From Silence to Speech: A Personal Journey Through Autism, Speaking Truth from Experience

facilitating communication in non-verbal autism As parents of autistic children, we are often tasked with bridging the gap of communication between them and the outside world. But, who bridges the gap for us between our children and ourselves? Many children with autism begin their early lives as nonverbal and some never become verbal. For me, trying everything was important. We began therapy as soon as possible, which for him was when he was 18 months old. I had been told he is losing skills, but autism was not something I suspected. I actually thought my child was deaf. I had his hearing tested 3 times because I could not wrap my mind around why he was not trying to communicate. There were times I honestly believed he could not hear at all because he would not respond to me when I spoke to him. After the 3rd hearing test, it was painfully clear his hearing was better than mine. I began searching for answers, which of course lead me to the diagnosis of Autism. To be…

The Grief of Autism: A Parent’s Journey Through Diagnosis and Acceptance

What is grief? To most, the definition of grief is tied to deep sorrow, often in the context of loss through death. While accurate, grief takes many forms, and its reach extends far beyond the passing of a loved one. The reality is that grief can surface in numerous ways, particularly when life doesn’t unfold the way we envisioned. For many parents, this emotional upheaval comes with the word autism.

The Evolution of Aromatherapy: A Brief Overview of Ancient Practices to Modern Therapeutic Uses

Introduction

The Five Elements in Chinese Medicine and Their Application to Aromatherapy

Discover the Five Elements in Chinese Medicine and how they influence aromatherapy. Learn to identify imbalances and create personalized essential oil blends for holistic healing. This was one of my hardest subjects in the clinical aromatherapy program. This was due to my history of being a nurse in western medicine for over 25 years and this is very different from how I was taught. Many practitioners use this method and I will do my best to explain it in a very simplified version.

Unlock the Benefits of Gua Sha for Aging Skin

In the realm of skincare, gua sha has emerged as a beloved technique, celebrated for its ability to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin. Originating from traditional Chinese medicine, this practice involves using a smooth-edged tool to massage the face, promoting lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness, and enhancing overall skin health. Here’s how to properly use gua sha on your face and the potential benefits it offers, especially for aging skin.

Exploring Aromatherapy Diffusers: Water-Based vs. Waterless Diffusers and Why Waterless May Be the Best Choice

Uncover the advantages of waterless diffusers over traditional water-based models. The Radiance Nebulizing Diffuser from Organic Aromas ensures pure, undiluted essential oil dispersion for an enhanced therapeutic experience.

Harnessing Aromatherapy: A Natural Approach to Alleviating Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) affects millions of people worldwide, leaving them feeling perpetually exhausted and drained. While conventional medicine offers various treatments, many individuals seek complementary and alternative approaches to manage their symptoms. Aromatherapy, an ancient practice harnessing the power of plant extracts, emerges as a promising avenue for alleviating chronic fatigue. In this blog post, we delve into the principles behind aromatherapy and explore how it may effectively aid in combating the debilitating effects of chronic fatigue.

Navigating Grief: Exploring the Role of Essential Oils in Healing

Grief is an inevitable part of the human experience. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, a pet, a job, or even an idea of what could have been, grief manifests in various forms and can impact every aspect of our lives. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to coping with grief, many people have found solace and support through alternative methods such as aromatherapy with essential oils. In this blog post, we'll explore the intersection of grief and essential oils, examining how these natural remedies may offer comfort and aid in the healing process.

Nurturing Autistic Children: The Harmony of Gentle Parenting and ABA

Parenting a child on the autism spectrum presents unique challenges and joys. It requires a delicate balance of understanding, patience, and effective strategies tailored to the individual needs of the child. Among the myriad of approaches, two methodologies stand out: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Gentle Parenting. In this blog, we'll explore the significance of integrating these two approaches to create a nurturing environment for autistic children. This is and always has been my approach despite me being a gen-x parent. Don’t get me wrong, my child can be a handful, but corporal punishments can have a very negative effect on the autistic person, and as such I choose a gentle method.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Essential Oils for Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. While there's no cure for autism, various therapies and interventions aim to improve the quality of life for individuals on the spectrum. In recent years, complementary and alternative approaches, such as aromatherapy with essential oils, have gained attention for their potential to aid with alleviation of some symptoms associated with autism. In this blog post, we will delve into how essential oils can be integrated into holistic care for individuals with autism.

Our Autism Journey: Navigating Autism with Determination and Love

This is a post that I have set down a hundred times to start and either couldn’t finish or couldn’t begin because I can not seem to find the words. Our journey into autism is one of resilience, love, and unyielding determination. From a seemingly normal pregnancy that took an unexpected turn to facing the daunting prospect of a severe autism diagnosis, every step has been a testament to the strength within us. I will do my best to tell our story. My pregnancy was a normal pregnancy. There were no issues aside from him being born 2 weeks early, which was necessary as he had run out of room to grow. He was hitting all his milestones as was expected, but at 12 months, that is when things took a turn. He had gotten his routine vaccinations and everything changed after that. Up to that point, he had a 10 word vocabulary, was crawling and even pulled himself up on furniture so he could take a few steps before falling down and crawling again. After he got the standard vaccines, he…

Case Study on Psoriasis

Case Study: Aromatherapy to Reduce Anxiety and Meltdowns in Autism

The client is a 17-year-old male diagnosed with severe non-verbal autism, seizure disorder, insomnia, constipation, and hyperlipidemia. His primary complaints were anxiety, aggression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), insomnia, constipation, and inflammation. His mother reports that he had meltdowns at least once weekly. His meltdowns were terrible – they were in cycles and would include violent outbursts, screaming, and biting.