Happy New Year   ....2013....style
May your efforts, especially for your autistic loved one be guided by these wise words....."I'm not telling you it's going to be easy, I'm telling you it's going to be worth it."  My child is raised now and every parenting moment that seemed difficult as I raised him, was so worth the extra effort! Bless you who are in the midst of the struggle and keep on .....keeping on.


Christmas is such a busy time, but I still want to enjoy the creativity of the season. It's one of the richest aspects of preparing family times together.
I found this wonderful idea on Mary Hunt's Everyday Cheapskate site-  http://www.everydaycheapskate.com/

Happy Holidays! You've all seen Gifts in a Jar. I've gotten cookie mixes, brownies, etc. but never anything as unique as Journal in a Jar.

Give the Legacy of a Life History
It's an idea that sparks the imagination and encourages stories about your life. You should give one to yourself! Or give a jar filled with paper, a lovely pen (wouldn't a lightup pen be special for those late night inspirations?), a journal, and a bunch of strips of paper with relevant questions. The fun element is the daily story starters that you create: What was your favorite toy as a child? What was your favorite family activity? What was the silliest thing you ever did? Be creative and fun with specific questions that make them laugh or ponder.

NPR story about how the brain works for people with autism.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/06/04/154175007/whats-different-about-the-brains-of-people-with-autism?sc=emaf

I think you'll find it interesting.

You have got to see this. Theater Autism Awareness performance provided for those with ASD. What a wonderful thing!
http://youtu.be/SbW8HUoK-aY

  Baked Egg Boats Makes 4

Ingredients:

4 demi sourdough baguettes
5 eggs
1/3 cup heavy cream
4 ounces pancetta, finely chopped and fried until crisp
3 ounces gruyere cheese, grated
2 green onions, thinly sliced
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Cut a deep “V” through the tops of each baguette until about a 1/2 inch to the bottom. Partially unstuff the baguettes. Set aside.
3. Place the eggs and cream into a mixing bowl and lightly beat together. Whisk in the remaining ingredients and lightly season with salt and pepper.
4. Divide and pour the mixture into each baguette boat and place onto a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown, puffed and set in the center. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes, cut and serve.

An interesting article in the NY Times about new genetic findings regarding autism.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/05/health/research/scientists-link-rare-gene-mutations-to-heightened-risk-of-autism.html?emc=

One of my family's favorites.
 Easy, healthy, delicious

Sesame Pork Tenderloin

2 lbs of pork tenderloin  (2- 1 lb roasts, or 8 -1” thick 6 oz. individual servings)                        
½ c. soy sauce
3 T. olive oil or canola oil
½ Tsp. Ground ginger or 2 tsp fresh minced ginger root
1 to 3 garlic cloves (minced)
½ c. honey
¼ c. packed brown sugar
1/3 c. sesame seeds, toasted

          Place pork in a large resealable plastic bag.  Add the soy sauce, oil, ginger and garlic; seal and turn to coat.  Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight, turning occasionally. 

Drain and discard the marinade.  Place pork tenderloins on a greased rack in a foil lined shallow roasting pan.  Combine the honey and brown sugar; spoon over the top of the pork.  Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake uncovered, at 375˚ for 30-40 minutes or until a meat thermometer reaches 160˚.  Let stand for 5 to 10 min. before slicing.  Serves 8

Autism rate rises to 1 in 88 children

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_20282428/autism-rate-rises-1-88-children-screening-better