App Review - Choiceworks Picture Schedule

If you are tired of printing, laminating, cutting, snapping pictures, velcro, and cumbersome schedules, look no further! 

First and foremost, if you have the money, I recommend the purchase of an iPad.  This is one of the most amazing investments for your child, particularly if they are visual learners.  My son has responded immediately to this app.  ABA Therapists and parents spend hundreds of dollars on board makers and schedule makers.  This app was $9.99.

Not only does it come filled with pre-set pictures, but you can snap a picture with your iPad, label it, and give it audio, and include it in your schedule.  You can publish the schedules on iTunes.  You can make multiple schedules for different users.  I can't say enough about this app. 

For example, my son will fight the nighttime routine, but if we look at the schedule, he feels compelled to complete the tasks, and seems relieved to see the routine listed for him. 

It's easy to use, has a rewards system, you can time activities; LOVE IT!

Choiceworks Picture Schedule, Feelings Chart iPad App by Bee Visual

Autism - Awareness Isn't Enough

Awareness isn't enough.  To be aware simply means you have knowledge of something.  It implies a degree of indifference.  You can be aware, or observe, without feeling one way or another.  You are not denying its existence.  You can be aware of just about anything, but don't necessarily have to show acceptance. 

Acceptance on the other hand, is showing approval.  For example, let's say I give you a gift.  If you told me you were aware of the gift; that sounds cold.  But if you accept a gift, it has the connotation that you embrace or welcome it.

That's why, to me, awareness isn't enough.  Yes, autism exists.  We can't deny that.  But as a people, are we accepting of it?  How can we embrace it?  How can we adjust our lives to accomodate it, not just be "aware" of it?   

                                        Support acceptance without saying they're a puzzle:
                     http://www.wired.com/geekmom/2012/04/support-neurodiversity-at-thinkgeek/

An introduction

I have started this blog three times now, and I think I'm just going to mentally dump my thoughts and put it out there.  No more "editting" myself.

I'm active duty Air Force.  Have been for twelve years.  I've been married to a wonderful man for 8 years (tomorrow)!  I have two children BEAUTIFUL children.  Both boys.  I am a big advocate of breastfeeding, and not judging other moms!  I am a lot of things to a lot of different people.  I recently added another hat to the many that I wear.  One that I never anticipated.  I am a mom to a child with autism. 

I don't want to have an *autism* blog, but at the same time I do.  It is so prevalent in our society, but people know so little about it.   

I think I just need an outlet.  I need to not feel alone. 

So here goes.

My oldest son was diagnosed with autism in March 2012.  He's 3.  He's a brooding genius.  Serious.  Artistic.  He writes letters, numbers, draws cars, people, aquariums, lollipops, waffles - he's amazing.  And he's also the snuggliest kid you'll ever meet.  A true romantic.  His father's son for sure. 

My youngest son is 1 and a half.  He was a surprise, but definitely part of a "plan."  He's a hurricane, and demands his own attention, but he's a teddy bear.  If big brother just says he wants juice, and little brother has some, he gives it to him.  He loves to hug, laugh, dance and enjoy every moment of life.  Mostly like mom.

I really don't know how to end this post.  My thoughts just keep going. 

Ok.  This was just an introduction.  So, I guess I'll just start another post.  Thanks for reading!