SUMMER THERAPY PROGRAMS

SUMMER THERAPY PROGRAMS

Summer is approaching and quickly!!  Now is the time to research what programs are available for your child to attend during the school break.  Most programs have started their registration processes.  Many will fill up soon.  

I will add information on programs as I learn about them.  

iCAN BIKE - (formerly Loose The Wheels) iCan Shine - This "I Can Bike" training camp is offered June 3 - 7, 2013.  This is a camp offered to children with special needs to assist them in learning how to ride their bicycle without training wheels.

"We understand that the vast majority of people with disabilities never have the experience of independently riding a conventional two-wheel bicycle during their lifetime. Research shows that over 80% of people with Autism and 90% of people with Down syndrome never experience this thrill. Defying these odds is why we exist!" ~ iCan Bike

THE LEARNING SPECTRUM -  offers programs during the summer months. Check with them to see what is available this year.  I know in the past they have offered full and half day sessions as well as special weekly classes.

BARN BUDDIES - Barn Buddies is a "Horses Teaching Social Skills" program offered in the spring and summer.  Equi-Valent Riding Center offers equine therapy programs. 

"Our Equine-Assisted Therapy and Learning Center includes Equine Specialists, Mental Health Professionals, and Therapeutic Riding Instructors and is a PATH International Center Member (NARHA).  Through the use of our Equine related regime, our team mission includes fostering positive mental health strategies which are geared toward improving Social Skills, Healthy Living, Academic Achievement and Leadership Development.  We specialize in the overall physical and mental health of children on the Autistic Spectrum as well as other Developmental Disabilities.  However, our program has the ability to offer a variety of learning opportunities for all types of clients as we explore concepts of respect, trust, and empathy.  Our client's quality of life is elevated through this compelling therapeutic perspective which unlocks the ability to improve and increase strength, balance, coordination, mobility, independence and confidence, which we have found time and again leads to increased overall self esteem." ~ EVRC 

SOCIAL BUGS - Cornerstone Speech Therapy and We Joy Sing offer:

A Language Learning Enrichment Group

Developed Together with We Joy Sing

**Registration Now Open!!**

Social Bugs is designed to enhance language, social, and friendship making skills.  These skills will be nurtured as a licensed speech-language pathologist from Cornerstone and a licensed music therapist from We Joy Sing lead you and your child in various types of play, movement experiences, and music activities.

We invite both typically developing and children with special needs to participate in this FUN-FILLED program along with one adult.

This 8 week program will run June-August 2013 and will be held in the Westerville area!

Groups will be held for the following ages:

• Toddler 1: ages 14-24 months
• Toddler 2: ages 24-36 months
• PreK: ages 3-5 years
• School-Aged: ages 5-8 years

Contact us today for more information!

 614-973-9755

 Various types of funding are available!

Meeting Dr. Herbert, Autism Specialist

Meeting Dr. Herbert, Autism Specialist

I had the privilege and pleasure of meeting Martha Herbert, MD, Ph.D. yesterday!  Not only did I get to meet her, I got to visit with her about several topics.  This was a unique opportunity that was also unexpected.  If I had know, I would have been more organized in my thoughts.  But, maybe it was best this way.

As noted on the back flap of her book cover "The Autism Revolution", Dr. Herbert is an assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and a pediatric neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she is the director of the TRANSCEND Research Program.  She also sits on the Scientific Advisory Committee for Autism Speaks.

I love the full title on the front of the book, "The Autism Revolution, Whole Body Strategies For Making Life All It Can Be".

By meeting Dr. Herbert and being able to visit with her for approximately 30 minutes, I walked away with answers to concerns, valuable information and enthusiasm.  I did not realize who I was meeting at first.  As our conversation proceeded, so did the realization that I was with someone that held a wealth of knowledge!

Dr. Herbert is a pediatric neurologist that has evolved into a specialist in the world of autism.  My youngest son Jackson gave us a scare last year.  Actually, it was a pediatric neurologist that provided us with results from a MRI that was done on Jackson that gave us the scare.  In his words "There is a spot in the center of his brain that may grow.  He will need to have another MRI in six months to see if the spot grows".  My husband asked him point blank if that would mean a tumor, and he answered "yes".  I spent the following six months holding Jackson in bed each night praying over him.

Long story short, the neurologist we had seen said the spot did not grow after he reviewed the second MRI.  In doing our due diligence, we got a second opinion.  The new neurologist reviewed both MRIs and told us that he did NOT see a spot at all.  So, both answers relieved my anxiety.  This "spot" had either not grown or did not exist at all.  I gave it a rest, but continued to watch for any symptoms that would cause concern.

By having this chance meeting with Dr. Herbert, she was able to look at the pictures of Jackson's brain and provided some much needed relief!  She explained not only what the spot could be, but why there could have been to different opinions.  Both essentially being the same answer.  It made perfect sense.  BUT, only because she is an expert in pediatric neurology AND autism, could she provide the complete answer.  The mainstream neurologist and radiologist that reviewed the MRI results are not familiar with the world of autism and are not trained to see past their what I consider to be black and white world.

This was so valuable and enlightening to me to be able to have this conversation!  Previously, I had told my husband and a close friend that I wish I could present all of the information about my children to either a panel in one room or ONE person rather than hopping around to many physicians.  Only a few of the doctors that I work with understand autism, the others do not and they are never in the same room.  Imagine that.  Dr. Herbert was an answer to prayer.

Wait, it gets better!  We also talked about the hopeful future of education in autism reaching to more professionals in the medical community.  In addition, I was able to discuss the benefit of specific diets and the idea of working with national organizations through Making Lemonade.

I am elated and my head is spinning!  I purchased her book "The Autism Revolution" right on the spot. I am thrilled with what I have read so far.  I totally agree with her philosophy, and have said many times myself, that approaching autism needs to be done from many angles, not just one.  It is so irritating that I have to put the book down to do things like feed my family and shower. I know, I crack myself up.

Do not walk, but run out to buy this book!  It is not just specific to autism as the title may imply.  Dr. Herbert's approach can be applied to many neurological issues such as ADHD, SPD, etc.  The whole body approach that is presented by Dr. Herbert in this book can provide positive results to the many issues and challenges that your child is dealing with on a daily basis.

Soodles Bake Shop Guest Speaker

Soodles Bake Shop Guest Speaker

Amy, owner of Soodles Bake Shop here in Columbus, OH will be our special guest speaker at tomorrow night's Making Lemonade support group meeting.

Please join us to learn about gluten free baking and to try some delicious samples!

Baked goods from Soodles are gluten, dairy, nut, soy and egg free.  Most of all, they are delicious!

Tuesday, February 5, 2013
7:00 - 8:15 PM
Pediatric Therapy Partners 640
Enterprise Drive, Ste C, Lewis Center, OH

Gluten Free Super Bowl Appetizers

Gluten Free Super Bowl Appetizers

Gluten Free Super Bowl Appetizers are the reason for the Super Bowl?  Right?  I mean, Beyonce concert appetizers.  Hee Hee!

So much for pre-planning. I sat down this morning, THE day of the Super Bowl, to devise a list of gluten free appetizers to serve my family.  With sooooo many diet restrictions, I did a lot of soul searching (and internet searching) for the perfect combination of ideas.  The largest appetites win out with the largest variety of nibbles.  I want to include my children in on all of the excitement, so I need to add some bite sized goodies to the menu for them.

Here is a list of each individuals allergies and diet restrictions just to give you some insight into what I am working with:

Me - Gluten

#1 Son - Dairy, Gluten, Eggs, Pork, High Fructose Corn Syrup

#2 Son - Dairy, Gluten, Nuts, Beef, High Fructose Corn Syrup

Hubby - Anything healthy.  He is a firm believer that "Football Food" must be high in fat and calories.  Deep fried is best.

Let the creative juices flow.  Tick Tock, Tick Tock.  Creating my list took about two hours.  One, because I didn't want to forget anyone.  Two, and most importantly, because it's fun to me.  Now that I'm showered and Eric has taken the boys out to play in the beautiful snow, it is time to begin.  I do realize that my list is a little lengthy.  The plan is to have leftovers to give myself a break tomorrow after cooking so much today.

SUPER BOWL MENU:

Spinach Dip - because mommy loves it and I will always have spinach dip when serving appetizers.

Warm Sausage Dip - see recipe below - a family tradition served anytime we get together and have appetizers.  Most commonly used for game nights and nights before holidays when preparing food for the next day's big meal.

Hot Wings - of course.  I've found a brand that I am loyal to because they are not breaded and gluten free.  Plus, they are delicious!  Must serve with a chunky blue cheese dressing.

Broiled Shrimp with Thai Peanut Sauce - this gives me a lower calorie option.  Plus it's quick, easy and delicious.  Doesn't even need a fancy recipe.  Brush shrimp with gluten free teriyaki sauce and broil for 3-4 minutes.  Serve with Thai Peanut Sauce (make sure it's gluten free). Voila.  Can also be served over rice noodles.

Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs - see recipe below now I can check fattening foods off of the wish list for my sweetheart.

Mini Hot Dog Muffins - maybe overkill on the hot dogs, but I am craving corn dogs.  I do that, often.  It's a result of growing up driving through Sonic in the summers in Oklahoma.  I am making these with a gluten free cornbread recipe.  I have extra batter that I can make some cornbread muffins to serve with a meal in a day or two.  Use a mini muffin pan, cornbread batter and 100% beef hot dog pieces.  Place a teaspoon of batter in each hole, insert a cut up piece of hot dog.  Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 11 minutes.  I think I'll use a spicy Cajun mustard for dipping.

Apple Slices with Brie - Mmmmm, Brie.  The world would be a better place if every meal included Brie and/or Goat Cheese.  No recipe required for this one.  All you need is some apple slices, slices of brie, walnuts and honey.  Stack in that order.

For The Kids:

Chicken Nuggets - a treat for BOTH kids that are never able to eat fast food chicken nuggets like their friends.  Simply dredge pieces of chicken breast into gluten free flour seasoned with seasoning salt, garlic powder and black pepper.  Deep fry in pre-heated canola oil over medium-high heat.

Tater Tots - simple, yet bite sized so they can feel a part of the festivities.  Another Sonic vice.  I will melt dairy free cheese onto Jackson's and he'll be thrilled.

Apple Slices - for Davis I add some peanut butter.

Tortilla Chips

Gluten Free Pretzels

Note that the only vegetable you see is the spinach in the Spinach Dip.  Thought I'd get crazy and serve some apple slices with the Brie.  This should meet my husband's "football food" criteria while making me feel better about myself.

RECIPES

Warm Sausage Dip

1 - 1 Lb              Breakfast Sausage - roll

1 block               Cream Cheese

1 - 16 oz             Sour Cream

1 - 14 oz             Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies

In a large skillet, crumble and brown the sausage until fully cooked.  Add cream cheese and stir until melted.  Add sour sour cream and tomatoes.  Stir and cook until bubbly.  This can keep in a crock pot set on low.  Serve with tortilla or corn chips.

Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

14                    100% all Beef Hot Dogs

14 slices         Bacon

1 1/2 Cups     Barbecue Sauce - gluten free

1/4 Cup          Brown Sugar

3-10 shakes   Red Pepper Sauce (depending upon taste)

Set oven to broil. Spray 13×9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray, and set aside.  Spray broiler pan with cooking spray. Cut each bacon slice crosswise into 3 pieces. Cut each hot dog into thirds. Wrap each piece hot dog with one piece of bacon.  Secure with toothpick and place onto broiler pan.  Broil with tops about 6 inches from heat 12 to 16 minutes, turning once, until bacon is crisp.

Meanwhile, heat your favorite homemade (or store-bought) gluten free barbecue sauce in a heavy saucepan over medium heat.  Add brown sugar and red pepper sauce.   Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until warm.  Barbecue sauce already has sugars, but the extra brown sugar thickens the sauce and creates a caramelized texture.  I like the sweet and spicy combination of the sugar and pepper sauce.

Heat oven to 350°F. Transfer the hot dogs from your broiler pan to the reserved glass baking dish. Pour sauce over hot dogs; turn to coat with sauce. Bake about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve hot.

I hope everyone enjoys their "football food" for the Beyonce concert as much as we will!!