About a year ago I went into the field of inspirational speaking. I started my journey on inspirational speaking a few years ago by speaking on Facebook to my friends. At first, I never thought anything on it I was just getting my feelings out, then my friends commented saying that I had a gift of speaking. Once I realized that I had a gift I went with it.
Inspirational Speaking
About after a year of being back in Texas I decided to focus further on my dreams of becoming a speaker. At first, I found a coach in Houston, Texas and I was coaching every two weeks, however I did not feel like we were getting anywhere so that ended. So once the coaching session ended, I wouldn’t give up. Finally, after a few weeks of searching for a new coach, I found another coach. I am excited to be coaching again.
Speaking Coach
Right now, with my speaking coach we are working on perfecting my first speech on bullying. Once we perfect my first speech then we will be working on the venue search. I have reached out to Toastmasters and a few other venues about speaking. I am excited for the future.
A Special Friend
So my whole journey started with one best friend believing in me. This friend and I went through high school together, choir and more. This special friend is my best friend, Amanda Cacace. Amanda is now a famous comedian, and I am so proud of her. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Amanda believing in me.
Blogging
I started doing my blogs when my first coach told me that it was my homework assignment every week. My goal at first was to do two blogs a week, however school and things got in the way. I now try to blog when I have free time. My goal is to continue to blog not share my experiences when I can.
Website
When it comes to my website design it took a lot of work to come up with my design ideas. So who designs my website, and keeps up with it? My fiancé Rob has worked hard on my website. I love my website and I hope that you all love it too!
Social Media Platforms
so, when it comes to social media platforms I am on numerous platforms. The platforms were not easy to choose. The platforms that I’m on are
So, the subject of surgery and autism came up to me a few weeks ago in my mind. I had to go to the Ears, Nose and Throat doctor (ENT) due to sinus issues. After the results came back, I found out that I must have surgery. So, after thinking about this I want to share how to prepare, and what to expect.
Child life Specialist
If your child is nervous about having surgery, did you know that there is something called a child life specialist? So you ask what is a child life specialist? A child life specialist is like a hospital teacher. A child life specialist can help the child understand what is going on and what to expect during their time in the hospital.
What Activities Can a ‘[ Child Life Specialist provide
Games
Crafts
Movies
Playroom time
Hospital education
Food/ drinks
Imaging Before Surgery
So my imaging study before surgery was on a Friday. I was told to arrive at ten am for an eleven fifteen am sedation appointment. I was supposed to take one pill at ten am and one pill at eleven and go in at eleven fifteen, however it went wrong I was given one pill at 10 and one at 10:30 and put into CT by 10:32 am and given Compazine which I am deathly allergic to. I do not want my experience to become anyone else’s.
Imaging Advice
My imaging advice is if your child has anxiety, and your imaging center only offers oral sedation I would contact your local hospital and ask about iv sedation. For me Iv sedation works better because once I am on monitors and I know that I am safe and that my fiancé is with me I can relax. What makes me comfortable about the iv sedation is that they can give me anxiety medicine before I go to sleep. Then once I’m relaxed, I am put to sleep and my fiancé can walk to the end of the hall with us to make sure that I stay asleep. Once I am back from imaging I wake up with my fiancé by my side and a nurse to make sure that I come out OK and then I get to go home.
Blood work and pre op stuff
When it comes to my pre op blood work and covid testing of course any child with anxiety or autism is going to be nervous. When it comes to blood work for me my fiancé has determined that having me lay down on an exam table and distracting me from the needle usually works well. At the end of the blood draw, I usually get stickers for being good and rob will get me a prize. Now when it came to first ever Covid test it was the worst experience ever.
Covid Testing
My first covid test was the worst experience ever. When my fiancé took me to urgent care due to me having symptoms. The doctor at urgent care had no care in the world about my autism or my anxiety. The doctor pinned me against my fiancés car and had me feeling trapped, claustrophobic and more. The first time he attempted the test he was unsuccessful my fiancé watched me screaming and crying and finally got out of the car and told him to stop. My fiancé took me into his arms in a cradle position and held me and told the doctor that I have autism and anxiety and to learn how to handle special needs patients.
Covid Advice
My advice when it comes to covid testing is to find a doctor that you trust to perform the test
Let your doctor know that you have anxiety and autism
Find a way to complete the test either laying down on an exam table/ have your fiance hold you etc
One your test is complete treat yourself to a reward or lunch
Try to calm down know the test is over
Wait for results
Pre-Surgery preparations
When it comes to the pre operation preparations for surgery day there is a lot to consider when it comes to packing. For me there’s a lot to think about.
Do I have my blankets?
Do I have activities for overnight?
Do I have my shower stuff?
Do I have my comfort items?
Do I have my pajamas?
Once I have everything packed that I need surgery then it is time for me to wind down for the night. Yes that means to get ready for bedtime.
Winding Down
When it comes time for wind down for me, I try to relax before bed. Usually by wind down time I mean
Take a warm shower
Listen to calm Disney piano music
Dim the lights
Watch my favorite tv show
Have some warm hot cocoa
Once I’m ready to lay down I will let rob know by handing him the tv remote and lay down. For me I put my hand on robs chest and calm down. Usually, a little while after all my wind down time I fall asleep.
Morning of Surgery
On the morning of surgery rob wakes me up to prepare me for surgery and get me ready for departure to the hospital. Once we arrive at the hospital at the hospital we go to check in and complete the check in process. Once the check in process is complete, we report to the waiting room to wait for our nurse to call us back to our room. Once we are in our room then pre op prep begins.
Pre op prep
Pre op prep usually means pulse ox- heart rate- if you require pre op blood work then you get that as well. Next, I usually get either my pre op relaxing medicine then usually I will get my iv put in and given some fluids. Once I’m given fluids then usually, I just watch tv and relax until the doctor comes in. Once the doctor comes in usually, we talk about what to expect. Next the anesthesiologist which is the sleep doctor comes in to see me and talks to us about putting me to sleep. Finally, we get ready to go down to surgery.
Surgery
Once its time to go to surgery the doctors, nurses and my fiancé roll me to the operating room. My fiancé stays with me until I am asleep. Once I am asleep my fiancé goes to the waiting area to wait for updates during my surgery. Once your surgery gets going you won’t know it and it will be over before you know it.
Recovery
Once your surgery is complete you will be taken to the recovery room where a nurse will watch over you until you’re awake. Once your awake the nurse will get whoever took you to surgery to stay with you. Once your awake you will go to your pre op room to further recover. Once your awake if you’re going home the same day then you will go home. If your staying a few nights, then you will be taken to your overnight room and settled in.
Hey y’all I am back again this is a topic that I have wanted to write about for a long time. I just haven’t gotten a chance. I know that a lot of Autism moms have requested this topic. I hope that through my experiences and knowledge in this area that it helps others with Autism get through dental appointments.
All my love,
kate
How to prepare for a dental appointment
When it comes time for my dental appointment, I prepare for my dental appointment by gathering my weighted blanket, a drink for after my appointment, and my favorite comfort item. Once I have all my stuff ready to go, we pack it in my vera Bradley bag, and put the bag in the car. Once the bag is in the car Rob, and I will talk about what procedures I am having done so we can talk about what to expect. Once we’ve talked about what to expect we leave for the appointment.
Dental fears
When I was a kid, I went through dental appointments that led to dental fears. I had no idea that the sounds, smells, fear of shots, and of the dental chair. Although these fears make dental appointments hard for me, I have learned how to cope.
My Coping Techniques
So, when it comes to learning how to cope with my dental appointments it is not easy. When we get to my dental appointments we sign in and wait to get called back. Once we get to our room rob will put my weighted blanket on me, then I get to choose my laughing gas flavor then I will get the gas and get sleepy. Usually, we put a tv show on the tv on the ceiling, and I go to sleep.
Invasive Appointments
Some of the more invasive appointments that require numbing, or surgeries are harder on me because I have anxiety going into these appointments. So, in order to prepare for these appointments Rob and I will try to talk about it the night before, prepare my weighted blanket and try to get a good night’s sleep. The day of the appointment Rob and I will arrive at the appointment walk inside get to our room, get my weighted blanket on top of me, and get my laughing gas going. Once my nitrous is going the dental assistant tries to put the numbing jelly in while I am distracted. Once that’s in that is when I get anxious because I know that the shot is coming. Once the dentist comes in Rob will try either put his foot to mine or hold my hand to calm me during the injection. The dentist also will try to remind me to breathe through my nose and will count from 5 to 1. Once the pain is over, I can usually calm down, and go to sleep.
Things That Help with Dental Appointments
Weighted blankets
Led apron
Nitrous
Tv/ movies
How The Team Can Help
I believe that the dental team can help an autistic patient through an appointment by being aware of our differences like sounds/ smells/ lights ECT and adjust things to make us comfortable. I believe that this stuff can help by getting to the patient’s level, ask what works, and what doesn’t work, offer options and take time with the patients.
General Dentistry VS Pediatrics
For me for a long time ago I was in general dentistry and learned that many dentists couldn’t handle special needs patients. Lately the more visits Rob and I have done to find the right office for me our results have been that pediatric dentists handle me better then general dentists. However, we were wrong! After being at a few pediatric offices, we learned that the doctor and nitrous are great for me but not all the staff are trained to work with special needs. After so many visits we had to take notes and think about the right fit. Rob and I visited at least five to ten places and discussed each place carefully. The outcome of our discussion was that pediatric dentists may be a great fit for special needs due to the bright color, characters on the walls, nitrous, and more however not all the staff are trained to work with special needs. Rob and I continued our search after pediatric, and met several more general dentists who were great, but again ran into the issue of staff not being trained to work with special needs and the doctor would never stay while I was on nitrous, and had the assistant do all the work. Finally, we have found the right office for me.
Advice For Everyone In The Dental Field
My Advice for all dentists is to think about not only your normal patients but the special needs patients that may come to your office. Think about how you can accommodate your special needs patients for example always offer nitrous, and other forms of sedation. Having bright colors with characters on the wall, tvs in all the treatment rooms, headphones, weighted blankets, offer a kids play area, and rewards like stickers, toys, and options at the end of the appointment. Think about the rooms maybe install sliding glass doors in every room to minimize noises. When you hire your staff look for experience with child development/ ABA therapy, and other experience with special needs in your candidates. Finally, did you think about weight? Did you know that on top of weighted blankets used your led x ray aprons on top of the weighted blankets can help the patient feel calm during their dental appointments?
Advice For Parents
My advice for parents when it comes to picking the correct dental office is to do your homework! Ask your Friends and Family for their recommendations. Make sure to read google reviews, ask your pediatrician for reviews, call the dental offices, and ask for a tour of the office, get to know not just the dentist but the staff as well. Ask the staff and doctor about their experience working with special needs. You should be allowed to stay with your child during treatment although some dentists ask you to wait outside don’t give in! You know your child best! Its ok if the first office you visit isn’t the right choice! Keep going until you find the perfect choice for your child!
Stress, Anxiety, and Exercise Exercise Most important thing to do to combat stress Relieves mental stress Exercise lowers your body’s stress hormones such as cortisol and releases endorphins which are chemicals that improve your mood and act as natural painkillers Sleep Exercise improves your sleep quality which can be negatively impacted by stress and anxiety Confidence Feel more competent and confident Tip: try to find an exercise routine or activity you enjoy such as walking, dancing, rock climbing, or yoga Examples – Activities such as walking or jogging that involve repetitive movements of large muscle groups can be stress relieving Supplements Lemon balm Omega 3 fatty acids Ashwagandha Green tea Valerian Kava kava
Candles – essential oils Using essential oils or burning a scented candle can relieve stress, and anxiety Calming scents Lavender, rose, vetiver, bergamot, roman chamomile, neroli, frankincense, sandalwood, ylang yiang, orange, or orange blossom, geranium Aromatherapy can decrease anxiety, and improve sleep
Reduce your caffeine intake Coffee is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks! High doses can increase anxiety Write it down Write down what your stressed or anxious about let it go- and focus on what your grateful for as gratitude may help relieve stress and anxiety
Chew gum Greater sense of well being and lower stress Causes brain waves similar to those of relaxed people Promotes blood flow to the brain Spend time with friends and family Gets you through stressful times Sense of belonging and self worth When women spend time with friends and family we release oxytocin a stress reliever Did you know that Tend & BE is the opposite of fight vs. flight? Laugh Laughing provides stress response Relaxes your muscles Improves your immune system and mood
Learn to say no Take control of your life Say “no” more often Don’t take on more than you can handle
Yoga Increases body, and breath awareness Enhances mood Positive effects on nervous system, and stress response Lowers cortisol levels, blood pressure, heart rate, and GABA GABA! Practice mindfulness Practices that anchor you to the present moment Combats anxiety inducing effects of negative thinking EX- mindfulness cognitive therapy, stress reduction, yoga or meditation Increases self esteem
Cuddling Cuddling, kissing, hugging, and sex all relieve stress Did you know chimpanzees also cuddle?
Soothing Music Slow paced instrumental music can induce relaxation, lowers blood pressure, and heart rate as well as stress hormones Classic, Celtic, Native American, Indian Nature sounds are also very soothing
Deep breathing Helps relax the nervous system Diaphragmatic, abdominal, belly breathing, paced respiration Focus your awareness on the breath making it slower, and deeper Slows the heart rate allows you to feel peaceful
Spend time with your pet Gives your purpose, keeps you active, provides companionship
Exercise Lowers overall stress levels- improves quality of life Relieves tension, anxiety, anger, and mild depression Ability to use oxygen, and blood flow direct affect on brain Takes your mind off worries Focus on body rather than mind Concentration on rhythm of pattern Energy and optimism Physical wellness and heart health
Positives of exercise Strengthens muscles and bones Strengthens immunity Lowers blood pressure Levels of good cholesterol Improves blood circulation Controls weight Helps you sleep better at night Boosts your energy Improves yourself image 150 minutes every week 2 sessions muscle strengthening Arms, shoulders, chest, back, abdomen, legs, abdominals, cores If new 20 minutes x3 a week and gradually increase
Hey all my name is Katharine if you haven’t gotten to know me by now I have ASD (Autism). I am also an inspirational speaker, and a children’s book author in the making. I chose to write about anxiety, autism, and stress tonight because many of us are having anxiety, and stress right now due to Covid19. I wanted yall to know that you’re not alone. So ill tell you a little bit about my autism, anxiety, and stress. Once realized that I was having anxiety I told my pediatrician Dr. Stephen M Grello that I was having the anxiety. Dr. Grello then talked to my parents, and we decided on trying medication called sertraline, and some others to see if it would help for a while. When I turned eighteen my parents decided to take me off medications to give me a chance of a normal life. At the time I was attending Bay Shore High School where I was in all special needs classes. My parents decided to place me in regular ED classes’ senior year so I could feel normal. After graduating high school my anxiety did come back which made a lot of things difficult. Once I turned 21 I felt better, and I got off medicine for good. From 21 forward I had to learn what my triggers were, and how to cope on my own. I am now 28, and I have been off meds for 7 years. However I still get anxiety to this day. However I am able to use my coping mechanisms to control my anxiety. Stress I believe that every normal person goes through stress. Whether it’s about school, work, bills, life or whatever stress is normal for everyone. For me though stress causes a lot of anxiety, I am done, it is all over feelings. Autism Although anxiety is not considered a core feature of ASD 40% of young people with ASD have clinically elevated levels of anxiety. So tying this all together I feel like my anxiety levels, my stress levels, and autism all relate to the topic of anxiety, and stress. I hope that this blog teaches you about some of the triggers, and coping mechanisms of anxiety, and stress. Just remember you’re not alone, and together we will overcome these challenges. As you can see Anxiety, Stress, and Autism are all real life challenges that we all have to overcome. All though there may be ups, and downs throughout the rollercoaster ride there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel. Remember that you’re not alone, and together we will overcome, and push through. Finally you are special in your own ways, and you’re important.
Bullying All my life I have been through bullying, it started in elementary school, went through the end of high school. I have been called names, had my glasses broken, and have been beaten with seat belts on a school bus by a bully. I had to learn that due to my Autism and being different that some people would not accept me or like me. Although I have been through so much, I have learned to overcome. All though the trauma from bullying is still in me today I have learned how to overcome the trauma with therapy, and by learning coping mechanisms. School Issues All my life my parents never honestly believed that I could handle regular academic classes. I was born legally blind, and went through patching, drops, glasses, and more. Besides being born legally blind I was also diagnosed with high functioning Autism (ASD) and had a hard time with academics. Starting in ninth grade I was placed on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and placed in special education classes. All though I was not fond of special education classes I was lucky enough to have my pediatrician’s sister as my IEP teacher. College Journey College has not been an easy go for me! I started Long Island at Suffolk Community, finished and my associates degree at Clark State Community College in Beavercreek, Ohio, I am now completing my bachelor’s at Capella University. I will pursue my masters, and doctorates degrees at Capella University. Back in Ohio I was in a program for special needs students called national society of leadership, and success, and dean’s list, and prouder of myself than ever before. I look forward to my graduation from Capella in the Fall of 2021. ‘ Relationships My journey with relationships has not been easy, a few years ago I met a guy named Bryan I was head over heels in love with him however I guess he did not feel the same because it did not work out, but we became best friends so in the end I am glad to have him still in my life! After a while of going through the pain, the heartbreak, and all I had to learn to move on, and try again. So fast forward a few years later my family moved from Texas to Ohio where I met my best friend, Rob Chaney. My first date with Rob was at the zoo, and it was amazing. After about a year together, Rob and I moved in together and we have happily been together 3 years this upcoming October. Rob and I will be getting married this November of 2021. I am excited to be spending the rest of my life with my best friend. Relationship Advice • take it slow get to know each -other. • help each other with chores it goes faster. • no name calling it does hurt. • spend time together and not apart too much. • Talk about your goals/ the future together. • Don’t rush engagement. It will come when the time is right. • Take your time its necessary being together to much cause’s issues. • Get a budget together for the future and stick to it. Jobs All my life I have struggled with keeping a job longer than a few weeks. I believe that it is due to my Autism. Whether it is a discrimination case, I quit because I cant get along with my coworkers, I struggle with multi step directions, or I just don’t like something. Although I feel like a failure losing jobs, I had to realize that it is not just me. It is a two-way street because employers do not understand Autism, accommodations, or laws, or rights. However, after many failed jobs my moms friend Paula taught me how to keep a job once I had scored another one by applying for accommodations. Although I don’t think I will ever step foot into another job. My reason for saying that is I found something new that I love doing, and that is nannying for private families. Job Advice for Autistic kiddos and adults So many people have been asking me so what is your job advice for children, and adults like me who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). My advice is 1) Do not state that you have Autism on any applications you will get a ton of turn downs, (declined applications) 2) Take the interview and wait for the call back either way! 3) Once you get the job then you would quietly apply for accommodations with the ADA Know that if a job does not accept the accommodations they can get in a lot of trouble! Good Luck! Where I Am Today In Life Today in life I am 29 years old, I am happily engaged to my best friend Rob. We live together along with our 3 dogs pacman, Jake, and Oreo, and our 3 cats Lily, Luna, and Jellybean. I work as a private au pair for a few families and enjoy every moment. I am finishing up my bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Capella University. My goal is to become a pediatric therapist, and work with children with Autism, and give back to my community. I am getting ready to marry my best friend in November. Our goal together is to figure out where we want to settle down together. Rob, and I can not decide where we want to move to next. Rob and I continue to work on my Inspirational Speaking career, my hopes are to one day be on a big stage and speak to a huge audience. Until that day comes practice makes perfect! Thank you for all the love, and support!
