"Autism @ Universal Studios Pictures" :S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom takes her Son Dustin to Universal Studios for his "16th" Birthday!

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

                                                         

"It's his "16th" Birthday Party!" Video :S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom Invites You to Her Son's Sweet & Adorable "16th" Birthday Party! Welcome ;)

Today is August 1st. Dustin's "16th" Birthday! WOW!! You never know what to expect with Dustin (autistic) while filming. Let me just ask you this question. "Have you ever wondered what to expect of someone who has never chewed bubble gum before?" Hint, Hint. You're going to love this video ! Never mind the reaction of Dustin as he opens his presents. Priceless;) Hope you enjoyed coming to Dustin's "16th" Birhtday Party. Thanks for joining us.

                                                  
                                                    (Click Picture Above)
                                                                   

"Gathering @ Animal Kingdom Video" :S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom, Dustin, and Their Friends Visit Disney's Animal Kingdom!

July 28, 2012. "Disney's Animal Kingdom"Here are just a few pictures I wanted to share.                             

                                                        
                                                                                                              

                                                       
S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom ,her son Dustin who has autism, and Their Friends Ride the
Mt. Everest Roller Coaster at Animal Kingdom. Join the most memorable adventure with S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom . Going out in public can still be fun ;) I hope you enjoy the video! If you liked this one, you really need to watch the video of S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom, Dustin, and their friends on the water rapids ride ;)
                                          (Click On the Mountain to watch the Video)

                                               
                                                     

S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom, Dustin, and Friends Dare to Ride the Water Rapids at Animal Kingdom and what a time we all had. It was so hot that this ride, at the time, seemed like a good idea. The ride was needless to say...Refreshing & a Real Splash with us all! ;) Hope you enjoy the video! I know my son Dustin who has Autism really enjoyed himself. However, probably not as much as he did on the Mt. Everest Roller Coaster Ride......Sorry we missed any Moms that couldn't make it. Maybe next year ;) UntilNext Time, Take Care. S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom

                                                                            
                                                     (Click On the Water Rapids)    

"Autism, Fireworks,Success! Video :S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom's (JULY) Online Mommy Time-Out Videos: Part 1 & Part 2

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)

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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)

                                                                              

" A.S.G.O.'s 2012' Autism Walk Pictures" : brought to you by, S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom

Welcome Back S.M.A.A.R.T.Moms!
    
 We had a nice time , but sadly Ronald McDonald didn't make it to the event this year,
 unlike the ones before. I tried to find other things for Boo to find an interest, but other than the jumping castle, Boo was clearly not having a good time this year. I think it would have been fine if this year had been like the others ,but it was not. I figured I'd let him jump for a bit to help him get in a better mood. But I guess that changed too. Dustin ,like many other autistics is very sensory needy. To be aloud to jump for 3 mins and than stop,  sorry that just wasn't enough time. In addition, in the past Boo Bear was aloud to jump not only longer, but was also aloud to crash in a lying down position before jumping again. This year when he immediately did it , he was told to stop. Not hearing , I had to tell him he couldn't lay down, only jump. OMG!  You could just see how I completely ruined the moment. He was so puzzled and even more bummed. I love A.S.G.O. and always will, but for the distance we drove ,the money that was spent, I'm just not sure this is for us anymore. At Least the walk. Being a mother of a son with autism, well I  make sure I donate, but I also have to consider his needs and well-being too. I did post  some pictures, sorry there wasn't more to show . But I had to go somewhere else that I knew would make Dustin's day. I know how to make my son "Smile".
So, enjoy the pics and I sure hope that all of my S.M.A.A.R.T.Moms will  join me for July's Online Mommy Time-Out at the Zoo July 19 or Animal Kingdom July 28.
I have a Special Treat for all of my S.M.A.A.R.T.Moms in my Part 2 of 2's July online video :)
 Please come back and watch my (2) Two Part July's Online Mommy Time-Out Videos:
 Autism, Fireworks, Success!
Until Then! Take Care. Angela (aka) S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom

                                                                        

                                                                  

"OMG! Autism & Facial Hair!!! Really?" VIDEO: S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom's (JUNE) Online Mommy & ME Time-Out

S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom's (JUNE) Online Mommy Time-Out: Facial Hair!!! Really?

 (Strong Mothers Altering Autism's Reality Together)

Hello to All of My S.M.A.A.R.T.Moms! Welcome Back!

This month I'm inviting you to join me on how  I  approached  Dustin who will soon to be 16yrs. old ;how to get rid of his facial hair. After pondering all the different ways I could  approach him  and after window shopping and researching for a product that would be comfortable for him to use. Well, like it or not...... for the past two years , well I'm not going to make it to three years. It is too hot and the whiskers especially are becoming very aggravating to him. So it is time to confront this subject head on and to look at the bigger picture here. To help Dustin become independant. This was just a start to one accomplished step to our son becoming an adult. Think Positive. I always say this to myself :)
It was also one step forward for ME : S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom........I never want to worry about my son.
My mission is to help him help himself; in order to not to be taken advantage of in life. My son has made me a stronger person. I owe it to him to help him become just as strong:)
I hope all of my S.M.A.A.R.T.Moms enjoy this months video.
 I Truly hope this helps you like it has me:) Until next time. Take Care.

                                                                               

                                                           (Click to Watch June's Video)