Friday, February 27, 2009
Blog Profile: Teen Autism
The Soft Blog has started to regularly profile blogs that cover issues related to Autism, Aspergers, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special Needs, Parenting and more. The purpose is twofold--to bring much deserved attention and traffic to blogs that deal with these topics, as well as to create a resource archive on the Soft Blog--for our readers and Google searchers everywhere. If you would like your blog to be profiled, email us at info@softclothing.net. I recently got to ask Tanya Savko, of Teen Autism some questions about her blog:
What is your blog about?
Teen Autism is about life with an autistic teen and his younger brother. Both of them have SPD, so I cover a lot of sensory issues.
How long has your blog been up?
Since March 2008
What was the inspiration behind starting this blog?
For so long I had felt isolated as a parent of an autistic child. As my son entered the teen years, I turned to the Internet for resources and didn't find much on autism in the teen years, so I decided to name the blog Teen Autism. Since I started the blog, I have met many parents of autistic teens. I no longer feel alone.
What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog?
My favorite part of blogging is the connections I've made with other parents. Everyone has been so supportive, offering advice and encouragement. I have also received many emails from parents who have told me how much my writing has helped them, and that is very affirming. I recently found out that my posts on autism and puberty have been translated by a family in Turkey! Very cool!
List three or four of your favorite or most popular posts (with links).
My most popular post has been this one: http://teenautism.com/2008/04/
Anything else you would like to share?
I have also written a lot about my son's language development, social issues, bullying, homeschooling, recent experiences with medication, and many other topics.
Blog Profile: Gluten Free--Casein Free--Soy Free
The Soft Blog has started to regularly profile blogs that cover issues related to Autism, Aspergers, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special Needs, Parenting and more. The purpose is twofold--to bring much deserved attention and traffic to blogs that deal with these topics, as well as to create a resource archive on the Soft Blog--for our readers and Google searchers everywhere. If you would like your blog to be profiled, email us at info@softclothing.net. I recently got to ask Erin of GFCFSF Diet some questions about her blog:
What is your blog about?
Here is Erin's other fabulous blog:
www.5dollardinners.com
Dinner is served every night on Twitter...
www.twitter.com/5dollardinners
What is your blog about? Gluten Free, Casein Free, Soy Free: Recipes, Tips and Helpful Hints for those on a GFCFSF Diet
The blog offers helpful hints and recipe ideas for those on a diet free of wheat, dairy and soy.
How long has your blog been up?
It has been up for 2 months. My other site, $5 Dinners.com, has been up for 6 months.
What was the inspiration behind starting this blog?
Wanting to help people who are thinking about trying the GFCFSF diet to help their kids heal so they can develop more quickly and appropriately. I've talked to many parents who are afraid to try the diet because "what is left to eat." Plenty! And I'll share with you what!
What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog?
I love blogging and knowing that I can help others who are experiencing the same things we have. That is a real blessing!
List three or four of your favorite or most popular posts (with links).
GFCFSF 3 week diet trial plan http://www.gfcfsf.net/2008/12/gfcfsf-diet-3-week-trial-plan.html
Cream of Rice Hot Cereal http://www.gfcfsf.net/2009/02/cream-of-rice-hot-cereal.html
Mashed Red Potatoes http://www.gfcfsf.net/2009/01/mashed-red-potatoes.html
Here is Erin's other fabulous blog:
www.5dollardinners.com
Dinner is served every night on Twitter...
www.twitter.com/5dollardinners
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Blog Profile: Spectrum Hope
The Soft Blog has started to regularly profile blogs that cover issues related to Autism, Aspergers, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special Needs, Parenting and more. The purpose is twofold--to bring much deserved attention and traffic to blogs that deal with these topics, as well as to create a resource archive on the Soft Blog--for our readers and Google searchers everywhere. If you would like your blog to be profiled, email us at info@softclothing.net. I recently got to ask Chrissy of Spectrum Hope some questions about her blog:
What is your blog about? I use my blog, Spectrum Hope, to chronicle our adventures in autism and post my GFCFSF recipes. I know we all face unique struggles as parents of children with special needs, so I like add some humor to my posts whenever possible. We could all use a good laugh from time to time.
What is your blog about? I use my blog, Spectrum Hope, to chronicle our adventures in autism and post my GFCFSF recipes. I know we all face unique struggles as parents of children with special needs, so I like add some humor to my posts whenever possible. We could all use a good laugh from time to time. How long has your blog been up? Since July 2008
What was the inspiration behind starting this blog? My son was diagnosed with autism in June of 2007. I live in a small town with very little information or resources to assist families coping with ASD. At times, my experience in dealing with autism has been extraordinarily lonely and frightening. I started this blog to help other parents coping with the same feelings and to provide some help navigating the GFCF diet.
What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog? Though my intention was to help other parents, I have found that my readers help me immensely. I love to read their comments and it is absolutely thrilling to know that I made someone laugh or helped them find a new recipe that their kids enjoy. I thoroughly enjoy the online friendships that I have developed with my readers and other bloggers. The autism experience is not so lonely anymore.
List three or four of your favorite or most popular posts (with links).
POP Syndrome http://spectrumhope.
What Not To Say To A Special Needs Mom http://spectrumhope.blogspot.
Wow Moments http://spectrumhope.blogspot.
Breaking Point http://spectrumhope.blogspot.
Anything else you would like to share?
I love to hear from my readers. If you stop by Spectrum Hope, feel free to leave a comment. By reaching out to each other, either online or in person, we can have a tremendous positive impact on a personal level. And, the more connected we are as a community, the better equipped we are to create the changes needed to improve our children's lives. Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Blog Profile: Spectrum Siblings
The Soft Blog has started to regularly profile blogs that cover issues related to Autism, Aspergers, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special Needs, Parenting and more. The purpose is twofold--to bring much deserved attention and traffic to blogs that deal with these topics, as well as to create a resource archive on the Soft Blog--for our readers and Google searchers everywhere. If you would like your blog to be profiled, email us at info@softclothing.net.
What is your blog about?
Spectrum Siblings is about my experience growing up with Asperger's, SPD, and most recently Tourette's. It is directed at an audience of parents of children on the spectrum.
What is your blog about?
Spectrum Siblings is about my experience growing up with Asperger's, SPD, and most recently Tourette's. It is directed at an audience of parents of children on the spectrum.
How long has your blog been up? My blog has been up since the first of November, 2008, so nearly four months.
What was the inspiration behind starting this blog? I was reading a post on 5 minutes for Special Needs about siblings of kids with autism. And all the moms were discussing what they thought their kids must have thought about their on-the-spectrum siblings, and it was then that I realized there was a gap in the available material. No one else that I knew of at the time was blogging as an autistic individual with a goal of educating parents about their view from their eyes.
What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog? My favorite part of blogging is definitely meeting other bloggers, both parents of kids on the spectrum and autistic individuals. I love to hear their advice and be offer to share my personal experience with their difficulties.
List three or four of your favorite or most popular posts (with links).
Brawling Brothers: http://frogger11758.wordpress.com/2009/01/16/brawling-brothers/
This Aspie Speaks: http://frogger11758.wordpress.com/2009/02/04/this-aspie-speaks/
7 Simple Suggestions for Attiring Your Autistic Adolescent: http://frogger11758.wordpress.com/2009/01/08/7-simple-suggestions-for-attiring-your-autistic-adolescent/
Demistifying (neuro)Diversity: http://frogger11758.wordpress.com/2008/11/06/demistifying-neurodiversity/
Anything else you would like to share?
I'm always on the look-out for guest bloggers wanting to share their experience with autism.
Anything else you would like to share?
I'm always on the look-out for guest bloggers wanting to share their experience with autism.
- Show quoted text -
Blog Profile: Autism and Public Schools
The Soft Blog has started to regularly profile blogs that cover issues related to Autism, Aspergers, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special Needs, Parenting and more. The purpose is twofold--to bring much deserved attention and traffic to blogs that deal with these topics, as well as to create a resource archive on the Soft Blog--for our readers and Google searchers everywhere. If you would like your blog to be profiled, email us at info@softclothing.net.
What is your blog about?
What is your blog about?
My son has high-functioning autism and attends an experimental public school program in New York City for children on this end of the autism scale (as in, Aspergers; his specific diagnosis is high-functioning PDD). This is my attempt to chronicle our journey through this program, as well as share what I find around the Web about the issues we face and what other public schools are doing to educate children like my son.
How long has your blog been up?
Since July 2008.
What was the inspiration behind starting this blog?
I haven't found much written about the issues children with high-functioning autism and their parents face in early elementary school.
Even after he attended 2 years of special-needs preschool, I was filled with anxiety when my son started kindergarten at a regular public school. One of the only things that got me through was the support from the other parents, and thought if the same could be done in a broader scale across the web it would be very helpful.
Even after he attended 2 years of special-needs preschool, I was filled with anxiety when my son started kindergarten at a regular public school. One of the only things that got me through was the support from the other parents, and thought if the same could be done in a broader scale across the web it would be very helpful.
What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog?
During in-person discussions I tend to see both sides and remain neutral, so it's very freeing to work out my own opinions and ideas on my blog.
I love the idea of connecting with or even helping another parent who may be dealing with something similar.
During in-person discussions I tend to see both sides and remain neutral, so it's very freeing to work out my own opinions and ideas on my blog.
I love the idea of connecting with or even helping another parent who may be dealing with something similar.
List three or four of your favorite or most popular posts (with links).
http://autismpublicschools.http://autismpublicschools.
http://autismpublicschools.
Anything else you would like to share?
It's clear from the news headlines that schools and teachers across the country are having trouble understanding how to help children with high-functioning autism in the classroom. The standard way many teachers talk and interact with their students is unfortunately sometimes the exact opposite of what a child with Aspergers needs in order to succeed. Increased awareness of, and dialogue about, what approach and mindset works best for kids like my son will serve to make the educational system better for every child, as the overarching theme is individualized attention to what makes each child learn best (something the best teachers have always known).
Doddling for Google
Google has launched the Doodle4Google contest for kids grades K through 12 to redesign their logo based on the theme "What I Wish for the World." The winner will receive a $15,000 college scholarship, a laptop, and a $25,000 technology grant for his or her school. And the top 40 designs will be displayed at the Cooper-Hewitt in New York City.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Supplements for Neurological Support Explained
I hear a lot in the news, support groups, various health resources and in blog-buzz about the use of supplements to treat symptoms of various developmental and neurological disorders. I asked Lisa Richardson, of marketamerica.com, to describe one such product that is supposed to support neurological development, and how it works:
The term isotonic, in its simplest definition, means the same as your body pressure. These all-natural antioxidants and supplements are powders, with no binders, fillers, coatings or lubricants, and when mixed with the correct amount of water, are absorbed directly by the small intestine. This ensures high concentration and efficient absorption by the body. Generally, there is 95 to 98% absorption within 5 to 10 minutes. Pills, on the other hand, take several hours to break down within the body, during which time, a percentage of the nutritive value is lost.
Marketamerica has recently developed a new product line specifically for children who need neurologic, metabolic and digestive health. This includes children who have been diagnosed with Autism, Asperger's, ADHD, and more. Might-A-Mins Spectrum OPC-3 provides strong antioxidant defense, helps maintain brain health, supports the production of neurotransmitters and is a powerful free-radical scavenger. Another product, Might-A-Mins Spectrum Multivitamin, helps maintain brain health, helps to promote normal levels of vitamins and minerals in individuals who need neurologic, metabolic and digestive support, promotes healthy tissue and cell growth and promotes healthy development of sensory and communication skills.
The Might-A-Mins Spectrum line is making a difference in the lives of kids and parents. People have been relating great stories about how their children were once having so much difficulty in school and having behavioral issues in class, but now they are able to focus on school and are getting excellent grades and are getting along with other kids and even taking some AP classes.
To research any of these products, go to www.marketamericascience.com. If there is just one family who benefits from this information, then it's worth it!
Thank you,
Blog Profile: Ode de Trio
The Soft Blog has started to regularly profile blogs that cover issues related to Autism, Aspergers, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special Needs, Parenting and more. The purpose is twofold--to bring much deserved attention and traffic to blogs that deal with these topics, as well as to create a resource archive on the Soft Blog--for our readers and Google searchers everywhere. If you would like your blog to be profiled, email us at info@softclothing.net.
What is your blog about:
My blog, Ode de Trio is about parenting triplets, and dealing with all that comes with that. Two of my kids have autism, so a great deal of our blog is about our journey with autism as we strive for recovery.
Anything else you would like to share? I think it is critical to approach life in general and parenting in specific with a great sense of humor. without it, this would be a MUCH harder journey.
What is your blog about:
My blog, Ode de Trio is about parenting triplets, and dealing with all that comes with that. Two of my kids have autism, so a great deal of our blog is about our journey with autism as we strive for recovery.
How long has your blog been up? 3.5 years
What was the inspiration behind starting this blog?
Becoming pregnant with triplets!
Becoming pregnant with triplets!
What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog?
Blogging is therapeutic. Life is hard and it is nice to be able to share experiences, good and bad, with an audience of people who are living and learning as they go too.
Blogging is therapeutic. Life is hard and it is nice to be able to share experiences, good and bad, with an audience of people who are living and learning as they go too.
List three or four of your favorite or most popular posts (with links).
Anything else you would like to share?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Blog Profile: My Autism Insights
Soft is planning to do weekly profiles of blogs that cover issues related to Autism, Aspergers, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special Needs, Parenting and more. The purpose is twofold--to bring much deserved attention and traffic to blogs that deal with these topics, as well as to create a resource archive on the Soft Blog--for our readers and Google searchers everywhere. If you would like your blog to be profiled, email us at info@softclothing.net.
I recently got to ask Andrea from My Autism Insights a few questions about her blog and the Autism blogosphere in general:
What is your blog about?
My Autism Insights is about my experiences with my son Gus, who is diagnosed with Asperger's. I include personal anecdotes with researched information. Topics include sensory integration disorder, ADHD, therapies, diet and medications, as well loads of other information.
How long has your blog been up?
Since around May of 2008, so about a year.
What was the inspiration behind starting this blog?
I had been writing another autism blog (Autism is Red) when I saw openings for bloggers with the Today.com network. So I started My Autism Insights. I still update the other blog from time to time, but most of my focus is on MAI.
What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog?
I've had lots of positive experiences because of my blog, mostly getting to know other bloggers & individuals in the autism community. I've learned an enormous amount and have really come to appreciate my son's challenges along with his strengths. Writing about Gus's Aspergers and autism in general also allows me to keep things in perspective in a way that I may not be able to if I weren't reflecting on things all the time.
What are four of your favorite blogs?
Whitterer on Autism
A Life Less Ordinary
Healing...Through the Eyes of Autism
Autism Family Adventures
Anything else you would like to share?
I've recently taken an interest in using Reiki to help Gus to remain calm/focused during the school day & that's the direction that Autism is Red has taken at the moment, in case anyone is interested in energy work for Autism.
Thank you for sharing Andrea!
I recently got to ask Andrea from My Autism Insights a few questions about her blog and the Autism blogosphere in general:
What is your blog about?
My Autism Insights is about my experiences with my son Gus, who is diagnosed with Asperger's. I include personal anecdotes with researched information. Topics include sensory integration disorder, ADHD, therapies, diet and medications, as well loads of other information.
How long has your blog been up?
Since around May of 2008, so about a year.
What was the inspiration behind starting this blog?
I had been writing another autism blog (Autism is Red) when I saw openings for bloggers with the Today.com network. So I started My Autism Insights. I still update the other blog from time to time, but most of my focus is on MAI.
What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog?
I've had lots of positive experiences because of my blog, mostly getting to know other bloggers & individuals in the autism community. I've learned an enormous amount and have really come to appreciate my son's challenges along with his strengths. Writing about Gus's Aspergers and autism in general also allows me to keep things in perspective in a way that I may not be able to if I weren't reflecting on things all the time.
What are four of your favorite blogs?
Whitterer on Autism
A Life Less Ordinary
Healing...Through the Eyes of Autism
Autism Family Adventures
Anything else you would like to share?
I've recently taken an interest in using Reiki to help Gus to remain calm/focused during the school day & that's the direction that Autism is Red has taken at the moment, in case anyone is interested in energy work for Autism.
Thank you for sharing Andrea!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Blog Profiles
SPD Mom Blog
There are a ton of great blogs out there that cover Autism, Aspergers, SPD, Special Needs, parenting, education and more. I would love to start a weekly profile of a different blog --not only to give those blogs much deserved traffic and spotlight--but also to create an annotated archive for the reference of Soft readers and Google searchers everywhere.
If you have a blog, or read a blog that covers the above mentioned content, or something you feel is important and relevant to the Soft project, please either comment with the blog address below, or email me at info@softclothing.net.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Spread the Word, Show Some Love
Hey everyone out there in I'm-waiting-for-Soft land. Many of you email me everyday wondering how you can help--and while we strive to be a paperless company--I understand that not everyone is on facebook, tweeting the hours away, social bookmarking with the best of em. For you, I have created the Soft Downloadable Flyer. Please print out only how many you think you will need--and feel free to pass them out to your school groups, PTA, doctor's office, OT/PT office, friends and family. The more people know about Soft, the more people understand the sensory issues, as related to Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD and more.
Download the PDF of the Soft Flyer Here. (recommended)
Or click the photo above to print it from your browser.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Happy Socks
I have a total crush on this sock company. Everything from their adorable email newsletters, creative slideshows on their site, to their absolutely brilliant sock designs--I am smitten. I ordered 10 pairs, and consider most too pretty to wear. Not really. But seriously--they are quite possibly the prettiest socks in the world. The nice thing too is---no toe seam. They have a hand-linked toe seam--closest thing to seamless socks out there. They are only for adults at this point, and have to ship all the way from Sweden--but I am telling you, you will fall in love too.
Happy Socks.
Happy Valentines Day.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
CNN: Autism Intervention
My aunt sent me this interesting story on CNN about an intervention for a family with a teenager with Autism, whose behavior makes life very challenging for the family. The group Autism Partnership comes into the home for five days and teaches the child and the family routines, rules, and structures that will help come up with solutions that are appropriate and constructive. Normally, this sort of intervention costs $20,00.00 (yikes), but the AP waived the fee for the family because CNN was filming. There are three parts to the video, the first of which is posted above. I am curious to hear your thoughts on this sort of intervention, the cost implications, and any other advice you have for the family.
Now You Can Follow the Soft Blog on Facebook!
Oh there are just so many ways to connect. It's nice when you can do all of your networking and blogging in one place though, don't you think? We are trying to streamline our web presence so that if you are interested in following our development, and the content of our blog and social network, you can do so in one, or two places. Now you can follow this blog on Facebook, by clicking on the link below!
Follow the Soft Blog!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)