One of my Google Alerts about the latest research including an interesting article about a summer camp for youngsters that are on the autism spectrum, but high-functioning. Although, this description does not apply to V, there are many out there that might find some hope for improved social skills from reading about this program.
To get the whole story, copy and paste this URL :
http://www.canisius.edu/newsevents/display_story.asp?iNewsID=6402&strBack=default.asp
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Bubble Blowing Happiness
Last night I came home and checked in on V and her staff. I found Aisha holding out the wand of bubble liquid to V's face and V was blowing with all her might and then reaching out to catch the bubbles. Aisha was laughing and praising V, and I joined in with clapping and approval. They were happy and having fun and I was happy too. First because Aisha was repeating an activity that she had observed during an OT session and was reinforcing the work that she knew Valerie needed, and second because V was doing so well and enjoying herself.
I couldn't wait to share my observation with our OT, and Nyle wrote back,
"You know, when I first started working with V*****, she couldn't blow a bubble because her oral-motor muscles were too weak and she couldn't calibrate her blowing to get enough force. This activity is very good for building up the muscles she needs to form words more clearly. It's also good for eye tracking and convergence, which helps to integrate the brain."
What a little thing, so insignificant to most children and parents, but important to us because it shows progress toward more important skills. Staff reinforcing what they observe specialists doing is what I have wanted to see and I am seeing it, more than ever, now.
I couldn't wait to share my observation with our OT, and Nyle wrote back,
"You know, when I first started working with V*****, she couldn't blow a bubble because her oral-motor muscles were too weak and she couldn't calibrate her blowing to get enough force. This activity is very good for building up the muscles she needs to form words more clearly. It's also good for eye tracking and convergence, which helps to integrate the brain."
What a little thing, so insignificant to most children and parents, but important to us because it shows progress toward more important skills. Staff reinforcing what they observe specialists doing is what I have wanted to see and I am seeing it, more than ever, now.