Our children are excited as they approach their final countdown to summer vacation. We as parents have probably been planning our children’s vacation schedule since the beginning of April. I know I always did. Summer is a time when we are vacationing at the beach, visiting amusement parks, out and about and having fun. Even though summer is a fun and exciting few months, it is also a worrisome time because our children may have opportunities to wander.
As June is National Safety Month I hope to update everyone and increase awareness about this critical safety issue. Since I wrote my previous blogs (Children with ASD and Wandering, Safety Measures for a Wandering Child, Planning and Prevention Tips for Children with ASD and The Search for Avonte) on wandering there have been a number of new supports that have become available to decrease the dangers of wandering.
Why do children wander?
- Goal directed wandering:
wandering with a purpose of getting something he/she wants - Bolting / Fleeing wandering: running away out of fear, anxiety, excitement or stress
- Wandering due to boredom, confusion or simply becoming lost
What can you do as a parent to be prepared?
- National Autism Society has a Big Red Safety Toolkit that provides you with caregiver checklists, sample family wandering emergency plan, information sheet for first responders.
- They also have a toolkit for First Responders, which includes a checklist, resources and
tips - Tracking Devices: There are a couple of varieties. GPS depends upon satellites to provide positioning and navigation information. Project Lifesaver, CareTrak and LoJack SafetyNet are typically facilitated by local law enforcement and use radio frequency.
- GeoFencing: a feature in a software program that uses the global positioning system (GPS) or radio frequency identification (RFID) to define geographical boundaries. A geofence is a virtual barrier.
- Tracking devices alone should not be relied upon as the sole source of your loved one’s security. Close adult supervision, home security measures and other safety precautions should always be taken and routinely reassessed for updated when necessary.
- Teach your child to swim. Many YMCAs have swimming lessons for children with special needs. It is recommended that the final lesson should be with clothes and shoes on.
As we gear up for all of the fun activities I wish you a safe and happy summer. Ryan and I will be swimming, playing tennis, golfing and kayaking. I’m tired already.
As we focus on May as Mental Health Awareness Month, we know that there is a great deal of misunderstanding about mental illness. Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common. Although 1 in 4 people have some form of a mental health disorder, a recent study found that in Europe and the United States up to 75% of those affected don’t receive the treatment they need.
and are afraid to let anyone know they have an issue. Those most affected by the stigma are young people, those from minority ethnic groups, members of the military and healthcare professionals.
the local summer day camps. What can you offer me?” Fourteen years ago a small group of parents of children with high functioning autism/Asperger’s approached me and asked me to help them find a solution to the challenges and obstacles their children were experiencing in the traditional day camp. They were looking for a summer recreation program where their children could be together, have fun and develop friendships. Their children were in inclusive educational placements and progressing well academically but didn’t have friends. Their parents worried that another summer would pass with the children alone at home playing video games or reading books about their special interests. They wanted 
more.
Siebenbuerger. The SeaWolves will offer a baseball clinic at Jerry Uht Park on Tuesday, July 22nd for participants in the Connections Camps. Erie SeaWolves players and coaches will help teach baseball fundamentals such as fielding, throwing, pitching and base running. They will also cover topics such as nutrition, proper stretching and exercise. The goal is for youngsters to take what they learn at the clinic and put it to use on school and neighborhood fields with their friends, classmates or in a league. In addition, to the instruction provided at the Clinic, each child will receive a t-shirt, certificate and a ticket to an Erie SeaWolves game, where they will be recognized on the field before the start of play.
social dates and look forward to getting together the following summer. As one child told me, “I don’t have any friends at school but at Connections Camp I have lots.” Definitely a win-win for all of the children involved.
retty.
of panic. Why? Sister Eulalia was, first and foremost, a strict grammarian. Under her tutelage, we diagrammed “Our Father,” “Hail Mary,” and every other prayer recommended by Sister. It was her belief that unless you could diagram, you could not write a clear, concise sentence that would effectively communicate your message. By the time I graduated from 8th grade, not only could I diagram every prayer, but I actually wrote a paragraph worthy of Sister’s approval. I love writing, even today, and I thank Sister Eulalia for enabling me to develop those skills.
My next thought of influential teachers brings up Ryan’s academic career. He was very fortunate to have many outstanding teachers throughout his career in the Millcreek School District. Two teachers who truly made a difference in Ryan’s education were Darcie Mosley and Regina Cocolin. As principal of Walnut Creek Middle School, Darcie welcomed Ryan into the WC family from his first day in 6th grade. Regardless of his challenges, she was Ryan’s greatest champion and cheerleader. I attribute his success in middle school to Darcie’s leadership. Regina Cocolin was Ryan’s speech teacher in high school. The enthusiasm and commitment to his success that was shown by Regina encouraged Ryan to achieve the very best.
The Mini Beast on the Bay obstacle course is back for its second year and is even better! Last year, the ELBS faculty and students chose to initiate a Mini Beast as their way to participate in the 
Physical Fitness Month. The 
All About Autism 