Here is one of best comics I have seen so far to explain the spectrum
http://mobile.dudamobile.com/site/the-art-of-autism?url=http%3A%2F%2Fthe-art-of-autism.com%2Funderstanding-the-spectrum-a-comic-strip-explanation%2F&dm_redirected=true#2719

Totally me. I went to moms special needs support group described all appointments stress etc. Only to have ppl say at least your child could.... There is competitive empathy. That lead me to not seek out "support" It is weird with high functional child on spectrum. Just because not same experiences. Doesn't mean my feeling aren't valid. I am mother in middle between two worlds. This article is a good read. http://www.vitalsign.info/2016/05/02/when-youre-in-between-being-a-special-needs-mom-and-a-typical-mom/

Shame spiral

I struggled with this a bit at first when he was diagnosed. People would be openly critical to my son. When I began journey I had horrible teacher who said he didn't belong in regular school. Openly talk to other parent about his challenges. I had other parent discuss how he didn't belong in regular school even to go as far as to tell their kids not to play with my son. I was stricter than I should be hoping to normalize so that other people would treat him better. I was in denial about diagnosis. I start to believe the lie mother in law told about bad parenting and was to strict to my son.I succumbed to pressure that was being heaped on me Funny thing is when I filtered out other people G happiness skyrocketed. His stimming wasn't as severe. His anxiety levels were lower. Looking back I was pissed at that time. I was so focus on deficits I didn't help him properly at first. Now I don't listen to them. I fight back hard to those that would deny him help. I am stronger now. But every one and a while old me resurfaces. https://autismwithasideoffries.blogspot.ca/2016/05/shame.html

New Samsung app for asd children

What does it do?
This program was developed by Samsung, in collaboration with professors, doctors and UX designers. Seven scientifically-produced missions were created to help children with autism make eye contact, read facial expressions and express their emotions. 20 children trained on the program over eight weeks and *60% of them showed improvement in making eye contact.

Rewards
To motivate the children to train on the program every day, we turned this program into a fun and easy-to-use app. Rubies, character cards and points will be awarded to the child based on performance. Music and voice guide are customized to the child’s theme preferences.https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.samsung.lookatme

recent list of great google play apps

Pepi Bath

Pepi bath is a role-play game where children learn about hygiene in a fun way. The app has 4 parts as different situations in which this cute character Pepi – a boy or a girl to choose – appears: at the sink, washing clothes, going to a toilet and taking a bath.


Pepi Bath can be played both as a set process of cleaning or without any pre-set sequence, where the player is free to choose what they do. In Pepi Bath there are no stress or win-lose situations. With Pepi Play children develop their sense of humor instead.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.pepiplay.pepibathandroid&hl=en

next app is Daniel tiger
With Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Feelings, children can play and explore their feelings through four rich, engaging activities:

1. You can practice calming down just as Daniel does, with a squeeze and a deep breath.You help Daniel clean up his toys and put away the silverware. Count to four with Daniel when he feels so mad that he wants to roar
2. The photo booth talks about different emotion and encourages child to match their own facial expressions to different emotions.

This is the best video I have even seen to explain what is Autism?

I always hear in forum how do I explain to my family one what autism means. Well this is best video I have found to date to explain autism in positive manner.

On unrelated note in wake of Disney Scandal

I have been rather obsessed with Ursula lately. After Disney scandal about downsizing her doll. I ironically came across Disney article saying Disney character was based on famous drag Queen Divine. Which is kinda cool. I didn't care for Ursula much as child. I was more and Ariel girl. Not because of who she was but how she looked. But the adult woman in me respect Ursula more. She wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted. She went to far mind you being full on evil. But she had fun was flamboyant and generally seemed like she was having a blast. She didn't have man didn't want one. She'd rather have world domination.  While Ariel cried whole movie over getting a man and keeping him.I am weird as an adult I kinda find myself routing for villain more they general seem like they would be more fun to hang with.  http://celebs.answers.com/movies/10-real-life-inspirations-behind-these-iconic-disney-characters?param4=fb-ca-de-entertainment&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=ssde-all#slide=3