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Free App Friday!

4/19/2013

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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
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Local Autism Resource Directory for Virginia Beach

4/14/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz

Tidewater ASA (Autism Society of America) updated their Resource Directory last month in January.  This is an invaluable resource for anyone new to Autism, Asperger's, or Sensory Processing Disorders, as well as anyone who's just moved to Virginia Beach with a child on the Spectrum.

Providers typically request to be part of the directory, so they are indicating that they specifically work with people with ASD.  This is great for you, since it can be hard to find Autism-friendly businesses sometimes.

We've added their Autism Resource Directory as a download on our site as well.  We've also added a calendar of many of the Autism-friendly events, meetups, fundraisers, and respites in the area.
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Click Image to Download the Resource Directory
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.

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Nikki Schwartz is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Oaktree and focuses on using neurofeedback, play, and talk therapies to provide practical, effective counseling to families and clients. 

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Spectrum Parents Facebook Group for Virginia Beach
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ADHD Tips for Parents: Should They Sit Still?

4/4/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz

Yes, kids with ADHD should sit still.  All the time. Preferably, they can sit still with an elephant sitting on top of them. ;)  Because for some kiddos with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders this is about the only way to make it happen. Great idea, huh? Check out more of my creative ADHD Tips for Parents. (By the way, how fun is the photo of the cutie pie under the elephant statue?)

So, barring squishing your kids with very large animals, what then?  Well, this might be the wrong question to start with.  So, what is/are the right question(s)?
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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.

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Virginia Beach Autism Events: Local Calendar

4/1/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz

Looking for local Autism-Friendly events in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads?  Suzi Noyes, a realtor in Kempsville, Virginia Beach, has offered to let us post her calendar for you here.  It includes several types of events including respite nights, sensory friendly outings, social groups, fundraisers, meetings, support groups, etc.

Click here to see the full calendar
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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Nikki Schwartz is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Oaktree and focuses on using neurofeedback, play, and talk therapies to provide practical, effective counseling to families and clients. 

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Autism, Virginia Beach on Pinterest
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Parenting a Child: Your Impact on Motivation

3/25/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz

Parenting a child with ADHD, Asperger's, or Autism is... well, it's complicated.  You've researched every technique and opinion.  You've tried everything every relative, teacher, doctor, and therapist have suggested.

One parent put it to me this way: "After so many years, you've tried so many things that you're just skeptical of the new miracle therapy." (more about that later)

Last week, I came across this infographic, called The Success Indicator by MaryEllen Tribby.  It's based on a the business principle of Transformational vs. Transactional Leadership Styles.

I realized immediately that this applies also to the type of therapist I am, as well as parenting.  Are you a Transformational Parent or a Transactional Parent?
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Are you a Transformational or Transactional Parent?

Transactional leaders, according to the leadership theory, tend to focus on setting goals, offering rewards, establishing punishments, consequences, dealing with present situations.  They are reactionary and surprised by crisis.

Transformational leaders seek to inspire others, to challenge them to learn more, and to find ways to help them enjoy the process.  They use "transactions" when necessary, for example, they pay their employees for working; however, transactions take second place to who people are and what is important to them.

As parents, (and bosses, too!) it is so easy to focus on transactions.  Do your chores, and you can go out and play.  Finish your homework and you can watch TV.  Argue with Mom or Dad and you will lose video game privileges.  Don't get me wrong, it's important to set boundaries and consequences, but they make a weak backbone for parenting.

Transformational parenting, like transformational leadership, is harder.  It takes having purpose and vision for your children.  It means being deliberate, not perfect.  It means admitting your mistakes and apologizing.  It means being proactive about parenting. It means trying to understand who you children are and what excites them.  Because, what excites them is what will motivate them.

Nikki, I've tried that already...

Ok, Nikki, the only thing my kids are excited about is video and computer games.  I've already tried that.  Fail.

Right.  You've tried on a transactional level.  You've tried rewarding them by offering video games or punishing by taking them away.  But what about on a deeper level?  Do you know why your kids are so intrigued by video games?  Because they are challenging, they offer periodic rewards, and they are intense.  

How often is homework challenging, rewarding or intense?  No wonder kids don't want to do it.  So, apart from changing schools, homeschooling or blowing up your kid's teacher's email box, what can you do about it?

Find ways to make it fun.  If your kids like video games, try to incorporate technology.  Use whatever technology you have available to teach the things they are trying to learn.  There are iPad, iPhone, and Droid apps for every part of education and learning.  Here is a link to reviews for some of the best apps that teach multiplication.  Try educational websites on your home computer or at the local library.  Do whatever you need to do to engage your kids so that learning is exciting.

What does being a Transformational Parent look like?

It starts with you.  That's why I think this infographic is so amazing.  Transformational Parenting is not about the child you are raising, as much as it is about yourself.  It's about realizing that you are becoming the kind of parent you want to be right now... or you probably wouldn't be reading this post! :)

I usually like lists and tips... but I'm hesitant to give one now, because I don't want to give you the impression that you "should" be doing all of these things right now.  That you're only a "good" parent if you're doing all of these things all of the time.  That's just not true.  Use the infographic as a guidepost, thinking about the information in terms of parenting.

Then use this list to help you focus your efforts as a parents.  A list to help you evaluate if you are becoming the parent you want to be.  Read it like that and tell the critical voice in your head to take a hike.  (If that's hard for you, read this post on taking care of yourself as a parent.)  

Remember that you do need some transactional exchanges, so, don't be hard on yourself if you find you sometimes do things on that list as well.  Many parents have additional challenges as well, whether that is raising a special needs child, or coming from an abusive background themselves, being a single parent, having a military spouse who is deployed, etc.  Take these things into account, and cut yourself some slack, it's more important to be a parent that is growing toward "transformational" than a parent who is stuck in "transactional". 

Traits of a Transformational Parent

Transformational Parents tend to:
  • Be Proactive
  • Focus on Natural & Logical Consequences
  • Seek new opportunity for their children to learn in engaging ways
  • Be continuously learning 
  • Understand the value of making mistakes
  • Help by showing their children how
  • Find teachable moments in real life situations
  • Continue getting to know their children every day
Transactional Parents tend to:
  • Be Reactive
  • Focus on Punishments & Rewards
  • Seek ways to get their children to behave by offering more "stuff"
  • Often be frustrated with themselves and others
  • Insist their children succeed
  • Help by doing it for them
  • Rarely teach outside of discipline or correcting children
  • Assume they already fully understand who their child is, what they want/need and what is important to them

So, back to the quote from the beginning...

"After so many years, you've tried so many things that you're just skeptical of the new miracle therapy."  Yep, you've tried everything.  I get it.  You know what? I bet along the way you've probably picked up some good nuggets that have made you a better parent.

My motto for working with parents is "Try everything, do what works."  If I suggest something that doesn't fit with your child, your parenting approach, your household, see if you can tweak to fit you, instead of just throwing it out.  Not everything people suggest to me works for my life either, but usually there is a way to filter it through my own way of seeing things and making it work for me.

This proactive approach to parenting is about principles, not about giving you a to do list.  What have you tried?  What's worked?  What hasn't?  It would make my day if you left a comment.

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Nikki Schwartz is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Oaktree Counseling and focuses on using neurofeedback, play, and talk therapies to provide practical, effective counseling to families and clients.  You can find her on Pinterest, Twitter, and Google+.

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The iPad has arrived!

3/17/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz
I have been wanting to add an iPad to my play therapy tools for children with Autism and Asperger's for almost a year.  Finally, I am pleased to announce (join me in a happy dance) that the iPad is HERE!!

I'm starting a new series on my blog, App-tastic! Autism & the iPad.  to share what apps I am using in therapy, how you can incorporate the use of a tablet at home.  Below are six of the apps I am interested in for using in therapy sessions.  But first you've got to meet iGuy.
The iPad is Here!  App-tastic! Autism & the iPad by Nikki Schwartz at SpectrumPsychological.net
NOTE: I have no affiliation to Speck Products®, Apple®, or any of the app makers and was in no way compensated for this post.

iGuy by Speck

I think this might be the best iPad case ever for kids!  iGuy is soft, rubbery, durable, and CUTE!  I saw him in a store a few months ago and couldn't wait to have an iPad, so I could take him home with me!  iGuy stands on his own for movie watching and his arms function as great little handles.  The case fits fairly snug, and I think it could handle a few tumbles. At the same time it's fairly easy to get the iPad in and out of the rubbery frame. You'll definitely see this little guy around my office!
Speck iGuy best ipad case for kids

AAC Apps

I haven't settled yet on a AAC (Augmentative Alternative Communication) app.  The cost of these apps tends to be a little high.  So I feel like it's worth researching before jumping in.  I've read really good things about iCommunicate, AutisMate, and Proloquo2Go.  I'll post a review once I've made a choice (I'm leaning towards iCommunicate, not because it is the best for voice production, but because it has the best social story maker that I think will work well in session.)
iCommunicate app for Autism
© 2011 Grembe Apps Inc

iCommunicate

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© 2012 SpecialNeedsWare LLC.

AutisMate

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© 2008-2013 AssistiveWare

Proloquo2Go

Games

Without a doubt there are plenty of apps that will keep the attention of a child with special needs, however, I am looking for apps that engage a child without causing them to disengage from everything else.  In other words, I am looking for apps that let a client connect with others, not shut them out.  Here are a few, that other therapists really like.  Furry Friend is one we already use at home and is helpful for encouraging kids to talk.  Among other things, the furry monster repeats everything they say back to them.  Monkey Preschool Lunchbox is a good app for younger clients that uses puzzles to teach colors, shapes, etc.  Touch and Learn Emotions is a free app (love free!) with cute pictures of kids expressing a variety of emotions.
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© Plutinosoft LLC
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© THUP Games, LLC
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© Alligator Apps
What apps have you guys loved?  Let me know in the comments.  I would love to hear about other useful apps for therapy.

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Nikki Schwartz is a Counselor Resident at Spectrum Psychological and focuses on using neurofeedback, play, and talk therapies to provide practical, effective counseling to families and clients.  You can find her on Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook, and Google+.

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Best Jobs for Autistic People

3/4/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz

Last week, I shared a great video of Temple Grandin describing What Autism Is Like.  She also talked about what she thought were the best jobs for autistic people.  I came across this incredible quote from Temple that same day:
If you got rid of all the autistic genetics, you'd have no future generation for the Silicon Valley.
Many people with Asperger's or Autism have unique strengths, that most of us don't have.  These might include astounding attention to detail, or the interest and ability to focus intently on a specific topic or project.  

So, what jobs are best suited for those with Asperger's and Autism?
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Photo Credit: kev-shine via Flickr

First ask, "What's Your Big Interest?"

I found this question in an article at Computer World, discussing the "secret" of Asperger's in the IT world.  This is a fabulous question to explore career interests with someone on the Spectrum.  Your "big interest" is the place you need to start when looking into jobs.  I know some children with Asperger's who know uncanny amounts of knowledge about birds, computers, and engineering.  Those kids know more than any adult on their "big interest".  So, ok, I know that (I, my kid, my client) is obsessed with (legos, animals, numbers, butterflies, etc.).  Now what?

Picking jobs that have the right fit

These are some suggestions for jobs that are more likely to have the right fit:
  • "Jobs should have a well-defined goal or endpoint." 
  • "Bosses must recognize your social limitations."
  • Make sure working conditions are compatible with your sensory sensitivities.

What types of jobs are best for Autistic People?

Temple's discussion gives four types of careers.  

The first is careers that are typically poorly suited for Autistics and require a great deal of multitasking, stress the use of short-term memory and/or have high expectations for social interaction.  These are jobs like waiting tables, cashiers, and air traffic controllers.

The second is careers for those who think and learn visually.  Drafting, computer programming or engineering, designing, and animation, all reward those who are "visual thinkers", don't mind solitary, mundane, and reptitive tasks.

The third group is for those who excel at math, facts or music, but are not necessarily visual thinkers.  Accounting, copy editor, and inventory control, for example, reward those good at repetitive tasks that involve numbers, rules, and specifics.

The last group is for non-verbal/low verbal people with Autism.  These tasks do not necessarily require large amounts of knowledge, but rather the ability to engage in tasks in quiet environments with a specific skill set.  Job choices here largely depend on an individuals capabilities and sensory needs.  Some examples given by Temple were data entry and library reshelving positions.

What about getting the job?

One of the best suggestions in her discussion: Sell your work, not your personality.  I always encourage you to make a portfolio of your work.  Industries and positions that will "buy" skills will be a better match than those interested in social graces and social presence.  Consider seeing a therapist, who works with client's who have Asperger's and Autism, who can help you develop better interviewing skills. 

Above all, make sure that the jobs you apply and interview for align well with your Big Interest, your sensory needs, and your strengths.

Do you have any suggestions for those with Autism and Asperger's who are job seeking?  Would love to see them in the comments section.

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Nikki Schwartz is a Counselor Resident at Spectrum Psychological and focuses on using neurofeedback, play, and talk therapies to provide practical, effective counseling to families and clients.  You can find her on Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook, and Google+.

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What is Autism Like?: Temple Grandin on Video at TED

2/25/2013

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This is a fantastic description of what autism is like for Temple Grandin, recorded at the TED Conference 2010.  She talks about how she thinks in pictures.  She touches on visual thinkers, verbal thinkers, sensory issues.  What is autism like for you or your child?
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Nikki Schwartz is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Oaktree Counseling and focuses on using neurofeedback, play, and talk therapies to provide practical, effective counseling to families and clients.

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Sensory Friendly Show: Escape From Planet Earth

2/23/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz

I was excited to see this morning that Cinema Cafe in Virginia Beach & Hampton has decided to continue offering monthly Sensory Friendly Shows for the Autism community! 

Escape from Planet Earth is a new Disney movie that will be showing at Cinema Cafe Kemps River and Hampton on Tuesday, February 26th at 4:30pm.  Tickets are only $4.75 each!

Sensory Friendly means Cinema Cafe will turn the lights up and the sound down.  The other families attending are familiar with sensory issues, so no one looks twice if your kiddo is stimming or has a meltdown.  This kind of judgement free space takes the pressure off of you as a parent.
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Drop Caitlyn Hylinski at Cinema Cafe a Facebook message and let them know you love the idea of Sensory Friendly Shows and you want to see more shows in the future.

Would you be interested in a seeing a Sensory Friendly Show with tickets for $2.50?  Cinema Cafe has considered offering a second-run movie showing for the Autism Community at Pembroke Meadows or Greenbrier.  Let me know in the comments what you think of the idea.

P.S. Stop by our blog next month, I'll be giving away tickets to the next sensory friendly showing at Cinema Cafe!

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Nikki Schwartz is a Counselor Resident at Spectrum Psychological and focuses on using neurofeedback, play, and talk therapies to provide practical, effective counseling to families and clients.  You can find her on Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook, and Google+.

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Tips to Help Your Autistic Child Enjoy Relationships

2/21/2013

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by Nikki Schwartz

A few weeks ago, I posted a video by Spencer Timme about his big brother Mitchel, who is autistic. If you haven't gotten a chance to see it, go check out that video.

Do your kids have an autistic sibling? Parents of my autistic clients often ask how they can encourage their child to interact with themselves and their siblings.  It takes time, I tell them, but it's worth it to see them enjoy each other's company, to see them laugh together. CONTINUE READING
Spencer Timme, Brother with Autism Video
Photo Credit: Spencer Timme, from his YouTube Video "What's It Like to Have a Brother With Autism?"

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    Nikki Schwartz, Licensed Professional Counselor

    Nikki Schwartz,
    LPC, NCC

    About Nikki

    Nikki is a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Oaktree.  She focuses on utilizing neurofeedback in the Virginia Beach area, as well as play therapy, and other counseling techniques to help clients and families play, live, and work together.

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