Glimpses

Excerpt from Soul Cries devotional,

copyright Regan 2012

*2013 National Indie Excellence Award Finalist*

 

Glimpses

1 Chronicles 17:16-17 (The Message)

King David went in, took his place before God, and prayed: Who am I, my Master God, and what is my family, that you have brought me to this place in life? But that's nothing compared to what's coming, for you've also spoken of my family far into the future, given me a glimpse into tomorrow and looked on me, Master God, as a Somebody.

This passage makes me smile. How human David’s heart is as he shares his awe of God. He stands in awe of a God who is personal, intimate, and works for the good of His people. This God calls us into life with purpose and destiny. His words and plans propel us into the future. His gaze is on us; He sees us and knows us like no other. How incredible that we have a God who speaks over our families far into the future. Not only does God propel us forward with good purpose, but He also gives us glimpses into tomorrow. He looks on us and tells us who we are.

I pray over you right now, reader. I pray that you will have glimpses into the tomorrow of God. I pray that you will hear what He speaks over you, your children, and your family. I pray that His words over your future will fill you with faith, confidence, and awe. May you know who you are, truly, deeply, and eternally.

1. Have you heard God’s heartbeat over your family? Pray that God will speak to you about His heart for your household. Pray that you will hear and see His words of purpose concerning the future of your family.

2. Journal about a time when you heard God speak of your present or future. Did you see a glimpse of His plan? How did your feelings relate to David’s feelings of awe?

How To Train Your Dragon: book series review

Am I the only one who didn't realize that the How to Train your Dragon stories were based on books!  My 8 year old son and I came across Cressida Cowell's book series at the library.  The first book was published in 2003 and there are currently 11 books published.  My son and I started with the 11th book (because that is what was at the library) How to Betray a Dragon's Hero, published in Sept 2013.  At the end of the book, the author notes that the 12th book is coming soon, and will be the final book in the series. Check out the book series website howtotrainyourdragonbooks.com.

I was so blown away by the book we read.  It was artfully done with skilled prose and pencil drawings.  The book moves alone quickly, and we always had a hard time stopping at the end of a chapter.  The 17th chapter, Sword Fight, was so wonderful, I took it to work and shared it with many friends.  It was all about what makes a hero, a king, a leader.  It was about hatred and forgiveness, and about identity and what choices we have when someone else has what we want. 

 

The books embody great character and morales, wonderful prose and illustrations, and the timeless epic tradition of books like the Narnia series and The Lord of the Rings.  Now, mind you, they are different in many respects too...but there is a journey across many lands, with multiple types of dragons, and the battle between good and evil.  The hero endures trials and overcomes obstacles, until he becomes more and more the king he was destined to be.

My son is 8 and is able to read the books alone, although I do think he misses a lot that way because of the vocabulary used.  He seems to get more out of it when we read together.  I love the books, so they are definitely appropriate for anyone about 3rd grade and older, depending on reading level and proficiency.

Soul Cries Devotional Isaiah 40: 3-5 The Coming King

Excerpt from Soul Cries devotional, a devotional for parents of struggling kids

*2013 National Indie Excellence Award Finalist*

The Coming King

Isaiah 40:3-5 (Amplified Bible)

A voice of one who cries: Prepare in the wilderness the way of the Lord [clear away the obstacles]; make straight and smooth in the desert a highway for our God! Every valley shall be lifted and filled up, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked and uneven shall be made straight and level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory (majesty and splendor) of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together…

When you are parenting children who have struggles and specific needs, there seem to be many obstacles, rough places, and uneven paths. The wilderness can seem foreboding. In the fortieth chapter, Isaiah prophesies about John the Baptist, a voice crying out in the wilderness (see Mark 1:3). John cried out, preparing the way for Jesus to enter into His ministry.

In those days, if a king from an outlying country were coming to your kingdom, you would send out workers to make a smooth road for the king to enter your domain. The path would be made smooth, straight, and level. This was a way of preparing for the king, ushering him into your area. All obstacles and all rough places must go! They must give way to the coming king!

I pray over your home and your children, reader! I pray that your King will be ushered into your life in a manifest and glorious way. I speak to the obstacles in your life, that they must give way. I speak over your body, mind, and spirit; I pray that the path of your King will be made smooth, straight, and level. The King is coming to bring His Kingdom into your life. May He usher in health, shalom, and grace.

1. What obstacle is evident in your life today? Is it an issue of the heart, the body, the mind, or the spirit? I pray with you that the rough place will be made smooth, and the King will be ushered into that very place!

2. In what ways can you prepare the path for the King and usher in His Kingdom? In what ways do you need God to move on your behalf and a community to help in this work?

Whispers: Jeremiah 29:13

Excerpt from Soul Cries devotional 

copyright Regan 2012

*2013 National Indie Excellence Award Finalist*

Jeremiah 29:13 (New International Version)

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

When I want to speak to someone who is quite a distance across the room or down the street, I shout loudly! But when I want to speak intimately with someone, I whisper. When I’m in a knowing relationship with someone, I want to talk up close and speak about dear things. Whispering is the sound of intimacy. Sometimes I feel that the more God wants closeness with me, the more He whispers. I must come close to hear His intimate thoughts. There is no shouting because God wants no distance. We have a God who wants to be found and known, not from a distance, but close up. He wants me close so that He can speak in whispers and share His heart with me.

We seek you, God, with all our hearts. We lay at your feet. We seek to fully know and experience all of you—all of your facets and attributes. We want to know your provision, healing, safety, breakthrough, courage, peace, anointing, rest, knowledge, wisdom, blessing, and favor. We seek you. We pray that ALL of you will cover all of us!

1. Do you believe and understand the depth of God’s desire to be near you? Pray that God will reveal to you how much He desires and loves you.

2. How can you seek God and come closer so you can hear His whispers? In what practical ways can you foster a more intimate, connected, and knowing relationship with the Father?

Spaceheadz: Children's Book Review

We have been trying to find chapter books that my 7 year old is interested in.  He loves stories although doesn't like reading.  I have tried adventure books, but I am learning that he seems to like humorous books better.  We really enjoyed book #1 of Spaceheadz by Jon Scieszka. 

The book is written for ages 7-10.  It features Michael K, a fifth grader starting a new school, only to realize that some of the students are aliens.  The book is humorous and engaging.  The chapters are short, so he feels he is making some progress quickly in the book.  He isn't able to read all the words, and essentially we read it together.  But, he often wants to read the next chapter rather than stopping, so that is progress!  The book is 1 in a series of 4 (the fourth book comes out Oct 1, 2013).  

We recommend the book for kids who like humor and books about what funny things can happen in school.

Ask for the Moon: excerpt from Soul Cries devotional (James 4:2)

Excerpt from Soul Cries devotional, copyright 2012

*2013 National Indie Excellence Award Finalist*

James 4:2 (New International Version)

You do not have because you do not ask God.

As a parent, I have asked God for many things that I have laid at His feet in prayer. However, when I read this verse, I wonder if there are things that I need or desire that I have not even asked for. Are there things, for example, that I don’t believe God for and therefore don’t ask for? Am I limiting my prayers before God in any way? For example, do I ask for the moon? Or, do I ask for things that I think are somehow most possible or realistic? Do I limit myself to things that I think are most holy or legitimate?

I would hate to come before the very Presence of God, and have Him ask me why I believed in Him for so little. I would hate for Him to say that there were things He longed to release in my life or the life of my child that were not released because I didn’t ask and because I believed for too little. I would hate to find out that I’d been self-limiting and therefore had limited the power of God to move in my life.

I want to choose to believe God for abundant goodness. I want to believe Him for “too much,” if that is possible, although I don’t think it is, except in my own limited mind. I choose to ask for the moon, to pray for the impossible, to see a future in places where there seems to be a dead end in the now. I choose to keep asking for more and more goodness from a good God. I pray for more of Him: for more life, for more freedom, for more healing, and for no limits. I pray the same for you, your children, your marriage, and your household.

1. Is there any way that you are tempted to limit God or to limit your requests and prayers? If you were to “ask for the moon,” what would that look like? Ask for it now!

2. I challenge you to honor and worship God by asking and believing for more of His goodness. I know He has more to give us. Let’s ask together!

Tea: What Makes It So Wonderful

I have recently realized how little I have understood about beverages and foods that take on characteristics of the region they come from (e.g., wine, tea, coffee, cheese). 

I recently read a new book in the Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs.  The book is Sweet Tea Revenge and was just released in March of 2013. 

Aside from loving a good cozy mystery, I so enjoy reading her descriptions of teas, flavor profiles, infusions, and blends. 

Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world (after water).  It is reported to have health benefits including the reduction of blood pressure, weight control, and the increase of bone mineral density.  Tea catechins are said to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. 

Teas can be categorized based on how they are processed with at least 6 different types: white, yellow, green, oolong, black, and post-fermented tea.  Teas from multiple areas may be combined to form blends.  There are also a large range of scented and flavored varieties such as Earl Grey.  In the United States and Canada, 80% of tea is consumed as iced tea. 

Check out the Teavana website for all things tea or visit one of their locations. 

They sell tea, tea blends, and other products like teapots and infusers.  They even have Tea of the Month clubs and their app is free.

Book Review-- Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work That Matters by Jon Acuff

Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work That Matters by +Jon Acuff .

I saw this book discussed on twitter as one you will find in the business section of your local bookstore.  I can see why, although it is certainly broader in topic than just business.  It is both motivational in tone as well as practical with steps to get started with work-that-matters.  I really enjoyed reading it and have recommended it to several people since it came out in April.    

Some of my favorite points and quotes:
1. "Fear is schizophrenic--it always tries to argue both sides of the coin. It will tell you you can't chase your dream, or that if you do, it must be perfect."  Or fear will say "It's too late to chase your dream" and "You should chase your dream later." 

This is a really good point--that not only is procrastination often fear-based, but so is trying to do everything right now and perfect.  The reason fear is addressed in a book talking about doing work that matters, is that Acuff tries to put into perspective how to achieve meaningful things over the long term.  He talks about taking small steps now (starting) and knowing they grow into bigger things later.  And no-it's not too late to chase after meaningful work. He points out that in 2011, 20 percent of new entrepreneurs were between the ages of 55 and 64.  He also emphasizes that the internet and social media break down many barriers that existed for previous generations.

2. "You have to be brutally realistic about your present circumstances and wildly unrealistic about your future circumstances." 
Acuff makes a good point about needing to be realistic about where you are.  Dreaming is not permission to abandon responsibilities to "chase after your dream."  He encourages you to be brutally honest about your finances, your family, your education, etc.  But be a starter--the only thing you are completely in control of is the starting line.  Take small steps to move toward the dream.  Be unrealistically optimistic about the future because no one knows how things will end.  You don't control the outcome, only the start.

I highly recommend this book.  I don't usually read books from the business section, but it is much broader in content and focus.  His writing style is also easy to read with many funny anecdotes and personal stories that add to the meaning he conveys.  This would be a great graduation or Father's Day gift since those holidays are coming up!

Soul Cries devotional: 2013 National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist

Celebrating Recognition for my book Soul Cries!

Theresa Regan, author of Soul Cries, receives national recognition

by the 2013 National Indie Excellence Awards

The 2013 National Indie Excellence Awards recognized Soul Cries by Theresa Regan in the category of Self Help: Spiritual as a finalist.

This national award, based in Los Angeles, CA is open to all English language books including small presses, university presses, independent publishers and self-published authors. Works published in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were eligible for consideration.

The competition is judged by independent experts from all aspects of the indie book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. They select award winners and finalists based on overall excellence of presentation“We appreciate you, we applaud you and thank you for your great work. You are contributing to make independent publishing a great sector in the literary community,” said Ellen Reid, President of the National Indie Excellence Book Awards.

soulcriesdevotional.com

Soul Cries is a book of 155 Christian devotions written for anyone praying into the life of an exceptional child. The reader may be a parent, grandparent, educator, or pastor, loving and praying over a child with physical, emotional, learning, or behavioral challenges. This book is written to encourage readers and ignite their faith as they pray. As a mother and a medical professional, Theresa Regan has seen first-hand the challenges families with struggling children face. Her six-year-old son has tackled various challenges associated with the autistic spectrum. As a Neuropsychologist working at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois, she interacts with children and parents in the context of medical obstacles. Within her city and community, she sees families trying to help their children overcome learning problems, tackle anxieties, and develop social and relational skills in difficult situations. She is aware of the struggles that parents and children wrestle with, gain from, and often wrestle with again. This book was born out of living, seeing, and knowing. “I have seen your wrestling. I have seen the heart you have for your children,” says Regan. “I pray that this book will declare God’s goodness over your household and encourage you in your faith.”

For more information please visit: http://www.indieexcellence.com/index.html



Video Interview: Characteristics of High Functioning Autism

One hour interview conducted by Tom Batkin of Newparentinghangout.com (Australia) with myself on the topic of high functioning autistic qualities.  Some of the characteristics reviewed include communication, social interaction, special interests, sleep disturbance, dyspraxia, sensory symptoms, executive function, allergies, digestive problems, and theory of mind.

Recommended book: Children with High-Functioning Autism by Hughes-Lynch

Thomas and the Dragon Queen: Book Review

My son and I were looking for the sequel to How to Grow up and Rule the World at the library (see previous book reviews) when we stumbled across this delightful adventure. My son is 7 and not reading chapter books yet, but he is a bit old for the more simplistic picture books and loves a good adventure.  So we have been reading some short picture books with chapters and also one lengthier chapter book with about 200 or so pages.  I do most of the reading, but I know he reads along because he corrects my mistakes!   


Here is the story synopsis:
A kingdom is at war.
A princess has been kidnapped by a dragon queen.
A brave squire volunteers to set out on a quest to rescue her.
But there's just one small problem. He's Thomas, the shortest of all the squires. With little more than a donkey, a vest, and a sword, Thomas will have to use all of his courage and determination to battle a beast with many heads, reach a forbidden island, and rescue the princess from a most fearsome dragon-and an even more fearsome fate!
Part thrilling adventure and part enchanting fantasy, sprinkled with charming black-and-white illustrations, Thomas and the Dragon Queen will delight young readers from start to finish



My son insisted on getting a book with at least some pictures, and this book fits the bill. The illustrations are black and white sketches and he loves to look those over.  The book was published in 2010 by Shutta Crum .  It is described as being geared for ages 7-10 or grades 2-4.  Good Reads website documents an average of 3.73 stars out of 86 ratings.  Some of the lower ratings did not have an actual review attached, but those that did seemed to feel it was somewhat simplistic and best for younger readers just starting out in fantasy fiction.  My son is 7, so he seems to fit the bill. 

For us the story is moving along at a nice pace, and at the end of each chapter you want to read the next.  We both love stories with an unlikely hero on a quest to rescue someone!  Those stories are timeless and Thomas is one unlikely hero, whereas adults may seek out The Hobbit or Captain America!  

For us, with me reading much of it, it is a good supplement to our nighttime reading, as it makes him want to continue reading.  If we can pick a great adventure book, that is fun and entertaining, then we look for more!  Looking through the library shelves together is how we found this one.  We are glad we did!

Options for Capturing Your Child's Thoughts and Words

I have a niece that is smart, funny, and precocious.  I love to talk to her on the phone, and believe me, she could talk forever.  I decided to get a book for her and my sister called Q&A a Day for Kids: A Three-Year Journal available at +Amazon.com.  It really could be used with kids at a variety of ages, although perhaps about 4-10 may work best.  The parent can fill in the writing, or the child could write their own answers. 

One nice thing about this way of capturing your child's thoughts and comments, is that this book offers the prompts of specific questions.  This may generate even more interesting answers.  Of course, it does not chronicle the more spontaneous gems we all love.  Each day has 3 spots on the page to answer the same question.  Theoretically, the same child, will answer the same question across 3 years and see how the answers differ.  

I also wonder if it would be fun to chronicle a different child in those spots.  For example, my other sister has 3 children, and she might enjoy comparing the oldest boy's answers with the youngest for example.  They all 3 have such unique personalities, that I think that would be interesting.  Examples of questions include: "What is the best thing about your life right now?", "What is the last thing you built/made?", "The best thing about being a grown up is...."






Another thing to consider are apps for this purpose.  One app someone recently recommended to me is the Posterity app for capturing family quotes.  It currently costs $1.99 and has gotten good reviews so far.  Parents seem to enjoy the photo option that joins with the quotes.  Many say they are wanting a video option to put capture their child's thoughts as well.







Another way to chronicle your child is to take videos of him or her in action and upload the videos as private +YouTube entries; these can then be shared with a few special family members and kept in your YouTube account for long term keeping.

And finally, there is the photo book option.  Many internet sites offer photo books for you to create and order (e.g., +Walmart, +Shutterfly, and Michaels are just a few options).  If you include your wonderful quotes, along with pictures, this would make not only a great memory book (imagine giving a copy of the books to your kids at their graduation, wedding, etc), but also a great gift for grandparents and other family members.

Vordak the Incomprehensible: Book Review

My son just turned 7, and he is beginning to read simple story books on his own.  This is a book that I have been reading to him, because it is geared for 4-8th graders.  The subject matter, though, is right up our alley.

The premise is that the evil super-villan Vordak has written a book to help his snivelling readers aspire to greatness as evil rulers of the world.  Each chapter helps the reader understand the importance of selecting a dastardly name, choosing minions and henchmen, building a secret evil lair...well, you get the picture. 

There are a total of 3 books in this series including Rule the School and Double Trouble. 

The writing is very funny, and we are enjoying it.  There are many "big words" in this book like "villany" and "incomprehensible" and "dastardly." That is why it is for older readers, but we are doing fine with me reading it to him and then explaining some of the words. 

You can even check out the the Vordak website which includes Vordak's blog, information about books, and activities/games. 

Enjoy!

When Jesus Wept by Bodie and Brock Thoene

There have been authors that have greatly impacted me in my life.  Typically I think this is the result of a merging in time of what God is doing in my life and what the author has to say and reveal.  Everything seems to meet at the right place and time to change me and my outlook forever. 

Bodie and Brock Thoene (pronounced "Tay-nee") have been just such authors for me.  They have written over 45 works of historical fiction, selling over 10 million copies.  Their works have been honored with 8 ECPA Gold Medallion Awards.

Although the topics of their books vary, they have a heart for Jewish history and scripture.  They have published series having to do with World War II and with the establishing of Israel after the war.  They have also published about the Great Depression in the United States and slavery. 

Most recently they have been publishing a series called the A.D. Chronicles which is set in biblical times and centers around familiar scriptural men/women as well as fictional characters.  It is their interpretation, based in history and scripture, of what it was like to live when and where Jesus lived.  

They have just published the first book of a new series.  The series is the Jerusalem Chronicles and the book is When Jesus Wept. The book centers around the friendship between Lazarus and Jesus.  It is my understanding that the Jerusalem Chronicles will begin telling the story of the crucifixion and resurrection, a portion of scripture that the A.D. Chronicles did not develop.

I certainly understand that some people do not like to read fictional accounts based on scripture stories and the history of the time.  I respect that point of view and can see why people may feel wary--concerned that individuals may give the fictional interpretation  the same weight as scripture.  However, keeping in mind that this is an interpretation of the story, the scriptures mean more to me when I can read about what life was like during that time, the history behind different rulers, and the customs of the day.  I just received my copy of When Jesus Wept and began reading.  I can't wait to see what God teaches me through this new offering.

Process and Journey: Hebrews 11:13

Excerpt from Soul Cries devotional; copyright Regan 2012

Hebrews 11:13 (New International Version)

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.

Promises are promises, and God’s promises are true. He is incapable of being unfaithful to a promise. By His very nature, He is a covenant-making God, and He interacts with His people accordingly. Nothing will fall short. However, He is also an eternal God—a God of the big picture. He is a God of the ages, not just of the moment. His vision crosses over seasons and times. As we see in Hebrews, there are aspects of the promise that unfold over time, perhaps even after a lifetime. Some of the promises the ancients received foretold of things to come generations into the future.

This is the good news and the hard news. We would all like to see promises brought to fruition in an instant. But our God is a God of process and journey. Some of His promises to us unfold over years, decades, and generations. It is hard to wait for promises to come true; perhaps we may get to the end of our lives feeling that some things we glimpsed are still far away. However, we praise God, for He is faithful to the generations. The way God works in your life is part of a life-giving process that unfolds for your children and all generations to come. They will reap the benefit of your intercession, your prayer, and your journey. There will be breakthroughs that you strive toward your whole life that your children will receive as an inheritance without toil.

Thank you, God. Thank you for giving gifts to our children and being faithful to the generations. Thank you that our journey makes a difference; the promise is ever unfolding.

1. Sometimes faith in God’s promises means believing that breakthrough will come to a future generation. What breakthroughs are you believing for your children?

2. What have you received as an inheritance because of the faith of your ancestors? Was there someone in a past generation who was a pioneer in the Christian faith and gifted you in your spiritual journey? How can you do the same for your children?

Jesus Calling Bible Storybook: Review

Because my son is in the autistic spectrum, he has trouble handling crowds of people.  We have tried church several times in the past with him, and so far it has been very draining and difficult for him to tolerate.  I am always looking for ways to incorporate God into our daily life at home, so he is surrounded by the good news of Jesus.  

Every night we tell Bible stories before he goes to bed.  I have looked at many Bible storybooks and it is difficult to find one that seems compelling, beautiful, and easy to understand.  We just purchased Jesus Calling Bible Storybook by Sarah Young a few weeks ago, and we are loving it. 

I have never purchased Sarah Young's devotionals before, although I know they have a wonderful reputation and have been widely read.  In reading the Storybook, I understand why.  She seems able to capture God's love, goodness, and beauty in a way that inspires us and fills us with awe.  Her writing seems both simple and profound--easy to understand but compelling us to read it again and think about it during the day.  The artwork in this Bible Storybook is BEAUTIFUL and makes the stories even more captivating (illustrator Carolina Farias).

The book includes 49 Old Testament stories and 51 New Testament stories.  Here is an excerpt from the story about Christmas-- "Finally, it was time.  God was ready.  The world was ready. Stars sparkled in the sky on a night so quiet you could hear your heart beat.  If you stood still, closed your eyes, and took a deep breath, you could feel something in the air. The sky, the fields, and the little town of Bethlehem--they were ready.  The angels in heaven were ready.  This was the perfect time for Jesus to be born."  

Interspersed throughout the book are messages from God called "Jesus Calling."  Each is based on a scripture verse.  Here is an example based on Revelation 22:13.  "I am the Alpha and the Omega.  That means the Beginning and the End.  Most people call Me Jesus.  I am God the Son.  I made the heavens and the earth. Even then--long before you were born--I thought of you and loved you." 

What do you like to read with your kids?

Erik Weihenmayer: Blind Adventurer

Erik's Touch the Top website

Erik Weihenmayer was born in 1968 with an eye disease called retinoschisis.  By the age of 13, he became completely blind.  At the age of 16, he began mountain climbing. Erik is now an acrobatic skydiver, long distance biker, marathon runner, skier, mountaineer, ice climber, and rock climber.  In 2008, he completely his quest to climb the 7 Summits, the highest location on each of the 7 continents.

Erik is also a motivational speaker and author.  He speaks for some of the largest companies in the world, as well as leaders in all spheres of life.  He has many different talking points, but here are some themes:

Shattering Expectations: Guided by a Vision 

“Often,” Erik says, “we are forced to throw out the expectations of others and rise to the level of our own internal potential.”

 Teamwork - The Only Way To Cross A Glacier Is On A Rope Team

"The key is to surround yourself, not just with people of talent, but with people who don't buy into the notion: Seeing is Believing, but know the opposite is true: Believing is Seeing."

Alchemy - Using Adversity as an Advantage:

"Imagine," Erik offers, "if adversity was no longer your enemy, but your ally, no longer an impediment, but the pathway."

The Adversity Advantage book link 

Touch the Top of the World book link 

Who inspires you to turn adversity into advantage and adventure?!

Sensory Processing Symptoms: Book Resources

I still remember the life changing moment when I read (ok--devoured) my first book about sensory processing symptoms.  I was a mother trying to figure out my one year old, feeling defeated in many ways, and then I said "Yes, that is my kid!"  The book I read was The Out of Sync Child.  Even though I am a Neuropsychologist, specializing in brain behavior relationships, I worked primarily with adults and had not learned about sensory processing symptoms.  

Sensory processing occurs in every individual.  Our brain helps us make sense of our environment.  "What does this sensation mean?  What is my environment trying to tell me?"  Sensations include a wide variety of things like sounds, sights, smells, touch, and taste, but also things like vibration, deep pressure, join input (stretching and pressure), balance and vestibular (movement) sensations, and pain.  Someone with a good ability to take in and understand sensations feels comfortable in their environment, unless of course there is a signal of danger.  Then they adapt, get safer, get more comfortable, whatever adjustments need to be made. 

Individuals with sensory dysfunction, may hear a noise and their brain experiences it as too loud!  They may climb a jungle gym, and become frightened.  Their body isn't giving them good information about where they are in space.  They may perform normal grooming activities and feel pain, much more than someone else would.  Some individuals get the message from their brain that they aren't receiving enough information from their environment.  These individuals can seek much more sensory stimuli than a more typical person would.  They may shout and crash into things.  They may spin in circles and crave crunchy, spicy food.  

Sometimes children show just a few symptoms that then resolve as they grow older.  Maybe they are picky eaters for example, or don't tolerate clothing very easily.  Other children seem to show a very significant amount of sensory dysfunction, making it difficult for them to feel safe and comfortable, eat food and perform hygiene, and even pay attention in class.  Because join input can help us attend better, they may do well if given heavy tasks at home or the classroom (e.g., carrying a large stack of books, pushing furniture, pulling a wagon, carrying a heavy book bag). 

Unfortunately, many children are labeled as uncooperative and inattentive because they are different sensory needs.  Many children with sensory symptoms may fall in the ADD or Autistic Spectrum categories.  Alternatively, in May of 2013, a new category called Sensory Processing Disorder is being defined.  

There are great book resources out their for parents and teachers trying to help children learn, grow, and meet their sensory needs.  I personally read The Out of Sync Child series and loved it.  Other very good books come highly recommended from various sources as well.

The Out of Sync Child

I also liked the companion book which gives ideas for activities to help kids regulate successfully:

The Out of Sync Child Has Fun

You may also want to try one of these books:

Raising a Sensory Smart Child

Sensational Kids 

Inspiring People: Nick Vujicic

Nick Vujicic was born in Australia in 1982.  His mother was a nurse and his father a pastor.  Nick was born without limbs, no arms or legs.  

In the midst of the normal challenges of childhood, Nick wondered about the purpose behind his life.  He credits God with changing his life, bringing him a future and a hope.  “I found the purpose of my existence, and also the purpose of my circumstance. There’s a purpose for why you’re in the fire." Nick's website states: Nick wholeheartedly believes that there is a purpose in each of the struggles we each encounter in our lives, and that our attitude towards those struggles, along with our faith and trust in the Lord can be the keys to overcoming the challenges we face.

Nick Vujicic website

 Nick travels the world as a motivational speaker.  He shares his story and his faith.  He recently released a book called Unstoppable: The Incredible Power of Faith in Action

  

His life, indeed, is a story of faith in action.  

How do you activate your faith, make it real and impactful?  How do you share your struggles with others to change the world for good?

Book Review: Children with High Functioning Autism

Children with High Functioning Autism (Amazon.com )



There are so many very good books to choose from on autism and parenting.  I certainly have not read them all, but this is a book I very much liked and could relate to.  It is written by Claire E. Hughes-Lynch who has a PhD in special education and in giftedness.  I loved the combination of her knowledge in both areas, because they both apply to the autistic spectrum.  Many people do not realize that the rate of autistic spectrum is notable in the gifted population.  I remember a teacher looking at a student having a melt down at my son's previous school.  She looked at me and said, "I don't know what's wrong with him!  It's not like he's stupid!"  No, he wasn't "stupid," he was bright, artistic, and autistic (undiagnosed).  He wasn't getting the services he needed and the teachers (private school) had no idea what a sensory symptoms was or how to detect red flags for autism.

I related so much to what Dr. Hughes-Lynch said in her book.  There were some things of course that I have a different opinion about, but she is very open about saying that the approach they took may not be the best for everyone.  I remember her saying she would often sit in the car with her kids (two: a girl with autism and a son with multiple autistic features) and try to decide whether she dared try to take them into a store that day.  I have been there and have many stories of my own like that!  Do I dare... What can he tolerate today... What kind of a day has it been? If I'm a good mother, what will I focus on, pursue, and run after---what will I let go? 

What books have you appreciated on autism and parenting?