Happy Holidays!

Now that the Holidays our coming up (we are in the middle of Hanukkah) my whole family is getting excited! For Christmas I am getting my brother a juicer, so he can make orange juice himself. I had no idea what to get him because really he doesn't want much and can't have to much.
Candy-allegries
Toys (toy train, football, baseball)-Robb doesn't like to sit down and play with toys and he already has millions of other toys he doesn't play with
T.V.; ipod, iPhone, macbook-not only would he not use the apple devices, but I am also looking for items in the 5 and below range
Juicer-he has started working out and squeezing the orange is good for muscular strength (I think :) )
and I know how much he loves orange juice!
Fingers crossed it will work!

My Dream

      My dream or wish is to someday make a place that people who have any type of special need can go. They would have a doctor and dentist office with people who can handle people with special needs. It would have sign language classes, and it would have classes to prepare parents who have found out their kid will have special needs to educate them. A place where research for autism and many more special needs. It would have a vacation location so people could go with their family, have a great time, and not worry about their kid or adult with special needs getting lost or breaking things. It would have many locations, central for regular visits and vacation ones.  It would have everything from doctors to life guards for a pool. It sounds ambitious, and will might never happen, but it is one thing that I want for my brother. A place for Robb to be Robb, and to be happy and proud about being himself. One day maybe my dream will come true, it may not even be me who makes it happen. I am not the only one with this dream. Just something I think about and plan for making it better each step of the way because if it does happen I will be ready.

Al Capone Does My Homework

If you have heard of Al Capone Does My Homework you probably think of a boy on Alcatraz, but what you might not have known was that he had a sister with autism. This is a letter to the author that I wrote to school about it, take a look at the second part!

Dear Gennifer Choldenko,

Your book Al Capone Does My Homework not only showed me that historical fiction isn’t always obscure and out-of-date, but also gave me a friend who understood what it is like to have a sibling with autism. Before reading this book I had always thought historical fiction was just a boring story about a bunch of girls with big fluffy dresses who talked in British accents, but this novel showed that the genre can be so much more. The kids in the book reminded me of kids at my school even though there is a century separating us, and we have similar predicaments. One example of that is when my friend didn’t know whether she was still dating a boy she danced with at a mixer and hasn’t seen since, which was the exact same situation Moose got into in the book (he kissed Piper, but since then she never talked to him at all so he didn’t know at all what to think). Then when Moose and his friends compete to see who can throw the bottle caps the farthest, I remembered doing the same thing with my good friend except with a baseball (she almost always won though). After reading these stories, I was excited to read more historical fiction, and I did better on tests on historical fiction novels because I had been attentive and excited the whole time I read them. History also excited me more because now I know that some of the kids even centuries ago could be just like me! The thing that I loved most about the book though was Natalie, Moose’s sister, because I too have a sibling with autism. Moose knew what it felt like to be a sibling to someone with autism and instead of bullying her or taking pity on her, he just accepted her and treated her like a normal sibling. I think that that is something only a sibling can do. This was especially important to me because at the time I didn’t know anyone in that position accept for my younger brother who was in two grades below me, which feels like a lifetime away. Moose was a great friend to me, one who understood what it felt like when your sibling embarrases you in public. What I really loved the most about Moose that when Natalie was accused of setting a fire at their house, he never stopped supporting her. I also thought that you did an amazing job at shining a light on the beauty of Natalie, and how though she might not be able to express herself she is still very smart. You did this best in the scene in which Natalie says “Alcatraz three hundred and seventeen”(204) to the antagonist, Donny. Throughout the book you had shown that Natalie was amazing with numbers, and if anyone else got sent to alcatraz this would be their number. It freaked Donny out, but as Moose says at the end “When it comes to numbers, Natalie never makes a mistake”(204). You had Natalie end the book, but not as a disabled person, but as someone who only needs to say one number to make herself understood. I have never seen this positivity towards someone with special needs in a book before, and hopefully there will be more of it! Once again I would like to thank you for writing a book that changed my life by opening up the world of historical fiction for me and giving me a friend (he may be fictional but understands me better than any real person) who gets what being a sibling to someone with special needs is like. I hope you will continue writing your books, and keep Moose, Natalie, and the rest of the characters alive!

Sincerely, Astri

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has come and passed, a holiday that Robb loves!!! We get to go to  a family members house and hang until dinner is ready; though Robb doesn't eat much of the food he does enjoy hotdogs with cranberry sauce! It isn't really about the holiday though, it's about the energy going around. Everyone is kind and happy which makes both him and I feel great!

Check out my friend Page's blog: sammyssister.weebly.com
Here brother is 17 with autism, and she is studying to pursue a career in helping people with special needs.

Something to remember

  Robb is one of the nicest people I know and one of the most accepting too! I have noticed a lot of people with special needs are. I have been known to judge people with special needs or just people in general because of the way they look or seem. I think that the thing to remember is that they didn't choose that position. Robb didn't choose to be non-verbal, have autism, down syndrome, so why do people judge him. It gives me an open mind about people in general, and especially about people I have meet with special needs. All people judge without even thinking about it, and after knowing this little thing to remember it is hard to judge anyone (it was hard for me).

Produce #wherehopegrows

To kick off Down-syndrome awareness month what the trailer for Produce: Where Hope Grows!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Pf2VL_pTmg

Back 2 school

Going back to school is hard for all of us. Especially when you are like Robb and your buss leaves at 7:30am!!! Robb also has therapy after school making the day even longer for him. Hopefully this work will lead to a great school year! :) :)

Raquette Lake

  Every year my family spends a week or so in Raquette Lake, Adirondacks. Robb loves it! He gets to ride on boats the whole time, and loves the water! Also up there we saw a younger cousin of ours, and she was very sweet with Robb! She was jumping on the couch with some other kids, and she went up to Robb and said something like, "you don't have to jump", and Robb thought it was hilarious! All and all it is a great trip, and Robb never wants to leave! Now that school has started for him having a little relaxation before it starts is good for all of us!! :)

What does Robb want?

This summer I have asked this question multiple times....So what does Robb want?..... I wish I knew. We have left Robb at home for 2 trips this summer, and it kills me that we can't take him. One is two a bluegrass festival, Grey Fox, and he has gone all his life. He loves the music, but my parents think he just isn't going to have such a good time....it can get hot, and we wonder if Robb is really having as much fun as he used to. Also it is during school for him, and it is a pain for my to to have to carry him around during the festival. He is a part of the family though, so this will have to hurt him!!! To me it feels like he is being excluded from family experiences!!! This is an on going internal conflict of mine, but the worst part is I don't know what he wants. So the only thing I can do is hope Robb remember's how much I love him because when he is happy I can't be anything else, but the same. I guess that sounds a little selfish, but all I can see is a win, win!!! :) :)

Athletes Serving Athletes

Athletes Serving Athletes is a program that Robb participates in that gives athletes like Robb the chance to participate in the training, experience, and fun of a marathon! Though he isn't the one running he gets to experience the "thrill of competition"--as it says in the website. He gets to be a part of something kind of like the Special Olympics (see post).  He loves it so much too, and so do the other Athletes! Here are some pics to prove it!:) For more information go to www.athletesservingathletes.org.

Chipoltle

Chipotle is a mexican restaurant. You have to wait in line and then order at the counter (a really big line and once you get to the counter it takes forever). We took Robb there today for the first time, and it was a big success!! He was pleasant the whole time, and patient when waiting in line and for my mom to order for him!!!!! He also really enjoyed the food which is good because it is one of the few things that he isn't allergic to. Next time we plan on to take his communication device so he can order for himself! This makes me so happy not only because it is a step in the right direction, but also because I to LOVE Chipotle!!!!

Summer is here!

Summer Vacation started for Robb on Monday!!!! He is off for 2 weeks (it is a "year round school" so it isn't long but it is still really nice)!!!! He has spent his time going to Chipoltle, watching TV, and Hanging out!!! I'm sure he isn't the only one who has been doing this:)!!

"Being happy does not always mean everything is perfect. This means that you have decided to look beyond the imperfections."-Anonymous

I saw this quote today and it really made me think of Robb and a lot of people for that matter. Because if you are worried about all of the imperfections and what you can't have, you will never get a chance to think about all of the things you have to be happy for. For nobody and nothing can be perfect and the sooner people figure this out the happier they will be.

Special Olympics 2014

The 2014 Maryland Special Olympics was held Sunday and Saturday, and I would just like to say Robb rocket it!!!! He won 2 gold medals!!!! He did a 10 meter assisted swim and a 15 meter unassisted swim!!!! Unfortunately he did not get to compete in his 3'rd and final race because of some sanitation issues in the pool😥. In fact they had to close the whole special Olympics competition on Sunday at around 9:30! We are still very proud of Robb though!!! He doesn't get to do much stuff that he wants to do, so this is a real treat for him!! (Even if I have to get up at 6:30 to get ready for the Special Olympics!) here is a picture of Robb and I at the event:

Robb's new communication device

Robb just got a new communication device! He only knows how (JK he only wants :) ) to say ketchup, bread, juice, and hot dog, but his communication with it is getting better by the minute!! Communicating with words is something that Robb is new to, but we are all getting used to it and helping him along the way!

Its the little things

With Robb it's the little things that keep my family going. Like if he puts his shoes on, if he doesn't get mad in the day, or if he doesn't have an accident at school! What are the little things for you? Because the little things don't just keep my family going it is what keeps everyone going.

Annual Buzz Cut

Robb has gotten his annual buzz cut! What do you think! (I'm not sure whether he is a navy seal or someone who is going to beat me up, but I still think it is a nice hair cut!)

Special Olympics Qualifier #2

Yesterday was the special olympics qualifier #2. I know! ANOTHER one!!!!! As much as I love seeing Robb swim they do get old! Robb did finish 2 of 3 of his races though. One of them e had some help getting to the end of, but it was unassisted and I say it was a success!!

Fun on planes

In honor of Autism Awareness Month lets give thanks to Albert Einstein! Albert Einstein was suspected to have had autism, but that didn't stop him from doing the amazing things he did!!! Also, he had good hair while doing them!

Special Olympics Spirit Walk

Yesterday, my family participated in the special olympics spirit walk!!! It raised money for the special olympics and it was a lot of fun!!! It was all of the different athletes from different sports so we met lots of new people. There were also people from Robb's team "the dolphins" that we saw!!! A great way to stay active for a good cause!!!!!!!!!!!

Special Olympics Qualifier

Yesterday Robb did the special olympics qualifier! Since there wasn't a race that was assisted swim, he had to do the 25 ft. unassisted swim. And he did it!!!!!! He swam the whole way across and we couldn't be more proud!:) Also he had to wait 5 hours before his race began!!!!!!!! And even though me and my dad were complaining and being all grouchy Robb didn't get mad once! Usually he would smack his head, yell, and draw much attention to himself in doing so, but he didn't!!!!:):):):):):) I couldn't be more proud of my if bro!!

"the throwing stage" (hopefully a stage)

Lately Robb has been throwing stuff my family thinks to get attention. He will throw anything he can get his hands on. This can be SUPER annoying especially when I am trying to do my homework. I think it is just his way of communication and hope fully he will be able to find a knew way to communicate. He knows he will get a reaction from this (especially if it is glass and it breaks), and he wants that reaction to make an impression, get attention, and communicate.

Happy Autism Awareness Day

HAPPY AUTISM AWARENESS DAY!!!!!! :)

SInce autism awareness day is only a couple days away I thought it would be a good time to print out something you can clip on to your shirt to show you support it!

National Down syndrome Day

Sorry I was a little late on this post but I just thought y'all should know that friday the 22'nd was national down syndrome day! Though the month is October that was the day so I hope that you raised your blue and yellow flag, but if not we are ready for next year!!!!

Autism Awareness day is coming up!

In honor of autism awareness day coming up I thought I can show you how easy it is to make a difference and donate to a charity for autism research! Here are some links to some of my favorite charities:
http://www.autismspeaks.org
http://www.nationalautismcenter.org/donate.php
http://www.autism.org.uk

Also you can volunteer! I volunteer at the Shaffer Center every month. I play with the kids there and it is so much fun for me and for them!!!

Get ready to raise your blue flag! National Autism Awareness day is coming up, April 2!!!

First 100 signed

Great video if you are interested in learning american sign language!!!

A Normal Weekend

Someone requested to have a post about a normal weekend for Robb so here it is!

Like most people Robb doesn't do the exact same thing every weekend. He is a busy person! Here are things he does every weekend. Like most teenagers he sleeps until 12:00 and has the worst bed head when he gets up. Also he has Occupational therapy in which he learns life skills like setting up the table and eating with his fork and not getting ketchup everywhere. Also from january to june Robb is training in the pool for special olympics!!! And what weekend would't be complete with out a couple episodes of the wiggles?!? Besides that Robb does many different things on the weekends! I'll try to keep you posted!!!

A cool thing about Robb's School

At Robb's school all of the kids have notebooks in which the teachers write how the day went! Then my mom reply's on the sheet. It helps to see how his day was and what he and that day and to see the progress that Robb is making!

Here is the latest update:

Robb just got back from an awesome weekend getaway with the  League for People with Disabilities! It was Neverland themed (Peter Pan) and Robb got to dance, cook, make arts and crafts and do so much more!!!!

Autism and Love

"Autism and Love" music video

This is an Autism awareness music video made for Real Look Autism (A great website! Check it out: http://www.reallookautism.com)! The cover is of my mother and Robb, and look closely in the video you will see a short video of Robb and I when we were younger! Hope everyone had a happy Valentines Day!

Robb's Life in the eyes of his brother

Hi, my name's Poe, I am Robb's younger brother. I love Robb, but he gets pretty much all the attention in our family. He likes to watch me play sports and he gets disappointed when me and my sister fight. He can be funny to! But sometimes he thinks it is funny to laugh at me when I am hurt so he is basically a normal brother. In someways it's good and in someways it's bad, but what is pretty awesome is that Robb doesn't hurt me and I don't hurt him. But I still see him as a normal brother.

Sibling Panel

On Tuesday I was on a panel for siblings of kids with special needs at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore MD. Me and some other siblings got in front of people studying to be Psychiatrists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and other people in that field and we would talk about are relationship with our sibling, challenges, how my relationships have been affected, what therapists were doing that I don't like, and many other topics. This is my second year doing the panel and I plan to do it next year for it is a lot of fun to show people what life is like from the view of a sibling of someone with special needs! Happy Almost Valentines Day!

2014 Olympics Training

It is that time of year again, the 2014 olympics Training is starting! The lunch was yesterday where all of the olympians meet officially starting it! This will be Robb's 3'rd year competing and we our hoping he will be able to do the unassisted swim, but either way Robb is exited to get back with the team!

Skiing

Robb used to hate ski trips because he had never been able to ski. He used to just stay cooped up in our hotel room with my mom while my younger brother, dad, and I went skiing. This year it was different! At timberline ski resort (where we stayed) their was Chris! Chris ran a program for challenged athletes and instead of just plain skiing he and his assitants took Robb down the hill on a chair with skis on it! Robb had a blast and loved every bit of it, riding on the chair lift, going down, and then doing it again! One thing is for sure, we are definitely going back next year!