Awarness

"I have autism. When I am out on the playground, never say to my mother, "I would never have guessed that; he looks so normal" The face of autism is not a defined one."
~ Tonya Procor, a loving mother to a son with autism


More and more these days, I find myself struggling to explain autism to people. There are so many pieces to autism, and it looks so different on every child who is affected by it. So, I focus on the pieces which affect Kaden, but I still find myself searching for the most simple way to explain it without completely confusing people.

Kaden really struggles with some sensory issues, as do a lot of kids on the spectrum. If I thought explaining autism was hard, trying to explain the sensory component of it is even more difficult. More often than not I just get the "deer in headlights" look from people as I try and describe Kaden's sensory issues, or sensory seeking behaviors. Half of the time people look at me as if this is something I am making up. I wish it were, but it is in fact very real and strongly affects Kaden and his ability to learn.

Three months ago, I would have been the same way. I have to constantly remind myself that not everyone has spent every free second of their time reading, talking to people, and researching sensory issues and autism. My goal with this blog is to keep everyone updated on Kaden's progress as we continue on this journey with autism. But also, to bring a little more awareness to a topic that not only has a direct impact on Kaden, but also affects millions of other kids and their ability to live & function in this world the same way that you and I are able to.

With all of that being said, Kaden had a wonderful week last week as he started his Occupational Therapy. We were not sure if it would be too overwhelming for him, as he had his Sensory Integration class in the morning for 1.5 hours, and then OT for an hour in the afternoon. He did great. Mundi introduced the weighted blanket, which he believes will help Kaden be able to be in a "calm-alert" more often. I know, this probably sounds really crazy!

Sensory Processing Disorder can be described as an inability of the brain to process the information received from all of the senses at the same time and make meaningful and socially appropriate responses. Sensory Processing is critical in regulating one’s activity level, emotional state and state of alertness.

So, deep pressure from weighted products can be beneficial in calming and modulating the brains’ ability to filter the overwhelming stimuli from the senses. Pressure through the use of weighted materials has been effective in helping people achieve that “just right” state of being calm and alert.

We spent the week trying to get him used to the weighted blanket; hiding things under it and making him find them, pulling him around as he sat on it, playing on it, and any other way we could incorporate it in his day.

This week will get even busier for Kaden, as he will begin his Behavioral Therapy in addition to everything else. So far it has all been very positive and he gets excited when he sees his therapists. They are all very happy with the way he is responding and this means progress!!!

Sorry if this was a lot of information, welcome to my world! HA HA! The more we learn about Kaden and the challenges he faces, the more we can better help him to grow. Thank you to all of our friends and family who have made an effort to learn about autism and all that it entails. Just taking the time to read our blog will help benefit Kaden in the long run!

Have a great week!!!