ESA Animals

ESA

ESA- a type of animal that provides comfort to help relieve a symptom or effect of a person’s disability

Service animals – working animals are working animals that have been trained to perform tasks that assist disabled people

Benefits of ESA

  • Joy
  • Unconditional love
  • Comfort
  • Helps children overcome speech/ emotional disorders

 

Did you know that mental health professionals are now acknowledging those emotions, and the consequential endorphins they release to help people who suffer from mental health issues?

 

Sigmund Freud

Would often include his pet chow in his therapy sessions with his clients

Boris Levinson

Often observed the way his dog jingles could reach an autistic child when no other human could he discovered the technique by accident in the 50’s

This is the drug free way to help those with mild to severe disabilities

Delta Society

Based in Australia 1,000 volunteers AAT program has helped 20,000 people in hospitals, senior homes, and mental health units

They used llamas, rabbits, horses, pigs, and snakes

Mental health benefits of esa

  • Lifts spirits
  • Decreases feelings of isolation
  • Encourages communications
  • Provides comfort
  • Reduces bordem
  • Decreases anxiety
  • More active
  • Decrease in medications
  • Lower heart rates
  • Increase in oxytocin
  • Increase in being social
  • Self esteem boost
  • Safe and comfortable
  • More motivation
  • Decrease in mental health symptoms
  • Sense of purpose
  • Decrease in loneliness

 

What diagnosis qualifies for ESA?

  • PTSD
  • Mild to severe anxiety
  • Agoraphobia ( fear of being outside)
  • Aerophobia (fear of flying)
  • Depression
  • General anxiety
  • Stress induced situations
  • Social shyness
  • Seizures

 

Procedure for ESA

  • Determine if esa would be beneficial to your mental health
  • Make sure your pet is well behaved
  • Connect with your therapist / licensed medical professional
  • Have your therapist/ doctor write an esa letter on your behalf
  • Fill out proper paperwork to present to your land lord or airline

 

Fur babies know what we feel

  • Have you ever had a bad day and your fur baby laid their head on your lap?
  • That’s your pets way of showing empathy
  • Our body language / tone helps them tune into our moods

 

 

Literacy

  • Helps children focus better
  • Improves literacy skills
  • Non stressful- non judgmental environment
  • Increases self confidence
  • Reduces self consciousness
  • Encourages the love of reading

Physical therapy

  • Increases joint movement
  • Improves recovery time
  • Maintains/ increases motor skills
  • Motivation to move more stretch further
  • Exercise longer
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Improves cardiovascular health
  • Releases oxytocin ( calming effect)
  • Decreases all over physical pain

I recently looked into ESA because my fiancé Rob, and I were either looking for a puppy, or kitten due to my anxiety, separation anxiety, and other mental , and physical health issues that I have been going through. So one day my friend Erin Parker had found two kittens who are sisters that are eight weeks old but couldn’t keep them. So I reached out to Erin, and asked her to keep them for a few nights to try it out, and it went very well. So the next day Rob and I decided to keep the girls. So we went to the store to get them a bed, and toys, and a few other things. The next night Erin brought the girls home to me for good. The next nights our complex decided to try to tack on $600.00 for a pet fee plus $50 a month. I knew that we couldn’t afford that so I asked about ESA. My complex said we could do it; all I needed was a doctor’s note. So the next night I reached out to my doctor, we put our heads together, and we got the letter completed. The next day my complex accepted our ESA and my girls officially became mine. Rob, and I named them Lily, and Luna.

How they help me

Lily and Luna help me because during Covid19 I have been unable to work. So when Rob leaves for work I have separation anxiety where I get upset, cry, and more. I was also diagnosed with something called Non Epileptic Seizure Disorder (Anxiety, and stress induced seizures). I also have anxiety, stress, depression, Bipolar 1, Autism, and more so these girls are a blessing to me. Luna I feel is the miss sassy pants runs around, she Is very playful, silly, and loving but is still learning that it’s ok to be loved so she helps with my anxiety, and brings me happiness. Lily is our more laid back cuddlier, loving, playing, happy girl who just loves to lay next to me on the couch while I work on my blogs, so I feel like she helps my depression, bipolar, seizures, and more. I am excited to have these babies in my life.

The process I went through

So the process that I went through in order to get my ESA letter was really easy. I went to my family doctor in New Braunfels, Texas Dr Brett Earnest MD who spoke to all my doctors back in ohio to get information. Once he got a hold of all of my records he was able to evaluate me for the need for an emotional support animal. Finally after my video evaluation was complete I received my letter. The next and final step was to email the letter to my apartment complex, and wait for approval. Within a matter of minutes I got the email from my apartment complex letting me know that my girls were approved for ESA.

Autism and ESA

Autism and Emotional support animals are not like service animals. ESA babies are not trained. They benefit their owners just by being nearby, and available.

Therapy Dogs and Animals

Therapy animals are usually brought to institutions such as prisons, nursing homes, or hospitals, and used therapeutically. As compared to ESA babies they are only present to support their owners. So whether it’s an esa or esd, or therapy pet they are very important to that child or adult.

Autism Overload

Emotional support pets or therapy pets can help someone with autism by being a solid, sound, unfaltering companion in the area of sensory overload. Sensory overload is a common challenge for adults and children with autism. Overload is also a daily occurrence for most of us. The overload happens from the inability to filter out sensations that are invalid, and not important. For example in a normal brain which can pick, and choose the autism brain experiences all sensations at once without an ability to ignore or redirect them.

 

An emotional support animal or therapy animal can help an autistic child or adult feel safe, and secure in a world that is constantly changing. All though there is still much research to be done as to how the pets can better help sufferers of mental disability its already been shown that the presence of the pet is a great , and tangible help to autism patients all across the spectrum. For example whether it’s a dog, cat, or even a miniature horse is an asset to autistic children, or adults everywhere, and their benefits should not be overlooked.

 

stress

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

 

Examples

Biking

Brisk walking

Swimming

Tennis

Racquet ball

Dancing

Rowing

 

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.

Fitness Activities

Here is some fitness activity ideas:

  • Walking
  • Hiking (for mental health, try looking at distant objects)
  • Dancing
  • Swimming
  • Water aerobics
  • Jogging and running
  • Aerobic exercise classes
  • Gentle Stretching (Yoga is a good start)
  • Bicycle riding (stationary or on a path)
  • Tennis
  • Fencing
  • Martial Arts
  • Kick Boxing
  • Horseback riding
  • Cannoning
  • Kayaking
  • Rock Climbing
  • Jump Rope
  • Household chores (yes, it does count!)
  • Play in a park
  • Shovel Snow (not really fun, but a great workout as long as you are careful)
  • Pushups
  • Pull ups
  • Sit ups/crunches
  • Squats
  • Burpees
  • Lunges

Healthy Eating

Healthy Eating for a Healthy Weight

A healthy lifestyle involves many choices. Among them, choosing a balanced diet or healthy eating plan. So how do you choose a healthy eating plan? Let’s begin by defining what a healthy eating plan is.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020, a healthy eating plan:

  • Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
  • Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
  • Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars
  • Stays within your daily calorie needs

Eat Healthfully and Enjoy It!

A healthy eating plan that helps you manage your weight includes a variety of foods you may not have considered. If “healthy eating” makes you think about the foods you can’t have, try refocusing on all the new foods you can eat

  • Eat the Rainbow ― add a variety of colors to your plate. Foods like dark, leafy greens, oranges, and tomatoes—even fresh herbs—are loaded with vitamins, fiber, and minerals. Try adding frozen peppers, broccoli, or onions to stews and omelets to give them a quick and convenient boost of color and nutrients. Or make a red sauce using canned tomatoes (look for “low sodium” or “no salt added”), herbs, and spices.
  • Fresh, Frozen, or Canned Fruits ― don’t think just apples or bananas. All fresh, frozen, or canned fruits are great choices. Be sure to try some “exotic” fruits, too. How about a mango? Or a juicy pineapple or kiwi fruit! When your favorite fresh fruits aren’t in season, try a frozen, canned, or dried variety of a fresh fruit you enjoy. One caution about canned fruits is that they may contain added sugars or syrups. Be sure and choose canned varieties of fruit packed in water or in their own juice.
  • Fresh, Frozen, or Canned Vegetables ― try something new. You may find that you love grilled vegetables or steamed vegetables with an herb you haven’t tried like rosemary. You can sauté (panfry) vegetables in a non-stick pan with a small amount of cooking spray. Or try frozen or canned vegetables for a quick side dish—just microwave and serve. When trying canned vegetables, look for vegetables without added salt, butter, or cream sauces. Commit to going to the produce department and trying a new vegetable each week.
  • Calcium-rich foods ― you may automatically think of a glass of low-fat or fat-free milk when someone says “eat more dairy products.” But what about low-fat and fat-free yogurts without added sugars? These come in a wide variety of flavors and can be a great dessert substitute for those with a sweet tooth.
  • A new twist on an old favorite ― if your favorite recipe calls for frying fish or breaded chicken, try healthier variations using baking or grilling. Maybe even try a recipe that uses dry beans in place of higher-fat meats. Ask around or search the internet and magazines for recipes with fewer calories ― you might be surprised to find you have a new favorite dish!

Do I Have to Give Up My Favorite Comfort Food?

No! Healthy eating is all about balance. You can enjoy your favorite foods even if they are high in calories, fat or added sugars. The key is eating them only once in a while, and balancing them out with healthier foods and more physical activity.

Some general tips for comfort foods:

  • Eat them less often. If you normally eat these foods every day, cut back to once a week or once a month. You’ll be cutting your calories because you’re not having the food as often.
  • Eat smaller amounts. If your favorite higher-calorie food is a chocolate bar, have a smaller size or only half a bar.
  • Try a lower-calorie version. Use lower-calorie ingredients or prepare food differently. For example, if your macaroni and cheese recipe uses whole milk, butter, and full-fat cheese, try remaking it with non-fat milk, less butter, light cream cheese, fresh spinach and tomatoes. Just remember to not increase your portion size. For more ideas on how to cut back on calories, see Eat More Weigh Less.

With these tips, you can include almost any food in your healthy eating plan and still lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

This educational article is sourced from the CDC – retrieved 6/22/2020 – Information on source was last reviewed: March 2, 2020 – View the original article here

What is a BCBA?

According to the BACB website bacb.com:

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) is a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis. Professionals certified at the BCBA level are independent practitioners who provide behavior analysis services.

BCBAs may supervise the work of Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts® (BCaBAs®), Registered Behavior Technicians™ (RBTs®), and other professionals who implement behavior-analytic interventions.

To maintain your BCBA certification, you must complete ongoing continuing education, adhere to the BACB’s ethics requirements and self-reporting requirements, and submit a complete recertification application and associated fees every 2 years prior to your recertification date.

Initial BCBA certification indicates that an individual has met entry-level standards for practice as a behavior analyst. The purpose of the BACB’s continuing education (CE) requirement is to ensure that BCBA certificants engage in activities that will expand their behavior-analytic skills beyond the requirements for initial certification, and help them stay up-to-date on developments in the profession.

All BACB certificants must adhere to the professional and ethical requirements outlined in The Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. For more information about ethics requirements, please

If a BACB is providing supervision to RBTs, BCaBAs, or trainees pursuing certification, then you must meet all of the relevant supervision requirements and complete supervision continuing education.

As a certified BCBA, you are required to submit a recertification application (including payment) every 2 years. Recertification applications are available in your BACB account within 45 days of your recertification date and as soon as you meet your CE requirements. You must complete your recertification application on or before your recertification date to avoid lapses in your certification and late fees.

After recertifying, certificants will receive a new certificate and a new recertification date 2-years after their previous recertification date.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctoral

BCBAs with doctoral training in behavior analysis may receive the designation of Board Certified Behavior Analyst-DoctoralTM (BCBA-D™). The BCBA-D™ is not a separate certification and it does not grant any privileges above or beyond the BCBA certification. If you are certified at the BCBA-D level, you function in the same capacity as a BCBA (i.e., as an independent practitioner who provides behavior-analytic services) and are required to meet all BCBA maintenance requirements.

 

For more information, check out the BACB website