December News from the Autism Society of the RMWB

Tina Delainey
It has been a very busy month for the Autism Society of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, and we have had great success with all our events since our last update.

We had a great turnout to our movie night! A lot of parents thanked us and asked that we try to put on more of these events, and we are now looking hosting an adult/teen movie night in the new year.

We have also been getting amazing feedback on our visit from Dr. Anthony Bailey, Dr. David Nicolas, Dr. Deborah Barrett and Nancy Gale. Our community is grateful to them for taking the time to come all the way up here to give us some wonderful information and advice.

Our fundraising efforts have been going well, but raising funds is challenging in a community that is still recovering from the events of the summer. A lot of our businesses are still struggling, but we were amazed that we managed to sell twice as many poinsettias as our initial target!

Our Christmas party was a hit, too! We had almost double the kids from last year – almost 70 children had a wonderful time visiting with Santa and enjoying the bouncy castles. They all loved their gifts from Santa, too! Even the parents told us what a great time they had, and that they’re already looking forward to next year’s celebration.

We are all excited for the New Year and all the great things we have planned for 2017. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Autism Society of the R.M.W.B.!

Sincerely,

Autism Society of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
780-742-4424
AutismSupport@AutismRMWB.org


Flying with ASD: How to Make Holiday Travel Easier for Those with Autism

Maureen Bennie
From the Autism Awareness Centre, Inc. blog:

My son Marc and I took our very first flight together this November. We did a four-day trip to Montreal, Quebec. The trip was a great success, but only because Marc was well-prepared for the trip, meaning there was a high degree of predictability and comfort level, which reduced anxiety. We have taken many road trips and stayed in hotels, but travelling by plane was new territory. With holiday travel about to start for many families, I’d like to share some tips and ideas I gained from our airline travel experience.

1) Create A Travel Program
 
Did you know that for travel within Canada, both Air Canada and Westjet have a program that allows a companion to fly for free if your child is over the age of 18 and can’t fly independently? Each airline has a form that must be filled out and signed by your doctor. Once the airline has approved you, there is a code number given to you to use when booking a flight. This number is good for 3 years. You must have approval from the airlines before booking a flight, as they won’t apply this status after a flight has been booked.

The Vancouver International Airport is the first airport in Canada to implement a program that provides an expedited airport process for families and individuals living with autism. The new YVR Autism Access Sticker, developed as part of the I CAN Fly program, a collaboration between YVR and the Canucks Autism Network (CAN), provides air travel resources to support individuals and families living with autism. Let’s hope more airports adopt this program.

2) Watch ‘How to’ Videos With Your Child
 
YouTube is a treasure trove for finding “how to” instructional videos on virtually every aspect of airline travel. There are ones for using the bathroom, airport security, and the baggage claim carousel. Every airport has its own website. It can be helpful to visit an airport’s website to determine where you might eat, location of washrooms, airport layout and other information. My son likes to investigate all of these helpful tools ahead of time so that he knows what lies ahead. As a result, Marc had no anxiety in any new airports and was able to relax and watch the planes take off and land – one of his favorite things to do.

Marc also found it helpful to have a toy plane of the airline he was flying on in his hand. This gave him a full view and scope of the plane on a smaller scale, the chance to re-enact the flight process, and, I would imagine, a feeling of connection and control holding this object in his hands. He does have a small collection of planes (KLM, British Airways, Delta and Westjet); he brought all of these on board the flight.


Read more

Autism Edmonton and Londonderry Mall Partner to Offer “Silent Santa” Visits for Kids with Autism

Jade Nesvold

In November, Autism Edmonton was approached by Londonderry Mall to partner on some special “Silent Santa” visits for kids with autism and other special sensory needs during the weeks leading up to Christmas.

These “Silent Santa” sessions were designed so that parents could bring their kids to meet Santa in a quieter and more sensory-friendly environment. Autism Edmonton met with Mr. and Mrs. Claus before the sessions to help Santa and the elves prepare, so that they could create the most successful and enjoyable experiences possible for these families.

The first appointment on November 27 was booked for Lori McMillan and her twin daughters, Maddie and Emily. During the photo shoot with Santa, something unexpected happened. Maddie (who has ASD) interacted with Emily throughout the photo shoot, talking with and hugging her sister. Lori said that this doesn’t usually happen – but the two girls appeared to really connect during the visit and got to share their excitement over meeting Santa, which was so meaningful to their mother.

When asked what made the appointment successful, Lori answered, “It was so personal. Santa and Mrs. Claus were so flexible and went with whatever happened. They were both so comfortable with the kids. There was no line-up and they were really prepared for the children.”

The appointments were booked in 10-minute intervals, allowing plenty of time for families and children to visit with Santa and get ready for a photo. The sessions all took place before the mall opened; the environment wasn’t busy, the lights were dimmed and the music was off. Santa and Mrs. Claus spoke in quieter voices and were particularly flexible in how they interacted with the children.

During one visit, Santa was overheard quietly saying to one boy, “I’ve been waiting here all day for you to come and see me. Thank you for coming!” That’s a pretty special thing for a child to hear from Santa and, although he was non-verbal, the little boy’s ear-to-ear smile truly reflected his feelings.

When the announcement was posted on Autism Edmonton’s Facebook page, it took off and went viral! The post was shared almost 650 times, which caught the attention of some local news reporters, who shared the story even further.

Initially, the sessions were only scheduled for two Sundays; Londonderry Mall generously responded to the huge demand by opening up two additional dates (four days in total) and expanding the hours of each session (at their own cost), so that as many families as possible could take part in this experience.

This was such a good story to be able to share, and a sign that the community at large is gaining a better understanding of how autism impacts people. It was also an example of how anyone can take actions to meaningfully include individuals on the spectrum and their families, even with something as simple as a visit and photo with Santa.

Thanks to Londonderry Mall for arranging this wonderful event. Santa wanted to say, “Thank the parents for bringing their children here to see us!” Mrs. Claus added, “We love having the time to talk with each child. Thank you for the opportunity!”

Animals and Emotion

Jessica Pigeau
I met my sister’s new puppy for the first time this week. I’m home from university for winter holidays, so it’s the only opportunity we’ve had. She’s six months old and weighs 40 lbs – the dog, not the sister – and she’s as outgoing and rambunctious as could be, including an unfortunate gastronomical interest in shoes. Her name is Kaya, and she is very sweet.

Being at university is often difficult for me, as I have difficulty making friends, and even when I do create connections, I tend to be perhaps even over-cautious in regards to interpersonal affection, particularly when it comes to the physical variety: pats and hugs and friendly touches. After my first semester away from home, I found myself stressed and tense, most likely a byproduct of going several months without any physical contact. At home, I had always had my family: my parents, my siblings, and, of course, the three family dogs. At university, I had no one, really – not at first.
 
I’ve always been fond of animals, and luckily, they have always felt much the same way about me. I make fast friends with dogs and cats and even birds and reptiles. I’ve connected with cows, held conversations with geese, and scratched the bellies of cats who left the arms of other unwary adventurers in bloody ribbons. I’ve never quite been sure as to why this is, but my family usually says it’s because we understand each other on a similar level, animals and I.
 
It’s not that I think like animals do – or at least, not that I think more like a dog than most people. I don’t think of myself as possessing a particularly duck-like character, either. The point of empathy, I suspect, is being confused and stressed by a world made for and by humans who think a particular way, a way very different from both me and the average goose. Much like the median Siamese or Russian blue, I find the intricacies of human socialization arcane and baffling, as is the convention by which near-strangers assume they are allowed to touch me without my express permission. Much like the common Shih Tzu or miniature poodle, I, too, find parties distressing and would much rather hide beneath the coffee table.
 
To some degree it is simply the reality of the disconnection with other human beings I experienced most of my young life. It is easy to disappoint other people. It is easy to fail to act as one should in the face of complex and difficult social rules. The expectations of animals are far simpler – a warm bed, a good meal, a nice scratch behind the ears. Their love is easier to earn and harder to lose.
 
Relationships with animals are imperfect as replacements for a human-to-human connection, but they have a unique value of their own. What is important to understand is that the principles are much the same – mutual affection, mutual regard, mutual care – and that the capacity for love cannot be built in a vacuum. We learn how to love through being loved – whether that love comes from a parent or a friend, even if that friend has four legs and a tendency to eat shoes.
 
The ability to express love, the ability to touch and demonstrate affection, is very much a learned skill, just as receiving affection and physical comfort is very much a human need that one can learn to ignore or learn to express. Sometimes, even now, it is easier to ask an animal to fill that need to be held and comforted, but it is through such things that we learn to understand our own needs and our own emotions, as well as the needs and the emotions of others.

We Want to Hear From You!

We are looking to publish stories, event notices or news items from all parts of the province. If you’d like to have your items included in the January 2017 issue of Autism Around Alberta, please send your submissions to AAA@autismalberta.ca by the deadline of Friday, January 13.

The Benefits of Weights for Sensory Processing Disorder

Joan Blood
Sensory Processing Disorder is a condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. Some people with this disorder are over-sensitive to things in their environment.

Individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder may react strongly to common sounds or the light touch of a shirt. They may be uncoordinated, bump into things, be unable to tell where their limbs are in space, or find it hard to engage in conversation or play. These problems are usually identified in children, but can affect adults as well. They are often seen in developmental conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The use of weights, including weighted blankets and stuffed animals, can be beneficial for individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder. For example, weighted blankets have been used as a way to calm over-excited children and adults. They are one of the most helpful types of sensory tools, and are able to achieve good results without the use of medication. Weighted blankets and stuffed animals employ deep pressure that  triggers the body’s production of Serotonin, a hormone which helps you to relax and feel contented.

Using weighted blankets and stuffed animals work as an effective non-prescription supplement to medication and therapy.

Joan Blood is the owner of Wolf Creek Creations

Please be aware that there may be safety concerns involving the use of weights, especially for infants below the age of one year. Autism Alberta recommends that families do their own research and consult with health professionals before making use of any therapeutic tool.

Autism Calgary 25th Anniversary Event:

An Evening with Temple Grandin

Autism Night Before Christmas

Cindy Waeltermann
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
And all through the house
The creatures were stirring
Yes, even the mouse

We tried Melatonin
And gave a hot bath
But the holiday jitters
They always distract

The children were finally
All nestled in bed
When nightmares of terror
Ran through my own head

Did I get the right gift
The right colour and style
Would there be a tantrum
Or even, maybe, a smile?

Our relatives come
But they don’t understand
The pleasure he gets
Just from flapping his hands.

“He needs discipline,” they say
“Just a well-needed smack,
You must learn to parent…”
And on goes the attack

We smile and nod
Because we know deep inside
The argument is moot
Let them all take a side

We know what it’s like
To live with the spectrum
The struggles and triumphs
Achievements, regressions…

But what they don’t know
And what they don’t see
Is the joy that we feel
Over simplicity

He said “hello”
He ate something green!
He told his first lie!
He did not cause a scene!

He peed on the potty
Who cares if he’s ten,
He stopped saying the same thing
Again and again!

Others don’t realize
Just how we can cope
How we bravely hang on
At the end of our rope

But what they don’t see
Is the joy we can’t hide
When our children with autism
Make the tiniest stride

We may look at others
Without the problems we face
With jealousy, hatred
Or even distaste

But what they don’t know
Nor sometimes do we
Is that children with autism
Bring simplicity

We don’t get excited
Over expensive things
We jump for joy
With the progress work brings

Children with autism
Try hard every day
And they do make us proud
More than words can say

They work even harder
Than you or I
To achieve something small
To reach a star in the sky

So to those who don’t get it
Or can’t get a clue
Take a walk in my shoes
And I’ll assure you

That even ten minutes
Into the walk
You’ll look at me
With respect, even shock

You will realize
What it is I go through
And the next time you judge
I can assure you

That you won’t say a thing
You’ll be quiet and learn,
Like the years that I did
When the tables were turned…


Deepening Our Love

Deborah Barrett
I think it’s safe to say that virtually nobody who is expecting a baby hopes for a child with a disability. We mostly want healthy, unblemished children, kids that will make us proud and keep us nicely in our comfort zone. Yet, looking around at this summer’s Autism Alberta Annual General Meeting, I marveled once again. The twenty or so family members who gathered around the table all had children or grandchildren on the autism spectrum. And all of them love their kids so deeply that they have given countless hours learning how to understand their loved ones who experience life so differently. They’ve spent tons of time poring over their computers, looking for information that will help their kids on the spectrum. They’ve advocated, spoken up, defended, challenged, learned and educated – all to create better lives for children who are disabled. They’ve discovered hope, and they’ve discovered their capacity to engage the world differently on behalf of the children or adults they love.
 
We spend so much time anticipating and fearing the future. Then we go out and individually or collectively attempt to change the world, to make it more accepting, more accessible for the people we love so deeply. We do this for the kids with disabilities we thought we didn’t want to have.

I cannot articulate what it is about our special kids and adults. They inspire a different kind of love. It’s a kind of love that is moved by souls even though they can’t communicate clearly. It’s as if parents and other family members learn to see and hear with the soul. They get to understand nuances, wants and desires, for people who cannot communicate with ease.

These family members are people who look deeper, make connections, and set themselves to creating options that don’t yet exist for their loved ones on the spectrum. What’s so amazing is that all this work on behalf of kids and adults with autism creates more love, more hope, and grows us into the capable, empowered, future-changing adults we become – all because of our children. It’s often the unseen gift of autism, to us and to our communities. I now consider myself very fortunate to know so many loving families who have chosen to step out of their ever-growing comfort zones because of the love that has been deepened by autism.

Thank you to each of our members for caring so much about creating better lives for people on the spectrum, and for the many gifts you have brought to my life.

Have a wonderful Christmas Season, and may your love create a wonderful 2017!

Year End Reflection

Deborah Barrett
Co-Editor, Autism Around Alberta
President, Autism Alberta

The holidays at the end of each year always bring time for reflection. This has been a year of growth and connection for Autism Alberta. Across the province, steps are being taken to grow support for kids and adults with autism along with their families. From our vantage point, this growth is happening because of the love and care of people just like you. Some of this month’s articles reflect the work it takes from loved ones and individuals on the spectrum themselves to bring about small, but very meaningful, changes. We, the editors of Autism Around Alberta, are so fortunate to get to work with the very people whose patience, care and deliberate, focused work are making those small, but monumental changes everywhere across the province. Kudos to all of our members, who make an effort that goes way past themselves every day. May those steps forward continue in 2017!