Baby Einstein videos: educated my autistic son

Baby Einstein, I'll vow for you!

Don't we have greater problems to take care of in this world? Yes, our children are our most valued possessions, but destroying the reputation of a brand, like Baby Einstein, that (in fact) does not harm our little ones is crazy. Our tax dollars need to go towards keeping pedophiles off the street, terrorists out of our country, and executive honesty in corporations. PLEASE, ENOUGH ALREADY!

I have read other mommy blogs about this subject with great disappointment. I will not even give the links because that would only promote their theories and make me a hypocrite. The recent NY Times article infuriates me. I ask these mommy's and the legal system creating this hoopla: Don't you think that the parent, not companies, should harbor the responsibility of enforcing the recommendation of the the American Pediatric Association...that a child under 2 should not watch any television? You have the power parents! If you don't want your child to watch television, then don't turn it on.

In regards to the previous claims that the Baby Einstein videos is falsely promoting its videos as educational. Are you kidding me!? When you were young, did you (and I'm speaking to today's parents) know the sounds of Mozart, Beethoven, or Bach? Did you realize the makings of Van Gough or Monet? Did you know the sections of an orchestra? Oh, I forgot to mention...did you know any of this by the age of 3? It is proven that music and visualization work different areas of the brain. Introducing these to children at an early age creates interest for future endeavors.

Truthfully, I don't want my child to be an Einstein. What I do want is for him to be happy and have an appreciation of the arts. That is what the Baby Einstein videos create. Michael Clark, Julie Aigner-Clark- I'll vow for you and the precious videos you created. A mother with an autistic child, I received the Baby Bach video as a gift from a friend. At the time, I didn't know there were problems with my son. I just knew he was "sensitive" and demanded much of my time walking, bouncing, and singing. From the very first time I put the video on, my son received the needed feedback (or input) that many children with sensory integration problems seek. He was mesmerized. You ask for proof of the benefits. I'll give you a list relating to the entire family, not just my son:

• Comfortable: The music provided a comfort for him. Paired with the visual stimulation of puppets, movement, or lighting, his senses were revitalized. Almost immediately, during his time watching these videos, he stopped his fidgeting and his crying. (happiness ensued)
• Parent effectiveness: The Baby Einstein videos gave me 20 minutes of re-grouping and sanity maintenance. I was able to sit down and eat a meal or wash my hair. You can't imagine what a much needed pick-me-up that was.
• Interest and therapy: By now, you may be thinking: "she is not a hands on mother or cares about monitoring her child's entertainment" or "she is using the television as a babysitter". WRONG again! Ask any of my family or friends and you will understand the depth of my dedication. My son is autistic, I can't afford to be complacent. Therapists moved through my home throughout the day. I learned from them and worked with them. Then I advocated for my child. I spent (and still spend) hours researching to find the keys to help my baby. I educated myself on the benefits of alternative therapies like music therapy and the sensory system. What I found out is that the Baby Einstein videos provide a priceless service to us all...a type of therapy. I admit my claims are my own and not "research-based". My point, I am not a neglectful mother. I am a well educated, family first, forget-the-wash-and-the- dishes-so-I-can-play-or-draw-with-my-child mom. My claims are my own research, and THAT is good enough.
• Educational: You say, not educational? I beg to differ. My son (at the age of 6) is learning the drums. Some research suggests that drumming is beneficial to children on the spectrum because of their sensory difficulties. His interest in the percussion (what we call, the Baby Hippo video) helped lead us to lessons. For practicing purposes, the only music I have downloaded on my iphone is that of the Baby Einstein series and music from the drum teacher. Even my husband and I are tuned into the differences of Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach. At any time my son will hear a classical tune he learned from the Baby Einstein videos, he will stop everything he is doing to listen or seek out where the tune is playing from. That is true education.
• Visual: Pairing visualization with conceptual teaching enhances retention. Add the auditory sounds of these videos to convey a feeling or funny action and this is a home run! We all need to connect the dots this way. A child with autism needs this even more. Typically, an autistic child is a visual learner. Their communication efforts are harbored so it is with visualization techniques that we (parents, therapists and teachers) are able to provide a bridge for them to learn and communicate effectively and without frustration. In their techniques, Baby Einstein is opening up these little minds to a sea of wonderful imagination, music, art, sounds, poetry etc. Explain to me how this is not educating my child?
• Routine: We all need, kids thrive on it. Each Baby Einstein video is carefully structured so the child can set its own expectations. Knowing what comes next is comforting to a child. They are learning so much, so fast that they seek out routine. The Baby Einstein videos build upon the others so that with each new video, the child still feels secure and a a sense of familiarity.

That's my "2" cents!

Autism (Savor Each Syllable)

Upon returning to school this week, many comments about how much my son had grown made their way back home. I didn't think much of it until we tried on a pair of jeans that were WAY to small.

While getting ready for swimming, I told my son that he is growing like a weed. Understanding that my comment was somewhat of a metaphor (the meaning, not the word), he smiled and came up with his own metaphors on growing:

[son, smiling] "Mom, I'm not growing like a weed, I'm growing like a beanstalk!"
My husband and I looked at each other. In agreement, we said, "that is a good one."
[son, still smiling] "Dad, you are growing like a clock!"
Again, looking at one another, my husband and I declare, "yes, that is true, time is ticking away for Dad."
[son] "Sis, you are growing like a flower!"
We can't deny that our daughter gets even more beautiful every day and nod our head with a yes.
[son] "Mom, you are growing like a wreath!"
Confused, I look at my son and say, "Like what?"
[son] "Like a wreath, it keeps going around and around."
After thinking more deeply about this metaphor, I couldn't help but realize that I do feel like I spin my wheels, chase my tail or any other familiar phrase that signifies being in constant motion and going nowhere. That pretty much sums up the life of a mother. Our work is never truly finished.

Savor each syllable, 3

Sometimes, it is not in how it is said, but that it is said at all....

In trying to use the word impossible in as many ways or occurrences as my son can, he goes on a silly rant, exclaiming:

[son], "Mom, you (pointing to me) are IMPOSSIBLE! Dad is impossible. This impossible food is crazy. Dinner is ready for impossible." You get the point. The next 5 sentences all contained the word impossible.

The irony of using this word (impossible) is that we are in a community (the autistic community) who believe that nothing is (yes, you got it!), impossible!

As a parent of a child with delayed development, I am ultra-aware of what both my children say or do. My daughter came out with this precious comment this morning:

Scenario - After getting dressed for the day, two hangers were lying on the floor.

[daughter] "Look mom, I found two hookers!"

Autism (Savor Each Syllable, 2)

Savor Each Syllable, 2

Slightly apraxic (low muscle tone around the mouth) and with his two front teeth missing, my son (diagnosed as on the autism spectrum with PDD-NOS) makes an observation:

[son] "Mom. Sssssnakes sssslither in the rrriver."
Agreeing, I say, "yes, they do (with smiles)!"

I challenge you to numb your lips with ice (until you can hardly feel them), fold your upper lip over your front two teeth and repeat: "snakes slither in the river". Now you can appreciate the effort of this statement.

Savor Each Syllable #1

The New Year has arrived and I can't be happier. Why? For the most part, the holidays are over! I tried to be that little elf that bakes cookies, wraps presents, and hosts holiday festivities, all the while caroling to the tunes of the season. The truth is, it was too much. As fast as I tried to work, I still ran out of time. Christmas morning came, Santa brought his gifts and I was off making a turkey for dinner. Though my organization provided me some sanity, I still was too busy to even sit for a minute to play crazy 8's or Yahtzee with my kids. I ask myself, how did this happen? I thought I had all my ducks in a row so that I would be able to spend the morning with the kids and make many happy memories.

During 2010, I am going to learn from others. I tend to feel that effort is synonymous with outcome. Another words, you will get out what you put in to something.

For example: I baked dozens of cookies for therapists and teachers as my way of "showing" them my gratitude. The time involved was incredible, but I wanted them to understand my feelings. Again, my extreme effort would equate to an understanding of how indebted I am to them for helping my child, right? WRONG! I learned that writing a note (which I attached to all the homemade cookies) was what made the impact. A box of store bought chocolate would have sufficed as long as that very personal note was attached.

Lesson learned...buying from the store is okay - the effort was in the personal note, not so much in the time spent baking cookies. Another lesson, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Did you happen to see the movie Julie and Julia? It was about a girl who began a daily blog about recipes she tried off of Julia Child's Cookbook. She (Julie, the character) actually tried a new recipe each day for a year. So I was thinking I would do something similar. Beginning today, each new post will be about the words I savor from my autistic son. As a baby and toddler, we never knew if he would ever be able to communicate and when he finally broke through, it is in these words that I savor each syllable.

Savor Each Syllable - January 3, 2010

Picking up the handheld mirror in the bathroom:

[son] "I see my eraflection, mom!"

"You mean your reeflection?", I say

[son] "yes, my reeflection" "

"What do you see?", I asked

[son]"My face."

I didn't even realize that my son knew the word, reflection, much less use it in a sentence correctly. I laughed at his answer, but thought it might be good to start off with, given the New Year. What do I see when I look at my reflection? What do you see when you look at yours?

Special Moments, Gratitude and Autism

As I headed to our monthly team meeting with my son's teachers and therapists, I didn't have much on the agenda. This year, the team's open communication and investment in my son's progress is a comforting feeling. I was more concerned about how my son will react (after the meeting) when I see him for the annual Thanksgiving turkey trot around the school perimeter. This event is simply created to help food pantries with their food supply. Each child who participates brings in 1 canned good to help. Little did I realize that the day was going to bring with it many surprises.

The team meeting went well. After, I waited for my son's class to gather outside, and saw the shine of a familiar dimple. My son was reserved (as he usually is upon seeing me at school) and didn't want me to make too much of it. In seeing the shine of his dimple, I knew he was a little excited for our "race". The gobble sounded and off I went to run with my precious little turkey. He is fast! In weaving in and out of children, I had a tough time keeping up with him. It was a bit brisk, but that just added to the silliness, as I could feel the cold air creep into the cavities of my lungs. Still, I forged forward, kept up pace, and kept reminding him that I was behind him. Did I mention that I was only one of 4 mothers taking part in the run? With all the other parents on the side-lines, I felt a bit foolish, but I was not going to let my guy down. When my child runs, I run with him. When my child laughs, I laugh with him. When my child loves, I love with him. When my child succeeds, I succeed with him and when my child falls, I will fall with him. Through my actions, I hope my children can hear my message. It was a great moment for both of us.

That's not all folks! I left the school, after the turkey trot. The afternoon provided me the opportunity to look at my e-mail. Many times, e-mail does not convey your true feelings or tone. These non-verbal ques are missed because we are not speaking directly to the person who wrote the e-mail.
I knew something special was up when I saw my son's special ed teacher in my inbox. I quickly opened the note and read (in the excitement it was meant to portray) that my son read his very first book independently. What is even more precious, is that the book happened to be called, Pam's Pals. My name is Pam and I am certain that my little "turkey" that day was enamored by that fact. Not to take anything away from him, but I felt he dedicated his efforts to me. Tears flowed. Such a proud moment.

I said it was a great day. He wasn't through with his greatness... After speaking to my son's paraprofessional for a couple of minutes, she told me this story:

"I have a story about a hand painted tree hung in a hallway of an elementary school to share with you. The children painted leaves to decorate the tree. The leaves were painted all pretty watercolors and looked like real autumn leaves. Every child was asked what they are thankful for and it was to be printed on the leaf that they painted with care. As the para was hanging the leaves in the hallway on the tree, she was reading the usual things that you expect a kindergartner to say... I am thankful for Mom...I am thankful for Dad... I am thankful for my family...etc. One was "I am Thankful for my I-POD", and I almost didn't want to hang it. But then, what appears is a beautiful autumn leaf, carefully painted in watercolor, and it said "I am thankful for Rainbows". That sweet inscription was from your son. You are truly blest."

During this season for giving thanks, "I am thankful for Rainbows". Each color of my rainbow includes: Red:my son, Orange:my daughter, Yellow:my husband, Blue:family, Green:teachers and therapists, Purple:friends.

Happy Thanksgiving! Gobble, Gobble

Common Sense is different for those with Autism

Society uses the term "common sense" to explain people’s natural and innate actions. Everyone is supposed to have at least a little common sense. It is a gray area to know exactly what common sense is, but it usually equates to good judgment or normality. If a person lacks this characteristic, jokes soon follow.
Common sense can be anything from wearing a coat when the weather is cold, looking at someone when they are speaking, or walking to move from one room to the next. After all, why would you do anything else? It just doesn't make common sense.

A child with autism spectrum disorder experiences, what most of us view as, common sense differently. Texture sensitivities often lead to clothing battles, especially after the weather turns cold. When faced with the choice, common sense for those with autism or "autism" sense will choose the one with the least amount of discomfort, many times preferring the cold to a coat. If you think about it, that does make common sense. When faced with a decision, my choice is based on a weight scale of the least amount of negatives attached to each choice.

Likewise, during a conversation, social challenges make the simple act of eye contact distracting to a person on the autism spectrum. Autism sense requires that individual to look away from the person for the ability to maintain engagement and hear what is said. In other instances, many children with autism have a constant desire for input or feedback to keep focused. Autism sense means taking every opportunity to get that feedback by jumping or running, as the mode of choice, when moving from room to room.

Autism sense is the natural and innate reaction of children on the spectrum with autism. On the surface, one may label it as a lack of common sense. In reality, understanding the reasons behind such behaviors can be the most common sense of all.