Wendy Gennaula

Recent Activity

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  Wendy commented on the article | over 2 years ago

  Learning and Living on the Journey

  My oldest (now almost 14) had a really tough time last year.  I believe the onset of puberty set him back for almost 8 months.  We had lots of aggression and some"private behaviors" in public places.  Like Charlie, he surpassed me in height.  Fortunately, he has since calmed back down and made a giant leap forward. 
  A book that has helped me understand his perspective is "Managing Meltdowns: Using the S.C.A.R.E.D. Calming Technique with Children and Adults with Autism.  What makes it different is that the book is co-written by Deborah Lipsky, an autistic adult who has lived through these problems.  It is a slim book packed with useful information.  I bought multiple copies and shared them.  At school, one of the EAs made a worksheet to share with the whole school based on the techniques.
  In the meantime, thank you for sharing your life with Charlie with us.  I am also grateful for Dora's column; I have learned so much.  Love and peace from Minnesota!

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  Wendy commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

  Why We Stopped Going to Toys 'R' Us

  I agree 100%.  I would argue that the lay out is frustrating to NT kids as well.  When my boys (both on the spectrum)were younger we had a small Zany Brainy Store.  The boys could play in the contained Thomas the train area until they acclimated themselves to their surroundings.  The  store played children's music at a reasonable volume.  It was a sad day at our house when the store went out of business.
  My boys are older now.  The oldest is into Pokemon.  We go to our local GameStop.  The staff greets my son by name and treat him with patience and respect.  He wants to work there when he grows up!  My youngest loves Legos and we order them online.
  A bigger concern fo me is Toys R Us' recent partnership with Autism Speaks.  Last month, on the weekend they had a free Pokemon download, they asked customers if they wanted to make a contribution for autism.  When I asked the cashier where the money would go he informed me they gave it to Autism Speaks.  Needless to say, I didn't make a contribution.