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
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Let's talk boundary setting. I hear all too often "But I'm not supposed to say "no" in the playroom!"

Yes, it's a child-led room, but you still rule the house and are ultimately in charge of decisions. If there is ever something that you don't think is safe to you, your child or your property you can certainly adjust the situation.  I have to set boundaries all the time with children and it never affects our relationship when done comfortably and confidently.

The first step is to make a decision. Decide what your boundary is and stick to it. Try to be as comfortable as possible. Remember you are setting the boundary to keep everyone safe and be confident in your decision (if you are not, your child will know and may button push.)

2. Explain the boundary to your child. ("It's ruining the markers when you chew them. Keep them out of your mouth or I will take     them away.") The more straightforward the better so it's easier for your child to process.

3. Offer an alternative. ("Here, you can chew on this chew toy instead. Its safe for your teeth.")

   If your child follows your suggestion celebrate him/her for cooperating to keep everyone safe and healthy!

4. If your child persists with the behavior, take the item away and put it high on the shelf until the end of your session. (If your child fights you trying to hold the item just hold the other side of the item and neutrally hold onto it until your child lets go.

Remain calm and consistent (make sure the whole team enforces the same boundaries) and it shouldn't take your child too long to remember the boundary.

Of course each scenario is different, if you have questions, please ask. 

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