An Autism 2016' 4th of July with S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom!

"Trying to Get Through Another Year"
by, S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom
(Strong Mothers Altering Autism's Reality Together)
Sorry for the delay :) Happy 4th of July ! It's 2016'
Well here we go trying to get our Dustin once again to come outside to watch the Fireworks , which we are calling Disney Lights , so that it doesn't seem so scary to Dustin. 
With most individuals who have autism, this holiday is far from exciting. It can be scary, upsetting, and cause a lot of anxiety. This is just one of the things on top of venturing in to public places that we've tried to help Dustin either over come or tolerate. He's come a long way from staying in his room hiding under his blankets while holding me and shaking to "Today" , where Dustin willingly goes outside and watches the display from inside our vehicle.
What may be baby steps to some of you , I rather consider them to be huge stepping stones to a much braver Dustin. As a mother , it has taken me about 15 years before I could actually watch the fireworks myself, rather than comforting my Dustin and missing every year's light show. So , if you are one of those Parents who missed the Lights this year because of those Autism Fears/Melt-Downs.....
This Video is especially for you! Here's to YOU , Your Brave son/daughter, and to a better 4th of July next year. Be patient, it'll come :) We don't always have a good turn-out ourselves with Dustin who is 20yrs old this August. But, we will continue to "Try" and Always remain Hopeful. BIG HUGS! ‪#‎SMAARTMom‬ ‪#‎AutismWelcomedDecal‬
                                           
                                      (Click on the Photo to Watch the Video)
                                                           

The Autism Welcomed Decal Find's a Permanent Home @ Threshold Dental!

The Autism Welcomed Decal Symbol has been given a Permanent home at Threshold Dental in Winter Park, Florida!
"Helping Families Living With Autism Feel Welcomed in Public Places"
(Opening Doors, Opening Hearts, & Creating Smiles!)

I want to Sincerely Thank Dr. Scott Simpson for the years of  service to our family ,especially. Since Dustin was much younger to present (age 19yrs) Dustin has had his good appts and sometimes, not so good appts. However, I still never stopped trying to continue bringing him to his dental check-ups. Over time each appt has become more successful than the one before . Just to Note: Although my son is 19 yrs old his mentality is more of a 3-5 yr old. He is what I call "Classic" Autism.  He is constantly Flapping, Jumping, and Repetitiously Babbling commercials / movies. He is not considered High functioning. I ALWAYS make sure when I take him ANYWHERE to bring anything that may comfort him. Favorite Plush Friends, drawings, DVD Player,etc. In addition to a reward system I created to help us get through more difficult places , such as the Dentist. YOU KNOW YOUR CHILD more than ANYONE. So with that in mind. Try to  Be Prepared Moms & Dads.
Lastly, Try to be calm and patient when you enter. If the staff isn't aware that you are with someone who has autism, let them know. IF the staff is aware...Don't get frustrated if possible. This does NO One any good. You know Autism isn't easy and you probably won't be the only one there trying to comfort an autistic. Give the  staff a chance to get to know your child/adult and YOU , before you pass judgement on a place. After all, it does take time to get to really know the actions & re-actions of someone who has autism. YOU KNOW THIS.  Keep in mind, We as Parents may not have had a CHOICE in regards to Autism. However, These people in the work field who "Help" us Care for our loved ones......They had a CHOICE. Yet, They still dared to venture into this very difficult field so that they could be there for US! So , I don't know about you, but I  have come to Value my son's Dentist and Dental Staff with all of my Heart. I hope you will too before you take your next visit to the Dentist. "Have you HUGGED Your Dentist Today?  I Have!"
OXOXOXOXOX
#SMAARTMom #AutismWelcomedDecal
                 
                                                  (Click to Watch the Video)
                                                               

An Autism Welcomed Decal "Show Me Your Pizza Smile" 2016' in Ocala, FL!

The AUTISM WELCOMED DECAL " Helping Families Living With Autism Feel Welcomed In Public Places"

(OPENING DOORS, OPENING HEARTS, & CREATING SMILES!)

Created and Designed By, S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom Angela (PLEASE NOTE: There is NO PROFIT made from the Decals. The cost of the Decal ONLY covers the making of the Decal itself.) This is not an organization, group, or charity and I AM NOT ASKING FOR DONATIONS. Call me Crazy, but I'd Rather Create Smiles :) This decal is simply a "symbol" expressing that YOU are there for families living with autism and autism individuals on a day to day basis. Have you Welcomed Autism Today? 
ATTENTION in Regards to Time-Out Events: Autism Families, please know that some of these places may be Loud, Bright, or Even Crowded. The idea is to Feel Welcomed , but at the same time to help our special guys/girls learn to cope and withstand those things while in many public places. So with the help of these WONDERFUL People and Places they have shared their Smiles with the Autism Welcomed Smile. This heart-felt "Symbol" expressing one thing…. " Autism Families, We know it took Courage to come out today,We Understand, & We've Got Your Back!" ) ONE MORE THING :) Attn: Individuals with Other Disabilities. Regarding some of the places who are offering Autism Welcomed Events ; Although these are Autism Events, I still would like to let you know that REGARDLESS of YOUR disability…you are more than welcomed to join us. This especially, includes siblings. After all, We All KNOW Challenges first hand, Don't we?

This Video is from The Autism Welcomed "Show me Your Pizza Smile " Time-Out @ STEVI B'S in Ocala, Florida! 
(June 12, 2016" ) "A Huge Thank You to Jamei and Sebastian; in addition to their Staff for a Magical Time and for giving the Autism Welcomed Decal Smile a permanent home ! "
Until Next Time! 
Big Hugs! S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom
#SMAARTMom #AutismWelcomedDecal

                                                 (Click Here to Watch MY "111"  Video!)  

An Autism Mini- Moment #6 : Hey Baby! 1st Words,No Words,Words, Now This?

S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom
(Strong Mothers Altering Autism's Reality Together)

An Autism Mini-Moment is just that; a brief video that is amazingly filled with so much! My son, Dustin in this video is 19 years old. These particular videos I created to show Moms like myself, who are feeling uncertain about their child's future who may have been recently diagnosed. So I'm offering you a glimpse into the future :) I'm offering YOU Video Proof that anything is possible in regards to AUTISM. So Don't Give Up and Keep On Trying! Unconditional Love, Patience , Consistency, & Hard Work will be so worth it! So I hope this little video makes you feel a little bit better Moms or Dads. If this makes you at least SMILE; this Mini Video was well worth creating just for YOU!
Have a Beautiful Day :)
Big Hugs! S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom
#SMAARTMom  #AutismWelcomed

                                            (Click on Photo to Watch Video)
                                                       

An Autism Welcomed Decal "Skate & Smile" 2016' in Leesburg, Fla !

The AUTISM WELCOMED DECAL " Helping Families Living With Autism Feel Welcomed In Public Places"

(OPENING DOORS, OPENING HEARTS, & CREATING SMILES!)

Created and Designed By, S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom Angela (PLEASE NOTE: There is NO PROFIT made from the Decals. The cost of the Decal ONLY covers the making of the Decal itself.) This is not an organization, group, or charity and I AM NOT ASKING FOR DONATIONS. Call me Crazy, but I'd Rather Create Smiles :) This decal is simply a "symbol" expressing that YOU are there for families living with autism and autism individuals on a day to day basis. Have you Welcomed Autism Today?
ATTENTION in Regards to Time-Out Events: Autism Families, please know that some of these places may be Loud, Bright, or Even Crowded. The idea is to Feel Welcomed , but at the same time to help our special guys/girls learn to cope and withstand those things while in many public places. So with the help of these WONDERFUL People and Places they have shared their Smiles with the Autism Welcomed Smile. This heart-felt "Symbol" expressing one thing…. " Autism Families, We know it took Courage to come out today,We Understand, & We've Got Your Back!" ) ONE MORE THING :) Attn: Individuals with Other Disabilities. Regarding some of the places who are offering Autism Welcomed Events ; Although these are Autism Events, I still would like to let you know that REGARDLESS of YOUR disability…you are more than welcomed to join us. This especially, includes siblings. After all, We All KNOW Challenges first hand, Don't we?

This Video is from The Autism Welcomed "Skate & Smile " Time-Out @ SKATE WORLD  in Leesburg, Florida!
(May 22, 2016" ) "A Huge Thank You to Mary, Scott, and their Wonderful  Daughter, Megan; in addition to  their  Staff for a Memorable  Time and for giving the Autism Welcomed Decal Smile a permanent home ! "
Until Next Time!
Big Hugs! S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom
#SMAARTMom #AutismWelcomedDecal

                                                         
                                                    (Click On Photo to Watch Video)

An Autism Welcomed Decal "Skate & Smile" 2016' in Casselberry , Fla

The AUTISM WELCOMED DECAL " Helping Families Living With Autism Feel Welcomed In Public Places"

(OPENING DOORS, OPENING HEARTS, & CREATING SMILES!)

Created and Designed By, S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom Angela (PLEASE NOTE: There is NO PROFIT made from the Decals. The cost of the Decal ONLY covers the making of the Decal itself.) This is not an organization, group, or charity and I AM NOT ASKING FOR DONATIONS. Call me Crazy, but I'd Rather Create Smiles :) This decal is simply a "symbol" expressing that YOU are there for families living with autism and autism individuals on a day to day basis. Have you Welcomed Autism Today?
ATTENTION in Regards to Time-Out Events: Autism Families, please know that some of these places may be Loud, Bright, or Even Crowded. The idea is to Feel Welcomed , but at the same time to help our special guys/girls learn to cope and withstand those things while in many public places. So with the help of these WONDERFUL People and Places they have shared their Smiles with the Autism Welcomed Smile. This heart-felt "Symbol" expressing one thing…. " Autism Families, We know it took Courage to come out today,We Understand, & We've Got Your Back!" ) ONE MORE THING :) Attn: Individuals with Other Disabilities. Regarding some of the places who are offering Autism Welcomed Events ; Although these are Autism Events, I still would like to let you know that REGARDLESS of YOUR disability…you are more than welcomed to join us. This especially, includes siblings. After all, We All KNOW Challenges first hand, Don't we?

This Video is from The Autism Welcomed "Skate & Smile " Time-Out @ The Semoran Skateway in Casselberry, Florida!
(April 24, 2016" ) "A Huge Thank You to  Debby and her Skating Staff for a Memorable  Time and for giving the Autism Welcomed Decal Smile a permanent home ! "
Until Next Time!
Big Hugs! S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom
#SMAARTMom #AutismWelcomedDecal
                                                                         
                                                           (Click to Watch Video)