Halloween

Well it's that time of year again Halloween. We've had an interesting 8 years I must say.
Over the years my son has gone from thinking Halloween was a go visit people game where you ring the doorbell and bolt into someone's home...To ringing their bell and flashing a magnetic smile and saying nothing.

Now I can't say that our journey has gone without planking and noncooperation. It has indeed at times been a bit trying for Ari as he's gone through is various stages of what I call his "Autism Development". Last year we faced a separation issue where he decided he didn't like strange houses, this after years of telling him he can't force himself into people's houses to sit on their couch. This year we created a social story and hopefully he now understands that when he rings the doorbell, I'm not got going to leave him. So, I have no idea what's in store for us this Friday?  We took a test run at a chamber of commerce function today for little goblins and he muttered "going home going home", that is until he saw they were passing out Skittles.  Crossing my fingers for this Friday...lol!

For those of you who can relate to this story here's a links to Social Stories that you may find helpful.

http://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/halloween-social-story/

http://www.abilitypath.org/love-laugh--live/family-fun/halloween-social.pdf

http://www.ccsd.edu/files/filesystem/Going%20Trick%20or%20Treating.pdf

Remembering Avonte Oquendo

On Oct. 4, 2013, Avonte Oquendo ran out of Center Boulevard School in Long Island City, setting off a massive search that included subway tunnels and regular announcements over the public-address system at subway stations. His remains were found in the East River in January, several miles from where he vanished. It’s been 1 years since this tragedy and while there has been changes no charges has been filed against the school for allowing this to happen. Even worse “Avonte’s Law” won’t be implemented until May 2015.

http://www.ny1.com/content/news/216653/avonte-oquendo-disappearance-commemorated-with-vigil/

*Just before Avonte’s disappearance in September 2013 a Metro Detroit Teen went missing for two weeks before he was found alive 20 miles from his residence.

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/09/11/missing-autistic-teen-reunited-with-family/

*On September 8, 2014 a six year old autistic child wandered into the Hudson River. Thankfully and yet tragically 40-year-old Boyce “Scoop” Coleman went to his rescue. Boyce Coleman and another man jumped in to save the boy. Little Stephen was rescued but Coleman drowned in the process.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/09/08/investigation-continues-after-yonkers-man-dies-trying-to-rescue-child-in-hudson-river/

*On October 1, 2014 Tijuani Rhomane Stone, 24, Missing Man With Autism, Located After Five-Day Search.

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Tijuani-Rhomane-Stone-24-Missing-Since-Thursday-277596671.html

Wandering is very common among persons on the Autism Spectrum. Whether your child is on the spectrum or not, it’s important to be able to identify the warning signs in order to prevent tragedies. I think the best way to remember Avonte is to become more informed. So when a local community group is offering first responder training make a call to your local schools, police precincts, and fire stations, and find out if they will be attending? If the answer is no tell them they should! Then in the spirit of being proactive pick up the phone and register to take the training yourself.

Ask your school district about what plans they have put in place to protect persons with special needs who wander. Sit down with your family and develop a plan on how to keep your home secure and also complete a profile on your loved one in case of disappearance. Having a profile ensure quick distribution of your child’s stats and could save them. Take a trip to your local hardware or big box store and purchase door and window sensors that will alert you when a door or window is opened.  You can also download this app http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2011/august/child_080511

*Warning Over used term headed your way*

At the end of the day ALL Children need to be protected and safe. If you live in an urban environment and you know what response times are and etc...Why not be proactive. Being Proactive shows the depths of your concern and creates an advocacy for change.

Lastly use this hastag #wewillprotectasd to show your commitment to keeping children safe.