Where is Eleanor? Children's book benefits Autism

I was recently given the treat of previewing a children's book due out soon (May 2009) that benefits kids with Autism.

Where is Eleanor? written and illustrated by James Connelly. It is based on the author's french bull dog, Eleanor who lives a healthy lifestyle in Los Angeles dining on her preferred kibble oatmeal. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the autism charity, Generation Rescue. The book will be available in both storybook (hardcover) and coloring book (paperback) formats




Where is Eleanor? invites children into the life of a playful and quirky pup. This highly interactive book encourages kids to play along with Eleanor from the first page, where we meet her - to a big surprise "Ending". Kids will find a new friend in Eleanor (or Ellie, as my daughter preferred to call her 'new puppy friend').

A superb book for children with Autism:
An image of Eleanor is in the foreground throughout the 18 page book with constant size and placement. For children with autism who often seek out sameness this simple consistency is key and allows for an easy transition as the pages are turned. The illustrations are line drawings with just a touch of accent color - a delicate balance between simplicity and just enough background detail. In the coloring book children will be able to color the pages and complete the pictures by drawing items like Eleanor's treats or her food bowl. A favorite page shows Eleanor seated in the car with the instructions to draw Eleanor's seat belt. Safety first!

Where is Eleanor? also works with the often difficult (for children on the Autism spectrum) of "Wh" questions - mostly dealing with the concept of "Where". ie. Where's the food bowl? Where's Daddy? Where's the treats? Where are we going? Where's the seat belt? etc.

Both of my children enjoyed reading and playing along with Eleanor in Where is Eleanor? and look forward to its official release next month. My 8 year old son with Autism loves to draw and loves animals - preferring to socialize with pets (of the live and plush version) more so than people.

He decided to draw his own picture of Eleanor on the computer, which I am sharing below:












For more info: http://www.myjpconnelly.com/
You can also become a fan on Facebook or follow on twitter

To buy the book from Amazon.com:

The magic of the sea

My son has always loved the water. When we moved to New Jersey one of the fondest memories I have of him was the week we moved here. He was 3 years old and on a warm September evening we took him to the ocean for the first time. He stood in the water holding hands with my husband and exploded in laughter as the waves crashed in. We weren't prepared for his reaction and he ended up drenched up to his waist but every inch of him was smiling. We didn't have a camera with us but that image of him in my mind is vibrant as if it just took place yesterday.

I'm reminded of this moment each and every time we go to the beach. My husband and I were noting that one of the few times that we'll see him do an arm flapping "stim" is at the beach. He loves the waves!

Since the hot weather has finally appeared here on the Jersey shore, we headed to the beach yesterday with the family. It was chillier there with the winds and the water was ice cold but that didn't stop Alex from having an amazing day.

Seamless Socks for my sensory kid from SmartKnitKids

Sometimes, it is something as simple as socks to really ruin your day. My son has major sensory issues - as many children on the Autism spectrum do. In general, wanting to wear as little amount of clothing as he can get away with. He doesn't like tags in clothing and will pull or rip at them until the garment is destroyed - particularly in underwear and shirts. The popularity of tagless T-shirts and underwear has been a huge saving grace. That left me with one other major clothing beef (aside from the nudity issues) - and that is SOCKS.

Yes, socks.

You see, Alex is hell on socks. If a sock has too much elastic around the ankle or calf he will pick and pull the elastic causing it to get tight/snagged until the elastic is broken - ultimately ruining the socks. He also doesn't like when socks turn on his feet - happens frequently when the elastic has been picked and stretched... And, "the best one" is that when the seam on a sock is twisted or sitting wrong (however that is.. not aligned with the moon in a certain phase) he will scream something that goes like, "My toe! My toe! I have a stunner on my toe" (I think he is trying to say a sliver/splinter). Sometimes he'll keep the 'warning' to himself and just skip right to fixing it himself which involves taking off his shoes and socks and going on with business. If he had his way he would opt to go sockless all year (and wear crocs or bare feet in his sneakers).

So yes, we have sock issues.

I learned about SmartKnitKIDS Seamless Socks on Twitter. Their avatar is a cute little green bug wearing a sock, when I investigated further I knew that we had to try these for Alex. The company was kind enough to send me a few pair to try out with him. They sent us a variety of styles and the sizes were L or XL - There is a size chart on their website that will help you determine what size is needed and come in a few colors (white, black, pink, purple, or blue) The funny thing is that my son who is 8 is only a couple of shoe sizes away from my shoe size. This means that I got to try them too! I found them quite comfortable, though I don't have "sock issues". One thing I noticed was that they were very stretchy feeling and I wondered if they would be too tight on Alex.

Alex has been wearing these socks in rotation with his regular socks now for the past few weeks. Though he tends to always remove his socks and shoes in the house I have noticed that he will actually keep these on longer before opting to go barefoot. The biggest thing that I noticed with these is that he doesn't pick at them or try to pull the elastic out. Because the sock doesn't have a heel it doesn't matter if it twists so he is less aggravated when wearing socks and shoes with these on. Best of all, with these on he isn't complaining that he has splinters in his toes insisting on removing his socks and shoes.

Yes, these socks work.

My next mission is going to be going through all of Alex's old and destroyed socks and getting rid of them. Seamless socks are in.

For more info: http://www.smartknitkids.com/

Alex's movie on the big screen - Small Factory Flick Fest

Alex has continued to enjoy making movies at the Small Factory with Chris. He's still in Wall-E mode - aside from Wall-E bowling, he has made a movie featuring Wall-E, a Cat, and Clip and (the day after Challenger baseball) his latest is Wall-E Baseball that he worked on last weekend. I actually got to see it today for the first time, on a big screen which was really more than cool - plus it isn't even "done" yet as he hasn't done the sound for it.

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009 was the 2nd Annual Kids Factory Flicks a film festival of movies created by Small Factory students and local elementary schools for "Project Green and Blue" at the Clearview Cinemas in Red Bank, New Jersey. The movies shown in the film fest were done by the elementary school kids and the previews/trailers shown were movies done by the Small Factory students - including 2 of Alex's Wall-e movies (bowling and baseball). Alex was excited to go see his movies be shown in an actual movie theatre on a big screen - seriously cool.

Chris, his teacher, told us to get there about 1/2 hr early so we could see the previews and that they'd play through a couple of times. They looped 3 (maybe even 4?) times while the theatre went from empty (just us and one other family) to packed, no empty seats in the house. Go kids!

Before we got there Alex got to try out a really cool setup that used a video game controller hooked up in such a way that it could animate on the fly complete with lip syncing. Alex really like trying it out and could have played with that all night. Chris shared that Small Factory will be using this technology in their classes including their Social Skills group - most excellent.

Outside the theatre they had a table set up selling DVDs and T-shirts. Also, a portion from the DVD goes to Autism NJ (formerly COSAC).

Alex got his VIP Pass, a movie poster, and then got to walk on a Red Carpet!

Once inside the kids got popcorn (which they wolfed down, major treat and yes - a diet cheat).

And the movies began.

Ready.. Set.. Go!...

or watch on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHMe_v8LIHU

We're wondering what's Wall-E going to do next?

Still, Kurt and I have talked about how it would be nice to see Alex make something truly original. We know it is definitely 'in there'. And knowing Alex.... oh, its gonna be GOOD.

Take a Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes for Autism Awareness

I was first introduced to The Swingset Mamas when they participated in the Autism Twitter day. I showed both my kids their videos on youtube and the kids really enjoyed the music and videos.

Who are the Swingset Mamas?

The Swingset Mamas are Lizzie Swan and Marlowe Bechmann, two rockin' moms whose award-winning family music and videos have inspired an avid network of fans, including children, parents and educators.

How are they helping with Autism Awareness?

During Autism Awareness Month, The Swingset Mamas are promoting their latest video and its message of tolerance and acceptance while raising money for Autism.

Marlowe's oldest daughter has Autism, and her family's experiences have inspired this song and video, “Take a Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes.” It features people of all ages and abilities joyfully stepping into "someone else's shoes." The video incorporates American Sign Language and music to teach the powerful message of acceptance and inclusion of all people.

Every time someone watches the video, money is donated to Autism Speaks.

The video is available at http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/1569537.



You can download the audio of “Take a Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes” for free at www.sonicbids.com/swingsetmamas

For more information about The Swingset Mamas, visit http://www.swingsetmamas.com/

You also can be a fan of The Swingset Mamas on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @swingsetmamas

NJ School Districts misuse of Robocalls

April 22, 2009

NJ School Districts misuse of Robocalls

When the school district phone number pops up on my caller ID, it gives me that nervous jittery feeling. I hate that feeling, it is the same feeling of dread that I get when the phone rings before AM or after PM that is reserved for "someone is in the hospital or died". When the school calls me it means one thing - something happened to my child or my child is sick. The exception to this being for snow days or early dismissal/delayed openings which the school district uses an auto-dialer for (often at AM, sometimes multiple times).

Last evening I received a phone call from my 2nd graders school. Since it was well after school hours and my son was home, I thought it was odd for the school to be calling at that hour. I picked up to a Robocall. Clearly it wasn't going to be a snow day, but we were having a torrential downpour and a thunderstorm so I thought it might be a school closing or delay of some kind. (I hoped not).

It wasn't about a school closing or delay though. Instead, on the phone was the school principal with a message to parents about the school budget elections with a message and a reminder to vote. I made a mental note to work going to my polling center into my Tuesday errand schedule and chocked the phone call off as a slight annoyance.

Then today I received a second call from the school. This time when the phone number popped up I did have that panic attack feeling because both my kids were at school - Aw crap, who got hurt or threw up.. this time?

Suckered again! Another Robocall. Turns out this time it was an auto-dialer from the School board Superintendent with essentially the same message. And this is an emergency, how? This usage of the emergency messaging system for voting reminders seems to be an accepted practice across the state as residents in North Jersey are similarly riled.

I vented about it on my twitter because I hate robocalls. I received back a friendly reply that in NJ political robocalls are illegal.

I don't know what is more annoying.... The use of the emergency parent notification system to hound parents to vote for the budget or my preschooler coming home from school with a construction paper voting hat (they had the same one on election day too, it was cuter then) and also stickers on her hands and cheeks with the word "Yes" on them.

I sit her shaking my head back and forth. Hey school district, I think I got the message already (twice-over!).

Original New Jersey Moms Blog post by MaryTara. MT blogs her adventures in parenting two beautiful children on the Jersey Shore, life with autism & without it, the gluten & casein free diet, and vaccination choice issues at The Bon Bon Gazette and raising a child with amblyopia at A

Not to forget the siblings during Autism Awareness month & and EVERY day!

I opened Autism Awareness month by sharing a photo of my sweet daughter, who does not have Autism but feels the effect of Autism - every day. She accepts it with very little complaint (other than that her brother messes up her room!) and loves the heck out of Alex. Yes, they do fight as any siblings would.. oh do they fight.

She also worships the ground that he walks on and wants to be JUST like him. Alex likes to bowl and is part of the Challenger bowling league for special needs children. But, Belle can't bowl because she is 1) too young and 2)not special needs (I suppose I could press her vision issues but I feel that would be taking a space away from a child that deserves the space moreso). Thankfully, the local Autism group POAC comes to the rescue and offers a Sibling bowling group. Every couple of months they open up the bowling alley and invite brothers and sisters of kids with autism to come out and bowl. The kids can bowl, chat, enjoy treats and then a dinner of pizza & soda. There's no charge for this event, also - amazing. Belle had a blast, of course.

My point in sharing this is simple. Don't forget the siblings of kids with autism and never underestimate the bonds they form. I'd like to think that my daughter is taking from having a sibling with autism many positives. Compassion, Patience, an Open Mind, Acceptance and most of all Happiness. Also, I know that my son has gained immensely from having a little sister. She is able to engage him, plays with him and we credit a lot of my son's language development to her.

One thing for certain - I have no doubt in my mind - They are friends.

Artwork by Alex of him with his sister and their bowling balls!

Coconut Milk an Excellent Dairy Free option For GFCF kids

So, your kid is on the Gluten and Casein free diet and they can't have cow milk or anything with casein (milk protein) in it. Avoiding Dairy can be tricky but there really are a lot of options.

There's Soy Milk - oh, but soy's not good for boys and can also be an offender for many kids with autism like casein. Best to skip the soy. So, then there's rice milk (but not rice dream due to gluten during processing). Ok, so that leaves.... almond milk, hemp milk, or Dari-Free.

Previously, I'd seen coconut milk drinks that were sold in aluminum cans. Well, for those trying to avoid anything aluminum, that won't do.

When I saw the new Coconut Milk from So Delicious was coming out I was SOLD.

• Dairy Free / Lactose Free
• Soy Free
• Gluten Free
• Rich in Medium Chain Fatty Acids
• Excellent Source of Vitamin B12 (vegetarian friendly)
• Formulated for Maximum Calcium Absorption
• Cholesterol Free
• No Trans Fats
• Certified Vegan

Alex has long been a fan of So Delicious products, especially their Coconut Milk line which includes dairy free ice cream and the kids absolute favorite yogurt. When I saw they had drinks out I had to get them and stalked my local Whole Foods until one day - They had it!

I picked up both the vanilla and the sweetened versions, though it also comes in unsweetened.
We use this mostly Alex's gluten free cereal. It isn't watery like rice milk, doesn't contain soy, and tastes better than using the dari-free (which is potato based)!

Coconut Milk also has some pretty amazing health benefits. It is also a good choice for kids with autism who have gut issues because it has anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.

Coconut milk may inhibit/kill several types of detrimental bacteria and fungi including: Chlamydia trachomatis, Helicobacter pylori, Hemophilus influenzae, Listeria monocytogenes, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans. It also may deactivate lipid-coated viruses including: The HIV virus, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes Simplex Viruses Type 1 & 2, and the Measles Virus.
[From the In-Tele-Health © 2006 (from Hyperhealth Pro CD-ROM)]

I'm sold!

My only wish is.... If this came in a Chocolate flavor. Can you imagine that decadence as well as kid appeal that chocolate coconut milk would taste like? My kids favorite coconut milk yogurt flavors are the Vanilla and Chocolate as well as the strawberry.

BTW - a little bit of this coconut milk drink, some ice and the coconut milk ice cream or yogurt with some fresh fruit... in the blender makes for a super yummy and healthful - best of all DAIRY FREE smoothie!

For more info (and even recipes):
http://purelydecadent.com/

Follow @So_Delicious on Twitter

Book Review: A Child's Journey Out of Autism by Leeann Whiffen

I don't remember the last time I had a book move me as much as this one. I just finished reading A Child's Journey out of Autism: One Family's Story of Living in Hope and Finding a Cure By Leeann Whiffen.

Wow.

My 8 year old son has Autism. Yeah, so I've read a lot of Autism books. I've read books about therapies, books about the biomedical approach. Books blaming autism on vaccines and books saying its not the shots at all. And then, there are the books about recovery. For something that there is "no cure" for, there sure are quite a few books about there about Autism Recovery. Most claim and credit a specific approach - the gfcf diet, chelation, ABA, AIT, etc. Some go so far to say "it wasn't autism after all - it really was Mercury poisoning or it was a milk allergy. I read each one and take it in. And you know, there's only so much doom and gloom and blame I can stomach. I think this is where A Child's Journey out of Autism is a stand out for me.

The author, Leeann Whiffen, keeps it so real. From the trials and frustration of an unconsolable infant, to a toddler who tantrums so much she cannot leave the house. She captured it and nailed it on the head. I walked in those shoes and she was brave enough to share it all. The feelings when someone tells you your child has autism and you don't want to believe it -but in your heart you know it is true. The frustration at "the system" for throwing in the towel on our kids and not providing enough services. Instead of curling up in a little ball, Leeann Whiffen moved mountains. From instituting an in home ABA program, implementing the gfcf diet and biomedical options, even finding a way to work in RDI. She did it. Clay did it. Clay was "un-diagnosed".

The title of the book uses the word "Cured" which is a huge controversy both in and out of the autism community and may turn some people away from reading this book. For a review of this book that presents an alternate view and hits the nail on the head about "Curing" Autism please read here.

This really is much more than a story of recovery. For me some of the most profound parts of the book have to do with Leeann sharing how Clay's autism impacts her family including her older son, Drew, who is typical. Its tough for the siblings and I could see so much of my own daughter in her son - even though in my case it is a younger sibling (and a girl). When she shared about how her mother reacted and felt when her son didn't acknowledge her in the room - the pain. I have to say that in that moment, I realized that I never once have stopped to consider how my parents, Alex's grandparents FEEL. And, most of all her relationship with her husband is one to be held up. So many times you read about "the autism divorce rate". So, reading about the Whiffen family was more than encouraging.

If autism is in your life in any way - read this book!

Out of 5 stars I give A Child's Journey out of Autism .... SIX!

Youtube Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNjdxD844GQ

Related Links: http://www.leeannwhiffen.com/
Autism Awareness - Clay Whiffen and A Child's Journey Out of Autism (Book Trailer)
Interview with Leeann Whiffen
Clay's Law, Senate Bill 43
Betty Confidential: My Son's Autism Cure

Read my review at Epinions.com here

Batter up!

Opening Day of Challenger Baseball '09 Season

Just what were they thinking having the special needs baseball teams wear WHITE uniform T-shirts?

Book Review: Healing and Preventing Autism by Jenny McCarthy

With April being Autism Awareness month and the launch of Jenny McCarthy's latest book, you've surely seen her on TV with Dr. Jerry Kartzinel talking about Autism and promoting their latest book, Healing and Preventing Autism: A Complete Guide. The book is a collaboration between former playboy bunny turned Mother Warrior who has recovered her son Evan from Autism and Jerry Kartzinel, MD - a well known Autism doctor, also a father of a child with Autism.

In Healing and Preventing Autism, the duo have compiled a soup to nuts guide about the causes of autism as they see it, an approach to treating it, and ways that it can be prevented for future generations. The book is written in an interview style that is a shared question and answer session with Jenny asking questions, Dr. Kartzinel answering in mostly easy to understand medical and layman's terms. Jenny responding to the good doctor's answers by "dumbing" things down a bit and making analogies as well as sharing Evan's experience. The back and forth banter between the two makes a tough topic like Autism surprisingly easy to read about. She also treats the reader to amusing cartoons that make most political cartoons seem quite tame that attack most mainstream medical doctors and advice. That being said, I chuckled at the art and found them enjoyable. I do not however think our pediatrician nor my family members who are doctors and nurses would care for them very much!

While quite a bit of focus in the book is on the damages caused by vaccines, I found that Healing and Preventing Autism was actually quite a bit more well rounded than its predecessors Louder Than Words and Mother Warriors which were heavy in placing the blame on Vaccines. In this 3rd installment, the Jenny and Jerry "dynamic duo" shed light on toxins everywhere from the carpets under our feet, the food we eat, and the family trees we come from that include damaged immune system. Perhaps better titled the book would be: Healing and Preventing our damaged Immune Systems. But, alas, that wouldn't sell as well.

In Healing and Preventing Autism you will find specific examples and recommendations for supplements, special diets, treating leaky gut, how to order blood tests and which ones, specifics about treatments like HBOT, B12, and chelation. You will also find links to websites selling these supplements with Kartner Health (Dr. Kartzinel's supplement company) topping every list. As Dr. Kartzinel was co-author for the book, I can certainly see some nod to his products being given, but after about the hundredth occurrence I couldn't help but find myself seeing the dollar bills signs. Dr. Kartzinel has a waiting list that is 3 years long to get into for treatment, or you can read this just shy of 400 page book and learn how and why he does what he does. I find it troublesome that the book gives specific dosages and instructions on how to do things that should only be done under the strict supervision of a doctor. It is no secret that my son is on the gluten and casein free diet and thriving and that he also takes supplements. I've even gone so far to share some supplements that we've gotten good results with like our Omega3s. But, I don't and won't discuss many specifics of my son's supplements like the doses even with family or my closest friends. When Jenny and Jerry start dishing about doses of things it got a touch uncomfortable for me.

Despite some druthers, there were things that I loved and things that I hated about Healing and Preventing Autism and I found myself finishing it up in about a day (a very rainy day). I recommend the book to families who are just starting or considering embarking on a biomedical approach.

I leave you with these thoughts:
Jenny McCarthy is a celebrity who has a son who is recovering (is recovered?) from Autism. She isn't God and this book is not a bible for Autism. There is no cure for Autism (Only hope for the future). We live in a toxic world. Autism may be preventable to some extent.

And last but certainly not least:

There IS hope for recovery from Autism (in some cases).



Related Links:
Autism Spectrum Disorders Bella Online: A Book Review of Mother Warriors
Are You a Mother Warrior?
Meet My Child Warrior
Epinions Review: Mother Warriors
Epinions Review: Louder Than Words
YouTube: Jenny McCarthy, Jerry Kartzinel, MD on Larry King Live
part 1 part 2 part 3 part 4 part 5

Rainy Day Fun (Wii Fit, Yoga, Wall-E, Autism - All of the above!)

Pouring rain.

That's what it has been doing for the past 2 days. Couple that with Spring Break and both kids home. We are a little stir crazy. Scratch that - we are A LOT stir crazy.

Thank goodness for the Wii Fit because Alex has been having a blast unlocking all sorts of new games on it. The kids have been doing the 2 player run - and Alex has figured out that you don't actually need to jog but instead you can shake the remote to simulate it movement. If you shake the remote really fast, your Mii falls flat on its face - which he finds hysterical but at the same time this reduces his little sister to tears. The kids have figured out how to have a dog be your guide instead of a person and go on the distance run around the island - over and over. You'd think this would tire them out, right? Well, not so much...

Alex has re-found his love for Yoga. When he was just a little guy he used to do Kids Yoga DVDs and really enjoyed them, especially the Wai Lana Little Yogis. With the Wii Fit he has decided that his friend Wall-E needs to do Yoga along with him. In fact, he also decided that Wall-E needed to be set up with his own Wii Fit character.

Wall-E is really good at the Sun Salutation pose.










Related links:
Wii Therapy for Autism: I'm a believer!
Consider the Nintendo Wii for Kids with Autism

Gluten Free Play-Doh Alternative: Mama K's Play Clay

I've said before that Play-Doh may be fun but it is NOT Gluten Free - we are a Play-Doh free household. Which makes my daughter sad. She loves play-doh. And every holiday that the kids have goody bags at school or birthday party where she comes home with those teeny Play-Doh tubs she gets so excited to play with it. I'll let her play with it while her brother is in school and then pretty much as soon as she turns around I throw it out! I don't want play-doh in my house since my son is on a gluten free diet. It gives me mean mama complex, but I know I'm doing it for my son's good. He's made such huge improvement on the gluten free diet that eliminating play-doh from the kids play repertoire is really a small sacrifice. So, I was thrilled to be able to try out a new gluten free play-doh alternative called Mama K's aromatic Play Clay.

This scented gluten free clay was developed by Kari Erickson (Mama K), a mother of 2, from Seattle. The Play Clay is made with gluten free flour, extra virgin olive oil, vegetable colorants and pure essential oils. The packaging is re-usable and recyclable and the labels are printed on 100% recycled paper. The re-usable 4oz tubs sell for $4 a piece with the exception of chamomile which is priced $1 more. You can get a tube of 5 scents (chamomile not included) for $20, the tube also serves as a fairly airtight storage solution for the clay when not in use. Mama K will also refill your empty tubs for $2 plus shipping.

The play clay comes in 6 aromatherapy scents:

Chamomile - to relax
Bergamot - for tension

Lavender - to sooth

Geranium -to balance

Sweet Orange - to uplift

Lemongrass - to inspire

My kids are stir crazy this week. Its spring break and pouring rain. We'd had one too many fights today over the Wii Fit and I believe we've already memorized the Bedtime Stories DVD that we just got 3 days ago from the GFCF Easter Bunny! The GFCF Easter Bunny had also brought us a complete set of the Mama K's gluten free play clay, and I knew this was just the right time. When I offered up for them to try out the play clay they both sprinted into the kitchen as if I'd just announced dessert was on the table.

Alex, at 8 years old, is starting to outgrow play-doh appeal but he's usually game to try out something fun. He liked the Lemongrass and Sweet Orange scents the best, no surprise there as he loves things that are lemon-lime scent (even his Omega3 supplement). I had to remind him a few times that it wasn't food and not to eat it before he went back to playing with the Wii Fit. My 4 year old daughter sat and played and played and played with the clay. She picked out the Geranium scent and stuck with it. She loved it. The clay did leave a little bit of residue on her fingers, but I understand that the latest formulation of the clay which is available from Mama K's Etsy shop has this remedied.

Belle loves Mama K's play clay and this Mama is happy with this gluten free play-doh alternative.

For more info: http://www.mama-ks.com/

To purchase: Visit Mama K's Shop on Etsy

Happy GFCF Easter From The Bon Bon Gazette

Happy Easter!

So, you wonder what you give a kid for easter who is on the gluten free diet?

Well, there are actually quite a few options including the Enjoy Life Foods boom Choco boom Dairy-Free Rice Milk Gluten-Free Chocolate Bars which come in a few different versions and are really yummy chocolate candy bars, even comes in a Krispy version. Also, last year I spent a lot of time making some treats using safe crisped rice cereal, Enjoy Life Gluten-Free Chocolate Chips, and kosher marshmallows and made my own treats. Guess, what? My kid didn't eat it. Because - he doesn't really like candy! After any occasion where the kids collect candy I end up throwing it out or giving it to other families with kids who actually eat candy. I'm really blessed actually - my son doesn't like candy!

So this year the Easter Bunny brought.....

• Wall-E Crocs
• Bag full of Wall-E Jibbitz charms for the crocs
• The Bedtime Stories DVD
• A couple of Wall-E Books (the reading level is well below Alex's reading ability but he already owns the ones that are more difficult and he actually prefers the pictures because as we all know - he loves to draw Wall-E.
• And the icing on the cake.... A bottle of Organic Ketchup - non high fructose syrup containing! Alex actually LOVES the Nature's Promise brand which is the Stop N Shop store brand, go figure.
  
  Guess what Alex said when he saw what the Easter bunny left him?
  
  "Ketchup! Oh, it is my favorite food!!!"

T-Shirts for TACA

Check out these really cool T-shirts from Volcom for Autism Awareness, benefiting TACA.

The message being sent on autism is about HOPE!

Hope is a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in ones life. Hope is about believing that a better or positive outcome is possible.


The shirts come in 4 colors (black, white, green, blue) and are in youth or adult sizes.

Buy a shirt!

Autism 151: 1 in 150 Children. 1 Community of Hope

1 in 150 children.
1 is mine.

Autism 151 is a community project.
150 stories. 1 community of hope



Submit your stories to Autism151.com this month. The site is collecting videos for Autism awareness. Share your story of hope.

Here's mine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO_CvcD2W4c
A is for Alex, Amazing and autism

Alex's movie of Wall-E Bowling

Alex has been going to the Small Factory and getting computer lessons learning Flash animation. He's been going for about a month, just once a week and loves it. Last week his teacher, Chris, asked him to write a story for "homework". Alex took it in stride and wrote a really cute story about going bowling (with scripting from Wii bowling).

His story read as follows (unedited):

WallE Story by Alex
Are you a computer aminator? Yes!

One day Alex is bowling with Chris and Wall-E and Eve and Hal.
Alex says, its your turn WallE
Wall E says Wall-E
Eve says Eva
WallE bowls with a trash cube. 10 pins!
WallE got a strike. Nice Throw.
Alex is clapping. Yay!

The end
Created by Alexander and Chris

Today at class, he got to draw his story about Wall-E bowling with friends and using a trashcube as a bowling ball. He even got to go into the sound booth and record sounds.

Here it is - Alex's creation...

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do, it's an Alex original creation and I just love it!! To think that so many times my son has been dismissed because of his autism, and then look at this and see what he can do. Proud, barely describes it. I can't wait to see what's next from Alex.

Join the Gluten Free Twitter Party #gfree 4/3

Here's where you'll find me today - on Twitter at the Gluten Free Twitter party. I'm on the panel at 1pm Pacific. If you are interested in learning about the GFCF diet, need tips, share recipes, dish on products, and WIN free things. Join in today! Be sure of use the hashtag #gfree on your tweets.

Wubbzy for World Autism Day

Picture of Wubbzy eating an egg drawn by Alex, age 8 with Autism

April 2nd, 2009

Today is World Autism Day

It’s a time to shine a light on autism, to awaken public understanding ofthe crisis, and to accelerate support for research and services.



Nick Jr.'s Wubbzy has been named a "goodwill ambassador" for Autism.

This is a picture of Wubbzy that my son Alex drew on the computer in MsPaint. Alex may have a hard time communicating because of his Autism but his art speakers louder than words. His art gives me hope and puts a smile on my face. Today and everyday, Alex, is MY bright light.

Download a Wubbzy World Autism Day Coloring Book here
Check out this cute Autism PSA starring Wubbzy.

On April and Autism, Awareness

Another April and here we are, the beginning of National Autism Awareness month. Tomorrow is World Autism Awareness Day. In the past I've shouted out from the rooftops about Autism. I've passed out stickers, pins, "puzzle piece" bracelets. I've written reviews on Epinions.com about products and parent advice. I've organized events to blow bubbles of hope for Autism families at the beach including children with autism and neuro-typical children. I raised money for local charities like NJ-Cosac (now AutismNJ), and POAC - even braving the Blue Claws stadium and my son having major sensory overload from the music and crowd. The past few years I have also traditionally launched our team page "Alex's Army" for the annual Autism walk (which fyi we are not doing this year).

In the coming weeks I look forward to sharing my take on a few Autism books including: Greenspan's Engaging Autism: Using the Floortime Approach to Help Children Relate, Communicate, and Think- about the Floortime approach, Jenny McCarthy's new book Healing and Preventing Autism: A Complete Guide, and Leeann Whiffen's book A Child's Journey out of Autism: One Family's Story of Living in Hope and Finding a Cure and maybe even a few more that I have on my book shelf and reading list. I also will be sharing Alex's adventures trying out sensory smart socks, some new to him gluten & casein free foods - and then some. If you are looking for information about the gluten free diet, I'll be on the panel for the Gluten Free Twitter party taking place this friday - use the tag #gfree. Speaking of Twitter, there is an Autism Sitewarming event taking place this evening by Model Me Kids.

Yep, I've got lots planned but let me tell you how I really feel about Autism Awareness month. This month, we "spread awareness" and put on a smiling face - I feel like I'm going through the motions. We'll hear and read news stories about Autism and see puzzle pieces popping up around town. April will seem to be the longest month ever, and people will ask me questions that I'll answer with a smile on the outside all the while my head is spinning around and the mama lion inside of me is about to pounce. As Kim Stagliano so aptly put it at Age of Autism, We're Aware Already... It's Autism Epidemic Action Month. I think that it has taken me 6 years to realize that I'm rather over it. I'm not saying that I'm against autism awareness. Just the opposite in fact. I'm all for it and will be doing my part in educating others and sharing our story as I always do. Every day. Autism Awareness isn't a monthly thing here, it is our life. It is my child. Alas, awareness only goes so far and that simply isn't far enough for me anymore!

He deserves more.

Welcome to April, Autism Awareness Month

Welcome to April and Autism awareness month.


I thought who better to make this announcement on my blog than Belle.
For, she is the most autism aware of all - the sibling of someone with Autism. Today she wears a ribbon in her hair in honor of her brother.