladies (mind u ..im just starting 2 get back n the shoe game ....now the Malik needs me less and less) ... but, give me a few months ...and my shoe game will be rite up there w/them .... and maybe u'll c a brand new winner .....lol ..... all n all It was a great gurlz nite out ....I really enjoyed myself and can not wait 2do it again .... that brings me 2the inspiration 4this post ....
MY HUSBAND .......I feel the need 2 share w/u ..how GREAT he is .... ...he always encourages me 2be the very best I can be! He was soooo happy I went out and had a great time ... bcuz, he knoes I like events/mingling ..and gettin n touch w/my alter ego ...the fabulous1 ...lol .... Thanks Shawn, u the bestest!!!
I took pics of the event ...but, again ..i cannot find my plug in for the computer ..but, n the meantime ...enjoy these photos from the event ....
http://www.shoeclub.us/press.php?item=2010-06-11-atlantaexaminer&show=1
I am still on a shoe frenzy high! I felt like a celeb (the person i was meant 2be...afab person wife/mother)....I drank wine ...2glasses, mind u ....lol ..munched on salmon strips, prosciutto, and get this ...wasabi deviled eggs ...I was in heaven!! ..I drank muched and mingled!!
I had a wonderful time ...met so many great people!
At the shoe party they had a walk off ...where u walk a lil runway (carpet runner) and showcase ur shoes, outfit, bag and attitude....The 2 glasses of wine made me participate and showcase my shoes/outfit and attitude ....lol .......a tall nicely dressed woman won ...shoe participants whispered ...she was a model and participates in the walk offs quite often ....but, sistagurl had on som badddddd blk/wht shoes ....w/matching bag ....although, my shoe game is not up 2the level of these ladies (mind u ..im just starting 2 get back n the shoe game ....now the Malik needs me less and less) ... but, give me a few months ...and my shoe game will be rite up there w/them .... and maybe u'll c a brand new winner .....lol ..... all n all It was a great gurlz nite out ....I really enjoyed myself and can not wait 2do it again .... that brings me 2the inspiration 4this post ....
MY HUSBAND .......I feel the need 2 share w/u ..how GREAT he is .... ...he always encourages me 2be the very best I can be! He was soooo happy I went out and had a great time ... bcuz, he knoes I like events/mingling ..and gettin n touch w/my alter ego ...the fabulous1 ...lol .... Thanks Shawn, u the bestest!!!
I took pics of the event ...but, again ..i cannot find my plug in for the computer ..but, n the meantime ...enjoy these photos from the event ....
http://www.shoeclub.us/press.php?item=2010-06-11-atlantaexaminer&show=1
CHECK OUT TRACY REESE!!!
I luv luv luv Tracy Reese! her clothes r easy and very feminine!!! check her out in the spotlight !!!
If ne 1 hear of a sample sale of Tracy Reese's clothes ...pls holla @a sista w/a sizable donation!!!! lol ...enjoy
http://www.thegrio.com/black-history/thegrios-100/thegrios-100-tracy-reese.php
If ne 1 hear of a sample sale of Tracy Reese's clothes ...pls holla @a sista w/a sizable donation!!!! lol ...enjoy
http://www.thegrio.com/black-history/thegrios-100/thegrios-100-tracy-reese.php
Sample Sale
On a much lighter note .....Shoshanna is having a sample sale n NYC ....231 w 39th st ..she has 75% off swimwear and denim!
I followed Shoshanna from her days w/Jerry Seinfeld ...I thought she looked like me w/that name .... lol
..why cant we get a sample sale n GA????
I followed Shoshanna from her days w/Jerry Seinfeld ...I thought she looked like me w/that name .... lol
..why cant we get a sample sale n GA????
SLAVE PIC FOUND IN NORTH CAROLINA!!
On a whole nutha note ..here is an interesting read ...a rare (ole) slave pic of 2 young boys was found in a attic in North Carolina!
heres the link....fascinating!
http://newsone.com/nation/associatedpress3/rare-slave-photograph-found-in-north-carolina-attic/
heres the link....fascinating!
http://newsone.com/nation/associatedpress3/rare-slave-photograph-found-in-north-carolina-attic/
NON VERBAL YOUNG MAN!
Non-Verbal young man uses Assistive Technology to give Commencement Address!
Luv this story ...Malik also uses a Communication Device.
read story below:
http://www.ageofautism.com/2010/06/young-man-with-autism-uses-assistive-technology-to-give-commencement-speech.html
Luv this story ...Malik also uses a Communication Device.
read story below:
http://www.ageofautism.com/2010/06/young-man-with-autism-uses-assistive-technology-to-give-commencement-speech.html
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
FACT!!!!!
WAKE UP ...NO BP TO BLAME ....AUTISM IS OUR REAL OIL SPILL ........FEEL IT YET? ....U WILL!!!!!!!
DVF SAMPLE SALE
On of my fav designers, Diane Von Furstenberg is having a sample same ...today ....6/8/2010 ...
The sale starts @ 9am @ 260 5th ave ..ends 6/11 @ 3pm ....
happy shopping !!!!!
The sale starts @ 9am @ 260 5th ave ..ends 6/11 @ 3pm ....
happy shopping !!!!!
THE HOTTNESS!!!!! ...FIYAAAAAHHHHHH
Giuseppe on my heels ---Mary j Blige!
Absolutely luv luv Giuseppe ...if eva I hit any kind of lotto ........oooooohhhwweeeeee!!!!
http://www.giuseppezanottidesign.com/experience/zanotti/en/collections/spring_summer.asp?tskay=96745C45
Absolutely luv luv Giuseppe ...if eva I hit any kind of lotto ........oooooohhhwweeeeee!!!!
http://www.giuseppezanottidesign.com/experience/zanotti/en/collections/spring_summer.asp?tskay=96745C45
44TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!!!
I wanted 2 write a entry about long lasting love! My Mom and Dad recently celebrated their 44th wedding Anniversary! ...When I think of my Mom & Dad I dont really think of them as an institution or a guide for what marriage & love is.... I just think of them as Mommy & Daddy !
But, their love has definitely stood the test of time! ... As years have passed I think they have learned to love unconditionally, which is so rare these days! Every1 is so ready to throw the towel in!
I really appreciate Edna & Charlie 4giving me a guideline on how 2make a marriage work!!!
Happy Anniversary MOMMY AND DADDY!!!! LUV U GUYS TOO MUCH!!!
But, their love has definitely stood the test of time! ... As years have passed I think they have learned to love unconditionally, which is so rare these days! Every1 is so ready to throw the towel in!
I really appreciate Edna & Charlie 4giving me a guideline on how 2make a marriage work!!!
Happy Anniversary MOMMY AND DADDY!!!! LUV U GUYS TOO MUCH!!!
WHEN OUR KIDS BECOME ADULTS
This is a great story ...its something I constantly worry about .....Earlier this year I saw a special on HBO ..called Autism : The Musical.... it was wonderful ... if u ever c it come on ..make sure u check it out .... Mrs E wrote a article concerning our young men. She also has a SID (severly Intellectual Delayed) son w/Autism ... a great read .......enjoy
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elaine-hall/living-with-autism-when-o_b_594776.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elaine-hall/living-with-autism-when-o_b_594776.html
URINE TEST COULD HELP DETECT AUTISM?
Reallydoe????
Came across a article stating they r hoping a urine test can detect autism .....
http://blog.tarajana.com/health/2010/06/05/simple-urine-test-could-help-detect-autism-238561
Came across a article stating they r hoping a urine test can detect autism .....
http://blog.tarajana.com/health/2010/06/05/simple-urine-test-could-help-detect-autism-238561
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
A S P I R E !!!
Here is the website of the camp Malik will attend ..it's called A.S.P.I.R.E
All SpecialNeeds People Included In Recreational Experiences in Rocdale County
Take a look around the site ....... we're Luvin it! ...
http://www.aspirecoalition.org/programs.htm
All SpecialNeeds People Included In Recreational Experiences in Rocdale County
Take a look around the site ....... we're Luvin it! ...
http://www.aspirecoalition.org/programs.htm
PA YOUNG MAN W/AUTISM BEAT UP WHILE @AMUSEMENT PARK
WOW! This is terrible! feel really bad 4the young man Kolton, What if he were non-verbal ?..I cringe 2think of that scenario! .....Thank Goodness Kolton wasnt hurt worst!
http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/23748015/detail.html
http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/23748015/detail.html
JUST BECUZ WE'RE NOT BLOOD RELATED DOESN'T MEAN WE'RE NOT FAMILY!
Good morning! Good morning! Up very early this mornin' after drinkin' a cup of joe & being w/myself for a min ..i decided 2write!
I have enjoyed these few days off ...i cherish my time w/shawn & malik! Family is so important! I've heard that sayin' growing up all my life ...from my Grandma (Nolia) ... but, always took my fam for granted, that is until I moved away from all of em! ...u knoe the sayin " u never miss what u have until it's gone" ... That's 1 of the reasons i started neglecting the blog ...Facebook became a great way for me to keep n touch w/family and friends I haven't seen or heard from n years ....
I have great memories as a child w/fam growing up. As u can imagine I want my boy 2have the same thing ....and me being the kind of overbearing, protective mother I am .... I wanted 2create great memories 4Malik! ...it's krazy bcuz he understands so much more than I think ...at times I will admit ..I get it twisted ...I will 4get he knoes & he is aware ...although, he can not verbalize it ....I constantly think I need 2remember 4him ..but, I actually dont ....he has his own memory of events !
Yesterday we went 2the camp meeting ...in Rockdale Co ...it was a meeting where they explained the activities the kids would be doing (theatre, arts&crafts, tennis, relay races, bocce, along w/water park outings) we filled out forms &had 1- one -1 time w/camp director, & parents were able 2share their concerns w/the therapist/teachers/counselors about they're child's different behavior patterns .. for instance ...i made a point of letting them knoe Malik will generally stay w/u when ur on outings ..but, at times he tends 2wander off ...so pleaze, pleazzzzzze keep an extra pair of eyes on him @ all times ....a few more parents had the same concern.... I thought it was a great way 2get 2knoe everyone & Malik meet a few new buddies ...
Malik also waited until Tom Mcpike (Rockdale County parks director) was finished w/his presentation and went & tapped Tom on the back while waving his hand he said HI!....I was like WOW ...he remembers Tom...we've gone on outings w/Tom! ..u c, Malik has his own memories ! ... He starts camp on the 21st of june until the 2nd of July! I'm excited Malik will be able 2 create more memories and have a extended family relationship w/Rockdale County Parks and Recreation ..that will last 4 years 2come!
Just becuz there is no blood relation u can still be family....Here's 2 my boy creating new memories w/his extended Fam!
I have enjoyed these few days off ...i cherish my time w/shawn & malik! Family is so important! I've heard that sayin' growing up all my life ...from my Grandma (Nolia) ... but, always took my fam for granted, that is until I moved away from all of em! ...u knoe the sayin " u never miss what u have until it's gone" ... That's 1 of the reasons i started neglecting the blog ...Facebook became a great way for me to keep n touch w/family and friends I haven't seen or heard from n years ....
I have great memories as a child w/fam growing up. As u can imagine I want my boy 2have the same thing ....and me being the kind of overbearing, protective mother I am .... I wanted 2create great memories 4Malik! ...it's krazy bcuz he understands so much more than I think ...at times I will admit ..I get it twisted ...I will 4get he knoes & he is aware ...although, he can not verbalize it ....I constantly think I need 2remember 4him ..but, I actually dont ....he has his own memory of events !
Yesterday we went 2the camp meeting ...in Rockdale Co ...it was a meeting where they explained the activities the kids would be doing (theatre, arts&crafts, tennis, relay races, bocce, along w/water park outings) we filled out forms &had 1- one -1 time w/camp director, & parents were able 2share their concerns w/the therapist/teachers/counselors about they're child's different behavior patterns .. for instance ...i made a point of letting them knoe Malik will generally stay w/u when ur on outings ..but, at times he tends 2wander off ...so pleaze, pleazzzzzze keep an extra pair of eyes on him @ all times ....a few more parents had the same concern.... I thought it was a great way 2get 2knoe everyone & Malik meet a few new buddies ...
Malik also waited until Tom Mcpike (Rockdale County parks director) was finished w/his presentation and went & tapped Tom on the back while waving his hand he said HI!....I was like WOW ...he remembers Tom...we've gone on outings w/Tom! ..u c, Malik has his own memories ! ... He starts camp on the 21st of june until the 2nd of July! I'm excited Malik will be able 2 create more memories and have a extended family relationship w/Rockdale County Parks and Recreation ..that will last 4 years 2come!
Just becuz there is no blood relation u can still be family....Here's 2 my boy creating new memories w/his extended Fam!
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