CREATIVITY BLOOMS IN YOUNGSTERS
Just to explain you what youth is capable of doing
SHUBHAM SUMAN
Shubham is a sweet fellow reading in 10th class and was student in
CRPF school Delhi and class mate of Aditi my niece .. Shubham is now in Chennai and wants to be a mathematician... look at what he reads...He became my E - mail friend introduced by Aditi...we have not met but it really does not matter...
http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/lon-tolstoi/the-kingdom-of-god-is-within-you-01w.shtml
you can explore the site to get some more books
--
भक्तिभाज् mathematicus physik शृङ्गारिन्
----shubham----- (www.shubhamsuman.co.nr)
Love to All.
Light to All.
Peace to All.
SURBHI
Currently I have a young sweet girl working with me who has done her three year graduation in design and animation...incidentally she is inspired by her mother who is working in TISCO - Jamshedpur as women empowerment lady... Surbhi is a very sweet girl and teaches me all this (design, editing…)... she is from BITS Noida... (always smiling - God Bless her )
I easily become a learner - student and learn from teachers half my age and yet manage respect due to elders…
Just sharing work of some young designers...
their presentation , profile and the whole concept development
procedure...
BINDHU MADHU
Dear Sir,
Myself Bindhu Madhu, I had made a presentation on 'Design potentials' at the “Design Sensitization Seminar” @ Expo Centre Noida, Delhi on 8th May 2010 and also visited your stall at the Toy Bizz the very next day. I must say it was a pleasure meeting you.
I undertake projects based on games, puzzles, toys, kids products, and kids environment. I also conduct workshops for children, with my friend. The workshops are ‘Make & Take’ where children, make their own ‘story books’, ‘games’, ‘puppets and stories with them’ and lots more. To view my work in detail please do visit www.coroflot.com/bindhucp
AVIK ROY
Avik is currently one of my students who is working on
Montessori Education.
http://www.avikroyspa.blogspot.com/
KUNAL
Kunal is 2nd year PG student of IIT Bombay Industrial design dept...
I happen to know him because he was preparing for Entrance exam
to IIT Design dept at my design center at my residence...
his sketching and detailing of coloring the sketches
is extraordinary....I have seen him working...a blessed soul....was
working to create a graphic novel as a time pass...here's a film that he
has made:
In the land of ashoka
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3mPm6nPUU0
These youngsters fill me with so much of energy and enthusiasm. Working on any such projects with students is not only humbling but a great learning experience - nothing
less than a great spiritual experience…
Friday, May 21, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Chakras: An Inbuilt Growth Detector
CHAKRAS:
AN INBUILT GROWTH
DETECTOR
LOCATED WITHIN OUR ASTRAL BODY ARE SEVEN VORTICES OF ENERGY
CALLED CHAKRAS THAT HOLD THE SECRET OF OUR EMOTIONAL, MENTAL, AND
SPIRITUAL MATURITY. THROUGH BALANCING THE CHAKRAS AND ENERGY NEEDS
THEY REPRESENT, WE GROW UNTIL WE ATTAIN ENLIGHTENMENT.
The common understanding of chakra system is that it is the
path of ascension of
kundalini energy, and that invoking this energy will
enable us to attain enlightenment.
The other profound approach is to work on our psychological
and emotional issues in
such a manner that the chakra opens up
naturally and kundalini ascends.
The chakra system too starts with a basic need and
each successive chakra represents
a progressively higher or rarefied need.
The first is the mooldhara or root chakra which roots
around the need for security. Interestingly
the way to security is through experience of insecurity.
The second is the swadisthana chakra which focuses
on the need for pleasure. Asceticism
and hedonism are two extreme polarities of this chakra.
The third chakra is the manipura chakra or the
solar plexus chakra which focuses
on power.Interestingly the way to power is through surrender.
The fourth is the anahata or the heart chakra which deals
with love and and connection.
The way to connection is through tranquility and serenity.
The fifth is the vishudha chakra or throat chakra which
stands for the need to communicate.
Interestingly the way to communication is deep listening.
The sixth is the ajna which is oriented around intuition.
Located between our eyebrows,
it helps bypass lengthy procedure of analysis,
logic and reasoning and come straight
to divine answers.
And the seventh chakra is the big one, sahashara chakra,
standing for oneness
or self - transcendence.
Sansara is the way to see our own divinity.
AN INBUILT GROWTH
DETECTOR
LOCATED WITHIN OUR ASTRAL BODY ARE SEVEN VORTICES OF ENERGY
CALLED CHAKRAS THAT HOLD THE SECRET OF OUR EMOTIONAL, MENTAL, AND
SPIRITUAL MATURITY. THROUGH BALANCING THE CHAKRAS AND ENERGY NEEDS
THEY REPRESENT, WE GROW UNTIL WE ATTAIN ENLIGHTENMENT.
The common understanding of chakra system is that it is the
path of ascension of
kundalini energy, and that invoking this energy will
enable us to attain enlightenment.
The other profound approach is to work on our psychological
and emotional issues in
such a manner that the chakra opens up
naturally and kundalini ascends.
The chakra system too starts with a basic need and
each successive chakra represents
a progressively higher or rarefied need.
The first is the mooldhara or root chakra which roots
around the need for security. Interestingly
the way to security is through experience of insecurity.
The second is the swadisthana chakra which focuses
on the need for pleasure. Asceticism
and hedonism are two extreme polarities of this chakra.
The third chakra is the manipura chakra or the
solar plexus chakra which focuses
on power.Interestingly the way to power is through surrender.
The fourth is the anahata or the heart chakra which deals
with love and and connection.
The way to connection is through tranquility and serenity.
The fifth is the vishudha chakra or throat chakra which
stands for the need to communicate.
Interestingly the way to communication is deep listening.
The sixth is the ajna which is oriented around intuition.
Located between our eyebrows,
it helps bypass lengthy procedure of analysis,
logic and reasoning and come straight
to divine answers.
And the seventh chakra is the big one, sahashara chakra,
standing for oneness
or self - transcendence.
Sansara is the way to see our own divinity.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Lotus and Mud
WASTE THOUGHTS ARE THE SIGNPOSTS TO DIVINITY
What comes to our mind when we think of waste thoughts ? Probably negative thoughts such as anger, resentment, grudges, skepticism, confusion, fear, greed, attachment , jealousy. We know the above emotions as negative and destructive in nature and yet time and again we fall in this net.
Then we have royal thoughts or emotions which appear positive and give a false illusion of well being and happiness such as social identity,fame for whatever reason, financial wealth, and even relationships too.
Both kinds of thoughts - negative and so to say positive thoughts give temporary salvation, yes even anger and other negative emotions dogive a false feeling of well being and salvation, but sooner or later we feel miserable - why ?
Because these emotions are games of mind which operates either in the pastor the future. Mind deals with at least two types of information: a) facts and b) experiences. Similarly we have two types of time: a) clock time and b) psychological time.
There is no issue with unprejudiced information and clock time . The insanity begins when mind operates from psychological time which creates ego. We all knowthat when we are gripped with any emotion , we are unaware of our own true nature and possessed by that emotion. All these emotions thrive on two things : a) duality and b) psychological time ( past and future ). Mind loves to sustain on these emotions creating false pride of success till at some point of time there is destruction. Such is themight and dominance of mind that it obscures true self .
Awareness - Attention - Observation whatever you may call is present moment awareness,and this powerful energy when focused on emotions dissolves them or transmutes them into nothingness.
We may recall our very early childhood days each moment and each day is fresh and new. There is no past and no future and no wonder than that maximum learning takes place between 0-6 years of age.
As we age, mind takes over and most of our actions are reactions of a past or a future.So in a way ... waste thoughts become sign posts to awareness...and present themselves with paradoxes such as un-manifested and the manifested formless and the formsilence and sound thoughts and the gaps between thoughts time and timelessness.
Awareness - we are physical forms but also formless energy. We have read in Science that we as physical body are made of cells which are made of molecules, which are made of atoms which are electrons orbiting around protons and neutrons which are again bundles of energy.There is vibrational energy. There is only emptiness...that is the anatomy of form and yet there is intelligence or cosmic energy of awareness we call soul which ticks the physical body. Awareness or soul consciousness is like a beam of light which dissolves these emotions whichare some form of darkness or illusion.
Soul consciousness , is then in the realm of timelessness and emptiness, or so to say beyond time and matter. The true nature of soul consciousness is peace and love which have no opposites. Unmanifested - Formless creates manifested and forms to unfold its own divinity-so in essence we as souls have same attributes as of Supreme - Formless Unmanifested.Since peace and love are essence of soul and supreme...life appears as a drama. There is then playfulness and joy.This is meditation. Our salvation is in the realm of present moment awareness , beyond time and matter. Peace cannot be outside present moment awareness...
In a way , then waste thoughts are sign posts to divinity, like mud transforming into lotus.That is the beauty of divinity and grace.We just have to witness this beauty and grace.
What comes to our mind when we think of waste thoughts ? Probably negative thoughts such as anger, resentment, grudges, skepticism, confusion, fear, greed, attachment , jealousy. We know the above emotions as negative and destructive in nature and yet time and again we fall in this net.
Then we have royal thoughts or emotions which appear positive and give a false illusion of well being and happiness such as social identity,fame for whatever reason, financial wealth, and even relationships too.
Both kinds of thoughts - negative and so to say positive thoughts give temporary salvation, yes even anger and other negative emotions dogive a false feeling of well being and salvation, but sooner or later we feel miserable - why ?
Because these emotions are games of mind which operates either in the pastor the future. Mind deals with at least two types of information: a) facts and b) experiences. Similarly we have two types of time: a) clock time and b) psychological time.
There is no issue with unprejudiced information and clock time . The insanity begins when mind operates from psychological time which creates ego. We all knowthat when we are gripped with any emotion , we are unaware of our own true nature and possessed by that emotion. All these emotions thrive on two things : a) duality and b) psychological time ( past and future ). Mind loves to sustain on these emotions creating false pride of success till at some point of time there is destruction. Such is themight and dominance of mind that it obscures true self .
Awareness - Attention - Observation whatever you may call is present moment awareness,and this powerful energy when focused on emotions dissolves them or transmutes them into nothingness.
We may recall our very early childhood days each moment and each day is fresh and new. There is no past and no future and no wonder than that maximum learning takes place between 0-6 years of age.
As we age, mind takes over and most of our actions are reactions of a past or a future.So in a way ... waste thoughts become sign posts to awareness...and present themselves with paradoxes such as un-manifested and the manifested formless and the formsilence and sound thoughts and the gaps between thoughts time and timelessness.
Awareness - we are physical forms but also formless energy. We have read in Science that we as physical body are made of cells which are made of molecules, which are made of atoms which are electrons orbiting around protons and neutrons which are again bundles of energy.There is vibrational energy. There is only emptiness...that is the anatomy of form and yet there is intelligence or cosmic energy of awareness we call soul which ticks the physical body. Awareness or soul consciousness is like a beam of light which dissolves these emotions whichare some form of darkness or illusion.
Soul consciousness , is then in the realm of timelessness and emptiness, or so to say beyond time and matter. The true nature of soul consciousness is peace and love which have no opposites. Unmanifested - Formless creates manifested and forms to unfold its own divinity-so in essence we as souls have same attributes as of Supreme - Formless Unmanifested.Since peace and love are essence of soul and supreme...life appears as a drama. There is then playfulness and joy.This is meditation. Our salvation is in the realm of present moment awareness , beyond time and matter. Peace cannot be outside present moment awareness...
In a way , then waste thoughts are sign posts to divinity, like mud transforming into lotus.That is the beauty of divinity and grace.We just have to witness this beauty and grace.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Business and Beyond
The action of Toy Show has begun...
Why I am interested in being part of the organizing committee is because
it is an opportunity to invite and make personal relationships with professors
and educationists apart from new buyers and business people. Something
of interest to you - is that students of design college students work for
spastic societies, blind schools, artificial limbs, autism and even normal
school children..the next two years will be interesting because Govt
is sponsoring these projects and working on any such projects
with students is not only humbling but a great learning experience - nothing
less than a great spiritual experience… coming days
are full of new energy and enthusiasm - lots of transformation - Spastics
Projects are the ones which are closest to spirituality - I have heard
all professors say so...I want to taste practical spirituality...
A young girl is now assisting me in organising seminar
on Design Sensitization with speakers from NID, SPA and IIT-D.
The sikh girl is a total bundle of energy doing English Hons
and has done courses on book publishing and journalism. She is
assisting me in composing articles on Toy News and Views.
My own son is engaged in implementing ISO and TPM ( Total Preventive
Maintenance ) in our units. So it is pure action these days.
These youngsters fill me with so much of energy and enthusiasm.
TAI C A R E Process !
The CARE (Caring, Awareness, Responsible, Ethical) Process is the
Toy Association of India program to promote ethical manufacturing, in the
form of adopting practices and processes to produce safe toys and further
practice fair labor treatment, as well as employee health and safety,
in their toy manufacturing units. Its initial focus is on the Toy manufacturing fraternity and Toy Importers in India. Its intent is to provide a single, fair, thorough and consistent program to monitor toy factories' and Importers’ compliance of all statutory laws of our country – safety standards as per BIS being the top priority.
We the representatives of Toy Fraternity commit and pledge ourselves
to show and express CARE in our thoughts, words and action and our language of expression is Toys.
WE CARE !
Autistic Kids are Terrific
There is a saying in the autism field: "if you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism." In other words: every person on the autism spectrum is unique, and one person's set of symptoms is just that ... one person's symptoms of autism! This is, in part, because autism is a spectrum disorder: you can be a little autistic or very autistic.
But there's more to it. An array of problems are relatively common among autistic people such as seizure disorders, gastrointestinal issues, mental retardation and mental illness. At this point, no one knows why these conditions are so common among people with autism spectrum disorders. It is possible that these additional conditions are indicators of different kinds of autism, each caused by a slightly different set of circumstances.
While the conditions listed above are more common among autistic people than among the general population, they are by no means universal among people on the autism spectrum. In fact, many autistic people have no apparent mental or physical illness at all.
Delayed or unusual speech patterns (many autistic children, for example, memorize video scripts and repeat them word for word with the precise intonation as the TV characters)
• High pitched or flat intonation
• Lack of slang or "kidspeak"
• Difficulty understanding tone of voice and body language as a way of expressing sarcasm, humor, irony, etc.
• Lack of eye contact
• Inability to take another's perspective (to imagine oneself in someone else's shoes)
Tips for Understanding and Managing Your Autistic Child's Behavior
Children with autism are LESS likely to misbehave intentionally than typical children. Their apparent bad behaviors -- such as bolting from the room, whacking a peer, refusing to take part in circle time, climbing the fridge -- are often caused by external problems that can be solved by calm, creative parents.
1) Know Your Child
Few autistic children are intentionally "bad." Many have difficult behaviors. So what's going on? Each child is different, and knowing your own child is key to taking action. Is your child extra-sensitive to sound and light? Does she need lots of sensory input? Is he likely to misunderstand a close approach? The more you know, the easier it is to troubleshoot a situation.
2) Modify Your Expectations
Your mother may have expected you to sit still through a full dinner hour. But that's not a reasonable expectation for most children with autism. Consider starting with a smaller goal -- sitting still for three minutes, eating with a fork, or whatever you think he can handle -- and building toward the larger goal of sitting through a full meal.
3) Modify the Environment
Safety is key. And for autistic children, creating a safe environment is a challenge. Since so many of your child's behaviors may have the potential to be dangerous, it's important to take precautions such as bolting shelves to the walls and floor, putting a dead bolt on the front door, and latching cabinets securely. One About.com reader even put plexiglass on the fronts of bookshelves to keep her child from climbing.
4) Consider the Possible Sources of the Behavior
Many children on the autism spectrum either crave or over-respond to sensory input. Some alternate between the two extremes. Very often, "bad" behavior is actually a reaction to too much or too little sensory input. By carefully observing your child, you may be able to figure out what's setting him off.
5) Remove Overwhelming Sensory Input
If your child is over-reacting to sensory input, there are many ways to change the situation. Of course, the first option is to simply avoid overwhelming sensory settings such as parades, amusement parks and the like. When that's not an option, consider ear plugs, distracting sensory toys, or plain old bribery to get through difficult moments.
6) Provide Sensory Input
If your child is crashing into couches, climbing the walls or spinning in circles, chances are she's craving sensory input. You can provide that in any number of more appropriate ways. Some people recommend bear hugs; other suggest squeezing youngsters between sofa cushions, rolling them up like "hot dogs" in blankets, or providing them with weighted vests or quilts.
7) Look for Positive Outlets for Unusual Behaviors
While climbing the entertainment center may be "bad" behavior, climbing at a rock gym can be a great way to build muscles and friendships at the same time. While spinning at the grocery store may be odd, it's ok to twirl on a tire swing. What's a problem in one place may be a virtue in another!
8) Enjoy Your Child's Successes
We were the only parents on the block to cheer at our son's first intentional fib. We're thrilled when he says "yes" to a playdate, completes a full sentence, or kicks a ball back and forth a few times. He's not likely to captain the soccer team -- but he is successfully becoming himself.
9) Worry Less About Others' Opinions
Your child is really doing a fine job in the grocery store. He may be flapping a bit, but it's no big deal. Until you catch the eye of the mom with the perfect little girl -- staring at your son. Suddenly his flapping seems like a very big deal, and you find yourself snapping at your son to "just put his hands down!" It's not easy, but it's important to remember that he's autistic -- not intentionally embarrassing!
10) Find Ways to Have Fun Together
It's not always easy to associate autism and fun. But if you think about it, rolling your child up like a hot dog, bouncing on a trampoline or even sitting and cuddling together can be a lot of fun. Instead of worrying about the therapeutic value of each action, try just enjoying the silliness, the tickling, the cuddling...and the child. At least for a little while!
Play Therapy and Autism: The Basics
Play therapy was originally conceived as a tool for providing psychotherapy to young people coping with trauma, anxiety and mental illness. In that context, play becomes a way for children to act out their feelings and find coping mechanisms.
This type of play therapy is still popular; however, it is NOT the same thing as play therapy as used for children with autism.
Most specialists offering something called "play therapy" to children with autism are actually providing something akin to Floortime Therapy. Floortime is a play-based technique which builds on autistic children's own interests or obsessions to develop relationships and social/communication skills. The Play Project is another therapeutic approach which uses play as a tool for building skills in autistic children. Like Floortime, it builds on children's own interests.
It is possible to be officially credentialed in Floortime therapy through a certification program that includes a wide range of content. This certification is offered through the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders (ICDL), but is not recognized by any of the national therapeutic associations. Thus, most "play therapists" are not so much credentialed as they are experienced and/or trained. Of course, as with all autism treatments, the onus is on the parent to investigate the therapist's background, training and references, and to closely monitor progress.
Why Would a Person With Autism Need to See a Play Therapist?
Autism is largely a social-communication disorder. Children with autism find it extremely difficult to relate to others -- particularly to peers -- in ordinary ways. Instead of playing with toys in imaginative or symbolic ways (pretending a doll is really "my baby," for example) they may perseverate on objects, use them for self-stimulation, and become entirely self-absorbed.
Play is a wonderful tool for helping children (and sometimes even adults) to move beyond autism's self-absorption into real, shared interaction. Properly used, play can also allow youngsters to explore their feelings, their environment, and their relationships with parents, siblings and peers.
Very often, too, play therapy can allow parents to take an active role in their autistic child's growth and development. Play therapy can be taught to parents, and, over time, parents can become their child's therapist while also building a stronger, more meaningful relationship.
What Does a Play Therapist Do for People with Autism?
A good play therapist will get down on the floor with your child and truly engage him through the medium of play. For example, the therapist might set out a number of toys that a child finds interesting, and allow her to decide what, if anything, interests her. If she picks up a toy train and runs it back and forth, apparently aimlessly, the therapist might pick up another train and place it in front of the child's train, blocking its path. If the child responds -- verbally or non-verbally -- then a relationship has begun.
If the child doesn't respond, the therapist might look for high-interest, high-energy options to engage the child. Bubble blowing is often successful, as are toys that move, squeak, vibrate, and otherwise DO something.
Over time, the therapists will work with the child to build reciprocal skills (sharing, turn-taking), imaginative skills (pretending to feed a toy animal, cook pretend skills) and even abstract thinking skills (putting together puzzles, solving problems). As a child becomes better able to relate to others, additional children may be brought into the group, and more complex social skills are developed.
Many parents find they can do play therapy on their own, using videotapes and books as a guide. Others rely on the experience of trained play therapists. And still others choose to simply bring their children to a play therapist or have the therapist come to their home. In any case, play therapists can provide parents with tools to connect with and have fun with their children on the autism spectrum.
Top 10 Terrific Traits of Autistic People
If you're sick of hearing about all the "deficits" challenging people on the autism spectrum, join the club. But for every down side to autism, there seems to be a positive -- an unusual trait that rarely appears among the "typical" community, but shines out among autistic folk. These plusses are well worth celebrating.
1. Autistic People Rarely Lie
We all claim to value the truth, but almost all of us tell little white lies. All, that is, except people on the autism spectrum. To them, truth is truth -- and a good word from a person on the spectrum is the real deal.
2. People on the Autism Spectrum Live in the Moment
How often do typical people fail to notice what's in front of their eyes because they're distracted by social cues or random chitchat? People on the autism spectrum truely attend to the sensory input that surrounds them. Many have achieved the ideal of mindfulness.
3. People with Autism Rarely Judge Others
Who's fatter? Richer? Smarter? For people on the autism spectrum, these distinctions hold much less importance than for typical folks. In fact, people on the spectrum often see through such surface appearances to discover the real person.
4. Autistic People are Passionate
Of course, not all autistic people are alike. But many are truly passionate about the things, ideas and people in their lives. How many "typical" people can say the same?
5. People with Autism Are Not Tied to Social Expectations
If you've ever bought a car, played a game or joined a club to fit in, you know how hard it is to be true to yourself. But for people with autism, social expectations can be honestly irrelevant. What matters is true liking, interest and passion -- not keeping up with the Joneses.
6. People with Autism Have Terrific Memories
How often do typical people forget directions, or fail to take note of colors, names, and other details? People on the autism spectrum are often much more tuned in to details. They may have a much better memory than their typical peers for all kind of critical details.
7. Autistic People Are Less Materialistic
Of course, this is not universally true -- but in general, people with autism are far less concerned with outward appearance than their typical peers. As a result, they worry less about brand names, hairstyles and other expensive but unimportant externals than most people do.
8. Autistic People Play Fewer Head Games
Who was that woman, and why were you looking at her? I know I TOLD you I didn't mind if you went out, but why did you believe me? Most autistic people don't play games like these -- and they assume that you won't either. It's a refreshing and wonderful change from the Peyton Place emotional roller coaster that mars too many typical relationships!
9. Autistic People Have Fewer Hidden Agendas
Most of the time, if a person on the autism spectrum tells you what he wants -- he is telling you what he wants. No need to beat around the bush, second guess, and hope you're reading between the lines!
10. People with Autism Open New Doors for Neurotypicals
For some of us neurotypicals, having an autistic person in our lives has had a profound positive impact on our perceptions, beliefs and expectations. For me, at least, being the mom of a son on the autism spectrum has released me from a lifetime of "should" -- and offered me a new world of "is."
But there's more to it. An array of problems are relatively common among autistic people such as seizure disorders, gastrointestinal issues, mental retardation and mental illness. At this point, no one knows why these conditions are so common among people with autism spectrum disorders. It is possible that these additional conditions are indicators of different kinds of autism, each caused by a slightly different set of circumstances.
While the conditions listed above are more common among autistic people than among the general population, they are by no means universal among people on the autism spectrum. In fact, many autistic people have no apparent mental or physical illness at all.
Delayed or unusual speech patterns (many autistic children, for example, memorize video scripts and repeat them word for word with the precise intonation as the TV characters)
• High pitched or flat intonation
• Lack of slang or "kidspeak"
• Difficulty understanding tone of voice and body language as a way of expressing sarcasm, humor, irony, etc.
• Lack of eye contact
• Inability to take another's perspective (to imagine oneself in someone else's shoes)
Tips for Understanding and Managing Your Autistic Child's Behavior
Children with autism are LESS likely to misbehave intentionally than typical children. Their apparent bad behaviors -- such as bolting from the room, whacking a peer, refusing to take part in circle time, climbing the fridge -- are often caused by external problems that can be solved by calm, creative parents.
1) Know Your Child
Few autistic children are intentionally "bad." Many have difficult behaviors. So what's going on? Each child is different, and knowing your own child is key to taking action. Is your child extra-sensitive to sound and light? Does she need lots of sensory input? Is he likely to misunderstand a close approach? The more you know, the easier it is to troubleshoot a situation.
2) Modify Your Expectations
Your mother may have expected you to sit still through a full dinner hour. But that's not a reasonable expectation for most children with autism. Consider starting with a smaller goal -- sitting still for three minutes, eating with a fork, or whatever you think he can handle -- and building toward the larger goal of sitting through a full meal.
3) Modify the Environment
Safety is key. And for autistic children, creating a safe environment is a challenge. Since so many of your child's behaviors may have the potential to be dangerous, it's important to take precautions such as bolting shelves to the walls and floor, putting a dead bolt on the front door, and latching cabinets securely. One About.com reader even put plexiglass on the fronts of bookshelves to keep her child from climbing.
4) Consider the Possible Sources of the Behavior
Many children on the autism spectrum either crave or over-respond to sensory input. Some alternate between the two extremes. Very often, "bad" behavior is actually a reaction to too much or too little sensory input. By carefully observing your child, you may be able to figure out what's setting him off.
5) Remove Overwhelming Sensory Input
If your child is over-reacting to sensory input, there are many ways to change the situation. Of course, the first option is to simply avoid overwhelming sensory settings such as parades, amusement parks and the like. When that's not an option, consider ear plugs, distracting sensory toys, or plain old bribery to get through difficult moments.
6) Provide Sensory Input
If your child is crashing into couches, climbing the walls or spinning in circles, chances are she's craving sensory input. You can provide that in any number of more appropriate ways. Some people recommend bear hugs; other suggest squeezing youngsters between sofa cushions, rolling them up like "hot dogs" in blankets, or providing them with weighted vests or quilts.
7) Look for Positive Outlets for Unusual Behaviors
While climbing the entertainment center may be "bad" behavior, climbing at a rock gym can be a great way to build muscles and friendships at the same time. While spinning at the grocery store may be odd, it's ok to twirl on a tire swing. What's a problem in one place may be a virtue in another!
8) Enjoy Your Child's Successes
We were the only parents on the block to cheer at our son's first intentional fib. We're thrilled when he says "yes" to a playdate, completes a full sentence, or kicks a ball back and forth a few times. He's not likely to captain the soccer team -- but he is successfully becoming himself.
9) Worry Less About Others' Opinions
Your child is really doing a fine job in the grocery store. He may be flapping a bit, but it's no big deal. Until you catch the eye of the mom with the perfect little girl -- staring at your son. Suddenly his flapping seems like a very big deal, and you find yourself snapping at your son to "just put his hands down!" It's not easy, but it's important to remember that he's autistic -- not intentionally embarrassing!
10) Find Ways to Have Fun Together
It's not always easy to associate autism and fun. But if you think about it, rolling your child up like a hot dog, bouncing on a trampoline or even sitting and cuddling together can be a lot of fun. Instead of worrying about the therapeutic value of each action, try just enjoying the silliness, the tickling, the cuddling...and the child. At least for a little while!
Play Therapy and Autism: The Basics
Play therapy was originally conceived as a tool for providing psychotherapy to young people coping with trauma, anxiety and mental illness. In that context, play becomes a way for children to act out their feelings and find coping mechanisms.
This type of play therapy is still popular; however, it is NOT the same thing as play therapy as used for children with autism.
Most specialists offering something called "play therapy" to children with autism are actually providing something akin to Floortime Therapy. Floortime is a play-based technique which builds on autistic children's own interests or obsessions to develop relationships and social/communication skills. The Play Project is another therapeutic approach which uses play as a tool for building skills in autistic children. Like Floortime, it builds on children's own interests.
It is possible to be officially credentialed in Floortime therapy through a certification program that includes a wide range of content. This certification is offered through the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders (ICDL), but is not recognized by any of the national therapeutic associations. Thus, most "play therapists" are not so much credentialed as they are experienced and/or trained. Of course, as with all autism treatments, the onus is on the parent to investigate the therapist's background, training and references, and to closely monitor progress.
Why Would a Person With Autism Need to See a Play Therapist?
Autism is largely a social-communication disorder. Children with autism find it extremely difficult to relate to others -- particularly to peers -- in ordinary ways. Instead of playing with toys in imaginative or symbolic ways (pretending a doll is really "my baby," for example) they may perseverate on objects, use them for self-stimulation, and become entirely self-absorbed.
Play is a wonderful tool for helping children (and sometimes even adults) to move beyond autism's self-absorption into real, shared interaction. Properly used, play can also allow youngsters to explore their feelings, their environment, and their relationships with parents, siblings and peers.
Very often, too, play therapy can allow parents to take an active role in their autistic child's growth and development. Play therapy can be taught to parents, and, over time, parents can become their child's therapist while also building a stronger, more meaningful relationship.
What Does a Play Therapist Do for People with Autism?
A good play therapist will get down on the floor with your child and truly engage him through the medium of play. For example, the therapist might set out a number of toys that a child finds interesting, and allow her to decide what, if anything, interests her. If she picks up a toy train and runs it back and forth, apparently aimlessly, the therapist might pick up another train and place it in front of the child's train, blocking its path. If the child responds -- verbally or non-verbally -- then a relationship has begun.
If the child doesn't respond, the therapist might look for high-interest, high-energy options to engage the child. Bubble blowing is often successful, as are toys that move, squeak, vibrate, and otherwise DO something.
Over time, the therapists will work with the child to build reciprocal skills (sharing, turn-taking), imaginative skills (pretending to feed a toy animal, cook pretend skills) and even abstract thinking skills (putting together puzzles, solving problems). As a child becomes better able to relate to others, additional children may be brought into the group, and more complex social skills are developed.
Many parents find they can do play therapy on their own, using videotapes and books as a guide. Others rely on the experience of trained play therapists. And still others choose to simply bring their children to a play therapist or have the therapist come to their home. In any case, play therapists can provide parents with tools to connect with and have fun with their children on the autism spectrum.
Top 10 Terrific Traits of Autistic People
If you're sick of hearing about all the "deficits" challenging people on the autism spectrum, join the club. But for every down side to autism, there seems to be a positive -- an unusual trait that rarely appears among the "typical" community, but shines out among autistic folk. These plusses are well worth celebrating.
1. Autistic People Rarely Lie
We all claim to value the truth, but almost all of us tell little white lies. All, that is, except people on the autism spectrum. To them, truth is truth -- and a good word from a person on the spectrum is the real deal.
2. People on the Autism Spectrum Live in the Moment
How often do typical people fail to notice what's in front of their eyes because they're distracted by social cues or random chitchat? People on the autism spectrum truely attend to the sensory input that surrounds them. Many have achieved the ideal of mindfulness.
3. People with Autism Rarely Judge Others
Who's fatter? Richer? Smarter? For people on the autism spectrum, these distinctions hold much less importance than for typical folks. In fact, people on the spectrum often see through such surface appearances to discover the real person.
4. Autistic People are Passionate
Of course, not all autistic people are alike. But many are truly passionate about the things, ideas and people in their lives. How many "typical" people can say the same?
5. People with Autism Are Not Tied to Social Expectations
If you've ever bought a car, played a game or joined a club to fit in, you know how hard it is to be true to yourself. But for people with autism, social expectations can be honestly irrelevant. What matters is true liking, interest and passion -- not keeping up with the Joneses.
6. People with Autism Have Terrific Memories
How often do typical people forget directions, or fail to take note of colors, names, and other details? People on the autism spectrum are often much more tuned in to details. They may have a much better memory than their typical peers for all kind of critical details.
7. Autistic People Are Less Materialistic
Of course, this is not universally true -- but in general, people with autism are far less concerned with outward appearance than their typical peers. As a result, they worry less about brand names, hairstyles and other expensive but unimportant externals than most people do.
8. Autistic People Play Fewer Head Games
Who was that woman, and why were you looking at her? I know I TOLD you I didn't mind if you went out, but why did you believe me? Most autistic people don't play games like these -- and they assume that you won't either. It's a refreshing and wonderful change from the Peyton Place emotional roller coaster that mars too many typical relationships!
9. Autistic People Have Fewer Hidden Agendas
Most of the time, if a person on the autism spectrum tells you what he wants -- he is telling you what he wants. No need to beat around the bush, second guess, and hope you're reading between the lines!
10. People with Autism Open New Doors for Neurotypicals
For some of us neurotypicals, having an autistic person in our lives has had a profound positive impact on our perceptions, beliefs and expectations. For me, at least, being the mom of a son on the autism spectrum has released me from a lifetime of "should" -- and offered me a new world of "is."
A BUDDHA IN EACH OF US
The abbot of a once famous monastery that had fallen into decline was deeply
troubled. Monks were lax in their practice, novices were leaving and supporters
deserting the monastery for other centers. He traveled far to a sage and recounted
his tale of woe, of how much he desired to transform his monastery to the flourishing
haven it had been in days of yore.
The sage looked him in the eye and said , " The reason your monastery has languished
is that the Buddha is living among you in disguise , and you have not honored Him."
The abbot hurried back , his mind in turmoil.
The Selfless One was at his monastery ! Who could He be ? Brother Hua ? - no, he was
full of sloth. Brother Po ? - no, he was too dull. But, the Tathagata was in disguise. What better disguise than sloth or dull-wittedness ? He called his monks to him and revealed the sage's words. They, too, were taken aback and looked at each other with suspicion and awe.
Which one of them was the Chosen One ?
The disguise was perfect. Not knowing who he was they took to treating everyone
with the respect due to Buddha. Their faces started shining with an inner radiance
that attracted novices and then supporters.
In no time at all, the monastery far surpassed its previous glory
COMMENT:
Recognize and respect the Buddha in each human around you to
discover your own true potential and happiness. Seeing Buddha in
others is seeing our own reflection.
troubled. Monks were lax in their practice, novices were leaving and supporters
deserting the monastery for other centers. He traveled far to a sage and recounted
his tale of woe, of how much he desired to transform his monastery to the flourishing
haven it had been in days of yore.
The sage looked him in the eye and said , " The reason your monastery has languished
is that the Buddha is living among you in disguise , and you have not honored Him."
The abbot hurried back , his mind in turmoil.
The Selfless One was at his monastery ! Who could He be ? Brother Hua ? - no, he was
full of sloth. Brother Po ? - no, he was too dull. But, the Tathagata was in disguise. What better disguise than sloth or dull-wittedness ? He called his monks to him and revealed the sage's words. They, too, were taken aback and looked at each other with suspicion and awe.
Which one of them was the Chosen One ?
The disguise was perfect. Not knowing who he was they took to treating everyone
with the respect due to Buddha. Their faces started shining with an inner radiance
that attracted novices and then supporters.
In no time at all, the monastery far surpassed its previous glory
COMMENT:
Recognize and respect the Buddha in each human around you to
discover your own true potential and happiness. Seeing Buddha in
others is seeing our own reflection.
SELF INTROSPECTION
ARE YOU LEADING THE LIFE
you are meant to live ?
SOME PROBING QUESTIONS TO SET YOU INTROSPECTING AND
CHANGING YOUR LIFE'S DIRECTION TO DUE NORTH !
Ask yourself:
What is my deepest desire ?
Answer: To live a life with immense and intense clarity and spontaneity,
It may be sensible to refer , but no formulas and concepts for me
please... excellence is the deepest desire and the process and
journey is equally important... to enjoy every moment.
What would I like to accomplish in my life ?
Answer: Spirituality : Clarity and living the teachings naturally.
Health : To live and die in pink of health
Family : Concern, sensitivity and cordial relationships where I could
be instrument and reflection of peace and abundance of all
higher values of life.
Business: To be modern, profitable and really work out win - win situations
To be responsible for workers, staff, vendors, suppliers, customers,
end users, technical institutions , concerned govt heads, working
in synergy to create and co-create excellence in our business activities.
HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY !
you are meant to live ?
SOME PROBING QUESTIONS TO SET YOU INTROSPECTING AND
CHANGING YOUR LIFE'S DIRECTION TO DUE NORTH !
Ask yourself:
What is my deepest desire ?
Answer: To live a life with immense and intense clarity and spontaneity,
It may be sensible to refer , but no formulas and concepts for me
please... excellence is the deepest desire and the process and
journey is equally important... to enjoy every moment.
What would I like to accomplish in my life ?
Answer: Spirituality : Clarity and living the teachings naturally.
Health : To live and die in pink of health
Family : Concern, sensitivity and cordial relationships where I could
be instrument and reflection of peace and abundance of all
higher values of life.
Business: To be modern, profitable and really work out win - win situations
To be responsible for workers, staff, vendors, suppliers, customers,
end users, technical institutions , concerned govt heads, working
in synergy to create and co-create excellence in our business activities.
HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY !
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