Theology of Disability

Hello all, I received an email from Tera at the 'Kidz' blog.  There is a student from Hampshire College in Amherst, MA who is doing her thesis on the LDS theology of disability.  She is looking for parents of special needs kids to interview.  While she is primarily focusing on the LDS view, she is also looking for parents of other faiths.  She is not LDS herself.  It is a very intriguing project.  You can read more about it on her blog here. Even if you don't want to participate, it may be interesting to follow her blog to see what she finds out.  She explains it much better than I do.  If you are interested, the best way to reach her is at kohleranne@gmail.com

Hey everyone. I am looking to take Mason in to get a thorough vision screening done, but I don't feel like I can take him to just any optometrist. It needs to be someone patient, good with children, and able to help a child who may not respond well to the "normal" routine of an eye exam. Have you taken your kids anywhere? Who do you recommend? I am looking preferably in Weber/Davis county, but I can travel a little if necessary.

Thanks!

Special Needs Dance Class

Just wanted to let you all know that the FREE special needs dance class is starting up again in Hooper.  There is a one time $10 registration fee.  They meet at 5:15 on Wednesday nights at the Dance Image Studios 5495 S. 5900 W. ( right across the street from Hooper Elementary. ) MK was in the class last year and REALLY loved it.  Any age, and any ability is welcome.  Spread the word.

Hi mom's! I am starting a support group for special needs families with the help from my friend, who is also an SLP who just left  Pingree! (she is donating talents to us!!!) I am very excited because I feel like it is something that is needed in the area. I know there are many support groups on the web, but I feel like as mom's and dad's we need to get out and mingle with other parents who are dealing with similar situations. (our kids need the interaction too)

I get many phone calls from new mommies who are being tossed into "Holland" with nothing.  They need to know where to "check in"   So... here I go.  On a new mission to share the knowledge that I have obtained and to open my arms and invite those who feel like they too have something to share, learn or even better.. both!

 I am working on venues and would love to know who would be interested in joining the group and in which city you hale from. This will be so fun and so wonderful to FINALLY get to meet! So... Please let me know if you would be interested in this!     As you know support groups only work if there are others to support you in the journey!

Autism School

Hi, again.

We had some great news over this last summer and that is our son was accepted to the Pingree School for Children with Autism. We were so excited and thrilled for this opportunity. His first day was last week and although he couldn't really tell us much he seem to share his excitement in his facial expressions.

I get to drop him off every morning at the bus stop and he is so excited when the bus arrives. We are so grateful for this school and how they are helping him. The teachers have been great and he has had great progress in eating. They will start potty training him this month which is awesome. It has been so nice for my wife to have a little break and spend time with our two year old.

Lately I've been reading this book called Healing and Preventing Autism by Jenny McCarthy and jerry Kartzinel. It has been a fantastic book. We are looking to try some nutritional supplements and I was wondering if anyone has tried anything before. They say that one of the problems is the yeast build up in the stomach and that if you can get rid of that and help their immune system to operate better this can lessen some of the autistic characteristics. So its worth a try in my mind.

Well, I hope everyone has a great month. We are also continuing to raise money for our son's education at Pingree, so if you are able to contribute a little that would be great. But don't worry if you can't because I can guarantee that just about everyone has a lot of medical bills. Our site is www.lifeandhopewithautism.com and www.lifewithpdd-nos.com. I keep them both updated with the same content.

family fun for a good cause!!!

hello all. Just got this email I'd like to pass along. For those of you who may not remember, Chloe's sunshine playground is the 'all abilities' playground they are trying to build in Syracuse:

A 5k and motorcycle rally are being held at The Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City on August 6th. If you register to participate, you can select to sponsor Chloe's Sunshine Playground, and 100% of your donation will go to help our cause!

The day includes all the events mentioned above along with a Special Kids Fair, live music all throughout the day, retail vendors, great food and drinks, and much, much more. The day begins with sign-up and registration for the 5-K and motorcycle rally at 7:00 am, with both starting promptly at 9:00 A.M. The Kids Fair, music and vendors are scheduled to open immediately after the start of the 5K. Everyone is invited to come and spend the day in downtown SLC having as much fun as you can find, while helping worthy causes. Also, tons of prizes will be given away throughout the day. The cost is only $10.00 per adult with kids under 10 admitted free.

Go here to register.

Please put it on your calendars, come if you can, and help spread the word! Thanks so much for your support.