Fwd: Autism and RDI: Summer Fun

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Issue 36

June 13, 2012

B r a i n B y t e s

Brains Used for Autism Research Compromised

Do Liars Have Different Brains?

Quick Links

RDIconnect Website

Find an RDI Consultant

RDI Certification for professionals

"Never eat more than you

can lift". - Miss Piggy

Do you have a backyard or park that you can walk to for a picnic? Carrying a picnic basket while you choose together what to take on your picnic will help you know how much you can lift and carry and what you want to take.

Support choices and mindful responses through statements such as, "I know we'll be thirsty" or "I don't know what kind of sandwich you might want later."

An RDI approach to

everyday tasks always takes longer, but it's the ability for optimal structuring that creates opportunities for cognitive growth.

The Lighter Side

by

Q: What is the origin of Q & A?

A: It involves a fire truck, dwarf goat, and your imagination since I have no idea how those ideas work together.

In Their Own Words

Click on these links to see what RDI consultants are doing!

Amy Cameron

Breathing Underwater Podcast

Kathy Darrow

Kathy discusses RDI in an interview on Autism One Radio

Hudkins

'The RDI Mom' Blog

Isaac

Understanding Autism Podcast - Broadcast live on the 2nd Monday and 2nd Monday of every month

Zoe

'Food for Thought' Blog

The RDI Book

In English and Spanish!

Available through Amazon or Click here.

Good News...Amazon is now shipping the RDI Book Internationally.

Dear Friend

This week, we return to Ellen's Adventures and get a glimpse of some of the challenges of the teenage years. Consultant Lianne Belton reminds us of the dynamic nature of...nature!

~ le Sheely, PhD

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Sink or Swim: the Continuing

Adventures of Ellen

by Dr le Sheely

As Ellen entered the teenage years, issues emerged that were confusing to her parents and confusing to her as well. Parents of typically developing teenagers often refer, aghast, to this period of time as hormonal and volatile. Ellen's parents found themselves asking the age-old question- "Is this typical development or is it autism?" At some level this question is irrelevant because parents mentor their children, no matter the age, and must maintain standards of conduct regardless of the etiology.

At the same time, this question is important since it helps frame the parenting response to issues that arise. If the problem is autism, then the structuring of support may be layered with more teaching. If the problem is an eye-rolling teenager, your response will be similar to parents of typical teenagers. There are lots of books on parenting teenagers and our own work with dynamic intelligence is also relevant. (It can be a combination of both but that is for a later discussion)

An example of the conundrum faced by Ellen's parents was messiness. "You left a mess in the den, clean it up". "OK" is the reply as she began to clean. So far so good, although a half hour or even an hour later a less than keen observer would walk into a messy room that appeared not to have been touched at all. Where a teenager might simply decide not to do as asked, Ellen seemed desirous but incapable of completing the task.

Read more...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Getting Out There: RDI in the Summertime

By Lianne Belton

Those of us raising children in Canada are keenly aware of

RDI Certified Consultant, Lianne Belton

and attuned to the seasons and their impact on the flow of our daily lives. There is nothing like living through a harsh, bitterly cold winter, then being able to throw off our winter boots and mitts on the first warm, sweet spring day. When the temperatures are finally warm enough, we see a traditional migration of families to outdoor activities: whether it involves playing sports, sharing meals on the deck, or spending time at "the lake".

But researchers are now telling us that this migration to the outdoors is in jeopardy; today, only a quarter of North American children play outside daily as compared to nearly three quarters a generation ago. It really seems as though there has been a shift from children experiencing "green time" to increasing amounts of "screen time". The average school aged child today spends more than seven hours each day in front of an electronic screen.

The benefits of exposure to nature are becoming well documented. Some obvious benefits include increased fitness levels in children who play outside, and a decreased incidence of obesity. The Center for Disease Control now recommends "one hour a day of physical activity for kids. The real benefit of outdoor play is that children are doing what comes naturally, having fun, and don't see it as exercising".

Other benefits of outdoor play for children range from strengthened immune systems and wound healing , to improved distance vision and improved feelings of well being. One recent study documents that children who get exposure to outdoor light in the morning actually set their body clock for a better night's sleep.

Read more...

Find Us

Next Back to Back Seminars for RDI

Certification in Houston, TX

Beginning Seminar - June 19-22, 2012

Intermediate Seminar - June 25-28, 2012

Visit our website or contact Beth Alford

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