Category: Recreation/Leisure and Special Needs

Posted in Autism, Recreation/Leisure and Special Needs, Resources for Special Needs

Blog #131~Christmas Ideas for a Child with Special Needs

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #131~ Christmas Ideas for a Special Needs Child

There’s only 11 more shopping days until Christmas. Are you struggling to find a gift for a child with special needs?  My son Nick has Down syndrome and autism.  For 21 years I’ve worried if I was doing enough and finding the right toys to help him thrive while having fun.  You name it we’ve done it from the mini trampoline to Tickle Me Elmo (and every light up, musical toy in between).  🙂

Nick toys

Children with special needs often have sensory issues. They struggle to process sensory information.  Some children are sensitive to touch, while others are sensitive to sounds or lights.  Toys and activities geared to be more visual, tactile, and interactive can help with these sensory issues.  Gifts that appeal to the senses like plushies, figit toys, putty, stress balls and flashlights are popular.

figit toys

Books that have predictable patterns, repetition and rhymes are enjoyable such as the classics like “Good Night Moon,” “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” and Dr. Seuss books. Interactive books can help with language skills.

talk

Puzzles can help with fine motor and cognitive skills.  Many have sound bites to provide additional feedback.

soundpuzzle

More gift ideas………

*Music table

music table

*Art easel

*Vibrating pillow

*Air hockey

*Musical animals

music animals

*Musical trampoline

trampoline

*Solar System in My Room

solar system

*Tranquil turtle

tranquil turtle

*Putty (www.puttyworld.com) It glows and changes colors!

puttyworld

You can find these gifts on the Amazon and Toy R Us websites. There are many more ideas at www.nationalautismresources.com.  Also, I have a resource page listed on this Wordpress site.

Holiday Ideas from Suburban Pediatric Therapies (where Nick goes to speech and occupational therapy):holiday gifts spt

 

Cheers to a fun filled holiday season for your child with special needs. I hope these gift ideas will help make the season a little brighter. Thank you to all the parents and therapists who helped to contribute to the gift list.   That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 🙂

 

 

Posted in Autism, Down syndrome, Fun Side of Nick, Recreation/Leisure and Special Needs

Update~Nick’s World

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

Update~Nick’s World

I just got back from a routine doctor’s appointment for Nick.  He completely enjoyed imitating the coughing and throat clearing sounds the gentlemen next to us in the waiting room.  Since the morning has dwindled away, I am opting to give you and update on Nick’s world instead of pulling something out of my noggin to write.  Nick is 21 years old and has Down syndrome and autism.  Here’s a little slice of his world and what he’s been up to (besides imitating others hacking and sneezing)………

Nick attends a post-secondary transition program called STEPS.  His days are full of work jobs,  occupational and speech therapy, cooking, community trips and other school-related activities.  A big thank you to Jodi, who took many of these pictures of Nick’s world.

Nick helps to make ice packs which he delivers to the schools in our district….

Nick delivery

Ding dong, ding dong, ding dong, guess who’s here?

Nick delivery 2

Community trip bowling…..

Nick bowling ramp

Sensory break time at school……

Nick relaxing.jpg

Dinner with his buddies at Ci Ci’s Pizza……

Nick Ci Ci's

Visit to WVHS Wrestling Team venue, he had to try on the headgear 🙂

Nick Wrestling

Nick dancing in Miss R’s (respite worker) boots….

Nick Dancing

Nick the “winter ninja” relaxing at home…..

Nick Winter Ninja

As you can see, Nick has a very full life which he enjoys every day.  I have to thank his respite workers for taking such good care of him and getting him out into the community.  That’s a slice of Nick’s world and what’s in my noggin this week! 🙂

~Teresa

 

Posted in Autism, Down syndrome, Recreation/Leisure and Special Needs

Blog #124~Sports and Your Special Needs Child

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #124~Sports and Your Special Needs Child

Having a child with special needs and finding sports and leisure activities that suit their level isn’t always easy. My son Nick is 21 years old and has Down syndrome and autism. Nick has participated in Special Olympics, Top Soccer, and Challenger League Baseball programs.  Today I want to highlight the baseball program (The Challenger Division).

Special Olympics (http//www.specialolympics.org)

Nick stands on the top of the podium winning  the Illinois State Gold Medal in the softball throw….

Nick Special Olympics

Top Soccer (http//www.usyouthsoccer.org/programs/topsoccer)

Nick Top Soccer

Baseball-The Challenger Division http://www.littleleague.org/learn/about/divisions/challenger.htm

“The Challenger Division was established in 1989 as a separate division of Little League to enable boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in high school, to enjoy the game of baseball along with the millions of other children who participate in this sport worldwide.  Today, more than 30,000 children participate in more than 900 Challenger Divisions worldwide.

Teams are set up according to abilities, rather than age, and can include as many as 15-20 players. Challenger games can be played as tee ball games, coach pitch, player pitch, or a combination of the three.

One of the benefits of having a Challenger Division is that it encourages the use of “buddies” for the Challenger players. The buddies assist the Challenger players on the field, but whenever possible, encourage the players to bat and make plays themselves. However, the buddy is always nearby to help when needed.”

Nick challenger league

Nick would hit off the tee and a volunteer buddy would help him around the bases. It was a great experience. Check out our Facebook page called “Down Syndrome With A Slice Of Autism” to view a wonderful video about The Challenge League. Or go to this link to see more @http://videos.littleleague.org/video/2015/09/09/What+the+Challenger+Game+means+to+Little-wzODBndzpy

I highly recommend looking into sports programs for your child with special needs. The Challenger League was a wonderful program to be involved in. Play ball, that’s what’s in my noggin.

~Teresa 🙂

 

Posted in Autism, Down syndrome, Fun Side of Nick, Recreation/Leisure and Special Needs

Summer Fun

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

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This week, a look back at summer fun over the years.  Nick enjoys vacations especially if there is swimming involved.  He is now 21 years old and has Down syndrome and autism.  Click on this link to view @ https://nickspecialneeds.wordpress.com/2012/06/11/blog-11the-good-ole-summertime/

That’s what is in my noggin this week.  Happy summer to everyone and thank you for reading and sharing Nick’s world!

~Teresa

 

Posted in Down syndrome, Recreation/Leisure and Special Needs

Snow Day & Groundhog Day

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

IMG_4302

Snow Day & Groundhog Day

We had the 5th biggest snowstorm on record for Chicago yesterday.  So, today is a snow day at home with Nick.  That equals no concentration in the writing department.  I’ll be back next week with a freshly pressed blog (unless we have another blizzard).  Meanwhile, I’m tackling dust bunnies on the high kitchen cabinets.  Nick is tapping away with his tennis balls and pointing outside saying, “Brrrrrrrrrrrrr”!

Speaking of tackling things, here’s a re-blog about getting and staying in shape.  The first part is geared for individuals with Down syndrome.  I also included my top fitness tips to motivate you too! @https://nickspecialneeds.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/blog-37-just-do-it/

That’s what is in my noggin this week.  Stay warm my friends, it looks like 6 more weeks of winter!

~Teresa

groundhog

 

Posted in Autism, Down syndrome, Fun Side of Nick, Recreation/Leisure and Special Needs

Blog #107~Dolphins and My Son with Special Needs

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

 

Blog #107~Dolphins and My Son with Special Needs

There is something about dolphins and Nick. The first time I noticed his fascination was on a field trip to the Shedd Aquarium when he was 6 years old. As the dolphins sprung out of the water he got so excited! The look on his face was sheer delight. I’d never seen him so joyful and mesmerized all at once.

Dolphin show

A few years later, at SeaWorld in San Antonio, my sister witness Nick’s joy.  Laura literally cried seeing Nick’s face light up.  He is so drawn to the dolphins and beluga whales.  Nick has Down syndrome and autism.  His speech is limited.  But no words were needed.  The look on his face said it all.  I knew that I had to find a way for him to get up close with dolphins as they seemed to be able to connect to Nick.

A few years ago we took a vacation down in the Florida Keys.  This was a perfect opportunity to find a program where Nick could get in the water with the dolphins.  There are many dolphin encounters in that area but I decided on a more personal experience at Hawk’s Cay Resort.  “The Dolphin Connection” provided this with small groups of 4 or 5 participants. I spoke with the head trainer to discuss our son and his special needs. She assured me they were very experienced with handling such. I created a social story filled with icons to support Nick in understanding the schedule of events. It was a beautiful day with the warm sun cascading over the aqua waters of the Keys.

Hawks-Cay-004-340x213

The first part consisted of a brief classroom instruction to go over rules and education on dolphins. Nick along with his Dad, brother and cousins were so excited to squeeze into wet suits and get down to the docks.  The experience was very hands-on where each participant individually got to touch, feed, hug and even kiss these amazing mammals.  Nick was completely engrossed. As the trainer had the dolphin roll over Nick quickly bent down to give the dolphin a “raspberry” on its belly.  The trainer remarked, “Well, THAT’S a first”.  Leave it to Nick,  I have a feeling that trainer will never forget him!

raspberry

The final portion of the dolphin encounter included interaction using hand signals. This was a huge splash as they were able to gesture and the dolphin would clap, twirl around, move backwards, and jump high in the air.  As I stood behind the camera filming, I was deeply moved.  This day was such a beautiful gift and the photo tells the story that Nick indeed was connected and absorbed in this moment.

Nick and his Dad……

Nick Kiss

Nick still likes to watch the video footage from that day. Two of his favorite movies are Flipper and A Dolphin Tale. I have to think that this unique experience will forever be one of the best things we have done for our son and together as a family.

Nick’s brother, Hank and  his cousin Anna….

dolphin photos 07 002 (2)

When you have a child with special needs and limited speech it can be extremely challenging to know what they are thinking, feeling and what they truly love.  I had a hunch that this experience would be a slam dunk.  Indeed, it was and then some.  My heart is warm in knowing that we could give this to him.   That’s what is in my noggin this week. 🙂

~Teresa

 

Posted in Fun Side of Nick, Recreation/Leisure and Special Needs

Vacation Update

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

IMG00090-20100731-0608 (3)

Vacation Update……

This week takes us to the Outer Banks, NC (OBX).  Here is a re-post of a blog I wrote two years ago about the OBX, Nick and special needs swim instruction @https://nickspecialneeds.wordpress.com/2012/08/13/blog-17-lifes-a-beach/

That’s what is in my noggin this week, enjoy!

~Teresa 🙂

Posted in Autism, Down syndrome, Fun Side of Nick, Recreation/Leisure and Special Needs

Re-post~Flying with a Special Needs Child

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

photo (108)

Re-post~ Flying with a Special Needs Child

I often get asked the question of how Nick does flying on airplanes?  It’s not easy having a child with special needs, let alone Down syndrome and autism.  Since it’s prime vacation time for many families I thought a re-post of this blog might shed some light on how Nick does on airplanes…. How do you NAVIGATE?????

@https://nickspecialneeds.wordpress.com/2012/07/30/blog-16-up-up-and-away/

That’s what is in my noggin this week.  Enjoy and thank you for reading and sharing Nick’s world. 🙂

~Teresa

Posted in Autism, Down syndrome, Fun Side of Nick, Recreation/Leisure and Special Needs

Summer Vacation Update

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

Summer Vacation Update 

We are back from a two week vacation break.  It’s never certain how a person with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism will do with changes in schedule and venues.  Here’s what we’ve been up to………

Nick enjoyed going out with his respite worker, Lara to Blackberry Farm.  While on a ride, filled with little kids they hit a big bump.  Nick blurted out a loud expletive.  Let’s just say the little ones might have learned a new word they shouldn’t have.  Uncle Thomas came up from Texas for a visit.  It was fun to share laughs together and grill on the deck.  Nick showed his Uncle how he likes to play musical chairs.  Every time someone would get up, Nick would grab all his tappers and stims and steal their spot. He’d laugh flashing that devilish grin of his.

nick and tappers

The second week, we took a road trip to attend a family reunion.  Our route down took us thru St. Louis……

St. Louis Arch

We arrived at our destination 11 hours later at Lee’s Resort in Grove, Oklahoma….

cabins

Nick did really well in the car.  You just have to tune out the sound of the tennis balls tapping incessantly and watch out for flying toys and objects coming from the back seat.

Nick tapping on my shoulder on the road trip 🙂 “Wake up Mom!”

Nick tapping shoulder

It was so much fun to be with the family.  On Friday, we rented a pontoon boat. His Grandma, cousins, aunt and uncles had blast tubing and he loved riding fast in the boat.  Nick was doing great until we had trouble getting the anchor to stay put. We were ready to relax and float in the lake for a bit.  After several failed attempts in three different areas, Nick began to get upset and agitated.  Poor guy, he didn’t know what was going on.  Finally, we found an abandoned dock and tied up to it.  It took some coaxing to convince Nick to put a life jacket on and get in.  (Normally I would have made some visuals for him to follow.  But we didn’t plan the boat excursion in advance).  For persons like Nick, who have Down syndrome and autism it is important to show visuals so they understand what is going on and also what is expected of them.  Eventually Nick made his way to the stern of the boat.  His legs were trembling as he slowly went down the stairs.  Oh, but once Nick hit the water, he took off doggy paddling so fast as if he was after a fire alarm.🙂

 Grand Lake in Grove, OK…..

lake

After five days of visiting, games, filling up on homemade banana pudding, cobbler and ice cream, we hit the road back to Chicago.  Driving amongst the corn fields I got to thinking about our time with the family.  We are very fortunate to have their support and understanding about Nick.  I looked up into the sky at the clouds trying to zone out ESPN radio.  One cloud looked like a Dalmatian with wings.  Another resembled Dory, the fish from the Disney movie “Finding Nemo”.  Nick was busy tapping a water bottle and cracking himself up laughing.  I have no idea why.   What I wouldn’t give to get inside his noggin and see what he’s thinking.  Since that is not possible I can only go by his demeanor.

Nick hung in there well and did better than I expected at the family reunion.  The only time he got mad,(besides the anchor problems on the boat) was when the tables were rearranged in a different configuration for the final dinner. (He had been sitting in the same spot for every meal.)  Yes, he made loud noises, blew snot rockets and threw things just as he does every day. But that’s just Nick’s world.  I’m not sure what some of the extended family members know or think about Nick.  The ones who choose to engage feel a connection in his hugs, fake sneezes, burps and elbow bumps.  It warms my heart to see that Nick has those family bonds.  We made it without any meltdowns and Nick had a great time and for that, I am thankful.  That’s what is in my noggin this week. 🙂

~Teresa

Posted in Autism, Down syndrome, Education and Special Needs, Recreation/Leisure and Special Needs

Blog #97~ Being Nick’s Peer Partner

Posted on by Teresa Unnerstall

 

Blog #97~Being Nick’s Peer Partner

This week, I am very excited to share this piece written by Ryan Solomon.  Ryan was Nick’s peer partner at Metea Valley High School.  The Peer Partner Program operates in conjunction with the Adapted Physical Education Department.  It allows selected students the opportunity to provide mentorship to students with a variety of abilities.  Ryan’s experience with Nick, (who has Down syndrome and autism) inspired him to write this essay for college consideration. 

Essay by Ryan Solomon:

“My application lists my three–‐sport varsity achievements –including all–‐conference and all–‐academic in soccer, basketball and baseball.  You might think I’m a competitive, insensitive jock. So, you may find it ironic that I applied to “opt out” of PE class. Two years ago I was selected as a “Peer Partner” with 26 other students to assist special needs students in Adaptive PE.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience – especially last year. I’ve learned that I am sensitive and caring from my yearlong association with a person that has had a significant influence on me, my “Best Buddy” Nick Unnerstall.

Nick is severely mentally challenged and barely able to speak. Last year, when I was “peer partnered” to swim with Nick, I was afraid it would be a daunting task. Before we met, I expected to see a sad child scared of the school’s enormous swimming pool.  Instead, when I got to the pool, Nick, wearing his floaters, jumped in fearlessly.  We swam together the entire period.  The look on his face was refreshing–‐full of curiosity and wonder.  His smile beamed ear to ear.  The instructor thought it would be difficult for me to handle Nick daily -from preparing to swim, swimming and getting him to class –but that was not the case!  Her concerns disappeared as Nick and I bonded nearly instantly.  We showed up excited to swim every day.  Swimming was the one thing that Nick looked forward to each day.

After class I’d help Nick to lunch.  We’d just smile even though no words were shared.  Simple motions and expressions allowed us to communicate.  This daily routine put my life into perspective.  I used to think it was tough having homework and a game on the same night; dealing with a sports injury; or getting caught up with drama among friends.  None of this compares to what Nick goes through every day and for the rest of his life.

Through Nick, I’ve learned to appreciate all that I am able to do and have learned not to take anything for granted.  Before Nick, I believed I deserved starting positions in sports, or recognition and respect from my peers regardless of my actions. I put myself in his shoes and can see the adversity Nick faces each day from trying to be understood to struggling to get down the hallway crowded with students.  I now realize no one deserves anything without hard work. Although I believe I work hard athletically and academically, it does not compare to the Nick’s challenge to speak or get in and out of the pool.  Now, I work hard at being a compassionate and caring person.

Because of Nick, I am thoughtful of what I say and do.  I have become much more aware of those around me.  Nick shows me there is more to my life than academics and athletics.  With Nick and Peer Partners, hard work, compassion and caring helps me help others.”

Ryan and Nick 🙂

Peer Partners

Reading this essay warmed my heart.  As his mom, it is wonderful to know that Nick has made a difference in Ryan’s life and no doubt many others.  Ryan just finished his sophomore year at The University of Illinois.  I would like to thank him for sharing his story of working with Nick.

That’s what is in my noggin this week. 🙂

~Teresa