Friday, February 5, 2010

In other news

Well, some things are going on around here, and I thought I should update you.

I had a job interview today. I met with the director of a church-based child care center near my home. It's actually the daycare and preschool that I went to when I was 4-5. After a mild case of shock when I walked in and experienced a flood of memories, I sat down and talked with the director. She said that she first has to convince the board that they need a new position, but that that shouldn't be a problem. She said that I would be overqualified for the position she has open, but I told her that that's perfectly okay. As long as I'm working with kids, I'll be happy. So, keep sending good thoughts and prayers my way about that. I really want this job. I really need this job.

I've mentioned before on here that as a child, I ate very poorly... as in, I only ate six things. Now, as an adult, I eat a lot more than I used to, but I still can't eat most fruits, almost all vegeables, and anything with pieces or lumps. When I was little, they didn't do anything about this. Now, they have pediatric feeding clinics. I found one around here and called, asking if they would consider treating an adult. They said that they never had but would be happy to work with me. Yesterday, I got a prescription from my doctor for occupational therapy (OT) and speech therapy (ST) for feeding difficulties. I'll fill out paperwork (a sensory profile, an eating history, and a 3-day diet history) for the clinic, and I'll start there within the next few weeks. I'm so excited as the prospect of being able to eat a salad!

Finally, I've decided to go see Avatar this weekend. Darn those scary aliens, but they're not going to keep me away from what I hear is a great movie. Hopefully I don't get nightmares from them! We are going see it in 3D, but not at the IMAX. I can't handle the IMAX.

So, that's what's new in Lydia Land! I'm going to go watch Alton Brown now :)

10 comments:

  1. Lydia land is sounding like a positive place to be. I think you should be proud of yourself.

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  2. Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers your way!! Really hoping that you get the job and you enjoy Avatar. Haven't seen it yet, but hear it's really good.

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  3. What a wonderful idea about the food clinic.

    I have a young autistic friend Blogging Hailee and Lea who often spends her time in one of these places. She has been eating heaps of different things too.

    It would be great to be able to eat a salad. They're all mixed up, and a lot of people cannot have their vegies touching. Not one little bit!

    Good thoughts about the child care centre you might work in. And a whole lot of mixed feelings about it being the one where you were a child in.

    How things have changed in 16 years! A whole generation!

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  4. Hi Lydia,

    Hallie's mama here -- author of the blog to which Adelaide referred. I'd love to pick your brain about the eating issues that you had as a kid and the ones you still have now.

    We're working hard (very hard) on trying to help Hallie feel comfortable with new foods. She has stuff she likes to eat (crunchy things for the most part, and fresh hot pizza...this one seems very much related to the context or body memory of eating...I don't know how else to describe it but I think she loves it because the experience of it feels good and not because of the eating per se). But mostly she has stuff that makes her very, very afraid. The fear seems sensory based; so much of her autism seems sensory based. She panics and we need to work through that panic and make new things safe for her. We've come up with a very SLOW system that works---one that involves establishing a routine, with rewards, but mostly with structure. She loves structure (structure makes her feel safe in an otherwise disorderly universe) and our plan involves making new things part of that structure. The new thing we're working on is bananas and there's been some progress there. It's a slow road, but I think if we take a path where we get on her road (the structure and routine path) rather than insist on her getting on our road, we'll actually get somewhere.

    Anyway, I love your blog (I've read it intermittently and will link it to ours now so that I read it more consistently) and I think that its great that you are going to work with little kids.

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  5. Hey Abby,
    Feel free to email me at autisticspeaks@gmail.com. I'm happy to answer whatever questions you have!

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  6. Good thinking batman! I'm so pleased they didn't knock you back at the kids food clinic. Speaking as a confirmed foodie, I'm excited for you starting a whole fantastic amazing adventure with food.

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  7. Just think of all the Alton Brown recipes you'll be able to enjoy!

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  8. Lydia you are being so proactive about going after the life that you want. It is courageous and fantastic.

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  9. I know that most bananas are squishy and slidey.

    Like many fruits, bananas can also be dried (as can paw paw and dates and figs).

    Context and body memory is an important one when it comes to eating.

    One of my favourite cookery books (a reference book) says:

    Of all human activities, eating is the one about which we are the most conservative.

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