We had our January Meeting last night, and I realized I forgot to post the information on the blog. We played the amazing math race, and enjoyed rootbeer floats. We were excited to welcome 2 new families in the area with TS kids. Our group is expanding and we love it. It provided a great network of friends. The kids sure enjoy being able to themselves.
We will be meeting again February 28th at 7:00 at the church again. We will be having a Tourette Syndrome Presentation by Tanner Hutchison.
We will post more information as we get the final plans made. (I promise)
Tanner and I traveled to Independence, Kentucky a couple of weeks ago to do a presentation for our friend Spencer at Twenhofel Middle School. Spencer was great in assisting Tanner with the presentation to his class, and Team of teachers and Students. It takes a lot of courage to talk about having a disorder like Tourette Syndrome. Spencer was awesome and gave us some great facts about some famous people who have Tourette Syndrome, and OCD. Tanner was excited to see there were other kids who talked about things they have inherited including a few who also have TS. Thank you so much for inviting us. It only takes one person to make a difference in the lives of many. Spencer and Tanner did a great job doing that.
If you would like more information on scheduling a presentation, contact
Cari Hutchison by email at morethantics@gmail.com
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
More than Tics Family Support Group Meetings and update
Just a little FYI-
We have decided our group meetings for the months of November and December we will take a break from holding. This is to allow everyone to accommodate your busy schedules for all the holiday festivities and parties, and family events.
We will reconvene in January, 17th, 2011 at the Church.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
8250 Cornell Rd
Montgomery Ohio 45252
We have plans to put together
"An Amazing Math Race" for everyone to participate in. Thanks for the great idea Becknell Family! They will be heading this month's activity up. We sure appreciate their help.
We have been very busy with the Youth Ambassador presentations. Tanner just finished up a 2 more classes at Mason Intermediate. Yesterday, he presented on his home Turf- in Milford, at Milford High School to 3 psychology classes, in between tornado evacuations and classes. It was pretty exciting. He did a great job talking with the older classes, of kids, and to his peers. AWESOME!
We have one more presentation scheduled November 19th at Mason Intermediate, and then a rest for the holidays. Mason has really loved the message of acceptance, and tolerance, that Tanner has shared so this next presentation will be to a class just for informational purposes only and to share that message.
Oh, and just in case anyone has questions, or issues please understand we are not Representing the Tourette Syndrome Association.
See you in January- until then you can email us with any questions or concerns.
http://www.morethantics.blogspot.com/
We have decided our group meetings for the months of November and December we will take a break from holding. This is to allow everyone to accommodate your busy schedules for all the holiday festivities and parties, and family events.
We will reconvene in January, 17th, 2011 at the Church.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
8250 Cornell Rd
Montgomery Ohio 45252
We have plans to put together
"An Amazing Math Race" for everyone to participate in. Thanks for the great idea Becknell Family! They will be heading this month's activity up. We sure appreciate their help.
We have been very busy with the Youth Ambassador presentations. Tanner just finished up a 2 more classes at Mason Intermediate. Yesterday, he presented on his home Turf- in Milford, at Milford High School to 3 psychology classes, in between tornado evacuations and classes. It was pretty exciting. He did a great job talking with the older classes, of kids, and to his peers. AWESOME!
We have one more presentation scheduled November 19th at Mason Intermediate, and then a rest for the holidays. Mason has really loved the message of acceptance, and tolerance, that Tanner has shared so this next presentation will be to a class just for informational purposes only and to share that message.
Oh, and just in case anyone has questions, or issues please understand we are not Representing the Tourette Syndrome Association.
See you in January- until then you can email us with any questions or concerns.
http://www.morethantics.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Accomodations for Tourette Syndrome in School
I have a lot of parents who as me questions about 504 plans and IEPs with the schools. I thought I would post some information that has been helpful for us, with our boys to see if it would be helpful for others, in asking for accomodations for your children. It is important to remember that all school districts are different, and sometimes you won't be received well, and sometimes you will. Not all teachers are going to be on board, with you in the meetings, but in our experience, MOST will. Keep an open mind with what you are trying to achieve.
One of the most important things you can do after receiving the diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome, is to request an evaluation from the school. I have found that not all schools will find there to be a necessity to provide services, for a student with TS. It is important to remember that what the school sees, is different that what you may observe at home. We have always expected our kids to behave at school, and they try their best to keep their tics under wraps at school. However, when they come home it is as if a "Bull ran through the china shop", and everything breaks loose from what the child has been holding in all day to show he is behaving properly. We call it the Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde syndrome at our house. I make sure to let the teachers know that that means you are doing your job well at home. You wouldn't want your child to behave that way at school, and are glad that he has a safe and comfortable place to let it all out, HOME. That is where he should let it out.
If you school tests and find your child doesn't meet requirements for a 504 plan, DO GIVE UP. Your child can qualify under IDEA law, as Other health impaired. You can get a letter of diagnosis, from your doctor or neurologist, and that will show that he would qualify for services. This will at least get the ball rolling.
One of the best things we did for our boys, was to seek outside testing through a neuro-psychologist, to have a full gammat of test done to determine where there were difficiencies, and where we needed to focus on for learning. This is call a Neuro-psychological testing. Here in Ohio, we have gone up to the Kettering Institute in Dayton Ohio. It was well worth the drive, we could get in a lot quicker than if we were on the waiting list at Children's hospital. You should try to get an appointment, but be reasonable and expect to get in for testing in a couple of months. You can call and see periodically if there are cancellations to see if you can move your appointment up, to try to get in faster.
The reason I say this is a GOLDEN TICKET with school, is because there is no disputing the private and professional opinion from and outside source. It will be more in depth, and very thorough, the school will have more than enough information to make and assessment, and determine a proper course. This also show our seriousness of how we are taking the education of our child. We were willing to go outside, and seek other opinions to make sure there proper services given. to our child. I think personally that it gave a little more respect with the professionals we were working with and help them see we knew what we were talking about. You definately want to be prepared, and have an idea what you are talking about when you are in the Team meeting for your child.
Some things we like to bring to the meetings, are a composition notebook, we have one for the year for our child, that we can keep notes about each meeting, and write down questions that we have for the team or comments we can share with our child. This is a great way to keep everything organized for the year, and especially for Dr. appointments, that you can keep notes of what the dr said and what the course of treatment is for each professional you will be working with. Make sure to date each entry so you can keep track of the course of treatment and dates you were in there and find them easily, all in one place.
Comments that we hear a lot from parents is that their child isn't showing signs of having trouble in class therefore they were told they don't need to have accomodations for their kid. They don't want their child to be labeled, or they can't see they don't want their child to be treated differently or be embarassed that they need extra help.
My answer to those questions is, it is a matter of thinking ahead as a parent. First you need to determine if you are going to be proactive or reactive when problems come. There is nothing worse that having a school meeting when you are in the middle of a crisis or your child is failing a class. I personally like to be proactive. Tourette Syndrome to me, is just the symptom or the physical manifestation of everything else that is going on behind the scenes. You aren't completing a 504 or IEP because of the tics in class. You are seeking services to prevent the tics from getting worse, by addressing the needs of the anxiety, OCD, or ADD/ADHD. The tics are caused because of stress brought on by those other disorders which go hand in hand for most kids who have TS. Secondly, labels, you just had one put on your child when he was diagnosised. I think you are either ready to learn and embrace the disorder, or you are not. Regardless, the diagnosis is lifechanging. You have to change your way of thinking and realize that life will not be the same as all the other kids. Your life will be different because you have different challenges and things to face, when dealing with the tics or other disorders. It becomes your NORMAL. I learned with my kids, that our normal works for us. I had to learn how to parent differently than I was taught, I had to learn to embrace, and explain things differently, and I as a person learned to be empathetic, and understanding and a lot less judgemental of others. You can't have it both ways, to be like all the other kids without TS, and also have TS, and not have it affect your life. Lastly, being treated differently, Having TS is a great "Jerk filter" you will find out who will treat you right and who won't. There are times that being treated differently is a good thing, and being included like everyone is the good too. You just have to determine when that will be, but you would hate to not have things in place if you needed the exception.
A lot of our accomodations are for preventative measures, for those bad days that come. Our kids didn't always use the accomodations, but just knowing they had the option to do so if necessary, was enough to take the pressure off that they never had to use them. Does that make sense?
Here is list of common ones we have carried from year to year through elementary school.
Please remember these are not accomodations for 1 child, we have 2 sons that have TS. I created a combined list of the different accomodations we have had through the years with both of the boys. Our oldest son is in High School, and therefore the accomodations have changed. The one blessing this year for him has been the ability to have the electronic planner. We did seek permission with his teachers and counselors for him to have it, and have stressed with him him that if he abuses the privileges, or doesn't use it, then the planner will be taken away. This has been great for him so far.
If you every have any questions regarding who to go about getting accomodations or you would like to have some one along to your meetings for support or to help you advocate, I would be happy to help you in this way. I know it is a stressful time, and you want to make sure you get the best for your child. You also want to make sure you build good relationships with the school staff and faculty as well, you do have to work with these professionals your childs school career. The teachers want to be acknowledged for their efforts just as much as the parent want to be acknowledged for ours.
Cari
One of the most important things you can do after receiving the diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome, is to request an evaluation from the school. I have found that not all schools will find there to be a necessity to provide services, for a student with TS. It is important to remember that what the school sees, is different that what you may observe at home. We have always expected our kids to behave at school, and they try their best to keep their tics under wraps at school. However, when they come home it is as if a "Bull ran through the china shop", and everything breaks loose from what the child has been holding in all day to show he is behaving properly. We call it the Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde syndrome at our house. I make sure to let the teachers know that that means you are doing your job well at home. You wouldn't want your child to behave that way at school, and are glad that he has a safe and comfortable place to let it all out, HOME. That is where he should let it out.
If you school tests and find your child doesn't meet requirements for a 504 plan, DO GIVE UP. Your child can qualify under IDEA law, as Other health impaired. You can get a letter of diagnosis, from your doctor or neurologist, and that will show that he would qualify for services. This will at least get the ball rolling.
One of the best things we did for our boys, was to seek outside testing through a neuro-psychologist, to have a full gammat of test done to determine where there were difficiencies, and where we needed to focus on for learning. This is call a Neuro-psychological testing. Here in Ohio, we have gone up to the Kettering Institute in Dayton Ohio. It was well worth the drive, we could get in a lot quicker than if we were on the waiting list at Children's hospital. You should try to get an appointment, but be reasonable and expect to get in for testing in a couple of months. You can call and see periodically if there are cancellations to see if you can move your appointment up, to try to get in faster.
The reason I say this is a GOLDEN TICKET with school, is because there is no disputing the private and professional opinion from and outside source. It will be more in depth, and very thorough, the school will have more than enough information to make and assessment, and determine a proper course. This also show our seriousness of how we are taking the education of our child. We were willing to go outside, and seek other opinions to make sure there proper services given. to our child. I think personally that it gave a little more respect with the professionals we were working with and help them see we knew what we were talking about. You definately want to be prepared, and have an idea what you are talking about when you are in the Team meeting for your child.
Some things we like to bring to the meetings, are a composition notebook, we have one for the year for our child, that we can keep notes about each meeting, and write down questions that we have for the team or comments we can share with our child. This is a great way to keep everything organized for the year, and especially for Dr. appointments, that you can keep notes of what the dr said and what the course of treatment is for each professional you will be working with. Make sure to date each entry so you can keep track of the course of treatment and dates you were in there and find them easily, all in one place.
Comments that we hear a lot from parents is that their child isn't showing signs of having trouble in class therefore they were told they don't need to have accomodations for their kid. They don't want their child to be labeled, or they can't see they don't want their child to be treated differently or be embarassed that they need extra help.
My answer to those questions is, it is a matter of thinking ahead as a parent. First you need to determine if you are going to be proactive or reactive when problems come. There is nothing worse that having a school meeting when you are in the middle of a crisis or your child is failing a class. I personally like to be proactive. Tourette Syndrome to me, is just the symptom or the physical manifestation of everything else that is going on behind the scenes. You aren't completing a 504 or IEP because of the tics in class. You are seeking services to prevent the tics from getting worse, by addressing the needs of the anxiety, OCD, or ADD/ADHD. The tics are caused because of stress brought on by those other disorders which go hand in hand for most kids who have TS. Secondly, labels, you just had one put on your child when he was diagnosised. I think you are either ready to learn and embrace the disorder, or you are not. Regardless, the diagnosis is lifechanging. You have to change your way of thinking and realize that life will not be the same as all the other kids. Your life will be different because you have different challenges and things to face, when dealing with the tics or other disorders. It becomes your NORMAL. I learned with my kids, that our normal works for us. I had to learn how to parent differently than I was taught, I had to learn to embrace, and explain things differently, and I as a person learned to be empathetic, and understanding and a lot less judgemental of others. You can't have it both ways, to be like all the other kids without TS, and also have TS, and not have it affect your life. Lastly, being treated differently, Having TS is a great "Jerk filter" you will find out who will treat you right and who won't. There are times that being treated differently is a good thing, and being included like everyone is the good too. You just have to determine when that will be, but you would hate to not have things in place if you needed the exception.
A lot of our accomodations are for preventative measures, for those bad days that come. Our kids didn't always use the accomodations, but just knowing they had the option to do so if necessary, was enough to take the pressure off that they never had to use them. Does that make sense?
Here is list of common ones we have carried from year to year through elementary school.
- Child will not be punished for his tic or symptoms associatesd with hsi diagnosised disorders, ie. eye rolling, facial grimaces, sticking out tongue.
- Preferencial seating in close proximity to teacher or away from distractions.
- Large assignments will be ge broken down in to small chucks with each smaller assignment having specific due dates, to ensure projects get completed.
- All additional time for assignments if tics are interfering with his ability to complete his work. ie head jerks, blinking.
- Be allowed to use audio books or books on tape for reading logs and assignments while following along in the novel or book.
- Given additional time to take test or quizzes. May test in isolation or in small group specifically for proficiency testing.
- Utilize verbal and no verbal cues to direct or redirect, allowing breaks when necessary to relieve tics. (Trips to office, bathroom, or locker)
- Additional time or modifications for assignments if tics interfere with ability to complete school work
- Modifications to homework as needed to be agreed upon between parent and teacher.
- Extra set of textbooks for home use.
- Discipline in private setting not in front of class or peers.
- Child will not be penalized for missing supplies in class, ie pencil papers, etc. but be allowed to return to locker to retrieve then instead. (Executive functions, ADHD)
- Be allowed to leave class a minute or 2 early so he can make the transition from one class to another in a timely manner and relieve anxiety of the hallways.
- Allow assignments to be emailed as attachments, message, or faxed to teacher upon completion, as well as turned in paper form at school. (in case of lost papers, Executive Function)
- Give child verbal cues to get them jumpstarted on assigment, remind them of the sequence of what they need to next.
- Child allowed to type written assignments.
- Child be allowed to use an electronic planner with alarm function, to remind of what he needs to do. (ADHD, very helpful for Jr. High, High School)
- Child be allowed to visit a counselor or designated teacher on an as needed basis to assis working through any anxiey or emotional difficulties that may arise.
- Contact parents when 2 assignments behind in class.
- Child's disorders will be considered when a discilpine situation arises.
- Child be allowed breaks during lengthy tests or proficiency exams.
- Teachers be notified of child's disorder, at the beginning of the year.
Please remember these are not accomodations for 1 child, we have 2 sons that have TS. I created a combined list of the different accomodations we have had through the years with both of the boys. Our oldest son is in High School, and therefore the accomodations have changed. The one blessing this year for him has been the ability to have the electronic planner. We did seek permission with his teachers and counselors for him to have it, and have stressed with him him that if he abuses the privileges, or doesn't use it, then the planner will be taken away. This has been great for him so far.
If you every have any questions regarding who to go about getting accomodations or you would like to have some one along to your meetings for support or to help you advocate, I would be happy to help you in this way. I know it is a stressful time, and you want to make sure you get the best for your child. You also want to make sure you build good relationships with the school staff and faculty as well, you do have to work with these professionals your childs school career. The teachers want to be acknowledged for their efforts just as much as the parent want to be acknowledged for ours.
Cari
Monday, October 4, 2010
Tourette Syndrome Quick Reference Resources
The other day I was researching out information on ADHD, and executive disfunction, and I came across some great information I thought would be great to share with everyone. If you don't know Executive disfunction is related to ADHD. It is a component that plays in to your ability to organize your thoughts, and yourself. I like to think of it as my secretary skills.
Tanner and Mason both struggle with this issue with their ADD/ADHD. We have to work really hard to make sure there are set due dates for their homework, and also that they are planning out to make sure they are accomplishing little bits of assignments along the way on big projects. This can also be a factor with handing in assignments, remembering when things are due, and what supplies you need to bring home with you. It is like a LACK of a big picture or sequence of what happens next.
We have had a difficult time at time getting teachers to understand this missing component and it wasn't until this year until we had our Psychiatrist write a letter explaining how Executive Disfunction plays into the ADHD that we were able to get someone to believe we knew what we were talking about.
Hopefully this link will be helpful in explaining the different aspects of this disorder. I printed it out just to have on hand to take with me to school meetings. (Click on the link)
Executive Function-Dr. Thomas Brown Ph.d the 6 Aspects of a misunderstood disorder
Another Favorite website I love is Tourette Syndrome Leslie Packard Ph.d
You can find all kinds of information on there to help with education advocacy as well as multiple other helps. One of the pdf files I love to reference is this one on Common Tics . When Tanner was first diagnosised, I had no idea what was a tic and what wasn't. You can imagine that a lot of these tics listed can be looked at as "Normal" behaviors in all of us. What you have to understand about a person with Tourette Syndrome is these are all done in an excess amount, or in patterns and sequences. I can think of several tics my boys have shown where they have several that have to go in a certain order, or one tic that is done a certain amount of times, or just a constant tic. It is easy to justify the tics for those of us who don't have Tourette Syndrome. I think this is easy as a parent to say, well maybe it is just allergies, or just this or just that. But if you really think about it, sniffing could be allergies, however, allergies would cause stress on a TSer's body, and cause the tics to be worse at certain times of the year. So if you are thinking that is is just that time of year, and they will go away, and they don't, check out the allergist, and then watch the to see if there is pattern to the tics.
I have come to realize that my boys are very aware of their bodies, and as I helped them become more aware of the things they were doing and we were both figuring out what was going on they became even more comfortable about sharing with me what what a tic and what wasn't. If I wasn't sure I would ask them, and if they didn't know either, then we would watch together, and keep a list to see how things worked out, because REMEMBER, they can come and go, WAX AND WANE. They will come back during times throughout their life. We have had them sneak up for just a day or so, and go away again. Our comment to each other is, "OOO, haven't heard or seen that one in a while, looks like you had a sneak attack."
I think being more informed and treating Tourette Syndrome like it is just like every other diagnosis is the best way for all to accept what is to come. It is what it is, it is who God sent you here to be, What are you going to do with what has been given to you. This goes for being the parent too. How are you going to approach helping your child accept and love themselves and their Tourettes.
One of my favorite quotes, is by Marjory Pay Hinckley about having a sense of Humor...
"The only way to get through this life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache."
Isn't that so true.- If you can't laugh at the moment, you will probably find some humor in the situation at some point, even if it is when looking back.
Tanner and Mason both struggle with this issue with their ADD/ADHD. We have to work really hard to make sure there are set due dates for their homework, and also that they are planning out to make sure they are accomplishing little bits of assignments along the way on big projects. This can also be a factor with handing in assignments, remembering when things are due, and what supplies you need to bring home with you. It is like a LACK of a big picture or sequence of what happens next.
We have had a difficult time at time getting teachers to understand this missing component and it wasn't until this year until we had our Psychiatrist write a letter explaining how Executive Disfunction plays into the ADHD that we were able to get someone to believe we knew what we were talking about.
Hopefully this link will be helpful in explaining the different aspects of this disorder. I printed it out just to have on hand to take with me to school meetings. (Click on the link)
Executive Function-Dr. Thomas Brown Ph.d the 6 Aspects of a misunderstood disorder
Another Favorite website I love is Tourette Syndrome Leslie Packard Ph.d
You can find all kinds of information on there to help with education advocacy as well as multiple other helps. One of the pdf files I love to reference is this one on Common Tics . When Tanner was first diagnosised, I had no idea what was a tic and what wasn't. You can imagine that a lot of these tics listed can be looked at as "Normal" behaviors in all of us. What you have to understand about a person with Tourette Syndrome is these are all done in an excess amount, or in patterns and sequences. I can think of several tics my boys have shown where they have several that have to go in a certain order, or one tic that is done a certain amount of times, or just a constant tic. It is easy to justify the tics for those of us who don't have Tourette Syndrome. I think this is easy as a parent to say, well maybe it is just allergies, or just this or just that. But if you really think about it, sniffing could be allergies, however, allergies would cause stress on a TSer's body, and cause the tics to be worse at certain times of the year. So if you are thinking that is is just that time of year, and they will go away, and they don't, check out the allergist, and then watch the to see if there is pattern to the tics.
I have come to realize that my boys are very aware of their bodies, and as I helped them become more aware of the things they were doing and we were both figuring out what was going on they became even more comfortable about sharing with me what what a tic and what wasn't. If I wasn't sure I would ask them, and if they didn't know either, then we would watch together, and keep a list to see how things worked out, because REMEMBER, they can come and go, WAX AND WANE. They will come back during times throughout their life. We have had them sneak up for just a day or so, and go away again. Our comment to each other is, "OOO, haven't heard or seen that one in a while, looks like you had a sneak attack."
I think being more informed and treating Tourette Syndrome like it is just like every other diagnosis is the best way for all to accept what is to come. It is what it is, it is who God sent you here to be, What are you going to do with what has been given to you. This goes for being the parent too. How are you going to approach helping your child accept and love themselves and their Tourettes.
One of my favorite quotes, is by Marjory Pay Hinckley about having a sense of Humor...
"The only way to get through this life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache."
Isn't that so true.- If you can't laugh at the moment, you will probably find some humor in the situation at some point, even if it is when looking back.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Scentsy Wickless Candle Fundraiser
Here is the direct link to the Fundraiser information. Just click on the link-
Scentsy Fundraiser for TS Youth Ambassador Fund
Go to BUY FROM A PARTY
and Select
Tourette Syndrome Youth Ambassador
Our party closes October 16th, 2010 at midnight.
Anything ordered online will be shipped directly to the customer.
Please note there will be a $5.00 minimum shipping fee, up to $50 then it will be 10% of the total amount of the order.
We get 20% of everything we sell. We have set a goal of $500.00- I would love to have it exceeded of course.
If we reach 2,000 then we get 25%.
We are using this money to purchase DVD's and INSPIRE wristbands to give away at our Youth Ambassador Presentations at the Schools. We have 4 presentations coming up in the next month. We also have another Youth Ambassador we are training soon, that will be in the Northern Kentucky Area.
Whom ever has the most in sells wins this..
A Scentsy Buddy (click here) to see what different Buddies are available, and scent packs to go in it. That is a $35 value. The Scentsy Buddies are like Webkins, where you can play online games with them when you register. I think Santa will be bringing a few of these for Christmas at our house. They sure are soft, and smell good too.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call
Angela Tippets Directly --at 513-307-7275
Thanks for helping us raise some money, we will have more fun events to come up as well, we are still gathering information for the Flying Pig Marathon in the Spring. I am excited to work towards that goal.
Scentsy Fundraiser for TS Youth Ambassador Fund
Go to BUY FROM A PARTY
and Select
Tourette Syndrome Youth Ambassador
Our party closes October 16th, 2010 at midnight.
Anything ordered online will be shipped directly to the customer.
Please note there will be a $5.00 minimum shipping fee, up to $50 then it will be 10% of the total amount of the order.
We get 20% of everything we sell. We have set a goal of $500.00- I would love to have it exceeded of course.
If we reach 2,000 then we get 25%.
We are using this money to purchase DVD's and INSPIRE wristbands to give away at our Youth Ambassador Presentations at the Schools. We have 4 presentations coming up in the next month. We also have another Youth Ambassador we are training soon, that will be in the Northern Kentucky Area.
Whom ever has the most in sells wins this..
A Scentsy Buddy (click here) to see what different Buddies are available, and scent packs to go in it. That is a $35 value. The Scentsy Buddies are like Webkins, where you can play online games with them when you register. I think Santa will be bringing a few of these for Christmas at our house. They sure are soft, and smell good too.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call
Angela Tippets Directly --at 513-307-7275
Thanks for helping us raise some money, we will have more fun events to come up as well, we are still gathering information for the Flying Pig Marathon in the Spring. I am excited to work towards that goal.
Friday, September 17, 2010
A Kid Talking to Kids-It's about more than Tics
Here is the latest information about the Youth Ambassador Program. Tanner and I wrote to the editor of the Loveland Magazine and asked if he could publish information about our More than Tics Family Support Group, and the Youth Ambassador Program. We were excited to get a little link time on the Front Page of the Loveland Magazine. We appreciate the notice being taken and hope for more opportunties to share the information about our cause. We have some more presentations coming up in October at Milford High School. We are heading back to Mason Intermediate, because we had such a fabulous time with the kids, to speak to another grade about TS. Thanks so much for inviting us back.
A Kid Talking to Kids
Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,
We are trying to get the word out to families in the Cincinnati Area about the Tourette Syndrome Youth Ambassador Presentation. We have contacted local schools however, we would like to make Families aware of this FREE benefit they can have with a Kid Talking to Kids, and educating teachers about what it is like to have Tourette Syndrome. This is a brand new program that has never been offered here before and we want to make it available to as many Families as possible. We are affiliated with the National Tourette Syndrome Association www.tsa-usa.org - It is the Tourette Syndrome Youth Ambassador Program.
This last spring, Tanner Hutchison, (age 15 ½ and Ohio’s TS Youth Ambassador) complete training in Virginia, with 35 other youth from around the nation to be able to a Youth Ambassador for the state of Ohio. Tanner is a student at Milford High School. He is going in to schools, and community events, to giving a free 30-45 minute presentation to educating groups about what it is like to have Tourette syndrome. (He was diagnosised at the age of 9) We are also looking to recruit and train more youth ambassadors here in the Cincinnati and other regions in the state of Ohio.
Tanner enjoys participating in Boy Scouts, cross country running, and singing in his school choir. He was a participant in the District IV Honors
Choir, and is pursuing Eagle Scout designation.
Tanner has been recently finished speaking to 100 6th graders at Mason Intermediate School a couple of weeks ago. Tanner spoke on behalf of a buddy who wanted to talk to his classmates about his TS and why he does some of the crazy things they ask about. We ended up finding another Boy who had TS as well, and a wonderful group of kids who were very attentive, understanding and asked fantastic questions.
We have attached a brochure with information about the program or you can go to www.tsa-usa.org website and click on the link for Youth Ambassador program. We gave a presentation to the Tic and Movement Disorder Clinic staff in the Neurology Dept. of Children’s Hospital in June to so they could see first hand the work Tanner is trying to do.
Here are news articles that have reported about how Tanner is trying to advocate for others:
TSA Nationals Newsletter article featuring the Youth Ambassadors
Other local articles written about Tanner Hutchison and his advocating work:
http://issuu.com/cincinnati/docs/milford-miami-advertiser-070710
http://local.cincinnati.com/share/news/story.aspx?sid=166534&cid=100092
In addition to this great presentation, the Hutchison Family is privately sponsoring a Family Support Group for families with members who have Tourette Syndrome. We meet monthly at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 8250 Cornell Rd in Montgomery right off I-275
This is support group is for the entire family children and siblings included. We provide activities for the children to learn and socialize as well as classes for the adults to help them advocate for their families. Here is a link for more information about our upcoming events: www.morethantics.blogspot.com.
Our next support Group Meeting features a program about Nutrition and Exercise, a Family Affair by Nutritionist and TS Mom, Laurie Dunham.
Monday September 20th, 2010 at 6:30-8:30 PM
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
8250 Cornell Rd., Cincinnati Ohio 45249
All family members will be welcome, we will be playing Broom Hockey in the Gym with the kids, and the kids need to bring a broom. There will be 2 Adult Referee parents supervising.
Warmest Regards,
Cari Hutchison
morethantics@gmail.com
Tourette Syndrome is an inherited neurobiological disorder that affects children in all racial and ethnic groups. The symptoms of this disorder are rapid, repeated, and involuntary movements and sounds called tics. It is estimated that 200,000 Americans suffer from symptoms of Tourette Syndrome and endure the stigma, isolation and psychological impact of this disorder. There is no cure for Tourette Syndrome although some individuals benefit from medication and other clinical treatment. One of the most important things that you can do for children with TS is to educate their peers and the people who they encounter each day about their disorder.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Permalink
http://www.lovelandmagazine.com/2010/09/tourette-syndrome-youth-ambassador-presentation.html
A Kid Talking to Kids
Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,
We are trying to get the word out to families in the Cincinnati Area about the Tourette Syndrome Youth Ambassador Presentation. We have contacted local schools however, we would like to make Families aware of this FREE benefit they can have with a Kid Talking to Kids, and educating teachers about what it is like to have Tourette Syndrome. This is a brand new program that has never been offered here before and we want to make it available to as many Families as possible. We are affiliated with the National Tourette Syndrome Association www.tsa-usa.org - It is the Tourette Syndrome Youth Ambassador Program.
This last spring, Tanner Hutchison, (age 15 ½ and Ohio’s TS Youth Ambassador) complete training in Virginia, with 35 other youth from around the nation to be able to a Youth Ambassador for the state of Ohio. Tanner is a student at Milford High School. He is going in to schools, and community events, to giving a free 30-45 minute presentation to educating groups about what it is like to have Tourette syndrome. (He was diagnosised at the age of 9) We are also looking to recruit and train more youth ambassadors here in the Cincinnati and other regions in the state of Ohio.
Tanner enjoys participating in Boy Scouts, cross country running, and singing in his school choir. He was a participant in the District IV Honors
Choir, and is pursuing Eagle Scout designation.
Tanner has been recently finished speaking to 100 6th graders at Mason Intermediate School a couple of weeks ago. Tanner spoke on behalf of a buddy who wanted to talk to his classmates about his TS and why he does some of the crazy things they ask about. We ended up finding another Boy who had TS as well, and a wonderful group of kids who were very attentive, understanding and asked fantastic questions.
We have attached a brochure with information about the program or you can go to www.tsa-usa.org website and click on the link for Youth Ambassador program. We gave a presentation to the Tic and Movement Disorder Clinic staff in the Neurology Dept. of Children’s Hospital in June to so they could see first hand the work Tanner is trying to do.
Here are news articles that have reported about how Tanner is trying to advocate for others:
TSA Nationals Newsletter article featuring the Youth Ambassadors
Other local articles written about Tanner Hutchison and his advocating work:
http://issuu.com/cincinnati/docs/milford-miami-advertiser-070710
http://local.cincinnati.com/share/news/story.aspx?sid=166534&cid=100092
In addition to this great presentation, the Hutchison Family is privately sponsoring a Family Support Group for families with members who have Tourette Syndrome. We meet monthly at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 8250 Cornell Rd in Montgomery right off I-275
This is support group is for the entire family children and siblings included. We provide activities for the children to learn and socialize as well as classes for the adults to help them advocate for their families. Here is a link for more information about our upcoming events: www.morethantics.blogspot.com.
Our next support Group Meeting features a program about Nutrition and Exercise, a Family Affair by Nutritionist and TS Mom, Laurie Dunham.
Monday September 20th, 2010 at 6:30-8:30 PM
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
8250 Cornell Rd., Cincinnati Ohio 45249
All family members will be welcome, we will be playing Broom Hockey in the Gym with the kids, and the kids need to bring a broom. There will be 2 Adult Referee parents supervising.
Warmest Regards,
Cari Hutchison
morethantics@gmail.com
Tourette Syndrome is an inherited neurobiological disorder that affects children in all racial and ethnic groups. The symptoms of this disorder are rapid, repeated, and involuntary movements and sounds called tics. It is estimated that 200,000 Americans suffer from symptoms of Tourette Syndrome and endure the stigma, isolation and psychological impact of this disorder. There is no cure for Tourette Syndrome although some individuals benefit from medication and other clinical treatment. One of the most important things that you can do for children with TS is to educate their peers and the people who they encounter each day about their disorder.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Permalink
http://www.lovelandmagazine.com/2010/09/tourette-syndrome-youth-ambassador-presentation.html
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Organizational Helps Keeping our kids on task
Having a big family, I get asked all the time how I keep everyone organized. Honestly, I can't say that I keep everyone organized all the time. I consider life a success if the FLOW-- of things is good, and I can keep everyone on task. I think every family large or small needs a system to help out with keeping everyone on track.
With the school year beginning, and getting back into the swing of ROUTINE, and SCHEDULES, here are some ideas I use in my home that I thought may be helpful for other families as well. Now don't forget we have 2 kids with Tourette Syndrome and ADHD. One of my sons has the hyperactive ADD, and the other is my inattentive, daydreamer. They are the most difficult ones to keep on task in the mornings because they get distracted with every little thing, and forget where they are at in their routine. I have realized through the years, this is not on purpose. They truly just forget what they are doing. (How many of us get downstairs, and forget what we went up there for) It is a ligitamate issue and a fact of life for us. I realized that a list would work wonders for my boys to be able to check back to help them remember where they are at in their schedule for the day.
This first picture with the list shows our very big Expo board. I took an unfinished frame, that I purchased at Hobby Lobby, in their clearance section. (It has a little ding on the corner) I then purchased shower board from Home Depot, and had it cut to the size of my frame. I then took glazier points, again purchased at Hobby Lobby framing department. (You could find frame and glazier points in any framing department at Michaels or any craft store) There you have the super sized decorative Expo board. You can clean this one with windex, and when the board gets a little worn out, just change out the shower board for a new one. (cost is $5.00) super cheap.
I hung my Super Size board, in a high traffic area in our house. We call it our Command Center. Each morning I write a list on the board with Expo marker, that my boys can come back to to see where they are at in their schedule. It is a list of all the checks they need to do in the morning. This has been a huge saving grace for me. I have found that I don't yell as much at them to focus and get on task until their medication kicks in. If I find them off task, I can just redirect them to the board, and let say, "Check the board, to see what you should be doing next." They can put a finger mark through where they at, to erase what they can complete. This gives them a sense of accomplishment, and me a sense of satisfaction that we aren't having arguments all morning and I am sending them out the door frustrated and on the wrong foot.
Another option, is using the Mirror in a bathroom. You can write your list on the mirror in expo marker, and be able to erase that each day with windex, and re-write it. This is helpful in the same way as explained above. The Mirror is a place they can keep going back to unless, you are like us where someone is always in the bathroom. But it does give you another option.
The second picture is of our Chore window. Many years ago, when we purchased our first home, which was an old Historic home, we saved the windows, from it when we had them replaced. This is one of the windows. I took the window, and cleaned it up, sanded it, and then I stuck some clear stickers on it, to decorate it (damask sitckers) This hangs in my kitchen so it is a great centrally located place for everyone to look. I then printed some chore lists, (we divide our chores up by rooms, or zones) Each person has a room they are in charge of in addition to their bedroom. They have too keep that room clean, clutter free, and vacuumed. On the weekends we do a "Good Clean" where we dust, and get the down and dirty stuff. (or we are suppose to do that) It doesn't always happen, but that is the idea. Each pane on my window, has a room and a day the kids are assigned to help out with dinner. These lists I printed on cardstock and cut into strips, and stuck on the window with poster tack. (this year I am going really big, and I am going to laminate the strips for durability) I then write each child's name above their assigned room for the week. We switch each Sunday for the next week. Instead of moving the chores. I just erase the names (written in expo marker) and write the name to the next pane according to the rotation. The other help I have found this year is a chore card that helps my kids remember what they need to do in each room. The other addition I am making this year is to put some hooks on the bottom of the window, and I will be hanging the chore check list on the hooks, so the kids, can refer to the check card to make sure they have done everything that is needed in their room. We have assigned nights they help with dinner, and they also have an assigned day for Laundry. My younger children I help them with washing their laundry, but by age 8-9 my kids have been able to do their own laundry. This is great to teach them responsibility, and create independence for themselves.
I know this sounds like a lot of work, it was in the beginning, but this truly has been a system that has worked for us for several years. I love that the kids can have something to refer back to to help them remember what they are doing. (remember we have 2 with ADHD) It again removes the fight out of the chores, when I can say, well did you do this and this on the card, and if they say yes, than I can quickly check it and give them feedback. I love it for my non-add kids as well, it just gives them a great tool to refer back to. It has been so helpful for me to have help around the house. I am able to do a lot of extras because everyone is helping and taking responsibility for our home. I don't want my kids to grow up thinking Mom is suppose to do everything for them. They are perfectly capable kids, even if other families don't require it, Ours does!
If you don't want to use a window, you can use a magnet board, or Expo board, or just a regular window in your house. We leave messages on sliding glass door. There are so many useful spots. We love our Lists!!
I will try to figure out how to post my documents for the chores list, and also a chore chart if you would prefer to to do. I have used a spinning wheel to rotate jobs we well, and if I am able to post these documents to the blog I will add that to here.
I hope this is helpful information. Sometimes, it is worth trying something new, to solve the problem.
With the school year beginning, and getting back into the swing of ROUTINE, and SCHEDULES, here are some ideas I use in my home that I thought may be helpful for other families as well. Now don't forget we have 2 kids with Tourette Syndrome and ADHD. One of my sons has the hyperactive ADD, and the other is my inattentive, daydreamer. They are the most difficult ones to keep on task in the mornings because they get distracted with every little thing, and forget where they are at in their routine. I have realized through the years, this is not on purpose. They truly just forget what they are doing. (How many of us get downstairs, and forget what we went up there for) It is a ligitamate issue and a fact of life for us. I realized that a list would work wonders for my boys to be able to check back to help them remember where they are at in their schedule for the day.
 |
| Large Decorative Expo Board- 3 ftx 4 ft |
I hung my Super Size board, in a high traffic area in our house. We call it our Command Center. Each morning I write a list on the board with Expo marker, that my boys can come back to to see where they are at in their schedule. It is a list of all the checks they need to do in the morning. This has been a huge saving grace for me. I have found that I don't yell as much at them to focus and get on task until their medication kicks in. If I find them off task, I can just redirect them to the board, and let say, "Check the board, to see what you should be doing next." They can put a finger mark through where they at, to erase what they can complete. This gives them a sense of accomplishment, and me a sense of satisfaction that we aren't having arguments all morning and I am sending them out the door frustrated and on the wrong foot.
Another option, is using the Mirror in a bathroom. You can write your list on the mirror in expo marker, and be able to erase that each day with windex, and re-write it. This is helpful in the same way as explained above. The Mirror is a place they can keep going back to unless, you are like us where someone is always in the bathroom. But it does give you another option.
 |
| Chore Window |
I know this sounds like a lot of work, it was in the beginning, but this truly has been a system that has worked for us for several years. I love that the kids can have something to refer back to to help them remember what they are doing. (remember we have 2 with ADHD) It again removes the fight out of the chores, when I can say, well did you do this and this on the card, and if they say yes, than I can quickly check it and give them feedback. I love it for my non-add kids as well, it just gives them a great tool to refer back to. It has been so helpful for me to have help around the house. I am able to do a lot of extras because everyone is helping and taking responsibility for our home. I don't want my kids to grow up thinking Mom is suppose to do everything for them. They are perfectly capable kids, even if other families don't require it, Ours does!
If you don't want to use a window, you can use a magnet board, or Expo board, or just a regular window in your house. We leave messages on sliding glass door. There are so many useful spots. We love our Lists!!
I will try to figure out how to post my documents for the chores list, and also a chore chart if you would prefer to to do. I have used a spinning wheel to rotate jobs we well, and if I am able to post these documents to the blog I will add that to here.
I hope this is helpful information. Sometimes, it is worth trying something new, to solve the problem.
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