My First Book, "Jeremiah's Journey, Gaining Our Autistic Son by Losing Him to the System" Is Available Now

My book, "Jeremiah's Journey, Gaining Our Autistic Son by Losing Him to the System" will officially released 10/01/13. However, I have two places you can purchase the book. Here's where you can purchase advance, non-autographed copies at http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781625106049. You can purchase autographed copies by emailing me at win.quier@yahoo.com or by leaving a message for me here.
Paperback and ebook copies are available by both methods.

A Fishing Trip in Alaska and Barely Making It Out Alive

http://voices.yahoo.com/fishing-alaska-barely-making-out-alive-12215788.html


 A short story about a fishing trip when I was in my twenties and married to my first husband. My husband, Joe, isn't a fisherman, plus he wouldn't get caught in such a dangerous situation. Smart man.  I hope you enjoy the diversion.

Sensory Processing Massage by Dr. John Pagano

We wanted to share with you today a video on the art of Sensory Processing Massage by Dr. John Pagano which can be used for calming children with Autism. So if you are struggling with behavioral issues these are practical techniques you can use with your child in the comfort of your own home.

The Editor of Autism Parenting Magazine allowed Dr. Pagano to work with her daughter and saw vast improvements over a six month period in decreasing oral sensitivity, decreasing sleep problems, and a huge decrease in meltdowns. She was very skeptical of the massage but has seen its enormous benefits for children on the spectrum.

So check out the video and please feel free to like and share so other people can benefit from the technique

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTSEd8hWiVI

The full interview with Dr. John is featured in Issue 3 of Autism Parenting Magazine and you can get your magazine in either the ipad or pdf version.



Regards

Mark and Leslie


www.AutismParentingMagazine.com

How to Be a Good Friend to Someone Who Has an Autistic Child

1. Inform yourself on autism.
2. Be sensitive to both the parent and child and the fluctuations in moods.
3. Realize that your friend may not be able to take her child to events that atypical children attend.
4. Be understanding with your friend, she may not always be able to answer the phone or make plans with you.
5. Listen, sometimes your friend just needs someone to listen, don't offer advice – just listen.
6. Offer to watch your friend's child for an hour or two so that she can have a much needed break. This could be during the day so she can go shopping or get a mani-pedi, or at night so that she and her husband can have a date night.
7. Attend a support group, school meeting, or doctor appointment with her.
8. Bring over dinner, call her in advance so she'll know you will be providing it.
9. Pray for her and her family.
10. Send your friend an encouraging note, card, text or email.
11. Find out what the autistic child's favorite thing to do is and invite them to experience it.
12. Offer to help your friend clean her house, do her laundry, or walk her dog.
13. If your friend has atypical children also, offer to take them to the park or a movie.
14. Learn what is the most calming thing the autistic child likes to do and offer to learn how to do it.
15. Think before you speak. Never say “Get over it.”, use the word retarded, or any other insensitive or offhand comment that will affect your relationship with your friend.

AutismSpeaks Request for Support of New 529 Savings Act for Children with Autism

AutismSpeaks has a request to contact your local representatives and senators to sign a new bill that could affect you and your autistic child. Please visit the following link to read more about Achieving A Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) which is a 529 tax savings act where parents of autistic children can save money, tax free, for their child's future.

http://advocacy.autismspeaks.org/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.8565329/k.EC7A/ABLE_Is_Back_Urge_Your_Members_of_Congress_to_Sign_On/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx

In My Mom's Memory

Hi dear friends,

On January 17, 2013 my mother, Clara Lynn Robinson passed away.  She went peacefully in her sleep with her pug by her side.  Mom left behind a brother, George Jackinsky; two sisters, Barbara Redmond and Cora (I've forgotten her last name); daughters Melody Daniel, Win Quier and Cindy Currier.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Robinson and daughter, Janette Koontz.

Mom was born in Ninilchik, Alaska in 1932.  She was raised by her father and grandmother because her mother died shortly after her birth.  She grew up on a fish site in Starisky, Alaska and had to walk the beach to town to get their mail and groceries.  Timing with the tide was imperative or they would have to climb up the banks and wait out high tide.  She lost her father on her 10th birthday.  He drowned while boating across Cook Inlet to a fish site.  A bore tide came in and his small boat couldn't take the speed and force of it.

She homesteaded in Homer, Alaska with her husband and four daughters.  The view from our homestead was breathtaking.  Three giant glaciers and the view of the beach across Kachemak Bay was a daily blessing.  It seemed that no two days were alike.

Mom also loved to cook, knit, crochet and sew.  Later in life, when she wasn't so busy, she also loved to read romance novels.  Pinochle and cribbage were her favorite games.

She received a pug puppy from some good friends when her long time pet passed away.  She named her Honey Bear and spoiled her rotten.  They were extremely close and it wasn't unusual to see Honey Bear cuddled up on her chest.  Mom and Honey Bear were the mascots of the complex where she lived.  I inherited her when mom passed away and she's adjusting to being one of two dogs in the house and the climate change from Alaska and Oklahoma.

Mom has been sorely missed.  Her and I had made a pact when I spent six weeks with her shortly before she died.  Whenever I find a dime it's a sign that she is watching over me.  I've found three so far in unusual places.  My favorite is the dime on the floor on my side of my husband's van.  I smile and say, "Hi mom.  I love you." whenever I slide into my seat.  My husband has promised to leave that dime there so that I have special moments often with her.

I love you mama.  You set a good example and I'll be eternally grateful that God picked you to be my mother.

Dani Bowman, an 18-year-old girl on the autism spectrum

I recently received an email from Autism Speaks.  It was about Dani Bowman and the business she has started.  Dani is an 18 year old girl on the autism spectrum.

Here's a link to her site.  It's worth checking out.  http://www.powerlight-studios.com/

Blessings,
Win