By Elayne Pearson, Special Needs Preparedness Specialist, CAS

Most children love Halloween, but it can be tricky―and downright scary for some. This holiday can be problematic for people with sensory issues―from the intense sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures bombarding them each October.  If you have a child affected by a special-need, especially autism, Halloween can be a complex time. It can conjure a cauldron of concerns―resulting in amplified anxiety, increased impulsivity, deeper withdrawal, and even insomnia and nightmares. Yikes!

Over the many years with Heidi Ann (our little pumpkin with Down syndrome and autism) I learned several strategies to make this crazy/creepy holiday not only a happier one for her, but a sane one for us. My acronym “HALLOWEEN” offers options, cautions, and examples to help set a better tone.

H=HOW. How will the holiday affect your child? Hopefully you can predict responses from past experiences and adapt accordingly. Some people crave and seek sensory stimulation, while others love calm predictability. For the latter, no event feels fun―if you don’t feel safe―and there are many aspects about Halloween which do not offer security. In general, individuals with impairments think literally; so I ask, “Do we really want to subject students to bloody knives, vampires, and skeletons?” Our goal then, should be like Goldilocks―search and create a happy medium that is “juuust right.”

I never allowed anything gruesome around the house, and wanted Heidi to feel even more at peace, so I replaced unsettling bats, spiders, and scary witches with friendly scarecrows, black cats, and goofy ghosts. Our girls loved getting pumpkins and decorating the front porch with corn stocks, squash, and fall leaves.

A=ATTITUDE. Most individuals with autism have difficulty processing satire, teasing, and “pranks.” Spook alleys can be over-stimulating, even traumatizing.  Do we want to ‘promote’ the concept of tricking or threatening people?

Instead, our family focused on making Halloween about clever costumes, creative jack-o-lanterns, and hot chocolate at the pumpkin patch.

L=LIGHT. This helps insure safety, plus it’s empowering. A good flashlight might be the difference between a meltdown and trauma, and a happy night. “Glow Sticks” are economical, but don’t illuminate very far.

Be careful when lighting candles for pumpkins; butane lighters and matches can become a fire obsession. I know two families, both with a teenaged son who found a lighter, and accidentally burned their home.

L=LOTS. Halloween has a lot of sugar, dyes, preservatives and chemicals through candy, face paints, and hair color sprays which suppresses the human immune system, clogs the liver, and inflames the brain. These substances open the door to the haunted house of hyperactivity, anxiety, and illness. I wonder, “Is tons of free candy worth the fallout?”

Proactive moms prepare before Halloween. We can all raise our body’s immunity with increased hydration, additional sleep, exercise, sunshine, supplements, and positive thoughts. I would double-dose Heidi’s multi-vitamin which included amino acids (for brain support) several days before and after Halloween, and she never got sick.

O=OPTIONS. I admire folks who opt out of buying huge bags of candy, and purchase pencils, stickers, small toys, or goofy teeth instead. This year I’m thinking about giving out balloons.

W=WHAT TO WEAR. Costumes for special-needs children are challenging so keep it simple. Recall past October weather to determine if your child needs a costume that fits over a sweatshirt or coat. Sensory issues are real. Will that clever fake straw collar of your cute scarecrow feel insanely itchy? Can your son handle a flashlight, cape, sword and shield, plus his goodie bag? Simplify.

E=EAT. Parents with children who have special needs frequently try to trick-or-treat before dark, so the evening meal often get ignored. Eating beforehand is a wise thing to keep blood sugar stable because you will soon be fighting those evil soldiers from Sugarland. Also, explain the need to save their treats for the at-home-safety-check.

My sister-in-law, Bonnie, started a fun tradition for their clan with an “Orange and Black Dinner” on Halloween. (Think carrot sticks, black olives, fresh orange slices, and sloppy joe meat poured in a hollowed-out pumpkin.) A sneaky mom is one who tries to concoct fun, safe, healthy holiday memories.

If you’re a parent to a munchkin with gluten-free, soy-free, and/or dairy-free sensitivities, follow the yellow brick road, and deliver appropriate treats to friends and trusted neighbors beforehand, insuring positive adventures in the Land of Au-tism.

E=ESTABLISH. Children do better with established routines (like brushing teeth before bed, vitamins with breakfast, exercise without soda pop). Everyone has weaker coping responses when were tired, so maintaining good sleep schedules this season is vital.

N=NEIGHBORS. I wish every neighborhood had only kind, law-abiding citizens, but statistics indicate otherwise. Tragically, the special-needs population is sometimes targeted by deeply troubled individuals―so listen to your gut instincts and follow intuition.  Some parents go only to the homes of friends and trustworthy neighbors on Halloween―and do not feel obligated to visit their entire apartment floor, building, or street, etc.

I pose a question for your worst-case, living nightmare scenario. If there is an abduction or emergency of your vulnerable loved one, have you set aside or given your local law enforcement recent, clear photos, descriptions, DNA samples, and described tendencies of him or her (such as non-compliance to verbal requests) plus your contact information? So glad I’ve done this for Miss Heidi, it really gives me more peace of mind.

Having said all that―this season may actually be a good time to increase awareness and strengthen relationships. Going trick-or-treating to unfamiliar neighbors may be the perfect time to introduce yourselves and begin build bridges of understanding and needed support.

I’m so grateful our family had a circle of caring folks around us during Heidi’s difficult younger years when she was so impulsive and unpredictable. They honestly saved my sanity and possibly her life, at times.

Well, that ends my Halloween acronym.

Life may feel like a shipwreck, but we must keep swimming, search for things to keep us afloat, and sing in the life boats! May your Halloween be anchored in safe, uplifting memories for you and your crew. That’s the real treat.

Take care,

Elayne

This article may be reprinted, etc. as long as name/info. of author is included.

Comments or invitations for Elayne, email: hiddentreasuresofhealth@yahoo.com 

More information/support at www.hiddentreasuresofhealth.com

The post Is Your Special-Needs Halloween a Trick or a Treat? appeared first on Certified Autism Specialist.

By Elayne Pearson, Special Needs Safety/Preparedness Specialist, CAS

More than one mother recently confided that getting her children ready to enter school with its fees, clothes, and required items was a real financial burden—and those students weren’t even in high school yet.  I recalled those same September concerns years ago, knowing taxes were also due in November, and Christmas was just around the corner.  With four amazing daughters, including Heidi (our beautiful daughter with Down syndrome and late-onset autism) my husband Rod and I felt so blessed, but our budget and stress levels were very stretched. With Heidi’s special needs for good quality vitamins/food, calming craniosacral therapy appointments each week, and educational toys and more – my motto, “keep it up!” served us well. Today’s parents can live this way, too, with some of our common sense advice.

TIDY UP – One of the best money savers is keeping your home organized so important items don’t accidentally get damaged among the clutter, or lost, resulting in duplicate purchases. Individuals with autism often obsessively hold on to odd things, creating more chaos, so set boundaries.

BUY UP – Buy in bulk and when items go on sale, but if it’s packaged food, watch for an almost-expired date. You don’t want a bunch of peanut butter jars in the pantry that are going to go bad before you can eat them.

CLEAN UP –  After you use a tool such as a saw, or an appliance like a blender, clean it well and store it away from moisture, etc. and they should serve you for several years.

COOK UP –  Sure, it saves money, but if you’re not itching to “cook from scratch” please realize it’s much healthier for people with special needs, like our Heidi, who are often pretty allergy prone. Home cooking usually has much less chemical additives for color, flavor and preservatives, so it’s a true win/win.

BREW UP – Some folks use their tea bag twice to stretch their dime, so doubling up is another tip. I’ve discovered the healing effect of herbal teas, and really enjoy a nice mug of peppermint tea to pick me up, or licorice root tea to calm me down. Licorice root (not the red candy, but in capsule/tea form) is a natural adrenal support (our anxiety mechanism) and I believe this supplement helped reduce Heidi’s extreme anxiety.

CUT UP – Don’t be seduced by credit card offers on TV or mail. Consider “plastic surgery” on extra cards you already have—they actually make a great guitar pic.

ADD UP – Rod and I really wanted to give our children the same blessings we experienced of having our mom stay at home—and were willing to live sensibly on one income. When you actually add up the additional expenses of a mother committing to outside employment, it doesn’t usually make sense.

READ UP – Richard Paul Evans, author of The 5 Lessons a Millionaire Taught Me for Women advises couples considering the mother to enter the workforce to honestly add it all up: daycare, wardrobe, travel, and meal expenses. Plus, the second income creates additional taxes to owe—and may put you in a higher tax bracket. Analyze your money matters to determine if you are paying interest with debt, or earning it with savings and investments, etc.

DIVIDE UP – With the unhealthy super-sized portions at most eating establishments, Rod and I often opt to simply share a meal and it’s just right. If we each order, we take home leftovers for lunch the next day. To be healthier we just say no to dessert, soda pop, tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.

DOUBLE UP – Making a double batch of a casserole or other food and freezing one is easy and helps you avoid the temptation to spend money eating out. Just warm it up and dinner’s ready.

BUY UP – With so much waste, why go buy some new item, if something is great but not being used anymore? Thrift store shopping offers unique back-to-school clothing, inexpensive household items, and helpful books.

GROW UP – Maybe you can’t manage a full garden or orchard with your loved one with special needs, but a few large potted plants on the patio, porch, or apartment balcony can harvest some yummy, almost free, organic food.

OFFER UP – Rod and I have always tried to give a little something whenever there was a charity or fund-raiser. Even if your cash flow is at a trickle, you can donate time or volunteer items you do have, like extra paper products or distributing posters, etc. You’ll be blessed for serving.

PULL UP – Going to the movie theater is exciting, but remind your family you can pull up plenty of entertainment on YouTube, etc., on your computer without spending a penny. Consider putting the unused money in a decorated goal jar.

SEW UP –  I’m not saying we should sew denim pants or men’s dress shirts, that’s beyond anyone I know! Yet, sewing is a fun skill for your home, plus mending clothing is a real money saver.

SWAP UP –  Sometimes bartering with a friend or neighbor is a happy arrangement. There was a time I gave free haircuts to my friend’s kids in exchange for her teaching piano lessons to my girls.

WAIT UP – Patiently waiting for clearance sales for future birthday and wedding gifts is great, but before you tuck them away, perhaps label bags and keep them in a reasonable place so they’re not forgotten.

LOOK UP – One of the most important financial patterns we’ve implemented over the years is to study things out and pray over potentially large purchases, such as a new/used car, appliances, or buying/building a home. We seek vital guidance from a loving God above who wants us all to live in peace and not financial bondage when possible. Gratefully, it’s paid off for us, and I hope these ideas help you, too.

Keep it up!

Elayne Pearson, Special Needs Safety/Preparedness Specialist, recently presented at the of the National Autism Society of America Convention.

For speaking invitations, email:hiddentreasuresofhealth@yahoo.com

The post Is Your “Back to School” Budget Stretched? 18 Ways to Keep it UP! appeared first on Certified Autism Specialist.

Elayne’s daughter, Miss Heidi Pearson.

With temperatures over 100 degrees in much of the United States, most families are challenged simply keeping everyone comfortable, hydrated, and content.  Then, if you add into a household the mix of individuals affected by autism, with their tendencies to be overly-sensitive to temperatures, frustration when routine is disrupted, and struggles with impulsivity—August can be a very tricky month for everyone.  This was too true for our family when Heidi and her three older sister were growing up.  With her dual-diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism, she was cute as a pixie, but often kept us on high-alert, (or “Heidi-alert”). I recall countless summer vacations, where it sure didn’t feel like a vacation.

The initial elation of feeling free from school, schedules, sports, and stuff was a delicious feast of freedom. Fast forward with too much free time, the summer heat rising in our house, creating the perfect storm for teasing, tag-a-longs, tantrums, and tempers rising with the temperatures — and now I admit I hated August at times. But we never gave up. With no central air conditioning in our home, it wasn’t easy, but we used tried-and-true methods to beat the heat.

My advice? Keep it UP!

GET UP – If you’re doing yardwork, exercising your child’s therapy dog, or even playing outside, get up earlier to beat the blaze. Roofers and road crews know this is vital.

DRESS UP – Clothing which is lighter in color and weave are usually more comfortable. Cotton, for instance, is cooler than a tight polyester knit. When Heidi attended middle school she had a couple of favorite outfits she insisted on wearing — whether it was freezing cold or boiling hot — so I tried to explain things and “creatively” help her adapt her clothing choices.

READ UP – Remember nature’s way to detoxify our body is through perspiration, so don’t be afraid to really sweat, it’s actually very good for us. Countless individuals with autism test abnormally high in chemicals, toxins, and heavy metals in their systems, and have experienced improved health and less anxiety with gradual natural detoxification methods, including far infrared sauna treatments.

SWAP UP – The last thing we need is to add more to our liver’s chemical burden so switch strong anti-perspirants for a good deodorant (which neutralizes odor but won’t clog your pores). There are also herbal capsules (like parsley) which safely help reduce body odor.

LOCK UP – Generally exterior doors are more open in the summertime, and people are less apt to be alert for elopement within the autism population. So if you’re at an indoor/outdoor gathering at the home of friends/family, encourage everyone please help keep an eye out for this special risk, or take turns with specific shifts to avoid a scary scenario.

PARTNER UP – If impulsively running off/wandering is common, tell this tendency to law enforcement and trusted neighbors requesting them to be a part of your “neighborhood watch group” and share phone numbers, etc.

LINK UP – A helpful tool for parents of loved ones who have communication challenges is purchasing a sturdy safety ID bracelet. Remember, it does no good if it’s not worn, so link that clasp everyday so this becomes routine. If you have a “night wonderer” I recommend leaving it on all the time, and do interventions like deadbolt locks installed out of reach.

DRINK UP – Getting hydrated is a chore for most families, but wise parents try to explain why, then insist that this needs to be done — before going out in the summer heat.

ADD UP – To help “boring” water go down a little easier, add natural flavors to give refreshing variety like lemon, lime, or a few drops of other citrus fruit. Personally, I love peppermint leaves in my ice cubes or honey in warm water.

COOK UP – You can avoid heating up the kitchen and house by opting for menus which are cooked outside. Go for it, but remember, eating meat usually causes people to feel hotter afterwards.

PASS UP – Overly spicy or salty foods like nuts, jerky, chips and salsa contribute to thirst and should be served minimally during really hot spells.

EAT UP – Foods such as cucumber, watermelon, and berries are naturally hydrating and refreshing, so try to buy or grow them for a win/win.

BLOCK UP – Depending on the direction of the sun, buy or create a large sheet of cardboard to place on windowsills to insulate your home from the heat. Some families purchase insulated curtains for better darkness and heat control, while others use aluminum foil or an emergency solar blanket to block out all the light.  We wanted the option for sunshine, so I covered our cardboard inserts with cute contact paper, and used them only when needed.

EASE UP – If the heat is extreme, yet you have activities or chores that require a lot of exertion, consider bumping them to later or earlier times. If it must be done, ease up a bit, nothing is generally worth getting heat exhaustion or heat stroke over.

PLAY UP – August is a great month to turn on the lawn sprinklers or fill a little pool and let everyone be a kid.  Even going through the hottest part of the day in damp clothes, or a wet bandana or ball cap is a free and easy tip.

OPEN UP – In the evenings a cross-ventilation from open windows is a tried-and-true method to help cool down the house. (Just be sure and close them in the morning to retain the benefits.)

LATCH UP – Opening the windows for a breeze is great, but with loved ones affected by autism or precious pets, you’ll sleep better knowing there’s a screen safety secured in each window.

STORE UP – What’s the most vital emergency item to store at home? Water. Think about washing wounds without water, swallowing medications, or helping service animals survive a disaster. Please learn how to safely store water today, you’ll be grateful you did.

Best wishes for your summer! Oh, keep your CHIN UP, too!

~ By Elayne Pearson, Special Needs Safety/Preparedness Specialist

Email ways you “beat the heat” at hiddentreasuresofhealth@yahoo.com or www.hiddentreasuresofhealth.com

The post Arm in Arm with Autism in August? Beat the Heat appeared first on Certified Autism Specialist.

By Elayne Pearson, Special Needs Preparedness Specialist, Author, and National Speaker

July is great for recalling our amazing heritage in this choice land. I adore the patriotic music, programs, and parades. However, there were many years when even attending a local July 4^th parade with Miss Heidi, our cute daughter with Down syndrome and autism, was very stressful. Personally, I loved the spirit of patriotism, the scalloped star-spangled bunting, and creating parade floats. Our four daughters in their crisp red, white, and blue outfits (and matching hair bows) undoubtedly felt the excitement in the air too, but our youngest, Heidi (who craved peace, quiet, and predictability) probably felt like she was entering a war zone, with random firecrackers, flashing police lights directing the excited mobs, smoke and BBQ odors from vendors, and bands playing with true vigor.  More than once, Heidi darted off in a “parade panic” and our family (also in a panic) thankfully always found her.

Over the years I’ve learned a lot and offer terrific safety tips for parents of loved ones affected by autism. Truly there are three phases to managing any big event; before, during and after. My cheerful theme song? “Keep it up!”

Phase 1 – BEFORE the Big Parade

TEAM UP- Many people with special needs experience high anxiety and become impulsive when overwhelmed, and resort to fight or flight mode. It’s scary having individuals like my Heidi unexpectedly dart off, knowing when they finally stop running or are found, they’re hardly even able to say their name, let alone give personal information. While it may feel a little embarrassing, wise parents realize they need support from friends, family, trusted neighborhood watch groups, and local authorities to keep everyone safe. Start these conversations.

SPEAK UP- When Heidi was a teenager, I finally took a photo of her to our Sheriff’s office, and shared our cell phone numbers and address. They appreciated my pro-active connection. I indicated she had no fear of typical dangers, and may ignore their questions.  Also, Heidi could be enticed with a candy bar or soda pop (which has pros and cons). I shared information about her attraction to water (ponds, pools, and fountains), animals, and high places (like balconies and playground slides).  This simple step was a real comfort to me, and a real help for them. Just wish I’d done it sooner.

PRINT UP- Some parents create a special T-shirt, identification bracelet, or dog-tag-type necklace with vital information for their vulnerable children. Several choices are available, so tailor it to your needs. For example, does your child “mouth” everything? We invested in a sturdy metal bracelet for Heidi, because she’s so strong and broke pretty necklace chains. There are “buttons” which can be personalized then pinned on, or “safety stickers” printed up.

GATHER UP- The morning of the parade is too busy to organize all the things you may need, so a few days in advance gather the sunscreen, hats, blanket, safety harness, bug spray, medications, camera, extra undies/diapers, wet wipes, snacks, bubbles and umbrella. Be sure and freeze some water.

POWER UP- If your loved one needs batteries for hearing aids or power-generated items, like a wheelchair, make sure it’s juiced up in advance or pack spare batteries that are ready to go.

BUY UP- Depending on where you sit on the parade route, the procession can take a while to get there, and sometimes negative actions set in. Beforehand, pick up a new little toy or something appropriate to amuse your child while waiting.

Phase 2 – DURING the Parade and Park Activities

DIVIDE UP- Consider possible parade locations carefully, if your special child needs bathrooms close or a shady quieter area, you may want to “stake your claim” early with camp chairs, rope, or a couple of old blankets. Some parents split up the family arrival times, and keep their cell phones handy.

OPEN UP- Umbrellas are great for rain and shade, but another easy tip is blocking visual clutter. Super-excited children running around Heidi creates anxiety, so simply opening our umbrella in front of her while we waited for the pretty floats actually helped her.

LINK UP- After the parade confirm your child’s safety harness, or “buddy-up” to avoid separation. Having a pre-arranged meeting place if someone gets lost is smart. (Not the flag pole at the post office, because there may be several flags around that day, creating a lot of confusion.)

BREAK UP- Breaking up the marathon into small portions of quiet time somewhere, or even going home, might be wise to help ensure everyone lasting through the family BBQ and fireworks.

CUT UP- At the family picnic or park after, please remember hot dogs are the number one food which creates a choking hazard. Don’t let that spoil your holiday, please cut them into small pieces.

FILL UP- Before any fireworks are lit, fill a large bucket with water for dousing hot sparklers, matches, etc. Watch for dry weeds or wood in your area. Go over the safety rules and stick to them. Fireworks have blown off fingers and caused blindness, so please remember, safety saves.

LIGHT UP-  Even seemingly simple “sparklers” can cause burned hands if not handled properly. Swapping sparklers for glow sticks provides safe, inexpensive fun.

BACK UP- Frequently, individuals with disabilities have hyper-sensitive senses. The noise of the exploding fireworks, the smell of the smoke creating watery eyes, while sitting in the “prickly” grass, quite often is just too much. Consider moving into the house or your vehicle and watching the light-show from there.

Phase 3 – AFTER the Big Holiday

REST UP- Everyone will be pretty wiped out, so don’t plan anything that next day or two if possible. You all need a quiet, simple day with fairly normal routines.

FOLLOW UP- After it’s all over, evaluate the day and jot down some adjustment for next year. Thankfully, these courageous children are growing every year with our loving guidance and support. Over time we’ll come to new mutual understanding and find additional joy in family traditions and holidays.

CHIN UP- Keep smilin’ and carry on! You’re a modern-day patriot doing your part for your country.

~ Elayne Pearson, Founder of Hidden Treasures of Health, is a Special Needs Preparedness Specialist, author, and national speaker. She loves learning natural health tips and teaching trauma-recovery tools. Her hobbies include performing in musical theater productions, scrap-booking, and playing with her grandchildren.

~ For more helpful tips, tools, and techniques visit Elayne at www.hiddentreasuresofhealth.com

~ For speaking invitations, please email:  hiddentreasuresofhealth@yahoo.com

The post Problems with Parades and your Special Needs Child? Keep it “UP”! appeared first on Certified Autism Specialist.

By Elayne Pearson, Disability Advocate, Motivational Speaker & Consultant

Hope everyone is having a great summer. I bet your thoughts have turned more than once to the students affected with autism in your sphere of influence. As a mom of Heidi, a young lady on the spectrum, I can tell you, summer is a difficult season with lots of open doors and windows, time on our hands and restless kids. UGH!

I hope you are staying in touch with your students’ families and perhaps this blog and matching chart will be something helpful you can pass on to them. Take care!

As a young girl, I heard experts on our old black and white television state that chemicals were a marvel of this modern era. However, my family learned the hard way that harsh chemicals also contributed to my mother’s decline in health with allergies, asthma, anxiety and more. Her sensitive system needed natural products that her body “recognized and agreed” with.

Fast forward to raising my own four daughters, my husband and I finally realized the countless chemicals bombarding our home, food, and bathroom shelves were the last thing we needed. Especially for Heidi, who was born with Down syndrome. After years of chemicals, surgeries, vaccines, and prescription drugs, her fragile system was overwhelmed, similar to her grandma. She digressed before our eyes. Heidi was eventually dual–diagnosed Down syndrome and autism. It was a heart wrenching, bittersweet and exhausting era for our family.

Our skin is our largest organ  ̶  like a huge sponge  ̶  drawing substances into our system. So when Heidi was a teenager, I found natural clinics and herbalists who helped me diligently detoxify her polluted body. We also nourished her brain with vitamins, minerals and oils which gradually unveiled some skills and trapped emotions like a butterfly’s cocoon.

Today, she’s grown and doing well, and we’re all staying with good old fashioned remedies that are safe, economical and surprisingly efficient. This summer we’re prepared and empowered with our natural first aid kit.

1. Aloe Vera Gel – You know it cools sunburns, but did you know it also soothes scrapes and insect bites? The aloe vera plant offers antibacterial properties so it may also be used on cuts, blemishes and eczema. It can be a shaving gel, too, preventing shaving burn. Herbalists and naturopaths recommend good food grade Aloe Vera (from a health food store) to help soothe an inflamed GI tract, and it naturally contains several minerals.

2. Epsom Salt – Traditionally, this was used to soak away sore muscles after strenuous work or sports. This simple home remedy is magnesium sulfate, and can also be used as a natural laxative or detoxifier. A cheap, easy way to help cleanse Heidi was having her soak in a hot bath tub with a couple of cups thrown in (for about 20 minutes). Her Bio-medical doctor recommended this safe, economical method. The magnesium is calming to her central nervous system, and the sulfate gently draws out the chemicals that tend to collect in all of us.

3. Tea Tree (Melaleuca) Oil – It’s an essential oil, similar to eucalyptus, frankincense, and lavender oils. My nickname for tea tree oil is “first-aid-kit-in-a-bottle.” Many studies confirm various essential oils to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties, plus more ̶ so it naturally helps our family be equipped against any “flu-bug” or illness. I keep a bottle in my purse, car, and emergency packs.

4. Bentonite Clay – It’s a wonderful natural remedy that is multipurpose for internal and external needs. Adding a little water makes a helpful paste that is anti-inflammatory for most skin problems such as hives, acne and psoriasis. A lesser known method is internally, because over time, it can soothe GI tract complications of stomach and bowel issues. It gently detoxifies, as it binds and expels chemicals and harmful substances. We stir 1/2 teaspoon into a glass of water/juice and drink it. We use Utah’s Own Redmond Clay brand.

5. Baking Soda – Years ago, “soda baths” (from the bright yellow box) helped our daughters get through the chicken pox. Making a paste by adding some water and dabbing on bug bites, hives and seasonal rashes can also reduce itching and inflammation. Baking soda baths can also help in a holistic manner, in that it may help neutralize negative, “acidic” emotions. I feel more clear and balanced after a soothing soda soak.

6. Coconut Oil – Research confirms coconut oil is an outstanding replacement of unhealthy fats in our diet. I also replaced chemically-laden lotions with this cheap way to soothe peeling skin and cracked heels and remove make-up. For generations, islands families knew coconut oil is also a naturally mild sunscreen to help protect the skin from the tropical sun. It is estimated at a 10 SPF protection. As an experiment, my son-in-law used coconut oil on a day at the water park, and didn’t get sunburned.

7. Insect Repellant – We use a nice spray from Whole Foods of lemongrass oil, citronella oil, and peppermint oil to banish bugs. I love that the blend is chemical-free. Mosquitoes don’t like the smell of it, but we do. And if we forget it and get bitten, a little Redmond clay with water added (creating a paste) makes a natural poultice to help draw out the irritation and soothe the itch.

CLICK HERE to download your your own PDF to print out and make your own own summertime toolkit.

Enjoy safe, happy times this season with your special loved ones. See ya around!

(These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. IBCCES in no way endorses one methodology or treatment. Always use common sense.)

Pearson is a Special Needs Emergency / Preparedness Specialist from northern Utah.

Email hiddentreasuresofhealth@yahoo.com with feedback or speaking invitations.

The post Summer is Here! Build (or replenish) Your Own Natural First Aid Kit appeared first on Certified Autism Specialist.

From Planting Seeds to Harvesting Success

The other day a neighbor offered me some fresh garden produce and I happily accepted. My husband and I haven’t taken the effort to build up our rather alkali soil to produce a decent garden, so I truly appreciated the gift.

Later, after I saw the box of zucchini squash and some odd looking green bell pepper-looking things, I realized I would need to actually create meals with them. (Silly me, I had imagined my delivery box would contain picture perfect long carrots with the frilly green stems on top like Bugs Bunny eats, and shiny red tomatoes that make any salad or sandwich even better — both requiring little preparation.) Heck, I wasn’t even sure if some were cucumbers or zucchini and if those odd looking green items were mild green bell peppers or hot and spicy peppers. Yet, I felt compelled to use them. You see, I was raised with the old pioneer adage: “Eat it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.”

The busy lady and convenience-loving woman in me quickly realized I’d have to take the time to go through the recipes books, ensure all of the ingredients were available, and bake it to just the right time — without being sure if I’d have success with the effort. (Frankly some of my experiments have been eaten with great anticipation, then when the meal concluded, the leftovers were quietly transferred to the trash.)

Though I wasn’t itching to cook from scratch that day, it just felt like the right thing to do. So I combed through the zucchini recipes, matching them with my ingredients on hand, and—low and behold—they turned out to be the best muffins I’ve ever made. They were melt-in-your-mouth amazing.

Munching on them, I marveled at what a journey I was a small part of, from that humble seed, into the soil, to the farmer’s harvest, and then my effort leading to a bounty for our plates and palate.

Seeds are interesting things. I recalled a time in our life with Heidi, our daughter, who was born with Down syndrome was a happy little toddler. I took her to the local schools.  First, as “show-and-tell” for her very proud sisters, and later, we presented positive handicapped awareness classes. (Over 25 years ago, it was perfectly acceptable to use the word handicapped; in fact, it was politically correct to say instead of mongoloid or retarded. Every several years it changes.) Heidi, her sisters and I were symbolically planting seeds of awareness and achievements. Our family hoped our efforts would pay off, and gratefully, everyone accepted sweet little Heidi. Life was good.

As a teenager Heidi still had the darling munchkin look, but had become severely affected by autism, with high anxiety manifesting in repetitive actions, heart-breaking emotional indifference, and frightening impulsiveness. I had to stop the class presentations, life was just too complex. All I could do was hope that other parents, teachers, and leaders watered and weeded those early seedlings and perhaps plant fertile new seeds of understanding and support.

When Heidi was about 15, I recall seriously doubting that she and I were good advocates for the disabled community any more. I was still in survival mode, longing for the years of opportunities to make a meaningful difference.

One hot August afternoon, the friendly blonde teenager bagging my groceries at the local store had asked, “So, are you Heidi’s mom?”

“I am! Let’s see,” I stalled trying to place her face and put it with a name, but to no avail. “I’m sorry, so how do you know her?” Smiling I asked,  “Oh, were you one of her peer tutors at school?”

“Oh, I wish I could have done that. No, my schedule wouldn’t let me. Actually,” she chuckled, “I was a first grader, when you and Heidi came in and spoke to our class about being nice to handicapped kids, and how they are actually quite talented in different ways. Stuff like that.”

“Oh wow, you can remember us from that long ago?” I asked in amazement.

“Yep, I never forgot both of you or your message,” she replied. “You were so happy in spite of the challenges.”

“Really? Wow, how kind of you to share that,” I quietly replied. “Honestly, it all turned out to be harder than I thought.”

“Well, Heidi was just cute and so, well, lovable. You know, I had never seen a real child with Down syndrome before her. You taught us that she had to work twice as hard to crawl and walk, because her muscles were soft. I remember she was super flexible and could even do the Chinese splits,” she gushed as we walked into the scorching parking lot with my grocery cart.

“True, Heidi was amazing,” I said with a dash of bittersweetness. I couldn’t tell people that I missed the gal she used to be, but it was true.

“Anyway,” she confided while lifting the grocery bags into my car, “I just wanted you to know that your little class presentation positively impacted my life. I’m seriously thinking about going into the disability field.”

“Hey, do it,” I heartily responded, “We need good people like you in the trenches. Oh how we need good folks helping these kids. It’s an uphill climb. Wow, you’ve really made my day. Thanks so much!”

As I pulled my car out of the parking lot, I realized I had forgotten to ask her name, eventually knowing it wasn’t necessary. Deep within I knew it was important to continue communicating about disabilities, whether it was Down syndrome and autism, or anything in-between.  Each conversation, class or interaction would symbolically plant, water, weed or cultivate additional seeds of advocacy — and I’d do it wherever I could. This was a day of harvest for us; an emotional bumper crop of many years of laboring in the vineyards of life, for those who courageously live with constant challenges every day, every minute, every second.

I believe individuals within the autism spectrum disorder quietly beckon the rest of us to stand a little taller and be a little better. Hopefully, because of folks like Heidi, we’ve not only joined this field to earn a living, but also joined the greater movement to become better human beings.  That’s the true prize to be won.

So tonight I’ll serve my hubby the last of those zucchini muffins. We’ll savor the yummy homemade, home grown food. It’s another example helping me realize that by small and simple means, great things are coming to pass.

Keep it up, friends. It’s all good. God bless.

Elayne Pearson, Special Needs Preparedness Specialist, is an award-winning writer, speaker, and poet. As a dedicated disability advocate for over 27 years, she currently is a special needs newspaper columnist in the Rocky Mountain region, and is working towards her Autism Certificate from IBCCES. Additionally, as a Special Needs Preparedness Expert, Elayne recently spoke at the prestigious Autism Society of America National Conference in Denver, Colorado. To contact or invite her to your school/business/organization, Email: handinhand247@yahoo.com or hiddentreasuresofhealth@yahoo.com

The post “Hand in Hand” with Elayne appeared first on Certified Autism Specialist.