AUTISM RESOURCE: Big Red Safety Box

Are you the parent of a special needs child especially an autism child who elopes often well here is a great resource for you the Big Red Safety Box.  

I got mine two years ago and I will tell you it has been a lifesaver.  I have alarms on my son’s door, the front and back door, and most recently our services dog kennel.  There are also big red visual signs that say stop for you to place in areas that will help your child realize it is a bad situation.  There are also shoe ID tags for kids who may get away and you want people to be able to find you.  

If you’re not a special needs parent but want to help please check out this link on how you can make a donation that can help a family keep their love ones safe. 

You can get your application on May 17 be sure to sign up quickly as they don’t have many to give and you want to be ready to submit when it’s opened. If you miss the May 17 set do not worry they open application times often.

**If you want to simply purchase yours and not wait on the application deadline here's the link.**

Be Blessed,

Misherald "Missy", Jonathan "JB" & Sherbert "SB" Brown

Are You Aware Of Autism Awareness Day...

The sixth annual World Autism Awareness Day is two days away. Every year, autism organizations around the world celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events. While I’m not a organization trying to raise funds for the event I’d like to help people become more aware of the disability so I’m asking anyone and everyone to wear blue tomorrow and if anyone asks you why your wearing blue just tell them it’s because it’s World Autism Awareness Day and make them aware of it.  All that I ask is you share this event so that we can make more people aware of this.  If your company is doing the March of Dimes blue jeans event please participate.

We would love to see your photos of you rocking blue this year to raise awareness.  Feel free to join our event via Facebook.

Best Regards,

Misherald “Missy” Brown

Mom of Jonathan “JB” & Sherbert “Service Dog” Brown

Day 8: Not the clearest day but a good day

While today was not as good as yesterday, it was good to be able to get things done because people were willing to help to allow it to be done.  While it was still a little white here in Ohio another family sat with J and his sitter to ensure he was okay since the other half of the class was in session with the help of an iPad all was well.  Sherbert and I were able to go to a local park and track one of the trainers. We did good other than a little confusion because she couldn’t’ figure out who she was looking for we were on it once she figured out she was looking for the trainer she was so good I almost couldn’t keep up with her and ended up on my knees in the snow. No, there are no pictures of that moment: D!

 

Today we worked on some of the commands we already knew as well as getting our pups to kiss, which for the most part Sherbert has down pack, she has no problem giving J a kiss when he is upset.  The pups are all taught how to play dead and it’s quite interesting to see them in action Sherbert kind of does her in a funny mode she rolls half way then kind of looks at you like are you sure this is what you want lol.  Other than that today was an overview and reinforcement. J was a little more all over the place especially since he was use to his sitter he thought he could test the waters but was surprise to see we had reinforcements in place for him.

After the weird night we had I was feeling a little worn down but I was super impress with the Hampton Inn at Fairborn not only is the front desk team amazing but also they are courteous.  For some reason this morning, I simply could not get myself out of the bed I was up but totally out of place at around ten to nine I got a call from the front desk. They were concern because usually by eight I’ve already walked Sherbert not only were they concern but they had taken care of uncovering my car with snow and as I ran out the door to try and get to Xenia on time the front desk manager handed me a bag breakfast.  All I could do is smile and think I am truly blessed to be among people who truly care.

Not much to share today as I felt I was sort of in a daze. I was truly sleepy today. Nevertheless, I look forward to telling you all about tomorrow since it is a Mall day, which means tracking!

~Truly Blessed,

Misherald “Missy”, Jonathan “JB” & Sherbert “SD” Brown

Day 6: Meltdowns, Snow, & Countdown

Woke up to Sherbert doing her I have to go whine, which set me in motion because I really was not looking forward to cleaning her cage.  My morning was a rocky start not only where we late getting to the faculty which led to me feeling off kilter because I had to reroute myself and get over to the class site once I got there and got my bearings I felt better and was able to focus on what we were doing.  I have to say Sherbert was on her game this morning.  We did one track but she was on top of the footsteps that Jonathan and his friend took this morning going right to them and having that look on her face like so mom, I found him where are my dogs (hotdogs) and my tennis ball.

The DeZarn girls and Sherbert

Today was a little awkward for me because I was in a transition mode due to circumstances Jonathan’s sitter had to return home and it meant I was handling Jonathan & Sherbert. Can we say busy bodies but I am happy that the families here have bonded because I had some moms & dads stepping in to help when necessary at one point we had grandparents involved with the chaos of the kids. We began to work on behavior disruption today which includes lap as well as over which can be a large help when Jonathan is in meltdown mode or coming out of seizure mode because it’s deep pressure. 

So here is the fun part of it all or at least now that I look back over the day I think that but it was no funny or laughing matter while it was going on. We were back in the mall today and we were doing inside tracking and tethering. Now remember yesterday when I wrote about the chaos that J caused in the stores with tethering. Well today was no different Mister Brown went for ham and just cut a fool  at first I attempted to ignore it and act like nothing was going on but that lasted all of about thirty minutes because I could feel the tension headache forming behind my eyes and I can only imagine the scene we were causing.  Sooo I untethered them and that still did not satisfy him so we went through a three-hour period of an upset and temper tantrum child and a dog who did not know whether to stay by Mom’s side or to try to console his boy because his boy was simply in fight or flight mode. After a few moms stepped in and attempted to help me we finally got an idea on how to pull off a tracking situation in the mall and JcPenny’s of all places but it worked out because we made it as fun as possible.

J & Sherbert in play mode

Once back at the hotel I was hoping for a quiet moment I was even willing to let J take a quick nap for a quiet moment but he had other plans so I let Sherbert and him play for a little while to see who would tired down first. Let us just say as I write this blog he is up making noise and knocking on the wall.  Here is hope that the night manager does not call up here tonight for his mayhem…

Cannot wait to share with you tomorrow’s adventure we are official on countdown until time to go home T minus 5 days…

~Truly Blessed,

Misherald “Missy”, Jonathan “JB” & Sherbert “SD” Brown

Day 4 of Training and Oh what a weird day it was

Today was a big day for us.  While my mood was running hot and cold, I would have to say my energy was off the rocker. Today was a tracking day and the coolest thing was it was not as cold and I was extremely happy for that.  Tracking today for us was a little different we allowed J to track in his wheelchair which meant he had to be on pavement because of how Sherbert looks for her boy’s body scent she tended to go towards the grassy area to try and regain the scent and know she’s on her proper trail. I was great learning that as Jonathan loves to disappear in his wheelchair.

Getting back to 4 Paws, we went into obedience mode and I loved the fact that Sherbert knows when that wheelchair is coming at her that she has to move out of the way not to be hit and a command does not have to be given to know that her boy is not paying attention.  We worked on the commands we already knew sit, stand, down, and then we added under which is a helpful command because she will go under anything she is able to and simply lay down until she is freed.

The big finale was the mall and the funny thing was how many people knew our pups and how accepting everyone was of her accepts one guy who had to make a remark and I probably should not have but I responded. His remark was more or less just run the dog through the mall and when I looked at him my comment was yep she is going to run on through cause she is a working dog and has that right and kept on walking. I was simply in mommy mode and he was being a smart allack.  Other than her zip lining me through Lens Crafter while the technician fixed my glasses I was truly impressed I hardly had to correct her and she was so happy because people where just simply in awe with her and her pet siblings wanting to pet and say hi.

The cool thing is now that we have gotten past the public access I am able to take her anywhere I go so we can continue to work on her endurance of staying in her command for lengthy time.  The worst part of my day was my reverse going on my car.  I do not know how it happens but I do know I was thankful I found an honest mechanic and was given honest information without a diagnostic fee.

~Truly Blessed,

Misherald "Missy", Jonathan "JB" & Sherbert "SD" Brown

Day 3 of Training: Updates from Day 1 & 2 and a little rambling

As we began to build into the foundation of being a dog owner, we are now coming into play the part of being a service dog owner.  Many may say there is not a big difference between the two however there truly is and as we add on to what is expected of a service dog owner my mind begins to open to real world experiences as well as accepting the fact a lot quicker that my family just got a whole lot unique. 

I am going to bring everyone up to a little more speed after having the first day be interrupted by viral infection and then the second day I was just pooped.  There are twelve families in all.  Our little lady actually has a sister pup in our mix name Pretzel who will be living in West Virginia.  All of our pups are amazing well trained, behaved, and just particular adorable however they are used to their trainers voice and so the process of getting them user to our voice is simply the challenge as well as getting them to respect our commands.  The very first day we worked on sit and down I was extremely proud of myself because I got the hands commands and word commands down pack quickly and Sherbert responds to both being given together or simply one of the other.

Our second day wasn’t bad well for me it was a rough one after a night in the local ER for a viral infection everything got to me from sound to smell and I was determine to fight it out.  Our goal for that second day was to get our counterparts to remain in the sit and down commands for longer periods.  How many people you know wants to constantly have to tell their service dog no and sit and stay among other things so it’s a learned and practice behavior to get them to stay one place in one position while their handler takes care of whatever it is that they are doing even  when distractions are around.

The great thing about these service dog is they have a understand that when a command is given that I’m already letting him/her know to stay  in that command until I give the release command which happens to be free. When Sherbert is given the command to sit she knows it’s an implied condition that she stays in that position until she’s released  which is simply by me telling her free.  I was amazed at how calm this little lady acted when they started throwing out some cool treats that she seems to love in front of her and the tennis ball. 

O let me tell you about the tennis ball I thought at one point my arm was going to be ripped from my arm she may look small but Sherbert is extremely strong so we keep tennis balls away from her unless she’s being rewarded or we are in play mode. 

Sherbert can also walk into a heel mode which for her it means walk to my left and have her ears within the my leg distance and to follow my every turn and step without over powering me or trying to pull me ahead.  To say she had my respect and attention is far by means but now I realized she knew what she was doing so I know needed to show her I was learning but I was still Mom and she needed to follow rules so here comes day three.

Today was tracking and do mind you I woke up to snow flurries (Did I mention to anyone I’m from South Carolina below the Dixie Line and that we don’t do snow) so imagine my crazy little self-watching the news and seeing all of the craziness going on so my first thought was let’s leave early (that didn’t happen) but we did get there on time.  Now today was totally fun well after I warmed up it was but we went tracking and I have to say if I didn’t say it before My Girl Is A ROCKSTAR she was on her boys trail snapping and S-trailing all on his body cell scent.  For those who are wondering what snapping is basically it’s her head movement that lets me know whether we still have a hot trail and also her way to be able to pick up where her boy has gone.  The S-trail is basically if she’s in a wind pattern the wind will blow the skin cells in certain areas so she’s on the trail but she has to work with the wind pattern. With a few new tricks up my sleeve such as place when Sherbert gets on this special mat that she has and she always keeps atleast two paws on it and she can do whatever she wants.  We had a lot of fun with disturbance training it’s interesting to find how she has now adjusted as me being her owner and when I leave she always thinks like Jonathan has and that thought process “Oh Mom’s gone yeah baby no rules.”

Overall she’s a good girl I’ve been taught some things to recognized about her I know she’s a stubborn little thing because my child is stubborn and I know she will do well as long as I respect her and she respect me. So all in all we are good however I hear my little angel in her kennel snoring and I’m now going to lie it down since tomorrow is a early day and it’s a super fun day as we are going to be doing more tracking as well as our first public access run a busy mall.

Our Visit To 4 Paws: Day One

Jonathan is super excited about meeting Sherbet

As promise, I am blogging about the experience of becoming a service dog owner.  For me this is a major experience because I’ve never been a dog owner and it’s almost like having another child when you really look at the expenses and the extra stuff that is required to take care of the dog while I’ll continue to say to me it’s all worth it in the end.

          Many people continue to ask me to this day, why I choose 4 Paws for Ability Inc. all the way in Xenia, OH and I still stand by my statement of after doing all the research they were the best and had the best quality scores when it came to training the service dogs as well as the handlers.  The director Karen Shrink truly proved to me her commitment to her clients when my apartment complex attempted to charge me a $300.00 pet fee and I made her aware of it within 48 hours the situation was cleared up and resolved.

          While my day started early, my day ended on a mode of nothing has changed mode, which was the battle of keeping control while making sure Jonathan understood even though we were in a new environment and with his godfather that it did not mean he was in control.  While we are all full of adrenaline, it is wind down time and I am starting to feel the drive, which was long and wet.  Nevertheless, stay tune we cannot wait to show you pictures and tell you more about Jonathan & Sherbet first day…

~Truly Blessed,

Misherald "Missy", Jonthan "JB" & Sherbet "SD" Brown 

Countdown til Service Dog Pick Up From Ohio

So we are super excited.  In 2011, my son Jonathan was diagnose with Autism and at that moment life became so interesting on realizing things were rather not all about routine but about how to make his life better and one of the things that was recommended was a service dog. For me the whole thought was wow a whole dog that's like another child to care for but after doing the research I learned how vital a service dog could be for my child.

Team up with 4 Paws For Ability Inc made it so possible and so easy it took us right about a year to raise the funds for the service dog and honestly I'm not sure who's more excited me or the little one to see March 17 get here when we prepare for our trip up to Xenia, Ohio to pick up our new family member.

If you have a child who's got special needs and your considering a service dog I'd highly recommend checking out 4 Paws for Ability Inc

~Truly Blessed,

Misherald "MB" & Jonathan "JB" Brown

What Is Life Like Raising A Autistic Child?

People often ask me what is it like to be the mother of an autistic child and often times it takes a lot not to just laugh. They find it weird that I am quick to say it is like raising any other child except I have more people involved in our lives.  With Jonathan, I have a team of about thirty other people that are involved in his health, education and any other major factors of his life.  

We work as a well-oiled machine between his pediatric physician, a team of specialize doctors, three private therapist, a team of ABA therapist, and me acting as his advocate we are a great team. That usually makes some of them give me a weird look wondering how I keep it all in line as well as control of my life. The answer is easy it is all about time management, being able to say no, making sacrifices knowing what you have on your plate, and knowing what you want out of life for both parties. When I finally got my mind focused on those things, I made quite a few changes that changed my life.  From cutting work, hours to be able to adjust for all of Jonathan's appointments to making sure that everyone who needed to be involved in his life had the time that they needed to do their part.  I had to cut back on some luxuries that I enjoyed for life to balance correctly. The biggest challenge is not to let the situation take over your life and get you upset with circumstances. 

The greatest thing I have learned since becoming Jonathan's mom is simply to live a fun fulfilling life.  When things do happen you have to be able to respond to them quickly without reacting without thinking this eliminates what if mode. Those thoughts will drive you crazy. Now many of you may think oh I feel sorry for her the sacrifices she make have to be great but instead I ask that before you pity me you simply root for us to overcome all obstacles that come our way.

So out of all of this my life lesson is simple: LIVE LOVE LAUGH... life is full of fun moments and you have to accept those fun moments as they come but be prepared for those rough moments as well.

A quote that we live by:

"Remember life is a precious gift, love is a wonderful gift, and laughter is a glorious gift.So live life to the fullest, love with all your heart, and laugh as much as you breathe."

~Truly Blessed,

Misherald "Missy" & Jonathan "JB" Brown

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Looking Back Over 2012

Jonathan and I taking a quick snapshot with the Webcam

It’s December 30, 2012, I am sitting here thinking back over this past year, and it is good to know that we survived it without any major issues. The beginning of the year started out pretty rough and hard not only were we in the process of fundraising for a service dog for Jonathan but we were also faced with the predicament of behavioral issues. I know most parents are saying for a child who is six behavioral issues are normal and for a while I truly did accept it however in my heart I knew it went further than that.  With the diagnoses of Autism it was already known that his behavior would be different but Jonathan had simply began to act out in a way that was simply awful.  Life began to evolve around how his demeanor was if we had a bad morning, anything extra in our life was shuffled to another day. Why you may ask? It was easier that way. Meltdowns in stores caused stares and I tend to react when I get stares because I’m sure many individuals have encounter special needs children but they automatically assume that as a mother I don’t have control of my child which can put a mother on edge.

 While I know, many would say I am venting and complaining far from that. My son has taught me patience, knowledge, understanding, and unconditional love.  It is not often as a mother you see your child’s eyes light up as if they just solved world hunger or something when they finally figure out the proper use for a toy or how to make it do what it is supposed to do. To him that is major so while I continue to look for more innovative ways for him to grow and gain some independence I simply continue to sit here and be a true role model and caregiver to my little one.

Now any parent would say we all have our difficulties but a special needs parent would say our day can start out on the happy end and by the end of the day we felt like we have dealt with eight kids instead of just our one.  This year I decided to venture into blogging about Jonathan and my life as we proceed to overcome many challenges and as we prepare to look forward to changes and life opportunities.

Truly Blessed,

Misherald “Missy” & Jonathan “JB” Brown