tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40197184111175488552024-03-14T05:08:29.908-07:00Regarding EmmaFinding joy raising our daughter with Severe, Non-verbal Autism & Intellectual Disability Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4019718411117548855.post-7893987955192463332021-09-03T16:07:00.003-07:002021-09-04T02:11:16.664-07:00Rare Things Happen To Real People - There Must Be Choice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvqd-1pywRG3JG0TvdmQQ_rUuW8YuGX2VkcNG5nou0y72n4n2d4LbYMfgObdsYQHhHEFP8qP2B7AwJywUdz5pK8QAGeBtkh5-VGqur4Obr2P2Njq7J8s8BwvAuxqZ2Td5AXiWLa98upvq/s1022/EMMA++park.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Emma" border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="828" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvqd-1pywRG3JG0TvdmQQ_rUuW8YuGX2VkcNG5nou0y72n4n2d4LbYMfgObdsYQHhHEFP8qP2B7AwJywUdz5pK8QAGeBtkh5-VGqur4Obr2P2Njq7J8s8BwvAuxqZ2Td5AXiWLa98upvq/w313-h387/EMMA++park.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is Emma. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">She is a child of God - a joy, a delight and deeply loved. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have never spoken about this widely because, let's be honest, telling a story that challenges people's firmly held narrative on the safety of vaccines doesn't really win friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are many people close to us who don't know this part of our story. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">But, now is the time......</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Emma was 15 months old when she was brain damaged from a vaccine. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Obviously, I was not anti-anything when I walked into that doctor's office. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I believed I was doing the right thing, the responsible thing, the good thing.....</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">But, I wasn't. At least, not for Emma. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I had been told the risks were minimal; adverse reactions: rare.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">No one warned me that rare things happen to real people.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">No one warned me that it could happen to me: to my child. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">And, when it did happen - the silence was deafening.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Doctor's were cold and dismissive. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Only one specialist acknowledged it was caused by the vaccine and had seen this before but wasn't allowed to discuss it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was left completely alone to figure out how and why this happened. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I searched online and discovered communities of people with similiar experiences. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">People call them anti-vaxxers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">But, in my experience, they were just people like me...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">... real people with real stories.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Eerily similar stories. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Voices get loud and people tend to get angry when someone they love gets hurt. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAllbSPgtzNwIU9Zx6gPr92elpBMkJwEjJpahdeGHk1RemAsiiaY2Pv0DUzpABJC_GprNNYkWGY3RFrniKNxGynF2aPYMK4Pj1syjWoWxWGkWdJ0YS3c9iF50mHxfCen_1XyfUQBWB_NgD/s2048/Emma+pram.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1444" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAllbSPgtzNwIU9Zx6gPr92elpBMkJwEjJpahdeGHk1RemAsiiaY2Pv0DUzpABJC_GprNNYkWGY3RFrniKNxGynF2aPYMK4Pj1syjWoWxWGkWdJ0YS3c9iF50mHxfCen_1XyfUQBWB_NgD/w277-h392/Emma+pram.jpg" width="277" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We adore Emma and trust in God's sovereignty, but it has been hard to reconcile that her disability was caused by a vaccine that we, by choice, administered. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">For years, I couldn't look at her baby photos as the guilt of my decision was overwhelming.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Why had I trusted so blindly? Why hadn't I asked more questions? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Why hadn't I responded to the quiet whisper that told me not to go to that appointment? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">That was the hardest one to work through. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Today, there is acceptance and peace about Emma's disability. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">But, sometimes I still feel sad. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Occassionally, I feel overwhelmed that my child's body will continue to grow into a teenager and an adult and yet, her mind is frozen in time - forever, a baby.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My baby. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's important to know that I'm not angry.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">But, because of our story, I will passionately defend people's right to choose.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where there is a risk - there must be a choice. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">No one should be coerced by fear, bullied, threatened or forced to comply with anything that may cause themselves or their children harm.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We must be free to measure the risks. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We must be free to listen to the quiet whisper of our own conscience. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We must remember - </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Rare things happen to real people. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There must be freedom of choice. </span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4019718411117548855.post-70701597657476517522020-09-13T02:54:00.004-07:002020-09-13T03:22:08.014-07:00The mum who judges VS the mum who 'sees' <br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPEQH1estrC7qEwzY2c2N7NE3lx2iTWM7kUHS5luzmAW1zi8y3IjROSvM2R5WBog0rIaanZU-7_wxHh6gDullNBq_knd2_w9yBfM4Bk31yl01BXmYZYBVgbPmHYP0ztiIgFJZf2zTq5tI/s960/71344818_10156464320466551_6228992813145522176_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPEQH1estrC7qEwzY2c2N7NE3lx2iTWM7kUHS5luzmAW1zi8y3IjROSvM2R5WBog0rIaanZU-7_wxHh6gDullNBq_knd2_w9yBfM4Bk31yl01BXmYZYBVgbPmHYP0ztiIgFJZf2zTq5tI/w625-h469/71344818_10156464320466551_6228992813145522176_n.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recently, we had a tough day of hospital appointments. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">As many of you are aware, the hospital is not a great place for kids with ASD. It is always busy, loud, over-crowded and there is a lot of waiting. But now, due to COVID, there is no toy area or play therapists wandering around to offer even a momentary distraction. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Emma was not content to sit and wait, so every chance she got she would sprint in the direction of the consulting suites and barge in to someone else's medical appointment (if I was a moment too slow). Other times, she would just wander quietly and aimlessly into the corridor before throwing her ipad and launching into a run. As I gave chase for the 28th time and told her to sit on the chair, I realised we were providing entertainment for the 50 or so other people waiting anxiously for their appointments.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I wondered what they were thinking while they watched....</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Look at that wild kid - why isn't that mum disciplining her?"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Some people shouldn't have kids if they can't control them..."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">"I'd smack my kid if she behaved like that" or "Thank God MY child doesn't behave like that..."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sadly, these are not phrases I imagine people are saying, these are actual comments I've heard. And, sometimes the disapproving stares communicate more than words anyway. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've become very good at ignoring them. Well, most of the time. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Once the doctor was ready, we went into the consulting room and Emma (knowing the drill) climbed up on the examination bed. The doctor then realised we had to go to a different room for a weigh / measure (due to COVID) and this was NOT okay with Emma as it was unfamiliar. As we walked back through the waiting room, Emma's anxiety sky rocketed and she launched into a full meltdown in front of all the people sitting there. She screamed, she spat, she tried to grab any people or things she could get her hands on and then finally just threw herself on the ground wailing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I can't pick her up anymore so after my desperate attempts to encourage her to move failed (and the doctor was waiting), I awkwardly dragged her into the room. Once in the new room, she continued to scream and throw everything she could get her hands on. At one point she even managed to remove the doctor's very nice (and probably expensive) high heel and throw it. That was a low point.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wBFmMOG7i-U-uGI5zvNAECdp3aUQXDtdVFpSK4fXOrIXo8Kk9uUphz_DUyHDiD9YWNOi1leJN-MH0W3cKIbZNSjULNs4J0x8KZTUGP1dr5aC_BobHWyUvZ66S9GLEXu5-cBTfSr0vowf/s760/bible+verse.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="570" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wBFmMOG7i-U-uGI5zvNAECdp3aUQXDtdVFpSK4fXOrIXo8Kk9uUphz_DUyHDiD9YWNOi1leJN-MH0W3cKIbZNSjULNs4J0x8KZTUGP1dr5aC_BobHWyUvZ66S9GLEXu5-cBTfSr0vowf/w300-h400/bible+verse.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">As we were leaving, mentally and physically exhausted, a mum (stranger) came up behind me and put her hand on my shoulder. She looked me in the eye and said, "I just wanted to tell you you're doing a great job". My heart flooded with thankfulness. It was such a small, simple gesture from a fellow mum but its impact was huge. I felt like someone had lit a candle in a dark room as a reminder that 'light' still existed and all was not bleak. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">As I smiled and said thankyou, her eyes filled with tears. She explained that she had been watching me and felt overwhelmed with how hard it must be. Her mumma heart filled with compassion and she felt compelled to reach out. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">My heart was softened because someone actually 'saw' me.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Most mothers only 'see' what is superficial - the behavior, the defiance, my apparent lack of 'control', her unbrushed hair....sometimes they see through the lens of their own insecurity and self-centredness and use my child to build themselves up or compare their child to mine.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But it takes an exceptional person, one who is not afraid to feel things deeply, to truly 'see' another mum and allow their heart to be filled with love and compassion instead of judgement.</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Which mum are you? The one who 'judges' or the one who 'sees'?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">If I'm honest, I'm probably a bit of both at times. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">But I know which mum I want to be.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">When you see a mum struggling with a child with behaviors, what is your response? Are you the mum who thanks God your child is not like that or the mum who recognises the child is having a hard time and offers a gentle, reassuring smile that communicates I 'see' you. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Be THAT mum</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">When you overhear a mum 'lose' it when a child is struggling with behaviors, do you awkwardly ignore them and think "I would never speak to my child like that" or do you stop and offer assistance? Sure, you risk getting a mouthful and they'll probably say no, but I know my frustration has been diffused in the past by someone 'seeing' me and offering help. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Be THAT mum</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mum's often stare or comment disapprovingly when they see the siblings supporting Emma. I don't know if many have stopped to consider how different, and challenging their life is having a sibling with a disability. Instead of judging me, choose to be the mum that recognise that family dynamics are significantly different when you have a child with significant needs. How about recognising the 'caring' role they take on out of love for their sibling and encourage them? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Be THAT mum.</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">When your child spots a disabled person or a child acting strangely and you witness the 'raised eyebrow' stare or a rude comment (and that's okay...they're still learning) you can pretend not to notice or you can seize the teachable moment and explain that some people are simply, different and encourage them to say 'hello'. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Be THAT mum</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">When you hear of a family going on a holiday without their special needs child, do you judge how terrible that is? Or does your heart break a little to think of what it means for that family to not be able to include one of their own children in those special memories like you can. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Be THAT mum</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">When your special needs mum friend is bit short, snippy or vague and disconnected, do you assume they're not 'coping' and rush to tell someone of your 'concern'? Or do you recognise that this mum carries a heavy burden (not her child but the fear and anxiety associated with their child) and might need a bit more of your patience and understanding than your average mum friend.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Be the mum that chooses compassion instead of accusation.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Be the mum that offers to help instead of walking the other way. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Be the mum that chooses to build others up and not tear them down. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Be the mum that chooses love instead of judgement. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Be the mum that you have needed others to be for you.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Be the mum who 'sees'. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Be THAT mum.<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4019718411117548855.post-45766346799747336602020-06-27T19:30:00.003-07:002020-06-30T17:16:25.807-07:00Special Needs Parents Don't Get Ice-cream <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lluXBP6JFw3AKluRIweMsfH5Tv_w14UsSVxSoOkwlUalvTPJmBcTtVzybGAqK0-eIFac72xCfCMWAgXNNM3JD3LbKyWnkjPc-flDku6aOyaJcPt0svu1m54xzqAfnxDsOhbHwWZW5ou5/s960/Emma+Campig.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Regarding Emma" border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="960" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lluXBP6JFw3AKluRIweMsfH5Tv_w14UsSVxSoOkwlUalvTPJmBcTtVzybGAqK0-eIFac72xCfCMWAgXNNM3JD3LbKyWnkjPc-flDku6aOyaJcPt0svu1m54xzqAfnxDsOhbHwWZW5ou5/w500-h374/Emma+Campig.jpg" title="Special needs parenting" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><font face="verdana"><br />Over the summer break, we went away with friends to a caravan park. <br />
<br />One afternoon, everyone decided it would be fun to take the kids for a walk down the main street to get an ice-cream.<br />
<br />
I love ice-cream. But I couldn't go.<br />
<br />
Firstly, Emma doesn't have the physical stamina to walk long distances and she is getting so darn big that it's impossible for me to carry her when she gets tired.<br />
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Secondly, it's not safe for Emma to be so close to a main road as she has no awareness of danger. It's especially dangerous in a large group where I know I'm likely to get distracted and it only takes a second for her to escape and run for the road.<br />
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Thirdly, we can't take Emma to the shops as, like the eternal toddler she is, runs around impulsively grabbing everything and then has a meltdown when denied what she wants which could be anything from a lolly to the EFTPOS machine. I'm not overly concerned by the judgement that a 7 year-old writhing on the floor attracts; but I AM concerned about her breaking or damaging something that belongs to someone else.<br />
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Lastly, Emma still needs to be spoon fed certain foods and ice-cream is one of those. Most people don't know this as it seems to attract the most disapproval from others, particularly other children, so we never do this publicly. Spoon feeding and nappy changing are 2 things we keep private to try and maintain some dignity for Emma.<br />
<br />
I watched everyone walk away and realised I was quite literally alone.<br /><br />
I wanted an ice-cream.<br />
<br />
I looked at Emma sitting on the camping chair; she was blissfully unaware that she was missing out. Thank God for that, I thought. <br />
<br />I reassured myself, "It's okay. It's just an ice-cream"......<br />
<br />
But it wasn't just an ice-cream. It was a 'cold' (pun intended) reminder of the isolation that special needs families face, not because we're rejected or lack support, but simply because we can't do what other families do so easily. </font><div><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div><font face="verdana">We get left behind: literally and figuratively.<br />
<br />
We knew that by attempting this camping trip that it would be a struggle with Emma and we knew it would mean being confined to the caravan park.</font><div><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div><font face="verdana">It was a dark reminder that as life moves forward for everyone else; time is standing still for us. </font></div><div><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div><font face="verdana">As people move forward and celebrate their children's achievements, we are still stuck at home with the 'baby' enduring sleepless nights, nappy changes and tantrums but without the redeeming 'cuteness' or hope that the stage will pass. </font></div><div><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div><font face="verdana">While most families can enjoy activities together, our family has no choice but to be constantly split in two with one parent left behind with Emma. </font></div><div><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iFDHJWKnbWwa9T4jMpKvMOa8c7bg23lp-2RdAQHAjYpqEOdrQooqVg-7_iC_OiNLyzJn5pXHIdT5JqPMf-74U4xKSK8zCn3avsggm5fzjXT80bS_2CZ_y3tx-BKooSFcR5vqSgIfd6tf/s650/icream.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="650" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iFDHJWKnbWwa9T4jMpKvMOa8c7bg23lp-2RdAQHAjYpqEOdrQooqVg-7_iC_OiNLyzJn5pXHIdT5JqPMf-74U4xKSK8zCn3avsggm5fzjXT80bS_2CZ_y3tx-BKooSFcR5vqSgIfd6tf/w500-h281/icream.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><font face="verdana"><br />
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It was at this moment, one of my friends who I assumed had left, appeared and said that she'd decided to stay with me. I literally breathed a sigh of relief. Her gesture felt like healing ointment on my aching heart. <br />
<br />
I admitted I was trying really hard not to feel sorry for myself. She suggested we walk a few metres over to the camp kiosk and get an ice-cream.<br />
<br />
When we got there, I noticed the freezer had Ben&Jerry's which is actually my favourite ice-cream.<br />
<br />Suddenly, I had a profound thought which I believe was God speaking to me.<br />
<br />
"See, you didn't miss out on an ice-cream. It's just different"..........</font></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="verdana">I became teary with a sense of joy and thankfulness that I hadn't missed out; my father God was with me and had simply provided a 'different' ice-cream. It wasn't the one I wanted and it was different to the one everyone else got - but it was a pretty awesome ice-cream that I loved. </font></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div style="text-align: center;"><font face="verdana" size="5"><b>Finding the joy and hope in 'different'</b></font></div></div></blockquote><div><div><font face="verdana">
<br />If, as special needs families, we focus too much on what we miss out on we will live in a perpetual state of resentment towards our child. Feelings of loneliness and isolation will threaten to blind us from seeing the joy in front of us. <br />
<br /></font><h3 style="text-align: center;"><font face="verdana">
We must learn to 'tune in' to the goodness in our experience (and others) rather than just 'tuning out' the judgement, rejection and loneliness.</font></h3></div><div><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div><font face="verdana">It's a subtle difference but has a profound impact on how we feel. </font></div><div><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div><font face="verdana">If we simply 'tune out' the hurt, we go into survival mode: where we find ourselves in a constant state of putting out spot fires which can be exhausting (mentally). Alternatively, we can learn to 'tune in' to the goodness, hope and joy in our experience, and move from simply surviving to thriving. Joy is strong and powerful and blankets (covers) the ever-present spot fires of our experience.</font></div><div><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div><font face="verdana">In this way, we are free not just to accept, but enjoy the ice-cream we've been given! </font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><font size="5">Whenever I feel my thoughts descending, I stop and find something to be thankful for. 💗</font></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">If I feel lonely in my experience, I remind myself of all the other mum's out there walking the same road.....</span></div><div><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div><font face="verdana">If I'm upset because someone has been unkind, I try and bring to memory a time when someone was kind and my heart was warmed.....</font></div><div><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div><font face="verdana">When I feel like all my strength is gone, I remind myself of how God has always renewed my strength when I've been drained....</font></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font face="verdana">When I find myself saying, "I can't do this", I remember how many millions of times I've said that and yet I've just kept on doing it....</font></div><div><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div><font face="verdana">And, I will keep on doing it. So will you. </font></div><div><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div><font face="verdana">Because whether our ice-cream is the standard variety, gourmet, a Bubble O'Bill, soy flavour or vegan.....</font></div><div><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div><font face="verdana">....it's still awesome - it's just different. </font></div><div><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZM04u1Bt6_4V_ChTU-aUz-zi1ugWjl8LbtKyTPfUouOVt80ubq5FoEVSJ0mFCmxBaQoUEJCdAAJmlq6GqPSVYGDtpl5xgUe5Gm1OoGwW_SnUwikMgcNwAnhuJOpTLI63thAkw5gGo8h-r/s275/icreame+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZM04u1Bt6_4V_ChTU-aUz-zi1ugWjl8LbtKyTPfUouOVt80ubq5FoEVSJ0mFCmxBaQoUEJCdAAJmlq6GqPSVYGDtpl5xgUe5Gm1OoGwW_SnUwikMgcNwAnhuJOpTLI63thAkw5gGo8h-r/w430-h286/icreame+2.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><font face="verdana"><br /></font></div><div>
<br /></div></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4019718411117548855.post-91057466157504043332018-06-10T18:48:00.003-07:002020-06-20T03:07:43.655-07:00To the mum of the child without special needs......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DQqV4yYjSjbKsnx_bl_dHxOmbg4Mu2xA0l5rQxVpHAnNCUEZoi03H1hN8msjLDKqL4NKzjo2-nmwxCAzmrW7ChmYW5oSuPMAuH3GNCetJ-wxp1hKtbWFxSmq7n_s1GqepwdNGj4bezyR/s1600/Me+Emma+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1280" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DQqV4yYjSjbKsnx_bl_dHxOmbg4Mu2xA0l5rQxVpHAnNCUEZoi03H1hN8msjLDKqL4NKzjo2-nmwxCAzmrW7ChmYW5oSuPMAuH3GNCetJ-wxp1hKtbWFxSmq7n_s1GqepwdNGj4bezyR/s400/Me+Emma+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The other day, I watched Emma at the playground climbing up a rope ladder. She moved slowly and deliberately making sure her arms compensated for her weak leg muscles and that her grip was strong enough to compensate her poor balance that could see her topple off at any moment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I watched with pride as she struggled, persisted and made it to the top.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">What an achievement for a child who was told she may never walk!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">With a renewed sense of confidence, she came down the slide ready to attempt the challenge again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">But this time, two children appeared who also wanted to climb. One boy began screaming angrily at her to "Hurry up!" while the little girl closest to her began pushing her in frustration. Emma knew she would fall if she tried to move too quickly so she froze and held on for dear life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Before I could intervene, I watched as the mother came to the rescue of her little girl, exasperated at having to wait, and literally picked Emma up and moved her out of the way to let her daughter climb to the top.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Surprisingly, I wasn't angry or even annoyed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I was perplexed and disappointed.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Mum! You just missed a valuable teaching opportunity!</b></span></i></h2>
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mum, this was the perfect scenario to teach your child to be patient and wait their turn.</b></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">But, instead you just taught your child that HER needs are more important than the needs of others.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mum, this was an opportunity to teach your child self-control.</b></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">But, by not correcting her exasperation, you inadvertently taught her that intolerance of others is okay.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mum, this was a perfect opportunity to explain to your child that some kids are different and cannot climb as quickly as you.</b></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">But, by not stopping to take your daughter aside and explain special needs, you perpetuated the cultural narrative that disabled people are 'less' - that it's acceptable to simply push them out of the way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">See, it's not only my daughter that is negatively impacted in scenario's like this..........</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">.......it's yours as well.</span><br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">See, every time you allow your child to ignore a child with special needs, exclude them or let them make a demeaning comment without correction - you empower unkindness in your child.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, no parent does this intentionally which is why I'm writing this.....</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKUAsPnsHJAPX1Ko-a7hPaRFIssiI0dLsxhWhvjfcUgRtUS3PbswIAINGAEaN2eM7ARQSzr4pl8mR7sgzqICDaX87tarFfJH2JHDMsU6rpIECkJM59c1YY4V7Bsdq4w7-llfenLEe7jDF/s1600/kind-fb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKUAsPnsHJAPX1Ko-a7hPaRFIssiI0dLsxhWhvjfcUgRtUS3PbswIAINGAEaN2eM7ARQSzr4pl8mR7sgzqICDaX87tarFfJH2JHDMsU6rpIECkJM59c1YY4V7Bsdq4w7-llfenLEe7jDF/s400/kind-fb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">When we fail to actively teach kindness and compassion and lovingly correct and discipline behavior that does not respect the rights of others, we deprive our children the opportunity to see the incredible power they have within them to make a positive difference in the world - to do good, to help, to give, to love....</span><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mum, in that one simple moment you thought you were empowering your daughter by pushing the disabled kid out of the way. </b></span></i></h3><div><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>But, you actually dis-empowered her by failing to point out her power to do good in that situation - by failing to teach her that instead of responding with frustration she could have chosen to say, </b></span></i></h3><div><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"It's okay. Let me help you."</b></span></i></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">As adults, we must be very careful about the cultural narratives we model and instill in our children. This means confronting our own intolerance, judgment and attitudes towards those who have special needs or a disability. Our children will mirror our own attitudes and provide miniature reflections of our indifference and ignorance towards the needs and value of others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In conclusion.......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mum, if nothing else, my disabled child provides you with a powerful opportunity to teach your own child love, compassion, empathy, kindness, patience....and that people who are different are not 'less'.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mum, as you take the time to talk to your child about mine, you give your child an amazing opportunity to learn about their power and capacity to help - to bring change, hope and happiness to others. </b></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mum, in future, please don't encourage your child to ignore or push my disabled child out of the way - instead choose to seize the teachable moment to help your child grow into a better human being. </b></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Your child - and mine - will thank you.</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4019718411117548855.post-50992423354267786732017-08-18T21:51:00.000-07:002017-08-18T21:58:07.599-07:00One step at a time - NACD 12 months on <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ92d3kd5lEayNLxpJoy5D4YxddxzgBlsa5L8uNlIGpQEOyMKdNoj9BBTvO72UuGtG37k4j-GbqBqboNBmcN-Ck9dt31118BqeabCR4De2Sas0L0S-VyP8qkrOWtUGZy_UIGqi1VFCLqLN/s1600/recovering+emma+malachi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="special needs parenting" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ92d3kd5lEayNLxpJoy5D4YxddxzgBlsa5L8uNlIGpQEOyMKdNoj9BBTvO72UuGtG37k4j-GbqBqboNBmcN-Ck9dt31118BqeabCR4De2Sas0L0S-VyP8qkrOWtUGZy_UIGqi1VFCLqLN/s640/recovering+emma+malachi.jpg" title="one step at a time" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One step at a time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That's my motto at the moment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When you have a child with a huge number of developmental challenges - the idea of 'recovery' seems a million miles away. </span></span><br />
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Everything is less overwhelming when we take it one step at a time.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHFHO353pRow0EDAZ2AP73La0NKZSQrBfpYJW6feAIYefIS6QALTcuU4B5PwhNA8ewHobYM_JVnLDGsIShuIVs122n6xMocB244ifhZ4ssaTO3Dx6f35M5ZTDigfrWpQGvxIPq65ckU91/s1600/recovering+emma+sensory+play.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="neuroplasticity therapy" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="718" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHFHO353pRow0EDAZ2AP73La0NKZSQrBfpYJW6feAIYefIS6QALTcuU4B5PwhNA8ewHobYM_JVnLDGsIShuIVs122n6xMocB244ifhZ4ssaTO3Dx6f35M5ZTDigfrWpQGvxIPq65ckU91/s400/recovering+emma+sensory+play.jpg" title="special needs parenting" width="298" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We began the <a href="http://www.nacd.org/get-started/" target="_blank">NACD program</a> just over 12 months ago.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">What is NACD? </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">NACD is a program based on neuroplasticity - the brains ability to change, grow and heal with the right input. It is an individualised program based on assessments and evaluation that I implement at home multiple times a day. It involves different activities that address Emma's challenges such as deep pressure input, running, flashcards, sensory stimulation and oral motor excercises. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's hard work. But worth it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Progress Update</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">She's stronger!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The most significant change we have seen is with Emma's motor planning (dyspraxia). She is significantly less awkward and able to do things she wasn't able to do 12 months ago e.g sit down on a chair, climb up on the trampoline, walk with a cross pattern and jump! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She is noticeably stronger (improved low muscle tone) and less clumsy.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">She's developing play skills!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">12 months ago Emma couldn't play independently - she would just walk around holding a toy or object. Although she still does this she also performs 'concerts' in front of the mirror, flips through books, puts dolly in the pram and takes her for a walk and sometimes creates her own sensory play using items from the pantry or fridge! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5D46HBrVQ0df8Fn2EDYjrsFTsZPpoX4OngI9ulgusFEubQER22lkBncgUrWQRN61WRyFtoAshaAeQrw_Py7e60BB_ZDMTIefbmbGWVd9jsCb4CQdX-BFKF2SQvNj1RwxDJPea-FRBGj_/s1600/recovering+emma+sensory+play+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="465" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5D46HBrVQ0df8Fn2EDYjrsFTsZPpoX4OngI9ulgusFEubQER22lkBncgUrWQRN61WRyFtoAshaAeQrw_Py7e60BB_ZDMTIefbmbGWVd9jsCb4CQdX-BFKF2SQvNj1RwxDJPea-FRBGj_/s320/recovering+emma+sensory+play+2.jpg" width="308" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">She is processing information quicker!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although her auditory processing is still an issue (also due to her hearing impairment) she is processing information requests quicker. She is also now able to process 2 pieces of information and knows over 100 flashcards which indicates her good visual attention and ability to retain information. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her level of processing now has meant we can start teaching her to read by introducing word cards.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Speech? </span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We are still having challenges with speech although she has made significant gains in the last 12 months and is now able to imitate sounds and use 'some' words. Although she has more words than she had a year ago, she is still predominantly using gesture and jargon to communicate. She manages to communicate quite effectively without speech but we desperately want her to speak! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Looking ahead to the next 12 months......</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNV6FpQ44mZ5frB9HDmdw-a4f3shgstPCEh6TPcvBuggg30ZM5-BkslCksjN2pgTaZqTtqbsR0d_UYX8zYURhbvd2Gfo6zgeAp5iWYBC-kCUM9FvEerrtOmhd6pVBEHbR_c38zNG6E5M6R/s1600/recovering+emma+byron+bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img alt="neuroplasticity therapy" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNV6FpQ44mZ5frB9HDmdw-a4f3shgstPCEh6TPcvBuggg30ZM5-BkslCksjN2pgTaZqTtqbsR0d_UYX8zYURhbvd2Gfo6zgeAp5iWYBC-kCUM9FvEerrtOmhd6pVBEHbR_c38zNG6E5M6R/s400/recovering+emma+byron+bay.jpg" title="recovering emma" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I would love and appreciate prayer for......</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- Speech!!!!!!!!!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- That she will be ready to begin toilet training</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Her sequential processing will continue to improve </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Her physical health including her hearing remains stable</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Wisdom and strength for me...please.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We look forward to the next 12 months with hope and anticipation! </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4019718411117548855.post-25662134473391866162017-04-18T03:47:00.001-07:002017-04-20T00:18:45.717-07:00Neurofeedback Therapy For Developmental Disorders <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66WHRrkNYrRMc-3SAYwKA0tqTG5VwkyVGB4Byvkm9UJSVJkcFTC3Mbm5dYV9JHXAL_6dpCvj7MtbPNBzyi6NBjKwYnd7yG0pfozgMOeRxv6ymas6L_kYABEphBPMOn59DLQ9eZAgi2mzO/s1600/neurofeedback+therapy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66WHRrkNYrRMc-3SAYwKA0tqTG5VwkyVGB4Byvkm9UJSVJkcFTC3Mbm5dYV9JHXAL_6dpCvj7MtbPNBzyi6NBjKwYnd7yG0pfozgMOeRxv6ymas6L_kYABEphBPMOn59DLQ9eZAgi2mzO/s400/neurofeedback+therapy.jpg" width="350" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am often in awe of how the right doors open for Emma as we move forward along this journey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It starts with a thought, an idea, a chance encounter, a book I stumble across, a website....some ideas fade away but it's the ones we can't get out of our head that we need to pay attention to. Some people call that intuition but I know it's the voice of God directing to me towards the things that are going to help recover Emma. I know I'm not alone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">So why Neurofeedback?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After 6 months of doing the NACD neurodevelopmental program we began seeing results. We were no longer treating the symptoms of her disability but targeting the cause: Her brain. We had begun the process of re-wiring Emma's brain to function like a normal brain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But was there something more we could do to accelerate her progress?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I waited.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And then... someone mentions to me how neurofeedback (neurotherapy) basically cured their child's epilepsy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And then....over the Christmas holidays I'm reading a book on neuroplasticity and an entire chapter happens to be dedicated to the effectiveness of neurofeedback for children with developmental disorders.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The more I read - the more excited I became. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And then I see a sign while I'm driving advertising a psychologist who practices neurofeedback. I call. The receptionist was so incredibly kind and encouraging that I felt I may have been talking to an angel. I couldn't believe how 'right' this felt.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqL3ppz64_JSprv6lt9cXqMByJH4bFLFilvZmtK3-JCsw_cA2IFxvuHeFB5Xjd11ZzZdObgJH7E81jxClK4-Er6Fy7yrjlieRwvR0SIoxw46tD31Z1Jb0a7Nx7EuUNcQyK6UHCzr7pwqQ/s1600/neurofeedback.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqL3ppz64_JSprv6lt9cXqMByJH4bFLFilvZmtK3-JCsw_cA2IFxvuHeFB5Xjd11ZzZdObgJH7E81jxClK4-Er6Fy7yrjlieRwvR0SIoxw46tD31Z1Jb0a7Nx7EuUNcQyK6UHCzr7pwqQ/s640/neurofeedback.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our First Meeting</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The psychologist acknowledged Emma was a severe case and offered a less common form of neurofeedback called the LENS (low energy neurofeedback system) which treats central and peripheral nervous system functioning. Thankfully, this is the less expensive kind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was told there were no guarantees but the expected results would be an 'acceleration in her progress' which was the exact 'thing' I had been praying about. The psych. also said that Emma was more likely to respond to the neurotherapy because of all the other 'work' that has gone into healing her brain e.g the diet, supplements and neurodevelopmental program. What encouragement!</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our First Session</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Following her first treatment we saw a huge increase in her energy levels. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Emma has always been a low-energy kid and sleeps..A LOT. She is often pale and lethargic. That night she didn't crash as soon as her head hit the pillow and started resisting bedtime. After that she stopped falling asleep in the car on short trips (this is huge because it has always been annoying!). Her meltdowns became more intense so we thought perhaps the stimulation had been too much. But we realised the meltdowns were actually a response to an increased awareness of what was happening around her. She was becoming frustrated at appropriate things like not being understood, being left out, not being allowed something she wanted...all pretty normal for her developmental stage.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Session 2-3</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Emma's increase in energy levels continued and her speech became clearer! She seemed so much more 'switched on' and her engagement during program improved. This isn't surprising as the evidence base for neurofeedback is in its use with focus and attention for those with ADHD.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And it continues.............</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We have had 7 sessions for far (out of 20) and it has been incredibly effective. Our family is constantly marvelling at something 'new' Emma has done. She is getting really good at following simple requests like "Shut the door" (something she couldn't do before starting NACD) and she is using language more spontaneously e.g today looks at a chicken and said "chicken" without being told to say "chicken".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I should now add that this acceleration in development has meant Emma is like a tornado. Her new favourite thing is drawing on our floorboards, walls, windows, anywhere really...usually in permanent marker. This new 'intensity' is so similar to what my boys were like as toddlers that the 'craziness' is actually comforting - it feels normal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Neurotherapy has been the PERFECT compliment to our neurodevelopmental program and I strongly believe that a neuroplastic approach to early intervention is the key to recovery for kids with developmental disorders. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4019718411117548855.post-70208096874902237382017-02-16T16:36:00.001-08:002017-02-16T19:20:00.949-08:00Dear Emma. It's not you. It's me. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZp5o-jhkFnSGpGIMcv05XLO1LHdB-gnAwOsnxLV_LE5r9gqYK5lhLKTWTj-JzpXXgGo7boDgeOmCw8Yd_h0IBvqsKNhZm6MeIWID3QTmwIGEHxfzr2QlmRY9u4Ebhpa7XYFWl45YHj7t/s1600/emma+5th+birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZp5o-jhkFnSGpGIMcv05XLO1LHdB-gnAwOsnxLV_LE5r9gqYK5lhLKTWTj-JzpXXgGo7boDgeOmCw8Yd_h0IBvqsKNhZm6MeIWID3QTmwIGEHxfzr2QlmRY9u4Ebhpa7XYFWl45YHj7t/s640/emma+5th+birthday.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is a significant post for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Emma is 5 years old today and this is the first year we have actually celebrated her birthday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Birthdays have always triggered intense grief for me. What is there to celebrate when faced with the harsh reality that it's been another year of missed milestones, another year watching your child struggle through life and another year missing out on all the experiences that 'normal mums' with 'normal daughters' get to enjoy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once a year at birthday time I allowed those waves of grief to all but crush me. If I briefly allowed a memory of her birth to flood back it was quickly dismissed as too painful to consider. If only I had known as I held that precious newborn in my arms that all the hopes and dreams I had would be destroyed a few months later. If only I'd known the happiness and joy I anticipated her life would bring to the world would be replaced with worry, fear and the feeling of carrying a burden far too heavy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Those feelings started late last year as I began to dread this upcoming birthday because we had always hoped and prayed she would be 'normal' by 5. I survived those first few months following diagnosis by telling myself that all I had to do was get to age 5 and then everything would be okay. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And then just like that - she turns 5. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvzsIkswxz8xPel18qtNRzrbziPKxSPK0yx2rt-Gma1L3WkGp-jSkmod1oymu69Tnc-8Waeqb5NFPSxcfm9ofldfmbU2UKYHGgZHa8c7Pv397Su3Ziy_0nw4ZFUe364UsBe7a-eZYTZFX/s1600/emma+5th+birthday+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvzsIkswxz8xPel18qtNRzrbziPKxSPK0yx2rt-Gma1L3WkGp-jSkmod1oymu69Tnc-8Waeqb5NFPSxcfm9ofldfmbU2UKYHGgZHa8c7Pv397Su3Ziy_0nw4ZFUe364UsBe7a-eZYTZFX/s400/emma+5th+birthday+2.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But.... then something happened. Something significant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As I wallowed in self-pity allowing my thoughts to descend to dark places, I had the sudden realisation that this was not about Emma. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This was about me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I didn't need to grieve for what was LOST because I could instead choose to celebrate what we had FOUND in Emma.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I needed to take the focus off her and place it on my attitude. Emma didn't choose to be disabled to make my life difficult. She can't control this anymore than I can. The only thing I can control right now is my response. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This bible verse sprung to mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"Shout for joy, o barren woman, she who has not given birth; Break forth into song and rejoice she who has not gone into labor..." Isaiah 54:1 </i></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What on earth does that even mean? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It means that joy should not be limited to our circumstances. It also means that we can choose thankfulness and joy even when we 'can't see' what it to come. The barren woman in this scripture chose to praise and thank God even though she was 'barren' and as she lifted her heartfelt praise to her creator - something shifted within her and it released God's promise and she was blessed with more children than she could have imagined. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzWVnTiNtkxa90GrpAp0ij5vkW8-gwYxgLlO3JzLpoKw_gQg7HRBChgGktedW1cxhkXIPOdzQ4G8SBDSdikmvDlr98iXxLxVBlr5cWvYvDyP96qPfADUGX0x8Iz6j7muNuL6TvNN9oU-N/s1600/emma+birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzWVnTiNtkxa90GrpAp0ij5vkW8-gwYxgLlO3JzLpoKw_gQg7HRBChgGktedW1cxhkXIPOdzQ4G8SBDSdikmvDlr98iXxLxVBlr5cWvYvDyP96qPfADUGX0x8Iz6j7muNuL6TvNN9oU-N/s320/emma+birthday.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I began to thank God for Emma. I thank you that she is beautiful. I thank you that you have entrusted her to me. I thank you for her smile. I thank you that she loves to sing. I thank you that she laughs at her own jokes (like me). I thank you that are bringing healing to her each and everyday. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And I thank you that you carry the burden so I don't have to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As I did this - something shifted within me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Suddenly the lense through which I saw her changed colour and I saw JOY. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">So this year, instead of grieving for what ISN'T I'm choosing to celebrate what IS.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Emma is a life worth celebrating. A gift - to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let's sing for joy! </span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4019718411117548855.post-16988997027678533972017-01-12T16:59:00.000-08:002017-04-19T02:29:06.498-07:00Why We Chose the GAPS diet....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ry5_Sp6D-WitwCbpx1kJaVRjQOKWNfCCDlgsQ9KHXxMhwhsHedGb1cJydr7-VkFGlrZH4y6-pqyTRgQlvG-lnjtbzSwGRtKCu2bK8tlB8-5BCOEMSAco-tIHUBO6OrThzgpKdIK-2AL2/s1600/healthy+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="GAPS diet autism" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ry5_Sp6D-WitwCbpx1kJaVRjQOKWNfCCDlgsQ9KHXxMhwhsHedGb1cJydr7-VkFGlrZH4y6-pqyTRgQlvG-lnjtbzSwGRtKCu2bK8tlB8-5BCOEMSAco-tIHUBO6OrThzgpKdIK-2AL2/s320/healthy+food.jpg" title="GAPS diet special needs" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From the very beginning I knew that diet and nutrition were crucial in addressing Emma's issues. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But which diet?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were advised by our integrative doctor initially to remove gluten and dairy until we figured out exactly what she needed. We saw changes immediately. She was more alert and had noticeably less absence seizures. We knew we were on the right track.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are lots of things we don't know about what has caused Emma's issues. But one thing we did know was that her mitochondria weren't functioning well. We put her on a <a href="http://www.tacanow.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Mitochondrial-Dysfunction-ASD-1.pdf" target="_blank">protocol </a>of supplements to specifically support mitochondria and saw good progress in her muscle tone and energy levels.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The current (non-mainstream) recommendation for kids with mito issues is a diet low in oxolates. We tried this for 6 months with no changes that I could attribute to the diet. She continued to be bloated after every meal and alternated constipation with horrendous explosive poo. It was clear that we were missing something. I also felt 'awkward' about the low ox diet as it had very little nutrition as foods high in oxolates like fruit and veg are also high in antioxidants which are also important in recovery.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I understood the basic principles of the microbiome but had never actually read the GAPS book.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <img alt="Image result for GAPS BOOK" height="320" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51FRvv%2Bwe-L._SX350_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="225" /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">m someone who need to understand the 'why' before I jump in. If I was going to attempt a diet as restrictive and time intensive as GAPS I needed to understand the science behind it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The basic science</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your immune system is in your gut. Your gut and brain are connected. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If your gut health is poor then your health is unlikely to be optimal. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Diet and lifestyle factors have a direct influence on the good or bad bacteria in your gut. Eat bad food then you end up with more bad bacteria than good. Eat good foods particularly foods with live bacteria (e.g probiotics, fermented foods) then you feed the good guys. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More good bacteria equals a healthy gut and a healthy gut equals a healthy brain. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I knew Emma had lots of inflammation in her body which included in her brain. Science has always believed that the brain was incapable of being 'inflamed'....turns out they just discovered they were wrong. This diet reduces inflammation in the body by healing the gut.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kulturedwellness/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqmTfubkjrc2eo5JEGoGjopPPlmy_57R-8SeUKImyfNPzeRlEJCA0Bempt9iDvoI31zSrOSgTY3y7PZPSJjKkw5CRWOLfnoh9RUzDJUuHwSzq7iFK9ieE3r6oknuM0NNg2oVY4p0zkSaY/s640/gut+brain+axis.jpg" width="462" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>WARNING</u></b> - This diet is hard work. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I only attempted it because I have my best buddy (my thermomix) to help me out. It requires LOTS of cooking and food preparation and organisation (not my strong suit). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">BUT.....It has been sooo worth it!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After the initial detox which was horrendous we noticed improvements in Emma's social skills. She became more aware of other kids and started finding ways (without words) to interact with them. This was exciting - an obvious change. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It has also helped my other kids by beginning to heal their leaky guts. How do I know? Because after years of being the same weight they have stacked on the kilo's in just 8 weeks! We have also not had one tummy ache since starting the diet and kids just seem happier. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been doing it too - and it feels awesome. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In my humble opinion, if you haven't experienced success with other 'diets' then GAPS is one worth exploring for your family especially if there are special needs or health issues.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although I believe a holistic approach is best in recovering special kids I've seen firsthand that diet is crucial in working towards healing. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be encouraged xo </span></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4019718411117548855.post-81741559467293544972016-12-28T20:14:00.001-08:002016-12-28T23:09:28.592-08:00Emma's Progress - 6 months on..........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0QfHDaOGvQd7BHl3kjy3UuVBJgEd12yixmMZNOKMESuWIlb9S9gssBluoXwq6pnRSyoH96RHvWoz0LbB6V6PxQ03sWU8OKM61YEGQxv3RAeJCYEWoPIxu1t8mXIWlFpGReMbJd8r9G-Q/s1600/recovering+emma+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0QfHDaOGvQd7BHl3kjy3UuVBJgEd12yixmMZNOKMESuWIlb9S9gssBluoXwq6pnRSyoH96RHvWoz0LbB6V6PxQ03sWU8OKM61YEGQxv3RAeJCYEWoPIxu1t8mXIWlFpGReMbJd8r9G-Q/s400/recovering+emma+art.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When we began Emma's <a href="http://www.nacd.org/" target="_blank">NACD neurodevelopmental program</a> in July, I planned to blog once a month. Little did I know that with the demands of the program I would struggle find time to eat let alone sit down at the computer to write. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So...better late than never! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Emma is making progress but admittedly, at a slower pace than I would like. But I am also (slowly) learning to celebrate the 'little things' and find joy even in the darkest moments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is so much more to this 'program' than the work and learning. I feel like everyday I go into battle for Emma. It's not easy. It's not always fun. But the hope that we will 'win' this battle is what keeps us moving forward. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Emma's Progress</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1Gwc19QufAXuwH84XtcvaoAH7GfCvOlRBsNZtSug3UFNOoYXCsZbCpvRIAnuLolD2PCqW9bbhNMFNP9gYvSPlcGRs6aXbPyEVx2JvZkZgqHRTubOpT_hhyphenhyphenX_Cg-KnRjtEhJGIvhoy_0c/s1600/recovering+emma+playgroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1Gwc19QufAXuwH84XtcvaoAH7GfCvOlRBsNZtSug3UFNOoYXCsZbCpvRIAnuLolD2PCqW9bbhNMFNP9gYvSPlcGRs6aXbPyEVx2JvZkZgqHRTubOpT_hhyphenhyphenX_Cg-KnRjtEhJGIvhoy_0c/s320/recovering+emma+playgroup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Significant improvements in muscle tone</span> </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since beginning the deep pressure and movement exercises as part of her program Emma is no longer floppy AT ALL and noticeably stronger. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Significant improvements in motor planning / coordination / balance</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Emma used to fall over constantly. She would walk into things, trip over things but not anymore! She now has good body awareness and is significantly more confident with climbing, playing on the playground and can now carry things without toppling over. She has started trying to stand on one leg and often tries to imitate dance moves she sees when watching music videos. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just this week she jumped for the first time (using 2 feet) on the trampoline! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Improvements in receptive language</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After feeling like she was never going to get it, Emma has begun processing 2 pieces of information. She is also able to recognize over 100 flashcards whereas before we started the program I was unsure of how many pictures / objects she recognized if any.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Improvements in auditory processing</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We are finding Emma is responding more consistently to requests and is processing information quicker.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She hears everything without her hearing aids and often tells me if she 'hears' something by looking at me and putting her hands near her ears. This morning as we did our running she did this when she heard a dog bark in the distance. 6 months ago she wouldn't have been as 'tuned' in to hear the sounds around her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Improvements in social Skills </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After starting the GAPS diet in October we began noticing improvements in her social skills particularly her ability to interact with other kids. Adults are mostly kind and patient but generally young kids are not so it is very difficult for a child like Emma to engage in meaningful interactions with other kids. But now she is initiating social interactions and is able to 'maintain' interaction for a short period of time. She used to engage for 10 seconds and then wander off on her own but we are now noticing she is identifying kids her own age, approaching them and engaging happily in parallel play with the odd moment of co-operative play. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We also recently saw our first glimpse of 'compassion' where she realised she'd (accidentally) hurt another child and cried along with the hurt child before putting her arm around him as if to say 'sorry'. Gold. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All of these areas still need work but we celebrate her progress! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">How I manage the program.....</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41oP2GWKGIl-LsXJUXWEziEt7gE9SMxtIAVSoim8PbO8kSdC26TABJcaKJfvlwXSdASgN6kzBtv6Lt3NefaZjRxHDFbV-PCfiATP7pAK5gEGOHp8vLWULVJbG1nn3PtzUoMxZGbhwJfT2/s1600/liz+emma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41oP2GWKGIl-LsXJUXWEziEt7gE9SMxtIAVSoim8PbO8kSdC26TABJcaKJfvlwXSdASgN6kzBtv6Lt3NefaZjRxHDFbV-PCfiATP7pAK5gEGOHp8vLWULVJbG1nn3PtzUoMxZGbhwJfT2/s400/liz+emma.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It only took me about 2 days to realise I couldn't do this program on my own.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We now have 3 amazing volunteers who come weekly to help with Emma in various ways depending on their experience and expertise. Their willingness to give of their time to help our family is actually what gives me strength on those dark days. These volunteers help remind me that even when the world seems harsh and unfair there is still goodness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I admit we still struggle to get all the 'program' done 7 days a week. We are finding that as Emma moves through stages in her development she is becoming more like a 'toddler' and less like a 'baby'. This means meltdowns, tantrums and defiance and boy, is that girl stubborn. There are some days where it takes more like 3 hours to get program done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We are praying that 2017 will be a year of continued growth and development for Emma but feel we need a miracle when it comes to her speech. So friends, I ask you to join us as a family in praying that our precious girl will find her voice in 2017 and we will be sure to give God the glory for his power at work in Emma's life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you from the bottom of my heart all for your kind words, prayers and encouragement in 2016. I am truly thankful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy New Year everyone! xo </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4019718411117548855.post-78784337724555127692016-10-29T00:22:00.002-07:002016-10-29T22:33:11.572-07:00When Parents Lose Hope.........<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDQnJfwxFALqRr9qiTMXMIXq5N9n_d1eWkel-vyKu9ET-p8jCz1pC9hm9b650oLYoPUaPZZFBPWa6SN5T9FqUlWqAmRttCL7t40u3WrfLWBFXzDUi37BCnm92Ca8oytMhm44H2xNwbFWY/s1600/never+lose+hope.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDQnJfwxFALqRr9qiTMXMIXq5N9n_d1eWkel-vyKu9ET-p8jCz1pC9hm9b650oLYoPUaPZZFBPWa6SN5T9FqUlWqAmRttCL7t40u3WrfLWBFXzDUi37BCnm92Ca8oytMhm44H2xNwbFWY/s400/never+lose+hope.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recently in the media we heard about the tragic murder-suicide of a family with two children with autism.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Obviously, it's not okay to kill your children whether they are disabled or not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But the story is interesting because it came as a shock, a surprise to those who knew the family. Why? Those parents were the 'good ones'. These were the parents who volunteered in the canteen and the classroom. They were the ones that attended school events, lived in a nice home, worked hard and appeared to be coping with the challenge of raising two children with special needs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's (generally) not your stereotypical dead beat parents who do this kind of thing. It's the parents who love their kids so much it hurts. It's the parents who have sacrificed for their special needs kids from day 1 because they so desperately want the best for them. It's the ones who've tried to stay positive and put on a brave face during therapy sessions and doctors appointments like they do every. single. week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">How do these things happen? </span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The answer is simple - parents lose hope.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Parents lose hope that the dreams they had for their child will ever be realised. They lose hope their child will live a meaningful life. They lose hope the behaviors will change. They lose hope that all they have sacrificed for their kids counts for something. They lose hope that tomorrow might be easier. Clearly, losing hope has devastating consequences.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Without hope - we die. Not literally but inside. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hope is what keeps us moving forward.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Hope is what helps us wade through the uncertainty of what the future holds to a place of rest where no matter what happens, "It's going to be okay".</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the most challenging experiences I've ever had was working in the children's cancer ward. There were times when we believed in hope that a child would beat the odds - and they did and other times where I comforted parents while they held their dying child. It nearly broke me. Outside I did my job but inside I was struggling because I couldn't see the hope. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I went to God desperate to understand and he showed me there is always hope but sometimes we need someone else to help us see. I thought there was no hope because the child had died but I learnt there was hope that one day the parents would experience joy again. There was hope that tomorrow would be a little easier than today and that the overwhelming grief wouldn't last forever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As parents with children with special needs, we need hope like we need air. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Without it, we die inside and it's hard to keep going. That's how these things happen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes the darkness seems all consuming and we can't remember what the light looks like. That's when we need to reach out and ask someone to encourage, pray and remind us that no matter what happens - it's going to be okay. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There's always hope. Keep going. xo</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4019718411117548855.post-19832153721351894592016-08-30T04:49:00.000-07:002016-09-03T00:31:04.291-07:00Addressing Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmjvLtxqPtjmQV5BoDKBjbchS5fhX4MBNq4dVFUt1Yjds_DnJ840uA3byKdnedDAkWQBGu7SbraNUunY-PnxIbeZfPS9g-OHMn9ofaSgH6gRBsN4NVwwKF9Eq-H2WCJZIodeLjPldc4bR/s1600/recovering+emma+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmjvLtxqPtjmQV5BoDKBjbchS5fhX4MBNq4dVFUt1Yjds_DnJ840uA3byKdnedDAkWQBGu7SbraNUunY-PnxIbeZfPS9g-OHMn9ofaSgH6gRBsN4NVwwKF9Eq-H2WCJZIodeLjPldc4bR/s400/recovering+emma+pic.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The more we continue Emma's neuroplasticity program, the more aware we become of her motor planning issues particularly related to speech. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Emma has a few words but speaks mainly in approximations. Most words or phrases are so unclear not even I understand them. She has the desire to communicate and makes frequent attempts to use language but nothing recognisable comes out. She understands the rhythm of language perfectly and will imitate syllables but cannot make the correct speech sounds. She also gets 'stuck' on the motor plan of particular sounds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The word used to describe these symptoms is Dyspraxia. It basically means a problem in the area of the brain responsible for motor planning and coordination. Dyspraxia affects physical movement but can also impact movement required for speech. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">So what are we doing? </span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oral Motor Therapy</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nacd.org/" target="_blank">NACD</a> provides us with oral motor exercises we do twice daily. These exercises involve trigeminal stimulation (massage), facial stimulation, mouth stimulation as well as various chewing and tongue exercises. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We use <a href="http://chewytubes.com/" target="_blank">chewy tubes</a> and a <a href="http://www.myomuncheeblog.com/" target="_blank">myomunchee</a> as part of our therapy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We also use ipad apps such as <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/speech-therapy-for-apraxia/id512647583?mt=8" target="_blank">speech therapy for apraxia</a> to work on specific sounds and we do lots of face-to-face work so that Emma can see the correct lip, teeth and tongue movement needed for particular sounds. I continually reinforce the initial sound of words e.g b-b-b-ball, g-g-g-girl. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bio-med Dyspraxia Protocol</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We have just begun <a href="http://kellydorfman.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/The_Best_Dyspraxia_Program_Ever.pdf" target="_blank">this protocol </a>created by Kelly Dorfmann whose research looks at how different types of fat affect the brain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It includes three key supplements</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://nootriment.com/phosphatidylcholine-benefits/" target="_blank">Phosphotidyl Choline</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://treatautism.ca/essential-fatty-acids/" target="_blank">Omega 3 / DHA</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Vitamin-E-The-overlooked-nutrient-and-its-brain-health-benefits" target="_blank">Vitamin E</a> </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All supplements need to be given at the same time as they work together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a music therapist, I incorporate lots of music into our program.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I use drumming techniques to help develop Emma develop a strong sense of internal rhythm which is important for speech and language development. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We also use familiar songs to develop speech and language leaving out the ends of phrases for her to fill in. e.g "Twinkle Twinkle little -----". This is a music therapy technique that many speech therapists use due to its effectiveness. Parents can easily incorporate this technique into their daily lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dyspraxia is one piece in the puzzle for Emma - but we look forward with hope to the day that all the pieces fit together!</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4019718411117548855.post-86914044517388636712016-07-29T19:10:00.000-07:002016-07-29T19:10:32.059-07:00 4 weeks on - Celebrating each little step forward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nNqRh_OWydOwv0A_oQPPMkfiePVFlKjlj3RcFUJMshZwA6i_G_S7j6Mhq_Ee89ETS21JzlNr0DtNBDzTUCTAM1qL-WhWtKWtUvLUUXng-AVoHFtYBafuME-YMCmo01Lla33iGK07INY_/s1600/Emma+progress+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nNqRh_OWydOwv0A_oQPPMkfiePVFlKjlj3RcFUJMshZwA6i_G_S7j6Mhq_Ee89ETS21JzlNr0DtNBDzTUCTAM1qL-WhWtKWtUvLUUXng-AVoHFtYBafuME-YMCmo01Lla33iGK07INY_/s640/Emma+progress+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This week we went to the park. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I watched Emma run and explore and felt like I was looking at a new child. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tears sprung to my eyes as I experienced a deep sense of joy and thankfulness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We are 4 weeks into our <a href="http://nacd.org/" target="_blank">NACD</a> neuroplasticity program.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The program takes 3 hours daily to complete and should be completed 7 days a week. I can only manage 6 days and some days struggle to get the full 3 hours done. We are managing about 80% of the total program with the goal of getting to 100% next month. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She has a long way to go but the changes are remarkable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Her muscle tone and strength are noticeably improving and she is more aware of her body thanks to the frequent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT9NT6_mu-c" target="_blank">deep pressure</a> input. She is running faster and moving without as much hesitation. I also noticed her hands are hanging lower when she walks as opposed to her 'dinosaur arms'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Amazingly she has gained 3kg with no changes to diet / exercise. At first I was concerned until I realised that it's because her (low tone) jelly fish arms and legs are gaining muscle! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There's a brightness in her eyes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She is starting to notice everything. She responded to plane flying overhead, the sound of the train in the distance, a bird sitting on a branch and distant dog barking (all without her hearing aids). At one stage she took my hand and led me to a tree to show me and then pointed upwards like she was explaining to me that it was really tall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This kid is excited about life and the world around her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We've seen positive changes in her listening and responding (auditory processing) particularly her ability to imitate sounds and words. She has surprised us with lots of new words at random times like "Aunty Trace" and "Roof". They don't always 'stick' but we celebrate each new sound or word as she gets one step closer to normal speech. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Other changes we've initiated as well as the program have been increasing her dose of <a href="http://www.generationrescue.org/index.php/latest-news/treatment/benefits-of-fish-oil/" target="_blank">fish oil </a>and making sure she has at least one hour a day of active play outside. We have also taken youtube off her ipad so she is only able to watch 'therapeutic' (homemade) videos which are designed to help feed her more language, useful directions and self-help skills. It's all about intensity - we are using every opportunity to help her learn and develop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Emma has now adjusted to the new routine and knows what to expect during 'learning time' but we are dealing with some mammoth tantrums and defiant behavior which we were told to expect as she begins to make steps developmentally. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We are celebrating every little achievement however small as it brings us one step closer to our destination. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The journey is hard - but w</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e're moving in the right direction.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Be encouraged xo </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4019718411117548855.post-44234557097155393222016-07-08T19:51:00.002-07:002016-07-09T04:13:31.419-07:00Amazed and Exhausted - A New Beginning <br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We have completed our first official week of our <a href="http://www.nacd.org/australia/" target="_blank">NACD neuroplasticity program</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This marks not just the beginning of a new therapy method for Emma but a huge leap of faith for our family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Are we crazy taking on full responsibility for Emma's development? Is it going to</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'fix'</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Emma?</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">What if it doesn't? How on earth are we going to manage such an intensive program with all our other commitments? Can I actually do this? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So......How was our first week? Amazing....and exhausting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The amazing bit....</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was <b><i>amazing</i></b> watching Emma learn new skills almost instantly. Within 3 days she had mastered most of her receptive language tasks. I discovered she understands a lot </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">more than I realise and when focused and engaged is capable of absorbing lots of new </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">information</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was also <b><i>amazing</i></b> because I finally feel like we've found something that is going to deliver results. I'm feeling <b><i>amazingly</i></b> positive!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I'm also <b><i>amazingly</i></b> exhausted......</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The exhausting bit....</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was <b><i>exhausting</i></b> because her 2 hour program actually takes 3 hours daily to complete. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I </span><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">started getting up an hour earlier (which is like torture for me) and then had to wrestle a strong-willed 4 year old who didn't want to do her 'learning'. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I seem to have met my match in the stubborn department. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After the first 3 days all I could think was...HELP!!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I knew this was going to be a challenge. It means a change of routine and structure for our family. It requires a huge commitment from me which I need to juggle with my other commitments. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But...... I embrace this challenge motivated only by deep love and devotion to</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> this child </span><span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">that God has entrusted to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wouldn't desire this without love. I couldn't do this without love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can't do this without God. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm being honest and admitting I'm <b><i>exhausted</i></b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm certain it will get easier as we all adjust to a new routine and new way of life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Never despise the day of small beginnings.......for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin" </span></i></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Zechariah 4:10</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be encouraged xo </span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4019718411117548855.post-55520448433995963932016-06-15T21:10:00.000-07:002016-06-15T21:22:55.828-07:00Tips For Success With Alternative Treatments <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgejjTx0KbnZPdlkC1I2vaOWTLR3oxtsifKsiI3tHuuuaIRB8esrxxoy_P_KRSlDBY2OYD0PB1OpJntoly9Mbk_xM4CHmMaJyMuZFelQH4kHuFj7Agesw8kmxGO4hTk2uClLVG17wqSBt/s1600/bogus+claims.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgejjTx0KbnZPdlkC1I2vaOWTLR3oxtsifKsiI3tHuuuaIRB8esrxxoy_P_KRSlDBY2OYD0PB1OpJntoly9Mbk_xM4CHmMaJyMuZFelQH4kHuFj7Agesw8kmxGO4hTk2uClLVG17wqSBt/s640/bogus+claims.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last weekend this informative piece appeared in our newspaper. The title "Charlatans target NDIS" with the subheading "Parents of autistic kids warned of bogus treatments". It then lists the treatments parents should be warned of and why.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Firstly, the only treatment on there that provides services to NDIS clients is osteopathy. These practitioners are hardly 'targeting' the NDIS - they aren't even part of the scheme.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Secondly, the article says that these therapies claim to 'cure autism'. I'm not aware of these therapies claiming to cure anything. Australian consumer law states it is illegal to make false or misleading claims about a product / service so you can't claim to cure anything - even doctors can't! These therapies are treatments that <i>address</i> autism and related disorders. None of them are a cure in and of themselves. And really, if you think one chiropractic adjustment is going to cure autism then you probably haven't done enough research. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Autism and related disorders are multi factorial - meaning there are lots of things going wrong in the brain and body. There are multiple areas to addressed - this is the reason why alternative therapies are also called "complimentary" therapies - they compliment each other to address the many different factors involved in disease.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Tips for success with alternative therapies</span></h2>
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<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Educate yourself. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do your research. Read books, journals, medical journals, join online forums...you'll find some alternative therapies have a larger evidence base then others. We have avoided homeopathy for that reason but I know many families who sware by it. It's an individual thing.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Trust Yourself</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As you educate yourself - trust yourself! Trust in the knowledge you have acquired. This trust is very important as your inevitably encounter opposition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of Emma's specialist literally LOL'd when I said we would be researching alternative therapies. This was after he told me there was nothing he could do for Emma and that I should just focus on my healthy children. He was basically saying the better option to 'alternative therapies' was to just give up. I felt sad thinking about how many parents would give up fighting at that point. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not all therapies will work for your child because each child is different with a completely different genetic profile. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Contrary to some beliefs alternative medicine is not harmful. You are a thousand times more likely to die from a reaction to a pharmaceutical drug than a natural supplement. It's insanity to suggest a gluten free or dairy free diet is dangerous compared to taking a drug that has has been inadequately tested.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It can take time and patience to find what works for your child. Some things work - some things don't. This is part of the journey.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Find out about others ex</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">periences</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I know a mother with a nonverbal child with autism prone to violent outbursts and not sleeping. Another parent suggested an essential oil. She laughed it off. A year later after trying all sorts of drugs she was so desperate she gave in. On the first day he had noticeably less tantrums and started sleeping through the night. She admitted she had no idea how it worked...but she was just so thankful it did!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As parents, we learn about parenting from discussing and sharing our experiences with other parents. There's no harm in having conversations and finding out about what other parents are having success with as long as we understand that with any parenting advice, it may not work for our child.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A great source of information is the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/recoveringkids2/?fref=nf" target="_blank">recovering kids biomedical healing</a> facebook page. It has over 85,000 members from all around the world and is a great community of like-minded parents!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lastly, it's not popular to choose an alternative path. 'Mainstream' means going with the flow, following the majority and believing what is widely accepted as true. Going against the flow means asking questions, challenging the status quo and considering the motives and agendas behind much of 'mainstream' thinking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Going against the flow isn't easy but we know it's the right thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be encouraged xo </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4019718411117548855.post-86022610399153701552016-06-03T19:57:00.000-07:002016-06-05T22:22:22.095-07:00Why as a Christian I can't accept disability<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa28C_7_M2Wr3C5yl1wgZSwkE9Pu3y_WCl5qdZZPWg0ip_XUnxQSWHTWJ0dbCjIbK_7RahoHjCYhG_ZVBH-HcSfuOHckn_3TE5kHyEIA8BKKBIs1fsSGh_h8vwsE8J2AhlgIpo-JeDuf4/s1600/faith+hope+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa28C_7_M2Wr3C5yl1wgZSwkE9Pu3y_WCl5qdZZPWg0ip_XUnxQSWHTWJ0dbCjIbK_7RahoHjCYhG_ZVBH-HcSfuOHckn_3TE5kHyEIA8BKKBIs1fsSGh_h8vwsE8J2AhlgIpo-JeDuf4/s400/faith+hope+love.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One thing I've wrestled with is how I accept Emma's disability while still believing and hoping for an outcome that goes above and beyond what medical doctors consider 'possible'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The truth is I can't accept Emma's disability.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love and accept my daughter but I do not love or accept the disability that limits her.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why? Because God doesn't love or accept her disability either.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How could I believe in a loving, gracious God and also believe he is responsible for pain, suffering and disability? I believe that God is exactly who he says he is in his word (the bible). He is good. He is loving. He is kind. He is faithful. He is sovereign, all-powerful and has overcome the world. He has the power to bring change, to heal and work all circumstances for good. But just because he can bring good things out of disability (and all of life's challenges) it doesn't mean he loves and accepts disability in the same way he loves us as sinners but doesn't love or accept our sin. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's not who he is. He is perfect. He is good. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are times when I feel sorry for myself, get angry at God and imagine the worst possible outcome which is her lifelong dependence on me. Each time I've allowed those negative thoughts to escalate I've become exhausted and discouraged. If I accepted her disability it would mean staying in that place. I don't like it there. It's scary and lonely and well, hopeless. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life" - Proverbs 13:12</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If we accept disability we accept defeat. How can we fight for our child if we're already defeated?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The bible says "We are more than conquerors...". </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A wise person said to me once that every prayer and every therapy is a fight for Emma. Her encouragement was to keep fighting and never give up. We fight because there is hope! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We can't always choose our circumstances but we can always choose our response.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I <i>choose</i> not to accept defeat and give up. I <i>choose</i> to fight.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I <i>choose</i> to be positive everyday - even the days when I feel like my heart might break.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I <i>choose</i> to trust God believing that "his ways are higher than my ways".</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I <i>choose</i> not to allow negative thoughts and bitterness to consume me because if I give them a foothold they will. I have to take those thoughts captive and replace them with promises from God's word.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I <i>choose</i> to hope against hope that one day my daughter will live a full life.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having said all that, I do accept one thing - I accept where we are at today but</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I continue to hope and pray for a better future. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Be encouraged xo</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4019718411117548855.post-48541954704117245412016-05-17T02:58:00.000-07:002016-05-17T03:08:37.873-07:00The Missing Piece of the Puzzle For Kids with Special Needs - Neuroplasticity Therapy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34P8hUMGDgYpSoOucGi9XQuqSZOhTcYojrBkyG-LY3_ZgM63YpNYEMVI0sos72egFGPKyN1Y4BKmut2iVuhgbYMcTdxFKW6cv94Xd2cp_JKAWUgwwZqV086xWwXixvdIytNn9LP7qRuQg/s1600/neuroplasticity+light+on.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34P8hUMGDgYpSoOucGi9XQuqSZOhTcYojrBkyG-LY3_ZgM63YpNYEMVI0sos72egFGPKyN1Y4BKmut2iVuhgbYMcTdxFKW6cv94Xd2cp_JKAWUgwwZqV086xWwXixvdIytNn9LP7qRuQg/s320/neuroplasticity+light+on.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let's be honest. In the world of disability we're all feeling our way around in the dark.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There's no quick fix - no magic bullet. Many of us have been told that the best we can do for kids is to manage 'symptoms' with therapies and medications. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But what if we could address the cause?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">But isn't the cause genetics?</span></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Genetics is complicated - even a geneticist will tell you that they understand a limited amount. When a doctor says "It's genetic..." we often assume that means "Badluck. You can't do anything about it" but that's simply not true.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Two of my boys have a lazy right eye which is apparently genetic. So what do we do? Firstly, they wear glasses to help the symptom of poor vision . But we actually want to treat the 'cause' of the poor vision so we patch the left eye and they do eye exercises (which are actually brain exercises) to stimulate parts of the brain responsible for the lazy eye. Their vision is steadily improving and in time, the brain will correct itself and the eye will work normally. This is neuroplasticity at work.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A genetic disorder does not define the potential of our children. We can't allow anyone to speak limitations over them. We need to believe the 'potential' is there for restoration and healing if we are to see growth and development. </span></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If we don't believe the potential is there then we begin the fight for our special needs child already defeated. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As parents we already know our children's challenges but we are well within our right to hope for an outcome that goes "above and beyond what we can ask for or imagine</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">".</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoRt5SuiFlKbei6psrqd9_1ngGi7aiOlUffgYY51NjEauDSGpGnLYbWC-8lwNyxl54ZkgHZwine0PxcXpGE8r-8BBPNaJmQaX_cjc-i53VOd36BYr_-9zMX1WUytR2ojYfY8qoPAHgUJQ/s1600/neuroplasticity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoRt5SuiFlKbei6psrqd9_1ngGi7aiOlUffgYY51NjEauDSGpGnLYbWC-8lwNyxl54ZkgHZwine0PxcXpGE8r-8BBPNaJmQaX_cjc-i53VOd36BYr_-9zMX1WUytR2ojYfY8qoPAHgUJQ/s400/neuroplasticity.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I read so many articles detailing factors involved in Emma's disability that I thought MY brain might explode. At one point I wondered if understanding Emma was quite simple: Her brain doesn't work. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The simple thought "Her brain doesn't work" lead me to information about neuroplasticity.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroplasticity" target="_blank">Neuroplasticity</a> is the brain's ability to change both its physical structure and functional organisation in response to changes and experiences. When new connections start being made they fundamentally change the brains capacity to learn and function.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So when we talk about potential we are being literal. </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The brain DOES have the potential to change and work 'better' with the right input.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Where to start? Feed the brain - the right food and the right supportive supplements. If the brain has the nutrition it needs to function then that's a good place to start.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Secondly, explore the options when it comes to neuroplasticity methods and neurodevelopmental programs. We have chosen <a href="http://www.nacd.org/australia/" target="_blank">NACD</a> but there are other options out there that offer hope for families. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be encouraged xo </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4019718411117548855.post-58039891904245837282016-05-06T20:13:00.002-07:002016-05-07T01:23:21.721-07:00How Kids Benefit From Having a Sibling With Special Needs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkfqaSWOrVVJ50xBZzlB9df-ejleAo7GoaNUf16ggYytMrAHhuMkQU-k9fZ-JgnCVaISEG_TX1xkrXDV554OtNQmzUGgvs96wb2-qqK1qk84opGHO7QByhkmv5qB7rvBmJh6Dkc3-oZ6Y/s1600/helping+emma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkfqaSWOrVVJ50xBZzlB9df-ejleAo7GoaNUf16ggYytMrAHhuMkQU-k9fZ-JgnCVaISEG_TX1xkrXDV554OtNQmzUGgvs96wb2-qqK1qk84opGHO7QByhkmv5qB7rvBmJh6Dkc3-oZ6Y/s400/helping+emma.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A child with special needs brings a unique challenge to any family dynamic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's easy as parents to worry about how much siblings miss out and fear they may grow to resent their special sibling (and possibly us parents too!).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, many of these worries are unfounded as I see in my family just how much my kids are learning and growing from the whole experience.</span></span><br />
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Special needs brings families together</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We're a family. We're a team.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't shelter my kids from what is happening. They are included in our appointments. They see me cry. They participate in therapy sessions. I answer all their questions and we pray for Emma together. This openness and transparency has really helped them embrace the challenge rather than provoke anxiety because they don't understand what is happening. It also reduces opportunities for resentment because they feel included.</span></span><br />
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When siblings are included in the recovery process they are more likely to embrace the journey rather than resent it. </span></h4>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Kids develop compassion when they have a sibling with special needs</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although not easy, having a sibling with special needs is part of the story that shapes who they are.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My 8 year old told me recently he wants to become an engineer and design an indoor playcafe for kids in wheelchairs. This was the point where I realised how much my kids are learning from this journey and how this is shaping who they are in a good way!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Siblings develop compassion which translates into a desire to help others.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My boys are brilliant little therapists. Each one of my boys will at different times cuddle up with Emma on the couch and read her a book, sing to her or take her into the room to do 'therapy'. They put her on the swing and correct her gently when she hits or throws something. They encourage her to speak and have more patience than I do.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Kids develop resilience when they have a sibling with special needs</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Siblings are forced to develop resilience as they learn the world isn't a perfect place and develop ways of coping.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This maturity and resilience will help them deal with the challenges that inevitably arise in life.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Siblings learn how to be kind, selfless and put others first</span></h4>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our consumer culture tells us we should always think about ourselves, find our inner peace, make ourselves happy etc...The bible tells us that true 'inner peace' comes from knowing Jesus and living a life of service to others. Thinking of ourselves LESS is actually better for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dr Caroline Leaf details in her book "Switch on your brain" how helping others actually makes us smarter and supports brain development.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Siblings learn the hard way that sometimes we need to put others first.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is not a bad thing. Kids these days are incredibly entitled and spoilt (mine are no exception) and it's a challenge to counteract this culture. Having a sibling with special needs forces kids to focus less on themselves and helps develop their character.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having a sibling with special needs obviously has its challenges but seeing as it's beyond our control we can make a choice to focus on the positive to see how God really can work "all things together for good".</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be encouraged! xo</span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4019718411117548855.post-57672150454709370812016-04-30T09:00:00.000-07:002016-05-17T03:02:00.841-07:00Introducing Recovering Emma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yeLw5hrtQr4-bCMfbz91i9PJi4wfx1cyAWtZW1WbVq-PErjGX_Af8H9kAoS6-4yiT7wwclovAwL3pkPY-8Rglzcq63Aa-CuLgD3d0zEoMMgjSIU37wA0FCYZM791SjP5N56OOkfqbBbg/s1600/Emma+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="neuroplasticity therapy" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yeLw5hrtQr4-bCMfbz91i9PJi4wfx1cyAWtZW1WbVq-PErjGX_Af8H9kAoS6-4yiT7wwclovAwL3pkPY-8Rglzcq63Aa-CuLgD3d0zEoMMgjSIU37wA0FCYZM791SjP5N56OOkfqbBbg/s320/Emma+1.jpg" title="recovering emma" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Our heart is to see our daughter with special needs reach her full potential. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">We want to see her live a life not limited by her diag</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">nosis but in the fullness of all God has planned for her.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-large;">The word '<i>recover</i>' means to return to a normal state of mind, health and strength. </span></h2>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Emma's name means to be '</span><b style="font-size: xx-large;"><i>whole'</i></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> and '</span><b style="font-size: xx-large;"><i>complete'</i></b><span style="font-size: x-large;">.</span></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">This blog is a way we can keep a personal record of Emma's progress and offer encouragement and hope to other parents on similar journeys along with the therapists / teachers that support them.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The field of neuroplasticity reveals the brain has been designed in such a way that it can change and heal itself. There is hope. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In my work in disability, I've seen neuroplasticity at work. I've seen children with autism recovered after being told their prognosis was life-long. I've also seen children improve way beyond expectation with the commitment and dedication of loving parents. I'm so thankful to know these amazing families and to have this insight. Sharing their journey has made my journey a little easier.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">After years of research I have shared</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> our 'recovery diet' on the page <a href="http://recoveringemma.blogspot.com.au/p/our-program_9.html" target="_blank">What we do</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 18px;">Information I will blog about include:</span></span><br />
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<li><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Prayer & Faith</i></span></b></li>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I trust that God is in control. Whilst sickness and disability is not from him he is able in his sovereignty to "work all things together for good". Ultimately God gets the glory for Emma's healing and I'm in awe of the little miracles along the way, how he has comforted us in our grief, strengthened us in our weakness and lead me to discover the things that will help put her back together again. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>"With man, many things are impossible...but with God ALL things are possible"</i></span><br />
<i><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Matthew 19:26</span></span></i></div>
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<li><span style="color: #666666;"><b style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Biomed</i></span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"> / </span><i style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 18px;">Natural Medicine</i></span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 18px;">At a basic level, if we want brains to work we need to make sure they are getting the nutrition they need and not filling them with stuff that impairs function. Topics I'll write about include nutrition, GAPS, diet, supplements and alternative therapies that have worked for us.</span></span><br />
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<li><i style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Home based Therapy</b> </span></i></li>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I plan to blog about our neurodevelopmental program and activities we do at home, music therapy, sensory diets, latest research with some home education information thrown in too.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I will also post videos so you can see what we do! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">If any of these topics interest you please subscribe to this blog or follow our recovering Emma facebook page. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 18px;">Thanks for your support as you journey with us! xo </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0