Special Needs Reads

"The Parenting Autism Resource Guide" - an instant downloadable ebook to assist you with your autistic child

Jennifer Fiander — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:55:07 GMT

If you are new to the world of autism and are looking for a comprehensive resource, you should check out Dave Angel's "The Parenting Autism Resource Guide”. Available in ebook form for instant download, the guide includes such things as:

How you can begin to understand and cope with most behaviors that your child may have…….

How you can use simple and proven methods for helping your child to become happier and safer.....

How you can use proven techniques to improve your child’s ability to deal much better with day-to-day life.

Signs and symptoms of autism....

Treatments and “cures”....

The different types of autism on the spectrum....

Dietary interventions....

Related health conditions....

Is autism hereditary?....

Simple and proven techniques to stop your child's difficult behaviors so you can attend social functions without fear and worry.

The quick and easy steps that you can follow to understanding your child's behaviors without having to pay huge $$$$ for a private therapist.

How you can improve your child's communication skills and give yourself a closer relationship with them.

Which autism treatments really work and which are a waste of your precious time, energy and money.

The real truth about diagnosis, diets, health problems and the different types of autism.

And, the best part- it has a money-back guarantee!

For more information:
Click Here to visit the Ordering page!

Medical organizers & resources

Jennifer Fiander — Fri, 16 May 2008 23:45:30 GMT

Special Needs Resources from AMAZON

Jennifer Fiander — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:57:47 GMT

Don't forget to check out Amazon for some fantastic resources & books for special needs:

Newspaper Article on my Biz and my Son

Jennifer Fiander — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 21:21:36 GMT

Hi everyone, thought I would post the link to an article that came out 2 weeks ago about my company, which started because of my sweet special boy. I've gotten many compliments on the article from people in our community.

Colin Farrell- if you're reading- call me. We've been mentioned in the same article

Lil' Angel Gifts raises awareness on both coasts
Published in the Kings County Record
Story & photos by Charlene MacKenzie
Published Tuesday January 15th, 2008

HAMPTON - A local woman has taken what many would find a challenging situation and found a way to balance a successful career and a demanding family life.

Jennifer Fiander is an energetic young mother with three children: seven-year-old Cameron, five-year-old Kennedy and Peyton, 18 months.

She and renowned Irish actor Colin Farrell have something in common both are parents of children with Angelman Syndrome. Cameron has the rare genetic disorder, which was named after the doctor who discovered it, Harry Angelman.

Children with the disorder are generally happy with sweet personalities, she explained. While they are developmentally delayed and have little or no use of words, they're easily excitable and frequently laugh and smile.

To read entire article: ENTIRE ARTICLE

Book Recommendation for Parents, Teachers

Jennifer Fiander — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:41:10 GMT

This book looks really amazing:

The Special Needs Acceptance Book: Being a Friend to Someone with Special Needs.

Is intended to be used in helping children understand their peers who have special needs. It covers a range of conditions, not just one, which makes it a particularly great source for educators. This workbook/guide provides plenty of exercises to work through with the children- in helping them understand their differences AND similarities.

For the full explanation, please check out the link above.

Book recommendation for parents, teachers, therapists, siblings...

Jennifer Fiander — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:51:38 GMT

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs: Stories of Love and Understanding for Those Who Care for Children with Disabilities

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs

I haven't read this book, but it looks amazing. And how could it NOT be- it's put out be the Chicken Soup for the Soul people.

Has anyone read this who would like to comment???

Looks amazing- would make a great gift for a parent of someone with special needs, a teacher, therapist, sibling, or anyone!

Special Needs Bibs- follow up!

Jennifer Fiander — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:52:35 GMT

I blogged about special needs bibs, from The Hipper Bib back in November. Well, that was before I had received my bibs! My 2 bibs came in the mail last week- I love them. They are kerchief style (really sweet), big boy prints for my big boy! They are really well made, and I haven't washed them yet, but I think they are going to wash great. The bibs are reversable- and one of the sides is flannel (which I love), and the waterproof layer is in between.

If you're looking for a waterproof alternative to a 'baby bib' for a BIG special needs boy or girl, these are great!
Although she is focusing on the special needs market on her website, these are also adorable for non-special needs kids. They would make a fantastic gift.

On a personal note, I've gotten to know the business owner a bit the past few months (she has a child with Angelman Syndrome too) and I've really enjoyed dealing with her. I think you'll be pleased with the customer service too

Product Recommendation- Digital Arts & Crafts Studio & Sweet Story...

Jennifer Fiander — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:38:50 GMT

I have a product I'd like to recommend for everyone that has children, and especially those with special needs. But first, the story behind the product...

T'was the night before Christmas-

(well, I think it was 3 nights before)

I was all settled in, making supper, putting around the house, expecting a nice quiet evening. All of the sudden, I heard a knock on the door. I opened it- there was a young woman, someone I had never seen before- standing at my door. She had a package wrapped in Christmas paper. I didn't quite know what to think.

She went on to explain that she was someone whom I had spoken to by email a few times, and that she was delivering the package on behalf of a 'Secret Santa'. The gift was for my special needs son. She also said the Secret Santa wanted to remain anonymous, however if I really needed to know, I could find out. There was a typed note attached that said something to the effect of how she knew Cameron had a difficult time holding things, and that she had one of these, and she thought he would be able to use it.

I was standing there feeling a mixture of things- still startled by the stranger at my door, shocked, excited, intrigued & mystified, overwhelmed. Wow- how nice was this !?!?! I had a really bad, busy week, and it was SUCH a nice end to my week- this kind gesture of a friend?

Of course, I wanted to know what the gift was, and who gave it. Christmas morning we opened the box right away- and they were right- it is a GREAT thing for Cameron! It is a Fisher Price Digital Arts & Crafts Studio (I'm including the link so you can check it out for yourself) and it is really neat. It has a nice wide pen for gripping, so it works very well for him. And with all the fun projects, and the colours and sounds, what kid wouldn't love it?

I still don't know who our Secret Santa was- but I was able to tell her through the woman who delivered it how much we are enjoying it. I'd like to ask, because I'm dying to know, but it's also fun to not know and to wonder. That act of kindness really, really made my Christmas.

"Don't Quit" - a poem to keep you going when things are tough

Jennifer Fiander — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 22:03:47 GMT

I have had a really, really rough night. No, not about the kids, just some other stuff. And there was no better day for me to 'stumble' upon this poem that today. I thought there would be many others that could benefit from or relate to this:

Don't Quit

by C.W. Longenecker

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.

When care is pressing you down a bit.

Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns

As every one of us sometimes learns.

And many a failure turns about

When he might have won had he stuck it out:

Don't give up though the pace seems slow -

You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out -

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.

And you never can tell how close you are.

It may be near when it seems so far:

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

Medical Students Coming for a Home Visit Again & a tip for TEACHERS

Jennifer Fiander — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 22:03:41 GMT

I know, I know, it's been awhile since I've posted info on here. As you can imagine, life with a special needs child and 2 other wee ones, while trying to run my own business, and prepare for Christmas, etc, etc, is busy, busy, busy. I thought I'd better do an update before crashing for the day.

Not much out of the ordinary has been happening here in our household. Just trying to get caught up with life. I have a list of doctors appointments I need to schedule and get to for ALL the kids- I just kept putting them off and they kind of caught up with me. So now I'm going to have to juggle the 2 that are in school, and the baby, and the appointments, and the snow (I hate winter driving), which will be a challenge. I should have made these appointments earlier and gotten them over with. Shame on me.

We have a group of medical students coming to the house this week from the hospital/med school. THey've sent med students a few other times, and I love it when they come visit. I still can't believe they come to my HOUSE to learn about Cameron and life at home within a family setting. The med students are so keen- it's my chance to really 'get to them' before they get too hardened by the hospital setting. There are things that we as parents always wish we could teach doctors- or that they get to see our child at home, so that they SEE that they are a member of our family, and our life, and that they should be treated as such, not just a patient. It's just a completely different experience, talking to these younger doctors. They are still intelligent and knowledgeable, but they definitely see me as the expert in Angelman Syndrome. We learn a lot from each other.

I think because we've had such great experiences with it, they ask me periodically if they can send another group out, and I always say yes (and I must say, all the young doctors I've dealt with are super personable- I don't know where the non-personable doctors go, but they don't send them here!) So, why did I include this in the TEACHERS RESOURCES category? Being a former teacher myself, I thought I would give this tip- why not (if possible and the parents are keen) see if you can go to the home of the special needs child in your class- and observe them in the HOME setting? No one has ever asked to do that with my son, and I would LOVE it if they did. Observe how the child communicates at home, how the structure of the home is based and how they do with that structure, observe them with their siblings, equipment/adapted items, etc. I think spending a few hours in the home, talking with the parents and child would teach you a LOT and give you some tips so you don't go blindly into the school year wondering what to expect or how a child acts in a certain situation.

Wish me luck with my med students. One of these days I'm going to find one that I really like and not let him leave. I always said I needed my next husband to be a doctor

The "Hipper Bib"- a great bib alternative for individuals with special needs!

Jennifer Fiander — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 19:26:22 GMT

I was contacted today by the owner of a business- a mom who also started a company because of her son who has the same disorder as mine (Angelman Syndrome). I'm really glad that she contacted me, because she is offering a product that I myself have looked for to purchase, and I've thought about making for my son (but have no time!).

Her sweet little son Ian inspired her (out of necessity) to produce a functional, yet flattering bib, called the HIPPER BIB. And hip it is! The bibs are kerchief style, are reversable and have a waterproof middle layer, preventing ooey food, drinks and ookey stuff from our drooly kids from getting through. What I particularly like about this product is obviously the waterproof layer, but also the kerchief style (looks a bit less baby, and more 'big boy') and I love the big boy/big girl prints she is using. She is also able to do custom orders, and larger adult sized kerchiefs will be added soon to the product line.

:

As a parent of a special needs child AND a business owner, I love this product. I also understand the importance of growing your business through customer feedback. If you love this product, or maybe are wondering if she could adapt this product for you, go ahead and ask! Customer feedback is great for growing business and developing products.

Don't forget that these would make a great gift for ANYONE having a baby. Check out the HIPPER BIB website for more bib features and to order. Tell her I sent you!

Using a STANDER- a parent's perspective- Trial & Error

Jennifer Fiander — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 14:38:44 GMT

I really dislike buying equipment. A few times now, I've been talked into the 'wrong' piece of equipment for my son by a well-intentioned therapist. Well, never again! I find that I prefer to go right to the source- those people that are using the equipment DAILY- the children and parents.

Our experiences with standers reflect this. The first stander we used for our son was when he was very young (maybe 2 or 3?). It was loaned to us by the hospital. It was handmade. Of course, this saved us a lot of money and the hassle of going through insurance or applying for funding, but it was cumbersome and (I believe) uncomfortable.

Our next experience with a stander was the Giraffe, shown here on the AdaptiveMall site: http://www.adaptivemall.com/giraffe.html It was also on loan as a trial from the hospital. The stander was 'ok' for our son, but it was also awkward. He wasn't (and still isn't) able to support all his weight by himself, so I had to try to support him in a standing position, while at the same time trying to fidget with the knee plate things and get them on and get him strapped in and all adjusted. I HATED it. I wanted to be able to put him in at any time, even when my husband wasn't home, but we really needed 2 people to do it- one to hold Cameron, the other to do all the stander stuff. Of course, I was impatient, and I would do it when I was the only adult, which was hard on my body to attempt, but also not the safest for my son.

With the next stander, the one we were purchasing, I did a LOT of research. I went to the appointment with the seating lady with the most appropriate one in my mind, ready for a fight. Surprisingly, she recommended the same type for him (yeah! a battle won). And we were able to get it paid for, which was another great battle won. What stander did we choose? The Magician EasyStand, as seen on this site: http://www.easystand.com/magician-comfy/index.cfm
Why was this stander so special?
As you can see from the moving photo, it starts in a sitting position, like a desk. I can walk him to it, sit him down in it, and by myself (no safety concerns) lift him into an upright position. I do have to be careful with the strap that moves (his gtube button is in the way), but other than that, I really like it. Oh, and the fact that after all that, Mr. Lazy Cameron likes to just rest his head on the tray. What a goof.

Do your research.
Trust your instinct.
Don't let them change your mind unless you want to!

Toy Resource- Toys R Us (for the 'differently abled') - just in time for the holidays...

Jennifer Fiander — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 14:38:07 GMT

It's that time of year again, the time when we parents of special needs children scramble for appropriate gifts for the holidays. This can be a particularly difficult time for me and for other parents of children with Angelman Syndrome and other typically low-functioning disorders. At birthdays and Christmas, we are reminded with shopping that it becomes harder and harder to buy age-appropriate toys. There is a bit of a grieving process some of us experience when we have to buy 'baby' toys for our big boys and girls. Personally, I try to numb myself to it, and try not to dwell on this. But, my boy is still only 7, and his room which is overflowing with baby toys- used also by his baby sister. When she outgrows them and he is nearing 10, I may need therapy. But, I digress...

So, some toy recommendations for holiday shoppers:

Toys R Us catalogue for the 'differently abled':
http://www.toysrus.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=2257808
I really enjoy this publication. Many of the items in it are things I already have. I see quite a few VTech toys (FYI- I love VTech toys as they are really easy to activate for my son- the buttons are always very easy to press and touch for those who are very tactile defensive).

Hilights in this catalogue for me:

on page 9- the Smart Snacks Counting Cookie jar. How cute is that? I've never seen that before. Not sure if I can get it in Canada, but I will have to do a search to find out!
Also on page 9, there is a sign language DVD for children, which could be a great resource for non-verbal children.
On page 11, I love the Wiggles book with the 'mp3 player'. My son loves the wiggles and would absolutely adore that.
On page 15- the Fisher Price Kid Tough Camera. I got one for my daughter for this Christmas, which my mother in law kindly picked up for me when shopping in the US (was nearly double the price in Canada). A note on that, it was much cheaper at Walmart than Toys R Us.
Page 17- the Aquadoodle. We have one of these, and I was just saying this week that it is the best invention ever made. SO great for young children, babies, all children!!! No mess, great for travelling.
Page 21- Little People Bus- we have one of these. I LOVE that the bus is wheelchair accessible
Fold 2 Go Deluxe Trike- where was this when we adapted my son's trike??? Wow, love this one. AND it folds! The high seat on this trike is great.

I could go on and on. This catalogue is really great. One thing I've concluded from looking at it is how much cheaper toys are in the US than Canada!!! Well, going to pack so I can move. Enjoy the catalogue and happy shopping!

Article in our local paper- on me, my son, Angelman Syndrome & my company

Jennifer Fiander — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:42:33 GMT

Ok, another brag post. There was an article that came out today on my son and I (and my company), so of course, I have to share! Thank you Erin for such a fun article!

Lil' Angel gets 'perfect' chance
Published Tuesday November 13th, 2007
ERIN DWYER
DEVELOPMENTS
Telegraph Journal
http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/city/article/125478

Jennifer Fiander of Hampton began her company Lil' Angel Gifts with a cheeky instruction manual for babies.

It stemmed from her own mother's constant questions on how to take care of Fiander's son, Cameron, who has Angelman syndrome - a genetic disorder that causes developmental delay and neurological problems.

"It was a joke actually," Fiander said. "My mom would drive me crazy.

She would always be asking me questions, like, 'How do I lay him down.' I thought I'd be smart and put together an instruction manual."

That instruction manual, which she created seven years ago, has now grown into a line of products - dozens of journals, note cards and other items for brides, grooms, mothers, daughters, fathers and sons.

This month, Fiander's company is about to take a big step. Its products will be showcased at a large Vancouver bridal show with a portion of the proceeds from the sales going toward the Canadian Angelman Syndrome Society.

"It's the perfect opportunity," said Fiander. "I get to show my special products to the ideal audience, I get to bring awareness to my son's disorder, and I get to make a donation to CASS, who will gladly use it to support other Angelman syndrome families."

Fiander's son, Cameron, was diagnosed Angelman syndrome - caused by a deletion of the 15th chromosome -- when he was an infant. In his case, the disorder prevents him from walking, using his hands, or communicating verbally, and disrupts his sleep patterns.

After getting raves from relatives about her instruction manual for babies, Fiander put together another manual - Organizing Your Child's Special Needs. When they began selling like hotcakes on eBay, Fiander knew she had struck on a successful product idea. She received a start-up loan from the Canadian Business Development Bank and began developing her ideas into 18 different wedding party journals, which today are her biggest selling items.

"Brides are always looking for something personal and there's nothing more personal than writing down your thoughts about someone in a journal," Fiander said.

For more information, visit www.lilangelgifts.com

My internet radio stint I did yesterday...

Jennifer Fiander — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:46:30 GMT

I was a guest on a moms internet radio show this week. I talked about my son and Angelman Syndrome (his disorder). It didn't turn out quite as I expected, but it was a good learning experience. Of course, I was flustered already because I knew the original host that had asked me to go on wasn't going to be there. So these ladies aren't used to 'interviews' (but, they still did do a good job). And to top it off, when I got up in the morning, I had no internet access on either computer, and my laptop (my primary computer) completely crashed. I couldn't do any work all day (my business is internet based, so not being able to get online pretty much renders me useless), and I was (and am still) frazzled about whether all that info on that computer is lost (AHHH). I had to even call a friend to get her to look up the call in info so I could call in when it was time.

Then, the interview- as I said, the original host who scheduled me wasn't there, so the ladies who were hosting didn't have any specific questions, like I thought they would, which really threw me off. We started talking about my son & AS late, then there was another caller scheduled, which didn't help. Being a radio show for moms, I expected to talk a little about what AS was, and also about what that means for me as a mother- you know, challenges & triumphs, life with a special needs child... (maybe I should rehearse next time!) I even lost my train of thought at the end trying to figure out what the heck I was trying to say, haha. Lack of sleep and the stress of the day finally catching up to me.

So, don't be too critical (I'll do a better job next time)- but here is the page to get to the show: http://momstalkradio.com/2007/moms-morning-show-46/ Scroll down & click on the archives link and it will bring you to the show itself to listen to (Nov. 6). I don't come on until somewhere around 18 minutes in, so you can drag the little bar over to 18 minutes and skip the first part if you'd like. I'll have to practice so I'll be ready for my big interview someday with Barbara Walters...

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION- Travel Tray for Car/Van

Jennifer Fiander — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 08:53:50 GMT

Hi everyone! Time for a product review for an item I've found particularly useful with my little special needs guy, and also with my other 2 children.

SNACK & PLAY TRAVEL TRAY by Star Kids

I can't remember how, but I stumbled upon this product in one of my internet searches. As you will learn from reading this blog, I am HUGE on internet shopping. I like the convenience of it since I am so busy that I rarely get to leave the house. I also like how I can find things I wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to find. There are SO many fun and interesting things to buy on the World Wide Web. And if you want something specific, rather than going from store to store to store to find it, you can usually do a quick search online, purchase it in a moment, and have it delivered. What a great system that is.

Ok, back to my topic. This tray. The reason I was drawn to this tray was because I NEEDED it for my son (aged 7, Angelman Syndrome). On long road trips, I find he gets very bored and gets irritable. Cameron is non-verbal and communication is a 'challenge', but he has NO problems communicating when he is bored or mad (which by the way he is cranking about as I write this- I put his favorite Youtube videos on for him, but he can only hear them, can't see them since I'm typing this up. Sorry buddy- Pussy Cat Dolls will have to wait!).

Rather than listen to Mr. Cranky Pants when boredom sets in, I wanted him to be able to play with a toy in the van. The problem is, that the toy would fall off his lap in the car seat, onto the floor, and I'd have to keep picking up the toy or he would have nothing. So, when I found this tray, I KNEW I had to have it. Its great- and I know I will order one for my daughter as well, and maybe even one for my other daughter too.

Some key features of this tray that I particularly like:

it is made of nylon and easy to wipe down
it's SOFT. This is something very important to me for safety. I didn't want something that my child could potentially bang their head off of. I also for this reason am not giving him any really hard toys to sit on the tray- if we had a collision, I wouldn't want a hard plastic toy hitting him, or him hitting it. I pretty much use it with books, or with something soft (always thinking!)
very quick to set up (buckles)
the HIGH rim around the outer edge is great! Cameron has a habit of pushing toys OFF of his other trays he has (has a tray for his wheelchair & stroller), and that rim on those trays aren't nearly high enough. This one would be GREAT for small children who would accidentally push their toys off.
the price was very reasonable
pretty flat for storage
makes a great tray for when you stop to eat in the car. UGH- all those years of trying to get our middle child to balance her french fries and her ketchup on the napkin and not flip it over onto the floor or carseat are OVER!!!
has side pockets for storage. You could store crayons in there, or napkins, a few wipes... the possibilities are endless!

So, I would highly recommend this to ALL parents of small kids. Would also make a fantastic gift for parents.

I'm posting a link to the website that I purchased my Snack & Play Travel Tray from: Family On Board. Please note, there are other travel trays featured on this site too, which might also be of interest to you. I'm sure you can find this one elsewhere if you do a search online, and maybe even at Walmart or somewhere similar. I was happy with my experience with this particular company.

Wow, they have some other great products too. There's a few others there I'd like to buy- I might find a moment to review more later. I will leave you with the info on the travel tray as taken from their website. Happy shopping!

***Star Kids Snack & Play Travel Tray was created out of necessity for today's children, and enhances the travel experience by providing a flat, safe area for children to eat and play. Made of soft, durable, 100% Nylon with soft foam reinforcement that folds on impact. It buckles either around the child, car seat, stroller, etc. Features two side pockets and a 2 inch wall to stop toys, food, etc from falling off the tray. 18 x 14 inches, folds to 14 x 9 x 3.5 to store in it's zippered storage case, included. Weighs 1lb, 2oz

Do you have a product you highly recommend that other parents might find useful? Please suggest the item in our 'comments' section and maybe I'll feature it in one of our upcoming posts.

Press Release I Refer to in Last Night's Podcast

Jennifer Fiander — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:28:34 GMT

Thought I would post the press release for my company that I referred to in last night's podcast. I'll keep you posted on my appearance on the radio show!

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jennifer Fiander
Ph: 506-832-2800

Fax: 506-832-5270

info@lilangelgifts.com

NB Company to Exhibit Products at a BC Bridal Show, Donating a Portion of Proceeds to Charity Close to their Heart

A company’s personal mission to raise awareness & to give back.

New Brunswick, Canada- October 30, 2007- The recent announcement that well-known actor Colin Farrell’s 4 year old son has Angelman Syndrome, has brought some attention to the little-known disorder. But still, most people are not familiar with Angelman Syndrome (AS). This is why Jennifer Fiander, owner and founder of Lil’ Angel Gifts, takes every opportunity she can to educate others about AS, both in personal encounters and through her business. When welcomed to exhibit her wedding products at a Vancouver bridal show and raise awareness for AS, it was an offer too good to refuse.

Ms. Fiander’s company began because of her son, who has Angelman Syndrome. Their first product (an instruction manual for babies) was created for her son, and was soon followed by a special needs record book. After receiving much interest through word of mouth on her creations, she presented her business plan and books to the CBDC, and her business was formed. Years later, the collection has grown to include dozens of journals, note cards and other items. The ‘Lil’ Angel’ in her company name refers to her son, and the company logo was designed to look like him.

Because of how the company originated, there is an extra pride involved with her business. A major part of Lil’ Angel Gifts’ mission statement is to give back to the community, and in particular, special needs causes. Ms. Fiander makes the experience of dealing with her company a personal one, even though the large majority of customer exchanges are made online. On her website, she is clear to state how the company began, what it stands for, and also includes information on her company and AS when mailing out orders. Ms. Fiander states “Customers seem to appreciate knowing they are dealing with a REAL person, and that the owner of the company has a REAL pride and interest in her products. It is my opportunity to spread awareness about Angelman Syndrome, and to teach people that people with special needs are indeed a blessing”.

With Lil’ Angel Gifts’ best sellers being their unique wedding party journals, Ms. Fiander contacted the producer of Lovestruck- a 3 day bridal show event in Vancouver- to see if there was a way to exhibit her products at the show without flying across the country to be present. Ms. Angela Girard, owner of Reflection Events, and producer of the bridal event, was immediately keen on working the journals into the show. When she suggested to Ms. Fiander that they show the products at the show and a portion of the proceeds from orders could be donated to the Canadian Angelman Syndrome Society (CASS), she was excited by the opportunity.

“It’s the perfect opportunity”, says Jennifer Fiander. “I get to show my special products to the ideal audience. I get to bring awareness to my son’s disorder. And I get to make a donation to CASS, who will gladly use it to support other Angelman Syndrome families. It couldn’t get any better than that!”

To find out more information about Lovestruck (November 16-18), please visit: www.lovestruckbrides.com

To read more about Lil’ Angel Gifts, as well as information on how the company began and Angelman Syndrome, please visit www.lilangelgifts.com or call Jennifer Fiander at 506-832-2800.

###

Exciting News & My Dilemma- To Include or Not to Include?

Jennifer Fiander — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:38:52 GMT

Hi everyone!
In this episode, I talk about some fun news- I was invited as a guest on a talk radio show about Angelman Syndrome and my story.

I also discuss my dilemma with my special needs son when he is being cranky, or when I think he might be cranky and we have plans to do something. Do I take him and include him in the activity? Do I chance ruining things for his sister/s? With him being non-verbal and his moods unpredictable, it makes things very complicated.

And of course, I complain about a wheelchair lift/pedway issue I had today. Well, I have to complain to someone who might understand, don't I?

Don't forget to subscribe!

Story I Wrote for My Son When He Started Kindergarten, to Prep His Classmates

Jennifer Fiander — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 14:35:41 GMT

I've gone and done it!!! I've done a podcast entry instead of a blog. Too lazy to write, haha. I hope you enjoy the new format. More to come soon!
-----

This type of story would work well in classrooms with children with other disorders- Autism, Down Syndrome, etc. I wrote this 2 years ago when my son started Kindergarten. I believe I said in the podcast that it was to prep Cameron for school. It would have been better to say it was to prep his CLASSMATES.
Don't forget to listen to the podcast version for a more thorough explanation.

Cameron’s Story

Hello, my name is Cameron. I am 6 years old. I have Angelman Syndrome. Not very many people have it- I was born with it.

Like many people, my brain and body work a little differently. I need help doing many things, so I have a helper in the classroom. I can not speak with words, but I am learning to communicate with pictures, sounds and gestures. I may not speak back, but I really like it when other people talk to me.

I am learning how to stand, and how to walk. I need a stroller or wheelchair to help me get around. I also wear braces on my legs to help me stand until my legs get stronger.

I have a hard time eating with my mouth. A few years ago when I was growing very fast, I wasn’t able to eat enough food, so the doctors put a little button my belly to help me get my food. A grown-up uses a tube and a syringe to put food in my belly. Sometimes it tickles when it’s cold! The food is kind of like milk, but it has lots of vitamins added in, so I stay healthy.

Sometimes, I might sleep a lot in school. Since my brain works a bit different, I don’t have the same sleep schedule always as other children. Some days I may sleep a lot, and other days I may be awake all the time. I hope soon I can stay awake all day with everyone.

I really like people and playing. Sometimes people want to hold my hand, which I like. If I pull my hand away, it’s not because I don’t want you to touch it. It’s because when something touches my hand lightly, sometimes it feels icky. I am more sensitive than most people. I like when people touch my hand firmly. You can ask Mrs. Fairweather or Mrs. Peters how to firmly hold my hand, the way I like to.

Because my hands are very sensitive, I also have a hard time holding things. I need help holding things like pencils and using toys. Mrs. Fairweather helps me do this in the classroom. I also appreciate your help. Sometimes my little sister at home will play with me and help me do things. Or she will bring me 2 toys that she knows I like, and she will hold them out and ask me to choose which one I would like to play with. Then I will reach for the one I would like. You can do that too.

I may be different, but I am the same as everyone else in other ways. I love my little sisters, Mommy and Daddy very much. I really like doing things like reading books, playing with paints, watching movies, listening to music, swinging, playing with sand, and other fun stuff. I like to learn and play, like everyone else. I really like to have friends. One of my favorite things to do is laugh- I’m very good at it!

If you have any questions about me you can ask Mrs. Peters, Mrs. Fairweather or my Mom. I look forward to getting to know all of you!

Cameron

The Remnant Book- great tool for those with limited communication

Jennifer Fiander — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 20:14:51 GMT

My 7 year old is a grade 2 student in a class of ‘typically-abled’ children. He is the only child with special needs or with substantial communication difficulties. One thing I’ve noticed is the lack of connection between my son (Cameron) and the other children. He isn’t able to easily express his needs or wants. I’ve had several strategies I’ve tried to implement with the help of his teachers to try to help teach the other students skills so they know how to understand his limited communication. After all, we don’t only use words to communicate. More on those strategies later.

A major part of his peers not knowing how to interact with Cameron, is that they don’t know him. They don’t know what he likes to do at home. They don’t know what he did on the weekend, or what he got for his birthday. They don’t know his favorite show he likes to watch. So, to help encourage INTERACTION between Cam and his classmates (and also adults) I made a REMNANT BOOK.

The remnant book is a simple binder with hole punched cardstock in it. I have it divided into sections, and pages labeled. Foods I like, Shows/Movies I like, My birthday Party, What I did for the Weekend, My Favorite Toys, etc. Anything that his peers would be interested in. I tried to keep it as interesting to their age-group as possible. For instance, Cameron loves Baby Einstein movies and yes, that is a part of who he is, but he also loves some more grown up movies, so I chose those over Baby Einstein.

I simply cut and taped/pasted pictures in or wrote out things on the pages. Nothing fancy. This book needs to be quick and easy to update. Then the pages were slipped into plastic page covers for protection. The book should then follow Cameron to school, and back home, and go to appointments, social events, etc. In the front of the Remnant Book, I explained the ‘idea’ of the book, and how it should be used. It is MEANT for the other children to grab and look through. It is meant to facilitate conversation between Cameron (and his aide) and the other person. It is to be ADDED to by other people. If a child has something to add into the book or a message to add, they are encouraged to write in it. If the teacher would like to put in a picture from something they did, that is wonderful. The remnant book I designed is meant to be added to constantly and have things removed as necessary.

Now, I must admit- I had been all gung-ho to do this last year, and set it all up, then kind of forgot about it over the summer. I have to get his book updated and get using it again. But, I really liked the idea of having the students get to know him. We even worked it into his education plan, so I have to get back to using it again.

Children who are a little more high-functioning could be a lot more involved in building their remnant books, which they would probably love.

If you have any more suggestions for communication, I’d love to hear them. Please leave a comment in the comment section. Thanks!