Welcome to “On the Horizon”

Issue 118:  How Do I Know if My Child is Anxious?

On the Horizon is an award winning weekly ezine for parents of children with developmental disabilities who want simple, effective strategies to reduce stress, support their child’s development, and improve quality of life for the whole family.

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Tools for Development

A Note from Nicole: Route to Independence

Idea of the Week:  To Market, To Market

Feature Article: How Do I Know if My Child is Anxious?

The Horizons Team Recommends: Learning as we Grow

Allergen-Free Recipe of the Week: White Bean Hummus

Allergen-Free Product of the Month: KinniTOOS Chocolate Sandwich Crème Cookies

Hi Everyone,

I’ve been thinking about this quote that someone sent me last week: “The route to independence is dependence (Bruce Perry).” This rings so true for me, especially in the work I do with clients. In order for us to develop in any area, we first must lean on and learn from others who are further down the path. Children develop independence in all areas through first being dependent on key adults in their lives. This is the essence of what human development is all about, and what makes relationships such an essential component for growth. How do you see this being true in your own life and in the life of your child?

Our feature article this week is a favorite of many readers as it focuses on the issue of anxiety. Courtney shares some ways to recognize anxiety in children, especially those with autism and related disorders. Sometimes anxiety is at the root of a lot of issues that don’t necessarily seem anxiety-related at first glance. Read it through and see if you can relate any of the information to your own child. The featured resource this week, Learning as we Grow, provides some very helpful suggestions for addressing anxiety in the school setting.

Have a fabulous week!

Looking to the horizon,

To Market, To Market

August is here and so are the famers markets. Take your whole family to a local farmers market or orchard for an exciting adventure of fruit picking, buying produce, or even going for a hay ride. Before you leave, have the whole family take part in picking out their favorite fruit and vegetables that you will buy as well as trying something new. Once at home here are a few activities you can do:

1. Have the children draw or paint a picture of what they did.
2. Discuss the different colors and textures of the produce you purchased.
3. Make lunch or dinner with at least one of the items you purchased and have the children guess which item you used.
4. Try the new product. Talk about what makes it either a fruit or vegetable; what it tastes like, what it feels like, and whether or not you like it.

How Do I Know if My Child is Anxious?

By: Courtney Kowalyczk, M.ED.

When thinking about autism and all that is involved with it and other similar neurodevelopmental disorders, we sometimes overlook the possibility of co-occurring conditions like anxiety. All too often I hear responses about a child’s odd behaviors in relation to him or her “being naughty,” or that “it is just his or her autism”; but, in many instances, that is not the case. Anxiety is a complex disorder that can manifest itself in many different ways, especially in children and adults affected by autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. My goal over the next couple of months is to share with you information related to anxiety, and how you can help your child or student who may be affected by it.

Neurotypical individuals affected by anxiety on a day to day basis have varying symptoms. We often see individuals who perspire or use avoidance techniques to escape or withdraw from what makes them anxious, like social settings and large events. Others deal with their anxiety in different ways, and can become excessively chatty or extremely quiet. Whether it be withdrawing, perspiration, or becoming excessively talkative, many individuals are able to cope somewhat with their anxiety. Children and adults with neurodevelopmental disorders also have ways of expressing their anxiety and attempting to cope with it. When thinking about your child or student, here are a few ways that they may express their anxiety:

• Increased self-stimulatory behaviors. Many individuals affected by autism and other neurological disorders will use self-stimulatory behaviors like rocking, flapping, hand flicking, and talking to themselves from time to time. Self-stimulatory behaviors are often static in nature, and are used by individuals to avoid situations that are too difficult for them to process and understand, as well as to deal with anxiety. When you see an individual begin using self-stimulatory behaviors or an increase in the behavior intensity, it may be helpful to ask yourself if this person is anxious and why.

Read more …

White Bean Hummus

Whether you have just started a special diet with your child or you have been following one for years, it can be difficult to come up with what to serve. We decided to try to make that just a bit easier by providing you with a new allergen free recipe each week. While it is impossible to meet every person’s unique food sensitivity needs, we hope you will find these recipes helpful and delicious. Please feel free to adapt the recipes to meet your needs and taste buds; we do it all the time. In addition to the weekly recipes, we will be highlighting a specific allergen free product of the month. Enjoy!

White Bean Hummus
(also good for bagels & breadsticks)

1 cup dry white beans (soak for 8-12 hours and rinse well and cook for 45 minutes until soft)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 teaspoons xanthan gum
1-2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
¼ cup sesame tahini
1 teaspoon salt

Combine in a food processor and mix well.

KinniTOOS Chocolate Sandwich Crème Cookies

Gluten Free, Casein Free, Lactose Free, Peanut and Tree Nut Free