April 23, 2008
Speaker: Paula Donnelly, Med - Family Educator -
Topic: Kids Communicating Through Behaviors - Understanding them and addressing them.
Paula spoke on the above topic and presented handouts. These included models/theorys of: Collaborative Problem Solving; Control Theory; and Reality Therapy. She also talked about how boys and girls learn differently and have different communication styles. Effective strategies were presented. In addition to staying calm, here are some suggestions:
1. Do not enter the child's emotional field.
2. Use simple, concrete language
3. Communicate empathy, whether limit setting or in problem solving.
4. Build on what is working well, finding the positive
5. Provide safe outlets for expressing feelings.
6. Get the child's concern on the table.
7. Try not to be a "genius", remember each child is a work in progress.
8. Be hopeful!
January 23rd,2008
Speakers: Mary and Brianna (19)
Mary and Brianna shared their story about Brianna growing up with apraxia. Mary had a normal pregnancy, but distress during birth. At 6 months, Brianna was not crawling, and had the first of many (6) ear tube surgeries. At 1-yr, left eye was stray, started to walk at 15 months, and heard "she's okay, she will develop" from doctors.
Social skills were difficult at an early age. Her kindergarten teacher said to look into Children's Hospital. Brianna was diagnosed with a non-verbal learning disorder. At ages 2-3, she had elongated speech and regressed. At ages 5-9, she stuttered and had short speech. She was in PT and ST for 5 years.
In 4th grade, she started to eat no processed foods and there was a big change. Brianna also takes fish oil and B and C. She had social problems in jr high, and moved to a private school which was a safer environment. She is now in her 4th semester of college for early childhood special ed. Brianna has always been the happiest child with a positive attitute and always willing to try. Even though she was told she would probably never ride a bike, she learned how at age 13. It is helpful for Brianna to make a list for multiple tasks. She read at the college level in jr. high, but struggled with how to do a book report. Math and reading cursive is hard.
People thought Mary was an "overprotective mother" when she went to teachers with issues. Mary helped out at school a lot, but it it was difficult to get kids to play with Brianna. Church was their saving grace. It was hard for Mary's husband to sign papers stating Brianna has special needs.
Brianna still has low muscle tone, has tried lots of sports - she loves to swim, bowl and play volleyball!
September 26,2007
Speaker: Fatima- Arc
Arc (the greater twin cities) is a non-profit organization in helping families deal with disabilities.
July 25,2007
Speaker: Kate Keen- Melaluca
Melaluca offers a catalog full of products that promote health and well-being, help protect the environment, are cost-effective, use the best natural ingredients, and are safer for your home and family. It offers house hold cleaners, for your health, for your kids, for your body, for your medicine cabinet, for your home, for your life. To see the products and learn more go to their web site ( www.melaleuca.com ) or ask Carrie E.
June 27,2007
Speakers: Tom & Jimmy:
At the age of 2 his father noticed his language difficulties. Jimmy seemed to have his own language (which his brothers understood). Jimmy was Dx. with Verbal Apraxia in 1985 @ the age of 3. He received Private Speech Therapy 3x week for 2 years. When he started therapy, he had a 19% speech audible to others. About 6 months after therapy started, Tom noticed changes in Jimmy's speech (for the good). Jimmy had Speech Therapy until he was in 3rd grade. He became communicative at about the age of 5. He attended Slyvan Learning Center for 2/3 years to help with his reading issues. Jimmy grew up active in running. He graduated with Honors with a Masters in Theological Studies. He is married and living in Seattle.
To see Jimmy's story please contact Carrie E. DVD cost $5 plus s/h.
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