I remember hearing so clearly,even today "Your son has Autism."The hopeless feelings,anger,sadness,confusion,& uncertainty of our son's future.I learned that other parents,like me are our BEST Resource.SO,I created:S.M.A.A.R.T. Mom.ALL Moms are Welcome.To the(R)Post"Time Outs"& Meeting Place & Other Autism Events.Come to(3)"Time Outs" & get a S.M.A.A.R.T.shirt.Only(1)per Mom.Or Visit My Shop.
Having a fear of animals has been an issue for a long time for my son with autism. Over time I have tried to help him overcome his fear by adopting a kitten and bringing her into our home, taken constant visits to places like the Zoo, Animal Kingdom, Sea World,etc. Any place where our son has no choice but to confront his animal fears. In this video I found myself unexpectedly surprised by Dustin (16yrs). Once again he has amazed me in a very heart-felt way.
Never under-estimate what your children are capible of. If you do......you may miss out on a moment you never imagined would be possible. I hope this inspires some of those moms out there who feel the hopelessness I once felt. Fear doesn't have to be forever for your loved one with autism. And it that goes for us Moms too ;) Take Care & Have Faith Moms & Dads! BIG HUGS from S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom
" Dialing The North Pole is Nothing At All, Because "NOW" ........ You Can Make A Santa Claus "Video" Phone Call!" Yep, you read that correctly.
For most young children Santa Claus can be a bit scary at times. For a child, teen, or maybe even adult with Autism it can sometimes be terrifying. For my son, it took ten long years before I could get that "What Most Moms Live For" SANTA PHOTO with their child. What a rush of emotions ran through me that very special day. AND... MY Mom was there to be able to share it with me. I couldn't ask for more that day. Definitely one of my top ten favorite memories. Well needless to say, I'm sure I'm not alone in regards to Autism and Santa Claus. So on that note... I have the video for you this month! It involves your cell phone, $1.99,Go to playstore or Ap icon, search: Santa Video Call, download, and find that eager person who is ready to make a Video cell phone call to Santa ;) I hope you enjoy this month's Mommy Time-Out. Please come back next month to watch Dusitn see what Santa is bringing him. I know I can't wait ;) Until Then, I hope this Helps YOU like it has Me...Happy Holidays!
S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom
S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom Angela's "FIRST Santa Photo"
Dustin was 10 years old
(CLICK ON PHOTO TO WATCH NOV. VIDEO)
(THIS IS DUSTIN "THIS YEAR". HE'S COME A LONG WAY.)
I just had to share this really cool field trip Dustin and I had the opportunity to go on before Thanksgiving vacation. I had to give Dustin a chance to experience this place. He's always talking about snow when the holidays stroll around and well, I thought what a better place to take him than a place that will not only beam with the Christmas Season being upon us, but maybe he would finally be able to give Santa his Letter ;) Anyway, it called "ICE" at The Gaylord Palm and what a very cold experience....a "9 DEGREE" experience at that. I don't think Dustin realized that all of the Colorful Sculptures were completely carved out ice. It was truly amazing all the detail and time it must have taken the artist. By the time we got to the last room was when I think Dustin came to light that everything was ice. The only reason is because the last room was a Giant ICE Slide! OMG! It was the coolest thing we had ever seen! Dustin loves slides! It was so funny because as cold as he was and before entering this room he was saying "Cooooold Mommy, Time to see Santa?" However, in spite of this....he went down that very cold slide not Once, but Twice (LOL). We followed up our Ice Tour to an unexpected Birthday Party for a fellow High Schooler where all of the kids got to dance, eat pizza, and meet some famous characters :) But of course as nice as it was of that family to invite us to her party, Dustin only had Santa on his mind. So when the time came for us to wrap up our field trip group and use the restrooms before the long ride home I whispered to a school staff person that I was going to discretely take Dustin down to give Santa Dustin's Letter. So off we went. I wish I were able to video tape this moment. We approached the area where Santa was and we were the FIRST and ONLY ones there! Dustin was glowing with such a Smile! He was so Proud, Happy, and Thrilled to be able to FINALLY Give his letter to Santa "IN PERSON." I couldn't believe how much he was interacting and trying to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas! It was so adorable and so touching. Santa was wonderful too! He was so great with Dustin, talking to him, reading his letter, and even gave Dustin a Mini Santa Photo, Candy Cane , and a Lucky Christmas Token. You can't imagine how much all of this meant to my Boo Bear; But maybe you can.......I have three really nice pictures of Santa and Dustin, but I'm only sharing one for now. Come back and see me in December to see the other two Santa Claus Pics. In the mean time.....Hope you enjoy the moments I couldn't wait to share with you all! Oh, and IF there is anyone that would like more information about "ICE" @ The Gaylord Palm. Here is a link for you to check out ;) http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-palms/christmas-in-orlando/about/index.html
Remember it may be extremely cold there, but it made some of our warmest memories ;) BIG HUGS & Happy Thanksgiving!
Take Care! S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom Angela
A Tired ,But Excited Dustin ;)
DreamWorks' Merry Madagascar
"It's toooo Coooold Mom."(Good thing "ICE" provided everyone with these flashy blue coats to help keep us warm.)
Are we there yet?
Everything is Ice!
Mom & Dustin with an "All Ice Christmas Tree"
Yes it's "9 Degrees", But Dustin can't Slide just Once ;)
This is an "ICE SLIDE!" Dustin has to slide Twice ;)
Done Sliding....Time to get Bugs Bunny & Daffy out of his pocket ;)
"Mom, It's too cold at the North Pole."
"Mom! Lion !"
"Time to go?"
Santa Letter? Mom, Santa Letter???
Mom's Boo Bear & Friends
This is the letter Dustin gave Santa. Below you can see Santa holding it and Dustin asking him for The Road Runner and Elmer Fudd too;)
What Santa gave Dustin. He Loves his Lucky Token!
Happy Holidays!
What a Beautiful Day it was for this years Autism Speaks Walk! This year we had 11 walkers sign up to join the S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom Team and I can't tell you how much that meant to Dustin and I. Hopefully next year will be just has wonderful ,but with more walkers.....So if you missed this years walk , PLEASE subscribe to this site so you will be informed of 2013's Autism Walk. In the mean time I just want to say Thank You again to my TEAM and BIG HUGS from S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom ;)
Here are some pictures from this year's event. Enjoy and I hope to see you next year!
Until then, Take Care! S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom
"Hats Off To The S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom TEAM for Raising $200.00 for the 2012 Autism Speaks Autism Walk!"
S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom TEAM Shirts ;)
What a Wonderful Day for an Autism Walk!
Charles (R) having a difficult time with the bridge; but got over it like a "CHAMP." Great job sweetie! We're all so very Proud of you!
S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom's TEAM was meant for Walking ;)
Dustin really loved the Christmas Decorations!
He's already been getting excited about the holidays getting closer ;)
S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom Supporters and Unconditional Friends
Autism Speaks "Sad Facts" along the walk.
Can't really call them "Fun Facts" now can we?
Thanks for the photo Belinda, unfortunately mine didn't come out very good. I also want to give a BIG Thank You to my Team this year. It means sooo much to me that you chose to walk with Dustin and I this year. It was a beautiful day , maybe a bit too bright in some areas.....sorry about that Allyson. I know it looks like she is crying here, however, she was actually just irritated by the bright sun glaring in her eyes that day. Pictures aren't always perfect maybe, but I'll take this one anyday ;)
BIG HUGS to my AWESOME TEAM! — at Cranes Roost Park.
Got to be a bit much for Boo this year, not shocking though...This event as my photos clearly show how very crowed it gets at the Autism Walk. But we try every year just the same. So we could only stay until about 11:00/11:30. We said our good-byes and immediately left to get some lunch. Lunch of couse made my Boo Bear much happier ;)
"The Tucker Cow Count Down"
Uh, What is that? I would imagine is what all of you are saying and if any of you watched my September Video last month "in its entirety" then you have probably been asking that question for a bit now. So here it is.... finally a video explaining this strange method I've created to help alter my teenaged son's self hand-biting behavior. It is a work still in process, however, like all of my behavior altering ideas, they do achieve success, so I'm optimistic that this will be no different. Also ,Keep in mind that I am extremely consistant with my ideas. I don't claim this will work on others like my son with autism. Every child, teen, and adult do differ on the autism spectrum. I do encourage my S.M.A.A.R.T.Moms to at least try my ideas just in case they are helpfull and can make your every day life with Autism a little less stressful for you and your loved one with autism. So in the mean time please let me know if this or any of my other ideas have helped you and yours OR if you might have an idea of your own that you found helpful and which led to a behavior success. Until Next Time........Big Hugs to all of my S.M.A.A.R.T.Moms! Take Care & Have A Very Happy Halloween!
S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom Angela
(Click On Pirate Dustin to Watch October's Online Video)
I took Dustin to Universal Studios using our annual pass. What a great time we had. After riding all of those insane roller coasters , which he never used to even go near... We went to watch the Barney show as usual and unlike the past 10 years or so, Dustin still poses or tries to pose under Barney's chin. This year was a bit difficult....he has really done some growing I guess (LOL) Too cute though he tried. I also have this wonderful video of Dustin and his Best Friend Bugs Bunny watch Barney & Friends sing the "I Love You" song. Yes , Dustin is still crazy about Barney ;) My oldest son is now 24yrs old, my daughter is 20 yrs old, and now that Dustin is 16yrs old I was really hoping the Barney phase faded out.........Nope, guess not. I guess it really rings true when they say " The things we do for our children". I must admit though, watching him this year did bring tears to my eyes. To this day he still seems so innocent even compared to how he was 15 years ago.
Until Next Time, Take Care & BIG HUGS from S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom
(Click On the Photo of Dustin & Barney to Watch the video)
Hello to all of my friends. This month I wanted to take you to a place none of us really like to go to. So........
this month S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom shares with you how taking her teenage son (autistic) to the dentist is like. Please be sure to watch both videos so to understand specific things. PART 1 of 2 is an Introduction to what the second video will be about. A must see second video in addition will actually bring you right into the dentist chair with her son. Yep you just read that correctly ;) S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom hopes it will encourage and maybe inspire other S.M.A.A.R.T.Moms like herself. If there is anyone that would like to know more about the toothbrush S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom uses for her son, I've posted pictures of what they look like and a link you can go to if you want to order one. Otherwise, most health food stores do carry these type of toothbrushes. You can't miss a tooth with these toothbrushes Moms!
Remember, Don't Stress the Dentist. See you in PART 2 of 2 ;)
Below I've added TWO Buttons. Just Click On each one to watch , well, lets just say not your typical trip to the dentist. I hope these videos help you in some way. Nevertheless, I personally know how difficult getting through EVERY day with a special person with autism is like. AND and I know how heart felt mothers like us are, never mind sometimes/most of the time feeling like no one understands. If you are feeling this way please know this one thing if you have one of those bad days........I'M Here ;) BIG HUGS from ME to you S.M.A.A.R.T.Moms! Take Care.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Click On the Tooth Below
("Don't Stress The Dentist" PART 2 of 2) ======================================================================= Where to get one online: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=radius+toothbrush&rt=nc&LH_FS=1 7yr-Adult Lefty Kids (6yr-younger) Righty 7yr- Adult Righty
What a Wonderful day at our farm until we lost internet access on Dustin's computer because of a storm that came through. So in need of a back up plan I began looking for games/ crafts to play with Dustin. The computer is EVERYTHING don't you know? Well, we had recently bought a pool table to amuse us in our spare time,but not once thought our Dustin would play . My husband of course showed Dustin how to play, the idea of it anyway. I was amazed how much Dustin was interested in what his dad was trying to teach him. We let Dustin set things up by himself shortly after.....I guess he found "Dustin's Pool Game" more intriguing ;) It didn't matter though, it was so very enlightning to watch our autistic son play a game of billards. I know it sounds absurd, but this isn't something we ever thought he would even go near, never mind enjoy playing. Just another example of how WE as the parents of children/teens/adults should NEVER under estimate what they are able to accomplish.
I've posted some pictures of Dustin being taught how to play billards by his Dad. If you would like to see the video of our Dustin in action just click on the interactive picture below ;)
Hello to My Family, Friends, and of Course My S.M.A.A.R.T.Moms!
(August 12, 2012. Universal Studios & Islands Of Adventure)
What an Awesome time we had at Universal Studios! I couldn't have thought of a better place to spend Dustin's WOW! "16th" Birthday, still can't believe that, sorry :) We had a wonderful friends Shalley and her son Zac join us; sorry more of you couldn't . There is still time to get that annual pass special. The deadline is Aug. 31. We paid our $165. plus tax each and in return we get to go to Universal unlimited (excluding block-out date/ no big deal) until our expiration date of not August 2013, but November 2013! But then again Dustin & I love the theme parks, espec. Universal & Islands of Adventure. The only downfall we encountered was apparently that NEW Dispicable Me Ride, well it seems that it has taken place of our Beloved "NICHELODEON Studios/ Jimmy Neutron Ride" This was unfortunately the main thing Dustin wanted to see. However, I just kept him distracted with all of the other rides which wasn't very difficult :) He still had The Hulk Ride (OMG!) That was quite the ride! He did very well until about 3:30pm when he started getting anxious saying "Thunderstorms, Time to go home". Which from past mentionings like this from Dustin before, well lets just say he's usually "right on",but the storms don't hit us usually for about 45mins to 1 hr after he says something. So we did our last ride and headed back home.By the time we got home (LOL) it started to rain. Thanks for the heads up Boo Bear :) I wasn't able to get any video this time but I do have some nice pictures to share. Hope you all enjoy them!
Until next time. Take Care! Angela (a.k.a.) S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom
This is a wonderful (portable) book about your child with autism or other disability. Filled with very important information for School, Family Members, Care Person, or Emergency personnel.
