New Therapy Toys! Thank you!!!!

A while back, my husband started a project. It all started because our cell phone contract had been up for over a year, and our phones were beginning to work like they were 3 year old phones (bummer). So, we were looking at which phones to purchase....the Droid or the iPhone. During our research, I became aware of "apps"....please don't judge my ignorance. We realized that there were many kinds of apps that would greatly benefit Ethan.....social stories, handwriting skills, functional speech, etc. So, we decided to get the iPhones and start saving for an iPad. A couple of days later, my husband came home & told me that he had set up an online fundraiser. He wanted to purchase an iPad along with a surrounding cover case & a mock pencil for Ethan and another family that also has a child with autism. He & his computer programming buddies had decided that they wanted to start writing apps of their own. These would be available for free once they were developed, and both boys would be able to test these apps before sending it to publication. Sounded great to me.

I was so overwhelmed with gratefulness when it took LESS THAN A WEEK to raise this money! So, the boys both now have their iPads, and are really enjoying them. Right now, Ethan has puzzles, books (even a couple with his picture as the main character), handwriting games, social stories, spelling games and 1 special just for fun Cars game. However, a couple of my own family members sent money directly to us...and they both told me to use it for Ethan & his special needs. You just can't understand how grateful I am for these amazing gifts for my child. We have had a wish list of special therapy items that were just too expensive for us to instantly buy, but we had been putting money away a little at a time in order to get these needed tools. And, now, not only does my child have an iPad (which takes the place of about 10 games on the wish list), but we have some extra money to make a HUGE dent in our list. So....here are a few things of what we were able to purchase for......

Sound proofing headphones. Prior to having these, we were just using his disposable ear plugs that we use at bath time. These are easier for others to put on Ethan as well as a one time purchase....and he can take them on & off as he chooses.

During OT sessions, Ethan would often play with the Lite Brite. Placing the small bulbs into specific spots is GREAT for helping develop his fine motor skills...and Ethan loved making shapes, letters & numbers. Also, we place the bulbs into silly putty, and Ethan has to manipulate the putty in order to dig out the bulbs. This strengthens those weak muscles, and Ethan LOVES to play this game. It's very calming for him as well.

A friend of mine found this revolving light & thought it might help Ethan during nap time. He loves it! He watches the cars go around & around while he zones out. And even though he still isn't napping, it does help him rest & relax.

Here is Ethan LOVING his iPad.

His shirt was a gift from a friend of ours...she made it herself. It says, "A is for autistic & awesome!" It is so soft, too! If you want to see more of her designs, check out her Esty store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/motherMAEi?ref=ss_profile.

He is laughing at the real animal sounds! This face brought to you via amazing friends & family! Thank you!!!

We have more, but these are all the pictures that I have right now. I will post more as I take pictures. All of these things have made Ethan & our life so much easier, and he is already showing signs of improvement in so many areas! It really does take a village to raise a child, and I'm so blessed that Ethan doesn't have a small village.....but a large metropolis!!!!