Into the Penetrable Walls of Miggy

27 August 2014

Miggy with classmates

The fifth graders of Pines Montessori:

Erin, Jersey, Lawrence, Shaun, Oden, Jerico, Lex, Danielle,

George, MJ, Ronan, Amiel, Xylee and Miggy.

This is upon the request of these wonderful kids, "Tita, post this on Walls of Miggy!"

Sorry, a little late 'though.

25 August 2014

My Parasol Boy

Photos taken when we visited Miggy's grandfather and aunt at the Eternal Gardens.

Watching Miggy marching and fooling around, waving, flipping, turning, and flying this umbrella was just priceless. Of course, the umbrella did not withstand the ordeal - one rib broken. I stood there watching, meters away from him, just clicking my cam and enjoying this wonderful display of innocence and carefree liberty and independence.

I waved at him and he came running back to me.

Today, I feel relaxed knowing I could now let go of his hand. I now know he'll come back to me. For a very long time, I dreaded his possible escapes.

Many autistic children have a tendency to wander off. Elopement, at one time or another, have been experienced by parents of children with autism. This makes for the parents' sleepless nights and stress. However, this elopement problem may not be permanent. Some children may outgrow it. An escaping child as he grows older may simply lose interest or his level of understanding of danger may increase.

18 August 2014

Mobile Planetarium

The Andromeda Mobile Planetarium circulates in different schools all over the Cordillera Administrative Region. The planetarium intends to promote awareness and interest in astronomical science.

Today, the mobile planetarium sits on the grounds of Pines Montessori School. A display of heavenly bodies wowed the students. The universe that they merely see in books, on the net, and up in the sky millions of miles away is now within reach.

16 August 2014

To all readers:

Please click on "OLDER POSTS" after the last post to see more. For specific posts, click on the list of TOPICS on the left side bar.
Enjoy a tour of MIGGY'S WORLD and see what's beyond his WALLS.
Thank you.

Sincerely,
Miggy's Mom, Yolette

15 August 2014

Pronouns Tutorial and Spelling Practice

I made Miggy a PRONOUN GUIDE - singular and plural, first, second and third persons - because he scored only 12/30 in the pronoun exercises done in school, clearly meaning an SOS.
We studied the guide I made, with me all throughout giving names of familiar people for every pronoun. Then, I covered the previous answers and made him redo it. Again, a success!

The 3 pics on the right show how we practice spelling. He reads every word carefully, syllabicating very slowly, then rewriting the words 2-3 times. Next, I cover the list of words and dictate each word he will spell.

Multiplication Table

Here's Miggy memorizing the multiplication table and understanding the basics of the operation.

(I made him a handy multiplication table out of a ten-peso poster I cut and pasted on a cardboard, that folds like an accordion. He used this in grade 3.)

12 August 2014

Fishing Game

Miggy's first fishing game, a gift from Teacher Justine.

To put the batteries by himself, I taught him how to use a screw driver.

Hello to Miggy's Jollibee Family! Looking forward to another workshop! Soon? YES, please.

Please click on "Jollibee Workshop" at the left side bar for more pictures of his unforgettable Jollibee experience.

Pines Homework

Lucky me. I don't even have to coax him to do his homework. He always has the initiative in every assigned school task.

For me, it's like going back to elementary school. I have to study his lessons too. On weekends, we take home all his books and he completes unfinished workbook exercises and corrects incorrectly answered seatwork. Of course, there's time for play. Miggy gets to play his android tab (after our study time) and watch a movie or two on his dvd in the afternoon. However, both come-ons or rewards are only for Saturdays and Sundays.

How about TV time? He can watch TV everyday, that is, after doing his homework and reviews, provided he doesn't watch any of our "5 forbidden shows": Spongebob Squarepants, Ogie and the Cockroaches, Tom and Gerry, Adventure Time and Regular Show. The violent content in these programs may pollute his very innocent mind and pure heart.

He watches only 3 channels: Cartoon Network, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.
Definitely no adult, romantic and violent contents for him!
Yesterday, I saw him sneak at the National Geographic Channel. Well, that's good!

04 August 2014

Happy 12th birthday, Miggy

03 August 2014

Spelling Review

Prepping up for Pines Montessori's three-day first periodical test this week.

Subject: ENGLISH
Spelling practice: 5 mistakes out of 60 items. Not bad!

01 August 2014

Pines Montessori, Nutrition Month Program

31 July 2014

School ID

Nine years ago, that was May 13, 2005, when Miggy was only 2years/9months and diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by one of the top developmental pediatricians in the Philippines, I wasn't sure if he could at least learn ABC.

For years I have doubted the comforting but unrealistic assurances of his doctor that:

1. Miggy can study in a regular school.

2. Miggy can find a job.

3. Miggy can have his own family.

Goal 1 is gradually materializing though. Goals 2 and 3 are still too distant and uncertain. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping and praying for a dream-come-true. Hanging on and believing in the old cliche that at the end of the rainbow is a pot of gold.

Fruit Platter Design

In celebration of the Nutrition Month, the grade 5 class designed individual fruit platters which were graded by the class adviser, Teacher Reggie, according to organization, creativity and presentation. Ten points for each criteria. Three students, one of them was Miggy, got the highest score of 27 points.

The next collage shows how I (Miggy's Mom) taught him the how-tos of fruit platter design. First, I showed him images of fruit platters on the web. Then I made dummy fruit slices in half-circle colored papers that would serve as practice fruits. Next, I made him identify those slices, showing him the real fruits for actual demo later in the class. Lastly, on his own, he layered the fake slices onto his oval platter. And voila! Another masterpiece! Miggy's and mine too!

30 July 2014

Not a day wasted

How was Eid'l Fitr spent? For Miggy, no time wasted.

He colored, loomed a bracelet and practiced his new spelling words.

26 July 2014

Playhouse, Then and Now

This is Miggy's playhouse, a hand-me-down from his sister Clarisse, now 19 years old.
Notice his obsession for stickers, sprawled on the walls, ceilings and floors of every room.
See how meticulously he stacked those tiny legos to form pieces of furniture.

Left pic: Miggy at age 8, Playhouse at 11
Right pic: Miggy at 12, Playhouse at 15

18 July 2014

Studious

At the height of Glenda typhoon, even on a brownout night, Miggy was still doing his homework in Music. Studious!

02 July 2014

Speech Therapy

Speech therapy today.

Hangman - He guessed all correct letters effortlessly today. Hmmm... very unusual. Guess what! Teacher found out that Miggy could see the letters illuminated at the back by the fluorescent light overhead.

Story Stunts Game Board - He made a silly story from the text boards he earned from the game.

Berenstein Bears "Slumber Party" - He answered teacher's questions about the story.

Excellent job today!
His reward? "Mommy, you buy a Rio 2 DVD on Friday."

19 June 2014

Just a few of our Mom Sessions

Dear readers,

I titled this post as "JUST A FEW" which wasn't meant to brag but to inspire. Majority of these activities were only from my 2014 sessions with Miggy, my 11-year-old autistic son. As early as when Miggy was 2yrs/9 months old and diagnosed with the disorder in 2005, I already started my "tutorials," "therapies" and "modifications" with him. Why are those words marked in quotations? Because I am not a SpEd teacher nor a therapist. I am simply a mom. Hey, not just an ordinary mom but a special mom! A hundred percent hands-on mom!

My point here is that it doesn't take any medical or teaching expertise to do all these. All it takes is patience, will power, energy, and tons and tons of the overused and sometimes misused "UNCONDITIONAL LOVE."

Mom sessions may not always be formal academic activities. It could simply be in any form - tangible or not, educational or basic life skills; in any time of the day - night or day, dusk or dawn; in any place, but MUST be born out of love, fun, acceptance and willingness to make your child a better, coping and able individual. Mom sessions could be short or long depending on your availability, but MUST always be quality time.

Some examples of Mom Sessions/Family Sessions which you do a lot but you're probably unaware that these are actually therapeutic/educational/improvement sessions for your child:

-Bedtime prayers with your child -"Lord, thank you for the....... Bless ......."

-Instructional bathing "ceremonies"

-Setting the table
Let him do it! It's okay if he breaks a china. Before he breaks the whole set, he probably would have already mastered proper table setting.

-Teaching table manners

-Teaching and prompting social cues

-Singing and dancing together

-Going to the church

-Shopping
Let him make the shopping list and be firm in buying only the ones on the list.

-Playing with him, teaching him taking turns and waiting

-Watching TV with him
All throughout talking and asking him questions and prompting answers.

-Assisting him with homework

-Bringing him early to school to attend the flag ceremony and morning prayers

-Eating out

-Watching him play the iPad and asking him questions about the game.
Caution when there's wifi. Always supervise and guide his downloads.

-Getting him ready for changes in his routine by discussing with him days before the modification.

Hmmm.... what else? It is actually endless. Any day, anywhere, anything is an opportunity for learning. It just doesn't stop. It's a cycle that loops and presents itself all the time. Every single time.

So to all the special mothers out there, I wish you good luck!

16 June 2014

Pines Teachers Orientation on Autism Management

Invited in Pines Montessori Teachers Orientation were officers of the Autism Society of the Philippines ASP Baguio Chapter and yours truly to share our life stories of the complexities, challenges, heartaches, rejections, surprises, and fun (the best part!) with living with autism. How the disability impacts the family, relationships, schooling of the special child, society's acceptance and rejection, and the day to day activities and experiences highlighted the discussion.

Rarely do we find education institutions that are REALLY sensitive to the needs of Special Children. The knowledge we, parents of the disabled children, impart is beyond books, theories and literature. After all, we are the actual observers, learners and sufferers of the disorder. We deal with it 24/7. We breathe it, we live it, we smell it, we enjoy it ... piece by piece.

Miggy is a mainstreamed fifth grader at Pines Montessori School under Teacher Reggie's class.

May this documentation of my son's journey through autism inspire all of you. Here, you will see not only my struggles to enter his world, but you will also witness his greatest efforts to fit into mine.

Be inspired with my prayers, hopes, perseverance and endurance in trying to recover my child.
How about you? Do you have stories to tell? You are free to leave your comments and suggestions here. I would love to hear from you.
Be my friend and join me as I break down the not-so-impenetrable-walls of my very special Miggy.

Surprising Autism Information You Need to Know

By Lisa Jo Rudy, About.com Guide

What Do You Really Know About Autism?:

There are plenty of myths about autism spectrum disorders out there. Some folks still believe, for example, that people with autism are all geniuses or mentally challenged. Others believe that people with autism are the result of poor parenting choices. These myths have been soundly debunked, both here and in many other places. But even those of us who are well-grounded in autism basics may be surprised by some of these facts, which are emerging from recent research.

Autism Is a Plural Noun:

Autism is not a single disorder. In fact, mainstream researchers agree that the autism spectrum is probably a collection of multiple disorders with multiple causes, prognoses, and appropriate treatments. Quite a bit of recent research has uncovered a number of distinct genetic differences (some inherited, some spontaneously mutated) that seem to be associated with various types of autism.

We Know What Causes Autism (Sometimes):

We do know what causes autism -- but only in about 20% of cases. Causes include genetic mutations, heredity, pre- and post-natal trauma or exposures to alcohol or drugs, and, in some cases, injury. In addition, some research suggests older parents, environmental pollution, and even pesticides.

Some Kids "Outgrow" Their Autism Diagnoses:

Quite a few children who are diagnosed with autism at a very young age are no longer diagnosable with autism by the time they’re school-aged. The reasons for this are controversial, and range from the possibility of misdiagnosis to ordinary maturation to claims of a cure through behavioral, developmental and/or biomedical interventions. Whatever the reasons, many children who are diagnosed with autism as toddlers will not be diagnosable by the time they're in fifth grade.

There's No Window of Opportunity for Treating Autism:

Early intervention (diagnosis and treatment prior to age three) is very helpful indeed, but there is no “window of opportunity” that slams shut at a certain age. Thus, even children who are diagnosed later or receive less early intervention may do quite well in the long run. The "now or never" approach to autism treatment is a result of media hype -- not research findings. Early intervention does, however, provide a now-or-never opportunity to allow non-verbal children to develop some kind of useful tool for communication (picture cards, signs, or even spelling boards).

Even a Cure May Not Be a Cure:

There is no official “cure” for autism. In fact, researchers like Dr. Susan Levy at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia argue that even when a young child is no longer diagnosable on the autism spectrum, he is probably still autistic. Issues that may not be of significance for a preschooler (e.g., executive functioning, picking up on complex social cues, etc.) may loom quite large as a child moves through the grades.

Late Talking is Not the End of the World:

Late talking is not an indication of a poor prognosis. Even if a child is not yet verbal at age three or four, she may still do very well in the long run.

Kids with Autism Aren't Always Visual Thinkers:

Children with autism may or may not be visual thinkers. Thus, school programs designed with visual thinking in mind may or may not be appropriate for any individual child with autism.

No One Knows Which Treatments Work for Which Kids:

After many years of research, we still don’t know which treatments are most effective for which children -- or whether one treatment is more effective than another. Behavioral interventions are the best-researched treatments for autism, but even top scientists acknowledge that developmental interventions may or may not be equally useful for any given child. Meanwhile, only two drugs -- Risperdal and Abilify -- have been approved for use with children on the autism spectrum, and neither addresses “core” issues of autism (social/communication deficits).

What Are the Different Names for Autism Spectrum Disorders?

By Lisa Jo Rudy, About.com Guide

Autism is a "spectrum disorder," meaning you can be a little autistic or very autistic. But the diagnoses within the autism spectrum aren't clearly named, nor are the symptoms always the same even within the same diagnosis. What's worse, terms like "severe autism," "mild autism" and "high functioning autism" aren't true diagnoses at all - they're just descriptive terms to help parents and teachers better understand a child's status on the autism spectrum.

What Is the Autism Spectrum?

The "autism spectrum" describes a set of developmental delays and disorders which affects social and communication skills and, to a greater or lesser degree, motor and language skills. It is such a broad diagnosis that it can include people with high IQ's and mental retardation - and people with autism can be chatty or silent, affectionate or cold, methodical or disorganized. "Autism Spectrum" is also another, less formal term to describe the Pervasive Developmental Disorders.

Official diagnoses within the autism spectrum are autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), Asperger syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Rett Syndrome.

What Are Pervasive Developmental Disorders?

"Pervasive Developmental Disorder" is a formal term that means exactly the same thing as the less formal "autism spectrum disorder." As with the autism spectrum, the group of disorders described as pervasive developmental disorders includes autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), Asperger syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Rett Syndrome.

What Is Asperger Syndrome?

Asperger syndrome describes individuals at the highest-functioning end of the autism spectrum. Unlike other autism spectrum disorders, Asperger syndrome is often diagnosed in teens and adults. People with Asperger syndrome generally develop spoken language in the same way as typically developing children, but have a tough time with social communication. These difficulties that become more obvious as they get older and social expectations rise. Because people with Asperger syndrome are often very intelligent - but "quirky" - the disorder is sometimes nicknamed "geek syndrome" or "little professor syndrome."

What Is Mild Autism?

The term "mild autism" is not an official diagnosis. It's simply a more descriptive term than "Asperger syndrome" or "autism." Generally speaking, when people use the term mild autism they are referring to individuals whose symptoms fit an autism spectrum diagnosis, but who has strong verbal skills and few behavioral issues. Those individuals may, however, have significant problems with social communication. They may also have problems coping with too much sensory input (loud noise, bright lights, etc.).

What Is High Functioning Autism?

Like "mild" autism, high functioning autism (sometimes shortened to HFA) is a made-up term that's become more and more commonly used. HFA is a tricky term, because it can be hard to distinguish a person with HFA from a person with Asperger syndrome. The official distinction is that people with HFA had or have speech delays, while people with Asperger Syndrome have normal speech development. But there may also be very real differences in terms of social awareness, personality characteristics, and other traits. The jury is still debating the fine distinctions.

What Is PDD-NOS?

"Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified" is a mouthful of words that are often applied to people on the autism spectrum. It describes individuals who don't fully fit the criteria for other specific diagnoses, but are nevertheless autistic. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to define the symptoms of PDD-NOS, which may range from very mild to very severe. As a result, the term is rarely used outside of practioners' offices. Most parents, therapists and teachers prefer to use more descriptive (though less official) terms to describe their children, students and patients with PDD-NOS.

What Is Severe Autism (Autistic Disorder)?

Severe autism is officially termed autistic disorder. It goes by many other names, though, including profound autism, low functioning autism, or classic autism. People with autistic disorder are often non-verbal and intellectually disabled, and may have very challenging behaviors.

What Is Rett Syndrome?

Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects only girls. It is the only one of the autism spectrum disorders that can be diagnosed medically (so far). Girls with Rett syndrome develop severe symptoms including the hallmark social communication challenges of autism. In addition, Rett syndrome can profoundly impair girls' ability to use their hands usefully.

Top 10 Treatments for Autism

By Lisa Jo Rudy, About.com Guide

As you start to dig deeply into the literature on autism treatments, you'll find dozens of available options. Which are the "best" treatments? As the professionals will tell you over and over again, every child's needs are different. The treatments described in this article are among the best known, best researched, and most likely to produce positive results.

1. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)is the oldest and most fully researched treatment specifically developed for autism. ABA is a very intensive system of reward-based training which focuses on teaching particular skills. If any autism-specific therapy is offered by your school and/or covered by your insurance, this will probably be the one.

2. Speech Therapy

Almost all people with autism have issues with speech and language. Sometimes these issues are obvious; many people with autism are non-verbal or use speech very poorly. Sometimes the issues relate not to articulation or grammar but to "speech pragmatics" (the use of speech to build social relationships). Across the board, though, speech and language therapy is likely to be helpful for people with autism.

3. Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy focuses on building daily living skills. Since many people with autism have delays in fine motor skills, occupational therapy can be very important. Occupational therapists may also have training in sensory integration therapy - a technique which may help autistic people manage hypersensitivity to sound, light, and touch.

4. Social Skills Therapy

One of autism's "core deficits" is a lack of social and communication skills. Many children with autism need help in building the skills they need to hold a conversation, connect with a new friend, or even navigate the playground. Social skills therapists can help out setting up and facilitating peer-based social interaction.

5. Physical Therapy

Autism is a "pervasive developmental delay." Many autistic people have gross motor delays, and some have low muscle tone (they're unusually weak). Physical therapy can build up strength, coordination, and basic sports skills.

6. Play Therapy

Strange as it may sound, children with autism need help learning to play. And play can also serve as a tool for building speech, communication, and social skills. Play therapists may have training in particular therapeutic techniques such as Floortime or The Play Project - or they may incorporate play therapy into speech, occupational or physical therapy.

7. Behavior Therapy

Children with autism are often frustrated. They are misunderstood, have a tough time communicating their needs, suffer from hypersensitivities to sound, light and touch ... no wonder they sometimes act out! Behavior therapists are trained to figure out just what lies behind negative behaviors, and to recommend changes to the environment and routines to improve behavior.

8. Developmental Therapies

Floortime, Son-rise, and Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) are all considered to be "developmental treatments." This means that they build from a child's own interests, strengths and developmental level to increase emotional, social and intellectual abilities. Developmental therapies are often contrasted to behavioral therapies, which are best used to teach specific skills such as shoe tying, tooth brushing, etc.

9. Visually-Based Therapies

Many people with autism are visual thinkers. Some do very well with picture-based communication systems such as PECS (Picture Exchange Communication). Video modeling, video games and electronic communication systems also tap into autistic people's visual strength to build skills and communication.

10. Biomedical Therapies

Biomedical treatments may include pharmaceuticals, but most often biomedical treatments for autism are based on the Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) approach to autism therapy. Doctors trained in the DAN! "protocol" prescribe special diets, supplements, and alternative treatments. None of these treatments have been approved by the FDA or CDC, but there are many anecdotal stories of positive outcomes.