Protect Your Eyes from Water

    One of Liam's sensory aversions is water in his eyes. So it's imperative that he can protect his eyes from water.

Protect Your Eyes from Water

I don't personally care for water in my eyes, especially if it's highly chlorinated. However, for my son, it's a sensory nightmare. So having quality goggles on hand is a must. I just got Liam two pairs. (He's kind of in between, so i got him a child's pair and then an adult pair. I have to cover my bases. ;) )

Free to Fly Kids Goggles

    I love this set. It not only comes with goggles, but also a nose plug and ear plugs. Liam won't swim without a nose plug either, so this was a big selling point for me. The goggles are made from hypoallergenic silicone. They're latex and PVC free so they're safe for your kids.

    The lenses are electroplated and have a mirrored coating. This helps to filter out harmful rays. So not only will these goggles keep water out of their eyes, but they will offer some protection from the sun as well. The strap is easily adjustable so you won't have to fight with it to get them to fit your child.

Free to Fly Adult Goggles

    Liam is a growing tween. We're at the stage where he's not only in between a child and adult emotionally, but size wise as well. So I also grabbed him a pair of Free to Fly's Adult Goggles. These sleek goggles are pretty cool. So much so, that my husband snagged them until Liam grows into them. (Guess I will be ordering another pair!)

    The adult goggles from Free to Fly feature a double layer silicone seal to keep water out of the eyes. The gasket is made to accommodate different facial sizes, nose sizes, and even hair length and thickness. Assuring that anyone whom wears these goggles won't have water in their eyes. These goggles even have a buckle on the strap making them super easy to put on and take off.

    Anti fog goggles means you won't have to worry that air temperature and water temp will be fogging up your lenses and making seeing harder. These goggles have a mirrored coating to protect from UVA and UVB rays. The polycarbonate lenses are panoramic, offering you more viewing area.

Don't Punish a Meltdown

    It's been awhile since I've written a real slice of life post. Well here it is. As it often happens with the posts of these kinds, the inspiration came from an unlikely source.

    How many times have you been told, "I would punish my child if he/she acted like that!" when someone witnessed one of your child's meltdowns?

    So we're rewatching Stranger Things seasons one and two on a loop lately. (I think Liam is ready for season three and tired of waiting, lol.) And something dawned on me. Wait......

SPOILERS AHEAD! PROCEED WITH CAUTION!!

     In season two, episode 4, when Elle and Hopper get into a fight about her breaking the rules, it was eerily reminiscent of watching an autism meltdown. Let me preface the rest of this as saying, NO I DON'T THINK ELEVEN IS AUTISTIC. Any fan of the show clearly knows, she has psionic abilities. And while our kids have their own "superpowers," thanks to Autism, we know they can't manipulate objects with their minds.

    However, if you watch this clip, you may see the similarities I picked up on. When our kids (or us for that matter,) have a meltdown as a result of an argument, there's a point at which you stop. You stop yelling, speaking, and probably breathing. Because WE know that if we don't, we can ignite the meltdown even further.

    Okay, so in the show, Elle isn't having a meltdown per say. She gets in trouble with Hop for disobeying his rules. This leads to an argument. However, because he too is angry, he keeps pressing her. Yelling. Screaming. Punishing her by taking away the things she loves. Now, I'm not at all saying kids shouldn't be punished when they misbehave or break rules. What I am saying is that we must learn to step back.

    We know that Hopper lost his daughter at a young age. So he hasn't been a daddy for a few years. Now he's raising a tween. A powerful tween, that is full of hormones, emotions, rage, and heartbreak, from a life lived in a lab. So not only is Hop out of date on parenting, but he's never had to father a child of this age, or with this background. 

    Okay, so let's think of the people that tell us our kids should be punished when having a meltdown. They are Hops. (Maybe not as sweet, because let's face it, some people suck.) What I mean is, they may not be parents, or aren't parents to special kids. So they don't realize that we can't yell, scream, and punish our kids when they are having a meltdown.

    We all know that as our kids get older, and they do make mistakes, we need to step in. However, when an argument progresses into a meltdown, we must step back. In that moment, the time for reprimand is lost. Now it becomes a spiral, that we must guide our children through.

    Once they make it out the other side of that meltdown, they're tired, we're tired. Probably still angry or at the very least upset, too. Which means, that now isn't the time either. This is where "we must choose our battles," stands out. Depending on the infraction that led to the argument, and the subsequent meltdown, there may still need to be a punishment. However, that can come later.

    When everyone involved has calmed down, and is thinking rationally, is when we should sit down and talk. Explain to our autie what they did wrong. Why we were so upset. And then give the punishment. However, be clear that you aren't punishing for the meltdown, but rather the mistake the child made which led to the argument and spiraled into that meltdown. 

    So my whole comparison for this post is this: When people see our kids having a meltdown. They're screaming, crying, maybe throwing things, breaking things, (like Eleven in the clip above,) or becoming self injurious, they think our kids are being brats. Those people would react much like Hopper. However, they don't realize, that in that moment, our children are out of control. But WE DO. And that's all that matters. So choose your battles, and bide your time. You got this. (And be thankful our kids don't have psionic abilities! Can you imagine that? We would never have windows, doors, and probably walls in our homes.)

Sensory Input for Back to School

A few days ago I got an email from the amazing folks behind Craft City. They wanted to know if Liam would like a Slime Swag Set for back to school. Of course that answer was a resounding yes!

Sensory Input Back to School Style

Now I know all too well how much fun it is to make slime. It’s one of mine and Liam’s favorite ways to spend time together. However, we don’t always have that time, especially during the school year. With that being said, there’s still a need to have slime because it gives Liam wonderful sensory input, and also keeps his hands busy during lessons. Busy hands means he focuses more on me instead of looking around the room and trying to find something to occupy his empty hands.

So when Karina and her team from Craft City asked if we wanted some premade slime, our answer was yes! They did not disappoint! A mere two days later a bunch of slimy fun arrived on our doorstep.

Soda Slime

Let me tell you, this slime smells absolutely fantastic! When my son opened it, I could smell it sitting across the room from the him. He got Orange and Grape soda. Craft City also has Cherry Cola scented and Lemon Lime Soda as well. Your kids are sure to love this four pack of premade slime.

Super Slime

This may very well being one of Liam’s favorite types of slime. He loves the colors and glitter. His favorite is Fire and Ice. It’s an orange slime with gold glitter (two of his faves,) and it even has plastic chunks of “ice” inside. He loves manipulating this slime to expose the ice and pick them out. The four pack also comes with Mood Ring slime which changes colors with heat.  Metallic slime, and Glow in the Dark Rainbow too.

Galactic Slime

Inspired by space, this four pack of Craft City premade slime is out of this world! It comes with Blackberry Blast Off, Martian-mallow, Milky Way Cereal, and Green Apple Goo. The green apple smells exactly like a hard candy. The Milky Way Cereal looks and smells just like a fruity cereal. Plus it has foam balls for even more sensory input.

Glitter Slime

If glitter is your thing then you’re going to love the Craft City Glitter Slime four pack. It comes with glittery fun in blue, gold, rainbow and pink.

More Fun From Craft City

These are just a few of the fun activities and sensory items from Craft City. You can make slime, lip gloss, and more. There are even kits to color your own squishies too! Karina sent Liam two keychain squishies, and two of those balls that you squeeze and parts of it pop out. He hasn’t put them down since they came!

Finding Underwear for Those with Sensory Aversions

    Just a heads up, this post will contain some affiliate links for underwear. However, as with all things, I wouldn't share them with you if I didn't approve of them. ;)

Finding Underwear for Those with Sensory Aversions

    If you have a child on the spectrum or one with sensory processing disorder, you know how hard it is to find clothing that they can tolerate. For us, it's underpants and socks. He's good with most tee shirts, soccer or basketball type shorts and pants. It's the undergarments that are an issue.

    My boy needs underwear without tags and harsh seams. He also needs them with a comfy waistband. Oh and in a wicking material. Because if he sweats just the tiniest bit, he's changing his underwear. (And I don't know about you, but I don't want or need more laundry to wash.)

Those with sensory aversions tend to despise the following:

• seams
• tags
• scratchy material
• material that causes them to sweat
• clothing that is too tight

Uwewiz Boxer Briefs

    I just got my son this three pack of boxer briefs from Uwewiz. I chose these for him because they are tagless, and are void of irritating seams. Even the waistband is seamless and made from a soft and comfortable cotton. 

    The underwear themselves are made from premium material, (90% spandex and 10% nylon) that is super silky and soft. It isn't just comfy though. It's designed to wick away moisture. In the words of my son, "It won't give me swamp butt!" This material won't pill either which is another plus when it comes to sensory needs.

     Uwewiz boxer briefs are designed to give the family jewels space. The u shaped pouch in the crotch gives men and boys more room for their "stuff," so they're more comfortable. Liam is twelve and I got him their three pack in size medium/large as they run a bit smaller, and they fit him nicely. Get some for the men and boys you love and I guarantee they'll love them too!

Smudge it Away

    I'm a firm believer that natural is better. That being said, yes, we do medicate our son. Because when his depressive cycles got so severe, he needed something more. Now, we have found a balance between natural and medical. We smudge it away, and it seems to be working wonders for my son.

Smudge it Away

    I first discovered Sage Smudging when I was a paranormal investigator with a local group. We often talked about this option with clients, so I was well versed in it calming properties. As my son started to get older, and his symptoms of depression and anxiety deepened, it dawned on me that maybe sage could help him too.

    Guess what? It did. However, we all love the smell of fresh sage, but once it's burning, it really doesn't smell that great. That's why I am so excited to share this Sage Smudge Spray from MoonWater Elixirs with you all.

Smells Amazing and Eases Mind, Body, and Soul

    As soon as my Sage Smudge Spray came, I immediately had to smell it. Let me tell you, it's fantastic! My son struggles with olfactory overload thanks to Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder, so I was curious as to what he would think about it. He loves it too, and immediately sprayed some in the air, and then walked through the mist. 

    However, this spray isn't just special because it smells divine. It's special because of it's ingredients. MoonWater Elixirs, uses planetary alignment, the Moon, and reiki healing to curate the spring water in their spray. There is Sage essential oil, and even a piece of charged crystal in each bottle of Sage Smudge Spray.

Clear the Air

    Feeling like you're in a rut? Is your home full of tension? If so, then give Sage a try. You may think it's hokey, but I am here to tell you, it helps. My son has been using sage to help him since he was seven. He's now twelve, and we still use it. As I said, we don't care for the smell of it once it's been burnt, so MoonWater Elixir's spray is so much better for our family.

     Mist it around your room. Spray your pillows. Use it as a body spray. Either way you choose to do it, you can relax and enjoy the fresh, positive feeling it brings to you. Even your fur babies will enjoy the calming properties of the Sage Smudge Spray.

HOW ABOUT 50% OFF? Use code 18854COU at checkout!

Follow via  Facebook 

Fashionable Jewelry to Fulfill Sensory Needs

    My son has always been a chewer. I can't tell you how many shirts he ruined before we knew about autism, and Liam's need to chew. When we did, we sought out chewy tools to help him. However, as he gets older, those cutesy kids chewers aren't so "cool" any longer.

Fashionable Jewelry to Fulfill Sensory Needs

    Now that Liam's a tween, he's much more concerned with appearance, and "looking like a baby." So finding him something that not only fulfills his sensory needs, but also looks more grown up isn't easy. That's why I love Gumeez. Their designs are more in style and don't look like they're chewies. 

Gorgeous Pieces You'll Want to Wear

    Gumeez pieces are so stylish. Kids and even moms will WANT to wear them because they look amazing. But they're also silicone chewies, so they fulfill two purposes. Their necklaces and bangles look so neat! You're going to have a hard time just choosing one!

    They have a full selection of necklaces for moms to wear, as well as ones for younger kids. They have clip on teethers, and bangle bracelets too. You can choose from mermaids, foxes, penguins, and more. There's something for everyone.

Silicone and Safety

    All Gumeez teething jewelry is made from one hundred percent, food grade silicone. That means it's safe for babies and kids (or even adults) alike. They're also BPA and lead free, so you can take comfort in knowing your angel is safe. 

    Gumeez necklaces all feature a break away clasp. This takes away the risk of a choking hazard from the necklace. It also means that if you're wearing it, and your son or daughter wants to chew, they won't be choking you to get to their beads. The necklace will break away so you don't get choked either.

    Not only can you clean your Gumeez with soap and warm water, but they're also dishwasher safe too. Just toss them in and run your dishwasher. Easy peasy!

Whether you have a child on the autism spectrum, or a little one that's teething, check out Gumeez.

Follow via  Facebook  /  Instagram

Do You Have What it Takes to Become an Autism Advocate Consultant

    There's a great need in our community for Autism Advocates. Parents of newly diagnosed children often do not know where to turn, or how to get the school to work for them. For this reason and more, we need more advocates.

Do You Have What it Takes to Become an Autism Advocate Consultant?

    Being a special needs mom myself, I know how hard it is to make ends meet. I can't work outside of my home because my son is homeschooled, and has major anxiety when I'm too far away from him. For this reason, I started working freelance from home. I only do it part time because of all of my other responsibilities, but if you have the time, you could do this too.

    What our community really needs are people that are educated in state and government laws, in concern to education and special needs. Many parents need someone that knows all of the ins and outs, to direct them in how to approach their child's schools to get the help they need. I can't tell you how many times a week I am messaged by a parent that needs advice on where to turn!

    An Autism Advocate Consultant would be that person. 

How to Start a Consulting Business

    Find your niche. In this case, we're talking about Autism Advocate Consultants. Are you an autism parent? Being one yourself would be super beneficial in becoming an Autism Advocate Consultant. (Honestly, I would hire a parent that lived the spectrum life before I would hire someone that didn't.) I'm not saying you HAVE to be an autism parent, but being one would mean a lot to another ASD parent. Next, you need to dive into Wrights Law. Learn all of the ins and outs as it pertains to special children like ours. Then you would want to decide if you are going to be a state specific consultant, or work with parents from other states.

    If you're going to be state specific, then you would focus on the state in which you reside. You would learn every law as it pertains to your home state, and special needs. If you're going to work with parents in other states, then start learning all of their laws too! 

Immerse Yourself in FAPE, IEP's, 504's and more

    What is FAPE? Well, if you're going to be an autism advocate consultant, you have to know what it is. FAPE is FREE APPROPRIATE PUBLIC EDUCATION. This is a governmental law that dictates that all children, regardless of ability MUST be provided with a free public education in a manner that suits their needs.  

    You'll need to learn the difference between an IEP (individualized education plan) and a 504 plan. Since we're talking about acronyms, it would be a good time to familiarize yourself with SLP, PT, OT, ABA, TSS, BSC, and more. All of these are services provided to children with disabilities. Either by schools, or private insurance. 

Will You Be an in Person Consultant, or Cyber

    You will also want to decide if you will be an in person consultant or a cyber one. Will you have an office where parents can meet you? Will you travel to families? Or will you consult via the internet? The latter is probably the most feesible, especially if you're going to consult on all fifty states. 

    Many parents need an autism advocate to attend IEP/504 meetings. With today's technology, they can take you with them via any tablet, laptop or phone. Skype into their meeting, and help them get their children's needs met. At the end of the day, you'll not only be helping to support your family, but you'll be helping a family in need, which can be so rewarding! 

    

My Son Asked to be Baptized

    My son doesn't like to be very far away from us. He doesn't spend the night anywhere. He won't stay with a sitter. This is anxiety and autism.

    Recently he actually started to go to youth group at a local church. This was huge because he was getting on a bus at five thirty at night, and getting home at seven. He leaves us for a few hours, and is actually miles away from home. And he learned that he's okay! He's safe! And most of all, he's happy.

My Son Asked to be Baptized

    We got a phone call a few weeks ago from the pastor of the church Liam attends. He asked the pastor to baptize him. I was ecstatic! I wanted to do it when he was a baby, but life got busy. Then came his autism diagnosis, and life got even busier. So it just didn't happen.

    Now, he's turning twelve on Friday, and on Sunday, he will be baptized in front of his family. It was HIS choice. Liam understands fully what it means to be baptized, and he's all excited. Pastor Jason even gave him three options for receiving the holy water. This is huge because autistics have sensory issues, so water can be painful.

    Liam can chose from having a cross symbol made with holy water on his forehead, having the water sprinkled on his head, or being dunked in it. He still hasn't fully decided, though he's leaning more towards the cross. He doesn't like to be splashed (but has no problem with splashing others.) 

A Beautiful Cross

    In honor of his special day, I wanted to get him a beautiful cross to wear. I chose this Brilliant Cross Necklace for him. It came yesterday and it's even more gorgeous in person. Made from 925 sterling silver it's so sparkly! I love that it looks like real wood. It comes with an adjustable chain, to accommodate all sizes. It's sixteen inches, and has an extra two inch extension. 

Gift Wrapped

    This Brilliant Cross Necklace comes in a pretty box for gifting. The box has a nice silver ribbon on it too. It's perfect for gifting because it looks as though it's wrapped. It would make a wonderful Mother's day, or even Father's Day gift for your parents. 

Raising Autism Awareness Wherever We Go

    Ahh the good ol' days. Or were they? They days when Liam was younger and newly diagnosed. Meltdowns were around every corner. He had to touch EVERYTHING in sight to fulfill his sensory needs. I started only wearing autism awareness clothing because I was so tired of the stares and the comments. I was tired of verbally educating.

Raising Autism Awareness Wherever We Go

     Now that he's older, and "graduated" from virtually every therapy at our disposal, we don't raise as much unwanted awareness. However, we still like to don autism themed clothing. We do so to show our support for fellow autism families. To let another, newly diagnosed family know that, we "get it," we won't judge. To let the world know that it's okay to be different, and to embrace those differences. 

The Coolest Autism Awareness Shirt I've Seen in Years!

    I was on Etsy last week and I came across ArtsyAndInfamous. When I saw their "Dare to Be Yourself," Autism Awareness tee I knew Liam had to have one. First of all, it has skeletons. He loves them. Secondly the autistic one is doing the dab. Liam dabs everywhere, all the time. Not to mention that, daring to be oneself is a lesson that everyone can live by. One we should strive to instill in our children. Because after all, if everyone were comfortable being different, then bullying others may just disappear. (We can hope, right?)

Never a Dull Moment

    Because in an Autism home, there never is a dull moment. This racerback tank top by ArtsyAndInfamous if perfect as well! It too features a dabbing kid, that's decked out in Autism Awareness. 

Mother's day is right around the corner. So for the autism mom in your life, maybe grab her one of ArtsyAndInfamous autism mom tees. There are two specifically designed for moms to choose from. Both are adorably "AuSome!"

    These are just a few of the autism designs from ArtsyAndInfamous. To see more, you have to check out their Etsy shop. They also have a really neat selection of other, non autism tees for every occasion. If you want something custom, they can do that too!

Safety, Comfort, and Medical Alert All in One

    One common problem for many autistics is sensory issues. For Liam, one in particular is a seat belt. He hates how it rubs his neck, and always wants to put his shoulder strap behind him. That's unsafe, so we needed to find a seat belt pad to help relieve his discomfort.

Safety, Comfort, and Autism Medical Alert All in One

    Sew Good by Dolores creates the nicest Autism Medical Alert Seat Belt Covers. First of all, they are super soft to the touch (made of micro suede,) and keep the seat belt from rubbing your loved ones skin, or cutting into their neck. 

    Secondly, they will alert first responders, medical personnel, or even police that your loved one is on the autism spectrum. You can choose from Autism, Autism Low Verbal, or Autism Non Verbal. There is a puzzle piece design, or a medical alert design to choose from as well. Each one is embroidered by Dolores, and she can even add a name to your seat belt cover.

    Each one comes with a paper for you to fill in your loved ones medical data. There's even a spot for a picture too. This is so nice in the event of an emergency. Even if your child happens to be verbal, there's no guarantee they will speak or respond to emergency personnel. This way, you'll know that responders will be aware of their condition. (It tucks nicely into the pocket, inside the cover.)

Not Just for Autism

    Sew Good by Dolores, has luxury seat belt covers for other conditions too. She has Heart Disease, Epilepsy, CHD, Deaf, Diabetes, Special Needs, and so many more. To see them all, check out her listing.

    Dolores also makes medical alerts for backpack straps, as well as nice pillows and more. Her embroidery work is flawless and beautiful. The customer service she gives is equally amazing!

Liam Approved

    Liam recently received a Medical Alert Seat Belt Cover from Sew Good by Dolores. I put it on his seat belt and he loved it. He keeps rubbing his face on it. Liam also informed me that, "it makes this nasty belt nicer mama!" So there you have it, it's Liam approved! :)

For more info, visit Sew Good by Dolores

Follow via Facebook 

Roll on Style with Fair Trade Artisan Bracelets

    With Mother's Day about a month away, now's the time to nail down a gift idea. How about some roll on, artisan bracelets from Sashka Co.? They go with anything, and can be worn even with jeans or yoga pants.

Roll on Style with Fair Trade Artisan Bracelets

    Sashka Co. bracelets are hand made with tiny glass beads by skilled artisans in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. When you purchase bracelets from Sashka Co. you're empowering women in need to rise above poverty and care for their families. So not only will you be getting your mom a gorgeous gift, but you'll be helping another mom across the country. 

Dress Up or Down

    There are so many reasons that moms will love the bracelets from Sashka Co. One of which is she can wear them for a long overdue night on the town, or daily with jeans, sweats or yoga pants. I rarely go anywhere other than doctor appointments or to get groceries, but I wear my Sashka Co. bracelets everyday. 

    They're so versatile. With a bunch of different colors and coordinating patterns, you can mix and match them all.

Causes Near and Dear to my Heart

    It's Autism Awareness Month! Sashka Co. knows how important this month is to our kids and families, so they released new Autism Awareness Bracelets. These make the perfect gift for the autism mom on your list!

I pair mine with this lovely rainbow bracelet because Autism is a spectrum!

    They didn't just stop there! Sashka Co. also has a wide array of awareness bracelets for other conditions. Each one has little ribbons in the pattern, made from the glass beads. With a wide selection of colors, you're going to find a ribbon for just about any cause. I chose a purple one for Fibromylagia awareness, a green one for mental illness, and teal for OCD awareness. (I have fibro, and Liam is autistic with mental illness, OCD, and more.) 

I Love Sashka Co. and She Will Too!

    As you can see, I'm in love with Sashka Co. Not only are their bracelets and earrings absolutely beautiful, but they're helping other moms in need. You can't beat that! There's about a month until Mom's big day, so head to Sashka Co. and start shopping!

Follow via Facebook  /  Twitter  / Instagram