tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31889164633617160082024-02-18T18:52:04.184-08:00AspieadvocateASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-11843165914671742192011-07-29T17:56:00.000-07:002011-07-30T07:31:06.325-07:00I Feel for You<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33-kq7xlsEBCQ6j3V6qLubq3iebzWYEsgMtVmY0-IWNZtgUOcK-vdmH8_m_2hJRPXzk8uepKXgwCxPh7qaYqRgYgDkoQX36cdgJnjIj3pyTo-KOKESHQLodEwN1x6Gq0RnhLctzRSgsih/s1600/happysad.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33-kq7xlsEBCQ6j3V6qLubq3iebzWYEsgMtVmY0-IWNZtgUOcK-vdmH8_m_2hJRPXzk8uepKXgwCxPh7qaYqRgYgDkoQX36cdgJnjIj3pyTo-KOKESHQLodEwN1x6Gq0RnhLctzRSgsih/s400/happysad.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635151171439316274" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; " >I feel sorry for those who think autistics have no ability to empathize.<span> </span>In my case at least, Apsperger’s<span> </span>left me too vulnerable to the emotions of others.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" >When I was a little girl, I smiled until my face hurt. I was nowhere near as delighted as the constant smile seemed to indicate, but I was not miserable either. The unrelenting<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>smile was, I now believe, the product of<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>rigid autistic thinking had led me to a false conclusion that like everything else in my world, there was a correct and incorrect path. Blocks must be stacked in a certain formation, there were right and wrong answers to every imaginable question. By that admittedly skewed, reasoning , the same principal must have applied to emotion. There was one correct emotion: happiness, which was always expressed with a smile.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; ">Other emotions existed, that was irrefutable. Whatever other explanation could there be for tears or frowns? I avoided wearing such expressions on my own face though, because they and the emotions they represented were obviously incorrect. However I couldn’t seem to control the emotions of others, which was maddening , like sudden mind-reading abilities in the science fiction stories to which I <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>was always so drawn, terrifying telepathy that inevitably landed protagonists in the equivalent of their planets’ <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>rubber rooms. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" >I would not describe this way of thinking as healthy. I wasn't simply irked when an adult or another child would refuse to comply with my orders to smile, I was furious and terrified and would not, could not, calm down until they did. What complicated matters more then, and continues to complicate them to this day is my impaired ability to read facial expressions and body language.</span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" >Like many autistic people, I’m capable of seeing macro-expressions , broad smiles, uncontrollable tooth-grinding rage, but more subtle expressions remain a mystery to me. I still can’t tell if the not-entirely happy person next to me </span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" >is mourning the loss of a beloved friend or the loss of a nail tip they just had manicured. Although I’m better equipped to handle all the input as an adult than I was as a child, between the sensory overload of loud music, bright lights, forced conversation (especially that autistic bête noir, the inescapable natter of small talk.) my sensory processing abilities are already taxed. On top of all that I often feel people feeling </span><i style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "><b>at</b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" > me. Whether they notice my presence or not, I notice theirs, and my ability to process their emotions, the origin and nature of which I still have difficulty interpreting, causes me distress.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "><b>It’s a mistake to confuse an inability to sense with an inability to care.</b>To the extent that I am able to resonate with other people’s emotions, I care intently. Further I am aware that I am not aware of what people are feeling and compensate by the seemingly simple</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "><a name="_GoBack"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; "> but actually complex method of inquiring.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; " >I don’t like to think about that part of my life. I have never written about it. But I recently had a conversation with one of son’s teachers that sent chills down my spine. She told me about a little girl with the same diagnosis as mine, Aspergers. Like me she has always been verbal, but when someone she cares for does not produce a smile that lives up to her expectations she will crawl up on their lap and try to force their lips into what she considers a properly happy expression. I remember doing that .</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; " >My autistic son is minimally verbal, but there is no doubt in my mind that his empathy is as powerful of as that of those who can articulate it. He’s been using what words he has to ask me if our cats are happy. He’s been asking his teachers if a particularly close friend of his in school is happy. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not curiously or occasionally, but frantically and repetitively. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>No amount of reassurance seems to soothe him for more than a moment when he gets into one of these loops. Medication helps. We also have high hopes for social stories, and since we want to teach him that he has some power to influence others positively we make suggestions about concrete things he can do to help. Finally, we emphasize the transitory nature of emotion. I suspect the notion that whatever is going on in a given moment will last forever is a common autistic fear. I have it too. So when he seems to be frightened by his own reactions to others’ emotions, I stroke his hair and I remind him that smiles and frowns are like rain and sunshine. Neither lasts forever. Just when you think the weather cannot ever change, it does.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; " >I have faith in in my son to resolve this confusion just as he has conquered other perplexing aspects of a world not tailored to his needs, but he’ll need help. He needs to learn that he does have power, not to change the weather of people’s moods, but to react to them in a compassionate yet not all-consuming way. I am working on that skill myself, very slowly improving, but I believe his prospects are better than mine. What I do know from my own experience in this realm, and what I strongly believe when I observe him, is that pushing for greater empathy in an already hyper-empathetic child will not help and might even cause more distress and confusion for him. Empathy he’s got. Boundaries are what he needs. Shoring up some kind of emotional self-defense in one of the most caring children I can imagine, that’s what all of us who love him will spend the next few years doing. As parenting tasks go, I think it beats the hell out of trying to foment empathy where an exhausting abundance already exists<span>.</span></span></p>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-83034903025725092732011-06-15T14:14:00.000-07:002011-06-15T18:41:03.476-07:00Heeding Autism's Aesop<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9W_66TULg4G6zmbsMUkYsQflOIHvUZwLnFwFISK6oDISR8fW6ZpQ8u6woZzgnYoUjedMcdcu7cPesfVCqZyFh5aSVlF0EmI1TeFlha6kI0JOga9l6GfhnsmQYKyOK2TsjcI9Jxr3M_fEI/s1600/Be+Different+cover.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 209px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9W_66TULg4G6zmbsMUkYsQflOIHvUZwLnFwFISK6oDISR8fW6ZpQ8u6woZzgnYoUjedMcdcu7cPesfVCqZyFh5aSVlF0EmI1TeFlha6kI0JOga9l6GfhnsmQYKyOK2TsjcI9Jxr3M_fEI/s400/Be+Different+cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618609067701921666" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"; color:black">Anyone who has ever tapped on the window of, but cannot open the door to the world of normalcy (wherever that is) owes it to themselves to buy</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"; color:black"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; color: black; " > <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Different-Adventures-Free-Range-Aspergian-Aspergians/dp/0307884813/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1306947078&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 153); ">Be Different: Adventures of a Free-Range Aspergian with Practical Advice for Aspergians, Misfits, Families & Teachers</span></b></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:black"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"; color:black">by the luminously wise John Elder Robison, author of Look Me in the Eye, a 2007 memoir that well earned its place on the New York Times bestseller list.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"; color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"">I’m on the autism spectrum, myself. Like Mr. Robison I was diagnosed in my forties, which means I was born long before Aspergers was generally recognized as a diagnosis, too early for effective intervention. For me Be Different, the follow-up to Mr Robison’s ground-breaking memoir Look Me in the Eye offers more a confirmation than a revelation. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"">Sometimes I recognized myself and laughed. Some sections, like Managing Sensory Overload, figuratively hit the perfect note with me, when Mr. Robison describes his technique of isolating the music of one instrument at a time to avoid being overwhelmed by the sensory stimulation of an entire orchestra. (The only downside, of course, is when the one musician commanding your attention at the moment plays or sings off key. Ouch.) <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"">Sometimes I recognized myself and felt my ears burning. In the (Not) Reading People chapter I found myself nodding vigorously at Mr. Robison’s memory of his inability to read any but the most exaggerated and frequently repeated facial expressions, and the confusion that deficit caused. If, as I had been told, a smile signaled friendship then I wondered, like Mr. Robison apparently did, how a person’s threatening actions could so contradict their friendly facial expression?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bullies often smile as they are bullying, so if another child came towards me smiling, it was hard for me to predict whether they were about to say hello or push me into the dirt. Eventually, I learned techniques similar to Mr. Robison’s to compensate, but my epiphanies seemed to come later in my life than they did in his. I’m relieved that he’s quicker on the uptake than me, and better at articulating the rules it took me so long to learn – and that he is teaching what are no less than survival tactics to the current generation of autistic people, which includes my own son. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"">Be Different presents a new opportunity to get acquainted with this author, in a book that’s every bit as compelling as his first. Yet here the tone is…Different. Like his memoir the incandescent writing is deeply personal, accessible to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider for any reason. But this time around, Mr. Robison acts as a kind of Autistic Aesop; he writes less a scorching memoir and more a series of directly illustrative biographical vignettes. There is a clear value here of the (literally) underlined morals of the stories to those of us insensible to the subtlety of, well, subtlety. If you’re on the autism spectrum or parenting a child on the spectrum, Be Different functions as a manual, just as its sub-title promises. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New""><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"">If you have no connection to the autism community, then I’d argue that you need a copy of this book even more than those among us who do. The diagnosis rate is rising so quickly that if you don’t already know someone autistic, you will soon. Bosses, shopkeepers, bus drivers, co-workers, and neighbors will all benefit from an heads-up to understanding that quirky person who will at some point undoubtedly pop up in their lives -- not wanting to offend, but somehow often offending; not looking to take offense but somehow taking it anyway.<span style="color:black"> <span class="apple-style-span">On the spectrum or off, it's hard to quell hurt feelings, but using Be Different as a guidebook we can all navigate through misunderstandings to compassionate clarity.</span></span></span> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"">There are at least two generations of autistic people like the author and me, folks who never got a lick of intervention. All of us who often swear we were born on the wrong planet are trying to meet the non-autistic population halfway, but we need the help of non-autistic people to make a place for ourselves in this world and a meaningful contribution to it. The insight we all need, whether we’re autistic or not, can start the minute we start heeding the advice of one of autism’s most effective spokespeople. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New""><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">You can find Be Different in any store or site that sells books. My website doesn’t sell books, so be assured, I’m not making a dime from this sales pitch. I just think Be Different will make a difference in your life.</span>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-80262655063010486122011-04-29T08:49:00.000-07:002011-04-29T08:53:57.364-07:00Must See TV<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhpD7tUQghA41-gvxGckKCK_11yTii-oNaFgcRFGx9wrRa5xtYjjXyu0_SHvR5UQdR4KzfrYsTHBcSlLqwVUW6Hl5j2kinm43i-2jjaTv6M3ThyJQXJsgcTwj5t8R3_L1zWnpcJ4TwX3H/s1600/stephen+on+TV.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhpD7tUQghA41-gvxGckKCK_11yTii-oNaFgcRFGx9wrRa5xtYjjXyu0_SHvR5UQdR4KzfrYsTHBcSlLqwVUW6Hl5j2kinm43i-2jjaTv6M3ThyJQXJsgcTwj5t8R3_L1zWnpcJ4TwX3H/s320/stephen+on+TV.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601033926626144226" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.prlog.org/11460877-televised-series-exploring-critical-issues-presents-autism-and-aspergers-syndrome.html">Televised Series Exploring Critical Issues Presents “Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome”</a>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-45037773722185167712011-04-07T14:52:00.000-07:002011-04-07T15:05:29.763-07:00Don't Keep This Wish a Secret!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qNO8ZQhQb6vS8EjbDevJXLUBIgKDck5lGW9NX6CA-SgmTYmAHGTgLpo5GZKvIXBW2h2R-Hks-DLBqoipdyECVdLpM1VAcm1f9sewzmRWvkWEjMB-_pVnLrpoY8UIjb_WmQ4SEBEPjhbu/s1600/Black+steps+down.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qNO8ZQhQb6vS8EjbDevJXLUBIgKDck5lGW9NX6CA-SgmTYmAHGTgLpo5GZKvIXBW2h2R-Hks-DLBqoipdyECVdLpM1VAcm1f9sewzmRWvkWEjMB-_pVnLrpoY8UIjb_WmQ4SEBEPjhbu/s320/Black+steps+down.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592963584598639314" /></a>Call it a dream for a better future, or call it just plain old educational advocacy: My fellow New Yorkers repeat after me: <span class="Apple-style-span" >The next chancellor will be better.</span> If we all say it together enough, as loudly and publicly as we can, there's a chance we can make this wish come true.<div><br /><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/education/2011/04/07/2011-04-07_cathie_black_out_as_new_york_city_schools_chancellor_deputy_mayor_dennis_walcott.html">Cathie Black asked to step down as NYC Schools Chancellor; Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott to take post</a></div>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-22802393859370187002011-03-23T12:51:00.001-07:002011-03-23T12:56:24.871-07:00George Takei on My Mind.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskj9psF123cjtt7neJMCD7eZeH56-D_WVhkf__QhZ65XMPuz4C-9xcCWxR3zrbTGE9GuMJkFdnJbM9Y1Bte-9nPNPfuIRKI95vIrml3DTyg4nzduVdnxk5_E9vKG93nNn5svE7oG2hLNA/s1600/George+Takei.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskj9psF123cjtt7neJMCD7eZeH56-D_WVhkf__QhZ65XMPuz4C-9xcCWxR3zrbTGE9GuMJkFdnJbM9Y1Bte-9nPNPfuIRKI95vIrml3DTyg4nzduVdnxk5_E9vKG93nNn5svE7oG2hLNA/s400/George+Takei.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587366124313158978" /></a><br /><div>I owe many of my social skills to Japan. Click on the link below to find out why.<br /><div><a href="http://thinkingautismguide.blogspot.com/">http://thinkingautismguide.blogspot.com/</a></div></div>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-14163947357629922212011-03-13T19:53:00.001-07:002011-03-13T20:01:54.383-07:00NYC Movies and shows for kids on the autism spectrum.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQ0jQNHB6HOtMh0Kf5_V3QFk4NJS913mCoLpEuY2YfBkQtf4QEoG6iaHJ4VXcwmT6-OPjhdXHkSi85Iv33T9e-lfQpDEeK-heUSJP46Drz8mRNR-4raIxvdOIniwktDsxG65Kaoj929My/s1600/Boy+against+puzzle.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQ0jQNHB6HOtMh0Kf5_V3QFk4NJS913mCoLpEuY2YfBkQtf4QEoG6iaHJ4VXcwmT6-OPjhdXHkSi85Iv33T9e-lfQpDEeK-heUSJP46Drz8mRNR-4raIxvdOIniwktDsxG65Kaoj929My/s320/Boy+against+puzzle.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583763913902190434" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; font-size: 1em; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><strong>Movies and shows for kids on the autism spectrum.</strong></span></b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; font-size: 1em; "><strong>A series of screenings of movies and live performances tailored to the needs of autistic children. I have an autistic son myself and while I applaud AMC's Sensory Screenings I feel that most autistic children do not have sensory problems with the movie theater environment (as long as the sound isn't POUNDING and things aren't PITCH BLACK).</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.7em; font-size: 1em; "><strong>What our children mostly need is a "No Shushing" environment where talking, vocal outbursts and the need to get up and move are respected. I have arranged for the SoHo Gallery for Digital Art, 138 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012 to donate its screening facilities on Saturday afternoons to this project.</strong></p></span><a href="http://www.meetup.com/Spectrumshows/events/16895419/"><span class="Apple-style-span" >http://www.meetup.com/Spectrumshows</span></a>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-48295990419117400812011-03-13T09:16:00.000-07:002011-03-13T09:32:25.899-07:00We & Our Kids Are Everywhere...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVv2xazEIA1xDYCcdWMONYd5hpxz4Y9OzOqujUrGJ-nE5Z-AqaU3XlEF8GwO36a0Geu-FkIFVSJC_ga8nD8so_UxoPC5TM30IMDV9Eidx0Qa0vbpy7RR85Ll39vi1PkcU2AmkrS1U-Tq7/s1600/Komo+Center.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVv2xazEIA1xDYCcdWMONYd5hpxz4Y9OzOqujUrGJ-nE5Z-AqaU3XlEF8GwO36a0Geu-FkIFVSJC_ga8nD8so_UxoPC5TM30IMDV9Eidx0Qa0vbpy7RR85Ll39vi1PkcU2AmkrS1U-Tq7/s320/Komo+Center.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583599423104236114" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">The Komo Centre for Understanding Autism was established in 2006 by Elizabeth Kaleeba, the parent of an Autistic child.The centre was started to provide education, care and support for children and families affected by ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). It is the first provision of this kind in Uganda.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">Please visit their site to see how you can help their vital work:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><a href="http://www.komocentre.org/pageID_10288582.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" >http://www.komocentre.org/pageID_10288582.htm</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">l</span></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >If you are on Facebook. please Friend and support another good resource, </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Autismcentre Uganda</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Check out their upcoming fundraiser </span><span class="Apple-style-span" >at </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=190663840972163">http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=190663840972163</a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-44692077147573007292011-03-03T16:08:00.000-08:002011-03-03T16:16:19.176-08:00Panel: Raising Children of the Autism Spectrum<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuL1WPzH3mq5Ez8TZyAQO34b_FIKFFg6aPLhanpAxUe6_c7wasRR-OsdY39UOEgYdS2YcfUrEAZknuEjeC1IcvdLLr1wdzV9pzcBtDj2JagsRsFLdD4hdFvkMH4O4qcdy4Ctv0nzchJaXf/s1600/New+York+Hall+of+Scienc.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 123px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuL1WPzH3mq5Ez8TZyAQO34b_FIKFFg6aPLhanpAxUe6_c7wasRR-OsdY39UOEgYdS2YcfUrEAZknuEjeC1IcvdLLr1wdzV9pzcBtDj2JagsRsFLdD4hdFvkMH4O4qcdy4Ctv0nzchJaXf/s320/New+York+Hall+of+Scienc.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580011221172881506" /></a><br /><div>I'm really looking forward to speaking on this panel at the New York Hall of Science on </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; "><h4 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(94, 87, 76); line-height: 23px; ">Sunday, April 10, 2 pm<br /><a href="http://www.nysci.org/visit/events/event/autismpanel#rsvp" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; outline-style: none; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">Free with Registration</a></h4></span><div>. I hope you'll join us.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.nysci.org/visit/events/event/autismpanel">Panel: Raising Children of the Autism Spectrum</a>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-21623565257784007082011-02-22T16:30:00.000-08:002011-02-22T16:31:33.541-08:00Autistic Children Help at Coffee Shop in N.J. School - NYTimes.com<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRFhPc52x9l7Zl34I6x0-L8Au8ZA2zGgrAKKNa9JEtOnjhxqY-eFCcexij9ed5NrHFNhZgoWG08qYIyz_3L5dbmFDw-uqcn-N8LNhEUcNjDx0nZbiDFWpmWiBWHOLzS8Vd8tqNTJaZ02h/s1600/Coffeeshop.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 127px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRFhPc52x9l7Zl34I6x0-L8Au8ZA2zGgrAKKNa9JEtOnjhxqY-eFCcexij9ed5NrHFNhZgoWG08qYIyz_3L5dbmFDw-uqcn-N8LNhEUcNjDx0nZbiDFWpmWiBWHOLzS8Vd8tqNTJaZ02h/s320/Coffeeshop.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576676068661842370" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/19/education/19autism.html?_r=1">Autistic Children Help at Coffee Shop in N.J. School - NYTimes.com</a>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-1777928552630026072011-02-20T14:41:00.000-08:002011-02-20T14:50:14.121-08:00Georgia on My Mind<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5Upugjg0QRzn49aw24fpXxzEBcws7-ByDD3V8F1lPyyYvPJfdCGrpJxIyMDa1_z3DW9iY6gZf3PPeW9EXKb9F7AZwyDv1UW8HlD65ssN2RJnVjuQqSFmM-1IZbMGZ7Oq9Ju7hD3-Lo5K/s1600/Georgia+ASA.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5Upugjg0QRzn49aw24fpXxzEBcws7-ByDD3V8F1lPyyYvPJfdCGrpJxIyMDa1_z3DW9iY6gZf3PPeW9EXKb9F7AZwyDv1UW8HlD65ssN2RJnVjuQqSFmM-1IZbMGZ7Oq9Ju7hD3-Lo5K/s320/Georgia+ASA.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575906071918918642" /></a>I'd go myself, if I weren't already heading to the COPAA conference in San Antonio earlier in the month.(Check that out at this link <a href="http://www.copaa.org/conference-training/">http://www.copaa.org/conference-training/</a>)<div><br /></div><div>Only so often the Mom of a rambunctious eight-year-old can travel <g><br /><div><a href="http://www.copaa.org/conference-training/"></a><br /><a href="http://www.asaga.com/">ASAGA - Autism Society of America - GA Chapter</a></div></div>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-330419771462097222011-02-14T12:54:00.000-08:002011-02-21T16:29:23.009-08:00So Far, Not So Good...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pNndthIMdP2eFb1ynNNHLMyZ2zxDEpUgN-dy5qc5k5oM-olv8c5ynLvNAV-BiM-93kdpLloDVe2K2awbM3MK5eEsM6opivvwlNCgXPxPxlB6-TrlGse2itkuSoChe4TP7bWyhmFhTqec/s1600/alg_cathie_black.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pNndthIMdP2eFb1ynNNHLMyZ2zxDEpUgN-dy5qc5k5oM-olv8c5ynLvNAV-BiM-93kdpLloDVe2K2awbM3MK5eEsM6opivvwlNCgXPxPxlB6-TrlGse2itkuSoChe4TP7bWyhmFhTqec/s320/alg_cathie_black.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573651923323012946" /></a>I truly like to look for the best in people, and I'm from a publishing background myself, which gives me something in common with Cathie Black. I want to give her a chance. Really. No, she doesn't have what I'd normally look for on a resume for her pending position, but then again (I tell myself when I'm in a charitable mood) who better to promote literacy than someone who has spent her career bringing books into creation?<div><br /></div><div>But this "joke," well, I hope this does not represent her at her best, as a professional or as a person. If we are to hold onto high expectations for our kids, special needs or not, we must feel secure in high expectations for our schools. And as hard as I try, my already uneasy hopes for Cathie Black's success are slipping. Please Ms. Black, nothing would make me happier than your proving me wrong.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/education/2011/01/14/2011-01-14_parents_not_laughing_at_schools_chancellor_cathie_blacks_birth_control_overcrowd.html"><span class="Apple-style-span">Parents not laughing at Schools Chancellor Cathie Black's 'birth control' overcrowding joke</span></a></span></div>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-31077394744037708542011-02-01T15:13:00.000-08:002011-02-01T15:25:10.904-08:00Facts Are Better Than Fear<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zJlxIVtHl5RMCBgXD5caFPoTjrhRXujT5Lf-sIhezHsvI6OdFrwicxhPJHwJHv5e9Rwa9_iS0t0Dm2qP79wMtBDMZVRZXU5IS0MWQdDR0MKid2kCKX1xJUSs7v6_4A5WXMSITpcYVwVs/s1600/TPGAlogo_med.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zJlxIVtHl5RMCBgXD5caFPoTjrhRXujT5Lf-sIhezHsvI6OdFrwicxhPJHwJHv5e9Rwa9_iS0t0Dm2qP79wMtBDMZVRZXU5IS0MWQdDR0MKid2kCKX1xJUSs7v6_4A5WXMSITpcYVwVs/s400/TPGAlogo_med.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568864023263482002" /></a><br /><div>This is the kind of interview that makes me proud to be one of the editors of this blog.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://thinkingautismguide.blogspot.com/">The Thinking Person's Guide to Autism</a>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-33852789550469287032011-01-11T17:40:00.000-08:002011-01-11T18:02:35.164-08:00An Offer I Couldn't Refuse<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n9PTi9HAFZGQW5z32YO5DqB9oYsMLd8xyfD-c3eDANL7GHDrxwkk4dklupuREH0A_9nbinVOxoQZrCAraaoCNxCoKjHgC-7aa3ZwXHg-U9Y5mIta9fL8HQgeL8kAca-Xg_eMrNg2MTdc/s1600/TPGAlogo_med.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n9PTi9HAFZGQW5z32YO5DqB9oYsMLd8xyfD-c3eDANL7GHDrxwkk4dklupuREH0A_9nbinVOxoQZrCAraaoCNxCoKjHgC-7aa3ZwXHg-U9Y5mIta9fL8HQgeL8kAca-Xg_eMrNg2MTdc/s400/TPGAlogo_med.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561113651321243778" /></a><br /><div>I am so honored to be included in the company of these august personages :)</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://thinkingautismguide.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>The Thinking Person's Guide to Autism</b></span></a>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-7990759185762474252011-01-08T07:06:00.000-08:002011-01-08T07:36:38.714-08:00COPAA Annual Conference | Copaa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXpph82nil5T6mKiVvVCcLHMlZxxnttMM-UIE3t9jLvnbKIFn9LSZ86ob4NU4U7xt7HFKa046UaeL2qpixO5bl32OJvowEfC60kl3Wf0ORPNAyi4q5YE0mr3OiSr_3lYKJ3kdwMNUGcls/s1600/sanantonio-300x185.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXpph82nil5T6mKiVvVCcLHMlZxxnttMM-UIE3t9jLvnbKIFn9LSZ86ob4NU4U7xt7HFKa046UaeL2qpixO5bl32OJvowEfC60kl3Wf0ORPNAyi4q5YE0mr3OiSr_3lYKJ3kdwMNUGcls/s400/sanantonio-300x185.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559832323378753602" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.copaa.org/conference-training/conference/">COPAA Annual Conference | Copaa</a><div><br /></div><div>I really can't say enough good stuff about COPAA. As a parent and as an advocate, these folks have been one of my greatest resources for all things special education for years now. Yes, it costs a little money to join and maintain your membership, but you get so much for about what it costs to buy a good pair of shoes. True, COPAA membership hasn't helped with my foot problems, but they've always got my back, and I've never had a pair of shoes that gave such good advice, so quickly, and offered a library full of legal citations to boot. Sorry, I really tried to resist that pun, but my sense of whimsy overcame me. If you want to scold me for that or any of my other lousy jokes, meet me at the COPAA Annual Conference from March 3-6 at the Westin Riverwalk hotel in sunny San Antonio, TX. </div>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-59532828091653527192010-12-30T06:44:00.000-08:002010-12-30T06:55:35.357-08:00Dominic's House on ADVANCE for Occupational Therapy Practitioners<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwZj4J1Vox16LepaQFIJSVpnq5p9hGnuffVnU9IPQ0M907qTm_kZeOoWks1U-QwTxUNlbSFQRtd8FhVwGFrZ6t7G3P9f4S2ASDpRTj3DKmCpQ4Uk1wo566JBOkgaSBzBjIxZtgfSi7cgs/s1600/dominic.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 257px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwZj4J1Vox16LepaQFIJSVpnq5p9hGnuffVnU9IPQ0M907qTm_kZeOoWks1U-QwTxUNlbSFQRtd8FhVwGFrZ6t7G3P9f4S2ASDpRTj3DKmCpQ4Uk1wo566JBOkgaSBzBjIxZtgfSi7cgs/s320/dominic.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556489043133340466" /></a><br /><a href="http://occupational-therapy.advanceweb.com/Multimedia/Photo-Gallery/Dominics-House.aspx">Dominic's House on ADVANCE for Occupational Therapy Practitioners</a>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-382173256541135112010-12-22T13:46:00.000-08:002010-12-22T13:48:56.197-08:00Daniel Epstein-Local Champion<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYttwiTrvwlN9C7VazxHLQ6Dmj8U5takwdVvrKREuMEaDvfpEay9HWMAJHf3iibtV0icZigtDyST2rUfFLFymFV7Sstxh1muiwavwLwWQ47G7RX2tdMlImVcanmIAPU85_Fa_8jG-9JcV/s1600/Daniel%2527s+Determination.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYttwiTrvwlN9C7VazxHLQ6Dmj8U5takwdVvrKREuMEaDvfpEay9HWMAJHf3iibtV0icZigtDyST2rUfFLFymFV7Sstxh1muiwavwLwWQ47G7RX2tdMlImVcanmIAPU85_Fa_8jG-9JcV/s320/Daniel%2527s+Determination.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553626849045933762" /></a><br />On December 21 2010 a handsome young man named Daniel Epstein stepped up onto a podium at the Surrogate Court to accept the <i><span class="Apple-style-span">Be A Champion Essay Contest</span></i> award from the New York City Department of Education, the New York Jets, and Lime Connect. Here is his prize-winning essay.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">"My name is Daniel Epstein. I am 11 years old and I have autism. Everyday my life is filled with challenges and new experiences. My most challenging goal is to move up and out of my special education class. I would like to go to regular education class. My dream is to graduate from the high school of Art and Design and then attend the Pratt institute. I would focus on the digital arts program. My ultimate goal is to graduate with my bachelor of fine arts and to become a graphic artist.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">My determination and focus will help me achieve my goals . My future will be bright and successful. I can speak to others who have autism just like me and other developmental disabilities. With hard work, focus and determination, anything is possible. All a person needs is a dream and a will to make that dream become a reality."</span></div><div><br /></div><div>What Daniel said, my friends. With the support of loving family, friends, and teachers, nothing will stop this guy. So next time you run into someone who paints a grim picture of your child's future, re-read Daniel's essay and remember that perseveration is just another word for perseverance. That's the quality from which all bright futures spring, for all of our kids whether they have disabilities or not. Mazel Tov, Daniel.</div>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-87457092852181385702010-12-17T14:49:00.000-08:002010-12-17T14:54:40.668-08:00Spectrumy: Text 2 Show Your Support 4 Autism Workshops<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11.6667px; "><a href="http://sharondavanport.blogspot.com/2010/12/today-is-text-tuesday-4-cause-autism.html">Spectrumy: Text 2 Show Your Support 4 Autism Workshops</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PHsIce4urU8/TP76dk4d7qI/AAAAAAAAArg/DbDxFz31ppo/s1600/TextVote1.jpg" /></div>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-13284777962936415332010-12-15T09:35:00.000-08:002010-12-15T09:48:58.181-08:00The Case for a Continuum | 5 Minutes for Special Needs<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px; "><img src="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/wp-content/uploads/headway/header-uploads/specialneeds_header.png" alt="5 Minutes for Special Needs" /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, Heather M. for reminding us that an appropriate placement for our kids is more important than who they attend class with. </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/6864/case-for-continuum/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+5MinutesForSpecialNeeds+%285+Minutes+for+Special+Needs%29&utm_content=Twitter">The Case for a Continuum | 5 Minutes for Special Needs</a>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-9371070358300248082010-12-14T07:12:00.000-08:002010-12-14T07:12:40.271-08:00Tips for giving assistive technology gifts | Accessible Insights Blog<div>This is not kid-specific, but I think the advice applies to anyone thinking of giving appropriate technology to special needs children.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://accessibleinsights.info/blog/2010/12/13/tips-for-giving-assistive-technology-gifts/">Tips for giving assistive technology gifts | Accessible Insights Blog</a>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-60638726610965912532010-12-11T18:52:00.000-08:002010-12-11T18:59:00.934-08:00AbleData: Products<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVS8adscznPhN8xt7TX8ep1R0buYPWJ7b8D-66iFeuW9vty_sbmY2v2W_0o4-22IXn8HmiM3_4SrX8sIjIKM8fHxygVqCaeQkYNOlrqr4ydSFDiDrgtTNWDiCrbEFkbMQJP7t8rtEX441t/s1600/abledatabanner.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 57px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVS8adscznPhN8xt7TX8ep1R0buYPWJ7b8D-66iFeuW9vty_sbmY2v2W_0o4-22IXn8HmiM3_4SrX8sIjIKM8fHxygVqCaeQkYNOlrqr4ydSFDiDrgtTNWDiCrbEFkbMQJP7t8rtEX441t/s320/abledatabanner.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549624672078871986" /></a><br />This is a resource you can't afford to miss <a href="http://www.abledata.com/abledata.cfm?pageid=19327&ksectionid=19327">AbleData: Product</a>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-38272487033208337292010-12-10T16:50:00.000-08:002010-12-11T17:54:03.934-08:00I'm an Embarrassment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcLVXhX057hLakT5xwfIS-bfT-biXxTvZaBF9XsLPIZeJgsk4Mc7cyV3eLpZ2FB_y2HJddDnEbb7fEp7QcW9PlonxoZc0x_ffl1ELB5MeMk1GMC7W4T8ffCMfBl7Ru4wmcWt_GdNp6Uwx/s1600/DoubleFacePalm.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcLVXhX057hLakT5xwfIS-bfT-biXxTvZaBF9XsLPIZeJgsk4Mc7cyV3eLpZ2FB_y2HJddDnEbb7fEp7QcW9PlonxoZc0x_ffl1ELB5MeMk1GMC7W4T8ffCMfBl7Ru4wmcWt_GdNp6Uwx/s320/DoubleFacePalm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549608104362386770" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span">I don't have much in the way of shame. I've learned enough social skills over the years to not to embarrass friends, family, or even complete strangers as often as I used to, but my Inappropriate Meter isn't entirely consistent. So hang around with me for a moment or for years and risk blushing. Sometimes people do bad things, so I suppose I can justify my tactless exposure of their misdeeds as a kind of karmic justice. Then again, sometimes people make innocent mistakes and I make everything worse by pointing out their faux pas. I try my best not to be the source of hurt, and try to have faith that most adults are able to forgive whatever role is I play in their discomfort. But I worry about embarrassing kids, in particular my autistic son.</span> <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Yeah, I know some parents of autistic kids worry about the kids embarrassing the rest of the family in public with their unusual behavior. But for me it's the other way around. I never shut up about autism, mine or his, and while I have every right to out myself, I'm making decisions about him that should really be his to make. Except even if he's made different decisions about disclosure than I have, he's not (yet) verbal enough to tell anyone. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">In some ways he's not much different from many kids his age. He loves sports and rough-and-tumble games. There's probably a sensory component to his style of play, and I'm thrilled he wants to interact with others. He never rough-houses in anger, so it's pretty clear that this is not about aggression. But his motivation doesn't matter to kids on the playground who don't have the same idea of fun, and it certainly doesn't matter to their parents. When he plays rough and doesn't understand his playmate's negative reaction, I have to intercede, no question about it. Lately, though, I keep wondering how to do so in a way that's respectful to everyone involved. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Time is oddly reluctant to pause at these moments, and I'm not at my most articulate when flustered, so what needs to be said often goes unexplained. There's so much to say: that I too believe play should be consensual all around; that I know my son means no harm; that autism can complicate even the most simple interactions, but that doesn't make my son or me unrelentingly tragic figures; that my son has a right to privacy about his autism, but at the same time others have a right to an explanation of the invasion of their personal space. Meanwhile there are frowning adults to placate, crying children to soothe, and, um lets just say not entirely constructive behaviors to correct. I'm not much of a multitasker under any circumstances, so at these moments it's not just Time that freezes. I freeze too. After I thaw, the second-guessing of how I handled the situation begins, and that never seems to end.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">In some ways I'm not different from many parents. This ambivalent relationship I have with the passage of time, for example: I know we all long for simpler days that never actually existed. Every age has its challenges. But then again some moments seem to last forever, teething, potty training, homework strikes, meltdowns all those inevitables of childhood that are exaggerated and extended for special needs children. I confess I often lose faith in the doctrine of This Too Shall Pass. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">The truth is, my crystal ball never really worked too well. I can't reliably predict what challenges my son will face next year this time, or how I'll handle them. The best I can hope for is that if I'm not already embarrassing my son, I soon will be the way all parents seem destined to embarrass their children. I really hope he recognizes even now how embarrassing I am, but that he won't respond by silently resenting me his whole life for violating his privacy. If instead, when he reaches his teens, he never stops rolling his eyes at me and can announce to the world in loud strong voice and perhaps in his very own blog, every single bad decision I've ever made in parenting him, then I'm probably on solid ground. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">As a parent, it's my job to embarrass my child, setting all kinds of boundaries, misunderstanding his feelings, and generally elevating dorkiness to an art form the way many of us on the spectrum do. Yup, I'm hoping, I'm actually counting on embarrassing my son. I just pray it's for all the right reasons.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div> bn</div></div></div></div></div></div>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-69139306690012305272010-12-08T18:21:00.000-08:002010-12-08T15:22:09.236-08:00Brain Development: Sensory, Physical, Behavioral and Nutritional Information: Building Fine Motor Skills<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Bp3TF5N9tHraSei7J-1I6TPErY5EfYdWyoOjYv607E8G-1FeBjw7QNY2uuny9N83XktlSrSlng9a4kLY_z441GdqJlrQ623VTdc-IV3Q56n5AjiX4T9VvNDBaRAFIPp2DgHm07mVCiJn/s1600/cutie+patutie.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Bp3TF5N9tHraSei7J-1I6TPErY5EfYdWyoOjYv607E8G-1FeBjw7QNY2uuny9N83XktlSrSlng9a4kLY_z441GdqJlrQ623VTdc-IV3Q56n5AjiX4T9VvNDBaRAFIPp2DgHm07mVCiJn/s320/cutie+patutie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548455514028425874" /></a><br /><a href="http://kidcatalyst.blogspot.com/2010/12/building-fine-motor-skills.html">Brain Development: Sensory, Physical, Behavioral and Nutritional Information: Building Fine Motor Skills</a>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-44495783523913036052010-12-05T15:40:00.000-08:002010-12-05T15:40:02.684-08:00Advocacy 101: How to Write an Effective LetterAs a Special Education advocate, I write letters to schools and districts all the time on my clients' behalf. G-d forbid, I should interfere with the income stream all this letter-writing generates (Baby needs a new I-Pad, after all), but this piece from the ever-wise <span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>The Thinking Person's Guide to Autism</b></span> is just too good to keep to myself (and the other bazillion people who've probably read and admired it before I found it.)<div><br /></div><div>Kudos to the author, Caitlin Wray. You can find her at www.welcome-to-normal.com<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div>-<a href="http://networkedblogs.com/aRUeV">Advocacy 101: How to Write an Effective Letter</a></div></div></div>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-105469327006171072010-12-05T07:42:00.000-08:002010-12-05T07:42:39.913-08:00Gifts That Give - For Women, Gifts That Give Back to Women<div>Many thanks to Linda Lowen for these gift-giving tips.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://womensissues.about.com/od/communityconnection/tp/Gifts-That-Give-Back-To-Women.htm">Gifts That Give - For Women, Gifts That Give Back to Women</a>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188916463361716008.post-52830596016561465852010-12-03T10:56:00.003-08:002010-12-03T10:57:59.171-08:00Carol Greenburg New East Coast Director for Autism Women's Network.....<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 16.0pt; color: #990000;" style="color: #990000; font-size: 16pt;">9/12/2010</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 14.0pt;" style="font-size: 14pt;">For Immediate Release:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 14.0pt;" style="font-size: 14pt;">Contact: Sharon<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>da Vanport</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 14.0pt;" style="font-size: 14pt;">T: <span _mce_style="color: black;" style="color: black;">888 650-2290<strong></strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 14.0pt;" style="font-size: 14pt;">E: sharon@autismwomensnetwork.org</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span _mce_style="font-size: 24.0pt;" style="font-size: 24pt;"><span _mce_style="color: #cc0000;" class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><u>Carol Greenburg Joins AWN</u></span></span></strong></div><div _mce_style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span _mce_style="font-size: 24.0pt;" style="font-size: 24pt;"><span _mce_style="color: #cc0000;" class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><u>As East Coast Regional Director</u></span></span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";" style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 14pt;">The Autism Women's Network is pleased to announce that Carol Greenburg of Brooklyn Special Needs Consulting has accepted the position of East Coast Regional Director.<span _mce_style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her duties in her region will include developing new AWN projects, consulting on on-going programs and overseeing outreach and communication.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span _mce_style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";" style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Ms. Greenburg, who will continue as<span _mce_style="color: #333333;" style="color: #333333;"> <strong><span _mce_style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;" style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-weight: normal;">Executive Director of Brooklyn Special Needs Consulting</span></strong>, a New York City based educational advocacy and consulting company, is the mother of a movie-star handsome, autistic seven-year-old and herself has Asperger’s Syndrome, an Autism Spectrum Disorder. A frequent speaker at area universities, community organizations and parent support groups, Ms. Greenburg is also an advocate member of the </span><strong><span _mce_style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;" style="color: black; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-weight: normal;">Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates</span></strong><span _mce_style="color: black;" style="color: black;">.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div _mce_style="line-height: 16.5pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;" class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 16.5pt;"><span _mce_style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; color: #333333;" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 14pt;">You can follow Ms. Greenburg on Twitter at </span><strong><span _mce_style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;" style="color: black; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;">Aspieadvocate</span> </strong><span _mce_style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; color: #333333;" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 14pt;">. For more information about her work, please see her company website, </span><a _mce_href="http://www.bklynsnc.com/" href="http://www.bklynsnc.com/"><span _mce_style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";" style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif;">www.bklynsnc.com</span> </a><strong><span _mce_style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: #990000; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;" style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;">.</span></strong></div><div _mce_style="line-height: 16.5pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;" class="MsoBodyText" style="line-height: 16.5pt;"><br />
</div><strong><span _mce_style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: HI; mso-bidi-language: HI; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;" style="color: black; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;">Autism Women's Network (</span></strong><span _mce_style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: HI; mso-bidi-language: HI;" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a _mce_href="http://www.autismwomensnetwork.com/" href="http://www.autismwomensnetwork.com/"><span _mce_style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";" style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif;">www.autismwomensnetwork.com</span></a></span><strong><span _mce_style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; color: black; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: HI; mso-bidi-language: HI; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;" style="color: black; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;">) is dedicated to providing effective supports to autistic females of all ages through community, advocacy, and resources.</span></strong></div>ASCDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00310874421817578257noreply@blogger.com0