It is always a pleasure to see Brendan enter our new place in a happy mood. For a while now, things have been good and getting better everyday.
Today, Brendan went through the tunnel twice, sat on the couch a bit and walked around before heading to the therapy room. He was comfortable. Work began on his right leg through to his foot; then the left leg while his mom did the ghHW method. Brendan requested and really liked the anaesthesia remedy. He used this remedy for a majority of the session; even using it on his ears (multiple times). The remedy for putting his body in a relaxed state is always used at the end of his sessions. He likes it.
The session ended with cranial vault work - always do this - it makes a really big difference. He is loving the O/A more and more. His mom saw his face relax while in the middle of the O/A. She knows what it feels like and can really appreciate Brendan's expressions. He was content! He wanted more! We are going deeper and deeper - the deeper we go the more relaxed and unrestricted Brendan becomes.
I think there are moments when the state of "relaxation" is really felt by Brendan. In the past when Brendan would begin to feel relaxed his reaction was to 'jump' out of it. It was a foreign feeling; something he was not use to. Overtime Brendan has become more comfortable in a relaxed state. This state has brought out of him better communication, improved social skills and a marked change in engagement whether that be at school, store, doctor's office, etc.
Keep the faith in what you are doing with your child; because one of the greatest joys is to see Brendan smile!! Many great things are on his horizon!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Parent update 11/9/11
Brendan slept through the night and when he woke up, he still looked tired. He was pretty much tired the whole day. And yet, he didn't fall asleep until midnight.
Today, he went on another field trip. The same group (students/aides) walked to Safeway to buy groceries for their cooking project. One of his aides said he had so much fun going to Safeway.
This afternoon we took him to the dermatologist because he keeps getting his sores on his underarms. For awhile, coconut oil with tea tree oil seemed to help. But it would never completely go away. The the doctor gave us an ointment. This still didn' work. So now we are onto a antibiotic gel. This is a chronic condition called hidradenitis suppurativa. But what was amazing is how well Brendan did at the doctor's. He sat quietly while watching a DVD (with regular headphones so as not to disturb other). He did have a few loud outbursts, but I would remind him that he needs to be quiet, and he would put his finger to his lips (like shushing), and then he would be quiet. In the past when I would ask him to be quiet, he would get mad and headbutt me. Then he was very good with the doctor and even laid down on the table so she could check his sores. H as so mature!!! I was very proud of him. : )
Today, he went on another field trip. The same group (students/aides) walked to Safeway to buy groceries for their cooking project. One of his aides said he had so much fun going to Safeway.
This afternoon we took him to the dermatologist because he keeps getting his sores on his underarms. For awhile, coconut oil with tea tree oil seemed to help. But it would never completely go away. The the doctor gave us an ointment. This still didn' work. So now we are onto a antibiotic gel. This is a chronic condition called hidradenitis suppurativa. But what was amazing is how well Brendan did at the doctor's. He sat quietly while watching a DVD (with regular headphones so as not to disturb other). He did have a few loud outbursts, but I would remind him that he needs to be quiet, and he would put his finger to his lips (like shushing), and then he would be quiet. In the past when I would ask him to be quiet, he would get mad and headbutt me. Then he was very good with the doctor and even laid down on the table so she could check his sores. H as so mature!!! I was very proud of him. : )
CST Session 11/7/11
Tonight when I arrived Brendan was laying on the couch, eating and watching TV. He looked exhausted; but he wanted more food and he finished up what was left in the pan. Then he wanted his session done on the couch while he finished watching his program.
After completing the right leg - which he allowed from thigh to toe - he decided he wanted to go upstairs to his bedroom and finish the session. We all went up - after going to the bathroom, taking a few swings - he got into bed. I then did his left leg - from thigh to toe. He pulled away only once while on his foot; but did allow the completion. His legs are more and more attached.
Autistic children know that their arms/hand and legs/feet are a part of them - but they do not necessarily feel them; hence we can see fine motor skill issues. For the arms; it is in opening the connections from C7/T1 through the brachial plexus (between shoulder and neck) and down the arms to the fingers. Each joint must be addressed and the signals need to pass through. In advanced cases mouth and jaw work must be completed in order for connection to occur. This restriction is very similar for carpal tunnel and tendonitis issues. As for the legs the pelvis must be somewhat balanced and the connection from the lumbar spine down to the toes must take place. When this connection is working a child feels grounded, their gait improves and they can feel both feet touching the ground. Usually one hand/foot will connect prior to both connecting. For legs can leave a feeling of imbalance; for arms will use the one feeling more connected.
Brendan fell asleep quickly. We continued to work on his head. I hope he sleeps through the night.
After completing the right leg - which he allowed from thigh to toe - he decided he wanted to go upstairs to his bedroom and finish the session. We all went up - after going to the bathroom, taking a few swings - he got into bed. I then did his left leg - from thigh to toe. He pulled away only once while on his foot; but did allow the completion. His legs are more and more attached.
Autistic children know that their arms/hand and legs/feet are a part of them - but they do not necessarily feel them; hence we can see fine motor skill issues. For the arms; it is in opening the connections from C7/T1 through the brachial plexus (between shoulder and neck) and down the arms to the fingers. Each joint must be addressed and the signals need to pass through. In advanced cases mouth and jaw work must be completed in order for connection to occur. This restriction is very similar for carpal tunnel and tendonitis issues. As for the legs the pelvis must be somewhat balanced and the connection from the lumbar spine down to the toes must take place. When this connection is working a child feels grounded, their gait improves and they can feel both feet touching the ground. Usually one hand/foot will connect prior to both connecting. For legs can leave a feeling of imbalance; for arms will use the one feeling more connected.
Brendan fell asleep quickly. We continued to work on his head. I hope he sleeps through the night.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Parent update 11/6/11
Brendan had a good weekend. On Saturday, he went on a long hike with his Dad (about 3miles). Then when I got home from work, he wanted to go see the donkeys. The donkey came right up to him (I think he knows him by now) and Brendan was very gentle when he pet him on the head. Then we stopped by Jamba Juicde on the way home. It was so nice outside taht we sat outside and drank our drinks. It was so nice just to hang out with him and peoplewatch. He seemed so grown up!
Today, he was a little off because he got up at 4am. So, he wasn't in a good mood and he wasn't very nice to me (eg., hugging me really hard, jumping around mad). So by 1pm, I had him take a nap. When he woke up, he was calm and happy again.
At bedtime, I always give him a kiss on the cheek. Usually he trys to mimic me by putting his lips on my cheek but make a clicking sound with this tongue (which sounds like a kiss). Tonight he actually kissed me on the cheek. : )
Tommorrow, he goes on his first field trip with some of his classmates to the store. I a hoping he has a good time. : )
Today, he was a little off because he got up at 4am. So, he wasn't in a good mood and he wasn't very nice to me (eg., hugging me really hard, jumping around mad). So by 1pm, I had him take a nap. When he woke up, he was calm and happy again.
At bedtime, I always give him a kiss on the cheek. Usually he trys to mimic me by putting his lips on my cheek but make a clicking sound with this tongue (which sounds like a kiss). Tonight he actually kissed me on the cheek. : )
Tommorrow, he goes on his first field trip with some of his classmates to the store. I a hoping he has a good time. : )
Thursday, November 3, 2011
CST Session 11/3/11
Today Brendan came in extremely happy. He jumped around in our kids room and then on his own walked to the therapy room. He laid down and asked for his eye shades (we use these to shade their eyes from the laser). This was the first time he requested them and put them on.
We immediately began the ghHW process with lymph. We always begin with lymph to get the fluids flowing. From there we did detox, brain, fascia, 5htp and relaxation. Throughout the session he laughed - sometimes really really hard. It is great to see him so happy! We ask him each time what setting to put it on and he responds with a yes or no. Usually he just says yes to the one he choses. He definitely knows what he wants.
Cranial sacral work is always done in conjunction with the ghHW method. When Linda is unavailable his mom steps in and works the laser. Anyone can learn to do it - it is obtaining the proper settings for each individual which becomes important. Brendan continues to love head work - the O/A is getting deeper and the releases are greater. He always wants cranial vault work prior to the end of his session. It is extremely important for integration.
Things have changed dramatically in the past year for Brendan. We went through a very tough period when he was hitting his mother and father; sometimes his teacher. He was lashing out with great anger - even managing to punch a hole in the wall of his bedroom; as well as damaging anything that was glass in the house. His mom pretty much removed all glass (including pictures w/glass frames) to assure he would not hurt himself. He broke many DVD's.
To see Brendan today is a great joy! I praise his Mom and Dad for going through the toughest of times to reach where we are today. It is their dedication to their son that has made all the difference. We have been extremely supportive - inclusive of going to their home - during the toughest of times. It is very clear Brendan knows we are here for him - good or bad. He can rely on all of us and I think it gives him great comfort.
As we move forward in his recovery we will continue to add items from the toughest of times in order to understand where he was and how far he has come. We anticipate great things for Brendan.
As others are reading this blog, do not lose faith in your journey. Please find a team who will work with you unconditionally - not on their agenda - but on your child's. It is then the best of changes will happen.
Go Brendan!!!!!!!
We immediately began the ghHW process with lymph. We always begin with lymph to get the fluids flowing. From there we did detox, brain, fascia, 5htp and relaxation. Throughout the session he laughed - sometimes really really hard. It is great to see him so happy! We ask him each time what setting to put it on and he responds with a yes or no. Usually he just says yes to the one he choses. He definitely knows what he wants.
Cranial sacral work is always done in conjunction with the ghHW method. When Linda is unavailable his mom steps in and works the laser. Anyone can learn to do it - it is obtaining the proper settings for each individual which becomes important. Brendan continues to love head work - the O/A is getting deeper and the releases are greater. He always wants cranial vault work prior to the end of his session. It is extremely important for integration.
Things have changed dramatically in the past year for Brendan. We went through a very tough period when he was hitting his mother and father; sometimes his teacher. He was lashing out with great anger - even managing to punch a hole in the wall of his bedroom; as well as damaging anything that was glass in the house. His mom pretty much removed all glass (including pictures w/glass frames) to assure he would not hurt himself. He broke many DVD's.
To see Brendan today is a great joy! I praise his Mom and Dad for going through the toughest of times to reach where we are today. It is their dedication to their son that has made all the difference. We have been extremely supportive - inclusive of going to their home - during the toughest of times. It is very clear Brendan knows we are here for him - good or bad. He can rely on all of us and I think it gives him great comfort.
As we move forward in his recovery we will continue to add items from the toughest of times in order to understand where he was and how far he has come. We anticipate great things for Brendan.
As others are reading this blog, do not lose faith in your journey. Please find a team who will work with you unconditionally - not on their agenda - but on your child's. It is then the best of changes will happen.
Go Brendan!!!!!!!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Parent update 11/2/11
What a week this has been! Brendan was able to enjoy Halloween this year. He's only celebrated three Halloween's his entire lifetime because he was always sick.
The class made their own costumes (white handprints upside down, with black eyes ~ ghosts!). He was so proud of his shirt. I showed it to everyone and anyone. Then he was so excited about the party at school. We got there late, but as we walked up to the building (main county site located off campus), he saw all the kids out in the play area, music playing, kids dancing. He was so excited to join the party that he ran to the front of the building. The staff said he really enjoyed himself.
Then the kids went trick-or-treating amongst the county classrooms. It was the first time he ever got to do this. But the neatest thing was (his ABA therapist shared this with me since he was there) that a teacher asked Brendan if he was having fun, and he replied "yeah". Unfortunately, another child distracted the teached as Brendan was answering so she didn't hear him. He took his iTouch, located the icon "Yes", went in front of her and pushed the icon!!! This is huge for him to be using his iTouch like this. I was thrilled!! Then later that night, it was the first time he got to hand out candy to the kiddos who came to our door. Most Halloween nights in the past have been cold and rainy. So, we would have to leave a bowl of candy out on the porch. Since Brendan was always sick at this time, we couldn't risk the cold air coming in each time the doorbell rang. He looked so grown-up handing out candy.
Now, the most amazing thing that has happened this week has occured during his ABA sessions in the afternoon. Spelling and writing have never been his favorite things to do. But the last three sessions he has not only spelled correctly, but his writing is so much more legible. I was able to read all the words. They say, "spell balloon" and he does, "spell apple", etc.... What they noticed is that he seems very interested in doing this and really paying attention. I think we may have finally reached the point where he is realizing that he can spell, and write, and communicate by doing this!! I've been waiting a long time for this to happen. I knew someday, he'll realize the importance of learning words by sight, being able to spell the words, and then writing (or typing) the words.
Before Brendan goes to sleep, I always tell him that I love him and that he is my favorite person in the whole world. After I say, "I love you", he has been saying "ove you". Tonight when I said, "You are my favorite person in the whole world", he said, "ole worl". Great things are happening !!! Thank you Kathleen and Linda!!!!
The class made their own costumes (white handprints upside down, with black eyes ~ ghosts!). He was so proud of his shirt. I showed it to everyone and anyone. Then he was so excited about the party at school. We got there late, but as we walked up to the building (main county site located off campus), he saw all the kids out in the play area, music playing, kids dancing. He was so excited to join the party that he ran to the front of the building. The staff said he really enjoyed himself.
Then the kids went trick-or-treating amongst the county classrooms. It was the first time he ever got to do this. But the neatest thing was (his ABA therapist shared this with me since he was there) that a teacher asked Brendan if he was having fun, and he replied "yeah". Unfortunately, another child distracted the teached as Brendan was answering so she didn't hear him. He took his iTouch, located the icon "Yes", went in front of her and pushed the icon!!! This is huge for him to be using his iTouch like this. I was thrilled!! Then later that night, it was the first time he got to hand out candy to the kiddos who came to our door. Most Halloween nights in the past have been cold and rainy. So, we would have to leave a bowl of candy out on the porch. Since Brendan was always sick at this time, we couldn't risk the cold air coming in each time the doorbell rang. He looked so grown-up handing out candy.
Now, the most amazing thing that has happened this week has occured during his ABA sessions in the afternoon. Spelling and writing have never been his favorite things to do. But the last three sessions he has not only spelled correctly, but his writing is so much more legible. I was able to read all the words. They say, "spell balloon" and he does, "spell apple", etc.... What they noticed is that he seems very interested in doing this and really paying attention. I think we may have finally reached the point where he is realizing that he can spell, and write, and communicate by doing this!! I've been waiting a long time for this to happen. I knew someday, he'll realize the importance of learning words by sight, being able to spell the words, and then writing (or typing) the words.
Before Brendan goes to sleep, I always tell him that I love him and that he is my favorite person in the whole world. After I say, "I love you", he has been saying "ove you". Tonight when I said, "You are my favorite person in the whole world", he said, "ole worl". Great things are happening !!! Thank you Kathleen and Linda!!!!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
CST Session 10/20/11
Wow the progress Brendan is making! Since my last writing we have done at least three sessions on Brendan. It is fascinating to watch him come into our new building and be happy upon entrance. He comes in and lights right up. Spends a little time in the kids room - couple of times crawling through the tunnel - and then heads on his own to the therapy room. He immediately gets on the table, answers yes to blankets and music and we begin.
The last session he got on the table with his earphones on. When we started the ghHW protocols he removed the earphones pretty quickly. We are still working his legs, abdomen, throat and cranial vault. There is deeper and deeper shifts happening and it is by his reactions that he can feel the deeper shifts. He really seems to enjoy them.
In our focus on speech we are trying to do as much as we can around the ears and temporal lobes. The gauze pad is breaking up - the squares are getting larger. We would like the squares to disappear completely; as they are a tight weaving of brain tissues and I believe create compression and suppression of the brain itself and impair its' functions.
We will continue to decompress in conjunction with the ghHW method. We are going to try adding one or two new things in the coming weeks. The purpose is to accomplish decompression as fast as physically and humanely possible.
The last session he got on the table with his earphones on. When we started the ghHW protocols he removed the earphones pretty quickly. We are still working his legs, abdomen, throat and cranial vault. There is deeper and deeper shifts happening and it is by his reactions that he can feel the deeper shifts. He really seems to enjoy them.
In our focus on speech we are trying to do as much as we can around the ears and temporal lobes. The gauze pad is breaking up - the squares are getting larger. We would like the squares to disappear completely; as they are a tight weaving of brain tissues and I believe create compression and suppression of the brain itself and impair its' functions.
We will continue to decompress in conjunction with the ghHW method. We are going to try adding one or two new things in the coming weeks. The purpose is to accomplish decompression as fast as physically and humanely possible.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)