On the Horizon 10/26/2010

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Horizons Developmental Remediation Center

On the Horizon
On the Horizon

Welcome to “On the Horizon”

Issue 125:  The Sixth Month of Development

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.

To keep receiving On the Horizon,
please add the email address “nicolebeurkens@horizonsdrc.com” to your safe address list.

 

In This Issue

New Ideas

A Note from Nicole:   Halloween Time; Milestones

Idea of the Week:  Cook Pumpkin Seeds

Feature Article: The Journey Through Development: The Sixth Month

The Horizons Team Recommends: Learning As We Grow 

Allergen-Free Recipe of the Week: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie Muffins

Upcoming Events: 
Horizons Events & Workshops

A Note From Nicole
Nicole Beurkens

Hi Everyone,

I’m not sure how it is we are already to Halloween time in the US, but here it is upon us again! My
kids are getting excited about upcoming parties in school and the trick-or-treating festivities this
weekend. This year we will have a “creepy magician”, two “scary ghouls”, and a “Princess Tiana.” If
you follow me on Facebook make sure to check this weekend, as I will have some pictures uploaded
of the costumes and events!

This week’s feature article provides a glimpse into the developmental changes happening in a 6-month-old baby. It’s important to remind ourselves of these important early milestones, as they have
huge implications for supporting the development of individuals with autism and related disorders. When you click through to read the entire article you will see that there is a new option for you to post comments. Let us know what you think and share some of your own observations regarding development!

I hope your week is starting off well and that it is a productive one for you!

Looking to the horizon,

Idea of the Week
Pumpkin Seeds

Cook Pumpkin Seeds

Make a tasty treat together using the leftovers from pumpkin carving! Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.

Place washed pumpkin seeds one by one on a cookie sheet, and cover the seeds with
butter and a little salt.

Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the seeds begin to turn brown.

Make sure to turn the seeds occasionally. Enjoy!

Feature Article
Baby at 6 months

The Journey Through Development: The Sixth Month

By: Michelle VanderHeide, BSW

Development is a complex process, and truly amazing when you break it down. Each little gain that a child makes is a miracle, especially when you begin to look at the complexity of the brain. The ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) is the part of the brain used to read and understand emotions. This is one small part of the brain; but what if this part of the brain isn’t firing at the same time as the part that comprehends the words coming in with the facial expressions? A lot of meaning within communication would be missed. Research shows that the brains of children with autism do not fire as quickly as children who are developing neuro-typically. It’s not because of anything the parents have done (or not done) while raising their child with autism that aused their child to develop this neurological disorder. Instead, for whatever reason, the child’s brain is not firing as quickly as a child on a neuro-typical pathway. As a result, a child with autism can miss many of the vital points of development.

Over the past several months, I have written about observations I’ve made about my son. With each child that develops neuro-typically, you will see common goals being reached. Are these things you have noticed in each of your children as they developed? Are you or other people the most important thing in your child’s environment? Below are more things that I have observed about my son, now 6 months old:

Read more …

The Horizons Team Recommends

Learning as we Grow

Learning as
we Grow

You’ve Been
Asking For It – The Resource for Applying Principles of Remediation in
School Settings is Finally Here!

This long-awaited book is written for parents and
professionals who want to be more effective in their work with students
who have neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism.

You will learn how to:

  • Identify the core features of neurodevelopmental disorders
    that create communication, learning, and relationship challenges for
    your students
  • Shift from a mindset of working around deficits
    (compensation) to correcting the root issues that create obstacles for
    your students (remediation)
  • Modify your communication to promote your students’
    communication and thinking abilities
  • Identify the unique strengths and obstacles of each student
    in order to determine appropriate placement and programming
  • Achieve meaningful outcomes for students that allow them to
    reach their greatest potential
For more
information, click here
NEW! Allergen-Free Recipe of the Week

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie Muffins

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.

Pumpkin MuffinsWhile 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.  Enjoy!

Pumpkin Pie Muffins Recipe
1 ½ cups blanched almond flour
¼ teaspoon celtic sea salt
½  teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1 pinch ground cloves
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
½ cup agave nectar
2 large eggs
1 cup fresh baked pumpkin (or winter squash), well packed

Get the recipe… 

Upcoming Events

Please join us!

  • Mom’s Group
    (for Horizons client families only) Call the office to RSVP
    November 9th from 9:30-11:00 AM
  • Horizons Family Holiday Party
    (for Horizons client families only) Call the office to RSVP
    December 4th from 2:00-5:00 PM
    bring the whole family to enjoy holiday foods, crafts, activities, and photos with Santa
On the Horizon
is a weekly ezine for parents of children with developmental disabilities who want simple, effective strategies to reduce stress, support their child¹s development, and improve quality of life for the whole family.

Our mailing address is:
Horizons Developmental Remediation Center
3120 68th Street SE
Caledonia, MI  49316

Our telephone:
(616) 698-0306

Our email address:
info@horizonsdrc.com

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