AW Sunday Review | 7 Steps to Nighttime Dryness

Disclaimer: I was provided with a complimentary copy of  Seven Steps to Nighttime Dryness  and a Dry-Me Enuresis Alarm for review purposes.  The opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

The Boy will be eight years old tomorrow and he still wears a pull up at night. It took us a few years for him to be fully potty trained during the day. I've been holding off night time potty training.

When I was approached by Renee Mercer, MSN, CPNP, the author of Seven Steps to Nighttime Dryness to review a copy of her book and to try the Dry Me Enuresis Alarm - I immediately said yes.

I just finished reading through the book and I think I'm really ready to start. Commitment and consistency are critical during daytime potty training and even more so for nighttime.

What I like about the Seven Steps to Nighttime Dryness is that it helps explain bedwetting and possible factors (including constipation). The book also breaks down the different alarms so that you may pick the one that's best for your child. There's also a weekly progress chart to help keep track. 

While the "7 Steps" is written for "typical" kids, Mercer has a section that goes "Beyond Seven Steps" which addresses special cases including kids with special needs. Mercer assures that if a child has maintained dryness during the day that nighttime dryness is a strong possibility. She goes on to say that: If you have a child with special needs, it is important to understand your goal. And then proceeds to explain various options. 

My goal is to get The Boy to wake up to use the bathroom during the night. And the Seven Steps to Nighttime Dryness has given me the tools and motivation to start the process. 

In the next few weeks, I'll share how we're preparing and our progress with the Dry-Me alarm. 

If you're considering daytime potty training your child, check out my Parents posts: 

• Potty Training Your Autistic Child 
• Nighttime Potty Training Your Autistic Child 

Disclaimer: I was provided with a complimentary copy of  7 Steps to Nighttime Dryness  and a Dry-Me Enuresis Alarm for review purposes.  The opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

AW Sunday Review | Body Talk: Teaching Students with Disabilities about Body Language

Disclaimer: Woodbine House provided me with a complimentary copy of  Body Talk: Teaching Students with Disabilities and Body Language  for review purposes.  The opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Ever since The Boy was diagnosed with autism, doctors and therapists have told me that The Boy has no sense of personal space. (Neither do most of the folks on the New York subway, but that’s for a different blog…)

As The Boy gets older, personal space has become more of an issue. People are more likely to laugh off a two or three-year-old touching their face. A big seven-year-old touching an adults face? Probably not. The older The Boy gets, the more worried I become. Living in a city like New York, getting in someone’s personal space is the kind of the thing that could lead to serious trouble.

Working on personal space has become a goal at school and at home.

I was really excited about reviewing Body Talk: Teaching Students with Disabilities about Body Language by Pat Chrissey. It’s the kind of book that I know I will return to again and again.

Children and teens with autism and other developmental disabilities can be taught the language of nonverbal communication with the practical strategies developed by veteran special education teacher Pat Crissey. More than 100 activities break down elements of body language into teachable components.

What I appreciate about Body Talk is that it really goes step by step and breaks down all forms of body language: emotions, facial expressions, posture, body orientation and eye gaze, personal space and touching and gestures.

However Body Talk just doesn’t tell you what to do – it shows you. The activities and games are great ways to make learning fun. It’s simple enough to be done at home one on one or in a group setting at school. What’s especially helpful about this book is that it comes with a CD so you can easily print out all the activities. I printed out the personal space activities for The Boy's teacher. 

The activities vary in age and functioning levels and you can easily modify activities to suit your needs. Body Talk is a must have book if you have a child with autism. And it's a book that will grow with your child from the early childhood years to young adult.

Body Talk: Teaching Students with Disabilities about Body Language is available on Woodbine House for $23.99.

Disclaimer: Woodbine House provided me with a complimentary copy of  Body Talk: Teaching Students with Disabilities and Body Language  for review purposes.  The opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way. 

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.

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.     

AW Sunday Review: The Boys' Guide to Growing Up

Disclaimer: Woodbine House provided me with a complimentary copy of  The Boys' Guide to Growing Up  for review purposes only.  The opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way. 

The Boys Guide to Growing Up (available at Woodbine House, $16.95 ) is written in clear and simple language (3rd grade reading level) and paired with age-appropriate facts, realistic illustrations and photos, The Boys' Guide to Growing Up, explains in detail the many changes of a boys body. 

The book is written for boys 9 - 16 with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, fragile X, or other special needs, this book is the companion to The Girls' Guide to Growing Up (2011), also by Terri Cowenhoven. 

The Boys' Guide to Growing Up also discusses feelings and discretion while emphasizing personal safety and privacy.  

Its reassuring, matter-of-fact tone shows boys what changes--inside and out--to expect during puberty, and how to manage them:

• Growth spurts and bigger muscles
• Voice cracking and deepening
• Blemishes and oily skin
• Body and facial hair
• Moodiness
• Crushes, flirting, and sexual feelings
• Erections, wet dreams, and masturbation

The Boys Guide to Growing Up concludes with a Q&A to prompt conversation.

I've already started to see small changes in The Boy. And I'd like nothing more than to close my eyes, stick my fingers in my ears and shout "Lalalalalalaaaa I can't hear you!" But I can't. The Boy will hit puberty soon and I need to be prepared to handle it and talk to him about it. The Boys Guide to Growing Up is much as a preparation guide for me as it is for The Boy. 

If you have a son with special needs, this is the book that can help answer all those really tough and sometimes uncomfortable questions. Just like with any other kid, we need to be open about sexuality. It will keep them safe.

Terri Couwenhoven, M.S., is certified in Special Education by the AASECT and specializes in working with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, their families and professional support. Couwenhoven is also a mom who gets it, her eldest daughter has down syndrome.  Terry Couwenhoven, M.S. writes with professional expertise and maternal sensitivity. 

Have your kids hit puberty yet? How have you handled it?

Disclaimer: Woodbine House provided me with a complimentary copy of  The Boys' Guide to Growing Up  for review purposes only.  The opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.  

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids with Autism

101 Inspirational Stories for Parents of Children with Autism and Asperger's

Edited by Dr. Rebecca Landa of the Kennedy Krieger Institute, Mary Beth Marsden, Nancy Burrows and Amy Newark

I've been a fan of the Chicken Soup books for years and I was so excited to see one for autism parents. Five years ago, when my son was diagnosed with autism - this is the book I would have wanted to read. And I am so grateful that this is available now. 

What I love about this book is that the stories are divided in sections: Challenges, Finding the Funny, School and many more. The stories are short and easily digestible - you don't have to read this book in any kind of order. You can go to a section for a daily dose of inspiration.

I read this book during my commute to and from work - I found myself choking back tears, laughing out loud and filled with hope. 

Two of my favorite stories were "Don't Stop Believing" by Liane Kupferber Carter - where she talks about what it took for her son to be able to get a hair cut and "Friendships" by Dawn Hentrich - a brutally honest post about the months after a diagnosis. Some of my other favorite autism writers/bloggers are also featured: Jean Winegardner, Laura Shumaker, Jennifer Bush and Leigh Merryday.    

There is something in this book for everyone. Whether your kid was diagnosed yesterday or ten years ago - you will see yourself within the pages of this book.

To read an excerpt or place an order, please visit www.chickensoup.com

Disclaimer: I was provided with a complimentary copy of Raising Kids on the Spectrum, 

all opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Count on Me: Tales of Sisterhood & Fierce Friendships (Book Review & Twitter Party!)

Count on Me: Tales of Sisterhood and Fierce Friendships 
by Las Comadres Para Las Americas and Adriana V. Lopez
available for purchase at www.countonmebook.com

Count On Me: Tales of Sisterhood and Fierce Friendships is a collection of personal essays from Latina authors - including Esperanza Santiago, Sofia Quintero and Daisy Martinez - and with an introduction by  Nora de Hoyos Comstock (President & CEO of Las Comadres Para Las Americas). An anthology of poignant childhood stories, memories of mothers and tributes to loved ones, it is a celebration of individuals who have influenced and shaped the lives of the writers, and their stories will inspire yours. There is something in Count On Me for everyone and it is for anyone who has ever cherished a friendship.

Reading Count On Me reminded me of my mother and Madrina's friendship and the significance their relationship had on my life. I knew that if I got in trouble with one, I was in trouble with the other. But I am grateful to have received the love of two mothers. From an early age I knew that what they had was special.  They taught me the value of friendship. And they helped me recognize the true friendships in my life.    

Count On Me is also the inspiration behind Latinas for Latino Literature 2nd Twitter party. And I am excited to announce that Nora de Hoyos Comstock and Alexandra Landeros will be joining us! (Last month Latinas for Latino Literature was launched and we kicked off our first blog hop and Twitter Party. And earlier this month, we created our Facebook Page: Latinas for Latino Literature.)

The Details for the Twitter Party: 

Date: Monday, February 4 

Time: 9 pm EST/ 8pm CST/ 6pm PST

Hosts: @LaliQuin @LatinMami @VivianaHurtado @CarlaMolinaM @LBConnect

With Special Guests: @UndercoverMexi @LasComadresBook

Hashtags: #LatinoLit #LasComadres 

The Tree I See - A Story Book App

The Tree I See 
Written by Robert J Mascarelli, Illustrations by Frank Grau
available on Itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tree-i-see-interactive-storybook/id524768693?ls=1&mt=8
 
The Tree I See is an Aridan Interactive storybook app for young children and has been recognized as an AppySmarts.com Editors Favorite App.

Written by Robert J. Mascarelli, a Neurosurgery Physician Assistant, he was inspired to write The Tree I See because he "believed a children’s book should ‘give back’ to those who use it, in this case - the children." 

The moral of the story:  All of us will encounter a dark moment during our lifetime, but it is important to remember that loved ones will remain nearby in our hearts, minds, and memories, whether visible or invisible.  As the light shines through, we realize that our loved ones will never leave us and stay by our side through any difficult time we may encounter. The story illustrates this valuable life lesson as the main character forms friendships with animals of the wilderness. (source)

As an avid reader and lover of literature, I truly enjoy reading with The Boy. And story book apps, really bring stories to life. The Boy loves The Tree I See. It's written in a clear and simple language. The illustrations are fun and bright enough to capture his interest but not too complex for him to be overwhelmed. 

The Tree I See is cute and sweet storybook app and I think it's great tool to build language, improve fine motor skills (pointing) and social interactions. 

Storyline: Watch as a young boy bears witness to a tree who constantly gives and shares unconditionally with friends of the wilderness.  Your child will learn how friendships are formed by sharing with others.  Observe how our young tree overcomes a dark moment in his life and transforms into a brilliant, vibrant, multicolored tree – full of life and happiness.  Our story is for infants, toddlers, and children of all ages – offering an interactive experience for all. (source)

Sunday Review: Love Anthony #giveaway

Love Anthony
by Lisa Genova

Gallery Books
Hardcover, 320 pages

New York Times Best Selling author, Lisa Genova's new book, Love Anthony is a book about two women dealing with loss, love, loneliness and autism. In Love Anthony, Lisa Genova has created two believable female characters trying to find the meaning of life and rediscovering their own personal identity.

Olivia's idea of a "normal" life seems hopeless when her son Anthony was diagnosed with autism at three years old. And just as Olivia comes to a place of acceptance, hope and happiness - Anthony died.  Beth also deals with loss after she discovered her husband of fourteen years has cheated on her.  As Beth copes with her husband's infidelity, she realizes that being wife and mother to three girls, she has lost herself in the process. Olivia and Beth's life become intertwined in the most unexpected way and it is their unlikely connection that brings them both a sense of peace.     

While Genova does not have a child with autism, she writes as if she truly understands the mind of a special needs parent. There is a scene early on when Olivia is reflecting about the day Anthony is born and all the dreams she had for him, the moment she held him in her arms for the first time. And she thinks, "She didn't know then she should have had simpler dreams for her beautiful son, that she should've looked upon her newborn baby boy and thought, I hope you learn to talk and use the bathroom by the time you're seven." Or the way Olivia constantly watches other children, looking for signs of autism.     

Being an autism mom, it was natural for me to relate to Olivia but I found myself relating to Beth's storyline also. Beth was once a writer but after becoming a wife and mother, she puts her own self aside, "stuff[ing] so much of herself into a box, banished to the attic for so many years." And through her own sense of loss, she slowly begins to reconnect with the woman she used to be before marriage and motherhood. I believe this is something many women go through. It is easy to forget who we once were. Reading Beth's journey was extremely empowering for me. I learned about myself and my marriage in Beth's story.

Love Anthony is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I related to Love Anthony is so many ways - as a woman, a writer, a wife and a special needs parent. There were moments while reading that I had to close the book, shut my eyes and take a deep breath.  Love Anthony, made me smile and cry. And when I read the last page of the book, I was sad because I wanted to follow these women for the rest of their lives. Beautifully written and painfully real, Lisa Genova, taps into every human emotion. 

Love Anthony is available for preorder and will be available on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 but you can enter to win a free hardcover copy here - see below for details.  

Lisa Genova discusses Love Anthony 

.

Now for The Rules:

• You must post a comment with each entry.
• Comments will be numbered in the order they are listed and a random number generator (random.org) will be used to select the winner.
• If you combine entries into one post, you will only have one chance to win rather than up to three.
• Giveaway is open to Continental U.S.

Mandatory entry: Leave a comment. (I'd especially love to hear if you've read anything by Lisa Genova before.) 

Additional entries - you must leave a comment for each additional entry:

• Follow me on twitter - @LaliQuin  
• “Like” the AutismWonderland Facebook page
• Tweet: I just entered to win Lisa Genova's new book Love Anthony via @LaliQuin http://bit.ly/QN0Ee2 

This giveaway will end Saturday September 29th at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be announced on Facebook & Twitter by Monday, October 1st.  I will contact the winner and you will have 24 hours to reply.

Disclaimer: I was provided with a complimentary copy of Love Anthony. All opinions are my own. 

Sunday Review: Easy to Love but Hard to Raise

Easy to Love but Hard to Raise: Real Parents, Challenging Kids, True Stories
Edited by Kay Marner and Adrienne Ehlert Bashista 

DRT Press
340 pages
$18.95

There are so many books written about autism and other invisible disabilities. Books written by attorneys, celebrities and doctors. While some are helpful, they can often be unrelatable.

And when a parent has a child with a disability, they want a book that will speak to them.   

Easy to Love but Hard to Raise is a collection of essays written by 32 parent-writers of children with ADD, ADHD, OCD, PDD, ASDs, SPD, PBD and other "invisible" disabilities. 

...written by parents of toddlers, young children, teens, and adult children; those who are in the parenting trenches now, and those looking back on their parenting experiences. Topics include : how children came to be diagnosed, the experience of dealing with problem behaviors in various contexts and settings, experiences with/feelings about treatment (therapies, medications, alternative treatments), school (and other advocacy) experiences, children’s social interactions/friends, and the effect of parenting a difficult child on a parent’s emotional and physical health, marriage, and other relationships.  

Brutally honest and beautifully inspiring, Easy to Love but Hard to Raise are the stories of real parents raising challenging kids - their worries, fears and triumphant moments. These are the stories, so many parents need to read to realize they are not alone. 

As I am struggling with should I or shouldn't I medicate, the "Searching for Solutions" section has been especially helpful for me. I'm still uncertain on whether its the right decision for us, but I appreciate the perspectives and thought process of the parents. And I am certain I will return to the stories again.  

Also included in this book, are Q&As with experts regarding home-schooling, medication and much more. My favorite Q&A is the one on the importance of social media and special needs parents by Jean "Stimey" Winegardner of Stimeyland.

No matter if you have a son or a daughter, regardless of age or disability - there is something in Easy to Love but Hard to Raise for you. This will be the book that speaks to you.   

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.