 A couple of weeks ago I got a behind-the-scenes look the SensoryAbled Kids Gym, a new Sensory Gym opening in Virginia Beach this weekend!! Mompreneur, Tashia Smith, has been hard at work organizing and planning the opening and it's all set to roll out on Saturday, August 15th at 10:00 am. Disclosure: I have no affliation with SensoryAbled Kids or the owner or the manufacturers of the products featured here. Though I plan at some point soon to start a Parent-led Social Skills Play Therapy Group that will meet at the gym. More on that soon. Grand Opening on Saturday!The opening starts at 10:00 am this Saturday and Tashia plans to be open for open play Wednesday through Sunday each week from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. There will be door prizes and giveaways. Oaktree Counseling plans on donating a few sensory items as door prizes as well. There is also a giveaway to a special Invitation Only Sneak Peek on Friday night, before the grand opening (details at the end of the post). Why Do We Need A Sensory Gym?
But, at the time, there was nothing like it anywhere in Hampton Roads. She spent the last year researching, thinking, seeking out funding and then jumped in head first and quit her job. Tashia said, "I wanted to fill this need for my son and also the community at large. Plus, I think a family owned business is a good model for my children and allows me to be more active in their life vs working for someone else." New Photos of SensoryAbled Kids Sensory Gym!
P.S. Tashia and I aren't the only ones who see the need for more sensory play experiences for our kiddos. I also encourage you check out the open play hours at Brick Headz, another great resource in our area with sensory play equipment, ages 1 to 12. As well as Cloud9, an amazing trampoline park. And Green Bean, a new indoor play center, children 6 and under.
Hampton Roads is finally getting a Sensory Gym! Mompreneur, Tashia Smith, plans on opening the SensoryAbled Kids in Virginia Beach on Holland Road, August 12th, if all goes according to plan.
Her rates are totally reasonable and... AND... she's offering a discount for any additional siblings who tag along! (keep reading for more details).
(Can you tell I'm excited?! I have nothing to disclose, I am not affliated with the gym or any of the websites or manufacturers mentioned here. Neither Tashia nor SensoryAbled Kids is compensating me for this post in any way.)
 Photo credit: juanedc via flickr  There are so many books and resources geared toward children on the Autism Spectrum, but *gasp*, guess what? They grow up. I know, I know, that sounds incredible, but it's true. A child with autism will one day be a 40 year old with autism. I want to provide ideas that address this gap in resources.
My last post discussed the principles I use in my office to encourage language and communication with children on the Autism Spectrum. These same ideas can be adapted for young adults on the Spectrum, as well as older individuals with Autism who might have difficulty with conversation, language and social interaction. DISCLAIMER: I am not affliated with the authors or websites mentioned here and have received no form of compensation to mention them.  Photo Credit: Henry Burrows via Flickr  A parent recently told me that her son with autism lives and breathes to play on his iPad and watch YouTube, and that everything else is just "counting the hours". I laughed. A lot.
Maybe you kiddo is obsessed with YouTube or Lego® or lining everything up. So... how do we help your child or young adult talk more, engage more effectively and enjoy relationships? It starts with play. These strategies work with any age; though, you'll need to adapt them for young adults or older individuals. CONTINUE READING by Nikki Schwartz
The Crood's family's motto is "Never Not Be Afraid." When their cave is destroyed, they've got to set out for something new. I think this is a great lesson for kids and can provide some great teaching moments after the movie. Another Surprise!
How to Win TicketsIf you'd like to win the tickets, leave two comments:
We'll send the winner an email on Thursday (June 7th) at 8pm. The winner will need to respond by 10pm Thursday evening to claim the tickets. The tickets will be left in the winner's name at the box office.
I'm always looking for realistic parenting tips for families who have children with Autism, Asperger's, and ADHD. I recently discovered a great series of short parenting videos from @AskDocG, Dr. Deborah Gilboa regularly posts tips on parenting.
I've already used this suggestion several times to teach children on the spectrum how to interrupt their parents politely. I couldn't believe I had never thought of something this simple before, definitely worth watching. Dr. G posts weekly with great tips for parents, you can find those on her YouTube Channel.
Now, that you've watched it... I recently tried this with a child that I know outside of the office, who is rather impatient. I couldn't believe how quickly she picked it up and didn't interrupt once the rest of the afternoon. I was shocked. Try it out, I would love to hear how it works out for your kiddo.
This morning I am on my way to DC for this weekend's Accessibilty Conference (about a 3 hour drive). Here's a little gem I found in my perusal... smartappsforkids.com does a post every Friday with a list if free apps! Always a great thing to have. I'll let you know if I find anything good! Here's a link: http://www.smartappsforkids.com/2013/04/free-app-friday-apps-free-until-10pm-cst-us-041913.html#more 
NOTE: Neither Nikki Schwartz, Spectrum Psychological Services, nor Tidewater Autism Society of America, endorses providers listed. All information is for informational purposes only. Please make sure to do your own research regarding providers, techniques and therapies.
by Nikki Schwartz
Photo Credit (Bottom Right, Clockwise): Kids Giving Your Problems? Hire an Elephant by peasap, Blowing Bubbles by Nicki Varkevisser, Tapping a Pencil by Rennett Stowe, Running by Ian Carroll. All photos used with permission via Flickr, with Creative Commons Licenses.
If you have a child with autism or know someone with Asperger's or another Autism Spectrum Disorder, this is a great place to find out what is going on. If you'd like to add an event to the calendar, send Suzi an email and let her know. We'll be hosting this Autism Events Calendar permanently on our site. You can also check out our resources page for a local providers directory.
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