How to Train a Service Dog: Step 1
Our first step on our Service dog training journey is general obedience. Without this foundation Pepper would never be able to become a service dog as they have to not only be obedient, but calm and in-tune with their person. Here are commands we started with. Name Recognition. The trainer pointed out that learning their name is very important, especially because we have two dogs. … Continue reading How to Train a Service Dog: Step 1
Service Dog
Ruby has always had a special connections with dogs. I remember when we were at a family dinner when Ruby was 9 months old and her aunt brought her little dog. Ruby was obsessed! She kept crawling over to the dog and trying to touch it. This little dog did not really appreciate that and would nip at her, but instead of deterring her Ruby … Continue reading Service Dog
Challenge of the Week Outcome: Less Electronics More Social Play
So it has been about a week since I committed to less electronics, and some amazing things have been happening. Now that my kids have a lot more opportunity to interact together, they are actually interacting more together! They are interacting with structured activities, like play-doh and reading books. It can be challenging to have all three kids doing the same thing together, especially since … Continue reading Challenge of the Week Outcome: Less Electronics More Social Play
Challenge of the Week: Replacing Electronic Time with Social Time
So recently we have all been sick. It has been a roller coaster of flu, allergies, hand foot and mouth (which was horrific) congestion, and much more. Pretty much since December we have all been taking turns being sick. So lately we have been watching shows, a lot of shows, because what else do you do when you are all sick? The downside is it … Continue reading Challenge of the Week: Replacing Electronic Time with Social Time
Infantile Reflexes
Have you ever heard of infantile reflexes? These are natural reflexes that newborns have, known as primitive flexes, that normally vanish within the first year of life. When a newborn is in the hospital the staff checks to make sure these reflexes are present determine their development. Some of these include: Startle reflex: pulling your arms and legs in after hearing a loud noise. Sucking … Continue reading Infantile Reflexes
Communication Device Challenge
This week I have been focusing more on helping Ruby use her communication device. I let her explore the device a lot, but sometimes it can be challenging to always make time to model using the device with her. So a strategy I used was to set aside a few minutes everyday to work with her ipad. I had created a prayer page for her … Continue reading Communication Device Challenge
Challenge of the Week: Crossing Midline
So this week I have been focusing on crossing midline with Ruby. Let me just say, it has not been easy. I have tried to do things that she is interested in, but even her interest cannot always overcome her challenge of crossing that invisible line (see post here for more on what crossing midline means.) This week is was a great week to start … Continue reading Challenge of the Week: Crossing Midline
Guest Post from a Ph.D. Clinician: DIR/Floortime
DIR/Floortime: Promoting Development Through Connection and Play The Kate Clinic Stephanie Nilsen, Ph.D. Many years ago, I fell upon the world of autism unexpectedly, but delightedly. While in college, I took a job as a play therapist to help pay tuition bills while hopefully getting a little more experience towards my future career. Little did I know that my whole life would change as I … Continue reading Guest Post from a Ph.D. Clinician: DIR/Floortime
Crossing Midline Challenges
Recently I went to an IEP meeting for my daughter. They needed to re-evaluate her to make sure she still qualified for the specialized program. One of the things they mentioned is they saw that Ruby struggled with crossing midline. I know I have already posted on crossing midline and why it is so important, but this was a wake up call to me that … Continue reading Crossing Midline Challenges
Overly Excited
The sensory system can be a tricky thing to really understand, at least for me. Lately I have seen Ruby become more regulated (by that I mean able to pay attention without interference from her sensory system) without a lot of intentional sensory activities to help her regulate. For a moment there I thought, oh her sensory system is maturing and she maybe she will … Continue reading Overly Excited
Developing Intentionally 