Down syndrome and autism – Page 11 – Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism

Autism, Behavior/ ABA, Down syndrome, Speech and Occupational Therapy

Re-Blog~One of My Favorites

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Teresa Unnerstall

Re-Post~ One of My Favorite Blogs

No school today, it’s “Building Articulation Day” (whatever that is). I was going to try and write but Nick is on a mission to drive me bonkers this morning. So I decided to re-post one of my favorite blogs. You will get a real sense of Nick’s world living with Down syndrome and autism.

Here’s a hint 🙂 ………. Splat!

That wasn’t part of the recipe, Nick…….. Poor Woody

Now that I have your curiosity, see what else Nick has done and what we do about it @https://nickspecialneeds.wordpress.com/2012/04/17/blog-3-getting-your-goat/

Hope you enjoyed Nick’s world, the rest of us are just trying to keep up. That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa

Autism, Down syndrome, Education and Special Needs, IEP (Indivdualized Education Plan)

Blog #102~Special Needs Summer School- ESY

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #102~Special Needs Summer School~ESY

During the summer months, a child who has special needs may qualify for ESY (which stands for “Extended School Year”). ESY is usually a half day program which allows someone like Nick who has Down syndrome and autism to continue working on IEP goals. This benefits the student with special needs by keeping the momentum and daily structure which is so vital.

Nick’s teacher, Andrea Lawler put together a montage of his summer school program. Flipping through the pages of this book made me smile. It also put a lens on all the cool things Nick gets to do in the ESY program. Take a look……….

Nick’s ESY Yearbook 2014 at Neuqua Valley High School:

Part of our morning routine was our “Morning Meeting.” Here Nick is letting us know that he is happy, however, he usually loved to be a goof and always point to sad! 🙂

Nick’s version of yoga! Everyday we did a yoga routine with the “Let’s Get Ready to Learn” program.

Who doesn’t love fireworks! Celebrating the upcoming 4th of July with a little fireworks show!

Nick thinks this is way cool 🙂

Mid-rock, one of Nick’s favorite dance moves. Who doesn’t love a dance party every now and then!?!

Enjoying his snack time.

Once a week we would go to the computer lab.

Bingo game with some augmentative-communication during speech group!

Being silly while working in the production room sorting sugar packets.

The students went to the production room on Mondays! No fire alarms in the room though. 🙂

Watching and listening to our book during reading group. This was Nick’s favorite spot to stand in during group time. He’s doing “elbow” which is his version of a high five.

Placing his order during one of our weekly community trips. This trip was to Burger King.

Who doesn’t love Burger King breakfast!?!

This smile says it all!

I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into Nick’s world at ESY. A BIG thank you to Nick’s teacher, Andrea Lawler for putting together this awesome summer school yearbook. In addition, I want to thank all the teachers and aides for taking the time out of your summer break to continue to teach Nick. This allowed me to continue going to work without having to hire respite care. It also kept me from going bonkers with him home all day. That’s what is in my noggin this week.

~Teresa 🙂

Autism, Down syndrome, Education and Special Needs

Re-Post~ Back to School Tips and Your Special Needs Child

Posted on August 18, 2014August 18, 2014 by Teresa Unnerstall

Re-Post~ Back to School Tips and Your Special Needs Child

This week’s blog was written as Nick was about to start his senior year of high school. I am doing this re-post in case some of you missed it or might be new to Down Syndrome With a Slice of Autism. You can click here to view @https://nickspecialneeds.wordpress.com/2012/08/27/blog-19-back-to-school/

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

~Teresa

Autism, Down syndrome, Education and Special Needs, IEP (Indivdualized Education Plan)

Re-Post~Navigating a Special Needs Child in School

Posted on August 11, 2014 by Teresa Unnerstall

Re-Post~ Navigating a Special Needs Child in School

It’s that time of year. The stores are stocked with back to school supplies now. Having a child with special needs can be challenging when dealing with the school system especially with the IEP’s. This week, I am re-posting a blog I wrote about navigating your child with special needs through the school system. I have included my own back to school list of things that I have learned over the last 20 years with my son Nick, who has Down syndrome and autism. Check it out @https://nickspecialneeds.wordpress.com/2012/10/01/blog-24top-10-…through-school/

That’s what is in my noggin this week 🙂

~Teresa

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

Re-post~Flying with a Special Needs Child

Posted on July 28, 2014July 29, 2014 by Teresa Unnerstall

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

Autism, Down syndrome, Education and Special Needs

Blog #101~Teaching Nick 101

Posted on July 21, 2014July 21, 2014 by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #101~ Teaching Nick 101

This week is a perspective written by one of Nick’s middle school teachers, Jessica Martin. She taught Nick during the throes of puberty when his meltdowns were at an all-time high. Nick has Down syndrome and autism and struggles with speech. He gets frustrated trying to communicate and understanding the concept of change.

Here’s what his middle school teacher, Jessica Martin had to say about big guy:

It’s hard to believe that the first time I met Nick the year was 2007. It seems just like yesterday when he walked into my classroom. When Nick first came to me, he had episodes of self injurious and aggressive behaviors. He also didn’t like to work much. I collaborated with his mom who gave me the okay to use pop as a reward for Nick. I started small and used a token board with three squares spelling out the word “pop”. If he did a work, he got a letter. This process continued until he completed three works with appropriate behaviors and got all three squares which spelled POP!!!!!!! And omg did he get excited! He would announce in a high pitched excited voice, mocking me, “Nick goooot popppppp!” He would take his little cup that was no bigger than a medicine cup and tip it back, chucking that single gulp as if he had gone days without a drink, slam it down and give us all thumbs up! By the end of the year, he tolerated longer work periods. We doubled his work time to 6 squares on the token board and changed it from “Pop” to the word “Sprite”.

His work refusal behavior was eliminated 🙂 Yipieeee! There were still small, occasional outbursts here and there but with his mom’s help, we created some amazing social stories to alleviate his stressors. By 2008, Nick was extremely popular in our school. He worked as garbage duty through multiple wings of the school, was happy and was beginning to talk more. His abilities and growth made me so proud.

When Nick finished middle school, I became his respite worker. There are so many hilarious stories too. Oh my gosh, the Taco Bell story comes to mind. I took Nick to the mall one day. We would go on the weekends to shop around and then get lunch. (Taco bell of course.)

I got him to tolerate shopping at the mall for over an hour, (which included lots of shoe stores and Nick trying on display high heels). As a reward, we headed over to get our tacos and bean burritos. Proudly, Nick walked with me down the stairs to the food court, looking as if he were on a mission and walked towards the glorious Taco Bell stand.

We turn the corner and my heart literally froze. The stand was walled up and under construction. Now, 5 years ago, this would have caused a huge scene. Nick stopped, dead in his tracks, looked at the construction sign, fingers curling into little fists and all of the sudden, he yelled as loud as he could, DAMNIT!!!! He then stomped his foot and we walked away. He handled it so appropriately! Should he have sworn? Probably not, but, I was screaming it in my head so I didn’t correct it! We drove to the nearest taco bell and chowed down on processed beans! Phew!

He’s in the zone…….

I have seen so much growth in Nick. He surprises me every day. I love him with all of my heart. My big guy! 🙂 ~Jessica Martin

Nick and Jess…..

I love hearing the perspectives of others who have worked with or been around Nick. It gives me clarity to the fact that he does make progress in his learning and behavior. And he is loved and adored in the process. Special thanks to Jessica Martin for sharing her experiences with Nick. That’s what is in my noggin this week. 🙂

~Teresa

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

Summer Vacation Update

Posted on July 14, 2014July 14, 2014 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.

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

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

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!”

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…..

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

Autism, Down syndrome, Physical Therapy and Special Needs, Speech and Occupational Therapy

Blog #100~20 Tidbits about Nick

Posted on June 23, 2014February 11, 2019 by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #100~ 20 Tidbits about Nick

To celebrate the 100 milestone of this blog “Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism,” I made a list of 20 things about my son Nick.

Nick 20 years ago, what a little kewpie doll…..

1. Nick was born the day after his Dad’s birthday.

2. Nick was in NICU and on oxygen for one week due to an AV valve in his heart not closing. Fortunately, this closed up within a week. He was released from the hospital on Valentine’s Day which was also Ash Wednesday.

3. Nick started early intervention with speech, occupational and physical therapy at 8 weeks old. They taught him sign language. He worked on a stability ball to build core strength long before it became trendy.

4. Nick was the youngest child to start horseback riding therapy in the early intervention program at age one.

5. We use to prop up pillows on the sides of his high chair to keep him from flopping over to the side, until his core became stronger.

6. Due to his low muscle tone (a trait of Down syndrome) he didn’t walk or eat solid foods until he was 3 ½ years old. We did a co-treatment with extensive OT and speech therapy with a feeding specialist using the Debra Beckman feeding technique

7. Nick doesn’t like yogurt or applesauce because I’d mix this awful smelling and tasting Nutrivene Vitamin Supplement into them.

8. To get Nick to pull up to stand, his brother would bounce ping pong balls on the coffee table to catch his attention. I also hung several music toys over the fireplace so he had to pull up to his feet to hear the music. (Hmmmm, maybe that’s why he’s obsessed with pushing buttons.) 🙂

9. Nick has been to the top of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral.

10. He has been overseas three times including London, France and Spain.

11. Nick can replicate exact sneezes, high and low pitch, big and small ones.

12. He is so flexible that he can sleep with his legs crossed and folded all the way forward.

13. Nick’s a thrill seeker and will sign “more” as soon as a roller coaster ride is over.

14. He hates to wear hat and gloves no matter how cold it is.

Unless he’s indoors :)……….

Nick Winter Ninja

15. Nick’s favorite actor is Eddie Murphy, in the movies The Nutty Professor, Doctor Doolittle, and Norbit.

16. He doesn’t like any fruit at all (except raspberries, that is giving and getting them). He does LOVE salads.

17. He won a gold medal in the softball throw event at the Illinois State Special Olympics.

18. Nick was evaluated for autism at age 5, but didn’t get a formal diagnosis until he was 11 years old.

19. Nick has a thing for dolphins and beluga whales.

20. Before the 30 fire alarm pulls, Nick would grab car remote keys and set the alarms off.

Hope you enjoyed the 20 snippets about Nick. Thank you so much for reading and sharing Nick’s world for the last 100 blogs. That’s what is in my noggin this week. 🙂

~Teresa

20 Year Old Nick…..

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Autism, Down syndrome

Blog #99~ *Essential Oils and Sleep

Posted on June 16, 2014June 20, 2014 by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #99~ *Essential Oils and Sleep

*The statements on this blog regarding essential oils are my personal testimony only. Any claims made for the products listed below are based on the experience of my son, Nick who has Down syndrome and autism. The products have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Recently, there was a discussion about essential oils on one of the Down syndrome & autism Facebook groups that I belong to. A couple of mums from England described the benefits of using Bach Flower remedies to promote better sleep. I decided to do some research on essential oils to see if they might benefit Nick.

Here’s what I pulled off the website: http:// www.bachflower.org

“Bach Flower Remedies were invented and developed by Dr. Edward Bach about 80 years ago. Dr. Bach isolated and classified 38 flowers from which he extracted 38 essences with which he succeeded in healing patients’ ailments while taking into account their individual emotional states. Dr. Bach found that certain flower essences led to self-healing, as they purified the patient of negative elements that adversely affected their health.”

There is a difference in Bach Flower Therapy and other essential oils. I found the following link which contains more information that further distinguishes them: http://goodworkswellness.com/difference-between-bach-flower-remedies-essential-oils-and-herbal-tinctures/.

Essential oils work on the body, mind and soul. I learned that these oils were more than just a fragrance. They can provide immense health benefits for humans and animals. They are natural, non-toxic and non-habit forming. The oils can be administered topically, aromatically, and most can be taken internally.

When using them topically add 1-2 drops to carrier oil (such as coconut or olive oil) and massage over a large area. Avoid rubbing essential oils on the skin directly, always mix them with a carrier oil. You can rub the mixture on the bottoms of the feet or back of the neck at the brain stem and gently massaged into the skin. The second way to administer the oils is aromatically using a diffuser. The third way is internally. It is best to assume that an essential oil should not be used internally, unless the product has been specifically labeled as safe for internal use.

After doing this research I decided to give it a try. I’d welcome anything that would help Nick sleep through the night.

I went to Fruitful Yield, a natural food and vitamin store (in Oswego, Illinois), where a very helpful staff guided me to a few types of the essential oils. Here’s a sample chart of some of the oils:

I decided to pick one Bach Flower remedy called “Vervain,” which helps you to relax when you are over enthusiastic or strongly driven. The second oil was suggested by the staff person at Fruitful Yield……

“Now Essential Oil Peaceful Sleep”………

The Now Diffuser was very easy to use and priced at $30 dollars. It BPA-free and utilizes high-frequency ultrasonic electrical vibrations to create an ultra-fine aromatherapy mist. Also, it doesn’t utilize heat, which maintains essential oil integrity and holistic properties. You simply fill it the line with tepid water, put a few oil drops in and push the button. A plume of mist filled with the scents of orange, tangerine, lavender, chamomile, ylang ylang oils along with sandalwood in the Peaceful Sleep Essential Oil then fills the air. It is a floral citrus aroma with benefits to calm, relax and soothe. The Now Diffuser also has a light that changes colors intermittently.

Nick’s out like a light 🙂 ……….

After using the diffuser with the peaceful sleep oil for two weeks, I am happy to report that Nick is sleeping much better. There is a notable difference. Nick is relaxing and falling to sleep much quicker than he usually does. He is also sleeping without interruption almost every single night.

I haven’t tried the Bach Flower Remedy yet since the Peaceful Sleep Oil is working like a charm for Nick. This experiment with using essential oils to help with sleep has been very successful for Nick. As I have mentioned in other blogs that I’ve written, it’s good to think out of the box. That’s what is in my noggin this week. 🙂

~Teresa

Autism, Down syndrome

Blog #95~ Do Just One Thing

Posted on May 12, 2014 by Teresa Unnerstall

Blog #95~ Do Just One Thing

It feels like a Monday morning. I’m bouncing around from one thing to the next and getting off track in the process. I started a load of laundry and took off upstairs to grab my sweaty gym clothes. Speaking of the gym, what playlist am I going to use for spin class tonight? I paused at the bottom of the stairwell to rescue a drooping hydrangea flower which badly needed water. While upstairs I made the bed, grabbed some hangers and scooped up another basket of dirty clothes. I heard a strange noise coming out of the laundry room. The spin cycle wasn’t working on the trusty Kenmore, crap! I sat down at the computer to schedule a service appointment, but the dryer buzzer went off. I’d already hit the fluff cycle twice. Stop and fold them now T! I tried the spin cycle a few more times, but no go. After wringing out each piece of clothing and putting them in the dryer, I sat back down to the computer. What was I doing on it earlier? I better pop another K-cup in, I have lost my focus.

The phone rang and on the other end was a message regarding problems with DHS (Department of Human Services) and an old timesheet from April 2013. That’s just great. What was I going to do on the computer? Oh, that’s right I need to schedule a service appointment. Sometimes I wonder…….

Do I have ADHD?

So, here is my to-do list for the week:

Finish resource list for NADS

Schedule NIU lecture and get respite for Nick

Fill out PACT survey

Deposit Nick’s stipend checks

Write article for NADS newsletter

Research essential oils and Bach Flower Remedy

Make Nick’s visual shopping list for fridge

Get eye exam (I am completely out of contacts)

Write thank you notes

Plant flowers

Over half of the list items are related to Nick and his special needs. Managing his adult affairs has become another part time job. But, I refuse to freak out today. I’m certain that there are lots of moms *running around like a chicken with their head cut off, much like me.

I am going to follow my own advice from last week’s blog. Don’t beat yourself up T. Prioritize this list. So I made the service appointment- Check! As for the rest, I’m going to take a breath, slow down and focus on just one thing. That’s what is in my noggin this week!

~Teresa 🙂

*According to Wiki Answers: A chicken with its head cut off tends to still run around aimlessly for several minutes after death. This is because the nerves in the body are still active for a short time. The saying “like a chicken with its head cut off” is a shortened version of “running around like a chicken with its head cut off”

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