The Journey Begins: My Son’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis
I had both dreaded and anticipated this day for a few months. My son Ethan's psychological evaluation. We had suspected about half a year ago that he might fall within the autism spectrum. He had all the typical signs of a child with autism -- incessantly playing with anything that looks like a wheel, repetitive routine-focused play, delays in speech…
- aba therapy, aba therapy video, autism mom video, Autism Spectrum Disorder, occupational therapy video
VIDEO: ABA therapy progress
Please enjoy the following videos showing some of the fun things that Ethan’s been doing at ABA. He learned how to blow bubbles, added more nouns to his vocabulary, and learned how to play tag!
- aba therapy, autism awareness, Autism parenting, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Inspiration, Uncategorized
ABA Adventures at the Botanic Garden and Beach!
Since Ethan and his ABA therapist have had a lot of time to build rapport at home, we frequent Hickory, Wilson and South Park, which are all in the area, we've been to Torrance Beach a couple of times, and we recently visited the South Coast Botanic Garden.
First Day at LAUNCH Preschool! (and other LAUNCH updates)
As a true mama bear, I was both super excited and worried about Ethan's entry into Torrance Unified School District through LAUNCH preschool, which had a very good reputation as a hybrid program for both typically developing PALS and special needs kids.
Ethan’s Graduation from PTN
PTN will always be the first place that Ethan developed a pre-school based routine and had a life away from mom and away from home. He learned to participate within a community, socialize with other kids, take turns, mimic actions and songs from circle time, sit nicely when asked to, among other things.
Ethan learns how to play a tune on his little piano!
Today, Ethan's ABA therapist guided him to play "Mary Had A Little Lamb" on his little piano. After a few repetitions, he played a very close approximation of the tune!
- autism awareness, Autism parenting, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Inspiration, occupational therapy, Uncategorized
Back at School for the MSOT program at CSUDH!
I already had this feeling that I wanted to eventually become a professional in the field of serving special needs children. And ever since I started this blog and Ethan got diagnosed my interest in the field of pediatric therapy grew. I attended the info session to see if studying Occupational Therapy would indeed be for me.
Ethan Gets A Preview of Our Future Doberman Pup!
After a chill time at the Central Coast, which was of course, partly spent just enjoying wine at our favorite tasting room, Moonstone Cellars, we were finally off to the dog ranch, where we planned to go to meet some Dobie pups and parents. We went to West Coast Doberman, a reputable Doberman breeder located in Northern California.
- autism awareness, autism mom video, Autism parenting, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Family fun, Inspiration, occupational therapy video, Support Group
Ethan’s Summer Shenanigans (Part 2)
Mommy’s been super busy these days, with ABA therapy, working from home, doing housework and actively organizing the South Bay Autism Parent Support Group, so here are some videos as quick updates of what we’ve been up to!
- autism awareness, Autism parenting, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Family fun, Support Group, Uncategorized
Ethan’s Summer Shenanigans
Ethan’s made so much progress and did so much this summer! He waded at the beach shore for the first time, did his first eskimo kiss with Dad, met a lot of new friends, went to the splash pad for the first time and played chase for the first time! I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves!
Ethan’s Transition Meeting from PTN to LAUNCH Preschool
Our former Harbor Regional Center coordinator had told us that Ethan’s transition meeting would just consist of introductions. That it was, a brief meeting where preliminary introductions were made and we were given an opportunity to advocate for Ethan’s needs. I can say with confidence that the transition meeting last June 6th, Thursday, was a great success. The meeting consisted…
