"Autism & Choosing a Theraputic Animal Video" :S.M.A.A.R.T.Moms (FEB) 2012 "Online" Mommy & ME Time-Out

Are you a S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom ? (Smart Mothers Altering Autism's Reality Together)

Hello S.M.A.A.R.T.Moms! This month I wanted to  talk about how I  have  helped our 15yr old son with autism overcome his fear of animals. In this month's video I'm introducing our new addition to the family. "Bobbie" was found abandoned by her mom last year most likely because of her constant "head bobbling movements". Our hearts went out to her, so we decided to give her a home. In addition Dustin is getting Animal Therapy every day in return. In my video I will show how Dustin interacts with Bobbie, where as before he wouldn't' let alone couldn't, be in the same room with an animal never mind a few feet. This is just another example of how not to always "AVOID" those things that your son or daughter is afraid of. They have got to confront that fear in order to get through life. You certainly don't want your loved one to see an animal and run. I hope this helps you like it has us:) Until next month.........Take Care!  Always Here for You, Angela

                                                       (Click-On Photo to Watch Video)



(Click-On Our Sleeping Bobbie to Watch Bobbie's Video)



                                                                

"Autism & Removing a Splinter Video" :S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom's January 2012 Mommy Time-Out Online Video: What is PRID?

Welcome back to S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom's January 2012 Mommy Time-Out Online Video.
If you haven't heard of PRID then this is a must see video. I can't tell you how much this product has helped me on more than one occasion. It's very inexpensive and can be found so easily. I strongly encourage all of my S.M.A.A.R.T. Moms to add this to your first aide kit at home, diaper bags you may still carry, or even in your car. Just to add, if you ever encounter a boil that you may think needs to be lanced.....try the PRID first. It may take a couple of hours, but applying this will usually open the boil. Lancing can be so painful. I would hate for anyone to have to go to that extent, especially if this was on an autistic child. This is non-evasive and won't sting or burn when you apply it:)

This is what "PRID" looks like in the stores.

                                                                               
I hope this helps you like it has me. Until next time I hope to see you next month to meet the new member of our family who is
helping  Boo Bear get over his fear of animals. Please click on the S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom Button below to view Jan.'s Video.
Take Care. Angela (S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom) 
smaartmom@centurylink.net or eyesofautism@centurylink.net  
 
                 (Click On the S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom Button to Watch Jan's Online Video)

                                                         
 
                                                                                           

"Teaching Autism with Tiles?" Video :S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom's December "Online Mommy & ME Time-Out"

A Unique Way to Teach Your Child/Teen with Autism. "THINK-IT-THROUGH TILES"
Well here we are in December, wrapping up another year and beginning our new year and  adventure in autism.
I'm always looking for toys that will be beneficial to Dustin. I do buy him those typical toys on occasion,
however, when it's Christmas time I want to find more toys that are going to help Boo Bear and not end
up on the floor for me to step on. So here is something I just had to share with you.

Getting Dustin to sit and focus while trying to teach is very difficult. Anyone with a child or teen with autism I'm sure would agree. Well, I found a Tile Case with interacting Booklets called "Think-It-Through Tiles". They absolutley impressed me. I tried the Tiles with Dustin and he caught on immediately. He stayed focused and challenged at the same time. The tiles are hands on and Range from K-12 grades. Teaches everything including science and life skills in some booklets. I wish I would have found out about the Tiles a long time ago:) What a Wonderful Teaching Tool! Won't it be nice to buy a Christmas gift that is beneficial for  your son or daughter with autism ?
I've found them at a few different sites but just couldn't see paying the price I found them at. So again, back to
ebay. At least there I could get the tiles much cheaper through auctions. I did buy some booklets at  http://www.discoverytoys.com/web/guest/home 
just because I wanted particular learning booklets. I believe Amazon had them too, but ebay I found to be the best
place to shop for the tiles & booklets. What's really nice is these lessons will grow with your child. It's a Great Investment
when coming to you son/ daughter's academics. My son uses these every day in his daily schedule. I can't express to you
how much he has learned from the tiles. I really encourage my moms to check into the tiles. I truly hope they will help you
like they've helped Dustin. Merry Christmas to all of my S.M.A.A.R.T.Moms! I sure hope to see some of you next month
for January's Mommy Time-Out. Go to my site and look to the right for the Date,Time, and Meeting Place.
Until Then........Take Care! Angela (Creator of S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom)

(Click-On Picture to watch Dec. Mommy Time-Out Online Video)

                                                                                          

"2011' Christmas Mini-Moments Videos" :S.M.A.A.R.T.Mom shares her 2011 Christmas with you:)

What a Wonderful Christmas we had with Boo Bear. Every year I try to get some priceless pictures but this year I thought I would try to  catch Dustin in a video moment. (There are 2 Videos below) I really felt good about some of the gifts he would get to open up this year. So here are some pictures and video I wanted to share with you. Dustin has been under the weather a little bit so I guess his expression is not too surprising. Poor Baby:( We know he was happy with what he got for Christmas though:)
                                                                                                          Until Next Time. Take Care. Angela

P.S. I added an additional picture I got back frm Dustin's teacher. Dustin made a Hand Wreath for Thanksgiving. Each hand has something Dustin wrote he was thankful for. I thought it was too cute:) Merry Christmas everyone and here's to a Very Good 2012 to come for EVERYONE EVERYWHERE:)

(Click On Dustin Answering his Phone Below to Watch the Video)

(Click On Dustin's Tree  Watch the Video of  him Decorating it .)

"Gathering@ The 2011' Autism Speaks Walk Video & Pictures" : S.M.A.A.R.T. Mom's November "Mommy & Me Time-Out" @ The Autism Speaks Walk

Hello to My  S.M.A.A.R.T. Moms! What a Fantastic Turn Out! There were sooo many people that were there to show their support.
Although I think Dustin was a bit disappointed. You see for the past six years we have been attending the November Adventures in Autism Event held at Universal Studios of Orlando. Well, sad to say this year Universal stopped offering A.S.G.O. the discount tickets. And typically we attend the Autism Walks in April/ May. So I think he thought the Autism walk was actually going to be Universal Studios. Which of course, if I'm right, it would explain why he wasn't so thrilled when we got to the Autism Walk. He did get to see Jeffrey from ToysRus and some other characters. But Dustin only lasted about 2hrs before saying, "I'm Hungry. McDonalds?"  "Ten Chicken Nuggets, three french fries, and dr. pepper?" His typical order by the way. He is 15yrs old now after all:)
So we left but not before getting some wonderful pictures and videos. You'll just love the last video.........We just parked at McDonalds when I video taped Dustin. Sorry we missed some of you, but I really do Appreciate the Moms that were able to come. Maybe next year it'll be even better! Watch for me next month for S.M.A.A.R.T. Mom's December Mommy Time-Out. Our boys and girls will be out for the holiday so you better believe there will be a December "Mommy  Time-Out" before their Holiday Break. So watch for December's Posting to the right of my site. Until then...........Take Care. Angela


P.S. I just wanted to throw a Big HUG to my Dad and his really Sweet Wife, Dianne and say Thank You so very much for my early birthday card and present:) When we got back home from the Autism Walk I checked my mail and found an early birthday card from my Dad and Dianne. Thanks to both of them I plan/planned to take Dustin to Universal Studios Nov. 20th. However, I said planned didn't I.....well if I don't have the luck and have a talent for the unbelievable. The next day, after the walk and my plans for the 20th. I went to get some batteries and dropped a "AAA" Battery; of course it couldn't  be a "D" battery it had to be a "AAA" battery! When I went to pick it up; I COULDN'T GET BACK UP. OMG! I yelled for my husband, only to then stop and say to myself........."I can't believe I actually have fallen and can't get up. Is it time for Life Alert now? I'm  only going to be 43yrs old in a few weeks!"
Anyway, at least  I'm getting better now, it's taken a few days, but at least I didn't set that date (the 20th) in stone on the calendar for Dustin. I hear Universal Studios has Wonderful Christmas Displays in December and that IS actually the month of my birthday. So I guess that's when I think I will be taking Boo Bear. We Both just LOVE Christmas!  I do have another Mom coming with me for "Back-Up" my back that is (LOL). Wish us Fun Everyone and Thanks Again Dad &  Dianne! We  Love you!
                                                  (Click On "PLAY" to watch Video)

                                                                                                        



Thank You Alice an Heidi for making me  the Wonderful  S.M.A.A.R.T. Mom Banner.
You both did a Fantastic job!  I Love It! 

Angela's S.M.A.A.R.T. Mom TEAM



Walking for Autism!



"Say Cheese Helen, Judy, and Dustin!"

Dustin & Fireman Cow

"Dustin, You have a green frog on your shoulder!"

!High- Five Jeffrey!"

Shalley and her son Zac

Helen and her Aunt Dawn

Helen Showing her support for Dustin

2011' Autism Speaks Autism Walk

Dustin loves his Mommy!

" Autism @ A Renaissance Fair Pictures! S.M.A.A.R.T.Moms First Time Visiting The Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Fair!

Hello Everyone! I just wanted to share our experience to the Renaissance. This was actually a school field trip and I do my best to attend every field trip with Dustin. This field trip was one I really didn't think Dustin would handle well, but I don't vear away from these outings. The Renaissance was a new experience for Dustin as well as for me. So we gave it a whirl. I brought his favorite friends, Bugs , Daffy, and Tweety to help comfort him while we were there and I did have to keep him moving. He lasted at least a couple of hours before he started throwing himself down on the ground and started getting loud and clearly ready to leave.  I think at that point Dustin's classmates were ready to go as well. So everyone agreed and back to the school we went.
I can't say we had a fantastic time, but I can say I wouldn't  try this again maybe next year. If I stopped revisiting ALL of the places I have dared to venture with Dustin.......and believe me there have been many not so memorable outings. BUT.... today you would have never had a clue of some of the stories I could tell you. TRY, TRY, and TRY AGAIN. Being consistant with Dustin has been so beneficial. So I strongly advise other moms to at least make the attempt regarding ANY outing. There may be some not so good memories to make, however, the memories that are successful are more than worth it. Hope you enjoy our pictures:) Take Care.