"Fixating" Update...

At the end of the school day, yesterday, I checked with my son's teacher to see how the cough drops idea went. It took his mind off of coughing, yes indeedy...he went from fixating on his cough, to fixating on how "spicy" the HONEY flavored cough drops were (I did try one btw...syrupy sweet is to put it mildly). So to get his mind off of the cough drops, the teacher resorted to giving him a Life Saver - which stopped the fixating on the cough and the "spicy" cough drop Mommy gave him. Now my son is asking for those yummy Life Saver "cough drops" his teacher gave him..."cough, cough...Can you get some Mom? Please? Cough, cough..."

"Fixating" Update...

At the end of the school day, yesterday, I checked with my son's teacher to see how the cough drops idea went. It took his mind off of coughing, yes indeedy...he went from fixating on his cough, to fixating on how "spicy" the HONEY flavored cough drops were (I did try one btw...syrupy sweet is to put it mildly). So to get his mind off of the cough drops, the teacher resorted to giving him a Life Saver - which stopped the fixating on the cough and the "spicy" cough drop Mommy gave him. Now my son is asking for those yummy Life Saver "cough drops" his teacher gave him..."cough, cough...Can you get some Mom? Please? Cough, cough..."

He's fixating on what?

Just got a call from my son's Sp. Ed. teacher - quick sum up: he's a high functioning Autistic 8 year old. He's in an inclusion 3rd grade and goes out for additional support in Math/Eng./Speech and OT. Anyhoo, she calls and tells me that he is fixating on this cough he's had for the past couple of days. Normally, I'd think "Well, maybe he is really coughing." Then she described how he was coughing and I knew that she was correct (as I have seen him do the same at home occ.). The teacher asked me what advice I could give her to help him move beyond the fixation and I told her I would be there in a few minutes with some honey cough drops - hopefully, the "medicine" and the act of sucking on the cough drop, will make him forget to "cough." I have to laugh, some of the things he gets focused on can be irritating - but for the most part, they are funny in what catches his attention. Mostly, when he fixates or "stims" its ususally a variation on sword fighting, like a light saber duel (complete with sound effects). I know so many parents, whose children are more affected by Autisim - I really do have to count my blessings. Still there are some days, my patience is severely tested and others...well, sometimes you just need a good light jedi light saber duel to let off some steam.

He's fixating on what?

Just got a call from my son's Sp. Ed. teacher - quick sum up: he's a high functioning Autistic 8 year old. He's in an inclusion 3rd grade and goes out for additional support in Math/Eng./Speech and OT. Anyhoo, she calls and tells me that he is fixating on this cough he's had for the past couple of days. Normally, I'd think "Well, maybe he is really coughing." Then she described how he was coughing and I knew that she was correct (as I have seen him do the same at home occ.). The teacher asked me what advice I could give her to help him move beyond the fixation and I told her I would be there in a few minutes with some honey cough drops - hopefully, the "medicine" and the act of sucking on the cough drop, will make him forget to "cough." I have to laugh, some of the things he gets focused on can be irritating - but for the most part, they are funny in what catches his attention. Mostly, when he fixates or "stims" its ususally a variation on sword fighting, like a light saber duel (complete with sound effects). I know so many parents, whose children are more affected by Autisim - I really do have to count my blessings. Still there are some days, my patience is severely tested and others...well, sometimes you just need a good light jedi light saber duel to let off some steam.

My Husband's Re-enlistment

Just around Christmas, my husband re-enlisted and was sworn into the Army National Guard. I don't have words to express how proud I am of him. He made a very difficult decision, in the midst of very difficult and uncertain times. That, my friends, takes guts. In the not too distant future, he will be leaving us for about 11 months for training state-side. This is the step to the career change he has been dreaming about for a long time. It hasn't quite hit me yet, how things will be once he is away. I doubt it will until he's gone and I find myself home alone with the kids - doing the job of two parents instead of one. Its going to suck, but like him, I have to look at the long term benefit that will result. How the Moms and Dads of spouses overseas for longer periods cope is amazing - they are heroes too. My thanks goes out to those that give the most for our country...and I am proud to be the wife of one such individual.

My Husband's Re-enlistment

Just around Christmas, my husband re-enlisted and was sworn into the Army National Guard. I don't have words to express how proud I am of him. He made a very difficult decision, in the midst of very difficult and uncertain times. That, my friends, takes guts. In the not too distant future, he will be leaving us for about 11 months for training state-side. This is the step to the career change he has been dreaming about for a long time. It hasn't quite hit me yet, how things will be once he is away. I doubt it will until he's gone and I find myself home alone with the kids - doing the job of two parents instead of one. Its going to suck, but like him, I have to look at the long term benefit that will result. How the Moms and Dads of spouses overseas for longer periods cope is amazing - they are heroes too. My thanks goes out to those that give the most for our country...and I am proud to be the wife of one such individual.

Mountain Goat Stare Down

Took the kids to the zoo - yes, even in the dead of winter. It was a lot of fun, the animals are really active. We saw these two were having a show down for the top spot on the hill...we waited for a bit, sure we were going to get the full display...but no such luck.

Mountain Goat Stare Down

Took the kids to the zoo - yes, even in the dead of winter. It was a lot of fun, the animals are really active. We saw these two were having a show down for the top spot on the hill...we waited for a bit, sure we were going to get the full display...but no such luck.