Re: Nice article in today's Trib

[Guest guest]

Thanks for posting this....was in Toys R Us yesterday...with a 13 and 16

y.o....once out of the video game section there isn't much that interests my

boys...I did buy a couple of things however that I will enjoy playing

with...just in case! :-)

In a message dated 12/15/2008 9:19:41 A.M. Central Standard Time,

grzywa@... writes:

Special-needs kids need special toys

At holiday time, parents may find it hard to buy gifts for autistic

children

By Black | Tribune reporter

December 15, 2008

Laurie Jerue struggled for years with bittersweet emotions as she bought

her daughter Big Bird toys while the girl's peers moved on to teenage

interests.

Her daughter, , 20, of Naperville is autistic. To this day, all she

has ever wanted for Christmas and birthdays were Sesame Street characters

and videos.

" There is a part of you that grieves with every holiday, " Jerue said.

It is a dilemma that many parents of children with special needs face at

gift-giving times, with autism posing some of the most difficult

challenges.

Parents struggle with whether to oblige the child who desires nothing

more than church directories, word puzzles, spinning toys or even

cleaning supplies—all real examples from youngsters' wish lists.

Friends might see the child's exotic interests as humorous or cute. But

the youngster's family recognizes that the obsession represents their

child's special need for a coping tool or bridge to the outside world

that is otherwise confusing and overwhelming.

" Autism is one of the hardest, if not the hardest, to figure out and

help, " said Ellen Metrick, a manager for the Chicago-based National

Lekotek Center, a non-profit organization that provides and modifies toys

for children with disabilities.

" For children who have sensory processing difficulties, some kids crave

more sensory input and other kids need less, " she said. " They have a very

difficult time with pretend play. It's too abstract. "

Jerue for years tried to shift her daughter's interest to educational

toys, but finally concluded in a " light-bulb moment " that is merely

a collector.

" Once I let go of some of those social expectations . . . and bought what

I just thought would make her happy, it's all been good, " she said.

Kennedy of Libertyville said gift-giving can be frustrating,

but there's never any question about what will make his 8-year-old

daughter, Shea, happy.

" Children with autism tend to have singular interests, " said Kennedy. " We

have just about every video ever made by the Wiggles and Barney. "

Metrick said environment is often just as important as the toy,

suggesting that parents create a space that contains as few distractions

as possible. Lighting, background noise and room temperature can affect a

child's play.

She knew one boy with autism who had trouble putting together

puzzles—unless he was upside down.

" He had bunk beds and when he hung over the bunk bed, he could do puzzles

with no problem, " Metrick said. " Everything else in the environment

doesn't make sense, so it's wiped clean. Only the puzzle makes sense when

he's upside down. "

Other parents, such as Jerue, can be great resources.

While no longer carries a Big Bird with her outside the house, she

has dozens in her bedroom, her mother said.

Mother and daughter go to flea markets together, where Laurie Jerue

searches for decorative dinner plates, which she collects. looks

for more Big Birds.

" I will always wish that she develops and has real friendships and real

relationships with people in her life. But there are times when people

come and go, and when she's lonely, " Jerue said. " When she's sad and

lonely, I am glad she has Big Bird. "

__________________________________________________________

Save $15 on Flowers and Gifts from FTD!

Shop now at _http://offers.http://ofhttp://ofhttp://ofhttp://offerhttp:_

(http://offers.juno.com/TGL1141/?u=http://www.ftd.com/17007)

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

**************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy

steps!

(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1215195222x1200993641/aol?redir=http://\

www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=82%26bcd=De

cemailfooterNO82)

[Guest guest]

GREAT ARTICLE!!!

I forgot that and Noah share a love of Sesame St. At almost 23 years old,

the most effective calming tool we have in our limited arsenal when Noah cannot

sleep or is super hyper, is our invaluable Sesame videos...

Who knew that Big Bird, Bert and Ernie would be LIFELONG pals...but I am

grateful that they are! Noah has two buddies who are both over 30 who are also

Sesame afficionados.

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Nice article in today's Trib

Special-needs kids need special toys

At holiday time, parents may find it hard to buy gifts for autistic

children

By Black | Tribune reporter

December 15, 2008

Laurie Jerue struggled for years with bittersweet emotions as she bought

her daughter Big Bird toys while the girl's peers moved on to teenage

interests.

Her daughter, , 20, of Naperville is autistic. To this day, all she

has ever wanted for Christmas and birthdays were Sesame Street characters

and videos.

" There is a part of you that grieves with every holiday, " Jerue said.

It is a dilemma that many parents of children with special needs face at

gift-giving times, with autism posing some of the most difficult

challenges.

Parents struggle with whether to oblige the child who desires nothing

more than church directories, word puzzles, spinning toys or even

cleaning supplies-all real examples from youngsters' wish lists.

Friends might see the child's exotic interests as humorous or cute. But

the youngster's family recognizes that the obsession represents their

child's special need for a coping tool or bridge to the outside world

that is otherwise confusing and overwhelming.

" Autism is one of the hardest, if not the hardest, to figure out and

help, " said Ellen Metrick, a manager for the Chicago-based National

Lekotek Center, a non-profit organization that provides and modifies toys

for children with disabilities.

" For children who have sensory processing difficulties, some kids crave

more sensory input and other kids need less, " she said. " They have a very

difficult time with pretend play. It's too abstract. "

Jerue for years tried to shift her daughter's interest to educational

toys, but finally concluded in a " light-bulb moment " that is merely

a collector.

" Once I let go of some of those social expectations . . . and bought what

I just thought would make her happy, it's all been good, " she said.

Kennedy of Libertyville said gift-giving can be frustrating,

but there's never any question about what will make his 8-year-old

daughter, Shea, happy.

" Children with autism tend to have singular interests, " said Kennedy. " We

have just about every video ever made by the Wiggles and Barney. "

Metrick said environment is often just as important as the toy,

suggesting that parents create a space that contains as few distractions

as possible. Lighting, background noise and room temperature can affect a

child's play.

She knew one boy with autism who had trouble putting together

puzzles-unless he was upside down.

" He had bunk beds and when he hung over the bunk bed, he could do puzzles

with no problem, " Metrick said. " Everything else in the environment

doesn't make sense, so it's wiped clean. Only the puzzle makes sense when

he's upside down. "

Other parents, such as Jerue, can be great resources.

While no longer carries a Big Bird with her outside the house, she

has dozens in her bedroom, her mother said.

Mother and daughter go to flea markets together, where Laurie Jerue

searches for decorative dinner plates, which she collects. looks

for more Big Birds.

" I will always wish that she develops and has real friendships and real

relationships with people in her life. But there are times when people

come and go, and when she's lonely, " Jerue said. " When she's sad and

lonely, I am glad she has Big Bird. "

__________________________________________________________

Save $15 on Flowers and Gifts from FTD!

Shop now at http://offers.juno.com/TGL1141/?u=http://www.ftd.com/17007

[Guest guest]

has THomas the Tank Engine.........he still LOVES and his friends.

H.

Re: Nice article in today's Trib

GREAT ARTICLE!!!

I forgot that and Noah share a love of Sesame St. At almost 23 years old,

the most effective calming tool we have in our limited arsenal when Noah cannot

sleep or is super hyper, is our invaluable Sesame videos...

Who knew that Big Bird, Bert and Ernie would be LIFELONG pals...but I am

grateful that they are! Noah has two buddies who are both over 30 who are also

Sesame afficionados.

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Nice article in today's Trib

Special-needs kids need special toys

At holiday time, parents may find it hard to buy gifts for autistic

children

By Black | Tribune reporter

December 15, 2008

Laurie Jerue struggled for years with bittersweet emotions as she bought

her daughter Big Bird toys while the girl's peers moved on to teenage

interests.

Her daughter, , 20, of Naperville is autistic. To this day, all she

has ever wanted for Christmas and birthdays were Sesame Street characters

and videos.

" There is a part of you that grieves with every holiday, " Jerue said.

It is a dilemma that many parents of children with special needs face at

gift-giving times, with autism posing some of the most difficult

challenges.

Parents struggle with whether to oblige the child who desires nothing

more than church directories, word puzzles, spinning toys or even

cleaning supplies-all real examples from youngsters' wish lists.

Friends might see the child's exotic interests as humorous or cute. But

the youngster's family recognizes that the obsession represents their

child's special need for a coping tool or bridge to the outside world

that is otherwise confusing and overwhelming.

" Autism is one of the hardest, if not the hardest, to figure out and

help, " said Ellen Metrick, a manager for the Chicago-based National

Lekotek Center, a non-profit organization

that provides and modifies toys

for children with disabilities.

" For children who have sensory processing difficulties, some kids crave

more sensory input and other kids need less, " she said. " They have a very

difficult time with pretend play. It's too abstract. "

Jerue for years tried to shift her daughter's interest to educational

toys, but finally concluded in a " light-bulb moment " that is merely

a collector.

" Once I let go of some of those social expectations . . . and bought what

I just thought would make her happy, it's all been good, " she said.

Kennedy of Libertyville said gift-giving can be frustrating,

but there's never any question about what will make his 8-year-old

daughter, Shea, happy.

" Children with autism tend to have singular interests, " said Kennedy. " We

have just about every video ever made by the Wiggles and Barney. "

Metrick said environment is often just as important as the toy,

suggesting that parents create a space that contains as few distractions

as possible. Lighting, background noise and room temperature can affect a

child's play.

She knew one boy with autism who had trouble putting together

puzzles-unless he was upside down.

" He had bunk beds and when he hung over the bunk bed, he could do puzzles

with no problem, " Metrick said. " Everything else in the environment

doesn't make sense, so it's wiped clean. Only the puzzle makes sense when

he's upside down. "

Other parents, such as Jerue, can be great resources.

While no longer carries a Big Bird with her outside the house, she

has dozens in her bedroom, her mother said.

Mother and daughter go to flea markets together, where Laurie Jerue

searches for decorative dinner plates, which she collects. looks

for more Big Birds.

" I will always wish that she develops and has real friendships and real

relationships with people in her life. But there are times when people

come and go, and when she's lonely, " Jerue said. " When she's sad and

l

onely, I am glad she has Big Bird. "

__________________________________________________________

Save $15 on Flowers and Gifts from FTD!

Shop now at http://offers.juno.com/TGL1141/?u=http://www.ftd.com/17007

[Guest guest]

Quentin still sleeps with Elmo and Kermit as he has since he first got them. And

he grew up in France where there is no Sesame Street on television but relatives

always sent videos and they hit it off right away.

Thais

--

WOW! Homepage (http://www.wowway.com)

[Guest guest]

This is a wonderful article, Laurie!!

H.

Nice article in today's Trib

Special-needs kids need special toys

t holiday time, parents may find it hard to buy gifts for autistic

hildren

y Black | Tribune reporter

ecember 15, 2008

aurie Jerue struggled for years with bittersweet emotions as she bought

er daughter Big Bird toys while the girl's peers moved on to teenage

nterests.

Her daughter, , 20, of Naperville is autistic. To this day, all she

as ever wanted for Christmas and birthdays were Sesame Street characters

nd videos.

" There is a part of you that grieves with every holiday, " Jerue said.

It is a dilemma that many parents of children with special needs face at

ift-giving times, with autism posing some of the most difficult

hallenges.

Parents struggle with whether to oblige the child who desires nothing

ore than church directories, word puzzles, spinning toys or even

leaning supplies—all real examples from youngsters' wish lists.

Friends might see the child's exotic interests as humorous or cute. But

he youngster's family recognizes that the obsession represents their

hild's special need for a coping tool or bridge to the outside world

hat is otherwise confusing and overwhelming.

" Autism is one of the hardest, if not the hardest, to figure out and

elp, " said Ellen Metrick, a manager for the Chicago-based National

ekotek Center, a non-prof

it organization that provides and modifies toys

or children with disabilities.

" For children who have sensory processing difficulties, some kids crave

ore sensory input and other kids need less, " she said. " They have a very

ifficult time with pretend play. It's too abstract. "

Jerue for years tried to shift her daughter's interest to educational

oys, but finally concluded in a " light-bulb moment " that is merely

collector.

" Once I let go of some of those social expectations . . . and bought what

just thought would make her happy, it's all been good, " she said.

Kennedy of Libertyville said gift-giving can be frustrating,

ut there's never any question about what will make his 8-year-old

aughter, Shea, happy.

" Children with autism tend to have singular interests, " said Kennedy. " We

ave just about every video ever made by the Wiggles and Barney. "

Metrick said environment is often just as important as the toy,

uggesting that parents create a space that contains as few distractions

s possible. Lighting, background noise and room temperature can affect a

hild's play.

She knew one boy with autism who had trouble putting together

uzzles—unless he was upside down.

" He had bunk beds and when he hung over the bunk bed, he could do puzzles

ith no problem, " Metrick said. " Everything else in the environment

oesn't make sense, so it's wiped clean. Only the puzzle makes sense when

e's upside down. "

Other parents, such as Jerue, can be great resources.

While no longer carries a Big Bird with her ou

tside the house, she

as dozens in her bedroom, her mother said.

Mother and daughter go to flea markets together, where Laurie Jerue

earches for decorative dinner plates, which she collects. looks

or more Big Birds.

" I will always wish that she develops and has real friendships and real

elationships with people in her life. But there are times when people

ome and go, and when she's lonely, " Jerue said. " When she's sad and

onely, I am glad she has Big Bird. "

____________________________________________________________

ave $15 on Flowers and Gifts from FTD!

hop now at http://offers.juno.com/TGL1141/?u=http://www.ftd.com/17007

Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-----------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all the kind comments today everybody. We are so often our own worst

critics, and that's been me, today...thinking of all the things I could have

said 'better'! I wonder if the folks at Children's Television Workshop know

how many lifelong fans they've made in the disability community? We're

certainly thankful they've been a part of our lives.

Have a good evening,

Laurie

Nice article in today's Trib

Special-needs kids need special toys

t holiday time, parents may find it hard to buy gifts for autistic

hildren

y Black | Tribune reporter

ecember 15, 2008

aurie Jerue struggled for years with bittersweet emotions as she bought

er daughter Big Bird toys while the girl's peers moved on to teenage

nterests.

Her daughter, , 20, of Naperville is autistic. To this day, all she

as ever wanted for Christmas and birthdays were Sesame Street characters

nd videos.

" There is a part of you that grieves with every holiday, " Jerue said.

It is a dilemma that many parents of children with special needs face at

ift-giving times, with autism posing some of the most difficult

hallenges.

Parents struggle with whether to oblige the child who desires nothing

ore than church directories, word puzzles, spinning toys or even

leaning supplies—all real examples from youngsters' wish lists.

Friends might see the child's exotic interests as humorous or cute. But

he youngster's family recognizes that the obsession represents their

hild's special need for a coping tool or bridge to the outside world

hat is otherwise confusing and overwhelming.

" Autism is one of the hardest, if not the hardest, to figure out and

elp, " said Ellen Metrick, a manager for the Chicago-based National

ekotek Center, a non-prof

it organization that provides and modifies toys

or children with disabilities.

" For children who have sensory processing difficulties, some kids crave

ore sensory input and other kids need less, " she said. " They have a very

ifficult time with pretend play. It's too abstract. "

Jerue for years tried to shift her daughter's interest to educational

oys, but finally concluded in a " light-bulb moment " that is merely

collector.

" Once I let go of some of those social expectations . . . and bought what

just thought would make her happy, it's all been good, " she said.

Kennedy of Libertyville said gift-giving can be frustrating,

ut there's never any question about what will make his 8-year-old

aughter, Shea, happy.

" Children with autism tend to have singular interests, " said Kennedy. " We

ave just about every video ever made by the Wiggles and Barney. "

Metrick said environment is often just as important as the toy,

uggesting that parents create a space that contains as few distractions

s possible. Lighting, background noise and room temperature can affect a

hild's play.

She knew one boy with autism who had trouble putting together

uzzles—unless he was upside down.

" He had bunk beds and when he hung over the bunk bed, he could do puzzles

ith no problem, " Metrick said. " Everything else in the environment

oesn't make sense, so it's wiped clean. Only the puzzle makes sense when

e's upside down. "

Other parents, such as Jerue, can be great resources.

While no longer carries a Big Bird with her ou

tside the house, she

as dozens in her bedroom, her mother said.

Mother and daughter go to flea markets together, where Laurie Jerue

earches for decorative dinner plates, which she collects. looks

or more Big Birds.

" I will always wish that she develops and has real friendships and real

elationships with people in her life. But there are times when people

ome and go, and when she's lonely, " Jerue said. " When she's sad and

onely, I am glad she has Big Bird. "

__________________________________________________________

ave $15 on Flowers and Gifts from FTD!

hop now at http://offers.juno.com/TGL1141/?u=http://www.ftd.com/17007

Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-----------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Thais...I knew you were our kind of people

It isn't easy being green!

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Re: Nice article in today's Trib

Quentin still sleeps with Elmo and Kermit as he has since he first got them.

And he grew up in France where there is no Sesame Street on television but

relatives always sent videos and they hit it off right away.

Thais

--

WOW! Homepage (http://www.wowway.com)

[Guest guest]

I love to read children's books even when my niece and nephews are not around to

hear me...and I'm 41.

" The secret to l'Arche is relationship: meeting people...heart to heart " .  Jean

Vanier

Visit us on the 2nd Thursday of each month!

 

andra Conroy

Executive Director and Community Leader

L'Arche Chicago 1049 S Austin Blvd Chicago IL 60644                     

Office:708-795-1273 Home: 773-287-8249

From: Jerue Family <jeruefamily@...>

Subject: Re: Nice article in today's Trib

IPADDUnite

Date: Monday, December 15, 2008, 6:33 PM

Thanks for all the kind comments today everybody. We are so often our own worst

critics, and that's been me, today...thinking of all the things I could have

said 'better'! I wonder if the folks at Children's Television Workshop know

how many lifelong fans they've made in the disability community? We're certainly

thankful they've been a part of our lives.

Have a good evening,

Laurie

Nice article in today's Trib

Special-needs kids need special toys

t holiday time, parents may find it hard to buy gifts for autistic

hildren

y Black | Tribune reporter

ecember 15, 2008

aurie Jerue struggled for years with bittersweet emotions as she bought

er daughter Big Bird toys while the girl's peers moved on to teenage

nterests.

Her daughter, , 20, of Naperville is autistic. To this day, all she

as ever wanted for Christmas and birthdays were Sesame Street characters

nd videos.

" There is a part of you that grieves with every holiday, " Jerue said.

It is a dilemma that many parents of children with special needs face at

ift-giving times, with autism posing some of the most difficult

hallenges.

Parents struggle with whether to oblige the child who desires nothing

ore than church directories, word puzzles, spinning toys or even

leaning supplies—all real examples from youngsters' wish lists.

Friends might see the child's exotic interests as humorous or cute. But

he youngster's family recognizes that the obsession represents their

hild's special need for a coping tool or bridge to the outside world

hat is otherwise confusing and overwhelming.

" Autism is one of the hardest, if not the hardest, to figure out and

elp, " said Ellen Metrick, a manager for the Chicago-based National

ekotek Center, a non-prof

it organization that provides and modifies toys

or children with disabilities.

" For children who have sensory processing difficulties, some kids crave

ore sensory input and other kids need less, " she said. " They have a very

ifficult time with pretend play. It's too abstract. "

Jerue for years tried to shift her daughter's interest to educational

oys, but finally concluded in a " light-bulb moment " that is merely

collector.

" Once I let go of some of those social expectations . . . and bought what

just thought would make her happy, it's all been good, " she said.

Kennedy of Libertyville said gift-giving can be frustrating,

ut there's never any question about what will make his 8-year-old

aughter, Shea, happy.

" Children with autism tend to have singular interests, " said Kennedy. " We

ave just about every video ever made by the Wiggles and Barney. "

Metrick said environment is often just as important as the toy,

uggesting that parents create a space that contains as few distractions

s possible. Lighting, background noise and room temperature can affect a

hild's play.

She knew one boy with autism who had trouble putting together

uzzles—unless he was upside down.

" He had bunk beds and when he hung over the bunk bed, he could do puzzles

ith no problem, " Metrick said. " Everything else in the environment

oesn't make sense, so it's wiped clean. Only the puzzle makes sense when

e's upside down. "

Other parents, such as Jerue, can be great resources.

While no longer carries a Big Bird with her ou

tside the house, she

as dozens in her bedroom, her mother said.

Mother and daughter go to flea markets together, where Laurie Jerue

earches for decorative dinner plates, which she collects. looks

or more Big Birds.

" I will always wish that she develops and has real friendships and real

elationships with people in her life. But there are times when people

ome and go, and when she's lonely, " Jerue said. " When she's sad and

onely, I am glad she has Big Bird. "

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

ave $15 on Flowers and Gifts from FTD!

hop now at http://offers. juno.com/ TGL1141/? u=http:// www.ftd.com/ 17007

Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

------------ --------- --------- -----

[Guest guest]

Noah and I audit classes at Trinity. My favorite class thus far has been

Children's Lit...some of the best books ever!

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

Nice article in today's Trib

Special-needs kids need special toys

t holiday time, parents may find it hard to buy gifts for autistic

hildren

y Black | Tribune reporter

ecember 15, 2008

aurie Jerue struggled for years with bittersweet emotions as she bought

er daughter Big Bird toys while the girl's peers moved on to teenage

nterests.

Her daughter, , 20, of Naperville is autistic. To this day, all she

as ever wanted for Christmas and birthdays were Sesame Street characters

nd videos.

" There is a part of you that grieves with every holiday, " Jerue said.

It is a dilemma that many parents of children with special needs face at

ift-giving times, with autism posing some of the most difficult

hallenges.

Parents struggle with whether to oblige the child who desires nothing

ore than church directories, word puzzles, spinning toys or even

leaning supplies—all real examples from youngsters' wish lists.

Friends might see the child's exotic interests as humorous or cute. But

he youngster's family recognizes that the obsession represents their

hild's special need for a coping tool or bridge to the outside world

hat is otherwise confusing and overwhelming.

" Autism is one of the hardest, if not the hardest, to figure out and

elp, " said Ellen Metrick, a manager for the Chicago-based National

ekotek Center, a non-prof

it organization that provides and modifies toys

or children with disabilities.

" For children who have sensory processing difficulties, some kids crave

ore sensory input and other kids need less, " she said. " They have a very

ifficult time with pretend play. It's too abstract. "

Jerue for years tried to shift her daughter's interest to educational

oys, but finally concluded in a " light-bulb moment " that is merely

collector.

" Once I let go of some of those social expectations . . . and bought what

just thought would make her happy, it's all been good, " she said.

Kennedy of Libertyville said gift-giving can be frustrating,

ut there's never any question about what will make his 8-year-old

aughter, Shea, happy.

" Children with autism tend to have singular interests, " said Kennedy. " We

ave just about every video ever made by the Wiggles and Barney. "

Metrick said environment is often just as important as the toy,

uggesting that parents create a space that contains as few distractions

s possible. Lighting, background noise and room temperature can affect a

hild's play.

She knew one boy with autism who had trouble putting together

uzzles—unless he was upside down.

" He had bunk beds and when he hung over the bunk bed, he could do puzzles

ith no problem, " Metrick said. " Everything else in the environment

oesn't make sense, so it's wiped clean. Only the puzzle makes sense when

e's upside down. "

Other parents, such as Jerue, can be great resources.

While no longer carries a Big Bird with her ou

tside the house, she

as dozens in her bedroom, her mother said.

Mother and daughter go to flea markets together, where Laurie Jerue

earches for decorative dinner plates, which she collects. looks

or more Big Birds.

" I will always wish that she develops and has real friendships and real

elationships with people in her life. But there are times when people

ome and go, and when she's lonely, " Jerue said. " When she's sad and

onely, I am glad she has Big Bird. "

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

ave $15 on Flowers and Gifts from FTD!

hop now at http://offers. juno.com/ TGL1141/? u=http:// www.ftd.com/ 17007

Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

------------ --------- --------- -----

[Guest guest]

Well I guess I have to thank Disney as well...my wife caught my 16 y.o.

singing " Bella Notte " from Lady and the Tramp this afternoon...

In a message dated 12/15/2008 6:34:09 P.M. Central Standard Time,

jeruefamily@... writes:

Thanks for all the kind comments today everybody. We are so often our own

worst critics, and that's been me, today...thinking of all the things I could

have said 'better'! I wonder if the folks at Children's Television Workshop

know how many lifelong fans they've made in the disability community? We're

certainly thankful they've been a part of our lives.

Have a good evening,

Laurie

Nice article in today's Trib

Special-needs kids need special toys

t holiday time, parents may find it hard to buy gifts for autistic

hildren

y Black | Tribune reporter

ecember 15, 2008

aurie Jerue struggled for years with bittersweet emotions as she bought

er daughter Big Bird toys while the girl's peers moved on to teenage

nterests.

Her daughter, , 20, of Naperville is autistic. To this day, all she

as ever wanted for Christmas and birthdays were Sesame Street characters

nd videos.

" There is a part of you that grieves with every holiday, " Jerue said.

It is a dilemma that many parents of children with special needs face at

ift-giving times, with autism posing some of the most difficult

hallenges.

Parents struggle with whether to oblige the child who desires nothing

ore than church directories, word puzzles, spinning toys or even

leaning supplies—all real examples from youngsters' wish lists.

Friends might see the child's exotic interests as humorous or cute. But

he youngster's family recognizes that the obsession represents their

hild's special need for a coping tool or bridge to the outside world

hat is otherwise confusing and overwhelming.

" Autism is one of the hardest, if not the hardest, to figure out and

elp, " said Ellen Metrick, a manager for the Chicago-based National

ekotek Center, a non-prof

it organization that provides and modifies toys

or children with disabilities.

" For children who have sensory processing difficulties, some kids crave

ore sensory input and other kids need less, " she said. " They have a very

ifficult time with pretend play. It's too abstract. "

Jerue for years tried to shift her daughter's interest to educational

oys, but finally concluded in a " light-bulb moment " that is merely

collector.

" Once I let go of some of those social expectations . . . and bought what

just thought would make her happy, it's all been good, " she said.

Kennedy of Libertyville said gift-giving can be frustrating,

ut there's never any question about what will make his 8-year-old

aughter, Shea, happy.

" Children with autism tend to have singular interests, " said Kennedy. " We

ave just about every video ever made by the Wiggles and Barney. "

Metrick said environment is often just as important as the toy,

uggesting that parents create a space that contains as few distractions

s possible. Lighting, background noise and room temperature can affect a

hild's play.

She knew one boy with autism who had trouble putting together

uzzles—unless he was upside down.

" He had bunk beds and when he hung over the bunk bed, he could do puzzles

ith no problem, " Metrick said. " Everything else in the environment

oesn't make sense, so it's wiped clean. Only the puzzle makes sense when

e's upside down. "

Other parents, such as Jerue, can be great resources.

While no longer carries a Big Bird with her ou

tside the house, she

as dozens in her bedroom, her mother said.

Mother and daughter go to flea markets together, where Laurie Jerue

earches for decorative dinner plates, which she collects. looks

or more Big Birds.

" I will always wish that she develops and has real friendships and real

elationships with people in her life. But there are times when people

ome and go, and when she's lonely, " Jerue said. " When she's sad and

onely, I am glad she has Big Bird. "

__________________________________________________________

ave $15 on Flowers and Gifts from FTD!

hop now at _http://offers.http://ofhttp://ofhttp://ofhttp://offerhttp:_

(http://offers.juno.com/TGL1141/?u=http://www.ftd.com/17007)

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[Guest guest]

Hi all. is 16 years old and loves his the train and

gang, as well as buzz lightyear, and tigger! Have to say, my NT

daughter of 14 1/2 also loves Tigger! There is no shame at all in

having some furry or exciting friends.

Diane S

>

> GREAT ARTICLE!!!

> I forgot that and Noah share a love of Sesame St. At almost

23 years old, the most effective calming tool we have in our limited

arsenal when Noah cannot sleep or is super hyper, is our invaluable

Sesame videos...

> Who knew that Big Bird, Bert and Ernie would be LIFELONG pals...but

I am grateful that they are! Noah has two buddies who are both over

30 who are also Sesame afficionados.

> Ellen

> Ellen Garber Bronfeld

> egskb@...

> Nice article in today's Trib

>

>

> Special-needs kids need special toys

> At holiday time, parents may find it hard to buy gifts for

autistic

> children

> By Black | Tribune reporter

> December 15, 2008

> Laurie Jerue struggled for years with bittersweet emotions as she

bought

> her daughter Big Bird toys while the girl's peers moved on to

teenage

> interests.

>

> Her daughter, , 20, of Naperville is autistic. To this day,

all she

> has ever wanted for Christmas and birthdays were Sesame Street

characters

> and videos.

>

> " There is a part of you that grieves with every holiday, " Jerue

said.

>

> It is a dilemma that many parents of children with special needs

face at

> gift-giving times, with autism posing some of the most difficult

> challenges.

>

> Parents struggle with whether to oblige the child who desires

nothing

> more than church directories, word puzzles, spinning toys or even

> cleaning supplies-all real examples from youngsters' wish lists.

>

> Friends might see the child's exotic interests as humorous or

cute. But

> the youngster's family recognizes that the obsession represents

their

> child's special need for a coping tool or bridge to the outside

world

> that is otherwise confusing and overwhelming.

>

> " Autism is one of the hardest, if not the hardest, to figure out

and

> help, " said Ellen Metrick, a manager for the Chicago-based

National

> Lekotek Center, a non-profit organization that provides and

modifies toys

> for children with disabilities.

>

> " For children who have sensory processing difficulties, some kids

crave

> more sensory input and other kids need less, " she said. " They

have a very

> difficult time with pretend play. It's too abstract. "

>

> Jerue for years tried to shift her daughter's interest to

educational

> toys, but finally concluded in a " light-bulb moment " that

is merely

> a collector.

>

> " Once I let go of some of those social expectations . . . and

bought what

> I just thought would make her happy, it's all been good, " she

said.

>

> Kennedy of Libertyville said gift-giving can be

frustrating,

> but there's never any question about what will make his 8-year-old

> daughter, Shea, happy.

>

> " Children with autism tend to have singular interests, " said

Kennedy. " We

> have just about every video ever made by the Wiggles and Barney. "

>

> Metrick said environment is often just as important as the toy,

> suggesting that parents create a space that contains as few

distractions

> as possible. Lighting, background noise and room temperature can

affect a

> child's play.

>

> She knew one boy with autism who had trouble putting together

> puzzles-unless he was upside down.

>

> " He had bunk beds and when he hung over the bunk bed, he could do

puzzles

> with no problem, " Metrick said. " Everything else in the

environment

> doesn't make sense, so it's wiped clean. Only the puzzle makes

sense when

> he's upside down. "

>

> Other parents, such as Jerue, can be great resources.

>

> While no longer carries a Big Bird with her outside the

house, she

> has dozens in her bedroom, her mother said.

>

> Mother and daughter go to flea markets together, where Laurie

Jerue

> searches for decorative dinner plates, which she collects.

looks

> for more Big Birds.

>

> " I will always wish that she develops and has real friendships

and real

> relationships with people in her life. But there are times when

people

> come and go, and when she's lonely, " Jerue said. " When she's sad

and

> lonely, I am glad she has Big Bird. "

>

> __________________________________________________________

> Save $15 on Flowers and Gifts from FTD!

> Shop now at http://offers.juno.com/TGL1141/?

u=http://www.ftd.com/17007

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

All I have to say is www.andfriends.com !

Diane S.

>

>

> has THomas the Tank Engine.........he still LOVES and

his friends.

>

> H.

>

>

> Re: Nice article in today's Trib

>

>

>

>

> GREAT ARTICLE!!!

> I forgot that and Noah share a love of Sesame St. At almost

23 years old,

> the most effective calming tool we have in our limited arsenal when

Noah cannot

> sleep or is super hyper, is our invaluable Sesame videos...

> Who knew that Big Bird, Bert and Ernie would be LIFELONG pals...but

I am

> grateful that they are! Noah has two buddies who are both over 30

who are also

> Sesame afficionados.

> Ellen

> Ellen Garber Bronfeld

> egskb@...

> Nice article in today's Trib

>

>

> Special-needs kids need special toys

> At holiday time, parents may find it hard to buy gifts for

autistic

> children

> By Black | Tribune reporter

> December 15, 2008

> Laurie Jerue struggled for years with bittersweet emotions as she

bought

> her daughter Big Bird toys while the girl's peers moved on to

teenage

> interests.

>

> Her daughter, , 20, of Naperville is autistic. To this day,

all she

> has ever wanted for Christmas and birthdays were Sesame Street

characters

> and videos.

>

> " There is a part of you that grieves with every holiday, " Jerue

said.

>

> It is a dilemma that many parents of children with special needs

face at

> gift-giving times, with autism posing some of the most difficult

> challenges.

>

> Parents struggle with whether to oblige the child who desires

nothing

> more than church directories, word puzzles, spinning toys or even

> cleaning supplies-all real examples from youngsters' wish lists.

>

> Friends might see the child's exotic interests as humorous or

cute. But

> the youngster's family recognizes that the obsession represents

their

> child's special need for a coping tool or bridge to the outside

world

> that is otherwise confusing and overwhelming.

>

> " Autism is one of the hardest, if not the hardest, to figure out

and

> help, " said Ellen Metrick, a manager for the Chicago-based

National

> Lekotek Center, a non-profit organization

> that provides and modifies toys

> for children with disabilities.

>

> " For children who have sensory processing difficulties, some kids

crave

> more sensory input and other kids need less, " she said. " They

have a very

> difficult time with pretend play. It's too abstract. "

>

> Jerue for years tried to shift her daughter's interest to

educational

> toys, but finally concluded in a " light-bulb moment " that

is merely

> a collector.

>

> " Once I let go of some of those social expectations . . . and

bought what

> I just thought would make her happy, it's all been good, " she

said.

>

> Kennedy of Libertyville said gift-giving can be

frustrating,

> but there's never any question about what will make his 8-year-old

> daughter, Shea, happy.

>

> " Children with autism tend to have singular interests, " said

Kennedy. " We

> have just about every video ever made by the Wiggles and Barney. "

>

> Metrick said environment is often just as important as the toy,

> suggesting that parents create a space that contains as few

distractions

> as possible. Lighting, background noise and room temperature can

affect a

> child's play.

>

> She knew one boy with autism who had trouble putting together

> puzzles-unless he was upside down.

>

> " He had bunk beds and when he hung over the bunk bed, he could do

puzzles

> with no problem, " Metrick said. " Everything else in the

environment

> doesn't make sense, so it's wiped clean. Only the puzzle makes

sense when

> he's upside down. "

>

> Other parents, such as Jerue, can be great resources.

>

> While no longer carries a Big Bird with her outside the

house, she

> has dozens in her bedroom, her mother said.

>

> Mother and daughter go to flea markets together, where Laurie

Jerue

> searches for decorative dinner plates, which she collects.

looks

> for more Big Birds.

>

> " I will always wish that she develops and has real friendships

and real

> relationships with people in her life. But there are times when

people

> come and go, and when she's lonely, " Jerue said. " When she's sad

and

> l

> onely, I am glad she has Big Bird. "

>

> __________________________________________________________

> Save $15 on Flowers and Gifts from FTD!

> Shop now at http://offers.juno.com/TGL1141/?

u=http://www.ftd.com/17007

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks to for making it okay again to love cool characters!

Diane S

>

> Thanks for all the kind comments today everybody. We are so often

our own worst critics, and that's been me, today...thinking of all

the things I could have said 'better'! I wonder if the folks at

Children's Television Workshop know how many lifelong fans they've

made in the disability community? We're certainly thankful they've

been a part of our lives.

>

> Have a good evening,

> Laurie

>

> Nice article in today's Trib

>

> Special-needs kids need special toys

> t holiday time, parents may find it hard to buy gifts for autistic

> hildren

> y Black | Tribune reporter

> ecember 15, 2008

> aurie Jerue struggled for years with bittersweet emotions as she

bought

> er daughter Big Bird toys while the girl's peers moved on to

teenage

> nterests.

> Her daughter, , 20, of Naperville is autistic. To this day,

all she

> as ever wanted for Christmas and birthdays were Sesame Street

characters

> nd videos.

> " There is a part of you that grieves with every holiday, " Jerue

said.

> It is a dilemma that many parents of children with special needs

face at

> ift-giving times, with autism posing some of the most difficult

> hallenges.

>

> Parents struggle with whether to oblige the child who desires

nothing

> ore than church directories, word puzzles, spinning toys or even

> leaning supplies†" all real examples from youngsters' wish lists.

> Friends might see the child's exotic interests as humorous or

cute. But

> he youngster's family recognizes that the obsession represents

their

> hild's special need for a coping tool or bridge to the outside

world

> hat is otherwise confusing and overwhelming.

> " Autism is one of the hardest, if not the hardest, to figure out

and

> elp, " said Ellen Metrick, a manager for the Chicago-based National

> ekotek Center, a non-prof

> it organization that provides and modifies toys

> or children with disabilities.

> " For children who have sensory processing difficulties, some kids

crave

> ore sensory input and other kids need less, " she said. " They have

a very

> ifficult time with pretend play. It's too abstract. "

> Jerue for years tried to shift her daughter's interest to

educational

> oys, but finally concluded in a " light-bulb moment " that is

merely

> collector.

> " Once I let go of some of those social expectations . . . and

bought what

> just thought would make her happy, it's all been good, " she said.

> Kennedy of Libertyville said gift-giving can be

frustrating,

> ut there's never any question about what will make his 8-year-old

> aughter, Shea, happy.

> " Children with autism tend to have singular interests, " said

Kennedy. " We

> ave just about every video ever made by the Wiggles and Barney. "

> Metrick said environment is often just as important as the toy,

> uggesting that parents create a space that contains as few

distractions

> s possible. Lighting, background noise and room temperature can

affect a

> hild's play.

> She knew one boy with autism who had trouble putting together

> uzzles†" unless he was upside down.

> " He had bunk beds and when he hung over the bunk bed, he could do

puzzles

> ith no problem, " Metrick said. " Everything else in the environment

> oesn't make sense, so it's wiped clean. Only the puzzle makes

sense when

> e's upside down. "

> Other parents, such as Jerue, can be great resources.

> While no longer carries a Big Bird with her ou

> tside the house, she

> as dozens in her bedroom, her mother said.

> Mother and daughter go to flea markets together, where Laurie

Jerue

> earches for decorative dinner plates, which she collects.

looks

> or more Big Birds.

> " I will always wish that she develops and has real friendships

and real

> elationships with people in her life. But there are times when

people

> ome and go, and when she's lonely, " Jerue said. " When she's sad

and

> onely, I am glad she has Big Bird. "

> __________________________________________________________

> ave $15 on Flowers and Gifts from FTD!

> hop now at http://offers.juno.com/TGL1141/?

u=http://www.ftd.com/17007

>

> Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>

> -----------------------------------

>