I try to frequently send out tips through social media.  I feel I am lucky to know a lot of great techniques to help connect with children with autism and I like to share what I know. Recently I opened up Facebook and this is what I wrote:

I love playing. I love finding kid's (and adults) motivations and then making them laugh and laugh. I love finding any interest and then making it more interesting and then finding ways to help kids practice skills while helping them get more of what they want. I love convincing people that they are powerful and capable of anything they want, whether it be kids or parents. I love helping adults connect to their kids and kids to their adults. I love the silence and contemplation of kids with autism just as much as the engagement and laughter. I love the new moments and seeing kids see and hear and experience themselves do new things. I love building confidence and love and trust. I love love. I love my job! Have a great weekend! Hug your kiddo for me!

I didn't originally intend to publish it, but letting myself go on and on about what I love about my job was fun and it left me feeling really excited about what I do.  If you are ever feeling "stuck" in the playroom or a little unmotivated give yourself a moment to write out, type out, or even leave yourself a voice memo going over what you love about playing in the playroom.  You will find that once you start yourself thinking about fun and uplifting moments you are opening up your brain to think of even more fun moments. This then helps you to envision future fun moments and might even bring some ideas to help with those future fun moments.  

Regardless, the more hopeful and excited you are the, more you help your perception of having a fun and inspiring play session come true.  Your enthusiastic attitude in the playroom is a wonderful and enticing model to your child of how you can be in life if you choose.  It will also help them play longer, try harder and help both of you have more fun.

Happy Playing!
​Katrina
​

 Hello wonderful friends, I’ve missed talking to you all. I have been traveling the country and visiting special friends all over the place. Just recently I had a new addition to my extended family, a nephew was born. As I was holding this beautiful child I started thinking of all the things I would love to share with him and what kind of world I wanted him to experience. 

Then I remembered a Q&A I did with a family who had a variety of different therapists working with their child and how they asked me all kinds of questions about what tasks I was focusing on with this little boy, what did I want him to learn? I told them I was focusing on the relationship, and I wanted him to learn that people were “cool” and the world was a fun place to be in and that was the most important thing to teach him. I saw them all nodding their heads and scribbling notes as if a light bulb just popped on, to think that liking people might be more important than stacking blocks, what an awesome concept!!!!

I smile now, but it really is an important concept to remember. Autistic children have a hard time in our “real” world. People are not predictable, or easy to understand. Other things are so much more controllable. One of our most important “tasks” when working with these children is to show them how easy people can be, how fun, how helpful, how worthwhile it is to share time with another person. I want you to always be thinking of what kind of world you are showing your child. I hope that it is one of joy, excitement, and of course love.

Wishing you all a happy holiday season!
Love,
Katrina

Okay, its been a while since I have last blogged.  A long while I know. I just wanted to show you a picture of the cuties I raise while I'm not chatting with you guys.  Okay, maybe I have not been chatting with you here - but I've still been chatting with you on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, not to mention all the emails, consults, video feedbacks, and in home services.  I mean how many hours do you think I have in a day? Running a business (even part time) and running a family is not for the unorganized.  I mean, you guys know this. 

I consider running a home therapy program a lot like running a business.  I know what you do is tough stuff: you organize, you recruit, you train, you stay on top of paperwork, you track progress, analyze data, and create new team goals.  That's only a fraction of it.  Its a lot of work, I get it.  I always tell parents, once they reach the end of their home program with their child they will have amazing CEO skills!

As tough as it is to do all the ins and outs of parenting and running a home program, its easier when we remember why we do it.  For our child/ren.  We sacrifice a lot, so that we can do the best we can for them.  One day perhaps there will be a program out there that can accomplish what you can at home in your playroom - maybe - but think about what you are asking someone else to do.

• Know your child inside and out, including sleep schedule, sensory preferences, dietary needs, ever changing motivations, etc.
• Put your child's needs completely above their own agenda including other children.
• Have no expectations, but the greatest hope ever.
• Be so committed that they will do whatever it takes to reach and teach your child.

Listen if you know of such an organization who can promise this - let me know I'd love to see it. I'd love to create my own center that strives for this one day.  However with legal insurance requirements, IEPs, school politics, it is difficult to get the level of care from anyone that you could get from a loving, committed, parent (and team) at home.

I know teaching your child at home is not the easiest thing to do. I know you sometimes feel isolated, and definitely in the minority.  I know because I'm doing it myself with my own preschool girls. Other stay at home Moms do exist, but amongst the norm, we are rare. Then obviously there is a difference between being a stay at home Mom and running an autism home therapy program, suddenly those one-on-one hours become a necessity instead of a desire. 

The best news about an autism play-based home therapy program though is that more hours of play therapy add to a childhood instead of take it away. The other good news is that with a home therapy program there is help at home - you just have to find it! Autism is a hot field right now and young professionals are craving experience with children with autism. Connect with a local college, university or even a high school and see how you can help these students gain invaluable experience and influence the future field of autism for the positive all while getting free quality help for your child. (You can also tap family, friends, and willing volunteers looking to make a difference)  If you feel you need more help training your team - that's what I'm here for.   I'll back up your expertise to your team and help customize your program with techniques specific to your child.

While staying home to teach your child through play may not be the mainstream thing to do, I will always agree that its the best education you can give to your child until they are ready to handle and enjoy school.  If you can really get behind your decision to stay home with your child than that will free you up to also really enjoy your time playing with and teaching your child. Of course being organized helps with this too.  When you find great strategies for that, send them my way.  (Oh speaking of which, research bullet journal, its an easy system to keep yourself on task, although you may need a bigger calendar ;)

Okay, I better go back to being a Mom now, my few moments alone are up, lol.  One of my girls is always hungry.

Email me if you need anything, I'm not sure when I'll have extra moments to blog again.
Happy Playing!

love,
Katrina

Every time I finish my work with a client it is bittersweet.  There are so many memories that we share, so many smiles we had, so much challenge, so much encouragement, so much victory.  And then I leave, never knowing when or how often I will see them again.  The nature of my work is that this happens often for me.  Families usually hire me for short term inspiration. When I work with their children I come, I play, I laugh, I leave.  No matter how short my time with them though each child leaves a lasting impression on my soul and teaches me so much about life and how to help future children.

This past week was slightly different.  For the last year I have had the opportunity to once again be a part of a full time team. I played with Swames, (my name changed friend with autism) twice a week creating games, having adventures, or sometimes just spending hours building lincoln logs. Now our paths are both changing, and he's headed towards school!  I'm squeaking with excitement for this new stage and yet I will miss one of my closest little buddies who again has taught me so much.

When I first started working with Swames using play-based therapy he hardly looked at me.  He had a fairly lengthy attention span but was not open to many games.  He also had a large vocabulary but he couldn't hold a conversation.  Wow, have times changed! I've also changed a lot too.  Having the opportunity to once again work with a child intensively for so long gave me the freedom and flexibility to experiment with and discover new techniques and really have the time to see them work.  I was able to redirect my business and help families even more after I discovered my new found techniques.  (Short version - the relationship is so important, the rest of the techniques are secondary!)  This lead me to take on new clients using the new techniques - and wowee, there is so much you can accomplish through play and acceptance!

Swames was there for me in a hectic time in my life just as much as I was for him.  When I first started with him he would climb all over his Mom while we talked telling her how much he loved her.  I would always smile, loving that relationship they had.  A couple of months ago he started doing the same to me.  Now I am frequently told as the door is answered, and throughout my sessions how much I am loved.  And I love that monkey right back!

Swames has reminded me all about the roller coaster ride of change and recovery.  Some weeks there are huge changes, some weeks it is slower, and some weeks might be all about the joining.  You can't judge anything about what you see on the outside because it really is a journey and each child goes at their own speed.  Each phase is just as important with rebuilding the brain, you need the slow times to pave the way for the fast times.

That's why its important to document your journey, keep track (even if its just yourself in a journal) of all the little changes - they add up to big ones!  I worked with Swames (with the rest of our all star team) on so many levels.  Now Swames looks nearly constantly, he can have a conversation for hours.  He is open to trying new things, he role plays, he negotiates, sometimes it seems there is nothing he can't do!

As he now starts on the next leg of his journey transitioning to school, I know that there will continue to be challenges. However he has the foundational skills, the courage and the confidence to tackle them. With his team continuing to work on the nuances that present themselves I have no doubt that my little Swames is set up to be a superstar in his life!  

I'm so excited for all that you will do Swames, I can't wait to hear about it.  I will be cheering you on from here!
Thank you so much for all you taught me and for being my friend!


love, love, love, 
Katrina

In a consult awhile back a Mom observed me giving feedback to a volunteer in her home play-based therapy program for her daughter with autism.  In the feedback I asked the volunteer a lot about how he felt, what his instincts were telling him, and I helped him realize that its important to notice the child's response and be able to adjust and bring your thoughts, experiences, and learnings back to the whole team.  We talked about how he is the only one with the child for that 2 hours, and his experiences whether similar or different to others were uniquely his. I expressed great appreciation towards him, his willingness to help the child and the family, and to learn more for future children.

Afterwards the Mom and I chatted about the feedback.  She realized that most of her feedbacks were mostly about how her team members should change instead of how they could contribute and help the team grow (and a little about exploring more effective ways to play). She had never thought about how celebrations were motivating to her team as well as her child. We talked more about how the more her individual team members feel like they are a valued, contributing member of her program, the more committed they will be to her child and the team.

Well, a month passed and we just had another consult.  Her program is doing amazing and the Mom just told me of how she has whole heartily taken on this concept of empowering her team.  When one member of her team expressed his desire to cut back playroom hours because of a busy schedule she asked him whether or not he was still interested in helping with the program.  When he convinced her he was, she asked if he would be willing to help the team in other ways besides playing.  He enthusiastically agreed to help recruit, watch the child for team meetings, and take over shifts when others were out. She said that he has since been very excited to find ways that he can help the team.  Similarly she has presented the opportunity to help in other ways to other team members.  Some team members take on the bulk of play hours and help recruit, orient, and train new team members.  Others play a few hours and then help with designing games, building a team website and spreading the word.

Even though her team is relatively new, they have all profoundly felt like they were a part of the team and are committed to seeing their home program succeed.  As you can imagine I was beyond impressed at how one woman's willingness to give her team more responsibility has paid off into a much more powerful home play based program.  One that benefits everyone, especially the Mom who is willing to trust her team.

I hope this inspires you as much as it inspired me!  Happy Playing! - Katrina

Recently I was at the lake with my family on vacation.  Our cousin had brought his boat and we all took turns going out on the water.  I was on the 2nd boating adventure and was told all of the kids were riding on a training water ski tube, it was easy and I should do it first this trip even though I had never done it.   I asked for directions and was told to hold the rope with my arms straight and lean back.  All the kids were doing it, so I agreed to give it an enthusiastic go.  

As I got on the tube out on the water I told them to "hit it", the boat started going fast with me dragged behind it.   I held my arms straight it didn't feel right, but that's what I was told to do, so I stood up and leaned back...and immediately flipped over into the water.   Hmmmm, what was I not doing right?   I was told I was the first to end up in the water that day.  Determined I tried again - this time I listened a bit more to my body and I held on for a little bit, but when I was feeling confident again I held out my arms and leaned back and again I flipped immediately.  While the water was refreshing, my ego was bruised.  How could I not do what all of the kids were easily doing?  I decided to take a break, watch the others and learn from the pros.

As I watched my young nieces take turns managing the jet ski tube with little effort and enjoying the ride, I realized that no one was leaning back or keeping their arms straight.  Instead they were all paying attention to what works for them, balancing, and rebalancing accordingly. I decided to give it another shot without worrying about the rules of how I was told to do it.  I got out on the water, experimented and listened to my own body, and low and behold - it was as easy as everyone had told me.  I stood doing what was right for me, leaning a bit forward with my arms pulled in at my side. I never flipped once and it was awesomely exhilarating. 

As I sat on the boat afterwards contemplating my journey, I realized how similar it is to running a home therapy program. Many parents come to me worried that they are not running their program "right."  They want to hear the perfect techniques to get their child to engage and grow. I was very much like this when I started my training, I was very frustrated that my teachers would not just tell me the "right" way to do things.  I now know that what they were trying to teach me all those years ago was to simply trust myself, experiment, and pay attention to what works best. I wish they would have just told me what I am now telling you. If you take the techniques you read here, or from going to programs, or reading books and you are using them and they don't feel comfortable to you, It may be because you are trying too hard to do the "right" thing.

Growing a trusting, inspiring relationship with your child cannot just be taught from books or other peoples rules.  It is also about trusting yourself, that you are an expert on your child and what works best for your family. No one is watching you (unless you want to book a video feedback), so relax, have fun, pay attention to what works with you and your child - balance, rebalance and enjoy the ride!

Wow, its been awhile since I've written a blog, Believe me I haven't forgotten about you old blog friend, I've just been readjusting to my new life.   Anyone ever wonder what happened to Katrina Kramlich after she stopped appearing in those playful youtubes?

       As I sit here in my hotel room on the eve of an outreach, I think about my glorious years since then...(key time warp chime music)....I left the mountains in 2010 as a Senior Facilitator so that I could bring play therapy closer to my home, and also so that I could spend more time with my growing family.  I left Sheffield, MA with my awesome husband and my one year old daughter in tow and we left to travel the midwest and eventually settle in my parents' home of Albuquerque, NM.   It was here, that I found out I was pregnant with my second daughter.  I decided to dedicate myself to my little ones while they were babes, because I just loved them so much, so I took a year and a half off working.  Although I still very much loved (and still do) to apply play therapy techniques with my own family (you should see us trying to get the picky toddler girls to eat at mealtimes - lol) and even "volunteered" with an awesome 7 year old friend to keep me in "my game" ;)  

    Finally, after convincing my husband to move back to Minneapolis, MN (one of the loves of my life!) in the summer of 2012, I began working again.  We outreached our way up from Albuquerque through the midwest. Then we settled for a month in North Dakota, home of my amazing brother in law, (somewhere on the spectrum) who connected me back to the power of the relationship.  This only fueled my mission to truly help as many children with special capabilities (aka autism) that I could.  And those that I could not reach myself I would empower and suport their own parents and team to help them.  

I brought that enthusiasm with me when we moved back to the city and I now provide autism therapy and treatment in Minneapolis and all over Minnesota. I get to help people on many different levels.  I play with my local friends here in the twin cities (St. Paul and Minneapolis together for those not from around here) on a regular or as needed basis, and teach families through observation.   I also do 2 or more day outreaches to wherever people want me to (within my schedule).   And last but certainly not least, I help friends worldwide over the internet in all stages of their home therapy programs through my "Ask a Playroom Expert" videos and consults.  I also love hearing people's stories on a day to day level through facebook and email.  I really feel a part of everyone's team, which is my dream come true!  I love my job so much!

    All of you out there running a home therapy play program for your child with autism, interested in running a home therapy program, or who have already ran your program,   I live and breath finding and creating more ways to help you.  I think what you are doing is amazing on every level, and I just want to keep helping you and finding more ways to help you even more.  One of the amazing parts about working for yourself (not the bookwork or accounting, bleh!), is that you get to choose whatever you want to do.  I love talking with you and your team, I love sharing my knowledge with you, I love supporting and inspiring you to think for yourself and go further with how you can help, and give your world to your child.   I love spending my time with you even if its through the internet like this.   I truly believe we are a community who needs as much support as we can get (well I think all people do, but at least parents of children with autism are ready to admit it ;)  And I want to give you as much support as I can.  Now in addition to everything I do now I am dreaming more ways to bring you even more support. Keep checking back with me to see if they are in place.   And also if you've ever had an idea of ways that would be helpful, let me know, because I love dreaming up new services and many times parents are so helpful to me with creating them!

In the meantime keep me in the loop with your lives.  I love it!
Best wishes,
Katrina

Many times when I tell people about my job (that I do play therapy with children with autism) they respond...."Oh, you must have a lot of patience."  As if its something we are born with.  As if when God was handing out patience he gave some people a little and some a lot.  These people make it sound like my job is a hard one that they could never do because they weren't blessed with the "gift of patience".   Hmmm, every time I hear this I stop myself from rolling my eyes and saying something snarky such as "Yes, and I'm exercising my patience right now by listening to you say this same silly thing"
   To me, patience is a choice.  It is choosing to be in the moment, choosing to accept whatever is happening and make the best of it.  Believe me I don't have it all the time.  Just last night I really wanted to watch a movie and my 2 year old kept interrupting me so I could try her pretend food that she was "cooking" me.  Then she decided to forgo her potty training and pee on the kitchen floor.  I was frustrated and really wanted to step out the door and scream.  Then I caught myself, and thought about it, why was I frustrated? Because I wanted to do something different, I wanted my life to be different in that moment.  I was prioritizing my wants over my daughters.  Now, while I think that is okay to choose sometimes too, it didn't give me an easy pleasant feeling in that moment.  And I realized patience is a choice.
     Instead I decided I could watch the movie later, and I went to help my daughter.  Just like that my frustration was gone, and my "patience" had returned.  We can apply this in all aspects of our life, when we are feeling impatient, ask ourselves why?  And see if there is an easy way to mentally adjust our priorities to help ourselves feel calm. If you find yourself frustrated in the playroom, could it be because you are trying to push your agenda versus going with your child?  If you find yourself stressing while trying to get your child dressed in the morning, take a second to appreciate your child's perspective of the situation.   Take a moment to realize that you haven't used up all the patience God gave you yet.  Its always there for you to have when you need it.  
I hope this helps you as it helped me last night!
Love and Best wishes,
Katrina