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Issue 5 Features

Sink or Swim The Kitchen Classroom

Brain Bytes

Teens' IQ may rise or fall over time

Study finds that children with autism have distinct differences in facial characteristics than typically developing children

Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites

"He who sits still in a house all the time may be the greatest vagrant of all."

-Henry Thoreau

Before exploring the American fall festival of going door to door in masks to receive goodies from your neighbors, find a large mirror where you and your child can sit side-by-side. As you look into the mirror, place a half-mask on your face. "Mask on", remove it, "mask off". Pass it to your child and continue the rhythm of "Mask on", "Mask off" as your child explores this benign change in appearance. Continue using two masks. As you begin your walk through the neighborhood, stop every now and then to play "Mask on" "Mask off".

It's a nice opportunity to encourage "thank you" manners, too.

Where in the World is Aunt Martha?

She is in Madrid, Spain enjoying her copy of the Spanish Version of The RDI Book!

You can buy your copy from Amazon or the RDIconnect online Bookstore!

Quick Links

RDIconnect Website

Find an RDI Consultant

RDI Certification for professionals

Finding moments during the day to slow down and enjoy the rhythms of life can be a challenge, a challenge worth pursuing. From yummy food in the kitchen to the masks of trick or treat, we hope you will enjoy the seasonal suggestions in this week's newsletter.

-le Sheely, Ph.D.

Sink or Swim-The Further Adventures of Ellen

by le Sheely, Ph. D.

Mindfully stepping into the unknown was a challenge for both Ellen and her parents. The unknown, the unexpected surprises that are the grist of childhood pleasure, were unexplored and for the most part, avoided by Ellen.

Looking at early videos of Charlie, her parents realized that they rarely did anything exactly the same when playing with him-preferring not to rock the boat with Ellen, they found something that calmed her and repeated it over and over. The challenge for Ellen's parents was how to provide experiences that would not only help her tolerate the unfamiliar but look forward to it. In this regard, hesitation was our friend.

Ellen has always loved music. She has a melodic voice and can easily and quickly remember little songs once she has heard them. She likes performing as well. Beginning with the familiar songs of childhood-Twinkle, Twinkle; Row Your Boat; Old Mc, by example-- we chose unpredictable stopping points to underscore for Ellen the enjoyment of small changes.

Row Your Boat seemed easiest. As she sat facing her

mother holding hands, they sang and moved their bodies backward and forward with the rhythm of the song. Stopping just before "merrily", her mother paused for Ellen to acknowledge and recognize that something different had happened, that a small change in the song had occurred. This hesitation and silence highlighted a moment of uncertainty for Ellen, not very different from the way parents of typically developing children have highlighted the same experience for their children for as long as we can remember, in every place we've been.

Somewhat self-involved during the singing and rocking, when it stopped Ellen hesitated and then gazed at her mother. Smiling with assurance, her mother resumed singing but changed to a sideways rocking pattern. Ellen laughed and her mother found herself laughing as well.

Careful not to simply teach a new way to sing an old song, Ellen's mother continued to couple and signal numerous changes in the song with hesitation. Because it was unpredictable, Ellen began to gaze more carefully at her mother not only when she hesitated but also as they sang.

Both learned that in small doses through carefully crafted interactions, uncertainty could become a hallmark of their time together. Avoiding chaos would not be easy.

Talking with le Kaplan Mayer, Author of The Kitchen Classroom

Welcome to The Kitchen Classroom-a cookbook that teaches kids not only how to cook, but also how to boost their communication, motor, sensory and social skills. Read our interview with the Author, le Kaplan Mayer, below:

Why did you decide to write The Kitchen Classroom?

I began cooking and RDI with my son when he was four. Cooking together to work on co-regulation was our consultant Paget's idea. We had started the gluten-free, casein-free diet and I was looking for very simple recipes that and I could work on together-I had tried some cake and bread recipes from a gluten-free cookbook and they were too complex for him. I have a background as a cooking instructor for children and teens so it was natural for me to write some simple recipes, keeping 's developmental level in mind. I used clip art to show the steps of the recipes because he follows pictures very well. Within six months, I had a binder of recipes that I had written. I shared them with some of the therapists working with and they all felt that other parents would benefit from what I created. This is how my inspiration for "Kitchen Classroom" began--I realized that the time, energy and creativity that I had put into writing the recipes for would benefit other families.

What is your experience with RDI®?

l Kaplan-Mayer

When my son was diagnosed with autism, I was devastated but I knew that I wanted to find a therapy that would help me relate to my son. I researched many interventions but when I read about RDI, I felt intuitively, it was right for me. It has allowed my husband and me to feel like we are in the driver's seats and can make good decisions about raising our son--and daughter! When I meet RDI parents, they are generally empowered when it comes to parenting too.

Click here to read the full article.

Click here to buy The Kichen Classroom.

December Back to Back Seminars for RDI Certification in Houston, TX

Begining Seminar- November 29-December 2

Intermediate Seminar- December 5-8

Visit our website for more information

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