Children's Care BlogTalk http://www.cchs.org/blog A blog for parents and interested parties about how to assist children with special needs including those with autism, behavioral issues and those with medically complex conditions. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:34:52 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en hourly 1 noResources, advice and information for children with special needs and their families43.525226-96.732978CchsBlogTalkhttp://feedburner.google.com What’s In a Word? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CchsBlogTalk/~3/0p5WSwE9qhI/ http://www.cchs.org/blog/whats-in-a-word/#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:34:52 +0000 Children's Care http://www.cchs.org/blog/?p=511 “Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me.” I am not sure who said that, but it seemed like a good thing to say when I was a kid and bullies would tease me because I had red hair, bucked teeth, freckles, and glasses. Now I am an adult and I realize that really the opposite is true; words can hurt, especially when those words are about your children. I have been in the field of autism for my entire career, going on 20 years now, and I have always been so disappointed in some of the “words” parents of children with autism have been subjected to:

  • autismSecretin
  • Chelation
  • Hyperbaric Chamber
  • Facilitated Communication
  • Rapid Response Trials
  • No Vaccinations
  • Thimerosal
  • Leaky Gut Syndrome
  • Mitochondrial Disease
  • Gluten Free Casein Free
  • Sensory Re-integration (strapped on a moving table in the dark, Naples, FL 2004)
  • Swimming with the Dolphins (Florida Keys, 2005)

I am sure if I went on the internet I could find some more non-researched, unproven “therapies.” We used to call these the “Cure of the Year” but most recently one could say the “Fix of the Month.” The only item needed for these endeavors is an endless supply of money. I must pause here and make this statement:  Testimonials do not research make. There will always be the story of a child getting better and maybe if the child was typical (whatever that means) he/she would still need to be on a special diet or need a gastroenterologist; my point is that these are not exclusively for autism.

Strangely enough, these aren’t the words that bother me the most. It is words like Cure, Recover, and Loosing the Diagnosis that give a grieving parent hope that more than likely is not attainable. I am not trying to be the horrible person who takes hope away from parents; I just don’t want them to have false hope. With proper research-based treatment, can children improve? Yes! Could they be indistinguishable from typical peers? Possibly! But autism is not a disease, autism is a brain-based developmental disability; a non-progressive, pervasive developmental disorder that will require some supports throughout the individual’s lifespan. Those supports may only include assistance with planning, social coaching, and/or a professionally monitored support group.  But we know that a range from full (group home, sheltered employment) to minor (above-mentioned) supports will be necessary for complete success and continued independence.

Any research in the field of autism will reveal that Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the only evidence-based treatment shown to be effective for children with autism. Dr. David L. Holmes, author, founder of the Eden Institute, and autism expert puts it this way, “until we determine the many causes of autism there currently is no cure and the majority of children will require early and intensive behavioral services followed by various degrees of specialized behaviorally-based educational services throughout their educational careers and beyond.”

But ABA is not flashy or glamorous and it has been around for 35 years or so. It is hard work, slow moving and yes, it is expensive, but it works. If you are a parent who wants to try the newest cure on the market I would never tell you not to, this is your child and you make the decisions.  But I would tell you this, try only one treatment at a time, do your research, and do what we know works – put your child in an ABA-based program. The data from that program will tell you if the other treatments are making a difference. And finally, ABA has charlatans too. Find a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), you and your child deserve the best.

Vicki L. Isler, Ed.D, BCBA-D
Clinical Director

]]> http://www.cchs.org/blog/whats-in-a-word/feed/ http://www.cchs.org/blog/whats-in-a-word/ Training Day 2009 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CchsBlogTalk/~3/YteH87buv1k/ http://www.cchs.org/blog/training-day-2009/#comments Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:22:06 +0000 Children's Care http://www.cchs.org/blog/?p=502

With our new Children’s Care University, we provide ongoing training opportunities to our staff and organizations to keep them aware of new and existing policies or regulations.  For the last couple of years we have made our Annual Inservice staff training a bit a more fun as we continue to tie it into a movie style theme.  This is our teaser for this year.

Does this look like fun to you?

]]> http://www.cchs.org/blog/training-day-2009/feed/ no With our new Children’s Care University, we provide ongoing training opportunities to our staff and organizations to keep them aware of new and existing policies or regulations.  For the last couple of years we have made our Annual Inservice staff With our new Children’s Care University, we provide ongoing training opportunities to our staff and organizations to keep them aware of new and existing policies or regulations.  For the last couple of years we have made our Annual Inservice staff training a bit a more fun as we continue to tie it into a movie [...]Children's Care, autism, traininghttp://www.cchs.org/blog/training-day-2009/http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=71377 Siblings Need Support Too http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CchsBlogTalk/~3/jJZNE72xk6U/ http://www.cchs.org/blog/siblings/#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:27:34 +0000 Children's Care http://www.cchs.org/blog/?p=485 The family unit is an integral part to growing up.  Our brothers and sisters taught us much along with our 3442006206_853958befbparents.  Of course some of those things our parents wish they hadn’t taught us, like burping at the table!  Brothers and sisters of those with special needs are a tremendous resource in the family unit.  Some times the demands a parent is faced with guide much of their time away from their typically developing children.

The Sibling Support Project is a nationwide organization dedicated to the life-long concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental, or mental health concerns.  Their site has some great information and resources that parents can utilize to understand what typically developing children may be going through and how they can be helped.  Here are some themes that arose in a recent survey:

  1. The Right to One’s Own Life.
  2. Acknowledging Siblings’ Concerns.
  3. Expectations for Typically-Developing Siblings.
  4. Expect Typical Behavior from Typically-Developing Siblings.
  5. Expectations for the Family Member with Special Needs.
  6. The Right to a Safe Environment.
  7. Opportunities to Meet Peers.
  8. Opportunities to Obtain Information.
  9. Sibs’ Concerns about the Future.
  10. Including Both Sons and Daughters.
  11. Communication.
  12. One-on-One Time with Parents.
  13. Celebrate Every Child’s Achievements and Milestones.
  14. Parents’ Perspective is More Important than the Actual Disability.
  15. Include Siblings in the Definition of “Family”.
  16. Actively Reach Out to Brothers and Sisters.
  17. Learn More About Life as a Sibling.
  18. Create Local Programs Specifically for Brothers and Sisters.
  19. Include Brothers and Sisters on Advisory Boards and in Policies Regarding Families.
  20. Fund Services for Brothers and Sisters.

To learn more on this topic click here.

Children’s Care partners with South Dakota Parent Connection to host “SibShops” as a resource to help siblings.  Check out Parent Connection at their site - http://www.sdparent.org/ for more resources and meeting times.

]]> http://www.cchs.org/blog/siblings/feed/ http://www.cchs.org/blog/siblings/ Guilt-Free Golf is Here! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CchsBlogTalk/~3/CMw_5NUa17c/ http://www.cchs.org/blog/guilt-free-golf-is-here/#comments Tue, 26 May 2009 19:56:22 +0000 Children's Care http://www.cchs.org/blog/?p=471 golf-logo_childrens-careWhether you golf on the weekends or have the ability to sneak in a few rounds during the week, does guilt ever creep in because you know you could be doing something else like the “Honey Do list?”  Well, should that be the case, we have the perfect solution for you.

On Friday, June 19, Children’s Care of Rapid City will host its 6th Annual Golf ‘Fore’ Children.  Located at at Meadowbrook Golf Course in Rapid City, this 4-person scramble will begin with a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m.  Players will enjoy cash prizes (the real green stuff) on every hole along with great flight prizes for winners.  There are men’s and women’s flights.  This tournament does more than provide a fun activity for friends to engage in – it helps kids with special needs.  The proceeds from the event help provide occupational, physical, and speech therapy services along with special education and behavioral services for children and families in western South Dakota and the region.

Registration is $85/person or $340/team of 4.  Register by clicking HERE.  Click on the Golf ‘Fore’ Children logo or print off the registration form and mail it to:

Jessica Wells
Children’s Care Hospital and School
2501 W. 26th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57105

Thank you to our Golf ‘Fore’ Children tournament sponsors:

Diamond Sponsor Level
Eagle Sales
Black Hills Regional Eye Institute
Rosenbaum Signs

Gold Sponsor Level
Clayborne, Loos, Strommen, Sabers
Reptile Gardens
Rushmore Mortgage
Quiznos
Black Hills Community Bank
Dakota Business Center
Gustafson Builders
5 Star Lawn and Sprinkler Service

Hole Sponsors
Liberty Chrysler Center
United Corporation
Black Hills Surgery Center
D & R Service
Lynn, Jackson, Shultz, Lebrun, P.C.
KT Connections
Casey’s Corner
Family Dental Center
Coldwell Banker
Black Hills Power

Finally, if you’re a golf lover, check out this story of a young man with cerebral palsy who found a way to participate in the PGA.

]]> http://www.cchs.org/blog/guilt-free-golf-is-here/feed/ http://www.cchs.org/blog/guilt-free-golf-is-here/ Top 10 Reasons All Children Should Know Sign Language http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CchsBlogTalk/~3/3KCN_bRmtVA/ http://www.cchs.org/blog/top-10-reasons-all-children-should-know-sign-language/#comments Fri, 22 May 2009 14:54:50 +0000 Children's Care http://www.cchs.org/blog/?p=444 Parents, teachers and caregivers, of young children, are always looking for ways to foster learning in a fun playful way and to build strong relationships with interactive activities. With all the choices that are available we would offer these considerations for using sign language, to communicate, play and sing and sign songs.  Research across the U.S. and in many other parts of the world have shown that hearing children receive many benefits as a result learning sign language along side verbal communication.2009_bhsm
1. IT’S FUN AND PLAYFUL Parents and teachers alike have discovered that young children, into elementary school, love to learn to sign and are genuinely excited to participate in signing activities. It is a fun playful activity for families to share.
2. EARLY COMMUNICATION  Young children have the ability to use their hands to communicate wants, thoughts and desires often many months before they can say the word. For very young children, as young as 10 months, this offers a way for parents to give their children communication skills and ease the frustrations of the crying guessing game.
3. REDUCES COMMUNICATION FRUSTRATIONS  Parents around the country have been reporting for years that signing gives them and their children a usable communication tool that enables children make clear wants and needs long before they can speak and thereby reducing the crying game frustrations.
4. INCREASED VOCABULARY  Hearing children who learn to sign have been shown to have up to twice the usable vocabulary, signed and spoken, than their non-signing counterparts.Signing offers children an additional way to communicate that is stored and accessed in a different part of the brain from verbal memory. It is a wonderful means of scaffolding or a way to build skills that will raise a child to the next level of learning. For infants it is a way to communicate using words prior to verbal skills being established. For toddlers it is a way to expand their usable vocabulary by getting more information and expanded language skills.
5. GIVES CHILDREN HEAD START ON EDUCATION  Children who sign have been found to have twice the usable vocabulary of non-signing children. Signing also provides children with a way to manipulate letters, sounds and to spell before they are able to write.signlanguageabc
6. STIMULATES BRAIN DEVELOPMENT  Signing has been shown to improve IQ scores.
7. HELPS BUILD FINE AND GROSS MOTOR SKILLS  A great way for children to move their hands and bodies and develop hand–eye coordination.
8. SELF-ESTEEM  Learning to sign enhances children’s self esteem and helps to encourage a real enthusiasm for learning.
9. LEARN VOCABULARY TO A SECOND LANGUAGE  We Sign uses American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary. ASL is the 4th most common in the U.S.
10. IMPROVES MEMORY AND RECALL  Signed words are stored in a separate part of the brain, learning sign along with spoken words, enhances memory and recall of language.

To help detect any communication disorders your child might have, learn more by clicking here.

For sign language resources close to you, Google American Sign Language.

]]> http://www.cchs.org/blog/top-10-reasons-all-children-should-know-sign-language/feed/ http://www.cchs.org/blog/top-10-reasons-all-children-should-know-sign-language/ Thanks Mom http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CchsBlogTalk/~3/kBcgGPIMa2w/ http://www.cchs.org/blog/thanks-mom/#comments Fri, 08 May 2009 20:06:02 +0000 Children's Care http://www.cchs.org/blog/?p=421 Children are a parent’s greatest blessing.  It is true that they vary on a grand scale whether it be their size, shape or capabilities.  But at the end of the day, they are still children and we love them very much.  So in honor of moms, we took it upon ourselves this year to summarize what any child, regardless of capability, might say this year on Mother’s Day.

Dear Mom,
I wanted to write you a quick letter today to let you know how much you mean to me. I don’t fully understand the pain you went through to have me. Perhaps one day I’ll get a better grasp of that. You helped “bring me into the world.” (You love to remind me of that if I do something wrong.) And for bringing me into this world I will always be thankful, even on those days I might not really show it. You bathe me, clothe me and take care of me when others would have given up a long time ago. You are my friend, always there to talk to me an497981167_72e4573b53d sometimes the only one who really understands me. You are my advocate as well - standing up for me when I may not be able to do so or have no voice to talk myself. And you never lose faith in me. I am always amazed at you. No matter the difficulty you and I might face, you continue to rise to the challenge every day for me. We have our good days and our bad days - who doesn’t, right?
If I looked up “mother” in the dictionary, I would have to think patience is part of your description. You always expect more of me and push me to do my best. But at the same time you are patient with me, allowing me to get things done as I am able to. That always means a lot - both pushing me and also waiting for me. There are so many other things you do. But best of all, you always show your love for me by holding my hand, kissing my forehead or just simply being by your side.
Thanks Mom - you are the greatest.

And to Moms all across the world this weekend - Happy Mother’s Day!  Whether a grateful child or a loving parent, please tell us in our comment section a fun story or comment about your mom.

]]> http://www.cchs.org/blog/thanks-mom/feed/ http://www.cchs.org/blog/thanks-mom/ What You Should Know About Swine Flu http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CchsBlogTalk/~3/1nGHwQcDPz8/ http://www.cchs.org/blog/swine-flu/#comments Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:17:19 +0000 Children's Care http://www.cchs.org/blog/?p=399 3484170091_e55f8696bb

Swine Flu

Serving as both a hospital and a school for children, we are paying special attention and keeping abreast of the Swine Flu along with the rest of the world.  To help you and your family with resources you can put to use, we’ve attached a few website with hyperlinks that come from federal as well as local resources.  Please add any additional resources you’ve found in our comments section.

Centers for Disease Control - http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

World Health Organization - http://www.who.int/en/

South Dakota Department of Health - http://doh.sd.gov/

Minnesota Department of Health - http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/swine/index.html

Iowa Department of Health - http://www.idph.state.ia.us

Sioux Falls Flu Information - http://www.siouxfallsflu.org/

Keeping Your Family Safe - http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm

Google Map of Swine Flu Occurences

UPDATED ON MAY 1, 2009 -  The following video is from KELO’s website regarding 2 probable cases within South Dakota:

]]> http://www.cchs.org/blog/swine-flu/feed/ http://www.cchs.org/blog/swine-flu/ You’re Not Alone http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CchsBlogTalk/~3/cfhoc8FdY_0/ http://www.cchs.org/blog/youre-not-alone/#comments Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:26:51 +0000 Children's Care http://www.cchs.org/blog/?p=384

Our 2nd Annual Arms Around Autism event went off fabulously last weekend despite a lack of cooperation from the weather. With forecasts of rain right up until the day of, the clouds and rain did stay away briefly so that we could hold our event in the parking lot as planned. Although it was a bit chilly, we abbreviated our program a bit and held our follow-up activities inside our facility.  Plus we had great music as heard on the video along with DJ services provided from Musical Edge.
The event was well attended as our video shows. Not only did our sponsors do a great job, but state legislators Todd Schlekeway, Manny Steele and Jacqueline Sly also were in attendance to show their support. We were blessed to have them and all of our friends and family as well. You can view our photo gallery of the event HERE as well as the video below.  In addition, KDLT came out and featured a story on their news that night.
The feature performance was by Amy Dresch, accompanied by Blitz Maximus.  Amy’s song, “You’re Not Alone,” was written for her son who has autism.  Her performance was electrified by the energy of Blitz Maximus, a Christian hip hop rapper who jumped off the stage and rallied the crowd.
If you were able to attend, tell us what you thought of the event in our comments section!

]]> http://www.cchs.org/blog/youre-not-alone/feed/ no Our 2nd Annual Arms Around Autism event went off fabulously last weekend despite a lack of cooperation from the weather. With forecasts of rain right up until the day of, the clouds and rain did stay away briefly so that we could hold our event in the pa Our 2nd Annual Arms Around Autism event went off fabulously last weekend despite a lack of cooperation from the weather. With forecasts of rain right up until the day of, the clouds and rain did stay away briefly so that we could hold our event in the parking lot as planned. Although it [...]Extended & Medical Care, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, autism, Arms Around Autism, autism awareness, Children's Care, sponsorshttp://www.cchs.org/blog/youre-not-alone/http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=4380759&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1 Local Help Embracing Arms Around Autism http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CchsBlogTalk/~3/EZbFrkf_HVk/ http://www.cchs.org/blog/local-help/#comments Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:23:54 +0000 Children's Care http://www.cchs.org/blog/?p=315 A phenomenal part to living in South Dakota is the incredible resource base of supporters we have. And this year is no different with the list of entertainers and vendors who are willing to help with our 2nd Annual Arms Around Autism on April 25 at 11 a.m. at our Sioux Falls facility on 26th street.  Look at what’s in store this year!

MUSIC

Amy Dresch

Amy Dresch

Amy Dresch, vocal instructor and owner of Cathouse Studios, will be performing her latest single, You’re Not Alone. The song was written and dedicated to her son who has autism. Amy’s song also features hip hop rapper, Blitz Maximus. We’re very excited at having these artists perform for us!

Musical Edge

Additional entertainment will be provided by Jeff Muezelaar. When Jeff isn’t working as a web expert at Click Rain, he owns and operates Musical Edge that will provide DJ services for our event.

FOOD

For the 2nd year in a row, we are blessed and honored to have our food vendors return to help us again.  Coke, Texas Roadhouse and the Sioux Falls Convention Center are back!  Texas Roadhouse will be providing their delicious rolls and honey butter while the Convention Center will be providing our staging as well as popcorn.  Hot Dogs will also be provided to participants and then you can wash it all down with a refreshing Coke products.

Coke Texas Roadhouse

Sioux Falls Convention Center

Sioux Falls Convention Center

YOU

We have the entertainment and we’ll have the food and drink - now all that is missing is you!  April 25 looks to be a pretty busy day in Sioux Falls with other activities planned.  We hope that you can attend, grab some free food and fun and learn a little bit more about autism.  On a serious note, autism is not going to go away.  The statistics are startling and alarming: every 23 minutes a child is diagnosed with autism.  No clear cut reasons exist for what causes autism and until that is determined we need everyone’s help in lifting up the needs for autism and the need for early detection/intevention.  Do your part - join us on April 25 at 11 a.m.

]]> http://www.cchs.org/blog/local-help/feed/ http://www.cchs.org/blog/local-help/ You Voted - Now Wear Your Shirt for Autism Proudly http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CchsBlogTalk/~3/iBWUVrNiQ08/ http://www.cchs.org/blog/autism-shirt-results/#comments Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:04:59 +0000 Children's Care http://cchs.org/blog/?p=244 Arms Around Autism T-shirt results

Arms Around Autism T-shirt results

A few weeks ago we held a fun contest with our social media/online fans where we provided three different t-shirt designs and let you choose the
winner.  Risky?  Perhaps.  Did it pay off?  You bet.  I can honestly say those who voted did a bang up job for Children’s Care in choosing the best t-shirt design for our upcoming 2nd Annual Arms Around Autism Event on April 25.  Leading the poll with 53% of the overall vote, Design #3 was the winning choice.  Poor Design #2 didn’t even stand a chance!

THE WINNERS

So, here are our winning t-shirt designs and a description to our methods.  Our adults sizes will feature a black background with the logo as shown:

The Winning Design

The Winning Design

Our youth sizes will feature a bright green background with the same design.  Why neon green you say?  Well, if you have a child with autism, the ability to properly communicate can be a struggle.  And in the blink of an eye, this child can get lost or separated easily enough.  The bright color  provides a stark contrast to what most other people might be wearing and makes it much easier to spot the child.

Youth shirt

Youth shirt

Thanks to everyone who participated in our poll and helped pick the winners.  We have enough t-shirts for a few lucky folks, so send us a comment and then we can touch base with you via email to get your shipping information.  Let us know what you think of our contest or other suggestions you would have to promote autism awareness.  We want to hear from you!

]]> http://www.cchs.org/blog/autism-shirt-results/feed/ http://www.cchs.org/blog/autism-shirt-results/ nonadult