July 2012 Mommy Online Time Out (Part 1 of 2) : Autism, Fireworks,Success!
S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom (Strong Mothers Altering Autism's Reality Together)
Welcome back to S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom's July Online Mommy Time-Out!
What a Wonderful, Wonderful Fourth of July it was for our family this year! I had to share it with all of my moms who until a couple of years ago, for myself personally. I always had to spend my time comforting Boo during the Fireworks rather than watching all those beautiful colors in the sky. I'm sure those moms know what I'm talking about. The typical covering of the ears, screaming, crying, sometimes yelling. The shivering and shaking their child shows because he or she is so frightened of the fireworks. My son would be like this until the very last fireworks sound would cease. He would completely hide in his tent with his favorite blanket over his head along with his ears muffling the sounds the best he could. A lot of the times he would babble as well if the sounds from the fireworks became to intense for him. Needless to say, Fireworks were not a Good Thing. We tried every year to help him get through his fear and finally were able to do it! This is how......(1) Be at a far distance and reassure that the fireworks are far away and can't touch them. (2) Be in a vehicle and have the a/c on so it's a comfortable temp. Have them sit in the front so there is a good view to watch the fireworks. The light may be helpful as well; call it a night light security if you will. (3) Make sure all of those comfort toys, blankets, pillows, etc. are present. (4) Have head phones ready with their favoite music in case the sound needs to be drowned out a bit. (5) Have a timer nearby and make sure you set it for a long enough time so that your child will hopefully be able to withstand the Fireworks Display Show. 10 to 15mins is usually more than enough time. (6) If possible, watch for a cue or signal so you can really prepare for WHEN the Fireworks will begin. Remember this can be a scary thing so maybe start a rocket lauch count down before you know the Fireworks are going to start. (7) Try to keep them engaged....Ask them about the colors, Which colors are your favorite? What color did you see first? What color do you want to see? This way they have to see in order to answer you. Stay calm and gentleand really make this event to be a positive one. If it doesn't work this year.........Try Again Next Year. and the one after that. It will happen. Be patient . Good things come to those who wait;)
(Click-On the Puzzle to Watch Part 1 of 2's July Online Video)
======================================================================
July 2012 Mommy Online Time Out (Part 2 of 2) : Autism, Fireworks, Success!
S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom (Strong Mothers Altering Autism's Reality Together)
I Really hope all of my S.M.A.A.R.T.Moms enjoyed my two July Online Mommy Time-Outs. If you noticed I did make sure that I was able to share our Fireworks display with you as well. Just in case you were one of my moms that did miss the Fireworks this year. So for those moms (BIG HUGS), I know it's not the same , but I hope you enjoyed the colors in the sky I sent you via youtube ;) I truly hope what I found to help us and our son will help you and your family too. Maybe not today, tomorrow, but maybe next year will be that day of Success. All I can say is "Don't Give Up". Keep trying, keep thinking outside the box of autism behaviors.Live in those Special Moments to come rather than dwelling on those Melt-Downs. You know your child better than anyone and I know you can do this! I'm here if ANY of my S.M.A.A.R.T.Moms need me.
Until Next Month Ladies! Take Care ;) Angela (aka) S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom
(Click-On the Puzzle to Watch Part 2 of 2's July Online Video)
