Live, Love, Laugh, and Autism

VDay (And, Veggies in Red Curry Sauce)

2012-02-13T15:50:00.000-05:00

From me to you...

Happy (Almost) Valentine's Day!

There hasn't been a lot going on at my blog, but there has been a lot going on over at Mom Colored Glasses!

This week we showcased a lot in preparation for Valentine's Day!

Simple VDay Activities at Home, including a Sensory Craft.
A VDay Gift List.
A full VDay meal: Cocktails, Appetizer, Salad, Main Dish, and Dessert. We even included a handy Grocery List and Recipes printable.
A VDay Love Song Playlist.
And, an interview with Amy Krouse, author of Plant a Kiss.

MCG's theme this month is "Comfort," and my Veggies in Red Curry Sauce dish is definitely one of my fave comfort foods.

Valentine's Day Door Ornament

2012-02-08T13:23:00.000-05:00

Check out today's DIY post on Mom Colored Glasses...

DIY Valentine’s Day Door Ornament from a Special Needs Perspective

Valentine's Day Salad

2012-02-08T13:16:00.000-05:00

This week Mom Colored Glasses is helping its readers make a complete Valentine's Day meal. Each day they're featuring a different dish-- Drink, appetizer, salad, main course, and dessert. Today my salad is featured! It's simple and delish. Check it out...

Valentine's Day Salad

Hanen Programs for Parents

2012-02-08T09:26:00.001-05:00

When I got the opportunity to participate in a Hanen program I jumped on it. A friend of mine participated in a Hanen program last year-- She raved about it and told me that if I ever had the opporunity to participate I definitely should. So far, I'm thrilled with the program (And, to be honest, I'm not easily thrilled). I'm learning so much, and the books I'm reading (More Than Words and TalkAbility) are terrific! I just had to share my excitement and a few links...

The Hanen Centre

Hanen Programs for Parents

More Than Words

TalkAbility

Deliciously G-Free by Elisabeth Hasselbeck: Cookbook Review

2012-02-06T13:05:00.000-05:00

Check out my latest article on Mom Colored Glasses!

Deliciously G-Free by Elisabeth Hasselbeck: Cookbook Review

P.S. I totes apologize for the grammatical error in the first sentence-- Oops!

Happy New Year!!!

2012-01-24T20:25:00.001-05:00

I hope that all of my readers had a great New Year!

We did!

Here's the aftermath...

In light of the New Year, check out my latest post, Hope and Renewal from a Special Needs Perspective, for the Special Needs column, on Mom Colored Glasses!

Balsamic Roasted Vegetables

2012-01-02T20:08:00.000-05:00

Balsamic Roasted Vegetables

Fruit Tart

2011-12-27T11:12:00.002-05:00

Fruit Tart

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-27T11:09:00.000-05:00

From ours to yours...

Happy Holidays!

Family Night In with a Special Needs Child

2011-12-12T09:11:00.000-05:00

My latest article for my column, A Special Needs Perspective, for Mom Colored Glasses

Family Night In with a Special Needs Child

MCG and Happy Holidays

2011-12-05T15:18:00.002-05:00

Mom Colored Glasses is gearing up for the holidays! Recently, we featured the BIG MCG Christmas list, and, recently, MCG has been featuring a DIY Ornament Series. My ornaments contribution is up today! And, um, Heidi's Peppermint Bark is amazing! Check 'em out!

The Gift of Giving

2011-11-08T13:53:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged much, at all, recently. It's been a crazy year, and I've been through numerous medical procedures. So, forgive my current lack of blogging. My son's doing well, though. He continues to thrive at school and therapy. He's enjoying life and trying new things. He impresses and amazes me, everyday!

My latest article, The Gift of Giving, came out today, for my monthly column, A Special Needs Perspective, for MomColoredGlasses! Check it out!

Happy November!

Special Needs and Safety

2011-10-12T14:48:00.000-04:00

Special Needs and Safety

For my monthly column, A Special Needs Perspective

For Mom Colored Glasses

Veggie, Rice, and Beans Skillet (GFCFSF)

2011-10-12T09:33:00.002-04:00

Typically, my son's meals are very predictable. For breakfast he eats cereal or a banana; for lunch he has a grilled "cheese" sandwich; and for dinner he alternates between rice and beans (with cilantro and lemon or lime), and pasta. For snacks he has yogurt, bananas, strawberries, granola bars, and chips.

Recently, though, for the first time ever, he's interested in trying more foods... He's asking to try more foods. The other day he tried kale. And, his new favorite snack-- Steamed carrots! So, with this in mind, I'm introducing more vegetables into his meals, and hoping that he'll like them. Two nights ago I made a veggie, rice, and beans skillet, and it was a hit with my son! He loved it! I have to admit, he didn't care for the tomatoes (he takes after his dad, I guess), but he liked it enough that he ate two HUGE plates of it, and last night he asked me to make the, "zucchini skillet," again! So... Of course, I did! (Tonight I'm making this GFCFSF dish, and I hope the little one likes it: Hippie Hash, minus the feta cheese-- this can be added on the side).

Now, for the Veggie, Rice, and Beans Skillet: Sautee veggies in a skillet (I use zucchini, yellow squash, tomato, and onion); then add pre-cooked rice and beans (every week I make a big batch of brown basmati rice and black beans, mixed with cilantro and fresh lemon or lime juice); and top with Daiya "cheese."

This is a great meal for the whole family. My husband liked it, and I even had friends over for dinner last night, and they liked it! Easy, yummy, healthy, gluten-free, casein-free, and soy-free...

Thumbprint Cookies

2011-10-11T22:09:00.000-04:00

Check out my latest recipe on Mom Colored Glasses!

Thumbprint Cookies

October Events

2011-09-29T15:44:00.004-04:00

Live, Love, Laugh, and Autism's October Events:

Family Playdate--

Saturday, October 15, Miami

Moms' Night Out--
Saturday, October 22, Miami

For the privacy of the families, I do not share the specific details of the events on this blog. If you are interested in coming to an event, please e-mail me at livelovelaughandautism at gmail dot com.

A Pretty Flower

2011-09-28T14:11:00.000-04:00

My son gave me this flower for my pocket... "Oh, Mommy... That's pretty!"

Crescent Rolls with Peanut Butter and Chocolate

2011-09-28T14:04:00.000-04:00

Crescent Rolls

Peanut Butter, Sugar, Vanilla Extract

Chocolate Chips

375 Degrees, 13 Minutes

Homemade Banana Custard Pie in a Jar

2011-09-26T15:56:00.000-04:00

Check out my latest Recipe for Mom Colored Glasses, Homemade Banana Custard Pie in a Jar... Yum!

Moms' Night Out

2011-09-26T15:52:00.001-04:00

I had a great time at our September Moms' Night Out. I ate too much sushi and fried ice cream, laughed a lot, and stayed out A LOT longer than I was expecting. If you were there, thanks for the awesome company... I'm already looking forward to next time!

If you would like to be added to our e-mail list, to get info. about our monthly Family Playdates and Moms' Nights Out, let me know: livelovelaughandautism at gmail dot com.

Family Playdate

2011-09-14T21:47:00.000-04:00

Live, Love, Laugh, and Autism's first monthly Family Playdate of the school year was fun. Six families attended, including seven kiddos. The kids had fun, and it was nice to hangout with the other parents. If you're interested in being on the e-mail list for our monthly Family Playdate and Moms' Night Out, let me know: livelovelaughandautism at gmail dot com.

"Starbucks Apple Juice"

2011-09-14T21:34:00.002-04:00

My son is a big fan of, "Starbucks apple juice." He thinks it's a HUGE treat to go to Starbucks! Cute! LOL

Everglades

2011-09-14T21:05:00.000-04:00

We also went to the Everglades, recently. We love going to the Everglades. I like it because it's so peaceful, a great retreat from the city of Miami. The mosquitos are bad this time of year, though, so, thanks to the advice of a nice park ranger, we saw parts of the Everglades that we haven't seen before! It was nice!!!

The Gulf...

Manatees...

Trains, Trains, Trains

2011-09-14T20:52:00.000-04:00

Recently, we went to the Goldcoast Railroad Museum. Apparently, it's a little boy's dream... My son was BEAMING the whole time!!!

Balancing Motherhood from a Special Needs Perspective

2011-09-06T08:20:00.000-04:00

Check out my article, Balancing Motherhood from a Special Needs Perspective; in my monthly column, A Special Needs Perspective, for MomColoredGlasses!

September Monthly Family Playdate and Moms' Night Out

2011-08-30T12:20:00.002-04:00

This school year I'm continuing to set-up montly Family Playdates and Moms' Nights Out.

Here is the basic information for September.

For the privacy of the families, I do not share the specific details of the events on this blog. For the specifics, please e-mail me at livelovelaughandautism at gmail dot com.

September Monthly Family Playdate

Saturday, September 10, 10:30AM, Miami

September Monthly Moms' Night Out

Saturday, September 24, 6PM, Miami

Language

2011-08-29T15:00:00.002-04:00

Me: Where's your chocolate milk?

Son: I'm not sure, mommy.

WHAT??? WOW!!!

Homemade Sorbet (GFCFSF)

2011-08-29T12:09:00.000-04:00

Check out my latest Recipe on MomColoredGlasses...

Homemade Sorbet

"Hey mommy, what are you doing here?"

2011-08-29T12:01:00.000-04:00

When I picked up my son from school today he said, "Hey mommy, what are you doing here?" OMG! Awesome and LOL!!!

My son's school speech therapist last year was very cool. He loved the kids and was very involved, but, he retired. I'm happy to say, though, that I think I'm going to be impressed with his school speech therapist this year. At the open house she introduced herself to each of us, and seemed very nice and open to communication. Today, she sent a notebook home with some information. She seems to have a lot of experience and she's jumping right into communicating with the families. In the notebook, she gave us some speech tips and asked us to practice them this week and keep notes to return to her.

My son came home today with these abstract paintings...

First-Person, School, and ABA Therapy

2011-08-29T09:55:00.000-04:00

My son has started to use the first-person... A little. A few times, instead of referring to himself in the third-person, he has said, "Me." Yay! I'm trying to foster this new skill.

School began a week ago, and my son seems to look forward to going and he seems to be enjoying his time there. There are only two teachers this year, and I'm not sure what happened to the third one. Only one of the students in my son's class is a returning student. My son still seems to think that when he goes to school in the mornings that his old classmates/friends, that have moved onto kindergarten, will be there. The new students seem to speak predominately in Spanish-- This worries me. My son has been singing two songs, at home, that he learned at school!

ABA Therapy: My son is in Level 3 of the VB-MAPP, but he's beginning to move beyond the VB-MAPP, too, and I can't believe it! He is beginning Language for Learning, and Reading Mastery. Awesome!

Baked Veggie and Hummus Wraps

2011-08-23T11:35:00.000-04:00

Ingredients--
EVOO

Tortilla Wraps

Hummus and Minced Garlic

Broccoli, Zucchini, Red Onion

Very lightly coat a baking dish and veggies with EVOO--

Bake veggies at 350 for approximately 50 minutes, until tender--

Slather each tortilla wrap with garlicky hummus--

Add veggies--

Cook at 350 for approximately 10 minutes--

The picture didn't turn out well, but the wraps taste seriously awesome!!!

Grilled Tomatoes and Parmesan Salad

2011-08-22T18:04:00.000-04:00

Salad with balsamic, onion, and grilled tomatoes topped with parmesan and pepper... Yum!

Back to School Open House and Monthly Outings

2011-08-19T14:52:00.002-04:00

My son's Back to School Open House was today...

First, I cannot not not believe that the summer holiday is coming to a close... Seriously, summer, how did you manage to elude me so?

Second, my son was sooo excited to go to school. As he walked through the door he became hesitant, but then he didn't want to leave. All, but one, of the students in his class are new this school year, so I really hope that my son makes a good and happy transition.

Third, I was reminded of the special sort of camaraderie amongst parents of special needs kids... So, with that in mind, Live, Love, Laugh, and Autism will continue, this school year, to host monthly outings that are special needs friendly. We'll have a monthly Family Playdate and a monthly Moms' Night Out. I will post the events on this blog, and I will also send out an e-mail. If you would like to be on the e-mail list regarding monthly outings please let me know at livelovelaughandautism at gmail dot com.

-- Kristina --

Lemon Pasta with Onion and Garlic

2011-08-18T10:23:00.001-04:00

Spinach Pasta

EVOO

Fresh Lemon Juice
Sauteed Red Onion
Sauteed Garlic
Pepper
Salt
Parmesan Cheese

Baked Burritos

2011-08-16T09:57:00.001-04:00

A few people have asked me how to make delicious baked burritos. I got the idea HERE. And, here's my variation...

Rice (Cooked), Black Beans (Cooked), Cilantro, and Lime

Avocado, Smoothed

Onion

Cheese

--Wrap in a tortilla--

--Bake at 350, for about 10 minutes--

--Serve with your fave salsa--

Voila!

Phonics

2011-08-15T11:32:00.000-04:00

My son has been obsessed with letters, handwriting, and reading lately. He tries to read books, and it's adorable. He can recite most of Green Eggs and Ham, and a few other books, from memory. He can spell and write his name, and he can spell "Big." The other day, he took a book from the book shelf and tried to read the title. Slowly, he moved his finger across each word, and, very slowly, "sounded out," "Chocolate Milk."

...

Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese

2011-08-15T11:30:00.001-04:00

The other day I made this, and it's incredibly yummy! Seriously, delish! I can't make this too often, though, it's obviously not on the healthy list. I found the recipe, HERE, but added a lot more cream cheese!

The beginnings of conversation, perhaps...

2011-08-11T10:25:00.001-04:00

Two recent "conversations" my son had with us...

My son, eating strawberries...

Mommy: "Can I have one?"

Son: Looks through bowl of strawberries-- Big strawberry, "Nope," big strawberry, "Nope," smallest strawberry, "Yes."

Daddy: "Can I have one?"

Son: Looks through bowl of strawberries-- Big strawberry, "Nope," big strawberry, "Nope," smallest strawberry, "Yes."

Daddy: "Can I have another one?"

Son: Looks through bowl of strawberries-- Big strawberry, "Nope," big strawberry, "Nope..."

Daddy: "Are you finding the smallest strawberry to give me?"

Son: "Yes!"

Morning time:

Mommy: "What do you want to eat for breakfast?"

Son: "Mac and cheese!"

Mommy: "It's breakfast time. You eat cereal at breakfast time."

Son: "Mac and cheese!"

Mommy: "Cereal."

Son: "That's silly."

Twice Baked Potatoes

2011-08-11T09:05:00.000-04:00

Twice baked potatoes with greek yogurt, green onion, cheese, and pepper.

Southwestern Soup

2011-08-11T09:04:00.000-04:00

Note to self:

Southwestern soup (Chili or Lentil) is best topped with green onions (Mix the green onions into the cooking soup, too), avocado, cheese, and tortilla chips.

B-I-G

2011-08-08T14:57:00.002-04:00

My son can spell his name!

And, the word, "Big!"

I have NO idea how, or where, he learned to spell, B... I... G...

Italian Zucchini

2011-08-08T14:55:00.000-04:00

Easy Italian Zucchini:

EVOO a baking dish

Add zucchini, mozzarella, and parmesan

Drizzle with EVOO

Bake at 425, for 20 minutes, or until zucchini is tender

Sprinkle with pepper

Long Sentence

2011-08-06T14:29:00.002-04:00

Last night, before bed, when it was time for my son to get his teeth brushed, he said, "I don't wanna brush my teeth!" WOW... I was so proud of him!!! :)

Summer Fruit Cobbler

2011-08-04T12:47:00.000-04:00

Summer Fruit Cobbler

Delicious with vanilla ice cream!

Preheat oven to 350--

"Grease" a baking dish with EVOO--

In a bowl, combine chopped summer fruit (Like, peaches, strawberries, and blueberries), the juice of 1 lemon, and 3/4 C white sugar... Put in baking dish--

Top with a mixture of brown sugar and soft butter--

Cook for 30 mins--

Hippie Hash

2011-08-04T12:39:00.000-04:00

My husband adores me, especially when I make him a dish that I like to call, "Hippie Hash."

Hippie Hash:

Preheat oven to 350--

"Grease" a baking dish with EVOO--

Add--

Red potatoes, cut into chunks

Broccoli, florets

Red onion, cut into small chunks

Tomato, cut into small chunks

Feta cheese

Cook for 1 hour, or until potatoes are tender--

ABA Update

2011-08-03T15:11:00.000-04:00

Play Area--

Draw a circle

Find a letter

Spell your name (With foam letters)

Games--

Tag

Freeze Dance

Choices--

Pointing with index finger--

Sensory tolerance--

Talking

Singing

Crying

Laughing

"What are you doing?"

"Can I have that, please."

"That's mine."

"What's wrong?"

"Bless you."

Fostering Creativity in Your Special Needs Child

2011-08-03T09:13:00.000-04:00

Check out my latest post, Fostering Creativity in Your Special Needs Child, in my monthly column, A Special Needs Perspective, on MomColoredGlasses!

Spontaneous Language and Bike Riding

2011-07-28T11:36:00.000-04:00

- The other day my son told our cat, "Love you." My son has only said, "I love you," spontaneously, without a prompt, one other time: About two weeks ago, when he was getting out of the bath, and drying off, he said it to me!

- I'm sick, and a few days ago I was coughing... a lot. My son said, "Are you ok? Are you ok?" Wow!

- My son got a bike for his birthday and he lovesss it!

Happy 4th Birthday Party!

2011-07-17T12:25:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, my son had a birthday party to celebrate his 4th birthday!

He had 3 friends come over to our place for pizza, cake, ice cream, and play; then, we went bowling.

It was a FANTASTIC time! They had a TON of fun! I am SOOO HAPPY about how well it went! My son had a GREAT day!!! WOOHOO!!!!!

GFCF Birthday Food:

Pizza (Amy's)

Popcorn (Newman's Own)

Cookie Pops-- Cookies (GFCF), frosting (Duncan Hines Classic Vanilla), colored sugar

Cupcakes-- Bob's Redmill (I substitute the eggs with flax and water), frosting (Duncan Hines Classic Vanilla), colored sugar

Ice Cream (So Delicious)

For more about Special Needs Birthday Parties, check out an article I wrote for MomColoredGlasses, Special Needs Birthday Parties.

Mock Cheesecake

2011-07-14T15:36:00.000-04:00

When I saw this "mock cheesecake" on Pinterest, I ran to the store to buy the ingredients. They're absolutely delish, and you can find the recipe HERE!

Spaghetti Bake

2011-07-14T15:33:00.000-04:00

I keep getting asked how to make my spaghetti bake. This makes me laugh, because it's a super simple and quick meal...

Cook pasta, al dente

Put the pasta in a baking dish (The baking dish should be lightly coated with EVOO)

Top with a lot of pasta sauce and cheese

Bake for about 15 mins, at 350

Stew

2011-07-14T15:30:00.000-04:00

This is the best and easiest stew...

V8 Juice, Potatoes, Carrots, and Onion!

Optional: Celery, Dill

Thanks, Mom!!!

Happy 4th Birthday!

2011-07-14T00:01:00.002-04:00

!!! Happy 4th Birthday, to my amazing little boy !!!

He had a great day opening gifts, playing, eating at his fave restaurant, and enjoying birthday cake (GFCF, of course)!

This cake is made by Amy's, and it's GFCF. I find it in the frozen foods section at Whole Foods. It doesn't need to be cooked, just thawed. It's absolutely delicious. It's topped with Duncan Hines Classic Vanilla Frosting (Also, GFCF), and colored sugar (Again, GFCF). A seriously fantastic little GFCF birthday cake!

Summer Lovin'

2011-07-13T23:55:00.000-04:00

I've been super duper busy this summer! It's hard to write a blog entry when you have zero extra time. So, here's my second update of the summer...

I'm continuing to write for MomColoredGlasses. My column, A Special Perspective, as well as my Recipes, appear monthly. MCG is super cool, and the contributors are super super cool. It's so great to be a part of MCG!

My son is doing well. He continues to go to ABA therapy in the afternoons, and his acquisition of skills continues to increase, increase, increase. He's potty trained, now, and he's learning handwriting. It's awesome! He has been having some attachment issues, with me. My guess, and hope, is that these will subside once he goes back to school.

My son's become a photo-taking machine. He loves the camera. Here are a few of his pics...

I love that I live on the ocean. Whenever I'm enjoying the sweet beaches of Key Biscayne I'm reminded of the beauty of Miami's landscape. My son is behaving very well at the beach-- He is not running away from me or into the water. He's courageous, yet cautious, in the water; and he's REALLY enjoying playing with his friends in the water. It makes my heart happy.

I went to one of my best friend's baby shower. I'm sooo happy for her. There were babies at the shower and it totally made me want to have a baby!

My husband and I took our son to this month's sensory friendly film, Cars 2. It was my son's best experience at the theatre. He watched most of the movie before getting out of his chair, and now he's obsessed with anything related to Cars.

We had a very nice 4th of July (I must admit, though, I ate way too much food). We went to a different location than we have in the past to watch fireworks, and the display was incredible... I was def impressed. My son has always enjoyed fireworks as much as I do.

My mother-in-law arrived in town last week, and my son is doing well with her here. We don't see her often, but it's so nice when we do. I miss being anywhere close to family.

On Saturday my son went to a friend's birthday party at the Miami Children's Museum. He really enjoyed himself. He laughed with his friends, played swords with his friends, and toured the museum with his friends. I was impressed, and happy, with his social skills at the party. As usual, he didn't like the Happy Birthday song, and he didn't like the museum's mascot.

It's been a really great summer, and I'm thankful that I'm able to spend so much time with my husband and son. If you're reading this, I hope that you're enjoying your summer, too!

livelovelaughandautism at gmail dot com

"Cool" Chocolate and Peanut Butter Balls

2011-07-11T14:55:00.000-04:00

Check out my latest Recipe on MomColoredGlasses, "Cool" Chocolate and Peanut Butter Balls!

Special Needs Birthday Parties

2011-07-06T22:05:00.001-04:00

Check out my article, Special Needs Birthday Parties, in my monthly column, A Special Needs Perspective, for MomColoredGlasses!

Special Needs Birthday Parties

livelovelaughandautism at gmail dot com

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T10:06:00.001-04:00

I hope that everyone is having a fantastic summer!

!!! Happy 4th of July !!!

Gourmet Baguette Pizzas

2011-06-20T15:13:00.000-04:00

Check out my recipe, Gourmet Baguette Pizzas, on MomColoredGlasses! These are always a hit! Yum-o!

Summerrrrrrrrrr...

2011-06-20T13:28:00.003-04:00

Now that summer's under way, I've been busy, busy, busy. I'm always busy, I guess, but now I don't have 2 1/2 hours in the morning to get a few things done around the house, check my e-mail, etc. On one hand, having my son home 24/7 is tough, but, on the other hand, I'm glad that I'm able to be home with him all summer. After all, he's only this age once, and the summer will fly by.

So, with that said, here's an update...

--- A year ago my son wasn't talking, now he's saying a lot, and some of the things that he says are hilarious, like:

"Mommy, I want cold coffee."

"Mommy, I want eight cookies!"

"I want Easter bunny come today."

Me: "Do you want some strawberries."

My son: "No! How about some food!"

--- A week ago we started attempting potty training again, and so far, so good... A much different experience than last time. My son's had very few accidents, and he stayed dry all night last night. I'm glad that he likes wearing "undies." He's well on his way to being fully potty trained... Yay!!!

--- On Saturday, my son went to his friend's birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. It was his first time going to Chuck E. Cheese. He did well, and really enjoyed some of the games! During the birthday celebration Chuck E. Cheese showed up, there was a lot of singing, and a lot of noise, and my son had a hard time with this, but he got through it.

--- Yesterday was Father's Day, and I hope you and your family had a nice day! My husband slept in, I made breakfast, we watched Tron, and went to the park. It was a nice, relaxed, day.

--- My son has been playing well with other children. I love seeing him play with his friends, especially pretend play. This morning he had 5 friends over to our house, and he really enjoyed it!

--- Well, we're off to ABA therapy, and I meet with my son's program coordinator, today, for an update...

Have a great week!

livelovelaughandautism at gmail dot com

A Special Perspective on the GFCF Diet

2011-06-08T12:15:00.001-04:00

Check out my latest Special Needs Perspective article on MomColoredGlasses: A Special Perspective on the GFCF Diet. Like it! Leave a comment! Yay!

The End of The First School Year

2011-06-07T18:09:00.001-04:00

I can't believe that my son's first school year will come to a close this week. He enjoyed his end of the school year party yesterday, and his last day is on Thursday. It's been an amazing year, with amazing teachers, amazing support, and amazing progress. I'm delighted that he's attending the same school program in the Fall. I know that the summer will fly by. For our summer plans, check out Live, Love, Laugh, and Autism's Summer post!

livelovelaughandautism at gmail dot com

Big/Little

2011-06-04T10:50:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Afternoon

Son: "Mommy, I want ice cream, please."

Me: "Ok, get a bowl."

Son: Gets a HUGE bowl.

Me: "That bowl's too big!"

Me: Gets a little bowl.

Son: "No little bowl. Big bowl!"

Me: Gets a normal sized bowl.

Son: "Regular bowl, ok."

Me: "A regular bowl's ok?"

Son: "Yes."

ABA Update

2011-05-29T10:20:00.000-04:00

Seriously, why am I SOOO busy lately? Not only am I crazy busy, I'm also crazy exhausted... *Yawn* Anyway, here's my son's latest ABA update-- It's a great update.

Reinforcers-- Shifting from edibles/toys to people/social interaction

Pronunciation-- Improving

Yelling/Screaming-- Continuing-- "Show me how you talk at a ... "

Noun AND Noun combinations

Tacting-- Categories, locations, functions of items, yes/no

Prepositions

Wh- questions, sequence-- "What is it?" "What color is it?"

Big/Little-- "I want the big one." "I want the little one."

Letters-- Lowercase

Letters-- Sounds

Numbers-- Teens, twenties

Handwriting

IEP Season

2011-05-24T12:18:00.002-04:00

Check out this month's article, IEP Season, in my column, A Special Needs Perspective, for MomColoredGlasses! "Like" it! Leave comments! May your IEP meetings go well this IEP season!

For more information regarding IEPs, check out the Education links or the Autism links.

May, Park and Potluck

2011-05-22T10:30:00.002-04:00

Reminder!

This month's, special needs friendly, family park and potluck is today, from 2-4!

Join us!

livelovelaughandautism at gmail dot com

Friends

2011-05-21T13:26:00.000-04:00

Friday, when I was picking my son up from school, another child's mother invited my son to her son's birthday party. Her son is one of the "role model" students in my son's class, he's a typically developing child. She told me that her son wanted my son to come to his birthday party. I was thrilled! He actually asked that my son be there... Wow. Then... then... she said that our summer activities should involve our kids, together. Awesome! While we were talking, our sons were running around, playing with each other, having a blast. I asked her if her son knew that my son was "different." This is something that I've been wondering-- Do the "typical" children, at age 4 and 5, know that the autistic children are "different???" Her answer... "No." !!! !!! !!! Wow! Her son has no idea that my son is "different." He considers my son one of "the boys." Wow. Really? Wow... I had no idea. Needless to say, I'm sooo happy to hear that. This will change, I'm sure. Will it change in 6 months from now? A year from now? I don't know. But, for now, it makes me happy; it fueled my hope that my son is recovering, and that someday he will mainstream into school, friendships, community, independence.

Vaca

2011-05-11T13:52:00.001-04:00

I have to apologize for the lack of blog posts, but I've been on vacation! I had a very, very, nice vaca in South Carolina, on the lake, enjoying family, and my sister's wedding. Now, I'm back in Miami, and I'm soooooooooo exhaussssssssssteddddd.

Update

2011-04-27T11:48:00.005-04:00

I've been receiving numerous, numerous, comments about my son's demeanor and progress VERY recently. On monday morning, a friend, that sees my son every day, commented about the drastic change in his behaviors and attention. He seems more in-tune, he seems to be seeing the bigger picture. His personality is shining. He's doing great in class, he's doing great in therapy. Last week, in ABA therapy, he mastered 33 skills. I believe that the casein-free diet is helping my son, and I can't believe that it's merely coincidence. We are hoping to begin him on the gluten-free diet in a month, or so (He is, already, though, eating mostly gluten-free foods, too).

April is Autism Awareness Month
Summer Program

livelovelaughandautism at gmail dot com

Easter

2011-04-27T11:32:00.005-04:00

My son was sooo excited for the holiday! He woke up, early, Easter morning, with a huge smile on his face, declaring, "Merry Christmas!!!"

He enjoyed spending a long day finding Easter eggs, hanging out with friends at church, and playing playing playing at an eggstravagant Easter party!

I hope you and yours had a great holiday weekend, too!

April is Autism Awareness Month

Summer Program

livelovelaughandautism at gmail dot com

April is Autism Awareness Month

2011-04-20T09:25:00.002-04:00

Check out my article!

April is Autism Awareness Month

Featured in my monthly column, "A Special Needs Perspective," on MomColoredGlasses.

Summer

2011-04-18T18:02:00.009-04:00

!!! Join Live, Love, Laugh, and Autism this Summer !!!

Our summer schedule is set!

Each day of the week we will be doing a different, social, activity.

Activities:

Monday, 9:00-11:00AM-- Field Play/Run (9:00-10:00), Library/Read (10:00-11:00) (Free)

Tuesday, 9:00-11:00AM-- Bowl ($3.50/Person/Game, $3.50/Person/Shoe Rental, Kids Bowl Free Program)

Wednesday, 9:00-11:00AM-- Park Playground (Free)

Thursday, 9:00-11:00AM-- Beach ($1.50/Car)

Friday, 1:00-3:00PM-- Pool/Swim ($2.50/Person)

Each activity has a set time and location.

Some of the activities are free, and other activities cost money.

All of the activities, combined, including one child and one adult, costs approximately $20/week.
Children of all abilities and disabilities are invited to attend.

If you're a friend, or if you're in the Miami area, and would like to be a part of the summer fun, let me know, and I will provide you with details (Including location)!

For many of our children with autism, it is important to continue to do consistent activities throughout the summer months. My son will also continue with his daily ABA therapy sessions, and his evening schedule will include pre-academic sessions and arts/crafts. And we, as a family, have scheduled a number of weekend and evening activities.

livelovelaughandautism at gmail dot com

ABA Update

2011-04-13T11:04:00.000-04:00

My son's ABA therapists are really emphasizing articulation (Um, this is awesome, considering he didn't speak, AT ALL, 9 months ago), social skills, and classroom skills.
My son was never aggressive, but now he does push, hit, and scream in certain situations, so we're working on that (Ya know, I've become pretty good at the ignoring technique-- If the circumstance involves me, NOT if the circumstance involves another child).
We're *still* working on "Walk" and "Stop." My son is really struggling with this, it seems, but these concepts are sooo important for safety reasons.
I've noticed that my son is using the word "Number" to label everything. For example, "Number one" (Ok), "Number twelve" (Ok), "Number A" (Not ok), "Number car game" (Not ok). You get the idea... So, we're working on this, too.

Sunday Afternoon at the Park, Friends, and a HUGE Banyan Tree

2011-04-10T20:48:00.001-04:00

It was a beautiful afternoon in Miami; so when we met up with friends at a local park it was the perfect way to close-out the weekend. I was thrilled with my son's involvement with the other kids today (Besides being a *little* agressive, twice). He was playing, running, jumping, laughing with his friends. He was really enjoying himself and enjoying their company. He was SOOO happy! I was sooo happy! So, to my lovely friends, and your kids: "Thank you!" What a fabulous afternoon!!!

XOXOXO

Butterfly Garden

2011-04-10T20:41:00.002-04:00

On Saturday morning, my son's school had a work day to tend to their butterfly garden. My family went, sporting matching green shirts and crocs (We are not lame at all), and helped out. A few of the other boys in my son's class (Role model students-- Students that are typically developing and have good social skills) were very good about getting my son's attention and trying to play with him. By the end of the event my son was running around with them and laughing-- It was adorrrrrable. I'm so happy that the parents encourage their children to engage my son. It really means a lot to me, and I know that it means the world to my son (Even if he doesn't always properly express it).

Pasta with Kale and Garlic Chips

2011-04-10T20:33:00.000-04:00

This pasta dish was created as a variation of the Smitten Kitchen's Spaghetti with Swiss Chard and Garlic Chips dish. Her recipe looked delish, but I only looked at it once, over a week ago, before I decided to make it. So, when I was creating my meals list and grocery list for the week, I was trying to remember (I have a bad memory) what was in the recipe. I *did* remember that it includes swiss chard, but I LOVE love love kale, so I went with that. So, here's my Pasta with Kale and Garlic Chips dish...

Ingredients:

Spinach Spaghetti (Any pasta will do)

Garlic

Onion (I always prefer red)

Kale

Kalamata Olives

Feta

Oil (I prefer flax)

What to do:

Sautee garlic slices in extra virgin olive oil...

Add onions, and sautee...

Cook and drain the pasta and kale (This can be done while you're cooking the garlic and onion. Remove the stems from the kale -- I tend to like kale stems, but I don't recommend them for this dish -- and add the kale to the cooking pasta when there is just a few minutes left for it to cook)...

Mix all of the ingredients together (Pasta, kale, garlic, onions, kalamata olives, feta, and flax oil).

Yum!

Vegannnish

2011-04-06T22:40:00.000-04:00

My current FB status:

So... My son has been off of ALL dairy/dairy by-products/casein since Thursday (He's also taking his multivitamin and cod liver oil). Me, my husband, and others have noticed a difference (Not a miracle, but a difference). He's even eating BETTER! *SMILE*

A few of my comments, in response to friends' comments:

I'm sooo excited for him!

It's awesome!

He wants to wake up in the AM AND eat breakfast at the dining room table (This morning he helped me set the table). He's even doing better in therapy. I'm all like, "What the EFF!!!" Woohoo! Again, no miracle, but hope!

He takes his cod liver oil in a smoothie made with coconut kefir!

ABA Therapy Update

2011-04-06T22:36:00.000-04:00

Current "things" that my son is working on in ABA therapy (and at home):

Articulation

Reinforcers-- Move from electronics to social games

Block structures-- 2D to 3D

Wh- questions

Prompting to keep hand out of mouth

Categories, Faves, and Links

2011-04-06T21:31:00.009-04:00

Autism

ADHD

Selective Mutism

Asthma

Education

Librarians

Children

Charities and Donations

MomColoredGlasses

MCG: A Special Needs Perspective

MCG: Recipes

MCG: Contributors

MCG: Recipe Contributors

MCG: Mom Profile

Reading List, 2011

Reading List, 2010

Reading List, 2009

Kristina's Kitchen

Guest Book

2011-04-06T21:23:00.001-04:00

Avocado and Mango "Dip" (GFCFSF, Starch-Free)

2011-04-06T09:10:00.003-04:00

A few summers ago, a friend of mine made a fabulous salsa dip (I'll make that, in the future, and add it to my "Kitchen"). This guacamole "dip" is a variation of hers (This one is GFCF and starch-free). Thankfully, I live in Miami, where avocados are never lacking in abundance.

Ingredients:

Avocado

Mango

Red Onion

Cilantro

Flax Oil (Optional)

Mince all of the ingredients in a food processor, and mix together.

Enjoy!!!

This is great alone, or with torilla chips--

I LOVE eating this on top of spinach with sliced almonds and Marzetti's Simply Dressed Coleslaw Salad Dressing (GF). Seriously, this is delicious!

And, last, but defff not least-- My husband (And I, of course) love this as a perfect salmon topper!

Beans and Rice + Lentils, Quinoa, Flax Oil, Lemon, and Cilantro (GFCFSF)

2011-04-03T20:55:00.005-04:00

My son and I don't eat meat, so we have to get our protein and iron from other sources. Thankfully, my son loves a simple beans and rice dish. This is a great dish to make on a Sunday afternoon-- Let it cook while your husband is watching the kids play outside, and while you're enjoying a good read in a well-deserved bubble bath. We're able to enjoy this dish for a few days. My son will eat it as a meal, and I like it as a side dish. Even my husband loves it-- Though, it's not so low in the starch department.

The ingredients:

Black beans, lentils, quinoa, rice (brown basmati)
Flax oil, lemon, cilantro

Soak what you need to soak (overnight, or during the day)--

Cook, then drain the goods--

Add flax oil and lemon--

Add cilantro--

Voila! How EASY was that? VERY easy, and cheap.

Simple, Vegan, Banana, Strawberries, Cantaloupe, Spinach, and Flax, Smoothie (GFCFSF)

2011-04-03T16:53:00.001-04:00

Frozen banana

Strawberries

Cantaloupe

Spinach

Ground flaxseed

Ice cubes

Water

Use a shaker to mix-in powdered multivitamin and cod liver oil

Simple, Vegan, Banana, Strawberries, and Cantaloupe, Smoothie (GFCFSF)

2011-03-31T08:53:00.003-04:00

My son hasn't slept well, at all, for a few nights. Consequently, my husband and I aren't sleeping either. My son hasn't been sleeping well due to his asthma and mucous (On other nights he doesn't sleep well for other reasons). So, I'm putting him on a strict vegan diet for a few days to see if it helps his asthma/mucous (And, I'll be thrilled if it also helps his loose stools and leg cramps, too). Every morning my son drinks a smoothie, so this morning I made him this super simple, vegan, smoothie...

1/2 of a frozen banana (I always keep frozen bananas in the freezer)

1/2 of a fresh banana

A few strawberries

Some cantaloupe

A few ice cubes

A cup of water

After I blend the smoothie, I use a shaker to mix-in my son's multivitamin and cod liver oil.

Voila!

Roasted Veggie Wraps

2011-03-29T19:09:00.000-04:00

I love making these roasted veggie wraps because they're sooo simple, quick, and absolutely delish!!!

Roast broccoli and red onion for 30 mins, at 350

Wrap-it up (I prefer rice or spelt) with your roasted veggies, spinach, and hummus

This recipe is a variation of The Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen's recipe.

ABA Update

2011-03-29T18:55:00.000-04:00

This week's ABA update

My son mastered 23 tasks last week... Cool!

Some tasks that he is working on, now:

Two step directions, in chair

One step directions, travelling

Building 3D structures (Copying 2D structures)

My/Your

Wh- questions

Prepositions, across all verbal operants

Articulation

Stop

MomColoredGlasses

2011-03-29T17:02:00.000-04:00

The lovely ladies at MomColoredGlasses asked if I would be interested in being a guest contributor, and of course I was! My post, "Live, Love, Laugh, and Autism," appeared today, and I'm thrilled and honored! Check it out!

XOXOXO

Moms' Night Out, in Review

2011-03-29T14:02:00.003-04:00

March's Moms' Night Out was fabulous! We went to the Cheesecake Factory, and I wish we could have stayed out all night (I think our waiter was anxious for us to move the evening along). I was sooo happy when I went home, and I told my husband that I *deserve* to do that more often-- Thankfully, he agrees!

I have a super crazy, hectic, busy, April and May ahead of me, sooo I'm not able to schedule a Moms' Night Out for April. I am scheduling a Mom's Night Out in late May, though.

Fair

2011-03-29T13:57:00.001-04:00

My son's preschool class went on a fieldtrip to the fair. My son went on two rides, which he enjoyed a little... I think. After that, though, he freaked out, and spend the rest of the day sitting down and eating chocolate ice cream. Although I wasn't expecting my son to enjoy the fair (Due to his sensory issues), I'm glad that he was able to be involved in the new experience. I believe that it's important for him to be introduced to many, many, experiences and social opportunities-- Even if they push him outside of his sensory comfort zone. Maybe next year will be better!

Avocado Pasta

2011-03-29T13:51:00.000-04:00

A few of my friends suggested that I check out Oh She Glows, and I'm so glad that I did. Her "15 Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta" is awesome (I'm glad that I live in a sub-tropical climate, where avocados grow wild)! I tweaked it a little-- I use two avocados (Instead of 1), 1 whole lemon (Instead of 1/2 of a lemon) and flax oil (Instead of olive oil). Delish!

Vegetable Soup

2011-03-29T13:46:00.000-04:00

I make a very simple vegetable soup almost every weekend. It's a perfect way to end a Sunday. I typically use vegetable boullion and any leftover veggies from the week (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, onion, kale, etc). Sometimes I add brown basmati rice or quinoa.

Thai Curry

2011-03-29T13:42:00.001-04:00

I've been making a lot of Thai curry dishes lately. Whole Foods sells terrific pre-made Thai curries. Veggies I like to use are broccoli, carrots, onion, spinach, and kale (Lots of kale). Then, I recommend eating it with brown basmati rice or quinoa.

Disclosure

2011-03-29T13:40:00.001-04:00

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me.
I write for my own purposes, and the views and opinions expressed on this blog are mine.
I do not claim to be an expert on a certain topic, product, or service area;
I am not compensated to provide opinions on products, services, websites, or other various topics; and any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.

Pee Pee Potty

2011-03-23T17:25:00.003-04:00

This post could also be titled, "Um, WTF just happened???!!!???!!!" Or, "AWESOME!!!!!"

Today, circa 1:20PM:

Place-- ABA Therapy Waiting Room

My son, while watching a movie: "Pee pee potty."

Me: "Pee pee potty?"

My son: "Yeah."

Me: "Do you have to go pee pee in the potty?"

My son: "Yeah."

I rushed him to the bathroom...

Me, still in shock and totally caught off guard: "Do you want to sit down or stand up?"

My son: "Stand up."

And then...

Yes...

My son peed, with good aim, in the toilet!

After therapy, he did it again!

ABA Therapy Update

2011-03-23T15:22:00.000-04:00

Tasks that my son is, currently, working on--

Where's ___?

Please stop.

Turn it on.

Fix it.

Give it back, please.

Walk

Stop

What questions

Where questions

Noun and verb combinations

Pronouns

Three component motor imitations

Glueing

Block designs

Vitamins/Supplements

2011-03-22T11:07:00.002-04:00

::: Vitamins/Supplements :::

I don't, necessarily, use, support, or endorse these vitamins/supplements, and I'm certainly not a medical professional. However, many of the moms that I know, and I, chat about vitamins/supplements. I've been doing a lot of reading and research regarding this (I'm a librarian, by education and trade, so I'm really good at reading and researching); so, I want to provide, you, my dear reader, with a list of relevant information. If you are aware of further information, vitamins, supplements, etc., please let me know so that I can add them to this list. I will keep this list updated.

References

Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamins

Dietary Reference Intakes: Elements

Dietary Reference Intakes: Macronutrients

Dietary Reference Intakes: Electrolytes and Water

Children (Typical and Autistic)

ALL ONE

Brainchild Nutritionals

Kartner Health

Kirkman Labs

Klaire Labs

Lee Silsby

Rainbow Light

revitaPOP

SpeechNutrients

Adults (Typical)

ALL ONE

Rainbow Light

revitaPOP

A personal note:

If you're actually interested in my family's vitamin/supplement habits, here they are--

My husband has a non-reactive autoimmune arthritis. He is on a very strong medication, plus Folic Acid. In addition to this, his vitamins/supplements include a daily multi-vitamin, including probiotics (Rainbow Light, Men's One), a Calcium supplement, Cod Liver Oil, and additional B12 (revitaPOP).

I am a vegetarian, and a migraineur, and my vitamins/supplements include a daily multi-vitamin, including probiotics (Rainbow Light, Women's One), a Calcium supplement, Cod Liver Oil, and additional B12 (revitaPOP).

My son is Autistic, ADHD, Asthmatic, and a vegetarian. His vitamins/supplements include a daily multi-vitamin (ALL ONE, Kids), Cod Liver Oil, and additional B12 (revitaPOP). He also consumes natural probiotics.

As a family, we tend to eat healthy. We eat a lot of organic vegetables and fruit, and incorporate flax oil and flaxseed in our diet. We limit processed foods, starch, gluten, casein, and soy. My son and I are vegetarians. We are not militant or neurotic about our diet; however, we find that eating healthy and taking appropriate vitamins/supplements is extremely beneficial to our overall health and well-being. Every now and again we enjoy a night out on the town with pizza and cupcakes!

ABA Therapy Update

2011-03-02T08:48:00.000-05:00

Working on the following tasks:

Labeling actions (almost mastered)

Labeling quickly (with flashcards)

Labeling two items with article (e.g., "ball and bat")

Noun and verb combinations

Following directions (school readiness)

Spontaneous language

Puzzles

Looking when name is called (this is an ongoing issue)

Diet

2011-03-02T08:45:00.000-05:00

I'm up to my ears in reading, reading, reading...

Gluten-Free

Casein-Free

Soy-Free

Specific Carbohydrate Diet

Gut and Psychology Syndrome

Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Techniques

Vitamins

Supplements

Jenny McCarthy

Books... Books... Books...

Websites... Websites... Websites...

Etc... Etc.. Etc.. Etc... Etc...

AAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Autism Speaks Walk

2011-03-01T11:21:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, I participated in Walk Now for Autism Speaks. It was a gorgeous day! My friend, Dawn, and I walked with my son's school team.

Manners

2011-03-01T10:02:00.000-05:00

My son has learned, and developed, good manners...

So, needless to say, it really annoys me when parents don't teach their typically developing kids appropriate behavior, kind behavior, good manners. Your child that has good receptive language skills, good verbal language skills, and good cognitive understanding skills, should not, should NOT NOT NOT, be uncontrollable, mean, rude, or bratty-- COME ON! I REALLY think that such behavior points to the parent... Who, normally, is sitting on the park bench texting, or reading People magazine...

Historia de un Letrero

2011-02-23T13:41:00.002-05:00

We watched this at the Postive Parenting Practices for Children with Autism workshop, last night.