List mania

I am loving Cozi.

I've always made lists. Lots of lists. Helps me feel in control to have lists. Yeah, I know, it's an illusion of control, but somehow the illusion works for me. Sometimes when I don't have a list, my mind (what little there is left of it) spirals out of control, chattering wildly at me:

“We have to pack shoes, did you pack shoes? Don't forget the vitamins, the crayons, your underwear, the umbrella (it hasn't rained on me here in Texas for months - this is the longest, driest, drought since the keepers of records started keeping records for this sort of thing (do you ever wonder whose idea that would have been in the first place?))”

Oh look, two parentheses. I must have gone off on a tangent... that’s my chattering mind for you!

Anyway, making lists helps to shut up the chatter. Then I follow my list(s) and free up my brain to do other things besides pester me into a panic (like ponder who first thought of keeping track of weather, and why, and who paid for it anyway?) Plus it gives me the illusion of control. (Y’all can quit laughing at me now.)

My newest friend in list mania land is Cozi. I can make a list on my computer or on my iPhone and - get this - anyone in my family group can see it!!! Oh, and I can see it too, as long as I remember to tote my phone around with me.

I try to add things to shopping lists as I use them up - and since my phone is often in my pocket I can add it right then and there without having to run from the bathroom (where I just opened the last bar of soap) to the kitchen (getting sidetracked several times along the way by cats, kiddo, Honey, and of course my thoughts) and getting to the list on the fridge just in time to have totally forgotten what I wanted to put on the list.

Ever done that? Thought so.

So now I can put soap on the shopping list right from the bathroom, and if I'm inspired to stop at a store on my way home from somewhere I don't have to worry that I don't have my shopping list, since it's on my phone!

If my Honey decides to stop on the way home to pick up some ice cream (it’s just an example, you shouldn’t think this is a regular occurrence), he doesn’t have to call me to ask if I need anything from the store (not that I object, since I like talking to my Honey), it’s there on the list on his phone. Nifty, huh?

Another nifty feature is that you can cross off items you've purchased (or don't need on this trip) and leave them on the list. So I am slowly making a master list for grocery shopping. And one for questions for the doctor. And one for the medical supplies. And one for the therapy needs. And one for house repairs, and which cat needs to go to the vet and … oh you get the idea. Of course as soon as I transfer my entire life to those lists there will be an upgrade or some technology snafu that loses all my information…. but until then, I’m a happy camper!

Just thought I’d share.

20th Annual Texas Autism Conference, October 13-15, 2011, Houston

http://autism.esc2.net/Conference/index.asp

“The Texas Autism Conference is a statewide conference for parents, school personnel and other professionals working with individuals within the Autism spectrum. It is sponsored by the Texas Education Agency and has been coordinated by the Education Service Center, Region 2, for more than a decade.”

Dear parents, please let us know if you’ve attended one of these in the past and if so, whether it was useful to you. And if you go to this one, please let us know that, too!

Autism Society of Greater Austin

This is our local chapter of the Autism Society.
http://support.autism-society.org/site/Clubs?club_id=1040&pg=main

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or affected individual, you are sure to find useful information on their site - this is one to bookmark!

This is a nationwide organization - here's their nationwide "about" page:

The Autism Society, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy.

Founded in 1965 by Dr. Bernard Rimland, Dr. Ruth Sullivan and many other parents of children with autism, the Autism Society is the leading source of trusted and reliable information about autism. Through its strong chapter network, the Autism Society has spearheaded numerous pieces of state and local legislation, including the 2006 Combating Autism Act, the first federal autism-specific law. The Autism Society's website is one of the most visited websites on autism in the world and its quarterly journal, Autism Advocate, has a broad national readership. The Autism Society also hosts the most comprehensive national conference on autism, attended by 2000 people each year. Our information and referral team, our program staff, and our strong chapter presence serve thousands of families each year who are searching for help in their journey with autism.

The Autism Society's national office is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. We are proud to be one of the few organizations to have members with autism serving as active board directors. The Autism Society's Panel of Professional Advisors sets the standards for our Options Policy that governs our practices, and we are proud to count the top professional experts in autism on our PPA. The Autism Society's Advisory Panel of People on the Spectrum of Autism is a first-of-its-kind advisory panel comprised solely of individuals with autism, who help Autism Society staff create programs and services that will advocate for the rights of all people with autism to live fulfilling, interdependent lives.

Each year, people with autism, families and professionals volunteer thousands of hours to help the Autism Society achieve its mission of serving all those affected by autism. To each and every one of you, thank you.

Gluten-free "playdough"

So far, this is the only one I've tried - both my daughter and the teachers at her school and after-school care seem pleased with it, so I never bothered trying any of the other ones:

Colorations® Wheat & Gluten-Free Dough

Special Needs Community Expo - Austin TX

Bannockburn Baptist Church is hosting a Special Needs Community Expo, Saturday April 30, 1-4 pm at 7100 Brodie Lane, Austin, TX 78745.

The Expo will be hosting over 25 central Texas agencies that provide services in our community.
Contact: Amy Louis 512.892.2703 x237 or amyl@bbcfamily.com

PBS to air series on autism

PBS is producing a 6-part series on austism. Knowing their standards, this series is likely to be relevant and thoughtful.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2011/04/robinhari-preview-draft.html

Upcoming Conferences

I'll be updating this entry regularly - keep checking back for things of interest to you and your family!

"A Journey Through the Autism Spectrum"
September 15 - 16, 2011
Houston, TX

Cali bowls

It's hard to find tableware that's both functional and attractive - so much tableware suitable for special needs people looks like it was created for the military about 150 years ago! Cali bowls, on the other hand, are fun, cute, and totally functional for us. They come in BPA-free plastic (which goes in the dishwasher, lunch bag, and bounces off the floor) or ceramic (haven't tried those yet); they have these nifty non-skid bottoms and so are very stable; best of all an innovatively shaped rim that helps scoop food back on to the fork or spoon and not all over the table!

My 10 yo daughter likes her 12 0unce bowl - not too deep, not too wide - and it's such a great size that mom steals it all the time for various things! This is something the whole family will want to use, fun and attractive. Not cheap, but so far they've been worth the money - we have had the current set for over a year, daily use, and they show minimal signs of wear.

http://www.calibowl.com/home.html

Morgan's Wonderland

Morgan's Wonderland is a specially designed "ultra accessible" family fun park near San Antonio. Prices are modest, reservations strongly suggested.
http://www.morganswonderland.com/index.html

Road ID

Just heard about this item from a list-serve, thank you so much for posting this, Lisa!!
http://www.roadid.com/Common/Default.aspx
Lisa said: Here is a new interactive ID that works great for those with autism. I have used the non-interactive Shoe ID for years with my son. I just bought the interactive. It is peace of mind in case your child gets lost and only costs $20. The yearly dues are only $10 if you decide to get the interactive version. It has information regarding your child on their website and through a phone number so that anyone can call to find out their address; phone numbers to contact; doctors; and much more.

It's a miracle ...

... to me just how many different bodily fluids one small special needs kiddo can produce - and in what quantities! Fortunately for me (and what's left of my house) I've been well trained by cats to clean up poop, hairballs, upchuck, and cat urine (the worst!). Some kiddo fluids can put the cats to shame though - through sheer quantity, if not stinky potency. My favorite cleaner for bodily fluids these days is Nature's Miracle. I had originally bought it for dealing with cat messes, but soon discovered that it worked great on kiddo excretions too. Works on carpet (hallelujah), vinyl floors, painted surfaces, and clothes. Works in the washer, too, and helps rid the laundry of any lingering odors - I put it in the bleach dispenser and in the fabric softener dispenser. Sometimes I also use it to spray laundry (like a stain pre-treater) if I can't wash the stinky stuff right away.

Sometimes, when I'm feeling flush, I also use BioKleen Bac-Out Stain and Odor Eliminator. I think it also works well, and it smells much nicer than Nature's Miracle. I sometimes save this for laundry where the smell will make a nice difference and use the less expensive Nature's Miracle for cleaning floors and carpets.

The pet stores carry gallon sizes of different kinds of Nature's Miracle - the least expensive, original, formula works just fine for human fluids. In my area the best prices are often at PetCo and PetsMart. I've also found good prices on-line, but don't usually have time to wait for delivery.

I've found the BioKleen at my local Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Central Market. If none of these are in your area, you can probably find it at your local "natural" foods store, or of course, on-line.