Never really thought play dates were going to be a big or regular part of life for Oneson, but his social calendar is getting so full I could use a PDA to keep track!
We have a regular after school play date with a much older boy with ASD and his older again sister with ADHD. This has been good for the grown ups because after the initial settling period where the boy and Oneson got to know each other, we've been able to sit back on park benches like 'normal' parents and chat while the kids play.
We now have a new friend, Oneson's age, newly diagnosed, who lives literally round the corner. We have already managed a couple of playdates and there's been no 'settling' period at all. These two beautiful boys have played well together since meeting in their Special Class. Once again, this is as good for the parents as the kids - we have chance to talk to other adults who understand and don't simply think we're the world's worst mothers with no discipline or structure at home!
And tonight, a message on my answering machine from the mum of another of Oneson's Special class mates asking for a play date!!
It is soooo good not to be complete social outcasts! And so good for Oneson to have chance to practise his social skills.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Autism Gold Coast : Coffee'n'Chat Meeting : 6 AUGUST
The AUGUST Coffee’n’Chat
ASD Support Group Morning Tea
will be held the following week
Wednesday 6th August, 10am – 12 noon
Exit
(exit from right lane)
Turn left into Currumbin Creek Road, then take the first left into Villiers Drive (new Traffic Lights) and then right into
Friday, July 11, 2008
Twoson on Two Wheels!
This week, while Dad's been away on business, we've been practising in secret.
I took 'em all bike riding, getting Twoson to use one of our run bikes and telling him he could have the 'pretty pink' bike back when he could use it without trainer wheels. Only took a couple of outings, and a huge puddle across a path at the bottom of a hill which was fantastic fun to ride through and thus provided the motivation to attempt to ride through AND keep feet off the floor!
Today, I took them all out on the road in front of our house (a quiet, almost dead end street), spanners in hand to make adjustments as necessary, and half an hour later, Twoson was off and running! He still needs help starting and has absolutely no control over direction, but he'll get there.
In the meantime, while my back was turned attending to the others, Oneson shrieks with delight "I did it! I did it! Mum! I can start and stop myself!!!".
Happy days.
I took 'em all bike riding, getting Twoson to use one of our run bikes and telling him he could have the 'pretty pink' bike back when he could use it without trainer wheels. Only took a couple of outings, and a huge puddle across a path at the bottom of a hill which was fantastic fun to ride through and thus provided the motivation to attempt to ride through AND keep feet off the floor!
Today, I took them all out on the road in front of our house (a quiet, almost dead end street), spanners in hand to make adjustments as necessary, and half an hour later, Twoson was off and running! He still needs help starting and has absolutely no control over direction, but he'll get there.
In the meantime, while my back was turned attending to the others, Oneson shrieks with delight "I did it! I did it! Mum! I can start and stop myself!!!".
Happy days.
Monday, July 7, 2008
No Autism Gold Coast support group meetings in July 2008
Neither the daytime nor evening support meeting will occur this month (July 2008). They should be back as normal in August.
If you need support anytime, use the link under 'Community Resources' in the right hand menu to contact Autism Gold Coast Inc. via email. You can also call Autism Queensland to speak to someone.
If you need support anytime, use the link under 'Community Resources' in the right hand menu to contact Autism Gold Coast Inc. via email. You can also call Autism Queensland to speak to someone.
Minds and Hearts - Prof. Tony Attwood
Minds and Hearts is now here on the Gold Coast
Minds and Hearts is a unique clinic specialising in Asperger’s Syndrome and autism.
Minds & Hearts was conceived to meet the enormous need for specialist services for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Dr Michelle Garnett is the Founder and Clinic Director of Minds & Hearts...
Professor Tony Attwood, leading expert on autism spectrum disorders, is the Chairperson of Minds & Hearts. He is also a Senior Consultant, Principal Psychologist and Supervisor with the team.
Oneson on two wheels
Oneson has done it - he is riding a bike without trainer wheels!
I honestly doubted the day would come, but it has, and as usual, Oneson made it look like he'd been doing it for weeks. He can still only start without help if it's downhill and stopping is a complicated manouver that involves leaping clear in an athletic manner before the bike falls over.
He's been riding an in-line scooter for over two years and had recently got quite good at gliding on it. We also bought a run-bike (a peddle-less training bike popular in europe) for Threeson's second birthday which Oneson has made a fair bit of use of.
Then a few weeks ago a kind lady offered both a 30cm and 40cm bike on Freecycle (an email group where you can offer your unwanted goods to others for free) and after a bit of TLC and some new trainer wheels, we had two good bikes.
Within a couple of weeks of riding the big bike, Oneson was getting up the speed to get balanced and not need the trainer wheels. So, armed with chocolate bribes and a spanner, we set off for the park. He rode the runbike to the park (all of 500m), whizzing down a hill with his feet up all the way. So we removed the trainer wheels, steadied his balance as he got his feet on the peddles for the first time, and that was that!
Oma missed it. She was there, but didn't bring the camera because she didn't expect him to do it first time, just like that.
I honestly doubted the day would come, but it has, and as usual, Oneson made it look like he'd been doing it for weeks. He can still only start without help if it's downhill and stopping is a complicated manouver that involves leaping clear in an athletic manner before the bike falls over.
He's been riding an in-line scooter for over two years and had recently got quite good at gliding on it. We also bought a run-bike (a peddle-less training bike popular in europe) for Threeson's second birthday which Oneson has made a fair bit of use of.
Then a few weeks ago a kind lady offered both a 30cm and 40cm bike on Freecycle (an email group where you can offer your unwanted goods to others for free) and after a bit of TLC and some new trainer wheels, we had two good bikes.
Within a couple of weeks of riding the big bike, Oneson was getting up the speed to get balanced and not need the trainer wheels. So, armed with chocolate bribes and a spanner, we set off for the park. He rode the runbike to the park (all of 500m), whizzing down a hill with his feet up all the way. So we removed the trainer wheels, steadied his balance as he got his feet on the peddles for the first time, and that was that!
Oma missed it. She was there, but didn't bring the camera because she didn't expect him to do it first time, just like that.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
