96 degrees here in New Jersey today. I don’t mean to turn this blog into a weather report, but changes in the weather—-in particular, when it starts to get humid before a thunderstorm—can affect Charlie. He’s not able to tell us why he might be feeling uncomfortable: At school and home we have been working on teaching him what’s the right clothes to wear when it’s hot, cold, raining. (Not that Charlie’s yet ready to relinquish his hooded blue sweatshirt.)
Whatever the season, we go to the pool (indoor and outdoor) several times a week, both for the physical activity and also, as I’ve learned, because being in the water is just something Charlie needs. It seems to soothe and calm his sensory needs; it’s fun; it’s good to be around other people. Charlie often likes to swim right among kids his age playing basketball (there’s a small hoop at one end of the pool) and just to be around them.
I have to agree with what Joe DiPietro, assistant principal at the Southern Regional autistic program in New Jersey, said in an article in today’s Asbury Park Press:
“Though no formal studies have taken place, surfers and parents have witnessed the calming effect the ocean and surfing has on children with autism.”
The students are learning to surf under Wave Hog Surf Shop and Brighton Beach Surf Shop instructor Michael Lisiewski and will hit the surf in July.
[...] of what draws Sue Rubin to look at the water running from the faucet in the film Autism Is a World. Water is best. Tags: asd, asperger, autism, autism blog, disabilities blog, disability, Family, family blog, [...]
One more thing . . .
I wanted to add that it was like one big round sound.
I find that I can sit next to the ocean for hours on end and not notice the passage of time. And when I come back to the land of the living, I’m much much quieter–externally and internally.
[...] privacy; while it was not as hot last Monday as it was this week, more than a few of us felt like jumping in that pool with [...]
We made it to the pool today—-there’s one in our condo complex though someone forgot to get swim passes in time…….a friend invited us and after walking up a hill to the pool, Charlie jumped right in.
Yes, the whole beach experience, including the (sea)food afterwards….
@feebee, tutela valui, a sort of a puzzle of a tattoo….. well, tutela is indeed “guardian” and valui is something like “I flourished, I was strong, I was in good health” (from the word valeo, valere, valui…….also gives us the word “valentine,” which is kind of sort of germane (or not) to the context…….
We have got to find a way to get more swimming done here. M needs it as well. I am glad Charlie benefits from so much from swimming.
Kristina,
Please…continue with the weather reports! It’s raining here and it’s nice to hear about sunny skies somewhere.
Eleanor also enjoys her weekly pool time, although the bike is first place for her. Now the beach, that is something above and beyond–the waves, the sand, the sound, the sky, followed by chowder at the pier (Eleanor’s favorite). The last couple of family trips to the coast I have stayed home to play catch-up on the loose ends. This time I think I’m going to go and enjoy it with my girls. Maybe bring a boogie board.
.
Even a pool is blessing. I understand his love for being in the water, being underneath the surface. Everything is calmer, quieter in there.
BTW, we have had luck implementing rules regarding temperatures and clothing. One son wants to bundle up, and the other wants to pretend it is summer 365 days a year.
Kristina – off topic here – but I need your take on this, please: http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2008/06/10/2008-06-10_its_latin_to_them_ashley_dupres_tattoo_f.html?ref=nl&nltr_ct=1&nltr_id=It%27s%20Latin%20to%20them:%20Ashley%20Dupre%27s%20tattoo%20flummoxes%20pros
How interesting…Helena is the exact opposite. She does not like pools at all. Her calming activity is swinging.