Blog Profile: Marla on all that is Dazlious

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 Marla Baltes from Marla on all that is Dazlious some questions about her blog:

















What is your blog about?

Marla on all that is Dazlious is a place for me to share my photography, insights, joys and struggles. In everyone's life there are challenges and joys. I want to capture these moments and share them with other parents who are going through similar experiences. Blogging has opened a new world of support for me.

My daughter was born with a rare chromosome disorder, is Autistic and struggles with Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome. Reaching a diagnosis took years and yet I celebrate my daughter for exactly who she is.

How long has your blog been up?

Since February 5, 2007

What was the inspiration behind starting this blog?

I felt a need to reach out to other families in similar situations. I was not finding support in my community so I went seeking it in the blogging world. Once I began I realized it kept me motivated with my photography, art and living a creative life while raising my special needs daughter.

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 e-mails I get from parents or adults with Autism letting me know something I wrote touched them. That keeps me going. I also love sharing my photography from my everyday life.

List three or four of your favorite or most popular posts (with links).

http://marlabaltes.blogspot.com/2008/05/sleepthe-never-ending-challenge.html

http://marlabaltes.blogspot.com/2008/10/kirton-family-my-thoughts-on-autism-x-6.html

http://marlabaltes.blogspot.com/2008/09/sometimes-i-like-that-wordautism.html

http://marlabaltes.blogspot.com/2008/09/new-labels-change-nothing.html

Thank You Marla!

Soft in Spring

sail away - by softclothing on Polyvore.com

For more soft spring inspiration, see our new boards.

Blog Profile: Frumpfighter

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 Angie Holmes from Frumpfighter some questions about her blog:

What is your blog about?

Frumpfighter is about improving your life in general, whether it be by eating healthier, exercising more or spending more quality time with your friends and family.

How long has your blog been up?

Since January 2009

What was the inspiration behind starting this blog?

As 2009 crept up, I knew my 20-year high school class reunion was approaching. My goal was to lose weight, be happier and less frumpy! Once I started, it became natural and therapeutic to write about my son's autism, struggles with employment and finances and the art of perseverance.

What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog?

It has been therapeutic to write about very personal issues. The feedback has been tremendous. I love getting comments from other parents who have been through the same struggles with their children with behavioral disorders.

List three or four of your favorite or most popular posts (with links).

New treatment for son's ADHD, new focus on future

One size does not fit all

It's not about you, it's about the child

Lessons learned from the Travolta tragedy

Anything else you would like to share?

I am transitioning to be an multimedia journalist at The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I plan to write more about families, lifestyles and other features. Topics are always welcome.

Music and Genes

by Christopher Connallon
Soft Blog Contributor

Posted yesterday in the U.S. News & World Report, a newly identified genetic link between gastrointestinal troubles and autism could be preliminary evidence for an autism spectrum disorder variation that differentiates people with autism and GI problems from those without.

Researchers used a pool of genetic profiles to identify the MET C allele, which is linked to both brain development and GI function.
The full article can be found here



Also, The Washington Post today ran a very interesting piece on music therapy and autism, read that here

Blog Profile: Frankie's Weather Blog

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 nine-year-old Frankie some questions about his weather website and blog:

Here is a short bio of Frankie from his website, BestWeatherBoy.com:
"As I said on my home page, my name is Frankie and I'm 9 years old. I really like the weather a lot. I was born when my Mom was struck by lightning (for real-we lived in Florida then) and so the weather found me first but I am not afraid of storms. I have Aspergers Syndrome-which is a form of autism. I know there must be other kids out there who also like the weather a lot. So I hope you guys email me your weather pictures and ideas for this site and I'll add them."

What is your blog about? My blog is about me and the weather.

How long has your blog been up? Since July 2008.

What was the inspiration behind starting this blog? I wanted to share my love for weather with other people and my mom said I should also write about my life.

What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog? People say nice things to me at school.

List three or four of your favorite or most popular posts (with links). They are all my favorites.

(Here are some of Soft's favorites:)
Harlem Globetrotters, NBC, and a Tooth
Snow, snow everywhere!
I got thrown in jail
Confusing Adults

Anything else you would like to share?

I also like sharks.

Thanks for sharing Frankie!