music therapy moments

Mother's Day

2011-05-06T09:14:00.002-04:00

For Mother's Day help us celebrate:

The determined mom who pushes doctors to find treatments for cancer and rare childhood diseases.

The dedicated mom who fights for life-saving cures despite the loss of her own child.

The devoted mom who gives her gifts, time, talents and voice to champion our cause.

Make a gift in honor of your mom

to deliver hope to a child with cancer

and the mother by his/her side.

Send an e-card to your mom

to celebrate Mother's Day.

AC/DC Singer Brian Johnson @ Music Therapy Room Ribbon Cutting

2011-03-16T18:28:00.001-04:00

YES !!! Love, love, love this!!!
Enjoy,
Jessica

AC/DC Singer Brian Johnson @ Music Therapy Room Ribbon Cutting w/ ABC News Holes and Hearts

drumSTRONG 2011

2011-03-10T21:19:00.001-05:00

"It's a gathering to rhythm. It's the beat of community, the beat of hope. Music truly is universally engaging all ages, wages and stages of health." -drumstrong

Hey Everyone,

Camping and Drumming and Helping ...

You've heard me (seen me) mention this amazing event before. It's coming up again this May so I wanted to pass the word on in plenty of time for you all to plan and spread the word. It's amazing and fun, fun, fun!!! Click on the picture/logo link about for detailed information.

Here are a couple of my own pics from last year's event ... it was amazing!

Jessica

INFO: (from drumstrong website)

Here's the Deal :: We (a lot of us) are going to do two things at once ::

We are going to break the planet’s record for the Longest continuous rhythm *Drum Circle* ever held (and possibly the Largest!), drum with people globally (simultaneously) and at the same time, raise awareness and incredible amounts of money for survivorship assistance, education and research for one of the most nefarious diseases known to man.
We will throw ourselves at eradicating cancer, fortify our friends, families and ourselves, glean useful info about the resources available to address cancer and have a blast doing it!

Registration for DRUMSTRONG 2011 opens on January 1st, 2011, and is $25.00 for individuals 12 and over, and $50.00 for families with children under 12 and special Team discounts. Registration is good for both days of the event (all 24+ hours). Come and go as you wish. Please remember that the registration fee helps us support worthy causes.

When and Where:

May 21 & 22, 2011 at Misty Meadows Farm in Weddington, NC, (just outside of Charlotte), 4 miles south of Hwy 485 on Providence Rd. at the corner of Ennis Rd. (Get directions.) Please carpool. Festivities begin at 10:30 am Saturday and drumming begins at 12:00 pm and continues into the afternoon 29 hours later on Sunday. Rain or SHINE.

My Facebook Music Therapy Professional Page (see link below)

2011-02-24T19:00:00.001-05:00

Hello Facebookers!

I have created a FB page for my business, and it is listed as "Music Therapy services". Here is the LINK for it. You will recognize my business logo as the profile picture (see below).

I'm hoping this will be a useful and convenient tool/resource for many people.

Thanks!
Jessica

Walk for Autism - Fun Events

2011-02-23T16:00:00.005-05:00

                    February 26th (Sat)-                                Pancake Breakfast
                               Applebees (Mount Pleasant)
                              8am - 10am
                               Tickets are $5 (at the door)

March 14th (Monday) - Chuckie Cheese in North Charleston (Rivers Ave).
* donating 15% of proceeds to this charity
* Contact me if you are interested, and I can email you the flyer for this which includes a coupon for 10 free tokens !

ATTENTION BIKERS!

March 19th (Saturday) -
Poker Run
(at American Biker in Ladson).

April 9th (Saturday) - Walk for Autism at Hampton Park in (downtown Charleston)
For more info, visit http://www.walkforautism-charleston.com/

Upcoming CCC events ... Don't miss out!

2011-02-09T15:19:00.002-05:00

Fire Departments BOOT DRIVE - look for your local Firefighters out and about collecting for our sweet children! This will be starting up mid- March.
*Also, Firefighters will be at Sam's Club on the weekends in the very near future!

CCC Telethon - Live broadcast on WCBD - NBC 2 (1-6pm)

Live Remote at the McDonalds in Oakland Plantation from 5pm – 7pm on Thursday, March 17th

2nd Annual Music Festival at Waterfront Park is scheduled for Saturday, March 19th from 12pm – 6pm . Music by local bands and food to be served by local firefighters. All proceeds will benefit CCC. We will have official flyers for this event in the next few weeks.

Carolina Children's Charity
6296 Rivers Ave., Suite 300
N. Charleston, SC 29406
Tel: (843) 554-6222
Fax: (843) 747-7222

Help a Lowcountry child today -- donate at www.carolinachildren.org!

All Money Raised Here Stays Here!!

Happy New Year: Resolutions and Goal Work ... make it fun!

2011-01-14T12:55:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year to You All !!!

Goal work ... this is what we work on all the time in therapy with our kids. This is the time of year, though, that we all take pause to do a little self reflection, and come up with our own self goals. Hence, the New Year's resolutions! It's also a great time to reiterate some of the goals some of our kids have (related to interventions, therapies, and such that our kids are receiving). Why not make it fun? Our kids have been hearing a lot about New Year's resolutions this month, in particular. Why not create a fun game, activity, and/or craft project to map out applicable goals.

Another thought that would be easily replicated at home is to rewrite an already familiar song (i.e. "Twinkle, ,Twinkle", "Mary Had a Little Lamb", "Hokey Pokey", or use a more current song that your child likes). Focus the lyrics around goal work ... what area(s) you want to work toward on a daily basis. Most of you are familiar with Social Stories, and how effective they are. Setting social stories to music takes it one more step further, making it more exciting (fun!) as well as making them easier to memorize and recall on spot. Also, we all know how a certain tune can get "stuck in your head", right? Why not use this concept to your advantage? It's what was done with the ABC song, and look how effective that has been! It's used in every commercial you see for a reason. Sing the song (maybe even have pictures or some visual prop to accompany) in the mornings and/or just before the related task (goal related task).

Jessica

Crayola Holiday Savings

2010-11-24T14:27:00.000-05:00

If You "LIKE" Crayola You'll Love more in Savings!
Get amazing Crayola savings on our hottest holiday gifts starting November 23. If you "LIKE" Crayola on Facebook, Facebook friends have exclusive access to special bonus coupons for in-store savings on select products. Hurry - coupon quantities will be limited to the first 10,000 coupons per product - limit one per person per offer!

This offer is exclusively for our Crayola Facebook friends. You must be a Facebook user to participate.

******************************************
Hey everyone -

I love Crayola.com! I sometimes encorporate some things I see on the site (when appropriate) in session. I wanted to share the info above with you all as well. It may help for the holidays!

Jessica

Upcoming Pet Pageant for charity ... FUN, FUN!

2010-11-10T13:44:00.000-05:00

I saw this, and thought, "How fun is this!" The kids will get a kick out of this ;) See below!

Jessica
1st Annual Carolina Children’s Charity Pet Pageant

Date: Saturday, November 13th
Location: Citadel Mall

Bring your favorite pet to support CCC's newest event and fundraiser! Prizes!

ALSO : Coming up in December ...

**On Saturday, December 4th, the St. Andrews Fire Department will be hosting an event to benefit the Carolina Children's Charity. Come out on the 4th and get your family holiday pictures with Santa. **

Thanks for supporting CCC as they continue their mission of serving Lowcountry children with birth defects and childhood diseases. Proceeds from both events will benefit CCC.

The Autism Shop - great stuff!

2010-10-22T16:26:00.001-04:00

THE AUTISM SHOP - A Fun Resource
My friend, Craig Evans of Autism Hangout (http://www.autismhangout.com/), recently posted a video, live from this wonderful autism store/resource, The Autism Shop. Click on this link to view.

The Autism Shop - A one-of-a-kind book and toy store for people on the spectrum.

Cherri's 20+ years of first-hand experience with families and teachers of people with autism help her in finding and/or designing the ideal products for our special kids.

Cherri's shop features over 1,000 hand-picked items that she ships worldwide. (- Craig Evans, Autism Hangout)

Enjoy!
Jessica

REMINDER: Tomorrow Night! Party With a Purpose!

2010-10-20T17:48:00.001-04:00

Party With a Purpose ~ Funny Hat ThemeShow off your funny hat for a cause!!!
Time: Thursday, October 21 · 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:

Mad River Bar and Grille
32 North Market Street
Charleston, SC

LIVE music by GROOVE Train!!

Nightly Drink specials

Special half price menu
$5 donation at the door will get you your first Bacardi Drink or Domestic Beer FREE!!
If you wear a funny hat you will receive a special shot chosen for this event.
Winners of the Funny Hat contest will winl Mad River Bar Tabs
Local Firefighters will be bartenders and a silent auction will also be held
ALL MONEY RAISED HERE STAYS HERE!!
See www.carolinachildren.org and click on the events tab to see the entire flyer or to print one and distribute. PLEASE INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!!!!

Musicians with disabilities ... call for entries!

2010-10-15T16:59:00.000-04:00

VSA is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

http://www.vsarts.org/

Music Unites

2010-09-29T14:48:00.002-04:00

"One Love" - Live From Madrid

"Whenever the Playing For Change Band takes the stage, there is always a tremendous amount of love and energy in the air. For this very special performance it was even more palpable, as the band was joined by many of our friends featured in our various Songs Around the World: Tula's amazing vocals, Roberto Luti playing the National steel slide guitar, Francois Viguie on the bongos, Stefano Tomaselli on the sax, Venkat playing the tablas, and the beautiful choir vocals of Sinamuva.
This performance served as a powerful milestone in the evolution of Playing For Change. Seeing so many talented musicians from all different cultures and walks of life united on stage for this very special night was a physical manifestation of our mission: to connect the world and bring peace through music." - Playing for Change

I adore Playing for Change - hope you enjoy this. Click on the link above to the website to listen to more music.

Music unites.

Jessica

Potty Training Tips and Tricks

2010-09-27T07:00:00.002-04:00

When searching some great little behavior charts on this site (http://www.freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com/ ), I found some potty training ideas. Some I had heard of, some are new. Also, see below for potty training behavior charts, potty training pics/PECS, and other resources.
*Use a drink and wet doll to demonstrate to your child how to go to the potty. After you pour water into the doll's mouth, you can have your child walk the doll to the potty chair, pull the doll's underwear down, seat it on the potty and watch the doll "pee". This is a good visual aid to motivate your child to do the same.
*Give your child a lot of fluids so that he has to go to the potty more often. The more often he goes, the quicker the child will be potty trained, and the more he will be trained to hold it in.
*If your child looks like she wants to go, then take the child to the potty every thirty minutes or so until he pees.
*If the child does not urinate right away, have him remain seated on the potty for a couple of minutes and maybe read a book together until he is ready to pee. You could also try placing his feet in warm water or turning on the faucet to encourage him to pee.
*Have your child look at learning aids such as books, videos and DVDs as they are an educational and fun introduction to potty training.
*Play games such as the blue and yellow make green game. Put some drops of blue food coloring into the toilet water, have your child urinate and he will see the water turn green much to the child's delight.
*Drop a couple of cheerios cereal into the toilet water and have your child aim and pee at them.
*Use charts and stickers to positively encourage and reinforce the habit. You can give stickers to your child for going to the potty, sitting on the potty, peeing successfully into the potty, or for been accident-free
*Use potty training toys such as musical potty chairs that play tunes when your child uses the potty, or potty training watches that vibrate at a set time to remind your child that it's potty time.
*Get rid of the diapers and put toilet training pants on your child for easier toilet training.

Potty Training Coupons - look in side column under "Reward Coupons, Stickers, and Other printables"

Potty Training Behavior Charts - look in side column under "Behavior Charts"

Potty Training Pics/PECS

Potty Training Books

Let me know of any tips/tricks you may have that have worked for your little one!

Jessica

2010-09-24T07:00:00.002-04:00

For more information, please visit:

http://www.dsalowcountry.org/

2010-09-23T07:00:00.005-04:00

Strides For Autism

Walks Across South Carolina

This fall, the community will walk in support of South Carolina families affected by autism in both the Grand Strand and Lowcountry at the Strides for Autism events to benefit the South Carolina Autism Society (SCAS). These are the last of our four signature fund-raising and awareness walks, which include a 5k walk, resource fair, and family-fun events. Strides for Autism is among various activities that benefit the organization and the families it serves.

MYRTLE BEACH EVENT:
The Grand Strand event will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at Grand Park at Market Common.

CHARLESTON EVENT:
The Lowcountry event will occur one week later on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at Memorial Waterfront Park in Mt. Pleasant.
Registration for each event will begin at 8:00 am, and the walks will begin at 9:00 am.
If you have not already registered to participate in our resource fair as an exhibitor, we encourage you to do so! Rates are just $100 for non-profit organizations or state agencies, and $150 for for-profit companies. We welcome you at one or both of the events. Attached is an information and registration form that you can complete and return to us. To pay by credit card, please complete the form and then call the Columbia office at 1-800-438-4790 to process your payment.
We also have spaces left for Corporate Sponsorship to increase the visibility of your organization. Please see the attached sponsorship forms for additional information.
According to Craig Stoxen, President & CEO of the South Carolina Autism Society, we have two goals with our Strides event.
1) To raise the awareness of autism spectrum disorders. With the occurrence rate of autism at 1 in 110, everyone is or will soon be affected in one way or another by autism. It may be a family member or it may be coworker’s child or a friend’s child. So the better understanding our society has, the better the quality of life for those on the spectrum will be.
2) To raise funds for the South Carolina Autism Society. This fundraiser is to help ensure SCAS can meet the needs of families through information and referral, trainings and workshops and advocacy.
SCAS is the only statewide agency advocating for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders and their families, while also providing assistance and resources. SCAS promotes, educates and raises awareness that one in every 110 births in the U.S. is a child with autism, and provides support for South Carolina-based research and development. Most importantly, SCAS works to ensure that the 28,000 individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) living in South Carolina have opportunities to achieve a quality of life comparable to their peers.
Monies raised for South Carolina Autism Society stay in South Carolina and go towards family supports, education, advocacy, and South Carolina-based research.
We encourage you to join us at Strides for Autism, and spread the word to your clients. Registration and other information for Strides for Autism, along with information about autism and SCAS, is available at the event Web site, www.scautism.org/strides/, or by calling the Columbia SCAS office at 1-800-438-4790.

South Carolina Autism Society
http://www.scautism.org/

Behavior Charts

2010-09-22T07:00:00.004-04:00

I found some great behavior charts that I wanted to share with you all. The ones I have included below are common to some of my little clients, and are targeted around specific behaviors. Follow this link to charts you can print and implement.

I Didn't Talk Back/Frown When Asked to Do Something (chart 1)
I Didn't Talk Back/Frown When Asked to Do Something (chart 2)
I Slept in My Own Bed
I'm Not a Picky Eater
No Tantrums (blue chart for boy)
No Tantrums (pink chart for girl)
I Got Along with My Sibling(s) Today!
I Stayed in the Room for Quiet Time
No Hitting
I Didn't Suck My Thumb Today
I Didn't Bite Today

Jessica

2010-09-21T15:25:00.000-04:00

Hello ALL !

Long time, no blog, I know. I apologize for my long absence. This has been a very busy summer, business-wise - whew! Lots of assessments, meetings, treatment plans, etc, etc.! I am thankful for all my sweet new clients and business endeavors, though. Definitely!

Anyhow, things are settling down a bit now, especially since the start of school has come and gone. I am getting back to blogging - yay! We've got so much to catch up on!

Tune in, I'm back ;)

Jessica

Bycicle Camp - DSAL event for children with special needs

2010-07-15T14:05:00.001-04:00

Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry (DSAL) Event!
(Click link below for registration form/info)

Lose the Training Wheels

Bicycle Camp For Children with Special Needs

Did you know that only 10% of children with Down syndrome and 20% of those with autism ever learn to ride a bike?

This camp will help teach up to 40 children with special needs how to ride a conventional bike without training wheels. We provide specialized  bicycle riding equipment developed by Rainbow Trainers, Inc., as well as a team of experts and volunteers.

Each child will attend one 75 minute session per day for five consecutive days. There will be 1-2 volunteers assisting the trainers with each child.

Our goal is to change the lives of children by teaching them a skill that will build self-confidence, provide inclusion with their peers and open the door to unlimited recreational opportunities. This program has an 85% success rate.

When:    July 26-July 30, 2010

Where:     North Charleston Convention Center
                 5001 Coliseum Drive Charleston

Schedule:

Session A 8:30-9:45
Session B 10:00-11:15
Session C 11:30-12:45
Session D 1:45—3:00
Session E 3:15-4:30

Registration Fee:   $175
* Majority of camp costs will be covered by grants and donations. Some scholarship money is available upon request.

Autistic Salutatorian Delivers High School Graduation Speech

2010-07-08T22:24:00.000-04:00

July 4 coming soon ...

2010-06-30T07:00:00.003-04:00

Our Independence Day holiday is just around the corner! I'll be posting some more in preparation for that this week, but I also wanted to mention past postings on the subject. Visit these past blog postings for July 4th holiday tips and fun:

"Fun for the 4th"
"Welcome to July"

Jessica

IEP meeting prep

2010-06-28T07:00:00.002-04:00

IEP meetings and such can really be a very intimidating and stressful time for parents/caregivers. I have heard so many stories, and often can see the anxiety parents carry over IEP meetings, in particular. That's not to say that they are all terrible, though. I know many wonderful teachers who are very much invested in their sweet students, and come to meetings with their best interest in mind as well. Sometimes, though, effective communication and general understanding of needs/goals/etc can be difficult.

In searching the web on "IEP meeting tips/preparation", I found some good resources out there so be sure to do your research beforehand. I came upon some video segments (which had checklists to accompany them), and was excited to suggest these as a resource for some of my parents UNTIL I realized that these were more geared toward and catered around laws and such that don't necessarily apply to our state. So, be sure to make note of that in your own research to be sure the info is applicable to your area.

I do want to mention the option of having an advocate help you with preparation for meetings (and even to be present with you in the meeting). Below is the name and contact information of an advocate I know of who recently presented on IEPs and advocacy at the same seminar which I was presenting (on Music Therapy for Children with Autism). Kelly had lots of great pointers and tips (see below for some of those). Kelly is advocate of one of my clients, actually, and my client's mother mentioned how great it was to have an advocate present in the IEP meeting (and in helping with preparation as well).

Kelly L. Herrick, LPN, BS
(843) 330-2709
enchantedacreshorses@yahoo.com
(Kelly is also a pediatric nurse and director of the Exceptional Rider Program at Enchanted Acres)

Kelly's IEP tips:

Request a draft of the IEP if possible (b/f the meeting)
Request a copy of educational testing, data used to assist with the preparation of the IEP
Be prepared! Be on time!
Prepare an agenda that will address all of your concerns
Compile a brief written list of items you would like the team to review. Submit it to the appropriate school district representative in advance of the meeting
Do not feel rushed to sign the IEP. You can always take the IEP home to go over prior to signing it
Read the minutes/summary notes and ensure they are correct
Send a follow up letter stating all that you understood to be offered and request that IEP team notify you in writing if anything is incorrect
Follow up!

I know it's the summertime, and it's nice to not have to think about IEPs for the moment, but this will help you when you begin IEP preparation during the school year ... don't let it sneak up on you!

Jessica

Gluten Free recipes for JULY 4

2010-06-27T07:00:00.004-04:00

For all my fellow gluten avoidant/gluten intolerant buddies, I wanted to share this ...

I was browsing for some gluten free recipes for July 4th, and I stumbled upon this article by Examiner.com/Columbia. Click on the link below to go to the actual page (which includes the recipes).

Top ten gluten free July 4th summer recipes

1. Sweet and Sassy Red Potato Salad – Bored with your old potato salad? Think again and try this zesty twist on a traditional favorite!

2. Apple Mint Salad – a crisp, different, and delicious take on a fruit salad for your summer party!

3. Simple Strata Salad – a southern favorite, the layered salad with lots of meat, veggies, and cheese. Great for a side dish or lite dinner!

4. Summer Squash Scramble - What can you do with all that leftover yellow squash or zucchini? This recipe is the answer for you!

5. Homemade Caesar Salad – If you’ve ever wondered how to make a REAL Caesar salad this is your guide. Perfect to go with your grilled hamburgers and hotdogs!

6. Fresh Strawberry Pie – Always a favorite, but with a perfect gluten free crust it makes the best dessert on the table for your July 4th celebrations!

7. Secret Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies – Your kids won’t eat vegetables? They will now! They will never know the secret ingredients of these delicious kid-friendly treats!

8. Easy Skillet Cornbread – The easiest and most delicious gluten free cornbread you will ever make! Perfect to go with your baked beans and corn on the cob this July 4th!

9. Southern Fried Summer Squash – The classic southern fried squash you love. If you haven’t tried this already with your Farmer’s Market finds, you need to now!

10. The BEST chocolate chip cookies – Your friends and family will NEVER know these truly amazing cookies are gluten free. Enjoy these classic cookies on your dessert table this July 4th!

So ... I have not yet tried any of these recipes so you and I are in the same boat ... sitting here with our mouths watering as we read over this list wondering if they are as good as they sound. The southern fried summer squash, strawberry pie, and skillet cornbread are all on my list of things to make this July 4 weekend, though. Yes, mom, add it to the list of yummies we'll be enjoying on our trip ;)

I'm stoked about the cornbread, in particular, because I have tried several attempts at 'the perfect cornbread' since I've been gluten free ... am still tryin! My only concern, though, is that I will be baking this up in the mountains this weekend which I know can affect rising ... correct? Any suggestions?

As an added note ... I sometimes make fried zucchini/squash as an appetizer in the summer time when I have family/friends over. When I do, I make a HORSERADISH DIPPING SAUCE to go with it that's pretty yummy. I don't have a recipe as I just sort of throw things together, but typically, it includes:

fresh horseradish (not prepared sauce as I find those to be a little too sweet for my taste - also I can be sure this way that it's GF)
mayo (again, I don't prefer the sweet stuff generally so I often go with Kraft)
a little garlic
salt and pepper to taste
a squirt or two of lemon
and a little dill weed.

I'm hungry now.

Jessica

Fun Children's CD

2010-06-23T18:10:00.006-04:00

I was just listening to samplings of kid's Cds/compilations online, and found some great songs in the mix!

Anyhow, as I said, I only listened to a sampling of each song. See the list of albums below, and visit the links to listen to samples of each song on the album.
http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1551750023855622875&postID=3102461226962272551

http://www.amazon.com/For-The-Kids/dp/B002P0UQXO/ref=pd_sim_dmusic_a_2

http://www.amazon.com/Its-A-Big-World/dp/B002SB7C32/ref=pd_sim_dmusic_a_6

http://www.amazon.com/You-Are-My-Little-Bird/dp/B000S5B0YM/ref=pd_sim_dmusic_a_9

http://www.amazon.com/Its-A-Big-World/dp/B002SB7C32/ref=pd_sim_dmusic_a_6

(I love this one! Great harmonies - lots of sweet ballads good for quiet time, relaxation, lullabys - especially love "Powder Blue Solo" as a lullaby)

Looks like my WISH LIST is going to get an some additions! Have fun!

Jessica

Father's Day Gifts and Crafts

2010-06-18T07:00:00.001-04:00

Looking for gift ideas for Father's Day? Visit the below links for lots of great little 'from-the-heart' crafts for the kids to make ... my favorites are the Car Air Freshener Craft, the Altoids tin pocket memory book, and the luggage tags ... brilliant. The site includes pictures, directions, and templates for crafts listed.

http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/mengifts.html

Jessica

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1129/562815285_bee11adbe4.jpg&imgrefurl=http://mamaurchin.com/category/paper-crafts/&usg=__J43zM7NcJ0qrf_WKcEWLKVY5BbQ=&h=333&w=500&sz=50&hl=en&start=125&sig2=m1mRaUg_khHZulLJ9Bet-A&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=ENZTiqu9cR2Y_M:&tbnh=87&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dfather%2527s%2Bday%2Bcrafts%26start%3D120%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1W1TSHB_en%26ndsp%3D20%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=znAZTOrbO4OClAer4MCpCw

2010-06-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

Here's another activity I found online. My very first thought, actually, with this was that it could also be used to make a "Summer Sensory Place". For children who are on the spectrum and/or have sensory processing needs, you could include sensory toys/materials/items. This would also be helpful for some of my little clients who have anxiety related needs. Have fun! Jessica

Summer Quiet Place

This provides a place for children to go to be alone or to read a book.

Materials:

A small plastic pool
scissors
blue tissue paper
one or two small blow up rings used in swimming pools
few good books (or for sensory - sensory materials/toys/items/etc

Description:

Put a small plastic swimming pool in a corner of the room.
Add several sheets of blue tissue paper and scissors. The children will love taking turns cutting the paper in small pieces. This will be your water. OR use satin type blue material/cloth
Add a couple of small swimming rings that you have filled with air.
Add a child or two and a few books.

*No problem at clean up time. They love picking up the "spilled water".

Comments:
This is a good quiet center when talking about water, swimming, oceans and lakes.

http://www.preschoolrainbow.org/preschool-summer.htm

Summer Scrapbook Activity - skill building/summer bridge activity

2010-06-16T20:14:00.002-04:00

I found the below activity online, and it sounds like a great summer activity. In addition to being FUN, this would help in maintaining and/or developing certain skills (good bridge activity), and ... you are creating a memory as well.
Have fun with it! Send me pics of your sweet little scrapbook projects, if you'd like!

Jessica

Literacy: A Summer Scrapbook

Promote language skills as preschool children express their ideas and communicate
feelings during the creation of this early childhood scrapbook by Julie M.

Materials:

Scrapbook
children's own contributions of drawings, paintings and verses
scissors
glue
felt tipped pens.

Description:
Talk about summer flowers with the children. Encourage them to contribute to the conversation by describing colors, smells and so on that they associate with summer. Show them the scrapbook and explain that they are each going to add something which reminds them of summer, such as a drawing, a pressed flower or something they remember.

Ask each child/family member to contribute their idea or piece of work, sticking it into the scrapbook themselves if they want to. Provide plenty of support for younger children, offering suggestions or scribing for them. Give each child a label and ask them to think of a few words to describe their entry and write the words on the label (if they can).

Ask each child/family member to draw small pictures to stick on to the front of the scrapbook. Then write a title Our Summer Scrapbook. The book should be available for the children to look at, read and share.

new look

2010-06-16T14:29:00.000-04:00

It's me!

As you can see, I've changed my blog layout and design, but it's still me! I thought you could all use a change in scenery here every now and again.

This reminded me of summertime, and we sure are officially in the thick of summer now aren't we (especially after that scorcher yesterday)?!

Stay cool out there.

Jessica

My Birthday Present

2010-06-09T15:08:00.000-04:00

My birthday is not until this coming Sunday (June 13), but my son surprised me with an early birthday gift last night. It is so amazing that I had to share it! And even more so the thought behind it.

Well, first off I should mention that he has been so excited to finally have a job - he works at an ice cream shop and loves it! I have heard for weeks all the things he is planning on getting with the money he makes from his new job. To his credit, though, he also requested that we open a bank account for him so that he can "save some, too, i guess". ;) Well, he got his first paycheck, and out of that he bought me a substantial gift (I believe he had a little help with it, but I know he spent a good chunk of his money). The best part of the gift, though, was the thoughtfulness behind it ...

I didn't get to see him all day yesterday until I went to his job to drop something off for him. They were really busy, and he asked me to 'stick around, mom, cuz I have something to give you, too'. So I did. He went in the back and brought out a card for me. I was puzzled since it's not my birthday yet. He asked me to open it, and inside the card were 3 tickets to the Brandy Carlile concert tonight!!! 1 ticket for me, and 1 each for my two sisters. I love Brandy Carlile! What an amazing gift and surprise! I was trying to contain myself enough to not embarrass him at his job so I just did a little mini version of squealing and jumping up and down. THANK YOU, CHRISTIAN !!! You are so thoughtful and amazing! I am going to have so much fun, and I'll take lots of pictures! :)

Jessica

Hello!

2010-06-09T14:52:00.001-04:00

BUSY BEE !!!

Hello All! I am sorry that I have been away from the blog a good bit lately. I've missed some postings!

Springtime is always hectic, but this spring has been especially busy. Spring is a time for new things so it's quite appropriate the springtime always brings a fluctuation in new clients. In addition, my practice was a clinical site for two CSU Music Therapy students for Maymester (they observed some of my sessions with parent permission, of course). I am also preparing for a DSAL camp at the end of June, and am working on several of my existing clients' Music Therapy Treatment Updates. Whew!

Also, my son had all of his 'end of middle school' festivities including the 8th grade picnic, dance, graduation, and a party we had for him. I can't believe my son will be in high school in just a few months. Yikes!

Anyhow, things are settling down a bit now and falling into place so I am back to the blog on a more consistent basis.

To all my new clients, I am so glad to have met you and your sweet children. Thank you for the opportunity to work with them! I look forward to great things to come.

Jessica

Brown Bear, Brown Bear Clank Can (activity)

2010-06-04T17:52:00.002-04:00

I found this activity that I would like to add to my collection of session activities that involves creating a "clank can" to accompany the story, Brown Bear Brown Bear by Eric Carle.

For my clients, colleagues, friends, and family - PLEASE SAVE FROZEN JUICE TOPS (and BOTTOMS) FOR ME! This Brown Bear Clank Can activity is one of a few activities that involve the juice lids that I would like to do. Another involves creating a "Sensory Wall" using these lids.

For those of you interested in creating your own, here are the links to these two activities (plus a couple more fun ones!):

Brown Bear Clank Can http://www.makinglearningfun.com/themepages/BrownBearClankCan.htm
Juice Can Lid Memory Game http://familycrafts.about.com/od/homemadegames/a/memgame.htm

Sensory Wall :
( I found the below info posted by a parent on this blog http://community.kaboose.com/discussions/post/38251/?category=258)

I have a child who has sensory integration disorder and I use the lid tops for a part of his sensory diet, but this trick also works for young children exploring new textures.
Take a juice lid and glue different types of textures to the top of the it, for instance sandpaper, felt, faux fur, ect... from there you can do all kinds of activities including putting them in a box or bag and having your child reach in and try to guess the texture. You can also glue a small magnet on the back of the lid so the lids will hold on to a cookie sheet or refrigerator. This is a really fun project and once you start looking for different textures you will be surprised what you come up with. I am always wishing I had more lids. - posted by a parent on above mentioned kaboose.com blog

These activities are just in time for the summer!
Have fun,
Jessica

Hawaiian PARTY WITH A PURPOSE

2010-05-26T12:27:00.004-04:00

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE
at Mad River Bar and Grille - Hawaiian Themed!

Please join Carolina Children’s Charity for a Hawaiian Theme Party with a Purpose at Mad River Bar and Grille on

Thursday, June 24th from 6pm – 9pm

Mad River is located at 32 North Market Street (downtown Charleston, SC)

A $5.00 donation to the charity will be collected at the door and you will receive your 1st drink for free. Dress for the occasion and you may win the prize for the best Hawaiian outfit. We will also have a Silent Auction and live music by Jamison Alley. Please join us on the 24th for an adult night out and have some fun for a good cause. Please feel free to invite your co-workers, family, friends and neighbors. The more the merrier and Mad River now has an outdoor patio.

Drumming for Cancer - drumSTRONG 2010

2010-05-21T17:35:00.001-04:00

drumSTRONG™ 2010

rhythm : from : the : heart
the planet's longest continuous rhythm drum•a•thon

¡drumming to BEAT cancer!

... "setting the planet’s record for the longest continuous rhythm drum circle ever held, and at the same time, raise awareness and incredible amounts of money for survivorship assistance, education and research for one of the most nefarious diseases known to man."

Hey Everyone!
I was so excited to have been apart of this event this past weekend in Charlotte, NC. My son and I traveled with our tent and our drums and lots of excitement over what sounded like an amazing experience ahead of us. Well, it ended up being so much more than that! I will be doing this EVERY YEAR!!! The site for this was held on the pastures of Misty Meadows Farm. It was absolutely beautiful. I am including here some pictures and hopefully a video as well.
Thank you, Scott Swimmer, for your wonderful vision. What an amazing thing.
Jessica

For more information on this, visit http://www.drumstrong.org/

(there was something on my camera lense, evidently, so pics are a foggy ... it was gorgeous and sunny there though! )

Community Night

2010-05-18T11:23:00.000-04:00

Hello to my Friends at Healing Farms -

I just read the below message from your blog, and wanted to tell you that I was glad to be there with you all last Wednesday evening. Thank you for inviting me to share some (somewhat improv) music therapy with you. It was a massive group, yes, but it all worked out ;) You are a sweet group of people, offering something priceless to our friends who came. I, also, was certainly grateful to have been able to get the attention of the majority of the group, considering the numbers! I loved seeing how excited and willing they all were to participate ... to see that sheer joy in some of their faces was beautiful. It's pretty amazing ... the way that a group of volunteers and professionals are working together to provide something that will make these folks feel special, and they are the ones that make us feel special.

I saw one of our friends at the Blessing of the Fleet this past weekend. He recognized me, and came up to say hello. He just seemed so happy, and that made me happy.

Anyhow, thank you for a great experience, and keep doing what you are doing!
Jessica

Friday, May 14, 2010

As if it could get any better!

So, our first Community Night was amazing, who would have ever thought that it could be topped?! Learning a lesson from last month, when I saw 84 people registered I added 10 more to that number. Expecting a little less than 100 people, I set up the tables, chairs, lemonade etc.

Though we were a little short on volunteers due to illness, I still thought we'd have plenty of people to ensure that our guests enjoyed their time with us. Then 6:00 came...

by 6:30 the 4000 sq foot room was completely full. David said the blessing and added an extra prayer asking God to multiply the food! By 7:00 we had over 140 people eating, laughing, singing and enjoying the company of one another. When music therapist, Jessica Grooms arrived to lead the group in song, she quickly adjusted her agenda and (along with her helpers from CSU) somehow got the attention of the whole room.

We learned new songs, met new friends and had an awesome time.

Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers for having open hearts, smiling faces and willing spirits! Join the fun next month, just let me know how many people to expect!
- Healing Farm Ministry

"Music Therapy Glimpses" - Motor Coordination ... and more!

2010-05-04T07:00:00.001-04:00

Here's a great glimpse into music therapy work for coordinating movement, spacial awareness, motor strength, quality of movement, multi-tasking, and mid line/cross lateral work ( ... all while having fun!)

Jessica

*** See other vidoes in this blog series collection "Music Therapy Glimpses" (see blog history under 'videos')

"Music Therapy Glimpses" - Music Therapy: Kenny's Story (autism)

2010-05-03T07:00:00.001-04:00

Well, friends, here's the deal ...

As you know, I dedicated last week to showcasing some great music therapy videos each day on my blog. These gave great 'glimpses' into music therapy treatment (and as mentioned, there are also some impostor 'music therapy' videos out there as well). HOWEVER, I found so many good ones that they naturally spilled over into this week. So, I guess I am dedicating 2 weeks of blogging to this!

Here's another great clip:

Jessica

"Music Therapy Glimpses" - Music Therapy with Traumatic Brain Injury

2010-04-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

I hesitated to include a longer video here, but this one is easy to watch because of the progression it shows of one client's progress in music therapy. This client suffered a traumatic brain injury. You can see how music therapy is being implemented to work on 1) speech/language, 2) motor coordination, 3) fine motor strength, 4) coordinating left hemisphere and right hemisphere tasks, 5) quality of movement, 6) balance, and overall regaining lost skills.

Jessica

"Music Therapy Glimpses" - Music Therapy and Cancer Diagnosis

2010-04-29T07:00:00.003-04:00

Jessica

"Music Therapy Glimpses" - Counting by 5s

2010-04-28T07:00:00.003-04:00

Here's a great clip I found of a portion of a music therapy session. You can see, clearly, the goal here was to work on teaching/supporting cognitive skill (counting by 5s). This activity would benefit in other areas as well such as 1) auditory processing/following auditory cues, 2) impulse control/waiting for auditory prompt, 3) speech/language (development, clarity, and fluency), and 4) visual attention and attention span.

Thank you to the music therapist who posted this!
Jessica

"Music Therapy Glimpses" - ODETTA at the Music Has Power™ Awards

2010-04-27T12:03:00.001-04:00

WOW! In a recent music therapy search on youtube, I found some amazing accounts of music therapy in action. Of course, there are the impostors, too, but I enjoyed just soaking all the good stuff in! There are a good many more samplings of MT on youtube than the last time I searched.

I have decided to showcase some of the good ones here on my blog. I will dedicate this week to "Music Therapy Glimpses". Check back each day for daily videos!

I want to open with a video clip of the great ODETTA as she presents at the "Music Has Power™ Awards". I will follow up each day with video clips of actual music therapy clips/music therapy songs in sessions/session clips/etc.

Jessica

Music Therapy slideshow (for SCEAPA presentation)

2010-04-23T17:46:00.002-04:00

For those of you who attended the SCEAPA meeting in Columbia this past Wednesday, here is the slideshow from my PowerPoint presentation on "Music Therapy for Children with Autism". Thank you all, again, for allowing me to present. Thank you, also, for your interest in the field as well as the warm welcome you gave me!

Jessica

Carefree Boat Club of Chas ... caring for the caregiver (free service)

2010-04-22T12:08:00.001-04:00

Carefree Cares is the community outreach of the Carefree Boat Club of Charleston to people managing the care of family members with disabilities, special needs, or terminal illness. It's about giving time back to caregivers.
Carefree Cares offers restoration of spirit through recreational boating events. These sponsored events are ½ day, on the water charters themed to specific caregiver needs. Best of all, there is no cost to the caregiver.
•Women’s Day Out - Relax and revive while enjoying beautiful Charleston Harbor by boat with lunch on the water
•Women’s Retreat - Partnering with Healing Farm Ministries and The Heart of the Caregiver, these events are timed to conclude a day of healing and fellowship
•Men’s Fishing – Enjoy a morning of fishing the Low Country with other men who are caregivers
•Harbor breeze Sailing day – Experience the peace of sailing the Charleston harbor in our 27ft sailboat with our experienced sail captain.
•A resource for caregivers to services from our business partners.

You can help a Caregiver

•Sponsor an individual caregiver to attend any of our events by donating now.
•Businesses can sponsor the entire event.

•Business Owners can partner with Carefree Cares to offer services for the caregivers. Just give us a call and we'll set up all the details.
for more info : http://carefreecares.bbnow.org/index.php

Happy sailing,
Jessica

Springtime Thoughts

2010-04-19T14:05:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone ...

I hope you are enjoying your Spring so far! The weather has been absolutely gorgeous here in Charleston ... the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining. Springtime also happens to be one of my busiest times of the year. Please be patient with me, and in my blogging absence. I will be back soon! I have so much to share with you, but little time to do so lately. We'll catch up very soon!

One thought to leave with you today, though. Spring represents rebirth, newness, and open doors. Remember, though, that often times, in order to have newness, you have to release some of the old things first. Sometimes you have that waiting period in the cocoon first. And the thing with doors is that sometimes a door has to close before another can open. What do you need a fresh start on right now? It may be old thought patterns and habits that we need to release before we can adopt new, healthier ones. It may be an old position/job that you have left (or has left you). It may be a phase of life that is nearing an end.

Whatever your scenario, remember the butterfly and it's cocoon. Remember the plants that die off (or seem to) in the winter, but grow new in the Spring.

Jessica

"Model Me Kids" - a great Social Skills resource

2010-04-14T19:31:00.000-04:00

I was on Autism Hangout (http://www.autismhangout.com/ ) the other day, and saw mention of a wonderful social skills resource called "Model Me Kids" (click on link to go to site). Model Me Kids teaches social skills concepts through DVDs/videos, which provides visual cues through modeling specific social skill and related behaviors.

Many of these include accompanying storyboards as well. Also, I was pleased to see that the videos are modeled in real life scenarios AND they are very concrete, providing very clear step by step examples.

I would love to add Model Me Kids to my own collection of resources as I know they would be extremely beneficial in and out of therapy!

As mentioned, I was really excited about this resource, however, I did want to see a sample before making a decision to purchase. The website provides several samples, and after viewing these, I was even more impressed. For video samples of some of the DVDs offered, visit this link : http://modelmekids.com/autism-video-samples.html

Another great feature is that these are also categorized according to age appropriateness (and age range of person using the resource).

This one is going on my wish list! I'd love feedback of anyone who has used this resource.

Jessica

Music Therapy and Autism webinar

2010-04-07T19:01:00.000-04:00

"Where Words Fail, Music Speaks"

Hello everyone! I wanted to share with you something that I am pretty excited about. You've heard me mention Autism Hangout before in past postings. Autism Hangout is a website created to provide support and resources for those in the autism community.

Craig Evans, a fellow musician and host to the Autism Hangout site, invited me to speak (via webinar) on Music Therapy and Autism. We did the webinar interview this morning, and he already has it posted on the site. The heading/title of the webinar is "Where Words Fail, Music Speaks".

It is a 10 minute webinar that touches on some introductory points about Music Therapy as it relates to ASD treatment. Craig and I have discussed plans for expansion of this, and look forward to creating a series of webinars under Music Therapy and Autism. These future webinars will give a little more in depth look at the use of music therapy techniques to support specific needs of a person on the spectrum (i.e. speech, development, supporting cognitive skill/concepts, sensory input/integration, social skill development, etc).

Thank you, Craig, for Autism Hangout as it is a wonderful resource, and thank you for allowing me to contribute!

Visit http://www.autismhangout.com/default.asp to view the video, along with some other great resources.

Jessica

Down Syndrome - Supporting speech/launguage development at home

2010-04-06T20:47:00.001-04:00

Down Syndrome

What can parents do to help infants and young children learn speech and language?

Parents are the primary communicators interacting with their babies and young children; thus, parents can do a great deal to help their children learn to communicate. Many of the pre-speech and pre-language skills are best learned in the home environment.
Remember that language is more than spoken words. When you are teaching a word or a concept, focus on conveying meaning to the child through play or through multisensory experiences (hearing, touch, seeing).
Provide many models. Most children with Down syndrome need many repetitions and experiences to learn a word. Repeat what your child says, and give him a model to help him learn words.
Use real objects and real situations. When you are teaching a concept, use daily activities and real situations as much as possible. Teach the names of foods as your toddler is eating, names of body parts while you are bathing your child, and concepts such as under, in and on while your child is playing. Communication is part of daily life.
Read to your child. Help your child learn concepts through reading about them, field trips in the neighborhood and daily experiences.
Follow your child's lead. If your child shows interest in an object, person or event, provide him or her with the word for that concept. There are many milestones as the child progresses toward using speech. The child responds to a familiar voice, recognizes familiar faces, experiments with many different sounds, produces strings of sounds over and over and makes a sound to mean you (dada, mama). Many children enjoy looking in a mirror, and increase their sound play and babbling when vocalizing in mirrors. Effective ways to work on these skills at home can be learned through early intervention sessions, through books, workshops and speech and language professionals. For more information, see:

Kumin, L. (2003). Early communication skills for children with Down syndrome: Guide for parents and teachers. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House.

Funny Music

2010-04-01T15:07:00.002-04:00

BOTTLE BAND

Here's a quirky little rendition of Peacherine Rag, performed by a bottle band. You can make music with anything ;)

Jessica

i'm back!

2010-03-28T13:18:00.002-04:00

Hello All,

I apologize for my absence last week - I had a family emergency that took precedence.

I have several things on this list this week, and I look forward to sharing those with you! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Jessica

Do You Have an Augmentative Communication Device? (Big Mack, Cheap Talk, etc)

2010-03-22T07:00:00.005-04:00

Do you happen to have a Big Mack, Talk Pad, Voice in the Box, or Cheap Talk Devise (aug. communication devises), either new or used that you are looking to donate or sell? OR do you know of anyone who does?

I am searching for these devises to use with my clients, and since I am self employed, I would certainly love to get them at a discount. I am certainly ok with gently used items. These are items I could thoroughly sanitize.

I am also looking for PECS or BOARDMAKER software or cards/pictures.
I have other items listed on "My Wish List" in the left hand column of this blog. If you see any items there that you have and want to get rid of, please let me know :)

Although I do feel like I have a nice collection of items for session use, there are so many things I would love to have for my clients! Instruments are pricey and so is being in private practice! So, I'm always looking for options :)

Thanks!
Jessica

"Sometimes I Feel ... (sad, mad, sleepy, excited, happy)"

2010-03-19T07:00:00.001-04:00

Here is a song I came up with for a client for the purpose of:
1) Identifying emotion of either anger or sadness that the client seems to be feeling
2) Allowing for expression of the emotion (release)
3) Allowing for discussion to identify the specific circumstance/incident that lead to this emotion

NOTE: This song starts out with "SAD" emotion and then moves through emotions, ending on "HAPPY". This was purposeful and appropriate for the client for which this was intended/recommended. This allows you to meet the client where they are (sad, i.e.), gives opportunity for the client to identify/express the emotion as well as to identify the scenario that lead to this emotion, and then moves them past this (onto contentment). Again, this is appropriate for certain situations, but not for others. Feel free to contact me for info on appropriateness/implementation.

ALSO, I sometimes will start out with "MAD", and follow with "SAD". I will rewrite the verse for "MAD" to say:
"Sometimes I feel Mad,
Mad, mad, mad!
(but) sometimes when I'm mad,
I'm really feeling sad.
Do you ever feel Mad like this?"
I will implement this when appropriate to a given scenario if I think the client is masking sadness with anger (often times anger is a 'safe' emotion). Following this then with "SAD" often helps the client to recognize if they are really feeling sadness or anger. This helps with identification and expression.

Visit the "SOUND CLIPS" page of my website to listen to this song.

Jessica

Proposed Draft Revisions to DSM Disorders and Criteria

2010-03-18T07:00:00.001-04:00

Publication of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is scheduled for May 2013.
Please visit the DSM-5 Development Web for information on proposed draft revisions to DSM Disorders and Criteria. This site provides information culminated from over 10 years of revision activities, made possible thanks to the generous dedication of more than 600 global experts in the field of mental health.

"The DSM-5 Task Force and Work Group members are working to develop criteria for diagnoses that not only reflect new advances in the science and conceptualization of mental disorders, but also reflect the needs of our patients. We encourage you to delve into the wealth of information contained within this site to become familiar with some of the advancements in scientific and clinical knowledge that will assist in making diagnoses more accurate, valid, and clinically useful. We also hope that this knowledge will pave the way for further research in these important areas.
Your input, whether you are a clinician, a researcher, an administrator, or a person/family member affected by a mental disorder, is important to us. We thank you for taking part in this historic process and look forward to receiving your feedback. "
- David J. Kupfer, M.D., DSM-5 Task Force Chair
- Darrel A. Regier, M.D., M.P.H., DSM-5 Task Force Vice-Chair

NOTE that the DSM-5 Task Force is inviting applicable professionals as well as the general public (those who are or have family affected by a mental disorder) to give feedback. Also, viewers will be able to submit comments until April 20, 2010. After that time, the site will be available for viewing only.

Jessica

St. Patrick's Day Activities and Songs

2010-03-17T07:00:00.001-04:00

Here are some fun St. Patty's Day activities and songs I found while web surfing! I'm adding these to my collection :)

Fill a black pot (use a Halloween witch's cauldron) with either gold foil covered chocolates that look like coins, or gold foil wrapped Hershey's HUGS. To make the pot look really full, stuff the bottom of the pot with crumpled newspaper and cover that with a piece of black construction paper. Show the pot of gold to the children in the beginning of their session, then, when the class is out of the room, ask a co-worker to hide all the "gold" and turn the pot upside down in the center of the room. Have a note written on the chalkboard (in green chalk of course!) that reads: "Have some fun and find my gold". Explain to the class that leprechauns are full of fun and mischief and that they want to play a game! Find the hidden "gold" pieces and count them. You can use both types of candy for this activity and then do a sorting activity. Let each child take home one or two pieces of "gold".
Lucky Charms Chart : Take a box of Lucky Charms, and sort the marshmallows in rows. Ex. all rainbows in one row and stars in one row. Count how many of each you found and eat the cereal.
We go searching for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! I run a very long length of ribbon throughout our playground. It weaves around trees, under large toys, around corners, etc. Actually, it is several long pieces of ribbon tied end to end...first red, then orange, yellow, green, blue, violet. The kids follow the rainbow path to find treasure -- a leprechaun's pot of gold coins, small toys, stickers, gold rocks, or whatever you want to hide! This activity works especially well if you have enough teachers to take the children out to the path in small groups.
"Leprechaun, Leprechaun Where's your shamrock?"
(This game is a take off on "Doggy, Doggy, Where's Your Bone".)The "leprechaun' sits with his eyes closed and a paper shamrock behind him. A child is chosen to tiptoe up and take the shamrock and return to his seat. Then all the children hide their hands in their pockets or behind their backs and recite "Leprechaun, Leprechaun, where's your shamrock? Someone has it in their pocket!" The leprechaun gets 3 guesses as to who has his shamrock. The person with the shamrock is the next leprechaun.
Spray paint small rocks gold and hide them on the playground on St Patrick's Day. Some are almost in plain sight but some are hidden so well, they continue to find them for weeks. They can take them home in snack size ziplock bags.

Here are some St. Patty's Day themed songs to use with or without some of the activities listed above:

Leprechaun Song (to the tune of "I'm a Little Teapot")
"I'm a little Leprechaun
Dressed in green,
The tiniest man
you ever did see.
If you ever catch me, so it's told
I will give you my pot of gold!"

You'll Never Catch Me or My Gold (to the tune of "Mary Had a Little Lamb")
"I'm a little leprechaun, leprechaun, leprechaun
I'm a little leprechaun
Who likes to hide my gold.
I dress in green from head to toe
head to toe
head to toe
I dress in green from head to toe
I wear green all day long!
You'll never catch me or my gold
not my gold
not my gold
You'll never catch me or my gold
I hide it all to well!"

The Leprechaun (Fingerplay)

A leprechaun is small and green,
(Use hand to indicate a small person.)
He hides where he cannot be seen.
(Cover eyes with hands.)
But if you catch one on this day,
(Shake finger.)
He must give all his gold away.
(Pretend to put gold in pocket.)

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Another St. Patty's Day has come and I still don't know ... do green eyes count for "wearing something green"? I think I'll wear some green to be safe ;)

Jessica

Autism Shop

2010-03-15T07:00:00.004-04:00

Oh wow - how fun! I found this great link to an online book and toy
store geared toward ASD.

"Autismshop.com is the online home of the Autism Resource Network, a one-of-a-kind Book & Toy Store that is packed with merchandise and information for individuals with ASD and those who love, care for, and educate them. We are a Minnesota nonprofit corporation."

* Free shipping on orders of $100
* Online purchases welcome
* Proceeds benefit autism research and support
* Lots of great resources, tools, and info!
Copyright © Autism Resource Network
Some featured items include:
- books
- jewelry, cards
- time timers
- PECS, visuals
- music, speech, language
- sensory items, chewables
- fidgets
- games
- software

I really had fun poking around the site! Enjoy :)

Jessica

Exciting New Social Stories Music Project!

2010-03-12T16:37:00.003-05:00

You've heard me (read) mention of my new friend, Craig Evans, in the web autism community. Craig hosts a wonderful site dedicated to the world of autism : http://www.autismhangout.com/. Craig is also a fellow musician (see past blog posting for more info on his wonderful CD that I use often in therapy!)

Craig, along with his fellow musician friends, are working on a project that I am especially excited about. They are gathering various social stories, and putting them to music! I will be sharing with him some of my own, and I cannot wait to hear the finished product. I am certain to get a lot of use out of these within session, and I also look forward to being able to send these with my clients for use outside of therapy. See below excerpt from the AutismHangout webpage (or visit the page ... see link above) for more info.
_____________________________________________________________

A Call For Social Stories!! Let's Put Them To Music!
Teachers, aids, caregivers and parents, if you've a great Social Story, here's a chance to put it to music and share it with others.
It's been proven time and again that music helps open up our kids. So why not put together "the best of" our community-prepared Social Stories with music so that all our special kids can benefit? Read more here.

____________________________________________________________

I will keep you posted!

Jessica

Computer Games!

2010-03-10T15:29:00.002-05:00

Although I always recommend moderation when it comes to time spent on the computer (and/or on video games), I do think that computer games can really be beneficial to our kids. There are many skills learned through participation in computer/video games that kids naturally learn (while having fun in the process!)

Below are some great education based computer game sites on the web. I have these websites saved in my 'favorites' folder, and will sometimes implement these within session when appropriate.

http://www.do2learn.com/happy_holidays/st_patricks/activities.htm

This site has disability oriented info and activities which can also apply to typically developing children (be sure to take into consideration your child's age/developmental levels). Some of the things included on this site are:

Activities ideas and printables under these headings: art projects, card games, fine motor skills, math helpers, reading/writing, shape recognition, sorting/matching
Songs: bus safety, fire safety, mall safety, parts of me, street safety
Online and other Games: Color/number, emotion (facial expressions, feeling game), sequencing games, word games
Picture Cards

http://funschool.kaboose.com/globe-rider/explorer-adventures/games/game_tiki_treasure.html

http://www.abcya.com/fourth_grade_computers.htm

http://www.storyplace.org/eel/other.asp

I hope your children and clients enjoy these as much as mine have! If you have any great activity website suggestions, please share them :)

Jessica

Putumayo new song collection/CD Jazz Playground

2010-03-04T17:04:00.001-05:00

About Jazz Playground

Included is a colorful new kid-friendly booklet!
"On March 9th, Putumayo Kids will add to its acclaimed Playground series with the release of Jazz Playground, a new collection of international jazz songs for children. From bebop and swing to Latin and African jazz, this multicultural CD celebrates the vibrant diversity and global influence of jazz and will get the whole family grooving!" - Putumayo Playground website

For more info and TO LISTEN TO SOUND CLIPS OF THE SONGS, visit http://www.putumayo.com/en/putumayo_kids_catalog_item.php?album_id=1004

I am not the bigges Jazz fan, but love several of the songs in this collection. Several of them provide a really great solid beat ... makes you want to move! I also adore #10 The Mighty Buzzniks • Agree & Disagree - (Australia). This really is a great song for showing that we can still get along regardless of what we may or may not have in common, and that's it's ok to have differences. This is a great concept for any of us, but I immediately thought of some of my little clients who have autism (tolerance for change/different ways of doing things) as well as some of my adolescent clients (self image, individuality).

Jessica

Adolescents

2010-03-03T14:17:00.001-05:00

Today's blog is inspired both by my professional and personal aspects on the subject.

This past Saturday, we had our spring state MTASC meeting here in Charleston, and after the meeting a CMTE course was offered, entitled, I Write the Songs = Songwriting in/as Music Therapy. I write a good bit of songs, both professionally and personally, and don't always see eye to eye with some of the concepts taught in some other similar workshops I have attended. However, I have to say that this CMTE course was great. Thank you, thank you, Tracy Richardson, for your insights!

Anyhow, at one point, Tracy divided us into groups for group songwriting for a (hypothetical) group of 6 adolescent boys, ages 12-14 years old within a psychiatric setting. We were only to write 1 verse and the chorus (we didn't have time to write a whole song). One thing that seems to be consistent with any adolescent (whether "typical" or in a facility/with disorder) seems to be a need for understanding and a need for self expression. How many times have you heard a teenager say, "No one understands me!" (???) So our group goal for this song was: To facilitate opportunity for self expression. Here is the song portion we wrote:

"No one understands,
No one understands
I feel so alone,
I need a voice of my own.

I have so many "friends"
are they really friends?
Many people surround me,
do they really see ME?"

In a session, this could really go a long way to giving someone a way to voice this ... well, to give him/her a voice. It would be great way lead in to an activity to allow opportunity to highlight individuality (increase self image/esteem). First (1) express this feeling of not being understood, and then (2) allowing an opporunity to be understood by expressing self, strengths/opinions, thoughts/ideas.

So, that's the professional aspect.

The personal aspect I have on this is that I have a teenager which results in teenage friends and neighbors who congregate in my house. My sweet niece (who is my child's bf) made an amazingly insightful post on Facebook yesterday that really caught my attention. It's related to what is mentioned above, I think. She is a naturally confident girl who likes herself, and is not afraid to be herself. I greatly admire that about her, especially considering her age. She gave voice to what, most likely, every one her age feels.

This was her FB posting:
"Why is it so hard to be yourself in today's society? You dress how people want, talk like people want, and be what people what you to be. Why can't I just be me?"

Wow.

Anyone who knows me won't be at all surprised at the way that I answered this ... with a Dr. Suess quote, of course! :)

no matter how people try, no1 can ever be good at being anyone else but themselves. a famous philosopher once said (ok, so it was Dr. Seuss) :

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ... He also said,
"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You."

... good stuff. Anybody who you truely admire is someone who is being themselves.

Jessica

2010-02-25T13:14:00.002-05:00

Hey - if you checked the blog below yesterday and had trouble with the link, please try it again. The link I had posted yesterday was incorrect. I've changed it below. She's amazing!

Jessica

Black History Month - the great Odetta Holmes

2010-02-24T15:20:00.002-05:00

In honor of both Black History Month and of an amazingly beautiful musician/music, I wanted to dedicate today's blog to Ms. Odetta Holmes.

My Uncle Alan, one of the great influences on my life and my music, sent me an email recently with YouTube links that lead me to Odetta's gorgeously (a new word just for blogging ;) haunting rendition of "House of the Rising Sun".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aaya8jYZBO8&feature=related
You aren't able to see it in this clip, but Odetta was an amazing guitarist as well.

Excerpt from Wiki on Odetta Holmes:

Her first professional experience was in musical theatre and was in the national touring company of Finian's Rainbow.

While touring, she was bitted by the early folk music bug in California. She played in the major/developing folk clubs/night clubs in Calif (hungry i) and NYC (Blue Angel) then performed/recorded with Woody Guthrie, Harry Bellafonte, etc. In addition to folk/blues recording and concerts, involvement in 60s civil rights, she also acted in several films including film of William Faulkner's Sanctuary (1961) and The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974).

Jessica

Charleston Oyster Roast for autism

2010-02-18T07:00:00.002-05:00

17th Annual Charleston Oyster Roast

Saturday, February 20 7:00pm

Event: 17th Annual Charleston Oyster Roast

What: Fundraiser to benefit CAROLINA AUTISM

Date/Time: Saturday, February 20 at 7:00pm

Where: Visitors Center Bus Shed

http://www.charitablesocietyofcharleston.org/news/events.html

Music Therapy and Mental Health

2010-02-12T14:14:00.003-05:00

What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. It is an established health service similar to occupational therapy and physical therapy and consists of using music therapeutically to address physical, psychological, cognitive and/or social functioning for patients of all ages. Because music therapy is a powerful and non-invasive medium, unique outcomes are possible. In addition to its applications in mental health, music therapy is used successfully in a variety of additional healthcare and educational settings.

How Does Music Therapy Make a Difference for Persons with Mental Health Needs?

Music therapy is an efficacious and valid treatment for persons who have psychosocial, affective, cognitive and communicative needs. Research results and clinical experiences attest to the viability of music therapy even in those who are resistive to other treatment approaches. Music is a form of sensory stimulation that provokes responses due to the familiarity, predictability and feelings of security associated with it. Music therapy for clients with mental health concerns uses musical interaction as a means of communication and expression. The aim of therapy is to help individuals develop relationships and address issues they may not be able to address using words alone. Music therapy sessions include the use of active music making, music listening, and discussion.

Click on the links below to view full (4 page) summary on MT and Mental Health. This includes general goal areas, treatment outcomes, and references to resources for extended research.

Music Therapy and Mental Health

Here's another great link (this is a great one that goes into a little more detail) :

Music Therapy in Mental Health— Evidence-Based Practice Support

Jessica

Putumayo Haitian Relief AND new Cd release

2010-02-10T15:06:00.003-05:00

HAITIAN RELIEF

In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Putumayo is re-releasing French Caribbean and our children’s CD Caribbean Playground and will be donating 100% of our proceeds from the sale of each CD

to The Red Cross.

French Caribbean

Caribbean Playground

____________________________________________________________

CONGRATULATIONS NEW ORLEANS!

The city and Putumayo's New Orleans office is celebrating the almost implausible story of a team and a community rising above their problems.

___________________________________________________________

Putamayo RHYTHM & BLUES
(click above link to listen)

Classic rhythm & blues performed by first generation legends and rising stars of today’s retro R&B revival

_____________________________________________________________

I love Putumayo!
Jessica

Upcoming Vday FREE Event for Families of Special Needs Children

2010-02-08T13:37:00.009-05:00

Hello Friends,

I just wanted to pass this along for anyone who is interested. Seacoast Church is hosting a very special evening for families of children with special needs. They will be providing dinner (catered by Sticky Fingers) and fun on Sunday, February 14, and it's FREE! See below for more information or you may visit the website page at http://www.seacoast.org/Story.asp?storyid=1734
Jessica

_________________________________________________

The Luke 14 Banquet

Sunday, February 14th, 5:00 until 7:00

Seacoast Church in the Warehouse

750 Long Point Rd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

In the Luke 14 story, while sitting at a dinner table in Jerusalem
and conversing with His host, Jesus said,

"when you give a banquet, invite the

poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,
and you will be blessed. Go out to

the roads and country lanes and make them come in,
so that my house will be full. When one of those at the table
with Him heard this, he said to

Jesus, "Blessed are those who will eat at the feast
in the Kingdom of

God." Luke 14:13-23 NIV

In response, Seacoast Church and Healing Farm Ministries
will be partnering to host a Luke 14 Banquet
for families touched by a disability.

Please join us for free dinner and entertainment
to delight the whole family.

For more information on attending

this event or how you can serve the

families at this banquet, please

contact wandagilbert@seacoast.org

or click HERE to register

by February 7th

Our Sponsors:

The Tutterow Agency

The Kickin' Chicken/RPM Management

Kat's Famous

________________________________________________

Listen to Music Therapy from around the world

2010-02-03T18:04:00.003-05:00

Are you interested to hear how music therapy sounds around the world?

I recently received an email from MT ENews about WFMT (World Federation of Music Therapy). On the WFMT site is a section entitled "Sound Board", and I just had to share this wonderful resource with you!!!

The WFMT Sound Board allows you to listen to "how music therapy sounds around the world" (WFMT, MT ENews). Various Music Therapists around the world have uploaded sound files (via WFMT), capturing therapeutic moments of music therapist's clinical work. So, you are able to listen to samples from actual music therapy sessions in various regions of the world. It was really amazing to hear similarities and differences of different regions. I just love this! I encourage you to visit http://www.wfmt.info/WFMT/Sound_Board.html to experience this!

The World Federation of Music Therapy, Incorporated (WFMT) is the only international organization dedicated to the development and promotion of music therapy world wide and was established at the 5th World Congress of Music Therapy in Genoa Italy, in 1985. The principal objective of the WFMT is to act as the International Organization for the profession of music therapy and to:

Promote the exchange of information on music therapy.
Hold international congresses.
Identify similarities and distinguishing features of the theory and practice of music therapy throughout the world.
Establish and maintain guidelines for:

the practice of music therapy. the education and training of music therapists.
the ethical conduct of music therapists.
professional registration.
research in music therapy.

Promote international cooperation among music therapy associations, music therapists and other related professional groups.
Promote the official recognition of music therapy as a profession with various governmental legislative and/or regulatory bodies.
Promote, establish, and maintain professional publications in music therapy.
Promote all aspects of research in music therapy.

- WFMT

Enjoy!
Jessica

Oh Monday ...

2010-02-01T12:20:00.009-05:00

WHAT IF MONDAYS COULD GO FROM

<< THIS .................................... TO THIS >>

Most people feel like this about Mondays ...

Monday Morning

I wake up
and it starts again.
I get up
then I fall back in.
I'm just
not ready for another a week this Monday morning!
I get ready
for a boring day.
I head out
to school on my way.
I just
want it to be over soon this Monday morning!
It's first period
and it's draggin on.
I can't wait
for the bell to ring, I'm gone.
I just
hope there isn't too much of this Monday morning!

The bell rings
fifth period has begun.
I can't believe
the morning's still not done.
I just
need afternoon to drive away this Monday morning!

I get home
finally I'm back.
But there's homework
my, it's such a stack.
I just
wish this day hadn't started off with Monday morning!
-Jane Meyer

I have found something that works to ease the jolt of the things that I dread facing but have to. It's all about associations, really. I've blogged on this idea before, but thought that "Monday" would be a great thing to apply it to. After all, no one can get out of a Monday, and it happens every time every week.

Come up with something that you relish, and a build a Monday ritual around it. The key is to only allow yourself to do that thing on Monday. Obviously, it has to be something that you can fit into a Monday easily, and will be able to include EVERY Monday. "Going to the park" may be something you are able to do this Monday, but may not be something that you know that you'll be able to do every Monday (or it may be depending on your particular location and schedule). "Grabbing a donut and certain drink (that you only allow yourself on Mondays) on the way to work" may be a good one. Or, eating at a certain restaurant on Monday for LUNCH may be another good one. For those of use by the beach, establishing a tradition or grabbing a cup of coffee/treat, and sitting in our car looking out at the ocean for a few minutes b/f work may be a great new tradition (that would go far for me, personally!)

There are many, many possibilities, but make sure it's something that you can really really get excited about. It has to be catered to you. If you are trying to come up with this for your child, either think of something that they will look forward to (catered around them) or just simply ask them and let them come up with it.

NOTE: Do not put your new Monday tradition in the evening time because by that time, the worst part of Monday is practically over, and you are already close to relaxation and looking forward to Monday's close. Put this tradition "within reach" during the day (morning or noontime, I would say). You will then hopefully spend the first part of your day (the typical "hard-to-get-of-bed dread") by looking forward to your Monday tradition, and you will spend the rest of the day feeling refreshed from your Monday moment. Hey, you may find that you want to include 2 special Monday traditions (one for the morning and one for the afternoon) ... I guess that depends on your degree of typical Monday loathing! ;)

I would love to know your new Monday traditions! They may be ones others would like to adopt as well :)

May the dread of your Monday be softened by the relish of at least one good Monday moment,
Jessica

Lay It Down

2010-01-27T18:09:00.004-05:00

Lay It Down

-jdaisi grooms
"I feel so tired.
I feel so alone.
So many burdens
and mistakes I've made ...
Tired of carrying them
all my days.

I want to lay them down...
I've got to lay them down...
I'm going to lay them down...
Right now."

Are there things you have been carrying? Things that aren't healthy for you? Things you need to let go of ... things you need to let go of you?

Don't believe those thoughts that you deserve your burdon ... that you earned it. Don't believe that it's there to stay, that you can't shake it.

It's time.

Lay it down.

Take a moment soon to go to a private peaceful place where you can be alone and focus ... free of distractions. Put on some instrumental music, and close your eyes and try to focus on making these words count ... then say the above poem/lyrics out loud. Mean every word. You may want to take it a step further, and write down those burdens that you are releasing, and then physically 'get rid of them' by throwing the paper in the trash (ripping it first, if you'd like to ... to feel, maybe, that it's truly finished).

Take a some time afterwards to breath deeply, and picture yourself without those burdens anymore. Go back to life and reality in that new state.

Jessica

Quake survivor played music in his mind

2010-01-27T14:30:00.000-05:00

Quake survivor played music in his mind

"In the darkness that followed, Haitian-born violinist Romel Joseph thought the earthquake that shook his Port-au-Prince music school to pieces was a dream.

Born partially blind, his recollections relied on his stronger senses."

Find the rest of this wonderful article at Cincinatti.com. A bitter sweet article, but another instance on the power of music and it's ability to reach anyone, anywhere.

Jessica

New Mt. Pleasant restaurant BISTRO 536 offers some gluten free options!

2010-01-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

BISTRO 536 Both of my sweet sisters are now working at a new restaurant that just opened in Mt. Pleasant, Bistro 536 (across from Belle Hall Shopping Center - next to Subway - where the Nirlep and Seal's Fish Camp used to be). This restaurant is owned and run by a former chef from 5 Loaves (downtown).

"Alastair Nairn is offering Mount Pleasant a new casual, upscale dining experience. As owner and head chef, Alastair wanted to give customers eclectic food at fair prices. With inventive food pairings, Bistro 536 is sure to surprise the senses." http://bistro536.com/

I have had the opportunity to dine there a few times, and as most of you know, I am allergic to gluten. This significantly limits not only my food options, but my 'eating out' options. The chefs and staff at Bistro 536 are able to provide me with gluten free options, and (even more) I trust their knowledge about not only what contains gluten, but proper food prep as well.

I just wanted to share this info with all my fellow gluten intolerants ... it's nice to know our options. "YEAH!!! ANOTHER RESTAURANT WE CAN EAT AT!"

Please spread the word! I want this restaurant to do well for several reasons ...

1) This is not a chain, but owned and run by locals
2) The owners and staff support the "buy local" mindset, and include this within certain menu items
3) I really want to keep one of the few places that provides safe eating for those with gluten sensitivities
4) The food is high quality and amazing!

Visit the BISTRO 536 website (see above) or find them on FB! Actually, just go in.

Jessica

Dear John Premiere!

2010-01-19T07:00:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone! This is so exciting! See below!

Dear John Charleston Premiere

A benefit event for Carolina Autism

Date: Sunday, January 24, 2010

Time: 5:30pm - 11:00pm

Location: Screening: Terrace Hippodrome, Official After Party: SC Aquarium

Street: 360 Concord St/100 Aquarium Wharf

City/Town: Charleston, SC

COCKTAIL ATTIRE
A Night of Spotlights and Stars to raise funds for autism treatment
The stars will be out at the Charleston premiere of Dear John, the new movie Directed by Lasse Hallström and based on the novel by best-selling author Nicholas Sparks. Now 400 fans will have a chance to see the stars and the new movie! The waterfront Hippodrome Theater is the setting for the premiere followed by a Hollywood style after-party next door at the beautiful South Carolina Aquarium. Plan to attend or just come on down to join the paparazzi and wave to the stars as the limos pull up to the red carpet.
DEAR JOHN tells story of John Tyree (Channing Tatum), a young soldier home on leave, and Savannah Curtis (Amanda Seyfried), the idealistic college student he falls in love with during her spring vacation. Over the next seven tumultuous years, the couple is separated by John’s increasingly dangerous deployments. While meeting only sporadically, they stay in touch by sending a continuous stream of love letters overseas--correspondence that eventually triggers fateful consequences.
The movie premiere is a fund raising benefit for Carolina Autism (http://www.carolinaautism.org/), a local charity that serves children and adults with autism. Proceeds from the event will go toward their intensive early intervention program, helping young children with autism and their families. Carolina Autism staff helped with the production of the movie and will be featured on the DVD of the film when it is released.
Tickets are $250 (portion tax deductible) and are available at http://www.DearJohnCharlestonPremiere.com

_____________________________________________________
Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks

Cast: Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried, Henry Thomas, Scott Porter, Richard Jenkins and introducing Braeden Reed, a child actor from Charleston with autism, served by Carolina Autism

FOR TICKETS GO TO http://www.dearjohncharlestonpremiere.com/

Please arrive by 6pm for seating. Adult beverages served with proof of age.
Twitter contest rules: http://www.dearjohncharlestonpremiere.com/twitter.html

Jessica

Haiti

2010-01-15T19:29:00.000-05:00

I wanted to express my love, thoughts, support, and grief for Haiti, but it's hard to put anything into words when it's all so unbelievable.

It's so hard to imagine so many people gone. It's hard to fatham so many of the remaining people roaming the streets with terrible injuries with no medical treatment available. And the sights they have to see ...

Its unimaginable the thought of a mommy or daddy holding their injured child knowing that they cannot do anything to 'make it better'. And then the people who are trapped. I watched a video of someone being rescued, and I couldn't help but think of the shock she was still in for once she saw what her land and people are facing ... to go through being trapped and terrified and alone to the realities of what is going on on the outside. I just can't fathom.

I'm so sorry for you all, Haiti. Nothing I am doing here at the moment seems even a fraction as important as what you are going through, and I sincerely wish I could come there right now to do whatever ... whatever would help.

Like so many around the world, you are on my mind and heart, and I am sending up prayers for you all.

Jessica

Autism Broadcast (upcoming)

2010-01-13T14:45:00.001-05:00

I received an email about an upcoming broadcast on Autism. Check out the below message for details.

++++++++++++++++
Dear Friends and Colleagues: Please see this forwarded message.

A broadcast about the Autism Collaborative Center at Eastern Michigan University, including music therapy, is planned for Tuesday February 2. Locally, it will show at 5:30 pm on Channel 56 WTVS Detroit.

The show is entitled "A Wider World" and focuses on opportunities for persons with disabilities.

We were told that the show will air across Michigan, other midwest states, Canada, the Carolinas and some southern states and California and some western states. The show will air again in April during autism awareness month.
+++++++++++++++++

I plan on contacting EMU to find out what channel/time to look for it in other parts of the US (especially since it mentions that it will be showing in the Carolinas). Anyhow, for those of you in Michigan, this is all you need. For the rest of you, I will let you know what I find out.

Have a great day!
Jessica

Crayola dot com

2010-01-12T07:00:00.002-05:00

As you know, many of the products you buy (kid oriented) will often have websites you can visit containing info, online games, and activities. I will often go ahead and check out the websites of the products I buy for my practice. This is always a nice addition to activities within session in which I use these products. For example, I mentioned on a previous blog a website which has videos of various well-known ('famous') people reading children's stories aloud. I have sometimes incorporated this into session.

I have really enjoyed a lot of the activities that I find on http://www.crayola.com/ . I also receive email updates on holiday based additions to the site. It's nice because they never go overboard with the email updates! I receive them only every now and then.

Anyhow, check it out! You may find some great activities that would assist your child/client in working on goal related areas (or simply fun free time activities).

Jessica

Find me on LinkedIn

2010-01-08T07:00:00.001-05:00

You can find me on LinkedIn! If you have a professional profile on LinkedIn, search me next time you are on, and we'll get connected.
LinkedIn is such a great way to stay connected within your work field and/or related fields. Its also a great tool for increasing your awareness and knowledge in areas of interest through connections to certain groups.

Some of my groups are:

American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)
Autism Speaks
Children's grief support
National Down Syndrome Society

When connected to these groups, you are able to follow discussions related to these.

If you are familiar with LinkedIn, you know that you are also able to connect with the professional profiles of your family and friends as well.

See you on LinkedIn!

Jessica

Down Syndrome spotlight, Colin Gets a Chance

2010-01-07T16:12:00.001-05:00

I received a message through LinkedIn regarding a new resource. I have not yet been able to view this myself, but am anxious to. The book, Colin Gets a Chance, was written by Brian Beale in honor of his son, Colin, who has Down Syndrome.

Below is a portion of the description of this book.

"It’s a book about a little boy who never gets a chance to play the game he loves (baseball) until the last game of the season when his team steps up to the coach and asks him to let Colin bat as they want to cheer for him as he’s done for them all season long.
This is a truly inspirational book as the book cover and all illustrations were done by individuals with Down syndrome. It just does not get any better than that!!! “Colin Gets a Chance” is a children’s book about acceptance and inclusion of others who appear different on the surface, but are so much more alike than different once given a chance."
-Brian Beale, PHR, Author
Visit http://www.colingetsachance.com to learn more about this book as well as to view a sampling of the illustrations. You are also able to view a video, and meet 'the real Colin'.

I can't wait to get my hands on this book!

Jessica

New Year

2010-01-05T14:38:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! I hope this new year is treating you all well so far. For all of you who had a tough year in 2009, look forward to this year full of new opportunities, hope, and healing.

We are all 'cleaning out our closets', so to speak, this time of the year, and coming down from chaos. We are packing up our decorations, and doing a little spring cleaning January style. We are looking to new things and renewing commitments to others (which, in itself, brings newness). I wish you well as you embark on your goals, resolutions, and journeys for your new year. I am working on that, myself. I am telling myself these things, and working on keeping my head up. Just thought I would share a few of my own thoughts with you.

This blog slowed down a bit during the holidays, but it's gearing up for a new year, hoping to inspire, inform, and connect you. Thank you for your thoughts and ideas along the way in 2009.

Jessica

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T12:19:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas to you all! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday, filled with joy, peace, and lots of love.

Jessica

Putumayo Music Holiday E-card

2009-12-18T09:23:00.000-05:00

You have heard me mention the Putumayo World Music collections before ... AMAZING! I use the various kid's playground CDs in session, in particular. Anyhow, I receive Putumayo updates through emails, and received this (see below) in a recent email.

It's great! I was able to download a photo to send in an ecard to friends and family, and I loved that Putumayo holiday-inspired music was playing in the background. I received a lot of feedback on this one from friends and family :) What is really exciting is that after sending your card, you are able to download a free song from a recent Putumayo collection (I believe it's a different one from the one that plays with the card). See below for more information, and to create your ecard!

1. Choose a personal photo

2. Write your own custom holiday message

3. Send your personalized holiday e-card to
your friends and family

4. Receive a free holiday song download!
Create your e-card now

Other languages : Español
Français
Deutsch
(The e-card will launch in a new window and requires the Flash player.)

Enjoy!
Jessica

"In My Stocking" (a speech related activity)

2009-12-11T14:24:00.002-05:00

Here's another little holiday related activity that is very easy to implement ... I think anyone could do this one with no problem :)

"In My Stocking" (to the tune of: " Oh My Darlin' ")

In my stocking,
In my stocking,
In my special Christmas stocking,
Look inside for little prizes
In my special Christmas stocking!

Materials Needed:

Stocking
small toys or pictures of small toys/candy prizes

Directions:

Sing song through 1x. (slowing down speech to enunciate/stress certain words and/or syllables on targeted words)
Have child reach into stocking to pull out 1 (only one) item.
Look at and name the item. Repeat item name (i.e. "dinosaur", "ball", etc), being sure to encourage/practice verbal clarity and speech fluency.
Make sure you have fun with this!

Targeted Goal Areas:

Speech production/clarity/fluency
Impulse control
Auditory cueing/Auditory attention
Attention to task for duration

NOTE: If working mainly toward speech goals with this activity, be sure to choose items (to go in stocking) that include speech sounds/characteristics that fit your child's speech needs. For example, if your child needs improvement on blended sounds, include an item with blended sounds in it's name (maybe a blue item /bl/). If your child needs improvement on producing words with 2 or 2+ syllables, include items with multi syllables (maybe "dinosaur" or "alligator").

Have a great weekend!
Jessica

Gluten Free Chocolate Eclairs at Chucktown Coffee!

2009-12-10T14:03:00.000-05:00

Wow - I just ate a gluten free chocolate eclair ... at a coffee shop! I went up to the register like a normal person and ordered a pastry! It was amazing. It tasted like a chocolate eclair and the custard inside was perfection! Sweet Jennifer, the owner, has recently ordered several wonderful pastries from a local gluten free bakery. In the case right now are gluten free Lemon Bars, gluten free Cheesecake Bombs, gluten free Chocolate Eclairs, and gluten free Coconut Macaroons.

If you live in or near Mount Pleasant, stop in! If you have celiac/gluten intolerance, you know how few and far between gluten free options are (outside of making it yourself) ... especially in our area. Starbucks used to carry a gluten free muffin, but stopped because they said they didn't sell. I am convinced that it's just because noone knew! I surely didn't know, and I'm constantly online looking into GF options/looking up GF brands. I never saw it posted anywhere.

So, spread the word! Chucktown Coffee (in the Target shopping Center) has gluten free pastry options!

Jessica

a school social story

2009-12-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

You have heard me mention the use of social stories. Carol Gray has many wonderful social stories that I highly recommend. (Search her on this site for blog postings on her).

Anyhow, I have created a school social story (click on link to view and/or print). Included are pictures to go with each scenario mentioned. This is a good tool to implement when a child is being first introduced to school, returning from summer break or a holiday, or when he/she is demonstrating anxiety related to going to school. This could help to prepare and acclimate your child.

You may want to introduce this in a fun way ... in a song, a game, a story, a chant ... keep in mind what would work for your child. Remember to build positive associations.

After introducing this, you may want to review it on a consistent basis (it can become a morning ritual). You may even want to print and laminate a copy for your child to keep with him/her.

Feel free to contact me for other ideas on how to implement this.
Jessica

The Silly Elf (activity)

2009-12-03T15:10:00.001-05:00

Anytime I can use a general theme for a session or activity, I do. Developing a theme always seems to pull things together as well as faciliates increased attention and interest. Simply put ... themes are fun!

Holidays provide perfect opportunities for themed concepts and activities. Below is a little poem/rhyme that I came up with a couple years ago for use in sessions. Due to it's simplicity, it's fairly easy to implement outside of session so I'm posting it here :)

I typically use this activity for these goal areas:

Facilitate/Improve auditory attention
Increase Impulse control
Decrease auditory response time
Increase cognitive skill (color identification, sequence commands/events, reading/story comprehension, etc)
Increase visual attention

If working on pre-reading skills, you may want to print this story (focusing on 1 sentence at a time if necessary) rather than just reading it yourself.

MATERIALS NEEDED:
- "Silly Elf" story
- Pictures (street, elf, feet, tic tac toe, Nintendo, smiling)
- Colored items (bells, instruments, scarves)
- A drum (or like item)
- "The End!" paper (for on top of drum)

DIRECTIONS for activity:

Set up items in semi circle or table around child/client. Introduce each item. If appropriate, present child/client with a "pointer" (this can be a special wand, drum stick/mallet, etc) for child to point to items as they are named in the story.
Explain that the child/client will get to touch and point to each item/picture in the story, but he/she has to wait until they hear that word first. (see above for picture sheet you can print)
Practice saying the word of an item, and having child/client point to the item.
Have the child practice "playing" a color item (i.e., when you say "red", the child will play the instrument/item associated with that color. NOTE: For the colors, I typically have colored bells that the child gets to play when he/she hears the color name. This makes this more interactive, and provides the opportunity to change from different types of cues within the activity (pointing to some items, playing other items). IN PLACE OF COLORED BELLS, you may want to gather instruments or items that can be used as instruments (or items that make funny sounds). Have a solid colored scarf or paper next to/under each of the noise/instrument items (i.e., have one item placed on a green scarf or piece of paper, and when when child/client here's "green" said in the activity, he/she will play the that item).
OPTIONAL: Have a drum (or like item) with paper on it ("THE END!"). Child/client has to wait until the very end when he/she hears you say, "The End!", to play the drum. This is lots of fun - a great opportunity for impulse control, and it really creates increased auditory attentoin and anticipation ;)

The Silly Elf

One day as I was walking down the street
I came upon a jolly elf with red shoes upon his feet.
He smiled at me and said, “Orange you going to play with me?”
It was a glorious, sunny day,
a sky decked in yellow.
I decided I'd play with my new red footed friend -
He was quite a nice fellow.

We played a game of tic tac toe,
and then a game of Nintendo.
Jumping jacks, and sliding down green hills -
Oh what a thrill!
Hide and seek, and purple cookies to eat.
A long day of fun we've had,
I said goodbye to my new red footed friend.
Smiling and waving, I said,
“The End!”

What is Therapy? (an answer for kids)

2009-11-30T07:00:00.003-05:00

I wanted to share with you a great little online resource ... KidsHealth (http://www.kidshealth.com/). This site has three main sections, a "For Parents" section, a "For Kids" section, and a "For Teens". In the "For Kids" section you will find a variety of topics (some include Feelings, Staying Healthy, Illnesses & Injuries, How the Body Works, Growing Body & Mind, Kids Talk, Cooking & Recipes People Places & Things, That Help, Staying Safe, Movies & Games, Health Problems, Grown-Ups, etc.) Below is an article from KidsHealth on the subject of seeing a Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Therapist. Its a good little intro for typically developing kids who may soon be visiting a therapist. It helps to clear up some misconceptions and ease the mind a bit. It's also written in kid friendly lingo.

________________________________________________

If you have a broken arm or a bad cold, you go to the doctor for help and to feel better, right? Well, sometimes kids and adults have problems that can't be seen as easily as a broken bone or a runny nose.
When people have troubles with their emotions, their feelings, or the way they act, sometimes they see a psychologist (say: suh-kah-loh-jist), psychiatrist (say: suh-kye-uh-trist), or therapist. These are people who have gone to school for special training in the way people think and feel and know how to help people feel better.
The ones that see kids know a lot about kid stuff, like how kids think, how they grow up, and how they see the world. They are all experts who specialize in helping kids solve problems and deal with tough situations. They do their work mainly by talking with kids and helping them figure out what is causing the problems at school or at home. A therapist can help kids figure stuff out so they can feel better.

Why Would a Kid Get This Kind of Help?•What Happens There?•Getting Help Is No Big DealIf you have a broken arm or a bad cold, you go to the doctor for help and to feel better, right? Well, sometimes kids andadults have problems that can't be seen as easily as a broken bone or a runny nose.

When people have troubles with their emotions, their feelings, or the way they act, sometimes they see a psychologist (say: suh-kah-loh-jist), psychiatrist (say: suh-kye-uh-trist), or therapist. These are people who have gone to school for special training in the way people think and feel and know how to help people feel better.

The ones that see kids know a lot about kid stuff, like how kids think, how they grow up, and how they see the world. They are all experts who specialize in helping kids solve problems and deal with tough situations. They do their work mainly by talking with kids and helping them figure out what is causing the problems at school or at home. A therapist can help kids figure stuff out so they can feel better.

Why Would a Kid Get This Kind of Help?There are many reasons to see a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist, but the biggest reason is so that you can start feeling better. Maybe you're having trouble getting along with your classmates, your brothers or sisters, or your mom or dad. Or maybe you're having problems learning or paying attention in class, or your homework and your grades aren't as good as your mom or dad think they could be.

Other reasons to go see a therapist could be that you're very shy and have trouble making friends or that you feel sad, afraid, or anxious a lot. If your parents get divorced, or if someone who is close to you dies, seeing a therapist is a great way to talk about your feelings.

Sometimes kids can be the victims of abuse, and some kids your age can even have problems eating. These are all types of problems that can often get better if you get care from a psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist.
What Happens There?

During an appointment, you won't be examined on a table like you are at a typical doctor visit. You'll sit in a comfortable chair and just talk, play games, or sometimes draw pictures. There are no needles or shots. If you're having problems with schoolwork, the therapist may ask you to answer some questions or solve some puzzles. This can provide clues to how you think and learn.
You should always feel comfortable during these visits. That means you don't have to do anything you don't want to do or talk about anything you don't want to talk about. On your first visit, your mom or dad might come in with you. The three of you could talk together about your feelings, the problem or situation, and anything else that is bothering you. After you feel comfortable, your mom or dad can wait for you outside.
The first visit is about understanding the problem that you need help with and is a chance for the psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist to get to know you a little bit. At future visits, the two of you can work on solving the problems. You may have regular appointments every week, every month, or less often.
You might be asked to set goals for yourself or to keep a notebook describing your feelings between visits. Bringing this notebook to your appointments can help you track your progress.

You can choose to tell people that you are going to these appointments, or you can decide not to share this information. Who you tell, or if you tell, is your decision.
Getting Help Is No Big Deal

Reviewed by: W. Douglas Tynan, PhD
Date reviewed: December 2007
http://www.kidshealth.com/
__________________________________________________________

Jessica

Kids and Holiday Stress

2009-11-25T10:19:00.007-05:00

Kids and Holiday Stress ...
The article below is one I found through my LinkedIn profile, and I thought it has some great points which may go a long way in helping you to keep your kids stress free duirng the holidays. This article was posted on Wellspring™ (http://www.wellspring.com/). Wellspring™ was created in response to the growing need for effective treatments for children with autism-spectrum disorders, behavior disorders and developmental disabilities.

Helping kids cope during the holidays
Wellspring™

It’s that time again. Halloween decorations have come down, retailers are preparing for Thanksgiving which means only one thing……holiday shopping season is upon us. As behavior professionals, one of the single most questions we get asked is about kids’ behaviors at holiday time. Keeping kids well-behaved during the holiday season is every parents dream. However, it is not a goal that is achieved easily.
Even the best-behaved child can have a meltdown at this time of year. Holidays cultivate many stressors that may cause a child to erupt: Absence of routine, over stimulation, being away from home and one important one that many of us may overlook – parent stress. Kids are very tuned into their parents’ mood and when they sense you are stressed, they can get extremely overwhelmed. They need you to stay grounded and when you aren’t, their behavior may show it. So, how do we stay calm and keep our kids calm when we have 37 gifts to buy at 16 different stores and holiday meals to cook and 12-hour trips to take? Read on for tips that can help every parent help their child cope during the stress of the holiday season using positive behavioral support.

SHOPPING!
Shopping with a child can be a nightmare but it doesn’t have to be.
Our number one recommendation for parents is to shop online or leave the kids at home. Unfortunately, this isn’t always a realistic expectation. If you do have to take your children shopping, make sure they are prepared for the situation and make sure you go with realistic expectations:

Explain to them what you are going to be doing and where you are going. Tell them when you will eat, or when they will be able to play.

Be specific about what behavior is expected. Being a good boy or girl is too vague. For example, “we are going to a place where we will have to walk and stay close to mommy and we will have to use an inside voice”. Always tell them what TO do instead of what NOT to do. Providing them with the tools to behave makes life easier.

The mall is boring, overwhelming and confining and children don’t like to stand in line, be quiet or be still. Allow your child some time to run around between stores.
Provide incentives for your child to receive when the shopping is done, such as a trip to the park or an ice cream. When a desired activity follows an undesired activity, a child’s motivation to behave is increased.

Look for the signs that your child may be unraveling. Validate their feelings and needs and remind them of the expected behavior and reward. For example “I know you are getting mad but if you use a quiet voice and remain standing you can earn your treat”. One warning is appropriate but if your child does not stop what he is doing, you may need to leave whatever you are doing.

Always provide praise for good behaviors. We parents focus too much on scolding or punishing our kids when a bad behavior occurs but we forget to reward the good ones. Catch them being good. If your child is standing patiently in line, even for a few seconds, use it as an opportunity to praise him for the good behavior.

Do not plan on going to the mall at rush hours, or the day before Christmas. Avoid overcrowded places as much as possible.

Feed your kids before going out. A hungry child is a recipe for disaster.

Be sure your kids are not tired. Taking them to the mall after a nap is always easier.

And finally, be prepared for a meltdown. If you have a plan of action if the dreaded does occur, it will help you and your child remain calm during the situation. Next week we’ll cover what to do if a tantrum does occur.

For more good tips from Wellspring™, visit http://www.wellspring.com/ .

Jessica

a different perspective

2009-11-17T15:20:00.003-05:00

There is an AA saying/prayer that I think is beneficial to anyone and everyone, regardless of circumstance. It's a saying I have heard a thousand times before (both from having a family member in AA when I was a child AND through my profession when I worked in substance abuse). However, today, I thought of it in a manner that I never have before, and my eyes were opened to something I never saw before. Here is the saying/prayer that I am sure you have most likely heard at one time or another:

God, grant me the
Serenity to accept things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can, and
Wisdom to know the difference.

I never really paid much attention to the word "serenity" in this. I always heard it/processed sort of like this:

God, grant me the serenity to
ACCEPT the things I CANNOT CHANGE
COURAGE to CHANGE the THINGS I CAN, and
WISDOM to KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.

That beautiful, hopeful, peaceful word never stood out to me until now. I always focused more on the other points, mainly, wisdom to know the difference between what can be changed and what cannot.

But there it is ... there it has always been. The potential for SERENITY in these difficult moments in our lives where we have to accept difficult things. It seems almost odd to pick such a word for this, but what a huge sigh of relief. And what a great reminder that we can choose how much power and hold we give to these things that can consume us.

I just wanted to share that,
Jessica

A-10-chun!

2009-11-13T14:41:00.004-05:00

A-10-chun!

Below is a little exercise that is helpful in establishing or regaining attention/mental clarity. I've used this as a 'take home activity' for clients who have difficulty with attention (often paired with decreased impulse control and increased energy levels). I also used to implement this with my own son when I needed to call him and get him focused. Actually, this exercise became somewhat of a 'out to eat' tradition when my son was in first grade. Whenever we would go out to eat, he seemed to need something to calm him down while we were waiting for our meals.

Activity:
1) Present a word equation similar to this:

five balls eight lights

2) Then, have your child put this phrase in order according to numbers first, then items (and in the order they were named):

five eight balls lights

*** BE sure to demonstrate this a few times first.

IMPORTANT TIPS:

This exercise can be implemented with or without paper (writing it down). This would depend upon your child's ability/development (i.e., you may find your child would do better writing these down at least initially). This is meant to be challenging, but not to cause frustration or feelings of "I can't do it". Either way, you may find it helpful to write the first few exercises down until everyone gets the hang of it.
Present this as a 'game' for the family (not just the one child) rather than a 'task'. Take turns going around the table ... make sure Mom, Dad, Grandmamma, Granddaddy (whomever is at the table) have turns, too.

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
(be sure to only move onto these after mastery of the above)

Add to the equations as they are mastered (i.e. - seven car fourteen wall one teacup)
Establish a theme for each equation (i.e. - "automotives", "foods", "sports")

This is a great (and very simple) tool that lends itself well to 'on the fly'. You can implement this in many situations/environments, and it doesn't require props/etc.

Jessica

Your Weekend Recipe

2009-11-06T14:31:00.000-05:00

Hello and Happy Friday! What was the recipe for your week? Did it turn out as you planned?

How about this ... what is the recipe for your weekend? Sometimes my weekend consists of way too many ingredients (even though they may be good, sometimes it's overkill). Sometimes my weekend is Triple Chocolate Pistachio Almond Walnut Coconut Cherry Strawberry Apple Brownie when it would have just been marvelous to "just" have a Chocolate Pistachio Cherry Brownie. My point? Even with the best of intentions and even with all the best ingrediants, sometimes we pack too much in and the result is that it's just ... well ... too much. I would like my weekend recipe to certainly include some bit of much needed rest and relaxation, but if I'm not careful, I will tend to cram pack my weekend with "to do's", making no room for rest. This always results in me going into a new work week feeling worn out. Not good!

Speaking of recipes and yummy desserts, I wanted to mention a few gluten free related items that I have had and loved. For all of my gluten intolerant clients and web friends, here are some things I have discovered.

1) Whole Foods brand (365 brand) of Baking Mix (GF flour mix) is AMAZING! It has made every thing I have attempted taste accurate. After attempting my mom's cobbler recipe a few different times with various brands and combos of GF flour mix, I used the 365 brand and it actually tasted like my mom's! The taste and the consistency and texture was like Mom's! I have also used this to make my carrot cake and it tastes just like it used to (before I found out I had a gluten allergy).
2) Whole Foods brand (365 brand) Chocolate Cake Mix is amazing! Be sure to look at the ingredients you need before leaving the store (as they are not your typical cake mix ingredients). My only recommendation here is to be sure to not overmix. Betty Crocker now has a GF cake mix (chocolate and vanilla), but I haven't tried it yet.
3) Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix (and Brownie Mix) - amazing and accurate!
4) Don't trust regular corn meal mix. I use the Hodgson Mill Corn Meal (says Gluten Free), and love it! Once I discovered this, my fried shrimp/fish/chicken tasted "real", and I was finally able to have "real" tasting corn bread!
5) Annie's brand of boxed Macaroni and Cheese - I actually enjoyed this! I doctored it up a little with cream and butter, but it was great.

I'll add more on another day ;)
Enjoy your weekend,
Jessica

a great social story from a fellow blogging therapist ...

2009-11-03T13:54:00.000-05:00

There's a great blog I enjoy entitled "If Only I Had Super Powers". The blog is hosted by a Speech-Language Pathologist/Mommy, and she has a range of topics from recipes for "Moosey Muffins" (home related topics) to "Articulation Development" (Speech Therapy related topics).

"Therapy Thursdays" are dedicated to therapy, and it was in her most recent Thursday posting that I discovered this little social story entitled Therapy Thursday: Not Getting Chosen. Click on the link above to visit the site (and to view a larger version of her social story).

I love that she has included pictures here beside each line. This is something I often include in my social story activities. It serves various purposes, including drawing attention to each line (scenario/action) as well as making each line more applicable to real life situations and more concrete.

Thanks, Super Powers, for a great resource!
Jessica

Whew! Halloween!

2009-11-02T07:00:00.001-05:00

Wow - what a day/week/weekend! Talk about chaos! But fun, though. The week of Halloween was an especially crazy one for me with work and home life. My CSU clinical students are closing in on the end of their clinical semester, I've got some perspective new clients that I've enjoyed speaking with this week, and I've had various schedule changes this past week as well (two cancellations and some extra sessions also).

On Friday, we parents hosted a soup lunch for the teachers/staff at my son's school. I am so thankful for my fellow volunteers! I rushed home from this to finish the prep work at home for a Halloween Party we were having at the house for my son and his friends Friday night. Although my back was killin me and I was so ready for those kids to go on home by the end of it ... (come on, now, my house was full of middle schoolers ... can you blame me?) ... we still had a great time ;) I have great friends who came to 'party' with me as well as to help with the party.

All in all it was good chaos :) The way I am built, though, I had to be sure to 'schedule in' some downtime for the sake of my sanity and my nerves.
I hope you all had a nice, safe, and fun weekend,
Jessica

Gluten Free Candy Corn?

2009-10-31T07:00:00.001-04:00

Hello fellow GF friends -

Does anyone know what brand of CANDY CORN is definitely gluten free? Evidently Brach's technically doesn't contain gluten ingredients, but are processed in a facility that also processes wheat (cross contamination risk). UGG! I love candy corn, and would really like to have a little this year (especially since it's a seasonal thing). I've looked it up on the internet, and have had difficulty getting an answer on this one.

While I'm on the subject, I am also looking for GF licorice (or licorice jelly beans, gummies, etc). I adore black licorice, and as you know, traditional licorice is made with wheat as a main ingredient. Oh how I miss this!

Thanks!
Jessica

Strummin' and Pickin'

2009-10-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

You may have noticed that I have added an awesome new gadget in the left hand column of my blog ... a guitar chord gadget! I was pretty excited when I saw this, and thought it would be a great addition here. I hope my guitar playing clients (and other web friends) will enjoy having easy access to the chords.

I also wanted to mention a great website that offers some online help as well.

http://www.e-chords.com/ - offers piano and guitar chord formats for your searched songs. Here, you are also able to transpose by changing key to half step up, full step up, half step down, full step down OR you can change the key of the song by simply clicking on what key you want it in. For guitar, it also offers left handed chords.

Keep strummin',
Jessica

"Pumpkin, Pumpkin" (song/activity)

2009-10-28T07:00:00.003-04:00

As you are carving and lighting your pumpkins this week, you may want to take this fun holiday tradition as a yet another (FUN!) opportunity to reinforce certain goal areas.

Here's a simple little Halloween song and activity...

"PUMPKIN, PUMPKIN" (click link to my webpage where you will find this song listed)

This activity may be used with these goal areas:

Auditory Attention (listen for and follow auditory cue)
Impulse Control (wait for cue to touch items)
Cognitive Skill (teach/reinforce concepts such as colors, shapes, holiday/theme related material, etc.)
Verbal Commands (follow verbal prompts/commands/directions)
Sensory

Be sure to use props for this activity (a real or toy pumpkin and black cat AND/OR pictures of a pumpkin and black cat). As always, keep in mind your child's age and/or developmental level when determining appropriateness of an activity.

Jessica

Thriving with Autism

2009-10-27T14:41:00.001-04:00

Happy Tuesday to you all! I have referenced one of my new favorite resources on this blog before - Austim Hangout (http://www.autismhangout.com/ ). Here are a couple of current Webinars (video based interviews/podcasts).

________________________________________________________________________________

WEBINAR Series: Thriving with Autism
Monday, October 26th - 6-7:30A CDT

Meet Dr. Stephen Shore and Donna Williams... two AMAZING people on the spectrum; one a PhD, the other a singer/songwriter/author/screenwriter - both diagnosed as severly autistic in youth (the doctors suggested institutionalization). More living proof how people with autism can "thrive!"
________________________________________________________________________________
WEBINAR Series: Hot Off The Press!
Wednesday, October 28 - 12-1P CDT

Filmmaker Melanie Levy will be premiering clips from her powerful documentary, "My Name is Sydney." Meet the charming, talented, witty young Sydney. Melanie has captured an amazing story.
Again, not to be missed!

Very inspiring.

Jessica

Is it really ADD/ADHD?

2009-10-22T12:02:00.008-04:00

There is something that I have been meaning to mention in a blog posting, but haven't gotten around to it. It's something that I feel quite passionate about. Well, it's come up a few times this week in various conversations/situations so it's on my mind yet again.

ADD and ADHD.

In our recent past, we have seen this very much over diagnosed and/or misdiagnosed. It is crucial, for many reasons, to avoid this and to seek out a thorough diagnosis.

As with any diagnosis, it is important to have the correct one. There are several factors, I believe, in being sure to have an accurate ADD/ADHD diagnosis.

1) Look at diet, sleep patterns, as well as environmental influences, stressors, and circumstances.
DIET: What foods/drinks does your child generally consume? Are they high in sugar, caffiene,
MSG, artificial colors? What you put in will determine what comes out. I have given the example before of filling your gas tank up with water or mud, and expecting it to run the same as when you fill it with fuel. People often don't give enough credit to just how much the food we eat/drink influences our body, energy, thinking, memory, physical ability, etc.
SLEEP: Sleep disturbances/problems can result in similar behaviors including inattention, fatigue or
hyperactivity, low impulse control, stress/mood swings, etc.
STRESS: Have there been any major changes which could be causing stress? OR Is there anything ongoing
in the child's environment (school, home, etc) that could be causing emotional stress/trauma?

2) Obtain a diagnosis/assessment through a psychologist/behavioral therapist. Do not only rely on one source (i.e. solely on a teacher's comment, one visit to the pediatrician, etc). There are several things involved in making a thorough diagnosis. There are certain conditions/disorders/symptoms that can look like other conditions/disorders/symptoms. When looking at the DSM-IV, various conditions/disorders may share similar symptoms. A proper ADD/ADHD diagnosis should be based on the behavioral symptoms observed and by ruling out other disorders.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that an evaluation for childhood ADD / ADHD include:

A thorough medical and family history
A general physical and neurological exam
A comprehensive interview with the parents, the child, and the child's teacher(s)
Standardized screening tools for ADD/ADHD
Observation of the child
A variety of psychological tests to measure IQ and social and emotional adjustment

For more valuable information on this, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website.

Jessica

Your Monster Mash!

2009-10-19T07:00:00.004-04:00

Many of my clients just love working and playing on the computer. As I've mentioned before, for these kids, I often incorporate computer fun into some of my music therapy activities within session. It may be fun cognitive based games/activities, emotion/facial affect games/activities, social skill activities, or it may be work on the recording studio (which is accessed from my laptop).

Someone shared with me this great link to an online Monster Mash photo activity (sponsored by Oriental Trader) that I wanted to share with you. (http://www.monstermashup.com/)

You may have non goal-oriented fun with it by simply uploading fun family member pictures, and then watch as say, Dad, dances around in a silly monster mash dance.

Another option that I thought of was a goal-oriented approach. If you have access to this (maybe pictures from field trips or pictures from last year's yearbook), download pictures of your child's peers/classmates into this little activity. This would be a great way to help increase peer awareness and may help in decreasing mild social anxiety through use of peer pictures (and references) within a fun activity. As I've mentioned in previous blogs, I find that first implementing these types of activities can go a long way in working on social skill/peer awareness activities with children who have anxiety related to peer socialization. This is a way of "getting the toes wet" socially, and may be perceived as a little more 'safe' to a child with social anxiety. See some of my other social skill/peer awareness blogs for further explanation.

See my family's monster mash - we got a kick out of it! We may do it again with a different theme/music. There are lots of choices there including using pre set characters or uploading your own pictures. Fun, fun!

Jessica

Here's a Little Pumpkin

2009-10-16T07:00:00.005-04:00

Orange and Round

Sung to : I'm a Little Teapot

Here's a little pumpkin,

F C

Orange and round,

G7 C

Here's a little pumpkin,

G7 C

That I found.

When I get him cleaned up

F C

I will say,

"Here's a little pumpkin

For my holiday."

-Jean Warren

The above song and signs are from one of my favorite little activity resources, Piggyback Songs to Sign. I have mentioned this little book before, and I also have it included in my aStore in the left hand column of this blog. This is a great little activity that can accomplish a lot. Here are some goal areas for which this activity would be useful:

Teach/reinforce cognitive concepts (holiday themes, colors, shapes, etc.)
Increase communication skill (facilitate nonverbal communication, teach ASL)
Increase visual attention
Improve auditory attention (listening for certain auditory cue to perform task/ASL signing)
Improve hand/eye coordination
Facilitate midline/cross lateral work
Increase range of motion/quality of movement

You may find other great uses not represented here as well or you may enjoy building from this activity.

Have fun and happy fall!

Jessica

Happy Fall!

2009-10-15T07:00:00.004-04:00

Happy Fall!

Yes, I know I am late with this greeting. It seems my family (as many) was busy fighting off seasonal illnesses, and we completely missed the first day of fall! We have this nice little tradition that we started when my son just a little thing, and we called it out "Fall Celebration". On the first day of fall, we would take out all our fall decorations and decorate the inside and outside of the house (wreaths and gourds and pumpkins and such ... Halloween decor is left for the week of Halloween). We would also buy our pumpkin (but not yet carve it), make caramel apples, and make some sort of centerpiece for our dining table (usually involving those little mini pumpkins and gourds and candles).

Although we missed having our fall celebration on the actual first day of fall this year, we did still have it. This past Tuesday was our day dedicated to fall celebration, and it was a great one! We are still munching on caramel apples, and enjoying the season.

I have to fess up here, though. This sounds all fun and quaint, however, I have to be honest about why this whole celebration came about in the first place. See ... I adore the spring and summertime. I am a beach girl. I love picnics at the park. I love fishing and crabbing. I love the sunshine and looking out on a beautiful marsh. I love cookouts, and well ... I just love summer! I, selfishly, decided that instead of mourning the end of summer as I often did (well, mourning is a harsh word ... 'clinging desperately' fits, though) ... instead of dreading the summer's end, I decided to begin celebrating fall's beginning. There are so many wonderful things about each season and each 'time'. Once we started focusing on that, things got a lot brighter :) So from that, this wonderful family tradition came about, and we just love, love, love it!

Enjoy this time of the year ... all the yummy fall scents, leaves changing (for those of you fortunate enough to live somewhere more north of here that has this beautiful phenomenon), a little nip in the air, festivals, state fairs, the anticipation of the holidays, and so on and so on!

Jessica

Frailin' With Friends = Fun Music!

2009-10-13T14:28:00.006-04:00

I have recently met a friend via the internet who not only hosts an autism resource website, but is a fellow musician as well. Craig Evans hosts http://www.autismhangout.com. I mentioned in a recent blog posting a 'webinar' that I viewed on Autism Hangout which featured Lindsey Beil and her book, Raising a Sensory Smart Child. Since then, I have revisited the Autism Hangout website as it is a wonderful resource! In my recent visit I stumbled upon mention of Craig's wonderful CD entitled Frailin' With Friends.

Frailin' With Friends features Craig's lovely banjo (and friends) tunes. They are toe-tapping, upbeat, and lots of fun. "This CD of happy music was assembled as a day-brightener for those living with the daily challenges of autism. I'm also using all the proceeds from sales to fund Autism Hangout." Visit www.autismhangout.com/directory/store.asp for more information as well as to HEAR SAMPLES of songs.

I have big plans for this wonderful CD as I implement it into my own sessions. Thank you, Craig, for such a wonderful resource!

Jessica

Fun Fall Events (CCC charity events)

2009-10-08T18:16:00.009-04:00

Wow! There are some really FUN charity events coming up so mark your calendars! Click on the event name to be linked to the event flyers (below). I am hoping to make it to the sale and to the Halloween event.
Jessica

MOM to MOM Sale
Event: Mom to Mom Sale
Date: October 10, 2009 (this Saturday)
Time: 7am – 2pm
Location: Mt. Pleasant Armory
245 Mathis Ferry Road
$1 entrance fee - 100% of the entrance fee and a portion of the proceeds will be split between Charleston Autism Academy and Carolina Children’s Charity.
(Click above link to view flyer.)

Halloween Party with a Purpose
Event: 2nd Party with a Purpose – Halloween Style (adults)
Date: Thursday, Oct 29, 2009
Time: drink/food specials 6-9pm, Costume Contest @ 9:15pm
Location: Mad River Bar & Grille
Meanie Miney Moe will be our band for the evening. We will also have a silent auction during the event. If you know anyone who may like to donate an item or service for this auction, please call the CCC office at 554-6222. (Click above link to view flyer.)

Charity Golf Tournament (benifiting CCC)
Event: Charity Golf Tournament (hosted by Goose Creek Fire Dept.)
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2009
Location: Crowfield Golf and Country Club
300 Hamlet Circle, Goose Creek
Looking for participants!
(Click above link to view flyer. Convert to word if trouble opening flyer.)

Sensing

2009-10-06T15:33:00.001-04:00

I recently listened to a podcast on Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) featuring Lindsey Beil, M.A., OTR.L, an occupational therapist specializing in pediatrics. The podcast that I viewed was a webinar entitled Author Lindsey Biel - "Raising a Sensory Smart Child." In this webinar, Ms. Beil gives a great overview of SPD as well as the way our senses work typically and atypically.

Ms. Beil has also cowritten a book, along with Nancy Peske, entitled Raising A Sensory Smart Child (Note: I have this book listed on my astore as a recommended resource for your convenience). Visit Ms. Beil's website http://www.sensorysmarts.com/ for additional information.

Jessica

Resources ... My aStore

2009-10-05T18:28:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!

As you know, one of the reasons for my blogging here is to bring to you a variety of resources. I have recently added "My aStore: music therapy moments recommends ..." to this blog site which includes many of the resources that I have recommened to you within my blog, newsletters, website, etc. These are items that I have hand picked as my own recommendations. Note that there is a variety, and if you have any questions on appropriatenss of a given resource listed, please feel free to ask me.

So far, I have included some music selections (under "Adult/Young Adult Music" and "Children's Music"), Sensory Tools, Books, and Instruments. I intend on adding some other items along the way, but this is a good headstart. Let me know if you have any recommendations. I would love that! I do like to get familiar with items before I recommend them first.

Many of the links that I have included for resources (in the past), I have made them Amazon.com links because I view them as a trustworthy and reputable. So, it made perfect sense to me to add this gadget to make the whole process that much more clear and easy for you! Note that Amazon.com provides options for both new and used items/prices so be sure to check that out.

See my aStore in the left side column of this blog!

Jessica