Soft ®

Soft Made By You: Paige! Newman

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:41:00 +0000

Paige Newman from the Zandl Group stopped in the Soft showroom today to share her natural talent for color/print creation and combination. "The top two designs are for the Soft Spring 2010 Collection, and the bottom two are for Fall", says Paige. Make your own by visiting our creation page here!

Give India!

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:58:00 +0000

Soft is excited about our manufacturing partnerships with India. We have a close, personal relationship with our factory representatives there, and they are so supportive and understanding of our mission. Our primary contact flew all the way to NY to make sure he understood our unique needs--and has been working hard to rethink and remake they way basic clothing is made to fit our inclusive model.

We wanted to give back in a way that compliments our beliefs about inclusive education. Today Soft started a new initiative, that we will continue thorughout the first year of our launch, and then expand along with our growth. In addition to funding disability organizations here in the US, Soft has started to support children with disabilities in India through a variety of local organizations thorugh Give India. Our first donation funded an art therapy program for a non-verbal child for three months! Check back here for regular updates on the specific programs, children and organizations we are helping to fund. We expect to have photos and a full report of this first funded project within the next three months. If you would like to suggest projects for us to fund, please visit Give India, and make suggestions in the comments section below.

Family TV Watching and Autism

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:07:00 +0000

By Eileen Parker, Cozy Calm

Soft welcomes Eileen from the Cozy Calm Blog as a guest blogger! Eileen Parker has High-Functioning Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder and is happily in Sensory Integration Therapy. She sells her Cozy Calm weighted blankets for people on the autism spectrum at www.CozyCalm.com. She lives with her family in Minneapolis. Thanks Eileen! If you would like to be a guest blogger on the Soft Blog, please write to us at jessica@softclothing.net.

You can help your child with autism lower their stress level with some simple rules about family TV watching.

As a child and now an adult with autism and sensory processing disorder, I know that TV can be stressful to the point of jumping, tears, anger, confusion, and other reactions. As an adult, I have learned to contain some of my reaction in front of others, but children don’t necessarily have that regulation built in yet. Also, while watching TV, I will start to feel upset. I often don’t realize what is bothering me early on, but I have learned to identify my own signs.

When my hubby and his kids are talking and watching sports, I have to leave the room, close the door, and go away because my aggravation from the sound continues to elevate until it boils.

A child may not know that they can leave the room to a quieter place. A family member may even tell the child to stay in that room or the TV may be audible throughout the house, so the child has no escape from the sound. With the noises from the TV, the child’s irritability can climb all day.

Here are some TV rules that could make your child’s life much more relaxed:

1. No talking while the TV is on. More than one source of sound is not merely aggravating; it feels like a hurt in the brain.
2. Mute the commercials. The sudden jarring sound of a blasting commercial bashing into the ears can make your child jump, sweat, breathe fast, or make sounds.
3. If your TV has the capability, lower the treble. The higher register noises are more painful.
4. Put the TV in an enclosed room and close the door so your child does not have to hear it.
5. If you are not watching the TV, turn it off.
6. Have your child look away from the screen during commercials so the fast-moving visual stimuli don’t make it worse.
7. Turn the volume down.
8. Learn to make TV more bearable for your child by doing a brushing protocol first. Your child can also lie under a weighted blanket while watching TV.

Soft Seamless Socks

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:24:00 +0000

free your feet and the rest will follow™

Soft Seamless Socks. Coming this fall.

Google Sketchup for Individuals With Autism

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:42:00 +0000

Project Spectrum was created to give people with autism the opportunity to express their creativity and develop a life skill using Google SketchUp 3D modeling software.

Design + Autism: Where innovation is "the name of the game"

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:38:00 +0000

I came across this site doing research on other companies which have delved in the world of universal design for sensory related disorders such as Autism. Design + Autism is the brainchild of a father of a child with Autism with 24 years of interior design experience. Check them out here.

Paris brings inspiration, collaboration

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:11:00 +0000

Inspiration: Paris

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:26:00 +0000

There's lots to do in Paris for a designer--lots to take in. The chic factor is exponential. Brilliant in it's simplicity.

Soft Fitting Video

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:20:00 +0000

(photos by Phoebe K. Waterson)

Autism Awareness Month: Where to Go, What to DO!

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:27:00 +0000

There is just so much happening--I am getting email blasts, twitter updates, facebook invites, friendfeed overloads. I am a list maker, so I thought I would make myself a list of the many awareness generating, fund raising, and community support events taking place on this day, Autism Awareness Day, and throughout the month of April.

On TV and in the Media

International EVENTS by country

Downloadable Materials

United Nations Secretary General's Message for World Autism Awareness Day

WAAD on Facebook

WAAD on Twitter

WAAD and Autism Organizations

News about WAAD

The Soft Autism Blogger Profile Project in Honor of WAAD

Any suggestions for this list leave them in the comments section below!

Blog Profile: Autism Blessings, Challenges...

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:14:00 +0000

What is your blog about?

My blog is about working full time, and raising 2 kids, one is autistic.

How long has your blog been up?

I have had this blog for close to a year.

What was the inspiration behind starting this blog?

I have another blog but wanted to focus on autism and all of its challenges.

What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog?

I have met some wonderful and supportive people.

List three or four of your favorite or most popular posts (with links).

http://autismblessingschallenges.blogspot.com/2009/03/think-about-it-before-you-do-it.html In this post I talk about a blogger friend of mine….her son was mistreated by family members and it made she and I so angry!

http://autismblessingschallenges.blogspot.com/2009/01/tc-loves-this-dog.html This is a post about my son’s happiness over his fake dog he got for Christmas!

http://autismblessingschallenges.blogspot.com/2008/12/not-again.html A note from the teacher about TC’s behavior…yet another challenge of raising an autistic child!

Anything else you would like to share?

My blog is very real. I don’t sugarcoat my life or what it is like raising my autistic son! I have met some great people through blogging.

Blog Profile: Marla on all that is Dazlious

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:35:00 +0000

Marla on all that is Dazlious is a place for me to share my photography, insights, joys and struggles. In everyone's life there are challenges and joys. I want to capture these moments and share them with other parents who are going through similar experiences. Blogging has opened a new world of support for me.

My daughter was born with a rare chromosome disorder, is Autistic and struggles with Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome. Reaching a diagnosis took years and yet I celebrate my daughter for exactly who she is.

How long has your blog been up?

Since February 5, 2007

What was the inspiration behind starting this blog?

I felt a need to reach out to other families in similar situations. I was not finding support in my community so I went seeking it in the blogging world. Once I began I realized it kept me motivated with my photography, art and living a creative life while raising my special needs daughter.

What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog?

My favorite part of blogging is the e-mails I get from parents or adults with Autism letting me know something I wrote touched them. That keeps me going. I also love sharing my photography from my everyday life.

List three or four of your favorite or most popular posts (with links).

http://marlabaltes.blogspot.com/2008/05/sleepthe-never-ending-challenge.html

http://marlabaltes.blogspot.com/2008/10/kirton-family-my-thoughts-on-autism-x-6.html

http://marlabaltes.blogspot.com/2008/09/sometimes-i-like-that-wordautism.html

http://marlabaltes.blogspot.com/2008/09/new-labels-change-nothing.html

Thank You Marla!

Soft in Spring

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:07:00 +0000

sail away - by softclothing on Polyvore.com

For more soft spring inspiration, see our new boards.

Blog Profile: Frumpfighter

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:49:00 +0000

What is your blog about?

Frumpfighter is about improving your life in general, whether it be by eating healthier, exercising more or spending more quality time with your friends and family.

How long has your blog been up?

Since January 2009

What was the inspiration behind starting this blog?

As 2009 crept up, I knew my 20-year high school class reunion was approaching. My goal was to lose weight, be happier and less frumpy! Once I started, it became natural and therapeutic to write about my son's autism, struggles with employment and finances and the art of perseverance.

What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog?

It has been therapeutic to write about very personal issues. The feedback has been tremendous. I love getting comments from other parents who have been through the same struggles with their children with behavioral disorders.

List three or four of your favorite or most popular posts (with links).

New treatment for son's ADHD, new focus on future

One size does not fit all

It's not about you, it's about the child

Lessons learned from the Travolta tragedy

Anything else you would like to share?

I am transitioning to be an multimedia journalist at The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I plan to write more about families, lifestyles and other features. Topics are always welcome.

Music and Genes

noreply@blogger.com (Christopher Connallon) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:23:00 +0000

by Christopher Connallon
Soft Blog Contributor

Posted yesterday in the U.S. News & World Report, a newly identified genetic link between gastrointestinal troubles and autism could be preliminary evidence for an autism spectrum disorder variation that differentiates people with autism and GI problems from those without.

Researchers used a pool of genetic profiles to identify the MET C allele, which is linked to both brain development and GI function.
The full article can be found here

Also, The Washington Post today ran a very interesting piece on music therapy and autism, read that here

Blog Profile: Frankie's Weather Blog

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:37:00 +0000

The Soft Blog has started to regularly profile blogs that cover issues related to Autism, Aspergers, Sensory Processing Disorder, Special Needs, Parenting and more. The purpose is twofold--to bring much deserved attention and traffic to blogs that deal with these topics, as well as to create a resource archive on the Soft Blog--for our readers and Google searchers everywhere. If you would like your blog to be profiled, email us at info@softclothing.net. I recently got to ask nine-year-old Frankie some questions about his weather website and blog:

Here is a short bio of Frankie from his website, BestWeatherBoy.com:
"As I said on my home page, my name is Frankie and I'm 9 years old. I really like the weather a lot. I was born when my Mom was struck by lightning (for real-we lived in Florida then) and so the weather found me first but I am not afraid of storms. I have Aspergers Syndrome-which is a form of autism. I know there must be other kids out there who also like the weather a lot. So I hope you guys email me your weather pictures and ideas for this site and I'll add them."

What is your blog about? My blog is about me and the weather.

How long has your blog been up? Since July 2008.

What was the inspiration behind starting this blog? I wanted to share my love for weather with other people and my mom said I should also write about my life.

What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog? People say nice things to me at school.

List three or four of your favorite or most popular posts (with links). They are all my favorites.

(Here are some of Soft's favorites:)
Harlem Globetrotters, NBC, and a Tooth
Snow, snow everywhere!
I got thrown in jail
Confusing Adults

Anything else you would like to share?

I also like sharks.

Thanks for sharing Frankie!

Inspiration

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:51:00 +0000

Check in to see some of our latest inspiration on our flickr page:

Blog Profile: Teen Autism

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:58:00 +0000

What is your blog about?

Teen Autism is about life with an autistic teen and his younger brother. Both of them have SPD, so I cover a lot of sensory issues.

How long has your blog been up?

Since March 2008

What was the inspiration behind starting this blog?

For so long I had felt isolated as a parent of an autistic child. As my son entered the teen years, I turned to the Internet for resources and didn't find much on autism in the teen years, so I decided to name the blog Teen Autism. Since I started the blog, I have met many parents of autistic teens. I no longer feel alone.

What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog?

My favorite part of blogging is the connections I've made with other parents. Everyone has been so supportive, offering advice and encouragement. I have also received many emails from parents who have told me how much my writing has helped them, and that is very affirming. I recently found out that my posts on autism and puberty have been translated by a family in Turkey! Very cool!

List three or four of your favorite or most popular posts (with links).

My most popular post has been this one: http://teenautism.com/2008/04/03/brain-wave-therapy/ However, I continue to get the most feedback from the posts in the following categories: http://teenautism.com/category/puberty/ and http://teenautismcom/category/sensory-issues/

Anything else you would like to share?

I have also written a lot about my son's language development, social issues, bullying, homeschooling, recent experiences with medication, and many other topics.

Blog Profile: Gluten Free--Casein Free--Soy Free

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:40:00 +0000

Gluten Free, Casein Free, Soy Free: Recipes, Tips and Helpful Hints for those on a GFCFSF Diet

The blog offers helpful hints and recipe ideas for those on a diet free of wheat, dairy and soy.

How long has your blog been up?

It has been up for 2 months. My other site, $5 Dinners.com, has been up for 6 months.

What was the inspiration behind starting this blog?

Wanting to help people who are thinking about trying the GFCFSF diet to help their kids heal so they can develop more quickly and appropriately. I've talked to many parents who are afraid to try the diet because "what is left to eat." Plenty! And I'll share with you what!

What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog?

I love blogging and knowing that I can help others who are experiencing the same things we have. That is a real blessing!

List three or four of your favorite or most popular posts (with links).

GFCFSF 3 week diet trial plan http://www.gfcfsf.net/2008/12/gfcfsf-diet-3-week-trial-plan.html

Cream of Rice Hot Cereal http://www.gfcfsf.net/2009/02/cream-of-rice-hot-cereal.html

Mashed Red Potatoes http://www.gfcfsf.net/2009/01/mashed-red-potatoes.html

Here is Erin's other fabulous blog:

www.5dollardinners.com

Dinner is served every night on Twitter...
www.twitter.com/5dollardinners

Soft Printable Brochure

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:30:00 +0000

Full Soft Brochure

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Business Brochures & Catalogs

Soft Seamless Sock Preview

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:10:00 +0000

First round of samples was sent back for corrections. We are close!

Blog Profile: Spectrum Hope

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:49:00 +0000

How long has your blog been up? Since July 2008

What was the inspiration behind starting this blog? My son was diagnosed with autism in June of 2007. I live in a small town with very little information or resources to assist families coping with ASD. At times, my experience in dealing with autism has been extraordinarily lonely and frightening. I started this blog to help other parents coping with the same feelings and to provide some help navigating the GFCF diet.

What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog? Though my intention was to help other parents, I have found that my readers help me immensely. I love to read their comments and it is absolutely thrilling to know that I made someone laugh or helped them find a new recipe that their kids enjoy. I thoroughly enjoy the online friendships that I have developed with my readers and other bloggers. The autism experience is not so lonely anymore.

List three or four of your favorite or most popular posts (with links).

POP Syndrome http://spectrumhope.blogspot.com/2008/11/pop-syndrome.html

What Not To Say To A Special Needs Mom http://spectrumhope.blogspot.com/2008/12/what-not-to-say-to-special-needs-mom.html

Wow Moments http://spectrumhope.blogspot.com/2009/01/wow-moments.html

Breaking Point http://spectrumhope.blogspot.com/2009/01/breaking-point.html

Anything else you would like to share?
I love to hear from my readers. If you stop by Spectrum Hope, feel free to leave a comment. By reaching out to each other, either online or in person, we can have a tremendous positive impact on a personal level. And, the more connected we are as a community, the better equipped we are to create the changes needed to improve our children's lives.

Blog Profile: Spectrum Siblings

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:01:00 +0000

How long has your blog been up? My blog has been up since the first of November, 2008, so nearly four months.

What was the inspiration behind starting this blog? I was reading a post on 5 minutes for Special Needs about siblings of kids with autism. And all the moms were discussing what they thought their kids must have thought about their on-the-spectrum siblings, and it was then that I realized there was a gap in the available material. No one else that I knew of at the time was blogging as an autistic individual with a goal of educating parents about their view from their eyes.

What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog? My favorite part of blogging is definitely meeting other bloggers, both parents of kids on the spectrum and autistic individuals. I love to hear their advice and be offer to share my personal experience with their difficulties.

List three or four of your favorite or most popular posts (with links).

Brawling Brothers: http://frogger11758.wordpress.com/2009/01/16/brawling-brothers/

This Aspie Speaks: http://frogger11758.wordpress.com/2009/02/04/this-aspie-speaks/

7 Simple Suggestions for Attiring Your Autistic Adolescent: http://frogger11758.wordpress.com/2009/01/08/7-simple-suggestions-for-attiring-your-autistic-adolescent/

Demistifying (neuro)Diversity: http://frogger11758.wordpress.com/2008/11/06/demistifying-neurodiversity/

Anything else you would like to share?
I'm always on the look-out for guest bloggers wanting to share their experience with autism.

- Show quoted text -

Blog Profile: Autism and Public Schools

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:50:00 +0000

My son has high-functioning autism and attends an experimental public school program in New York City for children on this end of the autism scale (as in, Aspergers; his specific diagnosis is high-functioning PDD). This is my attempt to chronicle our journey through this program, as well as share what I find around the Web about the issues we face and what other public schools are doing to educate children like my son.

How long has your blog been up?

Since July 2008.

What was the inspiration behind starting this blog?

I haven't found much written about the issues children with high-functioning autism and their parents face in early elementary school.

Even after he attended 2 years of special-needs preschool, I was filled with anxiety when my son started kindergarten at a regular public school. One of the only things that got me through was the support from the other parents, and thought if the same could be done in a broader scale across the web it would be very helpful.

What's your favorite part of blogging, or what was one positive experience you have had in conjunction with your blog?
During in-person discussions I tend to see both sides and remain neutral, so it's very freeing to work out my own opinions and ideas on my blog.

I love the idea of connecting with or even helping another parent who may be dealing with something similar.

List three or four of your favorite or most popular posts (with links).

http://autismpublicschools.blogspot.com/2009/01/math-and-thomas-trains.html
http://autismpublicschools.blogspot.com/2008/12/handling-autism-aggressiion.html
http://autismpublicschools.blogspot.com/2009/01/homework-heroes-are-hard.html

Anything else you would like to share?
It's clear from the news headlines that schools and teachers across the country are having trouble understanding how to help children with high-functioning autism in the classroom. The standard way many teachers talk and interact with their students is unfortunately sometimes the exact opposite of what a child with Aspergers needs in order to succeed. Increased awareness of, and dialogue about, what approach and mindset works best for kids like my son will serve to make the educational system better for every child, as the overarching theme is individualized attention to what makes each child learn best (something the best teachers have always known).

Doddling for Google

info@softclothing.net (Jessica Elsas) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:24:00 +0000

Google has launched the Doodle4Google contest for kids grades K through 12 to redesign their logo based on the theme "What I Wish for the World." The winner will receive a $15,000 college scholarship, a laptop, and a $25,000 technology grant for his or her school. And the top 40 designs will be displayed at the Cooper-Hewitt in New York City.