Stimming - What is it?

What is stimming? Stimming is a repetitive body movement that self-stimulates one or more senses. In psychiatry stimming is known as a "stereotypy", a continuous, purposeless movement. Classic stims such as hand flapping and rocking are pretty well known due to the film industry portraying many autistics this way. Many people with autism do not stim at all, it is just one of the many symptoms that effects people on the autism spectrum.

Here is a stiming list. The senses being stimulated are visual, auditory, tactile, vestibular and taste & smell.


My grandson did some stimming when they first fostered him until he was maybe three. I never saw him flap, but my daughter did a couple times when he was overstimulated. He would rock, and watch the wheels on trucks & cars as he moved them along the floor. He was obsessed with opening and closing doors. His mom couldn't take him through the freezer section of the grocery store because of his compulsion to stay there all day and open & close the doors. His stimming gradually decreased and we never thought much of it until recently when he started Kindergarten. His preschool lost their special education license so all special needs kids had to leave. My daughter tried her utmost to find another placement, but everything had a waiting list, so Michael started school a couple months late. They switched him from one classroom to another, and switched one-on-one aids that was assisting him. As Michael's stress level increased guess what came back, his stimming. He began to flap, and clap and rock. It broke my heart. Believe it, stress will have a major effect on the autistic child and the amount of stimming they do. I'm happy to report that the stress has been reduced and so has the stimming.

What are your thoughts on stimming? Does it drive you crazy? Do you accept it and allow it? At home? In public? Feel free to share a stimming story in the comments.

Do I have to like this guy, now?

James Eugene Carrey (born January 17, 1962), best known as Jim Carrey is a two-time Golden Globe Award-winning Canadian-American actor and stand-up comedian. He is probably best known for his manic and slapstick performances in comedy films such as Dumb and Dumber, The Mask, Liar Liar, and Bruce Almighty.

My family can attest to this. I do not like this guy! I hate the "silly-stupid" humor he so well known for. The guy seriously gives me the creeps. I know Jenny McCarthy has called him the "autism whisperer" and talks about how good Jim has been with her son,Evan; so maybe I won't bash him like I used to. But I still don't like him. He can stay on his side of the street and I'll stay on mine.


I've read Jenny's book Louder Than Words. She uses bad language, BEWARE! She made a promise to God that if he healed her son, she would spend the rest of her life helping other families rescue their children from the grips of autism. She was on Oprah a few weeks back and yes, he joined them for a few minutes. Spare me, just because he's famous I don't think he deserves the attention he's getting on this. There are hundreds of Dads, grandpas, uncles, teachers etc. out there in the trenches everyday, making a difference in autistic kids lives.... Plu-eeze don't get me started. I'd of liked the program better if they would have left him out of it. Sorry, back to the topic of the books.

I haven't read Mother Warriors yet, (but plan to) I've heard very good reviews on it. If you've read it, please leave a comment.

A step in the right Direction

Sensory Friendly films

AMC Entertainment (AMC) and ASA (Autism Society of America) have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.

If you follow the link above (clidk on Sensory Friendly films) it will take you to the website, where it explains what they do to make the environment more sensory friendly for people on the autism spectrum. It sounds really cool; I wasn't aware that they even provided this opportunity. I think it's awesome!! A step in the right direction. They allow the kids to sing along, get up and dance and you can bring in your own special dietary needs snacks at these special times also.

My daughter, went to see a school play of a patient of hers, but ended up watching the performance from a glass window outside the main auditorium, because Michael couldn't handle the intensity of the noise level of the program. He is a child that would benefit from this program. Thank you AMC Theatre's! Give them your business and let them know you appreciate what they are doing.

What Kind of World Do YOU Want?

Link to help fund autism research. These parents did an awesome job making this video, you HAVE TO check it out, here.

I want that kind of world they talk about in this video. The kind of world where you read about autism in history books. How do we get there to that world? We fight for services for early intervention, excellent services across the board; no matter which state you live in. Research, research, research! We educate everyone we can about autism and how it effects those we love and every person in an ever widening circle around them like ripples when a stone is thrown into water. I wish I had a "Package full of Wishes" or a "Magic Wand", but I don't. What do I have? I have a voice, here on this blog...

"Don't look the other way". "Tomorrow's calling". "History starts now".

Start now - view this video, it will help you understand the urgency I feel in my head and in my heart. Video is here.

April is Autism Awareness Month

This is why we need to educate everyone about autism. Please click on this link to see what's happening out there in the jungle, we call our everyday life. It infuriates me to know that situations like this happen, probably more than have come to light. A 5 year old, made to stand in front of his classroom, while each student tells him why they don't like him and then vote him out (of the classroom) survivor style. And the reaction of the school district. The teacher was reassigned. She should have lost her license in my opinion.

You can expect a few more autism articles than usual during the month of April on my blog, because I want to do my part to educate and make others more aware. You might think, why do I need to know about autism? I don't work with kids, or know anyone autistic. But, every time you leave your house and go out into the public realm you come in contact with people on the autism spectrum.

Ever try to stand in line at a fast food restaurant with a non-verbal autistic child? I have, and it isn't easy believe me. Most of the time I order from my car in the drive through and then pick the food up inside, so I can just grab it and go sit down. Give those poor parents cuts in line in front of you. You can help by not staring at them and not ignoring them, be friendly. If the child grabs a fry off your tray as they walk by, don't overreact and cringe or act like you've just been exposed to some kind of plague.

Last year I was out to lunch at McDonald's with my grandson, Michael (he has Asperger's Syndrome) and he stood up on the booth seat and yelled, "Please be quiet, we are trying to eat our lunch over here!". He caught me by surprise and I did my best to get him to sit down and told him the other people weren't really being that loud. We got some looks, and a few laughs. At least he was polite about it. But to Michael, (who has super sensitive hearing), I'm sure it was driving him crazy hearing not only all the people talking, but also noises from the kitchen and the traffic outside the building and lots of other sounds we just filter out and don't even notice. Just knowing about his extra sensitive hearing, I was able to be more understanding and deal with the situation appropriately. Everyone can benefit from being made more aware.

I'd also like to bring your attention to the Autism Speaks web page regarding Autism awareness and fundraising initiatives with various partners, the web page is here. I like to know who supports this "dear to my heart" cause. Toys-R-Us and TJ Max for example. I haven't been to TJ Max in a while, but looks like I will be giving them more business in the future. We gave Toy-R-Us our business at Christmas time last year.

Autism Blogs - Helpful info from Moms & Dads with kids on the Spectrum

Here are some of the autism blogs I've been tuning into and learning from:

1). http://anotherpieceofthepuzzle.com/

Tons! May I say it again, tons of information, resources, book reviews, you name it, it's on this blog. She has a six year old, named Michael.

2). http://momembracingautism.blogspot.com/

This mom has a son named Samuel. She has an awesome video of stimming and other useful information, look on the left under the bar, named labels. I have read many great entries on this blog.

3). http://thepuzzleroom.blogspot.com/

This mom has a daughter with autism. Check out her recent post on intervention for autism - they call it Autism 991 - as seen on CNN.

4). http://autismbitestheblog.blogspot.com/

The life and times of six autistic angels. This is the family that was on the discover channel a few months back.

5). http://casdok-facesofautism.blogspot.com/

This blog has pictures of autistic kids & some adults, with some information about them. So sad, it's just never ending, it really is an epidemic. If you click on the entries, you can find out more about them on their websites.

6). http://danielsprogress.blogspot.com/

A celebration of our Journey. Daniel is the star of this blog. Mom shares homeschooling ideas.

7). http://rhemashope.wordpress.com/

Rhema is autistic, another little girl, that didn't escape the mostly boys disorder.


These are the best of the dozens I've been checking out.

And here is a definition (below)I found on an Aspie's website....I'd give him credit, but not sure I can find his link again, I didn't bookmark it. It's a pretty good overall definition for someone that has some knowledge to begin with. I'd still like to find one for someone that doesn't have a clue or how to explain it to a child. Anyone out there that can help with that? Please leave me a comment.

What do you say when someone asks you “what is autism?”

A genetic difference in the functioning of the brain which for some is a disability, some a challenge, and some a gift, and often all three in the same person. Typical signs are difficulty reading and or understanding social clues, an affinity for routines, participation in repetitive body movements, and often sensory difficulties.

Autism Sunday - Found out about it just in time.

Praying for a Time When Every Sunday Is Autism Sunday

I see from an item on About.com's Autism site that this Sunday, February 8, is Autism Sunday. Church leaders from around the world have agreed to make the second Sunday in February an International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger Syndrome.

This is a parent-initiated observance: Autism Sunday was started in 2002 in the United Kingdom by Ivan and Charika Corea, parents of a child with autism. Writes Ivan, "Our son Charin has been our inspiration. We see him as a real blessing from God." It would certainly be nice if more folks in the pews saw children with autism and other special needs that way. Maybe Autism Sunday could also be an International Day of Not Glaring at Children Who Behave Unpredictably in Church, or International Day for Figuring Out How to Do More Than Just Pray for Children With Special Needs.

With those children with autism rapidly becoming adults with autism, and adults with disabilities being moved from institutions to community placements, churches need to figure out ASAP how to make individuals with special needs full members of the family of God -- not once a year, but every Sunday, every day, in every way possible. That's something to pray for, right there.

You can find more information on Autism Sunday on these sites:

Autism Sunday
Autism Sunday Blog
Autism Sunday Facebook Group
Autism Speaks

I copied the above article from the About.com autism site.

This post began to show you my favorite piece of jewelry and why it means so much to me. I bought the charm last year, shortly after Christmas. G.T.'s parents gave me money for Christmas and I used it to purchase the charm you see below. Then my sweetheart of a husband bought me the oh! so expensive box chain to wear it on. It just glides back and forth on the chain, I love it! You could purchase the puzzle ribbon charm with or without the birthstone. I didn't know if I should get Michael's birthstone, he's my so-very-dear-to-my-heart grandson, who just happens to be on the spectrum. (Now upgraded to Aspergers after 3 years of intensive early childhood intervention). Or should I get G.T.'s, my closest to my heart respite boy, who's diagnosis is PDD-NOS, but remains for the most part non-verbal and not quite potty trained at seven years old. I really struggled with the decision, so went to bed to sleep on it and woke up in the morning with the answer. It was really funny, because I literally jumped out of bed when the thought popped into my head upon wakening. Their birthday is the same month. Dah! Needless to say it has a birthstone on it and it honors both the totally awesome boys who have stole this ladies heart.


· Significant
An intelligent, brilliant and radiant
symbol of Autism Awareness
· Personalized
Order yours with a birthstone for
an oppulent, elegant effect
· Unique
A one-of-a-kind exquisite, breath-
taking gift for a loved one or family
· A Treasured Heirloom
This beautiful pendant will be
cherished for generations to come

Commissioned by Peggy Croft, whose artistic Christmas jewelry designs have been featured in Warner Brothers, People Magazine and done custom pieces for The Endangered Species has now created our very own original and exclusive gold "Autism Solutions Puzzle Ribbon of Promise" to acknowledge the many unique gifts our wonderful children bring to the world.

365/14 My Bookshelf

This was suppose to be a picture of all the books on my Autism book shelf, but on closer inspection (after taking the picture with no contacts in), I discover two books not on the topic have snuck onto this shelf. How many of you would have noticed if I would have kept silent about it?
One book on this shelf has already been read more than once; it is "The Boy Who Loved Windows" Opening the heart and mind of a child threatened with Autism by Patricia Stacey. It is the best actual account (written from birth), about a child with autism that I have read. Another favorite of mine, which I sent to my daughter (who has a child on the spectrum) is George & Sam: Two Boys, One Family and Autism by Charlotte Moore.
Here's a partial list of books I read in 2008 on the subject of autism, I didn't keep track, but these are what I can remember at the moment. I read them and send the ones I think might be helpful to my daughter, who does not have time to do all the reading herself. I've had a life long interest in autism. My very first book that peaked my interest in autism was Son-Rise written by Barry Neil Kaufman, it was written in 1989. Here's the list.

1. A Will of His Own: Reflections on Parenting a Child with Autism.
By Kelly Harland
2. 1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
By Veronica Zysk, Ellen Notbohm
3. Reasonable People: A Memoir of Autism and Adoption: On the Meaning of Family and the Politics of Neurological Difference. By Ralph James Savarese
4. To Wise to be Mistaken, Too Good to Be Unkind: Christian Parents Contend with Autism By Cathy Steere
5. Strange Son: Two Mothers, Two Sons, and the Quest to Unlock the Hidden World of Autism By Portia Iversen
6. Just This side of Normal: Glimpses Into Life with Autism by Elizabeth King Gerlach
7. Awakening Ashley: Mozart Knocks Autism on It’s Ear by Sharon Ruben
8. George & Sam: Two Boy, One Family and Autism by Charlotte Moore
9. A Slant of Sun: One Child's Courage by Beth Kephart
10. Awakening Ashley: Mozart Knocks Autism on It’s Ear by Sharon Ruben
11. Louder Than Words: A Mother’s Journey in Healing Autism by Jennifer McCarthy
12. Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wish You Knew by Ellen Notbohm

Digital Photography101 - Assignment 1

Getting to know your camera. That means getting out your manual and reading it. Yes, I printed the manual out from the Kodak website and read all 72 pages, not once, but portions of it several times. Up to this point, I had taken all photos on auto and did not use any manual settings. I had features on this camera I didn't even know existed! It was something I never would have chosen to do on my own, but now I'm having fun putting all the new found information into use.

The second part of the assignment was to take the best picture we could with our current knowledge.

This is GT, a remarkable little boy that I take care of, who just also happens to be autistic. THE SKY IS THE LIMIT, is what this pictures says to me.