#developmentally delayed!john

[briamichellewrites]

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As Phoenix continued to rest, his ankle began to heal. After twenty-four hours, he became aware that the pain had lessened. Because he did not want to ruin their vacation, he allowed them to go out without him. Everyone else went out, and they alternated staying with him. While Rob, Bradford, and Brad remained behind, Chester, Joe, and Mike went shopping with Bria. Chester was Joe's sole motivation for going. Like a puppy, he followed him everywhere. It caught the boys' attention.

They began discussing what they believed was happening among themselves. Perhaps Chester was just being a friend and helping him. Brad wanted to know what people were talking about. They were circulating rumours like adolescent girls. He thought it was pretty funny.

What gave them the impression that something was happening? They wanted to avoid drawing hasty conclusions. However, Joe came out as gay not long ago. Did they believe that he was secretly seeing Chester? That never occurred to them. It was possible, indeed. Chester had a strong sexual nature. He might fall in love with another man, they would not rule it out.

Brad laughed. “You all make me think of my sister. I apologise. Anyway.”

“This is what we do. Usually, Joe is the one who initiates the rumours. In our group, nothing remains a secret. Someone eventually finds out," Phoenix remarked.

“So, Joe is gay. Chester is not gay, but he is also not bisexual, in my opinion. He will not categorise himself; he is a man who loves people of all genders. In addition, there are men like me who do not fit the gender norms. Despite my love for women, I would wear a skirt or kilt.”

According to Bradford, "you would look good in a skirt."

“Thank you."

His argument was that sexuality should not be defined by gender norms. Chester would have to discover for himself whether he was gay, bisexual, or something else. After considering that, they concluded that it was accurate. He was grateful that they agreed with him. He then reached for his lighter and cigarette carton. Excusing himself, he went outside.

He overheard Rob enquire about Phoenix's ankle's condition. Was a cigarette what he wanted? No, not at all. He wanted to give the boys time to process what he had said. Since he was expected to be the epitome of masculinity, he was aware of how difficult it was to be a man. However, he wasn't. Sensitivity and romantic affection for the women in his life were among his stereotypically feminine traits. Perhaps he was not Tyler Durden or even John Wayne.

He was an Oklahoman named William Bradley Pitt. Bria wanted him to be himself and no one else. She was the reason he was able to be himself. As usual for London, the weather was rainy and cold. Going shopping was ideal on this particular day. A driver was dispatched by Bria to pick them up and drop them off. More money was being spent than she usually did.

The fact that she could afford it made it justified. She wanted to treat her friends well as well. She mentioned being screened for potential autism spectrum disorder during a session with her therapist. Despite her agreement to the screening, Bria was unsure of her thoughts. Her early childhood developmental delays were the cause of the potential diagnosis. She intended to bring it up because she wanted Mike's perspective. She had a mental image of a stereotypical autistic person.

She was missing a lot of information because it was a spectrum. The trip around Harrods was enjoyable for everyone. Everything was more expensive than the monthly rent they were paying. Nevertheless, they enjoyed observing everything. No, they forbade her from purchasing anything for them. They did not mind at all not purchasing anything.

The shop was enormous! It featured several restaurants and other facilities spread across eight floors. It would be easy for them to become lost. They used a map to locate the women's department and then boarded an escalator to ascend from the ground floor. Everything a woman could possibly need was in the women's department! Even departments within departments existed. They proceeded to the Women's Superbrands section, which featured designers such as Burberry, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Prada, and Celine.

She adored Kate Spade's designs, making her her favourite designer. Regretfully, they were without that. That was all right. Saks was always an option. Chester selected a purse that cost seven thousand dollars. That sum of money was excessive! For twenty thousand dollars, she found one that she liked. It was large enough to accommodate her cats.

A little puppy, perhaps. They did not find the bag particularly noteworthy. However, they were men who had no idea what women's fashion was. It struck her as "cute." Whatever that meant. She gestured towards the red rose on the right. Nothing.

Joe remarked, "Bee, you are asking the wrong people."

Chester and Mike chuckled.

“Oh my god. Where’s Jay when I need him? When I tell him something is cute, he always agrees.”

Mike remarked, "That is because he is Jason."

She kept examining everything until she found what she wanted. Mike assisted her in adding up everything. The amount was in the thousands. In order to prevent her from overspending, he made her put some things back. The cash register girl assured her that there was no issue. They would put them back for her.

She bought the dress, the handbag, a pair of leather ankle boots by Jimmy Choo, and shoes by Christian Louboutin. Even though the total cost was more affordable, it was still thousands of dollars. She displayed her purchases when she returned to the hotel. The dress she chose was adored by them. It featured a miniskirt and a square neckline. The fit was perfect when she tried it on. They chuckled. Brad enquired about the purse. Did she intend to take Lonnie with her everywhere? The boys chuckled.

"I think the rose was cute, but I know you guys will not agree with me."

"We are guys, Bee.” Rob remarked, "We do not know what that means."

Joe said, "That is what I said."

“It means fashionable, attractive, or pleasant."

“We appreciate you giving us this explanation at last."

"You are welcome."

No, in response to his query. She had no intention of taking her kitten with her everywhere. How would she return home with everything? She would have to find room in her suitcase. If not, everything would have to be shipped. Bradford remarked that in order to transport everything, a larger aircraft would be required. They could simply leave her to take a solo flight home, Rob added. She was unable to respond to that.

@zoeykaytesmom @feelingsofaithless @alina-dixon

[beardedmrbean]

Republican Sen. J.D. Vance received support from 10 Democrats as part of a successful amendment prohibiting the Department of Transportation from using any federal funds to enforce future mask mandates.

The amendment to the Senate minibus appropriations bill passed Wednesday by a 59-38 margin and prevents federal mask mandates on passenger airlines, commuter rail, rapid transit buses, and any other transportation program funded through the 2024 fiscal year.

These are the 10 Democrats who voted for the amendment: Tammy Baldwin (Wisconsin); Michael Bennet (Colorado); Sherrod Brown (Ohio); Tim Kaine (Virginia); Mark Kelly (Arizona); Amy Klobuchar (Minnesota); Joe Manchin (West Virginia); Jacky Rosen (Nevada); Jean Shaheen (New Hampshire); and Jon Tester (Montana).

Three senators—Democrats John Fetterman (Pennsylvania) and Alex Padilla (California), and Republican Tim Scott (South Carolina—did not vote. Of the three independent senators, Kyrsten Sinema (Arizona) was the only one to vote in favor.

"This is a massive victory for personal freedom in this country," Vance said in a post-vote statement. "We saw countless abuses of authority throughout the COVID pandemic, and the American people were justifiably enraged by unscientific mask mandates.

"Today, the United States Senate took an emphatic step toward common sense and individual liberty. I'm proud of what we've accomplished here and look forward to continuing the fight."

In September, Vance, who represents Ohio, introduced the Freedom to Breathe Act—a bill intended to prevent the reimposition of federal mask mandates across the entire United States, in response to some businesses and colleges and universities reimposing mask mandates in the summer due to upticks in COVID-19 cases.

In September, the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in Ohio announced that all staff will be required to wear masks on the premises beginning September 25.

"This decision was made to promote the safety of our patients, families, visitors, and employees, based on evidence that masks are effective in reducing the spread of respiratory illness," the hospital said in a statement.

A recent map published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that, from October 8 to October 14, COVID-19 deaths increased just 2.5 percent nationally when compared to the previous week. Some states, including Ohio's neighbor Michigan, with a 33.3 percent rise, reported much larger increases.

Vance said prior to the vote on the Senate floor that while COVID will unfortunately be with Americans for likely the rest of their lives, its presence should not constitute "public health panic" for a respiratory virus which is mostly unable to be stopped or controlled on a widespread level.

He alluded to altercations on flights between passengers and flight attendants during the height of the pandemic due to mask enforcement. Vance also mentioned the developmental delays to schoolchildren and division that resulted among American families. "If people want to wear masks, of course they should be able to," he said. "But if people don't want to wear masks on airplanes, on transit, they should have that option as well, and that's all that my amendment does.

"It is narrowly scoped. It applies for the next 11 months and applies to transportation cases. And I think it is reasonable to not ask the American people to reenter the era of mask mandates."

Brown, who along with Vance represents Ohio, told Cleveland.com that he supported the amendment because "the pandemic's over."

"I've got no problems with it," Brown said. "I don't think there should be mask mandates."

A spokesperson for Brown told Newsweek the senator had no additional comment.

Newsweek reached out via email to Vance, the other nine Democrats who voted for the amendment, and the CDC for comment.

[cleverhottubmiracle]

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission. We know that children learn through play, especially the youngest toddlers and preschoolers, who aren’t exactly picking up a book to study its contents. That fact might be making some parents and caregivers — and the folks who love them — feel extra pressure when it comes to buying the best toys for 2 year olds. Will what you buy, or fail to buy, for a child this age destin them for success or failure? Is there some secret magical toy that will calm their terrible twos? We turned to Dr. Jack Maypole, a pediatrician and educational advisory board member at The Goddard School for early childhood development, for some answers to those questions. (It’s the least we could do before enticing you with a gallery of beautiful shiny objects to purchase, right?) He is a big advocate of play, which doesn’t necessarily mean we need to be emptying our wallets to nurture tiny geniuses with learning toys for two year olds. Related story This $21 One-of-a-Kind Skin Tint Gives You a Filter-Like Glow & a ‘My Skin But Better’ Look In Less Than 5 Minutes Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds at a Glance Best Outdoor Toy: Little Tikes Hide & Seek Climber and Swing, $130Best Art Supply: Honeysticks Non-toxic Finger Paints, $32Most Affordable: Hedstrom 15″ Ball, $3Best Bathtime Toy: Munchkin Fleet Of Five Boats Bath Toy, $5Best Montessori Toy: Skoolzy Montessori Sensory Pegboard 33 Piece Set, $19Best Tricycle: Chillafish Bunzi 2-in-1 Toddler Balance Bike and Tricycle, $50Best Floor Toy: Melissa & Doug Race Around the World Tracks Cardboard Jigsaw Floor Puzzle, $15Best Musical Toy: ENNBOM Xylophone Glockenspiel 8 Notes Chromatic Resonator Bells, $33Best Toy Truck: John Deere Big Scoop Sandbox Dump Truck Toy, $66Best Ball Pit Toy: Kiddey Ball Pit Play Tent, $45 What Toys Should a 2-Year-Old Have? “If you’re asking, ‘What do I get my 2-year-old boy or girl?’ My response is, tell me what your kid loves to do,” Maypole told SheKnows. “That’s going to be money better spent — just letting a kiddo enjoy themselves versus getting something for their enrichment.” Kids grow and learn a whole lot from ages 2 to 3, both physically and emotionally, but they do so at many different rates from each other. Maypole said that some 15 percent of children this age might have a developmental delay. Even with those differences, he can sum up this year in terms of how a 2-year-old plays alone and with others: “Play is a way in which kids are dress-rehearsing their social behaviors and their motor skills,” he said. “It’s really developing and finessing their gross- and fine-motor capacity for things they enjoy doing, or things that they might create a competency in, to be like the big kids. While that’s going on, there is this explosion of communication skills. They’re learning how to have a thought, articulate a thought, negotiate social encounters, and then move from parallel play to group play and start to do higher-order pretend play.” When their communication skills have not caught up to their internal thoughts, they earn that “terrible twos” reputation. Toys can’t necessarily halt a tantrum, unfortunately, but outdoors toys for two year olds, and learning toys can help. Maypole says the first step in curbing a meltdown is to detect its cause — is the kid tired, frustrated by another child, overstimulated, or anxious? After they’ve calmed down is when you have a chance to use positive reinforcement and maybe a little distraction with toys. “You can you can capitalize on a short attention span by showing up with something shiny,” he said. What Do 2-Year-Olds Like to Play With the Most? According to Julie Smith, an Academic Tutor Coordinator at Smile Tutor, the best toy gifts for this age group should stimulate these areas of growth. That means considering ones that hold their attention, much like Dr. Maypole echoed. Ahead, see what Smith recommends. Wooden Shape Toys: “Wooden shape sorters and puzzles help toddlers develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities. The natural textures and durability of wooden toys also provide a tactile and long-lasting play experience,” Smith says. Sensory Toys: Sensory toys, such as textured balls, play dough, and water tables, engage multiple senses and promote exploratory play. “These toys help with sensory processing, which is crucial for overall cognitive development and fine motor skills,” she explains. Sound Toys: Smith also shares that gifts that produce sounds, such as musical instruments (xylophones and drums) and interactive sound books, are excellent for auditory development and rhythm recognition. They also encourage creative expression and can be used for interactive play with caregivers. What Are Good Toy Gifts for 2-Year-Olds? “Two-year-olds enjoy activities that allow them to explore, mimic adults, and engage in pretend play, Smith tells. “Some of their favorite playthings include building blocks. “These provide endless possibilities for creativity and construction, helping develop spatial awareness and fine motor skills.” Another option is interactive books. “Lift-the-flap books and touch-and-feel books captivate toddlers’ interest and promote early literacy skills,” Smith says. Also consider pretend play sets. Smith explains that items like toy kitchens, tool sets, and dollhouses “allow children to imitate adult activities, fostering social and cognitive development.” Some of these shiny things might be just the ticket. Little Tikes Hide & Seek Climber and Swing Image Credit: Little Tikes. “Climbing play structures are always a great place for kids to work on their ya-yas and get some energy out,” Maypole told us. Big-kid playgrounds can be scary for little ones, though, so you can instead let them get out those ya-yas at home with this Little Tikes set for ages 1 to 4. Hide & Seek Climber and Swing $130 Honeysticks Finger Paint Image Credit: Honeysticks Remember what we said about sensory toys? Toddlers will love getting their hands on Honeysticks Finger Paint. And you’ll love knowing the nontoxic formula (made from New Zealand beeswax!) will keep their fingers safe from harsh ingredients while they make their next masterpiece. Honeysticks Finger Paint $32 Hedstrom 15″ Ball Image Credit: Hedstrom. You don’t have to have big sports dreams for your child to appreciate that it’s just plain fun to roll and throw a ball with them. Sure, they’re practicing hand-eye coordination, but mostly they’re giggling and running. Munchkin Fleet Of Five Boats Bath Toy Image Credit: Munchkin Parents report that these adorable bathtime boats are “toddler-approved.” That’s because they’re easy for little hands to pick up, and each creates a challenge for them to take them apart and put them back together — fun and educational! The boats also dry quickly. Munchkin Fleet Of Five Boats Bath Toy $5 Skoolzy Montessori Sensory Pegboard 33 Piece Set Image Credit: Skoolzy For two-year-olds, Dr. Maypole recommends toys that aid in motor skill development. The Skoolzy Montessori Sensory Pegboard 33-Piece Set is an excellent option if you’re looking to stock up your toy stash. This toy not only entertains but also educates, with its 33 pieces that promote sorting, stacking, and color recognition. It’s also a way to keep your toddler engaged for hours on end. Skoolzy Montessori Sensory Pegboard 33 Piece Set $19 Chillafish Bunzi 2-in-1 Toddler Balance Bike and Tricycle Image Credit: Chillafish. One thing 2-year-olds really like to do is move fast. While Maypole thinks pedaling a tricycle might be a little beyond their coordination, they can start to scoot themselves around on wheels and learn how to steer. This tricycle turns into a balance bike, for the kids ready to go to the next level of motor skills. Chillafish Bunzi 2-in-1 Toddler Balance Bike and Tricycle $50 Melissa & Doug Race Around the World Tracks Cardboard Jigsaw Floor Puzzle Image Credit: Melissa & Doug This puzzle from Melissa & Doug provides 49 pieces that two-year-olds can complete with a parent’s help. It’s exciting to see it come together, plus it’s an excellent pick for spending time with them. The puzzle showcases fun and bright pictures that the included wind-up cars can move through. Melissa & Doug Race Around the World Tracks Cardboard Jigsaw Floor Puzzle $15 ENNBOM Xylophone Glockenspiel 8 Notes Chromatic Resonator Bells Image Credit: Amazon Yes, it might be hard on your eyes, but this Xylophone gives two-year-olds a musical outlet to create, compose, and perform the songs they make up. This toy includes several notes, all with various sounds they will love discovering. John Deere Big Scoop Sandbox Dump Truck Toy  Image Credit: John Deere John Deere is known for its classic farm equipment, and now your truck enthusiast can have a play version at home to have fun with for hours. The toy truck has an awesome loader for picking up rocks and sand. John Deere Big Scoop Sandbox Dump Truck Toy $66 Kiddey Ball Pit Play Tent Image Credit: Amazon The Kiddey Ball Pit Play Tent is filled with 50 (included) balls for this foldable tent. The soft tent comes made with a washable fabric in case there’s a spill or accident, and doors that can be rolled up or left down. There’s plenty of room to roll around, jump, and roll! Kiddey Ball Pit Play Tent $45 Ikea Play Tunnel Image Credit: Ikea When rainy days call, you need something to keep antsy toddlers occupied. That’s why you need to snag this $20 Ikea indooor tunnel that sparks the imagination. It’s the perfect size for little ones to crawl through and still enjoy enough for parents to give chase. Plus, it’s made from soft fabrics that are gentle on the skin. Better yet, it’s easy to store for the next rainy day. Treehole Whale Threading Toy Image Credit: Treehole. At this age, children are getting better at manipulating smaller objects with their hands, so threading toys like this are fun and let them practice those fine motor skills. By the way, if you don’t get toys like this for your kid, they will be OK. “Kids find ways to play,” Maypole said. “And it might be using stuff that they find outside, stacking stones or playing in a brook or playing in the yard or a lot next to where they live. That’s when imagination comes in.” Skrtuan Wooden Whale Threading Toy $10 Toddler Busy Board Image Credit: Amazon Kids like to figure out the puzzles of zippers, snaps, and buckles. Parents like that this is an easy, educational toy to bring along, and it will eventually teach them how to dress themselves. Exorany Busy Board Montessori Toys $20 Lovevery The Enthusiast Play Kit Image Credit: Amazon Parents who are really into research-backed toy buying have been big fans of these subscription boxes for babies and 1-year-olds, and now they’re aging into 2-year-old kits. The “Enthusiast” subscription includes STEM-based toys (like this scale), pretend play fun (a tea set), craft projects, and more. Prepay for three boxes for 10 percent off. Lovevery The Enthusiast Play Kit $120 per kit Madame Alexander Splash & Play Mermaid Image Credit: Madame Alexander At around 2, children really start to get into pretend play, and it all starts with mimicking their parents, Maypole said. For some, that mimickry can include nurturing a doll the way they see their parents nurturing them or a younger sibling. This 12-inch mermaid from Madame Alexander is waterproof, so she can even join in on some bath-time fun. Melissa & Doug Farm, Pets & Ocean Peg Puzzles Image Credit: Melissa & Doug. Along with fine motor skills, these puzzles help kids start to sort shapes and think through what’s different, similar, and same. Grownups are thrilled to do this without loud, annoying, battery-powered noises. Pets & Ocean Peg Puzzles $30 on Amazon.com Top Bright Cars & Parking Ramp Image Credit: Top Bright. These cars are another place where motor skills and pretend play intersect. Maybe those ramps help spur on a love of physics, too. Top Bright Cars & Parking Ramp $25 Play-Doh 24-Pack Image Credit: Hasbro. You can’t forget how much little ones get a kick out of sensory play and artistic expression. At this age, you probably want to be with them for all sculpting activities, just to make sure they don’t wind up eating it or grinding it into the carpet. SplashEZ Splash Pad Image Credit: SplashEZ. These inflatable splash pads are a great way to cool off without having to go to a public playground or spend all that tedious time filling a wading pool. We also asked Maypole whether we should bother attempting to teach 2-year-olds how to identify letters of the alphabet (as this splash pad encourages us to do). “Any time you’re talking to your kids is time well spent,” he said. “I don’t know that you necessarily have to have them mastering the alphabet, but talking about things like colors or a shape like is all OK. … See which [letter] they’re drawn to and just start with that one, and then over time, you can add in others like their friends. It’s kind of stealth teaching.” Hungry Caterpillar Play School Image Credit: StoryToys. Yes, Maypole says it’s OK for you to hand over your phone or iPad to a 2-year-old once in a while — how else can adults survive in this world? We like this simple, age-appropriate app that uses Eric Carle books to interact with children and teach them reading, math, and more. The app is free to download, but the content requires a $7.99 monthly or $59.99 annual subscription.  Hungry Caterpillar Play School $Prices Vary Source link

[norajworld]

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission. We know that children learn through play, especially the youngest toddlers and preschoolers, who aren’t exactly picking up a book to study its contents. That fact might be making some parents and caregivers — and the folks who love them — feel extra pressure when it comes to buying the best toys for 2 year olds. Will what you buy, or fail to buy, for a child this age destin them for success or failure? Is there some secret magical toy that will calm their terrible twos? We turned to Dr. Jack Maypole, a pediatrician and educational advisory board member at The Goddard School for early childhood development, for some answers to those questions. (It’s the least we could do before enticing you with a gallery of beautiful shiny objects to purchase, right?) He is a big advocate of play, which doesn’t necessarily mean we need to be emptying our wallets to nurture tiny geniuses with learning toys for two year olds. Related story This $21 One-of-a-Kind Skin Tint Gives You a Filter-Like Glow & a ‘My Skin But Better’ Look In Less Than 5 Minutes Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds at a Glance Best Outdoor Toy: Little Tikes Hide & Seek Climber and Swing, $130Best Art Supply: Honeysticks Non-toxic Finger Paints, $32Most Affordable: Hedstrom 15″ Ball, $3Best Bathtime Toy: Munchkin Fleet Of Five Boats Bath Toy, $5Best Montessori Toy: Skoolzy Montessori Sensory Pegboard 33 Piece Set, $19Best Tricycle: Chillafish Bunzi 2-in-1 Toddler Balance Bike and Tricycle, $50Best Floor Toy: Melissa & Doug Race Around the World Tracks Cardboard Jigsaw Floor Puzzle, $15Best Musical Toy: ENNBOM Xylophone Glockenspiel 8 Notes Chromatic Resonator Bells, $33Best Toy Truck: John Deere Big Scoop Sandbox Dump Truck Toy, $66Best Ball Pit Toy: Kiddey Ball Pit Play Tent, $45 What Toys Should a 2-Year-Old Have? “If you’re asking, ‘What do I get my 2-year-old boy or girl?’ My response is, tell me what your kid loves to do,” Maypole told SheKnows. “That’s going to be money better spent — just letting a kiddo enjoy themselves versus getting something for their enrichment.” Kids grow and learn a whole lot from ages 2 to 3, both physically and emotionally, but they do so at many different rates from each other. Maypole said that some 15 percent of children this age might have a developmental delay. Even with those differences, he can sum up this year in terms of how a 2-year-old plays alone and with others: “Play is a way in which kids are dress-rehearsing their social behaviors and their motor skills,” he said. “It’s really developing and finessing their gross- and fine-motor capacity for things they enjoy doing, or things that they might create a competency in, to be like the big kids. While that’s going on, there is this explosion of communication skills. They’re learning how to have a thought, articulate a thought, negotiate social encounters, and then move from parallel play to group play and start to do higher-order pretend play.” When their communication skills have not caught up to their internal thoughts, they earn that “terrible twos” reputation. Toys can’t necessarily halt a tantrum, unfortunately, but outdoors toys for two year olds, and learning toys can help. Maypole says the first step in curbing a meltdown is to detect its cause — is the kid tired, frustrated by another child, overstimulated, or anxious? After they’ve calmed down is when you have a chance to use positive reinforcement and maybe a little distraction with toys. “You can you can capitalize on a short attention span by showing up with something shiny,” he said. What Do 2-Year-Olds Like to Play With the Most? According to Julie Smith, an Academic Tutor Coordinator at Smile Tutor, the best toy gifts for this age group should stimulate these areas of growth. That means considering ones that hold their attention, much like Dr. Maypole echoed. Ahead, see what Smith recommends. Wooden Shape Toys: “Wooden shape sorters and puzzles help toddlers develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities. The natural textures and durability of wooden toys also provide a tactile and long-lasting play experience,” Smith says. Sensory Toys: Sensory toys, such as textured balls, play dough, and water tables, engage multiple senses and promote exploratory play. “These toys help with sensory processing, which is crucial for overall cognitive development and fine motor skills,” she explains. Sound Toys: Smith also shares that gifts that produce sounds, such as musical instruments (xylophones and drums) and interactive sound books, are excellent for auditory development and rhythm recognition. They also encourage creative expression and can be used for interactive play with caregivers. What Are Good Toy Gifts for 2-Year-Olds? “Two-year-olds enjoy activities that allow them to explore, mimic adults, and engage in pretend play, Smith tells. “Some of their favorite playthings include building blocks. “These provide endless possibilities for creativity and construction, helping develop spatial awareness and fine motor skills.” Another option is interactive books. “Lift-the-flap books and touch-and-feel books captivate toddlers’ interest and promote early literacy skills,” Smith says. Also consider pretend play sets. Smith explains that items like toy kitchens, tool sets, and dollhouses “allow children to imitate adult activities, fostering social and cognitive development.” Some of these shiny things might be just the ticket. Little Tikes Hide & Seek Climber and Swing Image Credit: Little Tikes. “Climbing play structures are always a great place for kids to work on their ya-yas and get some energy out,” Maypole told us. Big-kid playgrounds can be scary for little ones, though, so you can instead let them get out those ya-yas at home with this Little Tikes set for ages 1 to 4. Hide & Seek Climber and Swing $130 Honeysticks Finger Paint Image Credit: Honeysticks Remember what we said about sensory toys? Toddlers will love getting their hands on Honeysticks Finger Paint. And you’ll love knowing the nontoxic formula (made from New Zealand beeswax!) will keep their fingers safe from harsh ingredients while they make their next masterpiece. Honeysticks Finger Paint $32 Hedstrom 15″ Ball Image Credit: Hedstrom. You don’t have to have big sports dreams for your child to appreciate that it’s just plain fun to roll and throw a ball with them. Sure, they’re practicing hand-eye coordination, but mostly they’re giggling and running. Munchkin Fleet Of Five Boats Bath Toy Image Credit: Munchkin Parents report that these adorable bathtime boats are “toddler-approved.” That’s because they’re easy for little hands to pick up, and each creates a challenge for them to take them apart and put them back together — fun and educational! The boats also dry quickly. Munchkin Fleet Of Five Boats Bath Toy $5 Skoolzy Montessori Sensory Pegboard 33 Piece Set Image Credit: Skoolzy For two-year-olds, Dr. Maypole recommends toys that aid in motor skill development. The Skoolzy Montessori Sensory Pegboard 33-Piece Set is an excellent option if you’re looking to stock up your toy stash. This toy not only entertains but also educates, with its 33 pieces that promote sorting, stacking, and color recognition. It’s also a way to keep your toddler engaged for hours on end. Skoolzy Montessori Sensory Pegboard 33 Piece Set $19 Chillafish Bunzi 2-in-1 Toddler Balance Bike and Tricycle Image Credit: Chillafish. One thing 2-year-olds really like to do is move fast. While Maypole thinks pedaling a tricycle might be a little beyond their coordination, they can start to scoot themselves around on wheels and learn how to steer. This tricycle turns into a balance bike, for the kids ready to go to the next level of motor skills. Chillafish Bunzi 2-in-1 Toddler Balance Bike and Tricycle $50 Melissa & Doug Race Around the World Tracks Cardboard Jigsaw Floor Puzzle Image Credit: Melissa & Doug This puzzle from Melissa & Doug provides 49 pieces that two-year-olds can complete with a parent’s help. It’s exciting to see it come together, plus it’s an excellent pick for spending time with them. The puzzle showcases fun and bright pictures that the included wind-up cars can move through. Melissa & Doug Race Around the World Tracks Cardboard Jigsaw Floor Puzzle $15 ENNBOM Xylophone Glockenspiel 8 Notes Chromatic Resonator Bells Image Credit: Amazon Yes, it might be hard on your eyes, but this Xylophone gives two-year-olds a musical outlet to create, compose, and perform the songs they make up. This toy includes several notes, all with various sounds they will love discovering. John Deere Big Scoop Sandbox Dump Truck Toy  Image Credit: John Deere John Deere is known for its classic farm equipment, and now your truck enthusiast can have a play version at home to have fun with for hours. The toy truck has an awesome loader for picking up rocks and sand. John Deere Big Scoop Sandbox Dump Truck Toy $66 Kiddey Ball Pit Play Tent Image Credit: Amazon The Kiddey Ball Pit Play Tent is filled with 50 (included) balls for this foldable tent. The soft tent comes made with a washable fabric in case there’s a spill or accident, and doors that can be rolled up or left down. There’s plenty of room to roll around, jump, and roll! Kiddey Ball Pit Play Tent $45 Ikea Play Tunnel Image Credit: Ikea When rainy days call, you need something to keep antsy toddlers occupied. That’s why you need to snag this $20 Ikea indooor tunnel that sparks the imagination. It’s the perfect size for little ones to crawl through and still enjoy enough for parents to give chase. Plus, it’s made from soft fabrics that are gentle on the skin. Better yet, it’s easy to store for the next rainy day. Treehole Whale Threading Toy Image Credit: Treehole. At this age, children are getting better at manipulating smaller objects with their hands, so threading toys like this are fun and let them practice those fine motor skills. By the way, if you don’t get toys like this for your kid, they will be OK. “Kids find ways to play,” Maypole said. “And it might be using stuff that they find outside, stacking stones or playing in a brook or playing in the yard or a lot next to where they live. That’s when imagination comes in.” Skrtuan Wooden Whale Threading Toy $10 Toddler Busy Board Image Credit: Amazon Kids like to figure out the puzzles of zippers, snaps, and buckles. Parents like that this is an easy, educational toy to bring along, and it will eventually teach them how to dress themselves. Exorany Busy Board Montessori Toys $20 Lovevery The Enthusiast Play Kit Image Credit: Amazon Parents who are really into research-backed toy buying have been big fans of these subscription boxes for babies and 1-year-olds, and now they’re aging into 2-year-old kits. The “Enthusiast” subscription includes STEM-based toys (like this scale), pretend play fun (a tea set), craft projects, and more. Prepay for three boxes for 10 percent off. Lovevery The Enthusiast Play Kit $120 per kit Madame Alexander Splash & Play Mermaid Image Credit: Madame Alexander At around 2, children really start to get into pretend play, and it all starts with mimicking their parents, Maypole said. For some, that mimickry can include nurturing a doll the way they see their parents nurturing them or a younger sibling. This 12-inch mermaid from Madame Alexander is waterproof, so she can even join in on some bath-time fun. Melissa & Doug Farm, Pets & Ocean Peg Puzzles Image Credit: Melissa & Doug. Along with fine motor skills, these puzzles help kids start to sort shapes and think through what’s different, similar, and same. Grownups are thrilled to do this without loud, annoying, battery-powered noises. Pets & Ocean Peg Puzzles $30 on Amazon.com Top Bright Cars & Parking Ramp Image Credit: Top Bright. These cars are another place where motor skills and pretend play intersect. Maybe those ramps help spur on a love of physics, too. Top Bright Cars & Parking Ramp $25 Play-Doh 24-Pack Image Credit: Hasbro. You can’t forget how much little ones get a kick out of sensory play and artistic expression. At this age, you probably want to be with them for all sculpting activities, just to make sure they don’t wind up eating it or grinding it into the carpet. SplashEZ Splash Pad Image Credit: SplashEZ. These inflatable splash pads are a great way to cool off without having to go to a public playground or spend all that tedious time filling a wading pool. We also asked Maypole whether we should bother attempting to teach 2-year-olds how to identify letters of the alphabet (as this splash pad encourages us to do). “Any time you’re talking to your kids is time well spent,” he said. “I don’t know that you necessarily have to have them mastering the alphabet, but talking about things like colors or a shape like is all OK. … See which [letter] they’re drawn to and just start with that one, and then over time, you can add in others like their friends. It’s kind of stealth teaching.” Hungry Caterpillar Play School Image Credit: StoryToys. Yes, Maypole says it’s OK for you to hand over your phone or iPad to a 2-year-old once in a while — how else can adults survive in this world? We like this simple, age-appropriate app that uses Eric Carle books to interact with children and teach them reading, math, and more. The app is free to download, but the content requires a $7.99 monthly or $59.99 annual subscription.  Hungry Caterpillar Play School $Prices Vary Source link

[chilimili212]

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission. We know that children learn through play, especially the youngest toddlers and preschoolers, who aren’t exactly picking up a book to study its contents. That fact might be making some parents and caregivers — and the folks who love them — feel extra pressure when it comes to buying the best toys for 2 year olds. Will what you buy, or fail to buy, for a child this age destin them for success or failure? Is there some secret magical toy that will calm their terrible twos? We turned to Dr. Jack Maypole, a pediatrician and educational advisory board member at The Goddard School for early childhood development, for some answers to those questions. (It’s the least we could do before enticing you with a gallery of beautiful shiny objects to purchase, right?) He is a big advocate of play, which doesn’t necessarily mean we need to be emptying our wallets to nurture tiny geniuses with learning toys for two year olds. Related story This $21 One-of-a-Kind Skin Tint Gives You a Filter-Like Glow & a ‘My Skin But Better’ Look In Less Than 5 Minutes Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds at a Glance Best Outdoor Toy: Little Tikes Hide & Seek Climber and Swing, $130Best Art Supply: Honeysticks Non-toxic Finger Paints, $32Most Affordable: Hedstrom 15″ Ball, $3Best Bathtime Toy: Munchkin Fleet Of Five Boats Bath Toy, $5Best Montessori Toy: Skoolzy Montessori Sensory Pegboard 33 Piece Set, $19Best Tricycle: Chillafish Bunzi 2-in-1 Toddler Balance Bike and Tricycle, $50Best Floor Toy: Melissa & Doug Race Around the World Tracks Cardboard Jigsaw Floor Puzzle, $15Best Musical Toy: ENNBOM Xylophone Glockenspiel 8 Notes Chromatic Resonator Bells, $33Best Toy Truck: John Deere Big Scoop Sandbox Dump Truck Toy, $66Best Ball Pit Toy: Kiddey Ball Pit Play Tent, $45 What Toys Should a 2-Year-Old Have? “If you’re asking, ‘What do I get my 2-year-old boy or girl?’ My response is, tell me what your kid loves to do,” Maypole told SheKnows. “That’s going to be money better spent — just letting a kiddo enjoy themselves versus getting something for their enrichment.” Kids grow and learn a whole lot from ages 2 to 3, both physically and emotionally, but they do so at many different rates from each other. Maypole said that some 15 percent of children this age might have a developmental delay. Even with those differences, he can sum up this year in terms of how a 2-year-old plays alone and with others: “Play is a way in which kids are dress-rehearsing their social behaviors and their motor skills,” he said. “It’s really developing and finessing their gross- and fine-motor capacity for things they enjoy doing, or things that they might create a competency in, to be like the big kids. While that’s going on, there is this explosion of communication skills. They’re learning how to have a thought, articulate a thought, negotiate social encounters, and then move from parallel play to group play and start to do higher-order pretend play.” When their communication skills have not caught up to their internal thoughts, they earn that “terrible twos” reputation. Toys can’t necessarily halt a tantrum, unfortunately, but outdoors toys for two year olds, and learning toys can help. Maypole says the first step in curbing a meltdown is to detect its cause — is the kid tired, frustrated by another child, overstimulated, or anxious? After they’ve calmed down is when you have a chance to use positive reinforcement and maybe a little distraction with toys. “You can you can capitalize on a short attention span by showing up with something shiny,” he said. What Do 2-Year-Olds Like to Play With the Most? According to Julie Smith, an Academic Tutor Coordinator at Smile Tutor, the best toy gifts for this age group should stimulate these areas of growth. That means considering ones that hold their attention, much like Dr. Maypole echoed. Ahead, see what Smith recommends. Wooden Shape Toys: “Wooden shape sorters and puzzles help toddlers develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities. The natural textures and durability of wooden toys also provide a tactile and long-lasting play experience,” Smith says. Sensory Toys: Sensory toys, such as textured balls, play dough, and water tables, engage multiple senses and promote exploratory play. “These toys help with sensory processing, which is crucial for overall cognitive development and fine motor skills,” she explains. Sound Toys: Smith also shares that gifts that produce sounds, such as musical instruments (xylophones and drums) and interactive sound books, are excellent for auditory development and rhythm recognition. They also encourage creative expression and can be used for interactive play with caregivers. What Are Good Toy Gifts for 2-Year-Olds? “Two-year-olds enjoy activities that allow them to explore, mimic adults, and engage in pretend play, Smith tells. “Some of their favorite playthings include building blocks. “These provide endless possibilities for creativity and construction, helping develop spatial awareness and fine motor skills.” Another option is interactive books. “Lift-the-flap books and touch-and-feel books captivate toddlers’ interest and promote early literacy skills,” Smith says. Also consider pretend play sets. Smith explains that items like toy kitchens, tool sets, and dollhouses “allow children to imitate adult activities, fostering social and cognitive development.” Some of these shiny things might be just the ticket. Little Tikes Hide & Seek Climber and Swing Image Credit: Little Tikes. “Climbing play structures are always a great place for kids to work on their ya-yas and get some energy out,” Maypole told us. Big-kid playgrounds can be scary for little ones, though, so you can instead let them get out those ya-yas at home with this Little Tikes set for ages 1 to 4. Hide & Seek Climber and Swing $130 Honeysticks Finger Paint Image Credit: Honeysticks Remember what we said about sensory toys? Toddlers will love getting their hands on Honeysticks Finger Paint. And you’ll love knowing the nontoxic formula (made from New Zealand beeswax!) will keep their fingers safe from harsh ingredients while they make their next masterpiece. Honeysticks Finger Paint $32 Hedstrom 15″ Ball Image Credit: Hedstrom. You don’t have to have big sports dreams for your child to appreciate that it’s just plain fun to roll and throw a ball with them. Sure, they’re practicing hand-eye coordination, but mostly they’re giggling and running. Munchkin Fleet Of Five Boats Bath Toy Image Credit: Munchkin Parents report that these adorable bathtime boats are “toddler-approved.” That’s because they’re easy for little hands to pick up, and each creates a challenge for them to take them apart and put them back together — fun and educational! The boats also dry quickly. Munchkin Fleet Of Five Boats Bath Toy $5 Skoolzy Montessori Sensory Pegboard 33 Piece Set Image Credit: Skoolzy For two-year-olds, Dr. Maypole recommends toys that aid in motor skill development. The Skoolzy Montessori Sensory Pegboard 33-Piece Set is an excellent option if you’re looking to stock up your toy stash. This toy not only entertains but also educates, with its 33 pieces that promote sorting, stacking, and color recognition. It’s also a way to keep your toddler engaged for hours on end. Skoolzy Montessori Sensory Pegboard 33 Piece Set $19 Chillafish Bunzi 2-in-1 Toddler Balance Bike and Tricycle Image Credit: Chillafish. One thing 2-year-olds really like to do is move fast. While Maypole thinks pedaling a tricycle might be a little beyond their coordination, they can start to scoot themselves around on wheels and learn how to steer. This tricycle turns into a balance bike, for the kids ready to go to the next level of motor skills. Chillafish Bunzi 2-in-1 Toddler Balance Bike and Tricycle $50 Melissa & Doug Race Around the World Tracks Cardboard Jigsaw Floor Puzzle Image Credit: Melissa & Doug This puzzle from Melissa & Doug provides 49 pieces that two-year-olds can complete with a parent’s help. It’s exciting to see it come together, plus it’s an excellent pick for spending time with them. The puzzle showcases fun and bright pictures that the included wind-up cars can move through. Melissa & Doug Race Around the World Tracks Cardboard Jigsaw Floor Puzzle $15 ENNBOM Xylophone Glockenspiel 8 Notes Chromatic Resonator Bells Image Credit: Amazon Yes, it might be hard on your eyes, but this Xylophone gives two-year-olds a musical outlet to create, compose, and perform the songs they make up. This toy includes several notes, all with various sounds they will love discovering. John Deere Big Scoop Sandbox Dump Truck Toy  Image Credit: John Deere John Deere is known for its classic farm equipment, and now your truck enthusiast can have a play version at home to have fun with for hours. The toy truck has an awesome loader for picking up rocks and sand. John Deere Big Scoop Sandbox Dump Truck Toy $66 Kiddey Ball Pit Play Tent Image Credit: Amazon The Kiddey Ball Pit Play Tent is filled with 50 (included) balls for this foldable tent. The soft tent comes made with a washable fabric in case there’s a spill or accident, and doors that can be rolled up or left down. There’s plenty of room to roll around, jump, and roll! Kiddey Ball Pit Play Tent $45 Ikea Play Tunnel Image Credit: Ikea When rainy days call, you need something to keep antsy toddlers occupied. That’s why you need to snag this $20 Ikea indooor tunnel that sparks the imagination. It’s the perfect size for little ones to crawl through and still enjoy enough for parents to give chase. Plus, it’s made from soft fabrics that are gentle on the skin. Better yet, it’s easy to store for the next rainy day. Treehole Whale Threading Toy Image Credit: Treehole. At this age, children are getting better at manipulating smaller objects with their hands, so threading toys like this are fun and let them practice those fine motor skills. By the way, if you don’t get toys like this for your kid, they will be OK. “Kids find ways to play,” Maypole said. “And it might be using stuff that they find outside, stacking stones or playing in a brook or playing in the yard or a lot next to where they live. That’s when imagination comes in.” Skrtuan Wooden Whale Threading Toy $10 Toddler Busy Board Image Credit: Amazon Kids like to figure out the puzzles of zippers, snaps, and buckles. Parents like that this is an easy, educational toy to bring along, and it will eventually teach them how to dress themselves. Exorany Busy Board Montessori Toys $20 Lovevery The Enthusiast Play Kit Image Credit: Amazon Parents who are really into research-backed toy buying have been big fans of these subscription boxes for babies and 1-year-olds, and now they’re aging into 2-year-old kits. The “Enthusiast” subscription includes STEM-based toys (like this scale), pretend play fun (a tea set), craft projects, and more. Prepay for three boxes for 10 percent off. Lovevery The Enthusiast Play Kit $120 per kit Madame Alexander Splash & Play Mermaid Image Credit: Madame Alexander At around 2, children really start to get into pretend play, and it all starts with mimicking their parents, Maypole said. For some, that mimickry can include nurturing a doll the way they see their parents nurturing them or a younger sibling. This 12-inch mermaid from Madame Alexander is waterproof, so she can even join in on some bath-time fun. Melissa & Doug Farm, Pets & Ocean Peg Puzzles Image Credit: Melissa & Doug. Along with fine motor skills, these puzzles help kids start to sort shapes and think through what’s different, similar, and same. Grownups are thrilled to do this without loud, annoying, battery-powered noises. Pets & Ocean Peg Puzzles $30 on Amazon.com Top Bright Cars & Parking Ramp Image Credit: Top Bright. These cars are another place where motor skills and pretend play intersect. Maybe those ramps help spur on a love of physics, too. Top Bright Cars & Parking Ramp $25 Play-Doh 24-Pack Image Credit: Hasbro. You can’t forget how much little ones get a kick out of sensory play and artistic expression. At this age, you probably want to be with them for all sculpting activities, just to make sure they don’t wind up eating it or grinding it into the carpet. SplashEZ Splash Pad Image Credit: SplashEZ. These inflatable splash pads are a great way to cool off without having to go to a public playground or spend all that tedious time filling a wading pool. We also asked Maypole whether we should bother attempting to teach 2-year-olds how to identify letters of the alphabet (as this splash pad encourages us to do). “Any time you’re talking to your kids is time well spent,” he said. “I don’t know that you necessarily have to have them mastering the alphabet, but talking about things like colors or a shape like is all OK. … See which [letter] they’re drawn to and just start with that one, and then over time, you can add in others like their friends. It’s kind of stealth teaching.” Hungry Caterpillar Play School Image Credit: StoryToys. Yes, Maypole says it’s OK for you to hand over your phone or iPad to a 2-year-old once in a while — how else can adults survive in this world? We like this simple, age-appropriate app that uses Eric Carle books to interact with children and teach them reading, math, and more. The app is free to download, but the content requires a $7.99 monthly or $59.99 annual subscription.  Hungry Caterpillar Play School $Prices Vary Source link

[libbylael]

Down syndrome was named after John Langdon Down, a British doctor who, in 1866, was the first to classify this condition. Langdon Down began his career as the chief physician at the Earlswood institution, which cared for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Although he had no prior experience in caring for people with such disabilities, Langdon Down showed a profound interest and empathy for them. At a time when many ignored their value and humanity, he recognized their dignity and was outraged by the inhumane treatment they received. Physical punishment, poor hygiene, and high mortality rates were common in institutions of that era.

Determined to change this reality, Dr. Langdon Down implemented transformative measures. He hired new staff, demanded proper care and strict hygiene, banned physical punishment, and introduced activities such as crafts and hobbies for the patients. Moreover, he photographed his patients with care and sensitivity, portraying them in elegant attire and favorable poses. These images, part of a collection of over 200 photos, supported his clinical descriptions of Down syndrome, detailing physical characteristics and other relevant medical observations.

In 1868, Langdon Down took an even greater step by acquiring a mansion to house people with Down syndrome. He did not treat it as a mere institution but as a space that met the highest standards of comfort and hygiene. Residents received private education and learned activities such as horse riding, gardening, crafting, and other creative practices. To further enrich their lives, the doctor built a small theater attached to the mansion, promoting artistic and social development among the residents.

This mansion, named Normansfield, still stands today in the United Kingdom. It is now known as The Langdon Down Centre and houses the Normansfield Theatre, preserving the legacy of care and respect initiated by John Langdon Down.

It is important to emphasize that the name “Down” has no relation to delays or prognosis associated with the condition. It simply honors a doctor whose sensitivity and dedication marked a new era in the care and recognition of the dignity of people with Down syndrome.

Credits :teoríaoscura

[number63liveblogs]

Brave New World, Chapter XVII

'Charming! But in civilized countries,' said the Controller, 'you can have girls without hoeing for them; and there aren't any flies or mosquitoes to sting you. We got rid of them all centuries ago.'

In civilized countries adult women aren’t called girls, and they are allowed to make their own choices regarding their partner(s), and they are not a thing for you to “have” or win the right to through heroic deeds.

Okay, I found something I want less than the book lecturing to me about art: the book preaching about religion. The assumption that religion and specifically the Christian god is the biggest thing they’ve lost is obviously pretty ridiculous, looking at things from the thoroughly secular society I live in.

John makes the understandable mistake of thinking that because the new world has made things overall worse for its citizens everything it has done is bad. There are parts of the world as it is shown that could be beneficial.

For example, they have very efficient vaccination programs that have eradicated huge swathes of diseases. There’s nothing saying that you couldn’t have the healthcare they have now without the brainwashing and purposefully giving people developmental delays.

The thing that is missing is choice. People should have the option of living comfortable lives with a different partner every week and only watching vapid explosion fests with softcore porn, but they should* also and not instead of* have the option of living dangerously with a monogamous partner, pursuing a religion of their choice.

[elizabethlowery]

A Look at Down Syndrome

Down syndrome, a chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome number 21 in body cells, is a common genetic condition affecting one in 700 newborns worldwide. It is named after British physician John Langdon Down, who first described its characteristics in 1866. The extra chromosome is associated with a range of physical, cognitive, and developmental limitations, as well as a heightened risk of developing health problems.

The most common form of Down syndrome is trisomy 21, where there is an extra copy of chromosome 21 in every cell in the body. Mosaic Down is another form of Down syndrome, where only a certain percentage of body cells have the extra copy of chromosome 21. Additionally, there is a rare form called translocation Down syndrome, where an extra copy of chromosome 21 attaches to another chromosome, instead of existing as a separate chromosome 21.

Children with Down syndrome often exhibit various physical symptoms that include eyes that slant up at the corner, a tongue that sticks out, a short neck, and a small nose and ears. They may also have low muscle tone, short stature, and a single deep crease across the palm, known as the simian crease. These physical traits, however, are not common in every child with Down syndrome, and manifestation depends on the degree of severity of the syndrome.

In addition to physical symptoms, children with Down syndrome often experience developmental delays and intellectual limitations. These delays can affect various aspects of development, including motor skills, speech and language development, cognitive abilities, and social-emotional development.

Diagnosing Down syndrome involves a combination of prenatal screening and diagnostic tests. Prenatal screening methods include non-invasive tests such as ultrasound and maternal serum screening, which estimate the chances that a fetus has Down syndrome. If screening results suggest a high risk, diagnostic tests such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis that require a sample of the fetus’ cells may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

While developmental milestones in children with Down syndrome may be reached at a slower pace compared to others, early intervention, special education, and family support can improve their health and well-being. Early intervention enables the introduction of childhood programs that provide specialized support and therapies, such as speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, which can help children with Down syndrome develop essential skills and abilities. These interventions focus on improving muscle tone, motor skills, communication skills, social interactions, and overall independence in daily activities.

It is also important to provide special education services tailored to meet children’s individual needs and strengths. Educators should offer inclusive classrooms that promote peer interactions between children with Down syndrome and other children. Educators should collaborate with healthcare professionals and the child’s family to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) that outline specific goals and strategies to support the child's academic progress and address any challenges they may encounter in the learning environment.

Medical care is essential for children with Down syndrome to address any associated health issues and ensure optimal overall health and well-being. Common medical conditions that affect children with Down syndrome include congenital heart defects, hearing loss, vision problems, thyroid disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and an increased risk of developing leukemia and Alzheimer's disease later in life. Regular medical screenings, monitoring, and interventions are necessary to manage these health concerns and optimize outcomes for children with Down syndrome.

Finally, family support plays an important role in nurturing children with Down syndrome, since family members can provide the love, support, and encouragement they need. Support groups, parent education programs, and access to respite care services can provide valuable resources and networks for families raising a child with Down syndrome. Building a strong support network and collaborating with healthcare professionals and educators can help families address the unique needs of their children and promote their overall well-being.

[disabled-queen-hc-blog]

A vent piece about a not so talked about side of Autism and something I’m struggling with lately. Angsty.

John awoke to the lovely sound of his alarm clock softly singing the Adventures of Winnie the Pooh theme song. He couldn’t help but to smile and hum along as the lull of sleep faded away from his eyes.

He let it play it’s tune as he stretched out his limbs, an array of cracks and creaks echoing through the empty room. With a big yawn, he sat up and pressed a button on the alarm, shaped like the silly old bear’s head. John let out a content sigh, looking around his bed at all his stuffed animals strewn about chaotically. He wondered if they all slept well as he did.

With a bit of effort, he got out of bed and wobbled over to his bathroom, rubbing eyes and yawning some more. After a quick trip to the loo, he set out on washing his mouth. His toothbrush was bright pink with hello kitty on the handle. It wasn’t his first choice, but he was quite fond of the cat too. With a strawberry flavored toothpaste, mint tasting way too strong, he brushed his teeth, a task he didn’t like to do.

Spitting into the sink, he rinsed his mouth, his head bobbing back up into place. He caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. Wrinkles on his forehead. Grey growing well past his temples. John quickly exited the bathroom, his stomach grumbling, hopefully from hunger and not embarrassment.

He put on his house slippers, Mickey Mouse of course, and hurried over to the kitchen, ready to prepare himself the same breakfast he’s had for nearly 40 years. Cheese on toast with a cup of milk. Even after decades, the staple food never grew old.

John sung Part of Your World quietly to himself as he slapped on a slice of cheddar onto the toast simmering in the pan, a smile tweaking at his lips. He found breakfast to be one of the high points of his day. It was the few parts of a regular day he had all to himself. No one to bother him. No expectations. Just him and his toys to keep him company until the afternoon. He laughed when his voice cracked at the climax of the song.

With a plate of warm toast and a cold cup of milk in hand, John went to the living room, setting everything down on the floor before turning on his telly. Saturday morning cartoons were on. He heavily preferred his Disney VHS’s to whatever the BBC was playing, but the cartoons weren’t half bad. Munching on his toast, he happily rocked as he watched.

It was 11am when the phone rang. John frowned, not wanting to set down his Legos. He was very much enjoying lining them up for the 4th time in a row. He was working with just the animal Legos this morning, something he didn’t do often.

Pouting, John got up to grab the phone, mumbling a somewhat pleasant “Hello?”

“Deacy!” an excited Roger screeched on the other end of the phone. John cringed at how loud the blond was.

“Oh, hi, Roger.”

“Mornin’ John! Hey, me and Brian were getting together this evening. There’s this new restaurant that just opened up. Imported wines. A live band. Sophisticated as all hell. You want to come?”

John’s nose crinkled up the more Roger talked. Nasty wine? Weird unpredictable food? Music he didn’t care for? And a suit and tie requirement? No thanks.

“That sounds stuffy,” John said honestly.

“You could use some stuffy in your life, mate. Come on. You can bring some of your fluffy friends if you’d like,” Roger said, a pleading lilt in his voice.

John shrugged to himself, a hand going into his hair to pull out a few strands, a nervous habit of his. “I don’t know. It sounds um…” Adult-y. “Like a lot for me, you know. Maybe we can do brunch or something soon.”

“Ah, alright, Deaks. Don’t say I didn’t invite you!” Roger said, disappointment in his tone, not that John would catch it. It wasn’t obvious enough because Roger expected that answer. John was never fond of refined things. Roger still tried after all these years.

“Yeah. Sorry. Bye bye, Rog.”

“Bye, John.”

John hung up, an anxious hand rubbing his chest. He tried to stop the bad thoughts that started to bubble in his head by throwing himself back into lining up his Legos, but it didn’t work.

He tried lining up his plushies on his bed, but the thoughts started to drip like cement into his chest.

He tried watching Snow White, but the thoughts began to feel like spider webs and char in his lungs.

He broke down, running into his bathroom, the quietest and darkest place in his house, slamming the door shut behind him.

Curled up on the cold tiles, as the tears began to pour down his face, his brain assaulted him with words.

Delayed.

Spaz.

Man-child.

Retard.

Delayed.

Stupid.

Lagging.

Delayed.

Delayed.

Delayed.

John sobbed, his hands flying to either side of his head, hitting himself to make his thoughts go back to normal.

You’ve got the brain of a 10-year-old stuck in a 39-year old’s body. It’s pathetic.

The people around you only pity you.

You’re not a failure to launch. You’re a failure to thrive.

It was cute when you were 19. Now you just look pitiful.

Have you even tried to act your age?

Your mother likes your sister better. She’s a proper adult. Married with kids. Working.

You need a babysitter to make sure you don’t starve or die.

It’s sad.

You’re an embarrassment.

You’re not a man. You’re a child.

John pressed his forehead to the floor, his chest aching with how hard he was crying. As more and more painful truths vomited themselves into his mind, he could only sink under their weight.

He tried to ignore it. And for a long time, it was easy to ignore. The words the therapist said to him.

“You’re developmentally delayed, John. You might not ever catch up. You might be stuck at a certain developmental age.”

At 15, it’s not too noticeable. 20, people just think you’re not one to take yourself too seriously. At 30, there must be something wrong with you. At 40, you’re a lost cause. A burden. On society, your friends and family and more importantly, yourself.

And despite what anyone said, it was true. John looked like an adult, but he didn’t have much going on upstairs. He couldn’t talk taxes or even pay his own. Doing laundry was always meltdown worthy. Wine tasted gross. The word sex made him giggle and the act was unimaginable. McDonald happy meals were a real treat and toys were rewards.

No matter how much the people around him said otherwise, he was a child. And it killed him. It hurt. The lack of maturity was blinding. The delay unable to be hidden. He was a walking freakshow and despite his best efforts, he was thoroughly stunted.

He wanted to be like his friends. So badly. Go to clubs with Freddie and not feel scared. Drink with Roger and not gag at the first sip and order a soda instead. Hell, he’d take sleazing around like Brian if it meant he’d be a real man.

But he was just a little boy. Trapped in a perpetual childhood that not even humiliation could wake him up from.

He liked the kid’s menus. And he liked watching Sesame Street. And he liked when his aides and carers came over and took over. He was a kid, through and through. It was only a shock because his body dare betray him by growing up, leaving his brain behind.

It wasn’t just embarrassing. It was isolating. He didn’t get along with adults. They didn’t understand him, and he didn’t understand them. It was a miracle the rest of Queen even tolerated him. He preferred children but one could see how bad of a look that was. So, who else did he have beside his Lego figures and his teddy bears?

His own mother coddled him, which felt both wonderful and shameful. He wasn’t a child. But he was. But he wasn’t.

John raked his fingers through his hair, tugging painfully at his scalp, his knees pulling up under him, a subconscious need to be small.

No therapist really understood the plight he went through. They all told him that it was okay. He was fine. Nothing to be ashamed about. But how easy was that to say when you weren’t a middle-aged man who needed a night light to sleep? Or a grown man afraid to cross the road without a real adult’s hand to hold?

Nobody understood. Their reassuring words fell flat when it came to the reality around him. John was delayed and the world looked down on him for that.

He was like Peter Pan without a safe place to run to, surrounded by other people who too could not grow up.

It hurt.

It hurt all the time.

Every time he colored a coloring book, he knew he should be drinking a beer besides a wife who was expecting another kid. He knew he should be ordering filet mignon rather than chicken nuggets. He knew he should be so much more and so much better than he was.

John laid flat on the floor; his eyes physically unable to produce more tears. With all those thoughts jabbing at his skull, all he could do was throw himself to the floor and cry like a child. Even knowing he wanted more for himself, he couldn’t get up and do it.

He sniffled and hiccupped, his head pounding from how deeply he had been wailing.

All of these thoughts were too much for a child. Too big and scary. Complex and refined.

He sat up and slowly got up, his knees cracking as he did so. Without another whimper he went back to his room, crawling underneath his blankets, into the embrace of many furry friends. He closed his eyes, hugging a purple elephant to himself and prayed he’d be finally big tomorrow. An adult. All caught up. A prayer he’d been reciting for years.

He brought the elephant to his face, nuzzling the soft fabric. He wondered if the elephant would take a nap with him too.

[lonelier-version-of-you]

About to rewatch S20E10 “Square One”. If I recall correctly this ep is the first time John loses a trial patient, so that should be interesting.

Edit 1: Oh Zav I miss you.

Edit 2: John on his iconic dictaphone. Also watching these episodes knowing what the 8th Doctor’s TARDIS looks like, I’m convinced the whole luminous blue vibe of John’s lab was an intentional shoutout to it.

Edit 3: I love this little Donna and Serena scene.

Edit 4: I really do love me some good morally ambiguous John content. They should’ve kept him this way, it was a lot more interesting than the supervillain direction they took him in.

Also Jac high on pain meds and actually being happy and friendly for once is hilarious.

And, a line from Fletch: “Have I stepped into a parallel Darwin?” Nah, Fletch, the parallel Darwin came later, in 2021 when Sahira was suddenly Henrik’s childhood friend for some reason.

Edit 5: We went from a Zav scene to a Jason scene just now. What a downgrade.

Also, gah, Jason: “Prison should be for bad, dangerous people, not good people like Ric who are just doing their best!” WHY DOES HE TALK LIKE A 5 YEAR OLD IT’S SO ANNOYING. I know we autistics tend to have different speech patterns but the way to write that is not to write dialogue on literally the same level you’d write dialogue for a neurotypical child character.

Edit 6: I love Roxanna’s blouse in this ep.

Edit 7: Absolute legend Ken Davies is back! I’d forgotten he was in this ep!

Edit 8: Jac is so fucking beautiful. She literally looks like a goddess or something.

Edit 9: John was SO blatantly severely mentally ill the whole time why did no one intervene??

Also lol @ Ollie joking about his lack of motor skills to Lofty the dyspraxic man.

Edit 10: When Jac said “it’s miraculous what a full 5 hours’ kip can do for you” I felt that.

Edit 11: I actually agree with Serena on something for once - the ‘Ric in prison’ storyline WAS “utter madness”.

Edit 12: The Rox and John dynamic was really fascinating. Also, John’s body language is VERY Henrik-esque in this episode.

And why does John talk like me? “There’s been no improvement, alas!” 😂

Edit 13: This episode is Jason in his 5-year-old era and not in a realistic developmental delay way (look at someone like Chantelle, she was autistic coded and “childish” but wasn’t written like an actual child) but in a ableist writing way.

Edit 14: ZAV!! I love his outfit in this ep. Also, it’s truly amazing how much character development he had when he was only on the show for 2 years.

Edit 15: Interesting dialogue. Rox: “I would err on the side of caution.” John: “You always do.”

Edit 16: Love the Jac and Ken banter. “I did the best I could, but despite my efforts, you pulled through.”

Edit 17: Rosie Marcel is SO good.

Edit 18: Zav was such an asshole when he first started out.

Edit 19: John on the dictaphone again!

Edit 20: John’s despair about the trial failing reads differently looking back after the later reveal that it was all about trying to save Lana.

Also, him lying to Essie and saying the implant didn’t fail... oof.

Edit 21: Very visible anxious stimming from John when his patient goes into arrest.

Also fuck I basically stole this scene for my one unfinished fanfic without remembering. I hope everyone thinks it was a deliberate parallel lmao.

Edit 22: I think the patient’s mum is doing a guest-character-speaking-for-staff member moment when she’s talking about the trial to John: “I didn’t think of the risks.”

Edit 23: Paul McGann is an INCREDIBLE actor.

Edit 24: John not wanting to bother Henrik by calling him about the Medical Director job :’))

Also, funny thing is, when John said he just wants what’s best for his patients I do believe he genuinely thought that.

Edit 25: HENRIK

Edit 26: “Meetings, paperwork... hardly John’s field of expertise, is it?” Lmaooo

Edit 27: I love early John with the curly hair.

Edit 28: John is very very good at manipulating people, whether he’s using it for good (as he is in this case - seeking the Medical Director job and talking Serena into giving it to him so he can help Roxanna fight for the TMS for Ollie) or not. One has to think Henrik picked up some techniques from him. I mean, the Henrik we saw in the flashback episode couldn’t manipulate anyone if he tried, I don’t think.

Edit 29: Lofty saying he’s not like Isaac aged poorly :(

Edit 30: Zav showing a moment of tenderness towards Nicky.

Edit 31: John on Henrik: “He’s like the rest of us. Lost without a stethoscope.”

Edit 32: Serena saying she’d cheerfully hand Gaskell the CEO job. That’s so fucking funny in hindsight of how John turned out.

[introvertguide]

Movie Adaptations of Steinbeck novels

There are many prolific writers that have had many movies based on their novels and plays. Perhaps the best example of this as far as American films is the Depression Era author John Steinbeck. He wrote many novels about the California coast and many of them focused on the poor and unfortunate coastal farmers who suffered during the Great Depression and eventually World War 2. These books appealed to the poor and working class, so movie adaptions appeal to the common person who works hard to make a living. I was curious as to how many films were adapted because Steinbeck was a prolific writer, so I did some research and developed the following list of movies that are pretty good:

Of Mice and Men

This is arguably the best-known story of John Steinbeck and the symbolism behind the simple story is phenomenal. The title comes from a poem by Robert Burns in which the quote is actually, "The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men, gang aft a-gley." The most apt English translation to current readers is "the best laid plans of mice and men often go wrong." It is the story of a man who is caring for a developmentally delayed relative during the Great Depression. He has big plans to retire and live off the fat of the land, but his partner ruins it every time. The more they plan, the worse things go wrong. This kind of story is perfect for a play or a movie, of which it was made into both. There was a Broadway play that was adapted from the book, followed by a feature film in 1939 and then another in 1992. A third adaption called Best Laid Plans was released in the UK in 2012 and was a modern take on the same story.

Cannery Row

I really enjoyed the book when I read it in high school. It is a bunch of short stories about the poor and desolate living in Monterey, California during World War 2. It is a fun bunch of vignettes, which is generally something I enjoy, and the 1982 film adaptation has some big names like Nick Nolte and Debra Winger. The film is sadly pretty average due to some production issues. The main issue was actually that Raquel Welch, who was supposed to play one of the leads, was fired after a couple of days and she sued the production company for $10.8 million. That equaled almost the entire budget so there was almost no advertising or promotion of any kind. The movie only made $2 million and is considered a complete flop. It is a good script from a good story, but it is definitely not one of the best movies.

The Grapes of Wrath

This is the story of an American folk hero. He was a common man who was not good, but he worked hard to support his own family. Henry Fonda plays the protagonist Tom Joad, a man who got out of jail only to move with his family from Oklahoma to California to find work. Even in such hard times as the Great Depression, there were people who were running scams to benefit from the labor of the common man. I remember learning of this hero in a Rage Against the Machine song called "The Ghost of Tom Joad" that used the famous "I'll be there" speech in the lyrics. This film was nominated for seven Academy Awards including best picture. It is one of the few movies that has a 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes which shows it is a real crowd pleaser. The movie is a little slow and can seem a little like a documentary at times, but it is fascinating and relatable despite being over 80 years old. A fantastic film worthy of the Steinbeck story.

East of Eden

This is a great story of a small family that was trying to survive during World War 1 in the Salinas Valley. The main character is Cal, who was played by James Dean. This is one of the roles that Dean is famous for, along with Rebel Without a Cause and Giant. Sadly, that fame was partly due to the death of James Dean in a car crash only six months after this film was released. Dean was posthumously nominated for Best Actor in 1955 for East of Eden and 1956 for Giant. The novel was another work by Steinbeck that was required reading for high school in California. The story seems like a loose interpretation of Cain and Abel, which makes the film an adaptation of the play, which is an adaption of the Steinbeck novel, which is an interpretation of the bible story. That is a lot of degrees of separation, but it all comes back to the Bible.

Tortilla Flat

The story is of a dark romantic tragedy that was changed to a comedy for the big screen. It was directed by Victor Fleming in 1942 (only three years after his success with Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz) and stars Spencer Tracy and Heddy Lamarr. It is another example of the poor trying to make it in the little coastal town of Monterey, California. This time a man inherits two houses and houses himself and his friends in them. I am not that big of a fan of the film because the story was changed quite a bit for the big screen. In fact, one of the main characters is in an accident and dies in the book while they live in the movie. It is a huge change, making the story much less like a Steinbeck novel. I highly recommend the book over the movie, but the film is not that bad.

The Winter of Our Discontent

This story is like the opposite of It's a Wonderful Life. It is the tale of a man from an upper middle-class family that loses his inheritance due to a family member's mistakes. Instead of being supportive, his family and his neighbors criticize this lead character's integrity until he becomes more cutthroat. He turns in the new owner of his old family store to immigration and then tricks a friend out of some land. It basically comes down to the fact that the town and his family would have been better off without him. A TV-movie was adapted in 1983 and stars Donald Sutherland and Terri Garr. It's a very depressing story and a very depressing movie. As a side note, there was a very good episode of American Horror Story that was based on the book.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am a big fan of Jon Steinbeck and his willingness to explore the underbelly of the California small towns during the worst of times. His stories reminded me that having a rough day at the office or getting in an argument was not that big of a deal. There were people that suffered every day of their life and had to find a reason to push forward every day they got up. I have worked hard, but I never had to bale hay by hand to barely make enough money for food. I never considered a fine meal being the time I had ketchup to put on my canned beans. I never considered a good living situation something that at least included a roof. It is a good reminder that things could be a lot worse, and I should count all of the many blessings that I have. For that, I will always be fascinated by the works of Steinbeck.

[theexodvs]

Look up literally any speech or dissertation Temple Grandin, John Elder Robison, or Steve Silverman has given in the past twenty-five years, and you’ll get an idea of what the neurodiversity movement stands for. They think developmentally delayed people have superpowers.

Illness is a real thing. Illness can affect any part of anyone's body at any time. Illness can be, and often is, inborn. Illness can be, and often is, lifelong. Pursuing healthy lifestyles can lessen, but never eliminate, the possibility of illness, including permanent illness. The brain, being as much a part of the body as the foot or the spleen, can also suffer illness, in this case a mental illness.

The neurodiversity movement generally denies the existence of mental illness. Its adherents is uncomfortable with the fact that there are things that are expected of most people that the mentally ill are unable to perform, cradle to grave. Therefore, it retreats in medical denialism, calling mental illnesses "neurotypes."

The Word of Faith movement does not deny illness, but instead says that if someone lives in a certain way or says certain things, that they can be healed of various ailments. This includes dismemberment, chromosomal disorders, and, in extreme cases, death. Their attempts at ridding the world of illness has proven fruitless

The neurodiversity and Word of Faith movements are two cultic sides of the same denialist, escapist coin. Illness is a fact of life, and a fact of some people's entire lives. Sometimes it can be healed, and sometimes it cannot. Denying its existence does not improve anyone's life, and neither do lies about the ability to miraculously cure it. What the ill, including the mentally ill, need is compassion and assistance.

[isitgintimeyet]

Just A Friend

AO3

Previous

Thanks for all the support. 

Thanks to @wickedgoodbooks for the beta

I’m on holiday next week so the  next chapter may be slightly delayed, but for now here’s...

Chapter 9: From Siblings to Safety Net

Jamie leads the way through the car park. I tread gingerly, the combination of unaccustomed high heels and uneven ground—a potentially lethal combination. He turns and notices my dilemma.

“Here,” he holds out his arm for me. I smile and gratefully take hold of his forearm until we reach the comparative safety of the marquee.

Once inside, Jamie pauses and looks around, trying to find his sister. I look around too, not that I know what his sister looks like, but I’m assuming, based on her brother, that she’ll be pretty easy to spot in the crowd.

The room is full with a steady stream of people moving swiftly towards the bar and rather less swiftly back to their tables carefully balancing bottles and glasses. I spot, through a break in the procession, Rupert sitting at a table talking to a petite brunette, who I assume is his wife Morag.

“Look,” I nudge Jamie and point towards the table. “It’s Rupert and—“

“Aye, so it is.” And he deftly negotiates our way through the maze of alcohol carrying individuals to the table.

Rupert and his wife stand up as we approach and he greets us enthusiastically, patting Jamie on the back and kissing my cheek.

“Nice tae see ye again,” he says, smiling.

“Good to see you too, Rupert.”

Jamie envelopes Morag in a huge bear hug. Is this the usual greeting for Rupert’s wife? I glance at Rupert but he’s totally unperturbed by this display of affection.

Eventually, Jamie stands up straight. “Claire, I’d like ye tae meet ma sister, Jenny. Jenny, this is ma friend, Claire.”

The intimate bear hug makes more sense now to me.

Jenny holds out her hand.“Nice tae meet ye Claire.” She smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes.

“And you too, Jenny. Jamie has told me so much about you and your family. And those photos that you took, wow, they’re amazing.” I can hear myself talking over enthusiastically and force myself to shut up. It’s a habit I have when I’m nervous.

Physically, Jamie and Jenny couldn’t be less alike. With his curly red hair and tall stature, Jamie is some sort of Viking throwback, whereas Jenny’s straight brunette locks and petite, delicate features give her a fragile, almost doll-like quality. I feel like an Amazon standing next to her. As she continues to talk to her brother, berating him for his last minute appearance, I rack my brains. She reminds me of someone, but I can’t for the life of me think who.

Then it dawns on me. When I was a junior doctor working in Trauma and Orthopaedics, the matron there was a brunette too, whose air of fragility belied a rock hard will and determination. Her wards were run with military precision and, without ever raising her voice, it was clear that her command was absolute. She never shouted, she never belittled, but somehow everyone, even the consultants, knew exactly who was in charge. I get exactly the same feeling with Jenny.

A noise behind me rouses me from my contemplation and a large tray of drinks is placed on the table.

“Ian, man, did ye get me a drink?” Jamie laughs.

“But of course, and,” Ian turns to me. “I presume ye’re Claire. I took the liberty and got ye a gin and tonic—double, jes’ in case that was yer tipple. But it’s nae bother if ye dinna want it. I can go and get ye something else. I’m sure I can think of someone who will drink it.”  He nods his head towards his wife and mimics drinking with his hand

“Cheek of the man.” Jenny playfully slaps his hand down and smiles. This time the smile lights up her whole face.

“No, gin and tonic is great, thanks very much,” I accept the glass gratefully and take a sip. Well, maybe a little bit more than a sip, but it is much needed.

“Seeing as yer man there canna be bothered wi’ the introductions, I’ll have tae do it maself. I’m Ian, Jenny’s husband and it’s a pleasure tae meet ye,” His introduction is full of real warmth.

“I was jes’ getting ‘round tae it,” Jamie says mock defensively and grabs a pint from the tray. “Anyhow, sláinte, everyone. Here’s tae a good night.”

**********

During dinner, I sit between Ian and Jamie who has Jenny on his other side. Ian is an absolute delight. He listens to my stories with genuine interest, laughing in all the right places and regaling Morag and me with tales of his son’s antics (‘Wee Jamie, jes’ as mischievous as his uncle ever was’).

Once dinner is over, Jamie and Ian spot an acquaintance on another table and excuse themselves. Jenny shuffles over onto Jamie’s newly vacated chair.

“Havin’ a good time are ye, Claire?”

“Oh yes, thank you. Ian has been telling us about your children. They sound like real characters. Just adorable.” And here I am, back to my nervous over enthusiasm. Just like that matron years ago, Jenny has the ability to do this to me.

Jenny gives a tight little smile that doesn’t linger. “Can I be honest wi’ ye Claire?”

My heart sinks. When someone says that, it’s never good. I mean, they never follow that statement with ‘your hair looks lovely’ or ‘the way you handled that developmental dysplasia of the hip was excellent.’ It’s always a criticism. Although I’m not too sure what I’ve done for Jenny to feel the need for such honesty, but I’m guessing it involves Jamie in some way.

“I ken Jamie invited ye tae come tonight as friends, before he met Kelly,” she continues. “But could ye no’ have stood aside and let him bring her as a date? He said he’d already asked ye when I mentioned it to him. But if ye’re just friends ye could have.”

I don’t know what to say. What can I say that doesn’t cast Jamie in a bad light with his sister? Jenny clearly wants there to be something between him and Kelly, which, based on what Jamie’s told me, just isn’t going to happen, no matter how much Jenny pushes. And I’m somewhere in the middle of this.

Jenny looks at me and I don’t think I have to speak. My glass face is doing the work for me. “Ah, I see.”

I spy Jamie making his way back to our table. He hesitates slightly as Jenny’s steely gaze falls on him, before continuing.

Jenny shuffles back to her chair, and pats the now vacant seat between us. He sits down and glances at us both.

“Have ye got something tae tell me, bràthair?” Jenny begins.

“About what?”

“About why ye told me ye’d already asked Claire when I mentioned asking Kelly?”

Jamie turns to me, as Jenny carries on talking. “Claire didna say a word about it. She didna have tae.”

I smile apologetically at him, but say nothing and take a swig of wine. This is between Jamie and Jenny. I’m keeping well out of this.

He sighs. “Jenny, ye wouldna let it lie. Ye kept telling me I should invite Kelly. On and on ye were. I had tae do it.”

“Ye said the date wi’ Kelly was good.”

“If ye think back, what I actually said was that the food at the restaurant was good. I didna say the date was good. That wasna good. We had a nice meal, then we shook hands and said goodbye. I made no promises tae see her again.”

“But Kelly—“

“Jenny, it isna going tae happen no matter how much ye mither. Ye dinna always ken what’s best fer me even though ye think ye do.”

I feel a hand on my arm and turn to find Ian sitting next to me once more. He jerks his head towards Jamie and Jenny. “I find it easier tae jes’ let them get on wi’ it themselves. This is what they’re like, wi’ the bickering. They’ll sort it out, they always do. That’s brothers and sisters fer ye.”

That familiar pang hits me for a brief moment. Of course, I don’t know what it’s like, this familial bickering or teasing, safe in the knowledge that you’ll always have their love. And then it passes.

“I suppose you’re used to it by now?”

��After twenty five years, I guess so. They were jes’ the same as children. See?” Ian points to my other side. I turn to find Jenny tenderly patting Jamie’s hand.

“Sae, Claire,” Jenny leans across Jamie to talk to me. “I see ye’re still drinking that horse piss. What say we send Jamie tae get us all some real drinks? I take it ye like whisky?”

Jenny smiles, and this time it’s genuine.

************

After that brief sibling squabble has been sorted, the evening can only get better… I think. Actually, it does improve. The combination of good whisky and a friendlier Jenny, and I begin to really enjoy myself.

The disco has started and the dance floor is filling up, mainly with groups of women while the men sit on the sidelines only venturing up once copious amounts of alcohol have been consumed and the DJ starts to play the classics— ‘YMCA’, ‘Night Fever’ and ‘Dancing Queen’.

We stay at our table, chatting, our voices becoming louder as the dance floor fills and the dancers begin to sing along to some of the songs. The singing rises to a crescendo for the choruses then rapidly quietening at the lesser known verse lyrics.

“D’ye no’ want tae dance? Jamie asks, a bit reluctantly, it seems.

“No, I’m enjoying myself here,” I reply and watch the relieved expression appear on his face.

“Unless, of course, you do,” I add teasingly.

“It’s no’ really ma thing. I’m no’ much of a dancer. Rupert and Morag enjoy it though.”

We watch for a moment as Rupert tries out some John Travolta moves. I pick up my glass and notice that it’s empty. That seems to be happening a lot tonight.

“I’ll go and get some more drinks,” I announce to the table.

“Let me,” Ian jumps in.

“No, you’ve bought more than enough. I’ll get these. Same again?”

Everyone nods and passes me their empty glasses. Jamie makes to get up, but I shake my head. “I’ve got this. Relax.”

I weave my way through the tables and lean at the end of the bar, money in hand waiting to catch the eye of one of the bartenders. Judging by the size of some of the orders being placed, I resign myself to being stuck here for some time.

A man squeezes next to me, mirroring my position— elbows on the bar, ten pound note in hand. “Snap!” He laughs. “D’ye think we’ll be served before last orders?”

I smile politely and shake my head, all while trying to breathe through my mouth. Even at this stage of the evening, his aftershave is overpowering, applied with all the finesse of a fifteen year old boy. I try to edge away from him a bit, although I do risk disappearing from the bartenders’ line of sight. He shifts a little closer to me which makes me a bit uncomfortable. It might be perfectly innocent, he might just be moving to try and get served quicker. I don’t really want to challenge him if all he’s trying to do is catch the bartender’s eye.

“I’ve no’ seen ye ‘round the club afore,” I catch him glancing at my ringless left hand. “Are ye here with friends or…?”

“Friends.” I mumble, trying to make it clear I don’t want to start a conversation and I turn my head away from him.

I feel a slight touch on the skin of my upper arm. Whether deliberate or accidental, that combined with his closeness, makes me feel even more uneasy .Instinctively I take a step back and my heel lands on someone’s foot.

A familiar voice whispers in my ear. “Oof, Sassenach, yer shoes are lethal,” and an arm snakes over my shoulder, pulling me towards his body.

In a louder voice, clearly aimed at the pest next to me, Jamie continues. “Ach, love, thanks for saving ma place at the bar. Tell ye what, sweetheart, now I’m here ye can go and sit down and I’ll get the drinks.”

He gives me a slight peck as I smile at him gratefully and make a quick exit. Walking back to the table, I can still feel the roughness of his stubble against my cheek. I stop myself reaching up to touch my face, and shove my hand into my pocket instead.

I sit down next to Jenny. “Jamie’s getting the drinks in.”

“Aye, he thought ye needed tae be rescued from that wee dickhead at the bar.”

“Yes, a timely intervention. Your brother’s a good pal.”

“Aye, he says ye’re good friends.” Jenny stares at me, as if searching for something deeper that I’m hiding.

“Yes, that’s it. Good friends.” I answer, confident that my face will tell the same story.

[dead-tigris]

Here is a video produced by Jasmine Turner of NBC12 about my family's situation.  Please watch and share.  Thank you, and God bless you!

My son John just turned two years old. John’s life has been filled with medical issues and suffering since the week he was born. John has undergone diagnostic testing weekly to determine the causes of his various medical issues: focal onset epilepsy that is difficult to control, gross developmental delays, food allergy, failure to thrive, abnormal swallowing, and aspiration of food that requires intensive feeding therapy. John was placed on a feeding tube for two months before he turned 1, to try to help him gain weight, but to this day he remains underweight for his age. Endoscopy, pH probe, and multiple ultrasounds of his abdomen revealed that possible reasons for his failure to grow were duodenal ulcers, kidney stones, severe diarrhea, hypercholesterolemia, and high calcium levels. He went through medical care for all of these problems; however, John will be in need of ongoing intensive medical care for the foreseeable future.

When I was a graduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University, my tuition and stipend were paid by Iraqi Higher Committee for Education Development (HCED), with the agreement that I would return to Iraq to work for them following graduation.  When I reached out to HCED to discuss deferring my return to Iraq due to John’s many health and neurological problems, they said that they do not care whether John lives or dies - they want $323,129. I will gladly pay that amount in increments over the rest of my life; however, HCED demands that the entire amount is paid as one lump-sum. If I do not pay this amount, or if I do not relocate to Iraq by Mid-July, HCED will charge my parents’ family for the money, which they are unable to pay.  

The origin of John's epilepsy was never determined, and he remains on high doses of antiepileptic medications that will be very difficult to obtain in Iraq. John goes into anaphylactic shock when he is exposed to common foods. Because of the care that John can obtain in the US, doctors have been able to save his life many times. We are scared to take John to Iraq because there would not be EpiPens or local hospitals that could save him in an emergency.  

In addition to these many health problems, preliminary observations by the program director of Richmond Behavioral Health Authority suggest that John is at high risk for autism. As concerned parents, we have researched the effects of early behavioral interventions on long-term outcomes of autism. The first few years of life are crucial for normal development, and children with autism need intensive specialist therapy if they can develop into independent adults. Again, Iraq does not have the services that John would need. There are no experts in Iraq who can work with children with developmental delays.  

I am begging you to help me raise the money to pay back my scholarship to HCED so that my son can continue to live in America and receive the medical care he needs.  We hope that we can offer HCED a smaller, but substantial amount of money to defer our return to Iraq until John is better. Thank you for considering my request. Sincerely, Wisam, Maysam, Mariam, and John 

UPDATE 1: Previously, we were told that the amount I owed HCED was $300,000.  My siblings in Iraq received a notice on June 17th that says that the amount I owe HCED is now $323,129, so we updated the fundraiser goal. UPDATE 2:  We are currently working with the offices of Senator Mark Warner and Senator Tim Kaine to try to resolve these issues. We are very thankful for the contributions of all of our donors and the hardworking staffers in the lawmakers' offices. Please keep us in your prayers, and God bless you all.

FULL NEWS ARTICLE from NBC 12

PLEASE REBLOG AND SHARE

[matafi1208]

Child Poverty NZ

children who experience poverty at a young age go through worse cognitive, social-behavioral and health outcomes due to the low-income being generated in their households. lack of resources being purchased for the wellbeing’s of families and the large amounts of stress on parents and their children as a result of very low income lead to pathways of bad outcomes. “Poverty affects multiple outcomes for children at the same time”

source - https://www.msd.govt.nz/documents/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/information-releases/weag-report-release/rapid-evidence-review-the-impact-of-poverty-on-life-course-outcomes-for-children-and-the-likely-effect-of-increasing-the-adequacy-of-welfare-benef.pdf

children who are born into low income families are more likely to become prone to health problems at a early age in their life. due to the low income being generated, families are limited to resources, food and medicine. In New Zealand, a child born into poverty has on ‘average’ 1.4 times higher risk to die during childhood than children born into high-income families. rheumatic fever, ear infections, gastroenteritis and developmental delay are all health effects that impact young children because of poverty. “In the 2002 National Nutrition Survey about four-fifths of households said they could always afford to eat properly; one in five said they could “sometimes afford to eat properly”

source - https://www.occ.org.nz/assets/Uploads/Reports/Poverty/A-fair-go-for-all-children.pdf

a key crisis which effects young children from poverty is housing crisis’s in state homes. poverty seems to become more life risky once the health of children are in jeopardy. In terms of housing, families are becoming more and more vulnerable to becoming sick due to cold, damp and moldy homes. poor quality homes being worked and improved on reduce large amounts of visits to the hospitals, gps and attendance for work and school will become more and more fewer. ’'“Take care of our children Take care of what they hear Take care of what they feel For how the children grow So will be the shape of Aotearoa”

source - https://thepolicyobservatory.aut.ac.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/75092/Asher-and-St-John-Child-Poverty-Health-in-NZ-v3.pdf

Child Poverty in New Zealand: Why it matters and how it can be reduced.

over the years child poverty has always had a backstory as to why it continues at a rate where constant change is always required in order for it to change. for example the effects that impact the poverty upon children are a increase in relative housing costs because of policy changes , increase in energy costs and change in family structure. overall the major increase which spiked child poverty from the 1980s and 1990s to now is 1. solo parenting and 2. reduction in welfare benefits. “Investing in the future of our children, and especially our most disadvantaged and vulnerable children, is surely the best possible investment any society can make”.

source - https://web-b-ebscohost-com.libproxy.unitec.ac.nz/ehost/detail/detail?vid=7&sid=f63e9c52-f3e6-453d-9b2e-e2606a96fd61%40sessionmgr102&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=a9h&AN=97806341&anchor=AN0097806341-6

Children in Crisis: Child Poverty and Abuse in New Zealand.

Citizens of Aotearoa who’ve returned home after 11 years of living abroad said they were “appalled to see that inequalities had blown out and that the level of child poverty had greatly increased”. A hui was announced by Te Whare Wananga o Waikato to discuss reports concerning child poverty in New Zealand. This provided a space for conversation regarding government policies, producing relevant resources for agencies and/or practitioner’s, between interested groups. A debate between government which emphasized vulnerability rather than poverty, was highlighted in an excerpt titled ‘The White Paper on Vulnerable children’. For example in 2012, 152,800 care and protection notifications were made to Child, Youth & Family Services. An investigation found cases of neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse & emotional abuse. “Too many children live a life far below the norm, most of them let down by the very people, often the only people, who they should be able to trust and rely on to love and protect them”. - The White Paper On Vulnerable Children, 2012—The Sad Reality

Source - http://www.childrensactionplan.govt.nz/the-white-paper/the-sad-reality

the nz herald 

Maori and pasifika households with children who are disabled are twice as more likely to be living in poverty than pakeha. Latest statistics show that the latest housing costs are still continuing to have a large impact on the livelihoods of young children living in poverty. With the government tackling these new targets in order to reduce the child poverty rates, so far they have supposedly been “unequally felt”. “ "In order to meet its Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, the Government must reprioritise, and have the reduction of poverty for tamariki Māori at the core of all its policies.”

source - https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/child-poverty-more-than-twice-as-likely-to-affect-maori-pasifika-disabled-children-as-pakeha/7ARXL2Y5O3XP2SP3FZIUOSCKBE/

[alexthepartyman]

When I’m Saved (Part 1)

AN: This story is a loose and dramatised version based on a true event that happened to me. I have changed names and situations for privacy reasons. This will be a Tumblr and Ao3 exclusive fic. I hope you all enjoy laughing at how much of an idiot I am for getting into this situation.

“I’d like to thank you all for coming in on such brief notice, and I apologise for calling you all in this late.” Section Chief Mateo Cruz greets his tired team after the plane takes off. “You will notice, Dr Lewis is not here. She took a flight out to Peyton, Idaho to be the liaison for the La Byorteaux family. In the meantime, we have Dr Spencer Reid.” 

“What exactly is the situation?” Agent Prentiss asks. 

“Sixteen-year-old Dmitri La Byorteaux was reported missing from Disneyland at midnight, when the park closed. Park security and LAPD are still searching the park just in case he is still there. Dmitri was with his school group, the Peyton Panthers Marching Band and Colour Guard. The LAPD is taking copies of all of their records concerning Dmitri. The band directors are John Tremblay and Mark Wozniak, assistant leaders are Amy Tremblay, Jill Mellencamp, Nicholas Grace, Nicholas Vasquez, Lily Jones, and Arthur Wallace. There are parent chaperones, the one in charge of Dmitri is Ressa Kilburn,” the section chief explains.

“None of them know where he is or can get ahold of him?” Agent Jareau asks.

“No. These girls may know, though.” 

“Adelaide Parker, Tessa Anderson, Emily McClane, Imogen Wilkinson?” 

“His roommates. They were with him for every moment of the trip.” 

“Roommates? Why would they room a boy with four girls? That sounds very strange.” 

“Hello, crimefighters!” Ms Garcia cheerfully greets the team. “I’ve just been through Dmitri’s records that Mrs Mellencamp has provided. He didn’t have a seat buddy on the bus. He was in the back of the ‘orange’ bus, with Imogen and Emily in front of him. And Dmitri is on three medications, two anti-depressants and a thyroid hormone. He is also reportedly allergic to ibuprofen.” 

“Two anti-depressants?” 

“Yeah, fluoxetine and trazodone.” 

“Those two together can create an effect called serotonin syndrome, which is an excess in the hormone serotonin, which is known as the hormone that makes people happy. Symptoms can range from headaches and myoclonus to hyperthermia and a drastically increased heart rate,” Dr Reid says.

“Dmitri’s phone is most likely dead, because I can’t track it.” 

“Does he talk to anybody from the Los Angeles area?” 

“I spotted a few Los Angeles numbers in his contacts. One belongs to a Hussein College. Another is registered to a man named Diego Castro, and yet another is registered to a Jacob Freeman. I’m sending contact information to your mobiles.”

“Castro’s a forty-year-old drag queen. Has the physique to easily overpower Dmitri.”

“Freeman is six feet tall, twenty-one-years-old, also has the physique to overpower Dmitri easily. Do they know each other? Did either of them know Dmitri or each other before yesterday?”

“No. I don’t even think Diego and Jacob know each other now, but I...I just found a picture on Diego’s Instagram, it’s from yesterday, and both Dmitri and Tessa are in it. Diego’s the one hugging Dmitri, the other men are friends of his.” 

“That’s Tessa over there on the other side. And is Dmitri in a wheelchair?”

“Yeah, none of the band records mentioned a wheelchair or a mobility impairment, so let me just get ahold of Dmitri’s medical records…” Typing can be heard through the laptop. “Huh. There’s nothing for Dmitri. At all. Like, he doesn’t exist. I found a Rhys La Byorteaux, though, they have the same prescriptions, same hometown, same last name... same parents… the only thing different is that Rhys is a girl and Dmitri is a boy. They even have the same therapist.”

“Rhys and Dmitri sound like they’re the same person. When did Dmitri start existing?”

“Early 2017. That’s also when Rhys kind of started...not existing… yeah, they’re the same person, records from Dmitri’s clinic show Rhys is a legal name and that he is biologically female, but he is seeking treatment for gender dysphoria and uses the name Dmitri.”

“Oh... he’s transgender? Why weren’t we told of that?” Agent Jareau asks. “I feel like that would be important information to know.”

“I don’t know, but we’re still calling him Dmitri, right?”

“We should, to avoid confusion. How common is that last name?”

“Not very, sir, the only other people I’m finding in America with that last name are the acting brothers and Dmitri’s family... there is a birth certificate for a Luke La Byorteaux, born to Nathaniel La Byorteaux and a Maria Alvez, but I can’t find anything for Luke past 1989.” Agent Alvez looks to the laptop with his eyebrows furrowed.

“Did you just say Maria Alvez?” 

“Yeah, she also kind of went missing, too.” 

“Garcia. Focus on Dmitri.”

“Got it. Dmitri’s medical records look relatively normal until the age of three, then after that, it looks like he’s a frequent flyer in the medical field. He was born relatively healthy for being induced three weeks early, except for the part where his father, Nathaniel La Byorteaux, was removed from the delivery room for protesting when the doctor threw the baby at mother Eva Kelly’s chest, and also for refusing doctors access to newborn Dmitri, who was born anemic.” 

“What kind of father refuses treatment for his newborn child?” Agent Simmons asks. “What started happening when Dmitri turned three?”

“A lot of appointments with specialty doctors, peppered in with ER visits. They referred Dmitri out to an audiologist based on concerns of multiple ear infections and being deaf. They found out he wasn’t deaf by scanning his brain waves when the regular test didn’t work out, and he was developmentally delayed, put in preschool at three, the youngest in his class. He ate a penny, went to the ER to have it pumped out, that’s like the one relatively normal thing that happened to him. Eva Kelly and Nathaniel La Byorteaux voiced many concerns about Dmitri’s never-ending ear infections and the strep throat that he would get constantly, and the frequent nosebleeds that happened nearly daily. He was admitted to the ER many times, covered in bruises from head to toe, bleeding profusely, dangerously high fevers, and they rushed him from the hospital in Ontario, Oregon to Boise, Idaho. CPS was called over concerns of Nathaniel abusing Dmitri, but charges were dismissed once Eva explained that Nathaniel wouldn’t actually beat Dmitri if he didn’t wake up, that was just how Nathaniel woke him up.” 

“What? Nathaniel threatened to beat up Dmitri?”

“Yeah, I wish that was a joke. All of the tests came back that there were no platelets in Dmitri’s system. Anywhere. Zilch. He was given three bags of immunoglobulin and carefully monitored after that. Doctors determined that the only explanation could have been this rare disease called ITP, or-”

“Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura. The body mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets in the body, which are fragments of cells that help clot the blood when the body is wounded. It usually starts in children after a viral disease, and it usually resolves itself with no need for treatment.” 

“Yes, Good Doctor. Dmitri’s condition was closely monitored after that, and then shortly after his fifth birthday, he was diagnosed with autism by a specialist in Salt Lake City, Utah. He went to the MayoClinic in Phoenix, Arizona for a month to have a splenectomy, and then that August, he and his brother Roger Kelly were nearly killed in a single-car rollover, and more blood bags were needed, both sustained concussions. Dmitri was admitted to the ER again later that month after he reportedly fell from the shelves in his closet during the night, that’s a concussion, and then again after he tipped over one of those old-person motor scooters onto himself, but miraculously, all he had was road rash and a bunch of scratches.” 

“What? Where did he get a motorised scooter?”

“His dad apparently got it after breaking his knee on his stepson, Robert’s trick bike, when he collided with the garden gnome. Robert also split his chin open and had to get five stitches. Again, the garden gnome. No, I’m not making any of this up. Let’s see...no hospital activity until Dmitri got his tonsils removed at age nine, apparently that was the reason he got strep throat five times a year. He went through urgent care all the time for weird accidents, like one time, his face swelled up to the size of a grapefruit because of misusing acne wipes. He went through urgent care at fourteen for a concussion, was sent home, no further testing was done... and then two months later, he was admitted to the ER for a major concussion, tests showed no brain bleeding, he was sent home to recover from it, when to the ER three months ago because he had bled out during a panic attack...He didn’t go to the ER again until three weeks ago, and yeah.”

“How does he behave in school?”

“Uh...Dmitri is mayhem incarnate, constant behaviour issues. He’s noted to be moody, fidgety, stubborn. Quite closed off from his peers, distracted, impulsive. He does his work super fast and is noted to be quite intelligent but breaks the rules. He is known to be very messy, and he is regularly known to be very goofy, often covered in markers and other things.. He argues with teachers a lot, has his phone confiscated a lot, violates dress code a lot, has been involved in weird incidents, has a very filthy mouth, serves a lot of detention for being late, a lot.” 

“He’s a rule breaker. You think he left on purpose?”

“He doesn’t look like he can in that wheelchair. It looks like a park rental. Garcia, check into that wheelchair thing. And check Dmitri’s social media. His emails and text messages, too.” 

“On it. I’m going to update Tara.” The blonde woman ends the call, and the screen returns to a navy blue background. 

“I’m going to call LAPD, tell them Dmitri has less time than we thought,” Chief Cruz says, pulling out his cell phone and stepping towards another section of the plane. 

“How do you bleed out from a panic attack?” Agent Rossi asks. “Kid has got talents.”

“That entire family has talents. A garden gnome?”

“Less talk about the freak garden gnome accident, more trying to find Dmitri. He couldn’t have gotten far if he needed a wheelchair, so someone would have had to carry him out if he got far.” 

“We have to figure out why he was in the wheelchair.” 

“He had a concussion three weeks ago that went mostly untreated, he’s probably still showing symptoms, and he may have developed physical coordination issues rendering him temporarily unable to walk. He may also be extremely dizzy, or his limbs may be extremely weak,” Dr Reid explains. 

“Someone would have had to take him. We should track down Diego Castro and Jacob Freeman, see what they know.” 

“The girls would definitely know what happened to him. We have to talk to them. We should also talk to the chaperones that would know Dmitri the best, starting with John and Amy Tremblay.”