Comments on: Winter Doldrums

By: Autism Vox 2008 in Review: February

Autism Vox 2008 in Review: February — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 07:19:36 +0000

[...] brought on winter doldrums and also a topic that came to dominate 2008, the presidential election, starting with a post on the [...]

By: Cathy Mealey

Cathy Mealey — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:49:49 +0000

Not sure if it would help Charlie, but my son has a endless looping “ocean waves” DVD that I purchased from large bedroom/bathroom box store…it shows large ocean waves crashing gently and repeatedly on the shore and is soothing for him when he has a water craving. He does like videos that feature him swimming in the water as well!

By: kyra

kyra — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 12:39:44 +0000

oh that Charlie and his beloved water! i wish i could bring summer sooner so he could ride those waves.

By: Special Ed Teachers on Strike: Not Good

Special Ed Teachers on Strike: Not Good — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 20:00:23 +0000

[...] who relies on the basic routines of schools to help him through the days (especially these doldrum days). But I certainly also think that teachers—who are with Charlie day in and day out—need [...]

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 17:49:33 +0000

Not quite as cold and dark here in New Jersey but we’ve already had one challenging behavior here to start our Sunday—-it was at piano. It passed quickly, partially because the teacher knows what he’s doing and I’m working very hard on Staying Calm.

I’ve never been quite sure how to address this; mostly try to keep Charlie physically active, lower demands, think a lot about summer.

By: Shawn

Shawn — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 17:43:29 +0000

I can relate all too well. It’s been a challenging week here as well. A week that indicates we must do something different. Figuring out what to do differently is the difficult part.

We’ve also noticed in an increase of behavioral issues in January and February, a cold dark period here in New England. The past three years have been pretty consistent in this regard. It’s been a period in which school placements have failed and my wife and I have struggled figuring out how to help.

By: This Week’s Top Posts

This Week’s Top Posts — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 03:37:03 +0000

[...] boy, my son Charlie, and not so much about a fictional TV character. My real boy’s week was more of a struggle than has been usual. And then, this evening as we stood in the checkout line at the grocery store, [...]

By: Cathy

Cathy — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 21:57:05 +0000

Winter gloomies are real, not only for my friends
with autism, but for all humans. Some ideas below were on a short daily podcast last week on http://FAQautism.com. For your buddy, Charlie, I’d add the idea of videoing some of his outdoor WINTER activities for him to enjoy on a hot summer day.
BUSTING WINTER GLOOMIES
Many of us are prone to slugishness and low energy in the winter months because of the short days and cold weather. Parents of two sons diagnosed with autism said, “Last week I noticed both boys were less responsive than usual, and this week I notice that the whole family seems drained of energy and purpose – including me!” Kids and adults can bust the gloomies by staying active and purposefully planning fun, enriching activities every single day.
+ Enjoy some hot chocolate with miniature marshmallows. For a different taste, stir in a bit of cinnamon. Warm chai tea or warm apple cider are possible substitutes for people who are lactose intolerant. Show kids how to warm their hands on the side of the cup.
+ If you are fortunate enough to have snow, bundle up everybody up and make a snowman together. Make a family of snow angels. And throw snowballs at a tree.
+ Make snow ice cream with some fresh snow, some powdered sugar, and a drop of peppermint flavoring.
+ If you don’t have snow, cut some snowflakes out of white or blue paper. Sprinkle the flakes with silver glitter and hang from all the doorways inside your home so you can walk in a winter wonderland without getting your toes cold!
+ No matter the weather, get outside frequently. Remember that walking around outside and exposure to natural light – even in cloudy weather – boosts moods better than staying inside all the time.
+ Take a drive in the country and sing winter songs: “Walking in a Winter Wonderland,” “Let It Snow,” “Over the River and Through the Woods,” “Frosty the Snowman.” P.S. The quality of the singing is irrelevant – rowdy singing is preferred.
+ One thing that is guaranteed to bust the winter gloomies is to reach out a helping hand to other people. As a family, gather up outgrown coats, sweaters, socks, mittens, and other warm clothing and take them to an agency that provides services to needy children. Or volunteer to help in a soup kitchen on a cold winter evening.

By: Regan

Regan — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 18:51:36 +0000

Doldrums is right. Eleanor is also grouchy and uptight and not her usual self. Actually so are big Sis and Dad.
It’s gooshy and cold and clammy and we are not able to get out as much for jumps on the tramp or long bike rides. Gotta get those ya-yas out.

By: ange

ange — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 17:11:06 +0000

This week has been one of much anxiety in our house. I don’t know what happened. Bubba’s ears are burning read by afternoon and it’s all we can do to help him through to bedtime. Now the little one is starting and boyohboyohboy. I can’t wait until warmer weather!!!!