The Wonderful Patterns of Colourful Reading

This ‘happy’ dress is from the Emily Carr Grad Show where wonderful, delightful, creative inventions have been put on display. It’s the place where I’m inspired to be the artist I never was! Amazing how others can inspire and educate others with just following their passion.

Recently, I have been bombarded with wonderful research and talents regarding special needs. Here are a few of my favourite that might interest you too! Enjoy!

An article about the ties of ADHD and obesity

Relaxed theatre for Autistic Children

Parenting and the Effects of Criticism

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Putty in the Hand

Thinking Putty is a wonderful resource for individuals who have the need to fiddle with something in their hands (that includes me at times, too!) I was down in Fairhaven, Washington and came across this wonderful goo with a delightful ethic! It displays the information that it was ‘proudly Made in the USA by exceptional individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities’. Check out their website you might end up like me playing with this great putty in the dark!

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The Sensory Book

Currently, I’m reading a fantastic book called Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight by Sharon Heller. This book is a great resource for those who suffer from Sensory Defensiveness which can be a debilitating disorder and affects approximately 15% of the population. Time Magazine discusses this important book in a recent article ‘Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast‘. So when you think things might be too loud, too bright, too fast or too tight… Life might be giving you a taste on what a Sensory Defensive Disorder feels like.

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Therapy in Art

How Art can express things in our heart when we are speechless!

There is a wonderful program called Art Therapy that allows individuals to express themselves through mediums of Art. When I was working in England I had the opportunity to talk to an Art Therapist. It was transforming and gave me a new perspective into the importance of Art. To read more on this fabulous expression check out the follow link:

http://artinhand.org/

 

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Autism in the Home

 

BBC has a feature documentary on parents and their children who have Autism. I have yet to watch the program, but it looks like a fair exploratory program. On a side note if you live outside of the UK, download the free ExpatShield software and then you can watch this UK program on BBC iplayer. To read about this insightful program click on the following link http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17755247.

 

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Sensory Fun!

I have recently discovered a wonderful new website called Pinterest.  It is a great website to find creative and interesting ideas… it will definitely get you saying, ‘What a great idea!’ or at least giggling.  I came across a link on Pinterest called  OT Ideas  (Occupational Therapy Ideas) which has some wonderful ideas on how to make different sensory crafts and equipment for individuals who may have sensory progressing difficulties.  Click on the link and check it out… But just a warning  give yourself some time if you chose to click it’s definitely a fun site to browse!

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A Heartfelt Poem

I came across this poem and felt that it would be important to post it.  I believe we all have been misunderstood at one point in our lives as well as known an individual who has been misunderstood.  So let’s continue to be advocates for the vulnerable misunderstood child.

The Misunderstood child

by Chelsea-Louise Perry

(England)

I am the child that looks healthy and fine

I was born with ten fingers and toes

But something is different somewhere in my mind

And what that is nobody knows.

 

I am the child that struggles at school

Though they tell me I’m perfectly smart

They tell me I’m lazy, can learn if I try

But I don’t seem to know where to start.

 

I am the child that won’t wear the clothes

Which hurt me or bother me too much

I dread sudden noises,

Can’t handle smells and tastes,

There are few foods that I will eat.

 

I am the child with a broken heart

Though I act like it don’t hurt inside

For I am the child that needs to be loved

And accepted and valued too.

 

I am the child that is misunderstood

I am different, and I understand that too

But for me to fit in and be accepted

Is totally up to you.

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