Welcome to "On the Horizon"

Issue 223:
A Journey in Self Discipline

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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• A Note from Dr. Beurkens
• Feature Article: A Journey in Self Discipline
• Upcoming Events
• Recommended Resources

Hi Everyone!

It’s the last week of school for my kids, and boy are they looking forward to summer!  While most of them enjoy school, they are all ready for more time outside with friends and family and a break from the usual school-year routines.  Our 11-year-old son is graduating from 5th grade so he has lots of fun things going on this week, including a graduation ceremony on Thursday.  Times like this make me realize how quickly they are growing up.  We will have two in middle school next year!  I hope the school year is winding down well for you and your family, and that you’re looking forward to the slower pace that summer brings.

The feature article this week from Erin is about self-discipline.  Let’s face it, all of us aspire to be disciplined in all aspects of our lives… but we all fall short at least some of the time.  Erin recently undertook some major nutrition-related challenges in her life, and she shares what she learned about self-discipline in the process.  Definitely worth the read as it applies to so many aspects of our lives!

Our camps schedule is full for the summer and we are looking forward to seeing everyone who will be participating in programs over the summer months.  If you missed out on scheduling but would still like some individualized time for your child to work on specific skills this summer, you can contact our office and we may be able to squeeze you in on a limited basis. 

Make it a fabulous week!

Looking to the horizon,

A Journey in Self Discipline

By Erin Roon, MA CCC-SLP

In January, I began a journey in self-discipline: I chose to do a three-week fast, followed by a seven-week elimination diet.  I learned a few things along the way, and have continued to regulate what I eat on a day-to-day basis.  The ultimate outcome is that I feel a lot better, and I can tell when I have eaten something to which my body is sensitive.  The side benefits are that I lost weight, and I’m not as tired all the time.

I have talked with several people who told me they need to get themselves mentally prepared before beginning a new eating plan.  This wasn’t the case for me – I decided I would do the fast, and I did it.  I made a plan for what I would eat over the course of the three weeks, and stocked the house with allowable foods.  I made it through the three weeks without cheating.  I will say there were a few moments where it was really tough, and I just wanted it to be over; but I stayed the course.  I had support from family members who were also fasting, and this made a big difference.  Those first few weeks were the most challenging; but then it seemed to get easier.

Click here to read the rest of this article…

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Upcoming Events

Hear Dr. Beurkens Speak

Upcoming dates and locations where Nicole Beurkens, PhD will be speaking:

Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Practical Strategies to Improve Processing

September 16 in Fairfax, VA

September 17 in Rockville, MD

Recommended
Resources

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The Calendar offers a daily dose of inspiration and ideas for spending time together—whether you have 60 seconds or 60 minutes.

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