Judy Lewicky

Recent Activity

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  Judy signed the petition | over 2 years ago

  Tell the St. Lucie County School District to Respect the Rights of Students with Disabilities
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  Judy commented on the article | over 2 years ago

  Sensory Rooms, Maybe Not?

  I visited a non-public school for autism that had sensory equipment (at least a swing) in EVERY classroom.  The theory being, if a child needed a sensory break, and was able to tell an instructor that he needed such a break, it should be rewarded.  Now, if you could swing whenever you wanted to, wouldn't you be motivated to talk?  But would you speak of anything else?
  
  J is a proprioceptive kid - not interested in manipulatives, but movement.  To that end, he gets several sensory breaks a day, but they don't need to be in a motor room.  We can use the playground, scooter boards, or a trip to an empty gymnasium for a jumping session.  His breaks are 10 minutes at the most, he is regulated, and returns to class.
  
  The same can be done with manipulatives - there is nothing wrong with having them available in the classroom.  The budget does not have to be blown on sensory stimulation.

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  Judy commented on the article | over 2 years ago

  When Protection Is Needed

  I'll be honest, the future of my son terrifies me.  It's too early to know his potential as to independent living, but I have to face the fact that there will always be a need for help.
  
  And no matter how we prepare, coach, and practice, there will always be things that we don't anticipate.  There was an article in the Washington Post Magazine recently illustrating this point - I talk about it in my blog - http://jonsmomblog.com/2009/05/10/the-future-with-autism/
  
  Thank you for this entry, Kristina.

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  Judy commented on the article | over 2 years ago

  Words Aren't All They're Cracked Up To Be

  Thanks - the PECS really taught him that communication was possible.  He did top out with them, but at his own pace, and when he was able to use a different mode of communication.  Now he also uses a basic augmentative communication device, and is learning how to type.

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  Judy commented on the article | over 2 years ago

  Words Aren't All They're Cracked Up To Be

  Great post, and one people tend not to understand.  Jon has a lot to say, he just can't say it in the conventional manner (not at this point, and possibly never). 
  
  Jon was unable to imitate until he was about 5yo, so his first communication was through PECS.  Around age 5, something clicked, and some rudimentary signs came - although his fine motor is so poor, that we will not depend on them for communication outside school and the house.  With signing, though, came the first real attempts at speech.  He's 7, and very frustrated when not understood - who wouldn't be?
  
  It's important to remember that he has a lot to say, but also important that we don't try to say too much for him.  His frustration makes him determined to use real speech.