Squag is a newly launched website for autistic (or other learning difference) kids ages 8 years and older.

Squag.com has been wonderful enough to use my art (and other autisitc artists) in their Squagpads, AND also offered me a segment on their website where people can "Ask Anabelle" questions about things relating to autism.

Due to a bunch of life-chaos I have not been able to really reach out to all of you for questions. I would really love to get my first question out there, but I appear to have some kind of mental-question-block, lol.

If you are a parent, caregiver, sibling, or friend of someone on the autism spectrum, or if you yourself are autistic, I would love to hear any questions you have, relating to autism! It's even better if the questions are pertaining to autistic individuals in their teens and tweens, since that is the focus at Sqaug.com.


These questions can relate to anything to do with autism.
Some topic suggestions are:  
relationships
 life skills
education
habits
behaviors
sensory input
respect
bullying
stimming
. . .or anything to do with autism.

You can leave any questions you may have in the comments below, or you may email me at mainjelly@anabellelistic.com

If I use your question, I will be sure to notify you when the answer is posted. Also, be sure to let me know whether you want your name to be posted with the question (first name and last initial), or if you would like it to remain anonymous.

To learn more about Squag and what they are all about, click the links below:

Here is a long, but very interesting explanation of different types of "shutdowns."

http://everything2.com/user/Zifendorf/writeups/shutdown

When someone refers to "shutting down" or "shutdowns", I believe it is important to know that there are many different levels and types of the meaning "shutdown."

Squag.com has so generously given me a platform to communicate with parents, teens and tweens with ASD through a feature with which you can "Ask Anabelle".  

It is a way for people to ask me autism-related questions.  I am honored and I am excited to be able to give advice relating to Autism.

If you, or someone you know, has an Autism-related question you would like answered, email:

askanabelle@squag.com

Any questions that get answered will be posted through Squag.com. I will be sure to post any of those links here on my blog, as well.

I feel honored to have been interviewed by Sarah Winter, at Squag.com. She is part of a very innovative, new site helping teens and tweens with autism interact with other ASD individuals their age, within a safe and secure environment.

I would love for you all to check out my interview on Squag.com, and browse their site. I am also excited about becoming more involved with Squag, as a mentor and artist.

To see my earlier blog about Squag.com, click here.

A new, great tool came out yesterday for parents, professionals and caretaers to kids on the autism spectrum. It's called Zac Picto. 

I signed up prior to it's release to get a preview of the software. The Zac Picto online community is very active and helpful! I think it's a great tool and I recommend checking it out! 


Thank you PeopleCD for coming out with a wonderful and free tool to that will help people to help autistic people!

What are social stories?

A social story is a simple description of an everyday social situation, written from the perspective of the person is it meant to help.

They are mostly written for children, but would never turn away a social story written for me that could help me with an area I am struggling to understand.

Yesterday, it was decided that I needed a social story pertaining to taking care of my jellyfish. it has been a struggle, especially because the company who manufactured and distributed the tank and jellies has misrepresented themselves.

Here is the social story my support system and I created:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monitoring Jellyfish

A social story written for Anabelle Listic, loving guardian and caretaker to Tsukimi, Willow and Smack.

Sometimes my jellyfish are healthy and swim around the tank all day.

Sometimes one or more of my jellyfish will look sad and not move much.

When they look sad I remember to:

                    Take a deep breath and relax.

                    Set a timer for 10 minutes before taking action.

                    Check their water condition.

                    Change the filter.

                    Feed them.

                    Ask for help.

I remember that there will be ups ad downs for jellyfish in any environment and that I am doing an awesome job by researching and gaining the skills to make my jellyfish tank enironment healthy.

                                                          THE END

So simple and, yet, SO helpful. I gives me the reminder I need to stay calm and remember. Social stories are usual for many different learning and growing situations :-)

I am not a supporter of Autism Speaks and this blog entry I came across explains very well why:

Autistic Hoya: Responding to Autism Speaks

Thank you Lydia for writing this.

I recently was told about a social skills game for children on the spectrum. The game is called called Ryuu. Ryuu is a collection of social skills games inspired by  Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokemon. 

Click on the image to the right to go to the RYUU website.

I love the idea of Ryuu. The game is, visually, a very familiar game format to any ASD individual interested in these types of games. More familiarity means less resistance and more fun. And that means a potentially great way to teach ASD individuals about social and emotional concepts.

I can explain more about it in words, but I believe in visuals over everything else. So, check out this video if you would like to learn more about it.

A thank you goes out to Joel Shaul for co-creating Ryuu. Click on the banner below to check out his site that has learning materials for ASD individuals.

The Autism Society of America is my preferred autism resource. The ASA is a very welcoming and positive source for the autism community. The ASA focuses on embracing and helping people on the spectrum and those surrounding us. Never have I felt upset or disrespected by their voice and opinions. 

I encourage you to check out the Autism Society of America website and to find your local chapter and resources.