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Asperger's, not what you think it is | Krister Palo | TEDxYouth@ISH

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TEDxDU Temple Grandin -- Different kinds of minds

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You can get this analysis for free by filling out this simple form. This will help you get to the bottom of a learning difficulty and provide you with a solution. If you are ready to put this problem behind you click the button below and fill out the form.

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How Much Do You REALLY Know About Autism?

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.
All opinions are mine alone. #InsideOutEmotions #CollectiveBias

From the day my husband and I brought our first-born home and made it through the first sleepless night, I asked myself: why don't kids come with instructions? Just think, how much easier the parenthood would have been if you could know exactly what the problem is and find the best fitting solution. Instead, we try to pick on the clues in the attempt to understand what the child of ours wants and hope for the best.

Emotions are what separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom - even a day old infant has emotions he expresses with (sigh) crying. Growing up, our adorable children gift us with more complex emotions. Eventually the speech comes along to replace babbles and mumbles and things get easier... sort of.

I Can't Talk, But I Can Cry!

But what what if the speech is delayed? What is the emotions bubble and the child doesn't know how else to express himself? What's next? Here comes the roaring meltdown with all its loudness, ugliness, and obnoxiousness!!! I've experienced that a lot with my son and as a mother, I hated these moments - I couldn't help, because I can't understand him and my desire to fix everything just irritated my son and resulted in more screaming and wiggling.

The Little Voices in My Head

Is your child sad or angry? Don't guess - let him show you! This might be a great way for a child to demonstrate you exactly he feels even if he can't tell you. Have you seen Inside Out movie yet? Riley's little voices might just become your best friends and all you have to do is to keep these characters handy - print the faces of Joy, Fear, Anger, Sadness, and Disgust

or pick up the adorable plushes at the Walmart near you.

Figured out how your child feels? You are half way there - we also need to teach him how to act out on his emotions in the controlled environment and that is where the box of emotions comes really handy.

The Box of Emotions
Supplies:

Empty formula tub (21.5 oz) or any container you find suitable

Soft fabric like flannel. If you want to cheat, get Duct Tape Fabric (it is as soft on the outside and sticky on the inside)

Scissors

Burlap ribbon

Any decorative supply you find pleasing (loose buttons, black chalkboard stickers, etc)

Fabric Glue

Instructions:

I love big formula tubs - the lid locks, but it is easy to open. To save time I used Duct Tape Fabric, but you can use any fabric (or old recieving blankets) you have around the house. Glue fabric around the jar (cut the fabric into two pieces or easy handling).

Cut an oval piece of fabric and glue it onto the top of the jar.

Wrap burlap ribbon around the bottom of the tub and secure it with the fabric glue.

Decorations are optional, but highly recommended. Feel free to paste charclol stickers, fun buttons or any other decorations you have around the house. You can even let your child draw on it with fabric markers.

Paste Velcro strip on the front panel where you find it appropriate

Making Emotions

Click on the image below and print out the image. Cut and glue them to a piece cardboard or laminate them to make sure they have a long happy life.

Put Velcro tape on the back of each emotion. As an alternative, you could buy the plush dolls at the Walmart.

Making Expressions

Does your child stomp his feet when he is mad? Jumps when he is excited? Hides under the table when scared? Create little cards that will show your son or daughter that it is ok to express our feelings. Put Velcro on the back of each card. My list includes the following expressions:

Your list can be big or small, but make sure it is something your child is comfortable doing. Draw little cards that show expressions and put them in the can along with the emotions.

Ready to use your big box of emotions?

The next time your child is starting to fuss, sit him down, open the box, and ask him: How do you feel? Let him pick the character he associates himself with and paste it on the box.

What do you want to do about it? Let's pick three cards. By doing so, you are slowly shifting child's interest away from cranky behavior to thinking about what he actually wants to do. Let him pick three cards and paste them around the character face.

Close the Box

Do what the cards tell you to. He might or might not want you to participate, but in any case, you will have a clear message of how your child feels.

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Teaching Kids to Express Emotions Through Actions

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #InsideOutEmotions #CollectiveBias From the day my husband and I brought our first-born home and made it through the first sleepless night, I asked myself: why don't kids come with instructions?

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Day 62: Females with Asperger’s Syndrome (Non-Official) Checklist

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THIS BLOG EVERYDAY ASPERGER’S BY SAMANTHA CRAFT IS RETIRED. HER NEW BLOG CAN BE FOUND AT EVERYDAY ASPIE AND HER COMPANY WEBSITE AT MYSPECTRUMSUITE.COM THANK YOU

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[Infographic] Helping your child with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

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Disability Fact Sheet - Autism Classroom Strategies

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Disability Fact Sheet - Autism Classroom Strategies (I wish it was really this simple & clear cut!!) Repinned by SOS Inc. Resources pinterest.com/sostherapy/.

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Empathy and Asperger’s Syndrome | Dylan Dailor | TEDxAllendaleColumbiaSchool

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A couple of years ago Dylan discovered the idea of neurodiversity, the idea that people can be neurologically diverse. This idea was very unpopular amongst many groups who insisted that this was both wrong and dangerous. Dylan set out to write a book (I Am Not A Freak) for children who believed that their mind needs to be corrected.

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The best source of information I've found for asperger/high functioning autism.

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Strengths of aspergers: loyalty in relationships, bias-free, truth-seeking, free of hidden agenda, fascination with words and puns, original perspectives on problem-solving, exceptional memory, clarity of values, listen without judgment or assumption, enthusiasm, full of trusting optimism and the belief in genuine friendship.

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Asperger's Characteristics | #infographics repinned by @Piktochart

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My Life with Asperger's by OnTheMountainTop.deviantart.com on @DeviantArt

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Yes :-) I'm one of the few teens who hardly ever become persuaded by peer pressure. I am what you call "rule bound" and most days I'm proud of it!

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Unfortunately a person with Sensory Processing Disorder doesn't just have to endure the frustrations and struggles that come with the way their brain is wired, but they also have to withstand many misinformed comments and phrases being thrown their way day to day. In fact, the truth is, they often struggle to find friends and have onlookers understand what they are going through. As a parent of a child with sensory processing disorder, I am often the recipient of the hurtful comments, however, I am not the only one. My son, and many others like him, often have to endure these things no one should ever say to a person with Sensory Processing Disorder.

I strongly believe the the majority of comments that people make are out of ignorance. They either have never heard of sensory processing disorder, or have never had to love someone who struggles with every day tasks. I have to believe they aren't made out of meanness or intent to hurt. In fact, before I knew my son had sensory processing disorder and anxiety, I probably said a few of these phrases to him out of frustration. No, wait... I still say some of these out of frustration, and then I remember that I am not helping situations at all.

Sensory Processing Disorder is a frustrating disorder because it is silent. What this means is that often times, you would never know anything is "wrong" or different about the person who is struggling. In fact, many people that are classified as "gifted" are also struggling with sensory issues daily, yet they may never have a disorder that impedes on their daily lives. That doesn't mean we shouldn't be careful what we say to them.

10 Things You Should Never Say to a Person with Sensory Processing Disorder
It's not that hard to {insert common activity}.
Yes. Yes, it is that hard. They are not doing refusing to do what ever it is you are waiting on them to do, just to annoy you. It might look like it, but I assure you... that is not their intentions.
Calm down.
This is easier said then done. In fact, if they could calm down on their own, they already would have. The truth is that they need help. They don't have the skills yet to self-regulate, but they are learning!
What is wrong with you? You know better.
Yes, they SHOULD know better. This is especially true if the person you are talking to is older than a toddler. They should know to keep their hands to themselves. They should know to walk in a library. They should know to use a quiet voice in a restaurant. However, for whatever reason in this moment, they are unable to!
Why did you do that?
They have no clue. This one is a lost cause. Seriously. You might get a "it felt good" or "I wanted to", but most likely, you are going to be met with a "I don't know" and the shrugging of shoulders.
Quit being "bad".
Oh, this one gets me. You see, I don't like this one for ANY person or child! It's kind of a pet peeve of mine. There are so many other phrases to say to a child misbehaving, rather than a phrase that is hurtful.
It's not that big of a deal.
Not to you! However, to them it is the BIGGEST deal! To them, that wet shirt is like daggers to their skin. To them, that fan whirring sounds like a helicopter trying to land in their room. To them, its a HUGE DEAL!
Why don't you just....{fill in the blank}
Because they can't. Because they are overstimulated. Because they aren't processing the information. The why's could go on and on.
Go away.
This one just makes me want to give them a big hug. You might think other's don't say it, but I see it on the playground, at the park, at birthday parties. Someone that struggles with sensory processing disorder can have annoying behaviors. However, they are not annoying. They have lots of great qualities. It takes a lot of patience to find them!
Quit being a baby.
Ugh... No, they are not being a baby, a sissy, a pansy, silly, or ridiculous. To someone with sensory processing disorder, their problems are very real to them and their frustrations are very real. Please don't downplay what they are going through.

Don't know anyone with sensory processing disorder? Why should you care?

Here's the thing. You might know someone with a Sensory Processing Disorder diagnosis. You might not even know anyone that knows they struggle with these things. However, I guarantee you that you will meet (and perhaps love) someone that struggles with sensory processing. You might see a child at the park constantly pushing on everyone. You might see a collegue that constantly taps their pen on their desk. You might even be married to someone who can't stand to be touched. All of these behaviors are connected to the way our brain processes information. Maybe, just maybe, instead of making a comment that makes them feel "wrong" for what they are doing, we can try to re-phase our comments to help them learn to be successful.

What to say to someone with Sensory Processing Disorder

I notice....

Maybe you would like to....

How can I help your body get what it needs?

This seems to be frustrating you, what if we try....

If you need ....., you can go here to do it.

I am trying to understand what you are frustrated about, can you show me?

I understand it is hard for you to...

Would you like to go to a quiet space to work?

Would you like me to give you some space?

I want to help. Is it okay if I ....

Honestly, just taking interest in their needs and in how their brain processes information will mean the world to them! Often times (especially in children) they have no idea why they are doing the things they are doing. They do not know how to "make a better choice" or "control their body". It is hard for them every single day. It is our job to teach them strategies so they can be successful and feel good about their bodies and the way they process information.

The best way to do that is get informed. BEFORE my son was diagnosed, I had no idea what sensory processing disorder was, let alone how our 8 senses affect all of us every single day. It has been a very long journey to get where I am today, and even now, we struggle every day. In my newest best-selling book, Sensory Processing 101, I talk about sensory processing along with pediatric therapists. It is our goal to make sensory processing so well known, that there will be acceptance for behaviors that our out of the "norm."

For More Information on Sensory Processing, You Might Like:

What Does Sensory Processing Mean? {A Parent's Perspective}
The Effects of Sensory Processing
Ten Things to Never Say to Parents of a Child with Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Processing 101 {The Complete Guide}

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10 Things to Never Say to a Person with Sensory Processing Disorder

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Unfortunately a person with Sensory Processing Disorder doesn't just have to endure the frustrations and struggles that come with the way their brain is wired, but they also have to withstand many misinformed comments and phrases being thrown their way day to day.