lulubelle on Autisable

Tuesday, 17 November 2009

FEAR

This is the word that is printed as largely as possible in white font across the photo of an adorable blond haired, blue eyed naked baby grasping his toes with his hand.
Wow, from 5 feet away I saw the cover of Wired and just knew that inside
there was going to be a major article about autism. As the mother of an 8
year old on the Spectrum, my stomach always quivers at the thought of
another article. Will this one bring me to tears too? Will I learn
something I haven't already read about? What's the latest "cure"
"statistic" "cause".... (And why the hell is it on the cover of a magazine aimed at techies?) Needless to say, this was one of the few articles
that I actually wanted to frame. Thank you Amy Wallace and thank you
WIRED. I am going to buy a second copy of your magazine so the next time
someone asks me my opinion about autism I can let them read this article.
Well written, non biased, thought provoking and further more NOT SCARY. I
don't blame one factor for my son's autism, I never have. His medical
record is literally 5 inches thick and I have gone over it countless times
in tears wondering if I missed something. Was he "too sick" when he was
vaccinated, like Jenny M. would say.... maybe, was he genetically
predisposed, most likely, I know for a fact that he has an X linked
anomaly. Was it environmental? well to be honest while pregnant I lived
on a military base and we lived on another base until he was 5. Go ahead,
pick your cause.... I want to know why researchers can figure out a way to
grow eye lashes, but they cannot pinpoint the cause of Autism. Hmmm, maybe
everyone could stop pointing fingers, selling false hope in a jar and
focus on the cause.... who's with me?

Wednesday, 16 September 2009

Teacher Approval

This was passed on to me by a dear friend and it brought tears to my eyes, as we kick off a new school year maybe it will bring something to some of you too....

Think back to when you were 6, 8 or 10 years old. Do you remember your teacher? Do you remember how you looked up to her? Her words were golden. Do you remember when you forgot to do your homework or weren’t paying attention? Her stern words cut you to the core. Not because she was mean but because you desperately wanted her approval.
School ended and those days were long forgotten. Then my child was diagnosed with autism.
Why didn’t anyone warn me I’d become that 8 year old again?
I desperately need teacher approval, not for me, but for my child.
This is a common sentiment of parents to children with autism. So if you’re a teacher, Autism consultant, SLP, ABA therapist, OT, PT, Psychologist, Social worker, Camp Counselor or anyone else that’s an authority figure to a child with autism –
THIS IS FOR YOU!

My child has autism. I know that. I’m not in denial. How could I be? I live it every day. I have other children. My friends have children. I know the difference. They answer questions, my child might not. They play together, my child might not. They share their thoughts, my child might not.
My child is different. He is on his own mission. I’m happy to be by his side. I am thrilled when he learns something new, no matter how small. I am proud when he accomplishes something I once never thought possible. I take delight in his idiosyncrasies. Please rejoice with me. Please notice his worth.
My child is multifaceted. He has weaknesses and strengths. He has deficits and skills. People are always pointing out the deficits. Please join me in noticing his skills.
Teachers. In our meetings, please allow for some time to recognize my child’s good points. When you do, I go home walking on air. When you don’t, I drive home in tears.
SLP’s, OT’s and PT’s. When your opening statement is a positive remark about my child, I begin to relax. When you only voice concerns, my stomach twists into knots.
ABA therapists & Camp counselors. When you greet me by telling me my son had a great day, my anxiety fades. When you focus on the deficits, your words hurt me deeply all day.
Consultants, Psychologists and Social Workers. When you begin with positive observations, my heart soars in delight. When you only stress your concerns, my heart splits in two.
My child faces judgment at every turn. I invite you to stand apart! Stand strong with us! Unique is good! Let’s tell the world! Help me instill pride in my son. Show him his greatness. Try and see his perspective. Praise him as much as you can. By doing so, you improve my child’s life and build his confidence. You will motivate and inspire him. He will exceed your expectations and I will be eternally grateful to you.
- By Jenē Aviram
This article is property of and copyright © 2003-2007 Jene Aviram of Natural Learning Concepts. Reference of this article may only be included in your documentation provided that reference is made to the owner - Jene Aviram and a reference to this site http://www.nlconcepts.com