Performance addressing Autism

My daughter and I have attended wonderful shows at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte.  A friend of mine  invited us to go see the latest production......Pinkalicious!  We just saw it last weekend and I must admit it was pinktastic :)

Last week, the Children's Theatre began its preparation for the 2013-2014 year.  In March 2014, they are going to present a play called "Spelling 2-5-5" that will address autism with a sensory-friendly environment. The play will address autism in both the story and in the presentation.  It will tell the story of Simon, who feels that all of his mother's attention is lavished on his younger brother who has autism.  Simon decides to enter a spelling bee hoping this will be his moment to shine.  However, he soon learns that his brother is also drawn to spelling.  He will need to decide if he can share the spotlight.

The show will be a friendly environment for families who deal with autism.  In mid-April, CT hosted a group from Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Md who specialize in sensory-friendly training.  The goal for the Children's Theatre is to serve diverse audiences in their upcoming productions.  I personally can't wait for the 2013-2014 season! 

Crafts and Hands on Activites for Speech Therapy

I love doing crafts and hands on activities with a lot of the kids I work with.  These activities are great for following directions, joint attention skills, labeling objects and colors, and many other goals.  The crafts can be simple and inexpensive.  I have found some great ideas on Pinterest and just walking through the Dollar Store.  The Dollar Store always has seasonal crafts that you can incorporate into your theme.  They have the foam shapes or objects that you can put foam stickers on.  Also, take a look in their school supplies and crafts aisle and you will find tons of great things to use.  Another favorite place of mine is Hobby Lobby.  I honestly could go there everyday.  They have SO many great things you can do.

Mother's Day is coming up and this would be a great time to try a craft with your child.  Find a craft or activity that is age appropriate and have fun with your child!!   Talk about what you are doing, describe what you are using and label everything.  You will be surprised the amount of speech and language skills you may see from your child. 

As I told you all a couple of weeks ago I have been busy planning my little girl's Fairy Birthday Party.  We have had the best time making things we are using for her party.  She is turning 6 and has been able to help me with painting, gluing, and following directions.  Check out the fairy cupcake toppers we made together.  We found the wooden peg dolls at Hobby Lobby and then painted and decorated them.  I must say we had the BEST time!

Have a great week and try some crafts!

I remember my husband and I teaching both our kids to ride their bikes without their training wheels.  It was exciting to see their faces when they realized they were riding their bike on their own.  It was a milestone into the "big kid" world.

Some families may not have been able to have this experience.  That is why I'm so excited that I received an email about a bike camp called iCan Bike, formally known as Lose the Training Wheels.  It's coming back for it's 7th straight year to the Charlotte area.  The following was a portion of the emailed I received:

"This year the camp will be June 24 - 28th at Metrolina Tradeshow Expo at exit 16A off I-77.    The Autism Foundation of the Carolinas  is proud to organize and sponsor this wonderful event again this year.  As in previous years, this is not a camp just for children with autism spectrum disorders. We welcome all children with special needs who, because of their "uniqueness," have not been able to learn to ride a bike.  Will you help us get the word out to special kids that want to learn to ride a bicycle?  We'd love for you to share our website that includes an application plus our volunteer forms and other important information.  Please visit our newly designed website www.autismcarolinas.org. Click on Inclusion-Based Programs and then you will see iCan Bike Camp."

Please let anyone that could benefit from this wonderful camp know all of the details. 

Have a wonderful week!

It's finally feeling and looking like spring.  April is one of my favorite months.  But boy is it busy!  I am in the midst of planning my daughter's 6th birthday party.  She has decided on a fairy theme.  We have had such fun planning this party.  We have been busy finding fairy houses for the girls to paint and making magical fairy dust.  I couldn't resist a little sneak peek....

April is also Autism Awareness Month.   I love using my Ipad in therapy when I'm working with my little kiddos.  They respond so well and it's a great motivator.  In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Itunes is offering a number of apps for free to target all types of skills.  Who doesn't love free??  Visit this link and download some free apps to use with your child.   http://www.smartappsforkids.com/2013/04/free-app-alert-urtalker-pro-99-has-gone-free.html#ixzz2Q4qfoniB   It is for a limited time so hurry on over!

We have already downloaded ours and can't wait to start using them.  Let us know what you think of your new apps!