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            Safety at Home

    * To prevent your child from locking himself in his room, reverse the locks on his door so that the locking mechanism is on the outside.
    * If your child climbs on furniture, attach bookcases and curio cabinets to the wall.
    * Wrap a ribbon tied in a square knot around cabinet handles; it will only get tighter if pulled on.
    * Put away anything you do not want broken.
    * Put a chain lock near the top of your doors to prevent your child from exiting without your knowledge.
    * Install a door chime or bell that sounds when an exit door is opened.
    * Staple chicken wire to the inside of a wooden fence to prevent your child from leaving your yard without your knowledge.

The Learning Early conference will be held in Sayre on April 23rd, 2010. It is sponsored by BCRAC (Bradford County Regional Arts Council) There will be at least one sessions addressing Autism, probably three. I have been asked to represent AH by obtaining speakers on autism. As more details solidify, I will post it on the website.

There will be a conference on Autism March 27th, 2010 sponsored by Autism Hearts. It's focus will be for emergency first responders, law enforcement, parents, educators, care providers, and the autism community. The time and location are yet to be determined. Again as soon as details are available, it will be posted on the website.

This year's fund raising walk is planned for May. I need to coordinate with the school district as to which Saturday they can allow us to use the track. I am trying for the 22nd. More details to follow!!

Sandy

Heartstrings will be a feature each month for readers to share personal stories. If you would like to submit a story for the newsletter, please send it to me at
AutismHearts@stny.rr.com Please know that this newsletter is on the internet, so anything you say can be viewed by anyone. If you wish to submit a photo, attach it to the story. Also, I must be able to reserve the right to edit for space and content if necessary. Sandy

Reader's Reviews

Have you read a good book on Autism lately?
If you have and would like to share a title and make a comment about it, please email it to me at
AutismHearts@stny.rr.com
I will then place it here for all to share! Sandy

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night
by Mark Hadden

Although a work of fiction, this story offers insight into the mind of one with autism. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Recommended by Sandy

Alexander was born via c-section due to being breech August 15, 2006 at the Robert Packer Hospital. As soon as he came out he was a ball of fire!!! I always said he's going to have red hair like mommy....As a baby he always seemed fussy, he wanted to be held all the time, and liked constant movement. He always had a sour stomach spitting up was an issue. We tried many different types of formula, he now drinks a product called Darifree with no issues. Alexander had extreme anxiety, where ever we went he cried and went for the door and the only thing that would help calm him was Diego!!!! Who would become his favorite friend in the whole world. The first year Alexander hit all the milestones, then I started to see he just wasn't where the other kids were at his age. He didn't walk until 21 months and had balance issues. At his two year doctor visit she said what I was dreading to hear I think you should see a pediatric neuro doctor. I knew what she was going to say, I new the signs of autism but to hear those words...Alexander was officially diagnosed July 10, 2009 with autism.

Alexander is definitely a sensory kiddo!!! He loves the deep pressure squeezes, any food with a crunch, and at night when it's time for bed you will find him underneath all his blankets...This summer we had two big purchases, a golf cart and a white lab named Charley. He loves riding around on the golf cart and wrestling with Charley, it's funny to watch.

October after Alexander's second birthday he started speech and special instruction therapy through Early Intervention. His teacher helped open the door for us. The first session she started squishing him and he loved it!!! We finally understood what his needs were. Alexander now started running to people for hugs instead of running away from them. This was so much help for us, we could now go places without incidents, the anxiety was gone. He could interact with other children, even his brother, who at first he wasn't thrilled with. We also started the gluten, casein free diet which helped so much with his tummy issues and his aggression. Alexander now

is in Blast and will eventually start in a classroom setting this year. He now signs, matches colors , points to animals when asked, looks at books regularly, and plays with toys like he's supposed to. He jibber jabbers and he will say a word now and again. Alexander is a sweet affectionate little boy who everyone loves. We are blessed with all the love and support everyone has shown. We love this boy unconditionally and we pray he will do well. He has come so far, just have faith and believe!!! God Bless you all.

Carrie Zdon