Tonight Brendan was up and on the computer when I arrived. He was really happy, jumping and laughing at a program he was using. His mom let him continue for an additional few minutes - when the time was up he shut it off, turned the lights out and we all went upstairs. He stopped and took a few swings, brushed his teeth and off to bed.
Started with his right leg - the thigh is staying connected. Most of the work began at his knee which he handled well. We had to count to ten when working on the foot. Progress has been made with the upper leg and now the concentration will stay on the lower leg and foot until the connection maintains.
From there went to his head where the pulls started in an arc shape - with the top of the arc crossing the left parietal and bottom under the right ear. Using direction of ease (following the tissue); the arc was alleviated.
Then one hand was placed on the right side and back of the head. The other began on the backside of the parietals with the middle finger at the center point of the head. The pulls were shaped like the letter "X". We had to deal with two front pulls back to center and two back pulls back to center. In addition a sideway pull from the temporal towards the center was addressed. While doing this Brendan fell into a deep sleep.
We continued with a frontal and nasal lift; as well as pulling the backside of the parietals outward. His mom was surprised at how hot her hand had become. She does a great job and continues to learn more and more.
He definitely needs another round of detoxing using the ghHW method which we will do in a couple of days. Overall a very good night with deep shifting in the brain and skull.
As an aside last week I noticed Brendan had no open cuts on his arms. He has a tendency to pick at his skin causing small areas of bleeding. His arms look really good!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Parent update 8/22/11
Overall, Brendan had a good weekend. In the morning he was very agitated. I felt that he was still having some residual from the sour cream potato chips he ate. It caused alot of mucus and I'm sure he just didn't feel real good.
Saturday morning we went to Santa Teresa Park for a hike. Apparently, there had been a fire in the first meadow as you drive in. This bothered him. Then we parked and hit the trail. Even though he wanted to hike the trail and take pictures, he was very bothered like something was following him. So, we turned back to the car. When we got into the car, I asked him if he saw something and was it following him, he said, 'yeah'. As soon as we drove out of the park, he started to relax (although he did look back a few times). We spent the rest of the day hibernating in my room listening to his music.
Sunday, his Dad kept him busy with going to the pool and hiking at a different park. Today, he had a good day at school. He did break two CDs (and had to pay for them). But, other than that, he did fine.
Saturday morning we went to Santa Teresa Park for a hike. Apparently, there had been a fire in the first meadow as you drive in. This bothered him. Then we parked and hit the trail. Even though he wanted to hike the trail and take pictures, he was very bothered like something was following him. So, we turned back to the car. When we got into the car, I asked him if he saw something and was it following him, he said, 'yeah'. As soon as we drove out of the park, he started to relax (although he did look back a few times). We spent the rest of the day hibernating in my room listening to his music.
Sunday, his Dad kept him busy with going to the pool and hiking at a different park. Today, he had a good day at school. He did break two CDs (and had to pay for them). But, other than that, he did fine.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Parent update 8/19/11
According to Brendan's Dad, yesterday afternoon and into the evening, Brendan was agitated off and on. Then he was weepy. His Dad suspected it was because Brendan missed me. I had to go to work and didn't get home until late. [Brendan and I just spent a whole ten days together since we were both on vacation. So, he got use to me being around all the time.] So, I just stuck like glue to him when I got home and got him off to bed. Then, he was fine.
He slept through the night. YAY!!!! He got up this morning in a good mood and was happy going to school. He had a good day at school. Got the mail without being mad that there was nothing for him in there. (whew!) Then his friend came over whom he hasn't seen in three weeks. Then we went to Memorial Park. Brendan likes to take pictures of the trees and was saying 'tree', 'big'. Then we got some chips out of the vending machine. (sigh) Unfortunately, Brendan pointed to one that I was unfamiliar with, so I had him get the Lays instead. He seemed a bit reluctant, but did it. Then as I was sitting next to him while he ate them, I just happened to glance at the bag and saw the word 'milk'. They were Sourcream and Onion Lays chips!! He had already eaten half the bag and he had a funny look on his face like he did not find them tasty. I told him I was sorry that I made him buy the wrong chip. When we got to the car, I wiped off his mouth, hands, drink bottle, and camera. I took him to 7-11 to get the right chips. By the time we got there (15 min), his lips looked puffy and he broke out with a rash all around his mouth. I gave him Benadryl right away (of coures I only had the red Benadryl and not the clear capsule - red dye could affect him as well). But, I had no choice. I also put cortisone cream on the rash. Luckily by the time we got home, the rash started to subside. Surprisingly, he did not get sleepy with the Benadryl. He is still up and happy and about ready to go to bed. Been a great day!!
He slept through the night. YAY!!!! He got up this morning in a good mood and was happy going to school. He had a good day at school. Got the mail without being mad that there was nothing for him in there. (whew!) Then his friend came over whom he hasn't seen in three weeks. Then we went to Memorial Park. Brendan likes to take pictures of the trees and was saying 'tree', 'big'. Then we got some chips out of the vending machine. (sigh) Unfortunately, Brendan pointed to one that I was unfamiliar with, so I had him get the Lays instead. He seemed a bit reluctant, but did it. Then as I was sitting next to him while he ate them, I just happened to glance at the bag and saw the word 'milk'. They were Sourcream and Onion Lays chips!! He had already eaten half the bag and he had a funny look on his face like he did not find them tasty. I told him I was sorry that I made him buy the wrong chip. When we got to the car, I wiped off his mouth, hands, drink bottle, and camera. I took him to 7-11 to get the right chips. By the time we got there (15 min), his lips looked puffy and he broke out with a rash all around his mouth. I gave him Benadryl right away (of coures I only had the red Benadryl and not the clear capsule - red dye could affect him as well). But, I had no choice. I also put cortisone cream on the rash. Luckily by the time we got home, the rash started to subside. Surprisingly, he did not get sleepy with the Benadryl. He is still up and happy and about ready to go to bed. Been a great day!!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
CST Session 8/18/11
Brendan came with his father today. He was wearing his headphones. Promptly removed his shoes and socks and came got onto the therapy table. He wanted music and we turned it on. At first he was very vocal - making loud sounds - then calmed down.
His father and I were catching up and Brendan has a tendency not to like being talked about. We let him know we were updating and would be done in a couple of minutes. He was fine.
Today we did cranial sacral and lymphatic work. After 3-5 sessions it is always good to have one session just integrating and understanding where his body is at. Started again on his right leg - 40% maintained. More and more of the energetic connnection is staying. This is a good sign as it allows Brendan to feel both feet on the ground and not just one. His pelvis is staying balanced which is fantastic - as it tends not to when he is less energetically connected.
Did a lot of head work. He really likes the O/A's. We counted for the majority of the headwork. Children need to know there is an ending as the cranial vault pressure can be great. The greater the pressure the more heat, sweating and pulsing you get.
Today I could feel the "circle of willis" (where the five arteries come together in the brain). This was exciting as his brain is allowing us to get in deeper. The ring and 4 outlets felt very healthy. One artery felt somewhat restricted which we will continue to work on.
Lymphatic drainage makes Brendan laugh. We did his axilla's (underarms), clavicles and parts of his face including his ears. We count to five and do five passes. He really likes it - but it is ticklish.
We were able to work the frontal, parietal, temporals, O/A and even the sphenoid and nasals. Today was a very good day.
He left happy but did put his headphones back on. Clearly needs more detoxing of the brain which we will address next week.
His father and I were catching up and Brendan has a tendency not to like being talked about. We let him know we were updating and would be done in a couple of minutes. He was fine.
Today we did cranial sacral and lymphatic work. After 3-5 sessions it is always good to have one session just integrating and understanding where his body is at. Started again on his right leg - 40% maintained. More and more of the energetic connnection is staying. This is a good sign as it allows Brendan to feel both feet on the ground and not just one. His pelvis is staying balanced which is fantastic - as it tends not to when he is less energetically connected.
Did a lot of head work. He really likes the O/A's. We counted for the majority of the headwork. Children need to know there is an ending as the cranial vault pressure can be great. The greater the pressure the more heat, sweating and pulsing you get.
Today I could feel the "circle of willis" (where the five arteries come together in the brain). This was exciting as his brain is allowing us to get in deeper. The ring and 4 outlets felt very healthy. One artery felt somewhat restricted which we will continue to work on.
Lymphatic drainage makes Brendan laugh. We did his axilla's (underarms), clavicles and parts of his face including his ears. We count to five and do five passes. He really likes it - but it is ticklish.
We were able to work the frontal, parietal, temporals, O/A and even the sphenoid and nasals. Today was a very good day.
He left happy but did put his headphones back on. Clearly needs more detoxing of the brain which we will address next week.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Parent update 8/17/11
Brendan was a little agitated this morning. But it was because he wanted to make sure he could go to Target. I told him he could if he has gentle hands at school. [Note: We have been using Target as a reinforcer for the last year when he could make it through the school day without hitting anyone.]
He actually got to school early today, 8:30am (instead of 10am which is his norm due to his sleeping issues). I met his new teacher who seemed very nice. Brendan had a good day except at one point he did cry. According to the aide, it was because it was really noisy in the classroom. Two of the aides are the same from last year. However, the third aide was assigned to another class. He did well all day so he got to go to Target after school. Then when we got home, he checked the mail and his Barney video arrived early. He was so happy and had the biggest smile on his face. I can honestly say that I live to see my son smile. All my worries and stress just disappear when I see that smile on his face.
He did well the rest of the day. But I noticed after dinner he was looking at pictures of past therapist. He was weepy and I asked him why. He said he didn't feel well. He also pointed to one of his therapist (like he missed her although she just saw him today). Then when I got him to bed, he was crying softly. So, I had him get up and go swing since this seems to calm him alot. I asked him if he was crying because he didn't fell well, he didn't answer. I asked him if there was something at home that was making him cry, he didn't answer. Then I asked him if there was something at school that was making him cry, and he looked at me and said, 'school'. I said, Do you miss your teacher?" and he said, 'yeah'.
I got the feeling that he was feeling abandoned by so many people in his life. We have had so many therapist, doctors, teachers, come and go. It's nice to have alot of people in your life, but then there is just that many more people who leave you. I explained to him why his teacher had to leave. I didn't want him to think it was because of him. Although I wouldn't put it past him to think that. Out of the 4 schools he has attended, three of the teachers left after he had them for only one year (instead of two or three years). They left due to problems with their boss, wanting to teach at a different school, and financial reasons. I told him that many people in his life will come and go, but lots of them still visit. I reminded him that just two weeks ago his speech therapist he had in elementary school stopped by to visit and this made him very happy.
My poor little guy. It breaks my heart because he is so sensitive and aware of everything, but can't express his exact feelings. I guess the best I can, but how frustrating it is for him to rely on others to 'guess' what is bothering him or what he wants to say. Don't get me wrong, he has many tools he can use (picture icons, sign language, adaptive augmentative communication devices, computer), but none of these are quick enough, accurate enough to really capture what he wants to say. I just keep hoping that one day he will talk, or at the very least, start to type what he feels (we are working on this).
Tomorrow he has his CST session. This always helps him feel better.
He actually got to school early today, 8:30am (instead of 10am which is his norm due to his sleeping issues). I met his new teacher who seemed very nice. Brendan had a good day except at one point he did cry. According to the aide, it was because it was really noisy in the classroom. Two of the aides are the same from last year. However, the third aide was assigned to another class. He did well all day so he got to go to Target after school. Then when we got home, he checked the mail and his Barney video arrived early. He was so happy and had the biggest smile on his face. I can honestly say that I live to see my son smile. All my worries and stress just disappear when I see that smile on his face.
He did well the rest of the day. But I noticed after dinner he was looking at pictures of past therapist. He was weepy and I asked him why. He said he didn't feel well. He also pointed to one of his therapist (like he missed her although she just saw him today). Then when I got him to bed, he was crying softly. So, I had him get up and go swing since this seems to calm him alot. I asked him if he was crying because he didn't fell well, he didn't answer. I asked him if there was something at home that was making him cry, he didn't answer. Then I asked him if there was something at school that was making him cry, and he looked at me and said, 'school'. I said, Do you miss your teacher?" and he said, 'yeah'.
I got the feeling that he was feeling abandoned by so many people in his life. We have had so many therapist, doctors, teachers, come and go. It's nice to have alot of people in your life, but then there is just that many more people who leave you. I explained to him why his teacher had to leave. I didn't want him to think it was because of him. Although I wouldn't put it past him to think that. Out of the 4 schools he has attended, three of the teachers left after he had them for only one year (instead of two or three years). They left due to problems with their boss, wanting to teach at a different school, and financial reasons. I told him that many people in his life will come and go, but lots of them still visit. I reminded him that just two weeks ago his speech therapist he had in elementary school stopped by to visit and this made him very happy.
My poor little guy. It breaks my heart because he is so sensitive and aware of everything, but can't express his exact feelings. I guess the best I can, but how frustrating it is for him to rely on others to 'guess' what is bothering him or what he wants to say. Don't get me wrong, he has many tools he can use (picture icons, sign language, adaptive augmentative communication devices, computer), but none of these are quick enough, accurate enough to really capture what he wants to say. I just keep hoping that one day he will talk, or at the very least, start to type what he feels (we are working on this).
Tomorrow he has his CST session. This always helps him feel better.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Parent update 8/16/11
Well, he did not fall asleep at 2am. Instead he fell asleep at 4am and then woke up at 8am Monday morning. He was fine most of the day except for the mailbox issue. I ended up putting Barney head icons on the calendar to signify how many days it would take before his video arrive. This morning, he came downstairs, went to the calendar and plucked off a Barney head icon. No protesting. No wanting to check the mailbox. So, it seems to be working so far.
Today had to go to the doctors and have this bump under his arm looked at. He was so good through the whole thing. No protesting, no headbutting, nada! He was good all day AND he is asleep already. School starts tomorrow, so I hope he sleeps at least until 6am!!!
[Note: The reason I give details about his sleep is because most kids who have ASD have a sleeping disorder to some degree. We have tried melatonin, Benadryl, massages, music, etc.. Nothing seems to consistenly help. One day, I hope for him to get a good nights rest each night. I still worry (as I did the whole time when he was younger) that if he doesn't get enough sleep, his immune system will be affected. Luckily, he seems to be staying well even despite these restless nights of sleep.]
Today had to go to the doctors and have this bump under his arm looked at. He was so good through the whole thing. No protesting, no headbutting, nada! He was good all day AND he is asleep already. School starts tomorrow, so I hope he sleeps at least until 6am!!!
[Note: The reason I give details about his sleep is because most kids who have ASD have a sleeping disorder to some degree. We have tried melatonin, Benadryl, massages, music, etc.. Nothing seems to consistenly help. One day, I hope for him to get a good nights rest each night. I still worry (as I did the whole time when he was younger) that if he doesn't get enough sleep, his immune system will be affected. Luckily, he seems to be staying well even despite these restless nights of sleep.]
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Parent update 8/13/11
Brendan woke up at 5am again. But this time, he did go back to sleep until 7am. Then we took him to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk because he's been wanting to ride the carousel. We got there before the crowd. He waited patiently for his Dad to buy tickets. He was very excited to go in the ride. Then just when we we approaced the line, we bumped into his speech therapist from 5 years ago. She let Brendan and his Dad go ahead and her and I caught up on her family and mine. Apparently, her son was diagnosed with mild autism.
While I was talking to her I noticed Brendan wasn't smiling while on the ride. I wasn't sure what was up with that. When he got off, he didn't want to get back on again so we said goodbye to his speech therapist and went for a walk. We approached the bumper cars. I thought he might like to go on this since he thought it was so funny when I backed up into a concrete pole the other day. But then he headbutted me lightly twice. So, I asked if he wanted to go back onto the carousel and he did. This time I went on with him. He was mad the whole time. When we got off we sat on the bench and then he started to cry. I asked him several questions, 'did you want to go on again?', no answer. 'do you want to ride something else?', no answer. Then it hit me, "Are you upset because I was talking to your speech therapist?". He said, "yeah". I explained to him that we weren't talking about him the whole time. I told him that she commented on how tall he was and I also told her how well he was doing. But that was it. The rest of the time we were talking about her kids, our jobs, etc... After I explained thisto him, then he was fine. He is such a sensitive kiddo. Then he wanted to go. Within an hour the place was so crowded, so I don't blame him.
As we were leaving, we saw a game that he played before and thought he might like to play it. It is the one where you shoot the water into the clowns mouth. So, Brendan and I were going to play. The game started and all of sudden the music blasted on the speaker and startled him. He was in between wanting to cry to wanting to finish the game. Of course, the darn balloon wouldn't pop! It finally did and he grabbed his purple shark and we left. He held it together very well. I did get headbutted 'lightly' a couple of times because we had to cross the street amongst wall-to-wall traffic.
I was bummed that we had to leave so early. The weather was beautiful and they were going to have a Polynesian show at noon. Brendan would have seen live hula dancers (which he has never seen before, only on video - and he loves his hula girls!). Oh well, that's the way it goes...
He tried to stay awake but ended up taking a nap at 5pm and got up at 8pm. So, we are all still up. The rest of the day and evening went well. Hopefully, we'll get to bed by 2am.
While I was talking to her I noticed Brendan wasn't smiling while on the ride. I wasn't sure what was up with that. When he got off, he didn't want to get back on again so we said goodbye to his speech therapist and went for a walk. We approached the bumper cars. I thought he might like to go on this since he thought it was so funny when I backed up into a concrete pole the other day. But then he headbutted me lightly twice. So, I asked if he wanted to go back onto the carousel and he did. This time I went on with him. He was mad the whole time. When we got off we sat on the bench and then he started to cry. I asked him several questions, 'did you want to go on again?', no answer. 'do you want to ride something else?', no answer. Then it hit me, "Are you upset because I was talking to your speech therapist?". He said, "yeah". I explained to him that we weren't talking about him the whole time. I told him that she commented on how tall he was and I also told her how well he was doing. But that was it. The rest of the time we were talking about her kids, our jobs, etc... After I explained thisto him, then he was fine. He is such a sensitive kiddo. Then he wanted to go. Within an hour the place was so crowded, so I don't blame him.
As we were leaving, we saw a game that he played before and thought he might like to play it. It is the one where you shoot the water into the clowns mouth. So, Brendan and I were going to play. The game started and all of sudden the music blasted on the speaker and startled him. He was in between wanting to cry to wanting to finish the game. Of course, the darn balloon wouldn't pop! It finally did and he grabbed his purple shark and we left. He held it together very well. I did get headbutted 'lightly' a couple of times because we had to cross the street amongst wall-to-wall traffic.
I was bummed that we had to leave so early. The weather was beautiful and they were going to have a Polynesian show at noon. Brendan would have seen live hula dancers (which he has never seen before, only on video - and he loves his hula girls!). Oh well, that's the way it goes...
He tried to stay awake but ended up taking a nap at 5pm and got up at 8pm. So, we are all still up. The rest of the day and evening went well. Hopefully, we'll get to bed by 2am.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)