Holy Numbers, Batman!

My son has always had an affinity for numbers.  I remember when he first counted out 10 objects when he was barely a toddler.  Being speech delayed he didn't have the language to give the names of the numbers, but the methodical nature to how he counted was such a strong indicator that he understood the concept of numbers.  Throughout the last three years, my son has made comments on numbers, dates, and patterns.  I always thought his observations were just random flukes or something that he heard the teacher mention.  It has only been the last few months that I have really paid attention and started documenting some of these occurrences.  For example, my son likes to tell me which day of the week certain dates will fall.  Just a few weeks ago he said, "Mom, I'm going to be 6 1/2 on Feb. 25th."  I told him he was right.  I then randomly asked him if he knew which day of the week that date fell on.  Keep in mind that this was on the way to school and I was avoiding the litany of questions about anything and everything that often consumes our 2 minute commute.  He piped up after a short pause and said sternly, "It's a Friday."  I remember being shocked as I figured it out for myself.  I then asked him when daddy's birthday falls during the week.  His birthday is March 7th.  Again, after a short pause he got it right.  After drilling him with more dates he began to slip, but the initial few he got correct.  I'm not sure what any of this means other than there are so many amazing gifts that our children teach us each and every day - how to be kinder, more compassionate, more patient, etc.  I never thought that my six year old could teach me math.  I asked him how he knew the answers and he replied, "I just do, Mom.  I can see it."  As a teacher, I have been trained to teach to many different learning styles.  At the early childhood level I strived to really solidify this process by providing many different learning experiences for my students.  I am in awe of my son.  His mind is a wonder and I feel so humbled by how he processes the every day and how he conceptualizes the abstract.

Yahoo, I'm online

Visit our "under construction" website www.sensorysupport.org

I spoke too soon

Well, the sleep issues are back.  They are not as intense as before, but have certainly not subsided.  It's all a process, right?

I told my six year old that his dad and I are going to go see The King's Speech some time soon.  He asked what it is about and I told him it is about a king that had to go to speech therapy.  He said, "You mean just like me?  Did he go see Miss Nicole too?"  I told him that all people have things that they do really well and things they struggle with - even kings.  The smile on his face was amazing, inspirational, and validated that the awareness that I am trying to bring to my community about sensory issues and all the other struggles that go along with it is SO worth it!

There is a reason why my son was given to me.  After all the countless teary nights and frustrating days of wondering how I was going to provide the best therapies and solutions for my son to feel successful, I know this is the reason.  My son is thriving.  Although support was lacking when I was initially going through this process, I want to be there to provide support, resources and information to others.  I sound like such a martyr, but it's true.

Ahhhhh, sleep, how I have missed you!

For the last couple of weeks we have had some stress in the house due to a recent family loss.  This has caused both of my children to react in very different ways.  My three year old asks a lot of questions and is concerned when we are sad.  My six year old has been asking his own questions - very pragmatic ones - and has been having difficulty regulating.  I first noticed a shift in his auditory processing.  Directions were not being followed.  I was having to shorten directions from 3 steps to 1 step.  The pinnacle of the stress was the decrease in proprioceptive regulation.  He was flapping more, wiggling, and just not aware of his place in space.  Whenever this happens I know that sleep issues are around the corner.  Sure enough, the last 4 nights my son has woken up multiple times throughout the night, has had difficulty falling asleep, or is ready to start his day at 3 am.  Finally, I put him on the floor in his sleeping bag with three quilts on top of him hoping that the input he received from the hard floor and the weight of the blankets would help his system regulate.  I am pleased to announce that for the first time in two weeks, my son slept through the night and woke up at a decent hour.
I'm sure my local Starbucks' revenue will take a dip, but at least now we are on the road to feeling functional!

Seminar

Sensory Seminar tomorrow night – February 10^th

The excitement is building! This is the first-ever opportunity to learn about different ways to help a sensory child – all in one room. Get your questions answered!

Come and ask these experts questions about:

auditory processing, therapeutic riding, speech, insurance coverage, ways to help your child learn (reading, writing, spelling, math), interactive metronome, therapeutic listening programs, chiropractic, DIR/floortime, vision therapy, yoga, sensory gyms, occupational therapy, counseling, sibling support, allergy/intolerance testing, naturopathic care, neurotransmitter testing, therapeutic riding (horseback riding), how to heal your child’s gut, immune systems, craniosacral care, and so much more!

Same time, same place:

Where:  Hotel 50 (50 SW Morrison, Portland – by the waterfront), 2^nd Floor

When:  7-9 pm

So Exciting!!!!

We had our first Sensory Mamas meeting last night and it was so inspiring, powerful, validating, and supportive.  We were lucky to have a wonderful OT speak to us about sensory issues and then go around the room and speak to how sensory issues have affected our children.  There were so many "ah ha" moments, information sharing, and general nods of recognition.  I left feeling empowered and SO EXCITED about our next meeting.

If you or someone you know has a child with sensory issues and is interested in joining our group please have them contact me at scheckyjo@comcast.net.

Author Speaks on Bullying and Friendships

Author Event at Barnes and Noble
Parents and educators are invited to attend this special evening with guest speaker Trudy Ludwig. Learn about the latest research findings and the nature of boys' and girls' friendships as well as tips, tools and resources to help empower children. RSVP.

Tuesday February 08, 2011 4:00 PM

Tanasbourne 18300 NW Evergreen Pkwy, Beaverton, OR 97006, 503-645-3046

The Silent Observer

We were driving in the car the other day and my son said from the back seat, "I know how to count by 20s." He then rattled off 20 - 200 without skipping a number.  I asked him if he learned it at school and he said, "No, I just looked on the dashboard and saw 20, 40, 60 and just kept going.  He was looking at my speedometer.  I am amazed at the observations and connections he makes.  He can observe his surroundings in a way that I never could - more in depth, more aware.