Hello! Welcome to the first edition of The Islander S.O.S. I met many of you at the AUSM Autism Convention. Whew… what a crazy few days huh? I don’t know about you, but I am still recovering! I want to take time again to introduce myself. And then I will share with you about some of the neat finds I saw these past couple of weeks.
MEET YOUR GUIDE…
As a mother of two teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and the wife of someone with ASD, I too have lived the autism odyssey. I continue enduring each and every day. I felt like I was on an island for 10+ years. It finally feels like I’ve got my map set and I can handle what life throws at me. I hope you will let me share my insights and experiences with you. Let’s work together to find your peaceful island. Autism has changed my life! It’s not the end of the world; it’s the beginning of a new one.
As I think about what to talk about in the first edition of The Islander, I have so many ideas. I want to make sure that my first issue is packed with the right information. As you read above, I’m a mom surfing the wave of autism. I have encountered many families that are just starting out on their journey, and many who learned about Autism years ago and are trying to stay afloat. I want to share my thoughts and resources with all of you. As I have passed along my information, I’ve found that I am becoming the keeper of many additional resources. More than just the ones my family used! People are actually informing me of resources that they have seen or found useful. It’s so exciting to see all these possible items and services that could have potential for individuals and families.
I have passed along several of the resources I saw at the convention already this week! So… as you go along your daily encounters, please pass along my website and/or my phone number. I would be glad to talk with anyone in search of assistance in navigating this sea of autism and share my map with others.
So… on to the fun things! As I was walking the aisles at the convention, I came across a little gem. Hiding in the sand, or on the table as it were.
It is an interactive webshow known as Autism Live. There are resources, facts and information made to assist those working with children on the Autism Spectrum.
I haven’t had a lot of time to check it out… but the clips I did look at were quick and useful! Copy or press ctrl and click the link below to check it out.
https://www.centerforautism.com/resources/autism-live/
The other link I want to share with you is regarding communication and how to assist in getting kids to participate. I recently read an article about how to use Legos to get kids to converse. LEGOS? I just found that really interesting. It’s amazing when you think about how those little colored blocks can actually start a conversation. The link below is to the author, Amy Eleftheriades, PGCE and her book Building Blocks for Communication; Activities for Promoting Language and Communication Skills in Children with Special Educational Needs (Routledge). She gives examples of how to start creating games using legos. Amazing!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073RPGH6Q/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
As always… give me a call if you have questions about my services or have resources you think would benefit others!
Need a Guide? Please call!
Lora Cracraft
763-360-9715 call or txt
Tune in next month for tips on what to do with your teens for the summer!
Also – if you ever change your mind about receiving monthly emails, please just send me a note saying – unsubscribe – to autismsosmn@gmail.com and I will take you off my list.
Happy Floating!