AW Sunday Review | Fun and Function Space Explorer Suit for Sensory Activities

Disclaimer: I was provided with a space explorer suit for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Fun and Function is one of my favorite websites to shop for therapeutic toys and items for The Boy. Over the years we've purchased quite a few items. The items on Fun and Function are affordable and high quality. When asked if I wanted to review a product from Fun and Function, I knew I wanted something to address The Boy's sensory needs. The Boy is a sensory seeking kid who loves deep pressure. 

The Space Explorers Suit is great for sensory integration. As soon as I opened the box and pulled out the Space Explorer Suit, The Boy jumped right in and started rolling around. 

The Space Explorer provides calming deep pressure, heavy work and proprioceptive input for tactile defensive children, sensory seekers and crashers, including children and tweens with autism. This fun suit helps children develop spatial and body awareness, muscle strength, motor planning and creativity.

The Space Explorer Suit is something that Norrin can get in and out of easily. Sometimes he buries himself inside, other times he just likes to be in it while reading or hanging out in his room. When The Boy's hiding, I pretend that I can't find him - he thinks it's hysterical! I can tell that being inside calms him. The Space Explorer Suit can be used for pretend play, sensory integration and heavy work. And what's great about the Space Explorer Suit is that I don't have to worry about it getting dirty because it's machine washable. I think the Space Explorer Suit is great for home and would work well in a sensory gym with an occupational therapist.   

Disclaimer: I was provided with a space explorer suit for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Will You Need a Psychoeducational or Neuropsychological Evaluation | #T5Tue

Do you know the difference between 

a Psychoeducational and a Neuropsychological Evaluation? 

If you have a special needs child who is about to start kindergarten in the Fall you may be thinking about the Turning 5 process. If you're not, then you should. Seriously, it's not too early. 

I believe that a parent should visit as many schools as possible. You want your child to have as many options available. And if you're even thinking about private school placement, then I strongly suggest you have your child privately evaluated. 

There are 2 types of evaluations: Psychoeducational and Neuropsychological.*

A Psychoeducational evaluation: is a "combination of psychological tests and educational assessments. The report, based on your child's test results, describes his/her strengths and weaknesses, gives appropriate recommendations for placement, and identifies strategies for assisting your child in an appropriate educational setting."   

A Neuropsychological evaluation: "includes both psychological and educational assessments as well as additional tests related to a child's executive functioning. Tests of executive functioning assess a child's skills in specific memory functioning, planning and organization, sustained attention, self-monitoring, fine motor skills, and/or behaviors." 

When we were going through the Turning 5 process, I took The Boy for a neuropsychological evaluation. Our evaluation cost us $6,000. Oh yeah, you read that right. We were lucky that I was able to get most of it covered by insurance (but I had to pay the neuropsychologist in full.)

Do not worry - you do not have to pay thousands of dollars for a private evaluation. They range from $500 - 10,000.  There are places that offer sliding scale fees. Some accept insurance - usually medicaid or a medicaid waiver. And sometimes - I'm not sure exactly how - but sometimes you can get your school district to pay for a private evaluation.

Honestly, I wasn't happy with the neuropsychologist. The report was okay but I thought the neuropsychologist was condescending, completely out of touch with our reality and a classist. And when the attorney I consulted with suggested an amendment to the evaluation, the neuropsychologist refused and questioned the quality of the attorney. So I wouldn't recommend that person. 

[side note: the following year when I was trying to apply for the medicaid waiver, I couldn't even use the neuropysch eval - I needed a psychoed. So just another thing to keep in mind.]

Whether you decide to have a Psychoeducational or Neuropsychological is more of a personal choice - you can apply to schools with either one. My suggestions are this: 

• Shop around! Don't make the same mistake I did and go with the first one who returned your call.
• Ask questions. Make sure whoever conducts your evaluation will make specific recommendations for your child. Make sure they will be willing and available to go to hearing - if it comes down to it. Make sure they are willing to cooperate with your attorney.
• Talk to other parents and ask where their child was evaluated. Nothing beats a satisfied parent referral.      

Next Tuesday I will share suggestions on where to go for evaluations.

*Definitions of Evaluations are from A Parents' Guide to Special Education in New York City and the Metropolitan Area

Catch up with the #T5Tue Series: 
Last week's post: Finding the Appropriate School Placement 
and follow the #T5Tue series: More Tips for Turning 5 

Upcoming Reminders: 

10/16: Turning 5 FREE Talk

6:00-8:00pm


Location: The SMILE Center


171 Madison Avenue, 5th floor


RSVP: info@smileny.org

10/24:  Special Needs School Fair at the JCC in Manhattan. 
Register for the event - HERE.

A Parent's Guide to Special Education in New York City

If you live you in New York City and have a child with special needs A Parents Guide to Special Education in New York City and the Metropolitan Area by Laurie Dubos and Jana Fromer will be your bible. Especially if you are going through the Turning 5 process. I purchased this book more than three years ago and it's one I still go back to again and again. And it's one that I always recommend to parents.

So what's so great about this book? Well...it's broken up into 4 parts. Pay attention, these parts are important.

Part I provides an overview of special education in New York City. Talks about the children entering kindergarten and how they may be identified. It goes through the evaluation and referral process and the types of evaluations that are needed when applying to private schools. It also explains the difference between a Psychoeducational and a Neuropsychological. It breaks down the IEP and explains parents rights. 

Part II talks all about private school placement and the application process.

Part III is all about the schools. It provides all the key factors of the school - whether it's graded or ungraded, if it's 10 or 12 months, what kind of classifications they accept, what related services they offer and other critical information. If you don't know how to find a school - this is a great place to begin.

Part IV provides local resources: evaluation centers, therapists, medical professionals, websites and more.

A Parent's Guide to Special Education in New York City is a must have for parents and even for special education administrators and teachers.   

For more on the Turning 5 Process check out my new weekly series Turning 5 Tuesdays #T5Tue click HERE.

Is Your Special Needs Child Turning Five? #T5Tue

When I started this blog three years ago, I was going through the Turning 5 process. And - not to scare you - it was probably the most stressful two years of my life. The first year, searching for an appropriate placement and the kindergarten year realizing it was a mistake and trying to get The Boy out.

I wanted to write about our experience but Turning 5 isn't something that can be covered in a blog post or two. So I thought I'd start a new series on the blog - Turning 5 Tuesday [#T5Tue]. I'll share tips, resources, information seminars and our personal experience. If you have a specific question, leave it in the comments section and I'll try to answer it. 

If you have  child with special needs who will enter kindergarten in the fall of 2014 - NOW is the time to start the process.

And where should you start? Well if you're in New York City - you should start with talking to a Special Education advisor and Special Needs Advocate. You probably have a lot of questions.     

What kind of elementary program will be right for my child? What are our rights and options?

Educate yourself! Come hear a free presentation with Sarah Birnbaum (Parent Advocate and Special Education Advisor, New York Special Needs Support) on how to:

• Learn about educational options, public and private
• Obtain the best evaluations and guidance
• Find an appropriate kindergarten program
• Understand your legal rights
• Get through the Turning 5 process and create an IEP

Date: Wednesday, September 25 

6:00-8:00pm


Location: Bankstreet College of Education


610 West 112th Street, main floor auditorium


RSVP: nuberto@bankstreet.edu

Date: Wednesday, October 16 

6:00-8:00pm


Location: The SMILE Center


171 Madison Avenue, 5th floor


RSVP: info@smileny.org

AW Sunday Review | The Sensory Child Gets Organized

Disclaimer: I was provided with a complimentary copy of  The Sensory Child Gets Organized  for review purposes.  The opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way. 

Tomorrow is the first day of school for The Boy. It's time to get back into a routine and try to provide some kind of organization. So when approached to review The Sensory Child Gets Organized by Carolyn Dalgliesh, I jumped on the opportunity.

The book provides a clear sense of what a "sensory child" looks like and helps parents assess and understand how their child learns best. Through objective observation and journaling behaviors, parents can determine their child's learning preference: Visual, Auditory or Tactile.     

Once a parent understands their child's learning style, organization can begin. Dalgliesh breaks down how to design a room based on your child. She encourages parents to let go of the "specific vision of how our child's room should look based on a magazine picture" and to create a room tailored to meet the child's specific needs. 

The section on "Sensory Organizing and Storage Systems for the Bedroom" was especially helpful. I've written how I've organized The Boy's room but it needs to be maintained and obviously there's always room for improvement.

The other chapter that will be useful for us is "Connect with Your Child." In this section, Dalgliesh shares tips on creating structure and routines in the home. This is something that we constantly struggle with. Before I was a mom, I didn't follow a routine - it's just hard for me and even harder for The Husband. However, I've learned that The Boy thrives on structure. And we need to do a better job of providing it for him. (I think many parents will benefit from The Homework Plan.)         

What I really love about this book is that it goes beyond organization within the home. The last chapters of The Sensory Child Gets Organized focus on helping your sensory child tackle the great wide world. 

The Sensory Child Gets Organized is an excellent resource for parents and provides real solutions and suggestions that any family can follow.

About Carolyn Dalgliesh: Carolyn founded Systems for Sensory Kids, LLC, a leading edge organizing model that bridges the gap between clinical support and practical in-home solutions for rigid, anxious, and distracted kids. In addition to her sensory organizing work with families, she has published numerous articles and presents regularly at conferences for parents, caregivers, and educators.

The Sensory Child Gets Organized is available on paperback and Kindle.

Disclaimer: I was provided with a complimentary copy of  The Sensory Child Gets Organized  for review purposes.  The opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.     

Honoring #MikaelaLynch

The Boy is a wanderer. 

I will never forget the night when at 2 am, I heard the locks to our apartment door open. How quickly I stumbled out of my running down the hall trying to stop my 3 year old son from walking out.

Or the day while out at a large park for a BBQ, I looked away for one second and when I looked back - The Boy was gone. I yelled out his name - two, three times before he reappeared. Not to the sound of my panicked voice calling out to him, but because he had emerged from one of the play tunnels. 

When we go out to crowded places like museums, amusement parks or the beach, The Husband and I always have one hand on The Boy, scared to let go. It would only take a matter of seconds for him to slip away. And I can't tell you how many times, I've had to jump up and sprint to get The Boy after he's broken away from me. How many times, I've yelled out for him to "STOP" and he just keeps going. It's scary. 

The Boy loves the water. He has no fear of it - or of much else for that matter. He has no awareness of danger. He is so impulsive and moves so quickly that trips to the beach are more stressful than relaxing. And I know that I cannot take my eyes off of him. But there is always a fear. That the second I look away, anything could happen...

Last week, 9 year-old Mikaela Lynch wandered away from her family. Days later her little body was found in the water. Days after Mikaela's tragic death, 8 year-old Owen Black also wandered away from his family. He was also found in the water.

My heart aches for these families, losing a child is an unspeakable loss. 

But my heart also aches because during this time of grief, their parenting is called into question. The parents are being judged. 

Too often parents of special needs children are judged. We are judged when our child is having a public meltdown. Why can't we control our kids better? And when children with autism go missing and tragedy occurs, instead of showing support, some individuals are quick to point a finger and lay blame. Why weren't they being watched?

When I think of these families, these children. I cannot help but think it could so easily be The Boy. The Boy is a wanderer too. And the thought alone is too painful.   

This week, in honor of Mikaela special needs bloggers are linking up with Sunday Stillwell to show our support for her loved ones and our gratitude to first responders. 

If you are not familiar with autism and/or wandering - here are some facts* you should know:

Children with ASD are eight times more likely to [wander] between the ages of 7 and 10 than their typically-developing [children]. Dangers associated with wandering include drowning, getting struck by a vehicle, falling from a high place, dehydration, hyperthermia, abduction, victimization and assault.

According to data released in April 2011 by the Interactive Autism Network (IAN) through the Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI):

• Roughly half, or 49%, of children with a autism attempt to elope from a safe environment, a rate nearly four times higher than their unaffected siblings

• More than one third of children with autism who wander/elope are never or rarely able to communicate their name, address, or phone number

• Two in three parents of elopers reported their missing children had a “close call” with a traffic injury

• 32% of parents reported a “close call” with a possible drowning

In 2012, the National Autism Association found that from 2009 to 2011, accidental drowning accounted for 91% total U.S. deaths reported in children with autism subsequent to wandering, and that 23% of total wandering-related deaths occurred while the child was in the care of someone other than a parent. 

What precautions can we take?

AWAARE.org a site dedicated to prevent wandering within the Autism Community has created materials that focuses on wandering-prevention, and first-responder notification:

• Autism-Wandering Prevention Brochure

• First Responder Notification Form

• Family Wandering Emergency Plan (FWEP) Template

• Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Sample Letter

The National Autism Association has also created two new safety toolkits:

• Caregiver Toolkit 
• First Responder Toolkit

Other resources: 

• Project Lifesaver
• MedicAlert Bracelets
• Tattoos With A Purpose
• Assurance Locking Systems

*Sited from AWAARE.org 

Are You an #NYC #SpecialNeeds Parent & Fed Up With The Office of Pupil Transportation and Busing?

I am too.

Days before The Boy started school, I got a letter from the Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) with the bus information. It was for the wrong school. 

When I called to inquire, I was given the runaround and everyone was passing the buck. I was told that it could take up to TWO WEEKS before The Boy could be placed on a route. 

The Boy missed his first day of school. I had to take a vacation day from work. But with all the drama of last year, I have used up most of my vacation days. There was no way I could take two weeks off from work to stay home with The Boy because the OPT screwed up.

And more importantly - THE BOY NEEDED TO BE IN SCHOOL. 

I got it fixed. I made calls and sent emails and The Boy was on the bus on the second day of school. (Two weeks my ---!)

Anyway...

New York City special needs kids have been in school for less than 2 weeks and already the OPT has made the papers. 

Have you read THIS  by Ben Chapman of the NY Daily News -  

Five-hour hell ride home from school torments autistic boyTHE FIRST DAY of school was tough enough for little Levi Vidal, a 3-year-old from Brooklyn, but the five-hour bus ride home reduced the autistic boy to crying hysterics. Levi’s trip with disabled classmates from the Gramercy School in midtown became an unbearable hell ride with no water and no relief.

Then my blog pal wrote this post about her 5 year old autistic son being on the bus for THREE HOURS.

And then, my BFF who has a 4 year daughter on the spectrum was sent an email from her daughters school stating this:

 

Citing budgetary reasons, the DOE changed _____'s busing company starting the current school year.  After working with Selby Busing Company for more than a decade, a new bus vendor- Consolidated Bus Service run by Professional Charter Company has been thrust on us.

 

Thus far, Consolidated Bus has proven to be completely ineffective. Only 25% of the families at _____ have been contacted by new bus company and the 75% majority hasn't heard about their kids pickup/droffoff time/driver name etc, despite the fact the school year has already begun.

 

Furthermore, those 25% families who have been contacted (including me) have received multiple bizarre phone calls with conflicting pickup times and driver names and strange buses arriving at their door at 7AM in the morning.

All attempts by _____ and _____ to contact the Consolidated Bus office have been futile as Consolidated Bus officials have been totally unresponsive.

Um....the Consolidated Bus Company is the bus company Chapman mentions in his article.   
Crystal Alfano, the mom behind the FB page New York City Parents Fed Up With Transportation Troubles  posted this update:

If I strap one of my kids to a chair for five hours and deny them access to food, water, the bathroom and make them sit in their own bodily waste, I'm an abusive parent. If I do it to a student, I lose my teaching licenses. If I do it to a child on board a bus, it's completely OK? Why does Stephen Genovese owner of Consolidated, Professional Charter, paratransit, Jodi, Access A Ride, and who knows how many other companies get away with it? How many more kids must he abuse before he is taken off the road. Chancellor Walcott, do the right thing and take away the rest of his contracts.

I've been putting The Boy on a schools since he was 2. 9 years old - he couldn't speak and was still in diapers. So many of our kids have difficulty with speech - they cannot speak up for their rights and as their parents - WE MUST SPEAK UP & FIGHT FOR THEM. 

Crystal is organizing a Bus Rally and Press Conference and parent support - hell, ALL support is crucial.  Here is the info:
When: Wed. Sept 19
Time: 11:00 AM

Where: The Tweed Courthouse, DOE headquarters located at 52 Chambers Street

 

Other ways to support or who to call regarding Transportation issues:

• Sherwin James, the head of Pre-K Special ED bussing - sjames6@schools.nyc.gov
• Contact NYC's Elected official--Bill Deblassio--Public Advocate for the City of New York by phone, email and facebook. URL http://pubadvocate.nyc.gov/  AND http://pubadvocate.nyc.gov/special-ed Phone

: 212-669-7200 or 212-669-7250;   email: GetHelp@pubadvocate.nyc.gov Also available on Facebook, and Twitter http://pubadvocate.nyc.gov/contact-us 

Contact your Borough President and/or City Council Members

Contact the Office of Pupil Transportation

 

 

 

 

Another Reason To Love #SYTYCD (So You Think You Can Dance)

I've been a fan of So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) from the very beginning. I'm not much of a dancer, but in another life I like to think that I once was or that I will be.

One of the things I admire about the dancers is their tenacity. I mean you hear their stories, some of them auditioning year after year just hoping to make it through another round. It's inspiring for me. It reminds me, that we all have dreams. And if you have a dream, you do not stop no matter how many times you hear the word 'no.'

Last night while watching SYTYCD, The Boy said, "I wish I could dance." I asked him if he wanted to dance with Mommy and he said.

So last night, I danced with The Boy. Because when he makes that kind of request without any kind of prompting - I fulfill it. 

Was The Boy scripting?  Who knows. Who cares.  I'll take those 5 wonderful words and run with it.

I'm sorry to say The Boy fell asleep and missed one of the most beautiful performances I've ever seen on SYTYCD. Dancers Sebastian Grubb and Joel Brown, of the Axis Dance Company, perform an excerpt of Sebastian Grubb’s The Narrowing set to music by the fabulous Joan Jeanrenaud and PC Muñoz. I had never heard of the Axis Dance Company but Sebastian and Joel’s performance was unlike anything I had ever seen before.  

The Axis Dance Company believes “everyone can dance.”  They even have a program for kids. I won’t go on about why the Axis Dance Company is so amazing...go on and see for yourself.
 

Sunday Review ~ An Early Start for Your Child with Autism

An Early Start for Your Child with Autism
written by: Sally J. Rogers, PhD, Geraldine Dawson, PhD and Laurie A. Vismara, PhD

The Gilford Press (June 2012)
Paperback 342 pages
also available as an e-book

"A remarkable achievement. Drs. Rogers and Dawson have succeeded in translating the latest and best scientific evidence into practical suggestions for improving your child's social and communication skills.  They write with clarity, insight and even humor.  This is a book you will prize highly." ~ Peter Szatmari, MD, author of a A Mind Apart: Understanding Children with Autism and Asperger Syndrome

When a parent hears the words, "Your child has autism," for the first time - one of their first instincts is to run to the closest book store and buy every book possible.  That was my first instinct. I wish An Early Start for your child with Autism was around when The Boy was first diagnosed.  

Written in clear and simple language, An Early Start for your child with Autism is a step by step guide for parents to promote critical social and emotional skills.  It's informative without being overwhelming. It addresses sensory, socialzation and speech. An Early Start for your child with Autism is filled with helpful tips, goals, activities and checklists for capturing attention, building interaction and encouraging communication.  

An Early Start for your child with Autism is a great book for parents of newly diagnosed children entering Early Intervention and even for parents of slightly older children. However, Drs. Rogers and Dawson don't want to turn parents into therapists. "Rather, these strategies are meant to be used during the normal routines that are part of your daily experience, like bath time, at the park, or while putting your child to bed."

I found the It's Playtime! chapter especially helpful. The activity checklist: Am I Teaching My Child to Play Flexibily and Independently? reminded me to rotate toys over time to sustain his interest.

An Early Start for Your Child with Autism is the book I would tell any parent of a recently diagnosed child to run out and get.  It's the kind of the book you'll read and return to again and again.

Sunday Review ~ Respecting Autism: The Rebecca School DIR Casebook for Parents and Professionals

Respecting Autism: The Rebecca School DIR Casebook for Parents and Professionals
Written by Stanley I. Greenspan, MD and Gil Tippy, PsyD

ISBN: 978-0533164547
Vantage Press (November 2011)
Paperback 240 pages
also available on Kindle

Written by Stanley I. Greenspan, MD, "the world’s foremost authority on clinical work with infants and young children with developmental and emotional problems" and Gil Tippy, PsyD, a founder of The Rebecca School and its Clinical Director, Respecting Autism: The Rebecca School DIR Casebook for Parents and Professionals is a book that is essential for anyone wanting to understand the  Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR) teaching model.  The DIR "methodology is based on the core belief that relationships are the foundation of learning."

In the introduction, Dr. Tippy explains why he has chosen to follow the DIR methodology as opposed to Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA).  Dr. Tippy also provides a thorough description of each facet of the Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR) teaching model.

The philosophy of the Rebecca School is based on respect. "At Rebecca School, building meaningful, respectful relationships is the foundation for learning. With collaboration between school, home and the community, the learning goes beyond the classroom."  I had the pleasure of touring the Rebecca School a few years ago.  And what I appreciated about the program was the emphasis on the child's strengths rather than their weaknesses.  The philosophy of the Rebecca School is evident through out the book and it is obvious that Dr. Tippy is personally invested in the students at the Rebecca School.   

Respecting Autism serves as a learning tool for both professionals and parents.  For professionals, it provides detailed insight into multiple Rebecca School student programs, Dr. Greenspan's recommendations and the program responses based on the Dr. Greenspan's recommendations.  And for parents, it provides what so many parents of children with autism need: hope and inspiration.

Regardless of what methodology you or your child's school follows, you can gain something from Respecting Autism.  While we follow more of an ABA approach, I now have a better understanding of the DIR model and can incorporate some of the methods into our day to day activities.     

Disclaimer: I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

AW Sunday Review: Pay Attention, Emily Brown

Pay Attention, Emily Brown!

Written by Linda Burton

Illustrated by Carl Burton 

 

ISBN: 978-1606130278

Woodbine House (October 7, 2011)

Hardcover 32 pages

Full-color illustrations
Ages 4-8  

$16.95

Just think, Emmy Brown, for a moment or two…
Suppose that I told you my toes had turned blue?
Suppose that I started to fly overhead?
Or spread candy and presents all over your bed?
If I hung upside down by an arm and a knee
do you think, Emmy Brown, you would listen to me?

If you are the parent of a child with autism or any other attention issues you will relate to little Emily Brown.  Emily Brown is a little girl who has difficulty focusing and her mother is trying desperately to get her attention.

It's beautifully illustrated pictures will be appeal to young children.  The illustrations are also perfect to engage conversation.


Some great questions to ask while reading is: 


What color is Emily's shirt?    
What is Emily doing?  


If your child is non-verbal, ask them to point to colors, shapes or objects.  And if your child is not able to point - use hand over hand to lead to help them.  

With its lighthearted and humorous language, Pay Attention Emily Brown!  will be enjoyed by both parent and child.  And the message of unconditional love and acceptance is reaffirming for special needs children. 

Do You Have a Fire Safety Plan?

I was in the middle of cleaning and I went to the hallway to throw away the garbage when I hear screaming and people running down the stairs.  I assumed it was kids being stupid.  I went back into the apartment and went about cleaning.  But the commotion was getting louder. 

I thought it was a domestic violence case or some other kind of fighting so I stood at the door, looking through the peep hole (yes, I am that neighbor).

The Husband comes to the door and I see my neighbor running out of his apartment with his family.  Frantically screaming in a language I do not understand. (My neighbors are Indian.) I go to open the door but The Husband puts his hand out.  "What the hell are you doing?  Don't open the door."  

(About 2 years, there was a shooting on are floor - so The Husband is very cautious.)

I go into our bedroom and look out the window.  And I see flashing lights and a ladder.  

"Um...Babe?  Is that a f--king fire truck?  There's a F--KING FIRE!"  I started yelling.  I went into full panic mode.  Probably not the best reaction.

I run back to our door and look out the peep hole.  I still hear people running down the staircase.

"Get the phones!"  I yell as I run back to our room.  Where I then stood in front of my closet wondering what to wear.  (In my defense, I was in the middle of cleaning.  I'm in my house chanclas (slippers), my hair is a knotty wild mess, I'm wearing a tank (with no real support, if you get my drift) underneath an old short billowy tank dress.  We had gone to the pool earlier that day - I'm ashy, sweaty and gross.  And my toe nail polish chipped.  And yes, as I write this, I realize how ridiculous my though process can be.  As for The Boy - he was rocking an old pair of size 4t shorts and a paint splattered white tank.)

"There's no time for that.  Let's go!"  The Husband yells.

I grab The Boy - who was in the middle of painting a wooden dump truck with The Husband - and said "We gotta go." 

Needless to say The Boy protests. 

We all ran out the front door to the closest staircase, where we see some smoke and water gushing down the steps.  We run to the other stair case and we are able to get out.

"Did you lock the front door?"  The Husband asks.  

"No - you were the last one out."

The Husband rolls his eyes and runs back into the building to lock the door.      

After an hour of standing around the front of our building, we are able to get back inside.  



The Fire Trucks were too much for The Boy



We were very lucky.  But the woman on the 7th floor - a woman, I don't even think I've seen before - not so much.  

It's definitely a learning experience for us.  

It made me realize just how unprepared we are for such an emergency.    

We didn't have a plan.  We just ran out with our IDs, keys and cell phones. 

I knew just enough to keep touching doors for heat.  But that's the extent of my fire safety skills.  I didn't even know what to tell The Boy.  And he didn't understand what was going on.  I tried to tell him it was like Firefighter Ted.  But I don't know how much he understood.

Since yesterday, I'm trying to think about how we can prepare if something like this ever happens again. 

I went to the National Fire Protection Association  page and they have these great tips for autistic children.  They even have a link to create a (personalized) social story - which I did.  It's really cool - simple, clear language, colorful pictures, informative.  Once you read it through on line, you can print it out. 

Below are a  few of the NFPA's fire escape planning tips:

• Working smoke alarms save lives. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area. For best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they will all sound.
• Make sure everyone knows what your smoke alarms sound like and can hear the sound of the smoke alarms.
• Have a fire safety plan to get out of your home quickly.
• Practice your plan with everyone in the home at least twice a year.
• Windows or doors with security bars, grills, or window guards should have emergency release devices so they can be used for escape.
• Choose a meeting place a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet once they’ve escaped.
• Contact your local fire department. Many fire departments maintain registers of persons with disabilities so that they can be located quickly in an emergency.


It never would have occurred to me to contact my local fire department and register The Boy. 

Have you practiced home emergency drills?  Would love to hear your fire safety tips and techniques.