tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184751117052248942024-02-21T01:52:57.583+11:00SIDAutismA pragmatic guide to Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism.sidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12151284646031601797noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-88283479847360833272017-12-03T11:46:00.000+11:002017-12-03T13:53:20.676+11:00Choosing the Right Therapies for Your ChildAll sorts of therapies are available these days, some more effective than others. Some are funded in insurance packages, many are not. Some require intensive time commitment, some do not. Many are expensive. Some can even cause long lasting trauma.<br />
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How do you decide what is best for your child? Where is the best place to invest your precious time and money? Who do you trust with the most important job of becoming part of the team helping your child? It can be overwhelming and expensive trying to decide what to choose, or indeed whether to step out of a therapy once deeply into it, if it feels like it isn't working.<br />
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A positive and balanced approach to choosing therapies is to look at the specific needs of your child and work on those. If your child has speech delay, then find a good speech therapist. If they have low muscle tone or gross motor skills issues, then occupational therapy or physiotherapy would be good options. If your child needs help with school work, then a tutor might be a good idea. If your child is having problems in social situations, then a good psychologist or play therapist might be best.<br />
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Regardless of what the therapy is, it can be hard to choose a therapist, and to know whether to stick with them, too. Sometimes the therapist can leave us with an uneasiness that we don't know what to do with, and then we're left with a tough choice whether to step away from that therapist and find someone else, or double down and see if it pays off.<br />
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It's incredibly difficult at times, because the risks are great. It feels like we have a tiny window of time to make an impact, and of course we only want the best for our children. None of us wants to do any harm, so these choices often feel paralysingly huge.<br />
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There are three key themes to keep in mind when making these decisions.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Are the therapy goals focussed on assimilation <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>, </h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
or accommodation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>?</h3>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Is your child being asked to cooperate<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>, </h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
or comply<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a> ? </h3>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Is your child being asked to do anything that would be considered inappropriate or harmful for a non-autistic child?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a> </h3>
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I've compiled a list below of things to think about in any therapeutic situation. I hope these questions help you to figure out which therapies and therapists are right for you and your child.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Good things to look for:</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Is the primary objective to work to the child's strengths and support areas where skills development is needed?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Does the therapist allow the parents to watch the therapy?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>If you have concerns, does the therapist respond to you in an acknowledging way and work with you to resolve any problems?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Does the therapist work with you as part of a team?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Does the therapist understand that autism is a neurotype, not a disease?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Does the therapist try to see the world through the eyes of your child and use empathy as a helpful tool?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Can the therapist identify a meltdown as opposed to a tantrum? Do they manage both of these with kindness, patience and compassion?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Does the therapist teach assertiveness and self-advocacy?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Are they kind and respectful to your child at all times?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Do they respect the autonomy of your child?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Are the enjoying the company of your child?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Is your child excited to see them?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Is the therapist excited to see your child?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Does the therapist assume competence?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>If your child is non-verbal, does the therapist assume good intellectual capacity?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>If your child is non-verbal, does the therapist accommodate other ways to communicate?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Are they targeting the therapy in age and capacity appropriate ways?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Do they understand and respect that behaviour is communication?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>If your child says no, does the therapist understand and respect that a child has this right?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Does the therapist encourage your child to communicate their need for breaks?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Does the therapist allow stimming behaviours?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Do you think your child feels safe during therapy?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>If your child gets upset, does the therapist respond with kindness and empathy?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Is the therapy fun and respectful?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Is it adaptive to the needs of your child?<br />
<br />
<div>
<h3>
Things to avoid:</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Is the premise of therapy that the child needs to be "fixed" in some way?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Is your child expected to become as indistinguishable from their peers as possible?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Does the therapist think that the only way to better quality of life, happiness and fulfillment relies on the child presenting as less autistic?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Does the therapist talk about fixing or curing autism?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Does the therapist do anything you wouldn't allow to happen to a non-autistic person?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Does the therapy require a huge time commitment? (a good way to measure this is to ask yourself, would you commit a non-autistic child to any activity at all with this same time commitment?) </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Does the therapist control the facial expressions of your child during therapy? (eg: does your child have to comply with a smile, regardless of their true feelings?)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Does the therapist push, pressure, coerce or threaten (eg: loss of rewards)?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Is therapy a battle, or a team effort? Is the therapist working together with your child, or are they pitted against one another?<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Does the therapist tell you to deny access to the therapeutic rewards at home, in order to ensure compliance in therapy? </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Does the therapist restrict access to anything important, such as food, favourite toy, special interests, the right to take breaks?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Does the therapist punish at all if the child is non-compliant?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Does the therapist ignore stress in your child and keep pushing?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Does the therapist ever force compliance? (eg: any form of restraints, pinning, grabbing, using fear to make child comply?)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Does the therapist turn the situation into a battle of wills?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Are there rewards for too many things? (ie: If everything is rewarded, the child loses the ability to intrinsically motivate.)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Do you feel helpless/upset/judged after talking with the therapist?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Is it a one size fits all approach?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Does the therapist force eye contact?<br />
<br />
<h3>
Your child</h3>
Once into a therapy, look for signs in your child to decide whether it's an effective and positive experience. The following signs may or may not be related to therapy, but are worth considering in conjunction with whatever you know is happening in your child's life.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Are they regressing, irritable, fearful, exhausted?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Are they having more meltdowns?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Are they self-harming, becoming more demanding/aggressive?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Withdrawing? More anxious?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Fearful of adults?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8dN-kAPn5U_4UuMW-sYRGWTg8nZBY0X96yC9qPdXEhtphBVuYpH25Bvjd7p4ktLF9fRlbS6-87uB3jgW5QEKDOoad5qw66AJCrOQLNiheXgKeMS8XfIswYIy-VKrc2C_Rg0Rgp4axFc/s1600/thumb+down.jpg" /></a>Short-fused?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Conversely, are they excited to see their therapist?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Growing in confidence?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Better able to assert themselves?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Developing new skills?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Embracing new experiences?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="16" data-original-width="25" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWXpq_DoKtarSQC6jyG0PFH7QIVAFp_8yIefLmXCH-I11kbBnOdXFu6Xb0G_Lgpb4TqON8Nc8zAA9Lez6vsthepsLna3i9ONu1o2DbA2LUa219A26ankE57y8UZQeIOqCyYhkuvtYi04/s1600/thumb+up.jpg" /></a>Becoming more resilient?<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-9979272422878316542017-03-14T07:49:00.000+11:002017-03-14T07:49:06.776+11:00Chlorine Dioxide / Miracle Mineral Solution Across the world, there are parents who don't understand that autism is a neurotype. These parents are led to believe that their child is diseased, and that it's important to eradicate the autism, at any cost. Eradicating a neurotype is an impossibility, but many parents are desperate and willing to try anything.<br />
<br />
Chlorine Dioxide (usually known as Miracle Mineral Solution or Chlorine Dioxide Solution), is one of the worst of all the snake oil products. It is essentially an industrial bleach, and parents are forcing their children to ingest it, bath in it, and to endure enemas using this solution as well.<br />
<br />
Watch this 20 minute documentary to learn how people are using it, and the current legal state of play.<br />
<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-79983584819817678362016-12-23T08:27:00.000+11:002016-12-23T11:26:39.814+11:00Why am I an autistic ally? I have a few autistic extended family members. One of my cousins in particular had such a negative view of himself that when my daughter (now 18) came along and was so obviously autistic, I was determined that she was never going to feel the way he did.<br />
<br />
I raised her to be proud of who she is. I mean, why would I want anything less for her? What was the alternative, self-hatred? Not on my watch! I saw it as my job, regardless of any disabilities/barriers, to prepare her for adult life. And my way of measuring this was always that one day, she would be confident about venturing out into the world, and that's when I would have achieved my primary parenting goal - to raise a confident independently functioning adult.<br />
<br />
To me it was obvious that the best way to achieve this was going to be to focus on her strengths, rather than her weaknesses.<br />
<br />
I guess the understanding of neurodiversity came naturally to me. Before I even knew words like neurodiversity, I explained to her that everyone is born with their own unique set of interests, strengths and weaknesses. I explained that in some skill areas people needed extra lessons in order to keep up with their peers or achieve greatness if that was their goal (eg: piano lessons, maths tutoring, social skills groups). I told her how she was so incredibly smart, and how as far as I could tell so far, that was an area of giftedness.<br />
<br />
From the age of three, her area of deep interest was Ancient Rome. It was incredible how much she knew about Ancient Rome, everything from facts about sewerage systems and architecture, to the intricacies of political marriages. All before the age of five. Who was I to question or suppress something so wonderful? From about the age of eight, she added other topics to her pool of interests, but Ancient Rome has always remained like an old friend. Those are the books we will never discard. <br />
<br />
She also loved to come up with amazing stories - when she was a toddler I would sit and type as she spoke, and we would send the stories out to people across the world for feedback. As a teenager she became a star debater, wowing people at the inter-school debating competitions held in the very intimidating Legislative Assembly. By the age of 16 she had already written (typed) half a sci-fi novel about artificial intelligence and consciousness transfer. She now spends a lot of time writing online role-playing stories.<br />
<br />
Why shouldn't she be proud of this? How is it conceivable that it could be good or wise to give her a negative view of this depth of skill and intelligence in her areas of expertise? What's wrong with fostering a sense of understanding and awareness of her own unique set of strengths and weaknesses, and working from there?<br />
<br />
I also pointed out that we don't have to work on all areas of perceived weakness - some skill areas really didn't matter in the scheme of life. Exposing kids to lots of opportunities to discover interests is a great plan, but forcing them to work hard at an unnecessary skill in an area of disinterest is a pointless waste of everyone's energy.<br />
<br />
People grow up and generally end up working in their area of expertise, so this idea of "well-rounded" children is kind of ridiculous. It's an expectation we don't even hold up to adults, so how are kids supposed to achieve it? In my view, a person who excels in all areas is actually divergent (gifted), and everyone else should respect that, but not try to become that.<br />
<br />
I could see she struggled with energy levels because of her anxiety and sensory processing problems, so I refused to do too many co-curricular things - over the years there was a bit of speech therapy, a little bit of occupational therapy, a social skills group where kids learned to share, and how to line up, and what personal space is about. There was swimming (which she LOVED), and later a teen confidence group with a local psychologist who does amazing, supportive, strengths-based work. When she was 13 she attended a special physio course to learn to ride her bicycle (it was awesome and she had a lot of fun). In her mid-teens she decided she wanted to learn piano, so there was that too.<br />
<br />
I didn't let anyone try to suppress who she was, although that was a hard one, as it seemed to be the mainstream way of dealing with autistic kids - to work towards them being "indistinguishable from their peers". It drove me crazy that people had such a skewed perception of what inclusion means for autistic kids. Inclusion does NOT mean making autistic children mask themselves and forcing them to conform to the social needs of their mainstream peers.<br />
<br />
I didn't really understand stimming early on, but I could see it seemed to serve a purpose, and it wasn't hurting anyone, so I left it alone. She still flaps at age 18, and for her it's an expression of utter joy, so I rejoice when I see her doing it!<br />
<br />
Pretty early on I realised that hand writing was a big challenge for her, and that it was getting in the way of her producing anything in school. Given what I knew about her ability to come up with great stories, I advocated for technology to help her. It was a long series of battles til I finally won that war in the fifth grade, by providing her with a laptop myself, and getting the school principal to back me up. People continued on and on insisting that she should learn to write, first and foremost. But what they were missing year after year, was that she was so stressed out trying to write that she was producing nothing, and lagging further and further behind. My thought was that in this era of technology, making handwriting the top priority, especially when the individual clearly has a handwriting disability, is just plain silly. (In case you're wondering how I won over the principal - I described it to the school as trying to make the wheel chair bound kid with cerebral palsy walk properly, before she would be allowed to participate in anything else at school. Clearly that would be cruel and ridiculous, and the handwriting was no different.)<br />
<br />
During fourth grade she somehow got glandular fever (mono), which developed into severe chronic fatigue. She missed about half of that year of school.<br />
<br />
By the time she got to the end of eighth grade, I could see my daughter had some significant gaps in her early childhood learning that were affecting her ability to take on higher level learning. So I decided to home school her to help her catch up and get her ready for years 11 and 12, and for university studies. At home, it was amazing to see her finally relax into learning, and I wished I had done it earlier in her life and avoided all the torment she had been through. We focused on finding enjoyable ways for her to learn a lot of material quickly, and she loved every second of it. She was a learning sponge! <br />
<br />
What you don't see much of above is me lamenting how hard it was, how disabled she is, or wallowing in whatever other negative rhetoric. It doesn't mean those troubles, woes, difficulties, battles, tears, meltdowns etc didn't happen, and it doesn't mean they weren't immense and seemingly insurmountable at times. It doesn't mean that you can assume that we have had an easy run of it, or that my daughter is too "high functioning" to be compared to your child's difficulties.<br />
<br />
What it does mean is that working from a strengths-based position removes those negative moments from the area of focus. And when those moments aren't the focus, the mind and heart are freed up to focus on the good stuff.<br />
<br />
If you're going to spend a large proportion of your adult life on child-rearing, doesn't it sound like more fun to focus on the good stuff?<br />
<br />
To me, that's what neurodiversity is largely about. Focusing on the Good Stuff. Accepting that all human beings have their unique areas of strength and weakness, and choosing to focus on the strengths while working only on the weaknesses that are essential for survival. Not expecting everyone to fit some unattainable model of excellence in all areas; being proud of who we are regardless of what neurology we are born with; enjoying our kids; showing empathy towards autistic people instead of forcing them to do things the mainstream way; enjoying the wonders of what diversity brings to the table in innovation, music, art, and so on.<br />
<br />
Why am I an autistic ally?<br />
<br />
It's really simple: I am an autistic ally because I care about how autistic people are treated. I want less trauma in the childhoods of autistics, and more confidence and success in adulthood. I am also an autistic ally because I care about the wide divisions that have grown within the autism community, and I would like to see us all come back together and work towards common advocacy goals that are good for everyone. I'm an autistic ally because I have ideals and dreams for a better future for all concerned.<br />
<br />
Mostly, I am an autistic ally because I think autistics are awesome, and I want the rest of the world to think so too.<br />
<br />
To become an autistic ally, head on over to Facebook and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/AutisticAllies/" target="_blank">join our group</a>. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-61736656128605134432016-10-01T14:27:00.002+10:002016-10-01T14:27:40.145+10:00...and that's nothing/something to get upset about<div>
- Autism exists and that's nothing to get upset about.<br />- Autism is genetic and that's nothing to get upset about.<br />- Vaccinations don't cause autism and that's nothing to get upset about.<br />- Autism isn't a disease and that's nothing to get upset about.<br />- Autism therefore can't be cured and that's nothing to get upset about.<br />- There is no increased prevalence in autism and that's nothing to get upset about.<br />- Autistic people have empathy and that's nothing to get upset about.<br />- Autistic people are claiming their identity and that's nothing to get upset about.<br />- Autistic people are learning to self advocate and that's nothing to get upset about.<br />- Autistic people have inherent worth and that's nothing to get upset about.<br />- Aspergers is autism and that's nothing to get upset about.<br />- The spectrum doesn't have one end or another and that's nothing to get upset about.<br />- Autistic people have allies that aren't autistic and that's nothing to get upset about.</div>
<br>
<div>
On the other hand...<br />- Autistic people are undermined and that's something to get upset about.<br />- Autistic people are unheard and that's something to get upset about.<br />- Autistic people are diminished by others and that's something to get upset about.<br />- Autistic people are often seen as diseased and that's something to get upset about.<br />- Autistic people are often suffering due to the ignorance of others and that's something to get upset about.<br />- Autistic people are abused and that's something to get upset about.<br />- Autistic people are subject to harmful so-called "cures" and that's something to get upset about.<br />- Governments waste money on pointless research into prevention and cures instead of providing supports to autistic people and their families and that's something to get upset about.<br />- High and low functioning labels create problems for autistic people and their families, and that's something to get upset about.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-13751370621101568832014-12-23T08:30:00.003+11:002014-12-23T08:44:32.984+11:00Let's Get Real About Empathy The world is designed to encourage the comfort of majority mainstream neurology. Our social rules are based on the needs of the majority; our priorities are based on the comfort of the majority; our understanding of others is based on our expectations of the majority.<br><br>
A member of the majority can move through the world fairly comfortably confident that they are mostly getting it "right". They can pretty accurately guess at the thought processes and emotional experience of most people, because "most people" are similar to them. They can pretty safely assume that other members of the majority are having a similar experience to their own. It's easy to empathise with their own group.<br><br>
That said, it's also a pretty safe bet that any group with a common neurology is going to find it easier to relate to members of their own group, to share a common experience, and to more naturally empathise with one another.<br><br>
If I've learned anything over the past 16 years of parenting an autistic person and mixing with all sorts of people in all sorts of settings, it's that if we look through the right lens, autistic people are not as socially disabled as we have been led to believe. It's really just that the majority neurology dominates the narrative, and all social expectations and rules are based on that reality.<br><br>
The world is not set up for the comfort or success of autistic people, and the majority group has shown itself to be pretty weak at empathising with the experience of autistic people. The majority group likes to think that autistic people are poor at empathising with majority members, but the reality is that every group tends to be pretty poor at empathising with other groups. So it seems to me, stating that poor empathy skills are exclusive to autism is misleading at best.<br><br>
In my opinion, all people are socially awkward and clumsy when placed in the wrong context, especially towards people unfamiliar to themselves. It's just that the majority group is lucky enough to be born into a world where the context and rules are designed specifically for them.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-66112448946094481192014-11-06T13:34:00.001+11:002014-11-06T13:52:11.698+11:00London McCabe, Rest in Peace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5J4lOlA_fETwHJVUQe-ZfWey604ZEVx1unatWc9hSikT4x0RISefp_k77_dIxFpQ988UCNQ92m18S-itk_Wsiwr8YKcVRRTauRbGTV4LXikkAKg3TSofsKPjVcb7DbrNMW9U8gD7Y6zs/s1600/LONDON-MCCABE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5J4lOlA_fETwHJVUQe-ZfWey604ZEVx1unatWc9hSikT4x0RISefp_k77_dIxFpQ988UCNQ92m18S-itk_Wsiwr8YKcVRRTauRbGTV4LXikkAKg3TSofsKPjVcb7DbrNMW9U8gD7Y6zs/s1600/LONDON-MCCABE.JPG" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> London McCabe, aged 6, thrown off a bridge into icy water by his mother.</i></div>
<br />
<b>In response to yet another child-murder death in the autism community. My heart is heavy today.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Oh but you have to walk a mile in their shoes," they tell us, when
sympathising with mothers who murder their autistic babies. In reply to
that I must ask, "But do YOU genuinely walk a mile in their shoes?"
Because if you think you do, you must at some point ask yourself how bad
things need to be before you would consider murdering your child. To
walk a mile in their shoes requires you to try to imagine how they got
to the point of making that decision, and decide when you would reach
that same point.<br />
<br />
Where's your line? When will YOU be willing to murder YOUR child?<br />
<br />
Let's explore that a little. How bad do things need to be? If your
child doesn't talk to you, should they die? If he is withdrawn and seems
disconnected, is that enough for you to kill him? Maybe that's
acceptable to you. But then, what if she is unable to try new food
because it terrifies her so much - is that enough to make you kill her?
Where's your line? If he has daily meltdowns, is that enough to tip you
over the edge? What if she seems like she will never toilet train - will
that make you murder her? If your child never says, "I love you," will
that be enough for you? If your child has seizures, is that the ticket
to certain death at your hand? Maybe if your child barely seems to
sleep? Where is YOUR line?<br />
<br />
It is highly likely that you will be
appalled by these questions, horrified at the idea of you killing your
child, for any reason at all. In which case, I hope my point is made.
You cannot walk a mile in the shoes of someone who will take actions
that you would never take yourself.<br />
<br />
Hopefully if you've read
this far, you now realise that the majority of parents find it
impossible to imagine killing their children, no matter how hard their
circumstances are.<br />
<br />
It is never appropriate to say that because a
child is disabled, the parent deserves a larger dose of our compassion
when they commit murder. No matter how hard we try, those of us who see
our children as the wonderful little people that they are, simply cannot
understand the workings of the mind of a parent who kills their
offspring.<br />
<br />
It is NOT POSSIBLE to walk a mile in their shoes. And quite frankly, the idea disgusts me.<br />
<br />
RIP beautiful babies. So sorry to see yet another light snuffed out. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-34092369349643426452014-03-27T10:26:00.000+11:002014-03-27T10:57:08.379+11:00Inclusion Support and how best to use a teacher's aide in a mainstream classroom<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scenario</b></span>: non-verbal autistic student included in a mainstream early childhood classroom. <br />
<br />
In order to meet the needs of this student throughout the day, the school provides a full time one-on-one learning support assistant (LSA). <br />
<br />
Student attends school and is generally happy. Relationship with LSA is developing nicely. Feedback to parents is initially positive, and then over time, it evolves into statements expressing concern that the student is "still not speaking", and still not independent in the classroom, as well as not progressing at the same rate as the other children. LSA is concerned that their time isn't being distributed fairly amongst all the students. Further investigation reveals that the strategy to teach the student to be independent has been to leave him to his own devices.<br />
<br />
Observation says that he often wanders aimlessly around the room during unstructured activities. He enjoys the other children, and is making connections despite being non-verbal. <br />
<br />
<b>What's wrong with this scenario?</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why is the LSA there? </b></span><br />
<ol>
<li>The LSA was hired specifically to support one student. </li>
<li>Her time is not meant to be spent with the other children, and there should be no resentment about spending all of her time with the individual with identified special needs. </li>
<li>The priority of the LSA should be to spend time with her inclusion support student. If she steps away from the student to allow independent play for example, her time should then be spent creating/working on additional supports for that student, such as PECS (Picture Exchange Communication Systems) and schedules. </li>
</ol>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Unfair" </b></span><br />
<ol>
<li>It is not "unfair" that the LSA is not working with the other students as much as with her autistic student. She has been hired to provide support for one student who needs her in order to cope in the classroom. Period.</li>
<li>Saying it is unfair is like telling a wheelchair-bound student that it is not fair that the other students in the room don't have wheelchairs, and therefore the wheelchair needs to be shared amongst everyone throughout the day. Clearly a ridiculous idea! </li>
<li>The LSA in this case, is the autistic student's wheelchair, and there should never be a requirement to share her. Without the LSA, (such as when he has to share her), the autistic student is without his "wheelchair" and cannot access learning opportunities. </li>
</ol>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Not progressing quickly enough"</b></span><br />
<ol>
<li>Quickly enough according to whom? The pace of progress must be allowed to be determined by the child. </li>
<li>Adults involved need to learn to set aside their expectations and any inner discomfort and allow things to progress naturally at the pace of the child's abilities. </li>
<li>Forcing an agenda on the child will inevitably lead to conflict - either in the classroom, or between the teacher and parents, or even at home because while the child might try to comply at school to please everyone, the effort involved could mean exhaustion and meltdowns at the end of each day at home. </li>
</ol>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> "Still not speaking"</b></span><br />
<ol>
<li>The child is autistic non-verbal. Why is there an expectation of them to speak at all, ever? It should <b>never</b> be the objective or expectation of a teacher/LSA to make an autistic child become verbal. </li>
<li>Expecting this child to speak is outright discrimination. Part of their disability is lack of speech. You wouldn't be forcing a child with cerebral palsy to walk! This is the same. Let go of this expectation and figure out a way to adapt to the situation.</li>
<li>Verbal speech is not the only way to communicate, and is certainly not always the best way to establish communication with someone who is autistic non-verbal. </li>
<li>Guaranteed, this student is at least as frustrated as the LSA when it comes to communication. For a start, their needs are not being clearly communicated and therefore also are not being met. If this student could talk, they would be doing it! </li>
<li>Get creative and find a way to communicate with the child - one which doesn't require them to step into your paradigm of communication. Look at visual tools, sign language, ipad applications, to name a few. Think outside the box, research, embrace the challenge of connecting deeply with your student! </li>
</ol>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Still not independent"</b></span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Independence can only be achieved with scaffolding and a detailed educational strategy. </li>
<li>When does the teacher expect independence to occur? Who is setting the pace on this? See the above statements about "progressing quickly enough". </li>
<li>It is a common mistake to expect students to somehow innately know how to be independent. </li>
<li>LSAs are often removed from one-to-one time with students "in order to build independence". But if the student is not previously taught how to be independent, how are they supposed to succeed? </li>
<li>In these situations students achieve very little and often even nothing, and this is usually seen as a failing in the child. Very unreasonable! </li>
<li>Removing support to create independence is never going to work. That's like someone being expected to learn to drive independently without an instructor present. </li>
<li>The student may need several years of support before they can achieve full
independence. Indeed full independence might never occur. This potential
reality needs to be acceptable.</li>
</ol>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-57934385928603597222014-02-09T19:00:00.001+11:002014-02-09T19:00:17.338+11:00Food fears!<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">It has always been hard to get the right foods into my boy. I'm sure
that's familiar to many of you. In my son's case, he has a dreadful phobia of
trying new foods. It terrifies him, utterly, so I have never really
forced the issue. Instead, I've regularly talked to him about nutrition and worked with him to make sure he is getting just enough of the food groups. <br /> <br /> Over the years he has occasionally said he is willin<span class="text_exposed_show">g
to try something new, and I usually try to come up with something
similar to foods he already enjoys. Sometimes he will manage to try
them, and enjoy them (or hate them). And sometimes he completely freaks
out and can't cope. Sometimes this has upset me because I have invested
so much time and energy into cooking things "just right" for him. It's
hard not to get emotionally involved, but I try not to add that pressure
to him of course. <br /> <br /> Obviously I have hoped he will eventually
get past this issue, but as it's a phobic reaction, I also see that it
could be a lifelong problem. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> </span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".4.1:3:1:$comment596879903732958_596901910397424:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".4.1:3:1:$comment596879903732958_596901910397424:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".4.1:3:1:$comment596879903732958_596901910397424:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".4.1:3:1:$comment596879903732958_596901910397424:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">The
whole idea of "if he's hungry he'll eat" doesn't apply.
My son truly would starve to death first. He has gone on school camps and not eaten
for a full three days, if food wasn't right for him. (I'm sure you can imag</span></span><span data-reactid=".4.1:3:1:$comment596879903732958_596901910397424:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".4.1:3:1:$comment596879903732958_596901910397424:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".4.1:3:1:$comment596879903732958_596901910397424:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">ine,
he is a complete wreck when he comes home). There's a world of
difference between fussy and phobic. Phobic isn't rational. Reasonable arguments about why tasting something new is a
good idea, don't really break down phobias<abbr>. </abbr></span></span></span></span></span>A person with a phobia can even accept that they are being irrational, but that doesn't diminish their fear. <span data-reactid=".4.1:3:1:$comment596879903732958_596901910397424:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.3"></span><span data-reactid=".4.1:3:1:$comment596879903732958_596902627064019:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:2"></span><i><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".4.1:3:1:$comment596879903732958_596902627064019:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".4.1:3:1:$comment596879903732958_596902627064019:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".4.1:3:1:$comment596879903732958_596902627064019:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".4.1:3:1:$comment596879903732958_596902627064019:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">(I
should say too, those camps I mentioned above, in one instance I had
actually pre-cooked the meals at home and taken them out to the camp
cooking staff, but they didn't present it right, so he had trouble
trusting that it was really my cooking. So he</span></span><span data-reactid=".4.1:3:1:$comment596879903732958_596902627064019:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".4.1:3:1:$comment596879903732958_596902627064019:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".4.1:3:1:$comment596879903732958_596902627064019:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">
wouldn't touch it. The very idea that it might not be trustworthy food
was enough to completely freak him out. Suffice it to say I stopped
making him go to camps, as they were obviously not a positive or
worthwhile experience for him at all.)</span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> He's 15 now, and the other day as
he was helping me with groceries, he said, "I think maybe I will try
new foods this year Mum. At my age, I really should give it a go." So we
went through the freezers at the supermarket and picked out a bunch of
Healthy Choice frozen meals, all entirely different to pretty much
anything he has ever liked. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">My theory was </span></span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">1. He was willing </span></span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">2. I don't
have to cook them so there's less emotional involvement on my part. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">3.
He was willing. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">4. A lot of these meals are softer so he might enjoy
them more. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">5. He was willing. :) <br /> <br /> Here they all are lined up in the freezer. Some of
these (the spicier ones) are for me, but who knows? In my dreams I hope
he will try those ones as well. <br /> <br /> Fingers crossed!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-24542103696198322672014-02-09T17:42:00.000+11:002014-02-09T17:44:17.578+11:00Relax and let them flourish!My son (15, ASD/ADHD, Anxiety, Sensory), has been spending a lot of time
socialising with friends online over this past year. They get together
on Skype and voice chat while they play games. Pretty much since that
began, he is socialising all the time. Some people think that isn't
socialising, but I will always debate that point - it's socialising
2014-style. NT/ASDs alike, are partaking and love it. It also offers a
level playing field socially for ASDs, because nobody has the advanta<span class="text_exposed_show">ge of better body language skills. <br /> <br />
Although they aren't in the same room, I think they are learning much
better social skills, because they spend so many hours together and have
to learn how to regularly negotiate a constructive dialogue. They learn
to work as a team. They learn to negotiate through tricky conflict
situations. There's a lot of positive peer pressure. They learn how to
be self-protective online and perhaps a little more private. On the
other hand they are also more likely to share their problems with each
other and seek help. I love it. <br /> <br /> My son hangs out with a group
of about 6-10 peers in voice chat every day. He is the only ASD, and as
it turns out, is also often the group leader, as he also is a very
talented and creative Game Master in a bunch of roleplay games they like
to do together. He works hard at preparing for these, and it's really
fun to listen to him, because he is so clever and articulate as he
guides their characters through his rich and complex imaginary worlds. <br /> <br />
And today, he unexpectedly managed to get them to all leave their
computers for a while and meet at the mall. What a surprising turn of
events! I never would have expected him to be the initiator of
face-to-face contact. <br /> <br /> To me, the lesson in here is, if you let
someone with an ASD be who they are, and interact in a way that works
for them as an individual, instead of imposing some kind of NT "ideal"
on them, they will flourish. <br /> <br /> So my message to you today is: </span><br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text_exposed_show"> </span><span class="text_exposed_show"><b>Let them be themselves, let them flourish! </b></span></h3>
<br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-57259770066874082092014-01-19T14:08:00.003+11:002014-01-19T14:08:58.485+11:00Autism Acceptance, not cure. Be on the right side of history. <b>On the subject of curing homosexuality. </b><br />
Let's establish the facts: <span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> - Some people want cures for their gay children. <br /> - Many people (particularly gay people) are offended by this. <br />
- People who want a cure are frequently offended by gay people being
offended at cure rhetoric. They think gay people should calm down and
let them want their right to a cure. After all, their burden is greater,
because their child's homosexuality is extreme, so they should have the
right to relieve their suffering and the suffering of those around
them. <br /> <br /> <b>On the subject of curing autism. </b><br /> Let's establish the facts: <br /> - Some people want cures for their autistic children. <br /> - Many people (particularly autistic people) are offended by this. <br />
- People who want a cure are offended by autistic people being offended
at cure rhetoric. They think autistic people should calm down and let
them want their right to a cure. After all, their burden is greater,
because their child's autism is extreme, so they should have the right
to relieve their suffering and the suffering of those around them. <br /> <br /> ------------<br /> <br />
I'm sure you can see what I am trying to demonstrate there. Put any
minority group where cure rhetoric has been part of their history, and
you can see how offensive and bigoted those statements are. Sure, find
ways to alleviate suffering, but recognise that being pro-cure means
eradicating an entire neurology, with its own set of strengths and
wonders. Sure, it has challenges too, but so does every person on this
planet. Your child would no longer be the same person if they were
cured. It's that simple. When you say you want to cure them, that's
conditional love, and nobody wants to hear that from their parents. <br /> <br />
Sure, some people want to be cured. Just because that want exists,
doesn't make it less offensive. It just means they have been
conditioned, by society, family or whoever, to uphold that same bigotry
towards themselves. My belief is that it is our job to help these people
feel more self-accepting, and more self-loving. <br /> <br /> When a
minority group tells the majority that they are being offensive, it is
not okay for the majority to then suppress that message, no matter how
much you disagree. It is time to sit up and listen. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">I have created the following image for people to copy, use and distribute far and wide. Let's get this message out! </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacdeaPV48VOaxyaSfRY8y8mAtBWubF9ExS13W0W1sNH5VAI2-SnhHZN8NwGY7BD_dhGLwjP1bOkIKlhDdyDDjEvQ9wAbY47BbUAcK37VkOFS-RU_TxIx7vxe_CyX8xm-W_oakcnKgpIg/s1600/autism+acceptance+not+cure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacdeaPV48VOaxyaSfRY8y8mAtBWubF9ExS13W0W1sNH5VAI2-SnhHZN8NwGY7BD_dhGLwjP1bOkIKlhDdyDDjEvQ9wAbY47BbUAcK37VkOFS-RU_TxIx7vxe_CyX8xm-W_oakcnKgpIg/s1600/autism+acceptance+not+cure.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-68211285081499143612014-01-06T22:29:00.000+11:002014-01-06T22:57:47.506+11:00Inclusion - Indistinguishable from peers?I have seen the following graphic around at times, and it's a perfect representation of what these various words mean.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbnH4HXZPz7MIkNB6zgzrY0eIpOOOz134ZCiSlI209xDwWKbEoabVRYlDrvVuVxg0T5acW0jtlOaBi1boxv8Z16BgVBmNrJbJJJ2XFxufY_KjpZKvixQnlsUwb3rfQzMVr0i1J_ztX0k/s1600/integration-inclusion-exclusion-separation-schema-31511896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbnH4HXZPz7MIkNB6zgzrY0eIpOOOz134ZCiSlI209xDwWKbEoabVRYlDrvVuVxg0T5acW0jtlOaBi1boxv8Z16BgVBmNrJbJJJ2XFxufY_KjpZKvixQnlsUwb3rfQzMVr0i1J_ztX0k/s1600/integration-inclusion-exclusion-separation-schema-31511896.jpg" height="366" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Exclusion</b> is when access is not granted.<br />
<br />
<b>Separation</b> is when access is granted to something else.<br />
<br />
<b>Integration</b> is when access is granted to be present in the room, but not to participate as part of the group as a whole. <br />
<br />
<b>Inclusion</b> is when all students are granted access to the same opportunities, regardless of abilities, in the same environment. <br />
<br />
With proper inclusion in a classroom setting, each person should feel that they belong in the group, they are not being segregated, and they should be provided with equitable access to whatever is needed in order for them to learn.<br />
<br />
So in an obvious example, if a student needs their wheelchair and various technological tools in order to learn, those would be readily available. It's a no-brainer, right? <br />
<br />
A new graphic is needed to describe what very often happens to students with autism. Here's one I prepared earlier: <br />
<br />
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<br />
In the case of these students, the meaning of inclusion has become distorted. Teachers call it inclusion, but really, the focus is making these students as indistinguishable from their peers as possible. The more indistinguishable, the higher "functioning". The purpose is, in theory, to prepare those students for the "real world".<br />
<br />
However, as you can see represented in this graphic, those students will never really be completely indistinguishable from their peers, because they are simply wearing a mask and hiding who they really are.<br />
<br />
The equivalent for the person in the wheelchair is having that
wheelchair taken away and being told, "No, but you must work on being
like the rest of the students. You must walk, at the expense of all
other activities and learning." You can imagine the amount of wasted energy and angst experienced by this student. <br />
<br />
And the amount of energy and anguish that goes into maintaining the "indistinguishable" mask is extreme. This means that very little (if any) academic learning occurs. In fact, the primary lesson these students are living with, day in and day out, is that they are not adequate, and they must be more like other people in order to be deemed adequate - and that this is the most important thing on which to focus. <br />
<br />
So not only are these students not benefiting from academic opportunity, they are also taking a battering at the physical and spiritual level. There is no equity in this. It is harmful. It is wasteful. It is self-defeating for all concerned. <br />
<br />
<br />
The job of teachers is to teach individuals, each with their own learning requirements. It is not to force the students to conform, to any arbitrary ideal of "normal", nor to a generic one-size-fits-all model of education. Teachers often say there is no time to do more, but I would have them realise that while they are wasting immeasurable energy on making their autistic students pretend to be indistinguishable from their peers, they could be putting (much less) energy into adapting their teaching style to accommodate those same students, without trying to change who they are.<br />
<br />
<b>Autistic students are different, not defective, and certainly not less. </b><br />
<br />
If those students are allowed to be who they are, they will be much happier, they will be much easier to manage, they will be learning more - and perhaps will even be reaching their true potential. And a little bonus is that happier autistic students are actually more likely to naturally develop social skills.<br />
<br />
What kind of teacher would you rather be? Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-28913773747966433382014-01-03T20:27:00.001+11:002014-01-05T14:43:27.602+11:00Stimming - socially inappropriate? If stimming is socially inappropriate, who gets the privilege of making that decision? And what about people who stare or laugh at stimming? Or worse, what about people who find stimming somehow discomforting, and consequently try to control the innocuous behaviour of others (ie: suppress stimming behaviours), in order to restore their own comfort?<br />
<br />
When my child was 6, an "expert" told me I needed to pin his arms to his sides to stop him from hand-flapping. That was when I first realised so-called "experts" often have no idea what the hell they are talking about, and are also often just imposing their opinions on others.<br />
<br />
Don't accept "expert" opinion as gospel, people! If it doesn't feel right, don't do it! <br />
<br />
Click the links below to further your insight into stimming and social "appropriateness".<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://musingsofanaspie.com/2013/07/24/socially-inappropriate/" target="_blank">Socially appropriate.</a> <br />
"This innocuous phrase has turned obnoxious for me. Here’s an example of why: I’m reading a book about teaching social skills to children with Asperger’s and I come across a sentence stating that children should be allowed to time to engage in stress-reducing activities, including “self-stimulation in socially appropriate forms.”"</blockquote>
------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.thinkingautismguide.com/2011/04/about-stimming.html" target="_blank">About Stimming</a><br />
"Looking normal worked well for me for a few years, and then it made me
miserable. I find it ironic that when my teachers and parents told me to
stop stimming, their goal was the same as when they taught me social
skills or took me to occupational therapy: to help me live in the world
with the minimum of suffering. But I suffered more when I couldn’t stim,
and I came back to it like it was a wonderful hobby I had forgotten
about."</blockquote>
------------------------------------------ <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://emmashopebook.com/2014/01/02/an-interview-with-emma-about-stimming/" target="_blank">An interview with Emma about Stimming</a><br />
A: Do you like the word “stimming” ?<br />
E: No.<br />
A: Is there another word you’d prefer?<br />
E: Yes, but words are not as meaningful to me as they are to those who talk all the time.<br />
A: If you could choose any word other than stimming, what would it be?<br />
E: Self-care</blockquote>
------------------------------------------<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-62993335858691474442014-01-03T12:03:00.002+11:002014-01-03T12:03:33.367+11:00Your child is not stagnant...<b>Don't
worry. </b><br />
<br />
The child you have at this moment, age 2, or 5, or 9, or whatever, is not
stagnant. Your child will not be at the exact same stage of development
into the future. They will grow up, and along the way, development will
occur.<br />
<br />
Don't look at your child now and think of what they won't be able
to do when they grow up, instead think of the things you have yet to
teach them, and figure out how to get them where you hope they can be.<br />
<br />
<b>Imagine the possibilities, not the limitations. </b><br />
<br />
It will be the greatest
gift you can give. And as a bonus, you'll enjoy them so much more!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-91134693586555642932013-12-22T18:44:00.000+11:002013-12-22T18:45:08.454+11:00Acceptance brings joyMore and more, as I live this life, and share in the joys and tribulations of the lives of others, I believe that at the root of all human misery, is a lack of acceptance. Conversely, behind true joy, if you look for it, you can find acceptance.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBbJYezor0Un86UiGedaqZ2X2z9aLVTrewT8COgKAz_88Y5QTCewrr5SmVuYwkjgDwUzWpxnnueIKaWGY36dkajr_hrfp5AWg1-2AXvDmcl-4eR34dQAZXVQe85CzmOySkgLywm2ebGU/s1600/acceptance+brings+joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBbJYezor0Un86UiGedaqZ2X2z9aLVTrewT8COgKAz_88Y5QTCewrr5SmVuYwkjgDwUzWpxnnueIKaWGY36dkajr_hrfp5AWg1-2AXvDmcl-4eR34dQAZXVQe85CzmOySkgLywm2ebGU/s400/acceptance+brings+joy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>If you can accept your body, you won't be miserable about how you look.</li>
<li>If you can accept your family as they are, you will be happier when you're with them.</li>
<li>If you can accept your circumstances, whatever they might be, you can work within them to solve whatever dilemmas you might encounter. You might even find space to laugh.</li>
<li>If you can accept that you can't control everything, then the uncontrollable becomes less distressing.</li>
<li>If you can accept that not all situations will come out the way you would like, then it becomes much more bearable when they don't.</li>
<li>If you can accept autism, you won't need to cure it or fix it. Instead you can move into a place of understanding and awareness, and you can embrace the true joys autism has on offer. </li>
<li>If you can accept that people come with their individual foibles, they all become more endearing.</li>
<li>If you can accept tragedy, grief has a much diminished impact.</li>
<li>If you can accept that some people are going to foist their heartache upon you, then you will be empowered to change your involvement, instead of being stuck in trying to change their "unacceptable" behaviour.</li>
<li>If you can accept that there can be different races, religions, sexualities, belief systems all at the same time, in the same world, that world becomes much more beautiful.</li>
</ul>
On the other hand, if you can't accept, you will always feel pain, hurt, misery as you fight against the current. To me, lack of acceptance is a fast track to misery.<br />
<br />
<b>It's your choice. I would like to challenge you to look at the things in
your life that are causing you pain - can you find something in there you need to accept?</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>... </b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-51610294199006559742013-12-07T08:31:00.000+11:002013-12-07T09:26:33.027+11:00Empathy: Autism and Neurotypical<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskQ6NF7ymD5wuyoifEkr9P5i6_WItV_c61SKvYaO9mVhBhbF89rrkJjP-48eomHmgFd4BP6HRgi0afOrmRDlaXRfUJLDb2c-pC-gqywsLjpxXrkkkz7bCuEtVoo2fjV2HFBwU25IKG9E/s1600/empathy-autism-neurotypicals.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Empathy, Autism and Neurotypicals" border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskQ6NF7ymD5wuyoifEkr9P5i6_WItV_c61SKvYaO9mVhBhbF89rrkJjP-48eomHmgFd4BP6HRgi0afOrmRDlaXRfUJLDb2c-pC-gqywsLjpxXrkkkz7bCuEtVoo2fjV2HFBwU25IKG9E/s320/empathy-autism-neurotypicals.gif" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Empathy, in broad terms, is the capacity to understand and relate to the experience of another person. Compassion, having feelings in response to another person's suffering, flows on from empathy.<br />
<br />
There is a point of view well and truly entrenched in the mainstream, that autism and a lack of empathy are synonymous.<br />
<br />
I'm here to dispute this - in fact I'm going to completely turn it on its head. <br />
<br />
It astounds me how the irony of this appears to have been lost on so many thousands of professional people the world over. How is it nobody seems to have realised that saying "Autistic people lack empathy," is in fact an active demonstration of a complete lack of empathy? Within this statement lies acceptance of assumptions made about what the autistic person is thinking and feeling. There is no challenging of those assumptions either, because the autistic person isn't really respected enough to be brought into the conversation. And the assumptions are so far from the truth, all the statement really displays, is a total lack of empathy skills. It's a combination of hypocrisy, ignorance and incompetence. <br />
<br />
To broadly state that an entire percentage of humanity lacks empathy, while not taking the time to genuinely walk a mile in the shoes of those very people, smacks more of paternal condescension than it does of understanding, compassion or empathy. It actually only proves that neurotypicals, who have had the privilege of writing these descriptions, have at the very least totally lacked empathy for those they describe.<br />
<br />
To say that autistic people lack empathy, simply put, lacks empathy. It is completely offensive, and undeservedly dehumanising. They become something to fear. It relegates autistic people to the fringes of society and makes them seem of lesser value than the rest of humanity. And if we say that autistic people are somehow less than neurotypical people, surely we are getting something wrong?<br />
<br />
Neurotypicals make up the vast majority of the human population, thus giving them the privilege and power to assess and describe all groups, including themselves. But is the neurotypical view of itself a delusion? Neurotypicals consider themselves to have the highest order skills in empathy, but is that even true?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9kLRGrp9QFth5oUBgEYjH_huN17TQ8-KPi8rgbunQHditolLiXAAVDkwFNPYvTatgyaYI4EExJkUkSj8j9OZxJzfo4JbuX2KbzROH2L1ttj5wFF9H3Ro_g8jsTpRdjmWHr1hM3Zh3nM/s1600/Empathy-Pain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9kLRGrp9QFth5oUBgEYjH_huN17TQ8-KPi8rgbunQHditolLiXAAVDkwFNPYvTatgyaYI4EExJkUkSj8j9OZxJzfo4JbuX2KbzROH2L1ttj5wFF9H3Ro_g8jsTpRdjmWHr1hM3Zh3nM/s1600/Empathy-Pain.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Lack of empathy is described in the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual (DSM-5, 2013) under Antisocial Personality Disorder, as "Lack of concern for feelings, needs, or suffering of others; lack of remorse after hurting or mistreating another."<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>When we don't take responsibility for our actions or apologise for our wrongdoings, are we being empathic?</li>
<li>When people judge how another is dressed, their body type or some aspect of their appearance, does that express empathy? </li>
<li>When people leave nasty malicious notes on others' pages on the Internet, encouraging them to go away and kill themselves because they have no worth, does that show empathy?</li>
<li>When we see starving African children on our TV screens and change the channel instead of facing their harsh reality, does that display empathy? </li>
<li>Does racism express empathy? </li>
<li>When we judge someone for having depression or pain for too long, does that show empathy?</li>
<li>When we criticise the decisions of our friends and family, does that show empathy? </li>
<li>When we make rape jokes, does that show empathy?</li>
<li>When we ask a rape victim what they were wearing, where they were walking, whether they had been drinking, is that an empathic response?</li>
<li>When we say "kids will bounce back, they're resilient," does that show empathy?</li>
<li>When we judge a woman for staying in an abusive relationship, does that express empathy?</li>
<li>When we make judgements of others in general, does that show empathy? </li>
<li>When we say that gay love isn't real love, does that display empathy?</li>
<li>When we get angry about someone's religious choices, is that empathic?</li>
<li>When we encourage paparazzi to harass celebrities for our next fix of embarrassing photographs, are we being empathic?</li>
<li>When parents of non-verbal autistic children talk about curing them in front of them, or thoughts of murder-suicide, and assume that their child doesn't understand what is being said, is there empathy shown here? </li>
<li>When we tell victims of crime or trauma to "get over it, leave it in the past," are we being empathic? </li>
<li>When we bully people and laugh at their tears, are we showing empathy? </li>
<li>When we shun people for being different, is that empathic?</li>
<li>When we pathologise different ways of perceiving the world, is that empathy?</li>
</ul>
That list could go on endlessly, with the terrible things which are witnessed in the day to day lives of the average person. The big question to ask ourselves is this: <br />
<br />
<b>When we expect empathy, but aren't taking the time and energy to understand the person in front of us, isn't something wrong with this picture? </b><br />
<br />
Just because neurotypicals make up the majority of people, doesn't mean the things we say about ourselves or other groups represent the truth. And the truth is, while we are very capable of empathy, humanity as a whole is also full of moments lacking empathy. Neurotypical people make a pretty widespread habit of not displaying empathy towards others, especially minorities. Neurotypical people though, would be offended to be generally described as lacking empathy. Autistic people, as part of the human race, are bound to have moments like anyone else, when they might not show empathy, but this does not mean that they lack empathy altogether, and it's an offensive and an insensitive thing to generalise such a negative descriptor. <br />
<br />
<br />
Out of all the people I have met in my life, autistic people have repeatedly proven themselves to be the most empathic and compassionate of all. They are the first to help someone in need, the ones who do the sweetest gestures of love and caring. In my experience, autistic people have a great deal more empathy than the average neurotypical.<br />
<br />
Sadly though, neurotypical professionals seem to be so generally incompetent at empathising with autistics, that they don't even notice when empathy is occurring right in front of them. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
------Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-40390410894656497722013-12-07T06:52:00.000+11:002013-12-07T06:54:00.211+11:00ASAN calls for sponsors of Autism Speaks to step awayAutism Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), along with several other organisations, has recently sent out the following letter to sponsors of Autism Speaks.<br />
<br />
--------------------------------------------------------- <br />
<h1 class="entry-title">
2013 Joint Letter to the Sponsors of Autism Speaks</h1>
<div class="entry-meta">
<time datetime="2013-11-19T13:22:25-08:00" pubdate="">November 19, 2013</time></div>
<div class="entry-meta">
<time datetime="2013-11-19T13:22:25-08:00" pubdate=""> </time>
</div>
To the Sponsors, Donors, and Supporters of Autism Speaks:<br />
<br />
We, the undersigned organizations representing the disability
community, are writing to urge you to end your support for Autism
Speaks. We profoundly appreciate your interest in supporting the autism
and broader disability communities. Our work is about empowering and
supporting people with all disabilities, including adults and children
on the autism spectrum, to be recognized as equal citizens in our
society and afforded all of the rights and opportunities that implies.
Unfortunately, Autism Speaks’ statements and actions do damage to that
work and to the lives of autistic people and those with other
disabilities. It is our hope that we may work together in a spirit of
partnership to find new and less controversial ways for you to show your
commitment to our community.<br />
<br />
<b>Autism Speaks’ senior leadership fails to include a single autistic person.</b>
Unlike non-profits focused on intellectual disability, Down Syndrome,
Cerebral Palsy and countless other disabilities, Autism Speaks
systematically excludes autistic adults from its board of directors,
leadership team and other positions of senior leadership. This exclusion
has been the subject of numerous discussions with and eventually
protests against Autism Speaks, yet the organization persists in its
refusal to allow those it purports to serve into positions of meaningful
authority within its ranks. The slogan of the disability rights
movement has long been, “Nothing About Us, Without Us.” Almost nine
years after its founding, Autism Speaks continues to refuse to abide by
this basic tenet of the mainstream disability community.<br />
<br />
<b>Autism Speaks has a history of supporting dangerous fringe
movements that threaten the lives and safety of both the autism
community and the general public.</b> The anti-vaccine sentiments of
Autism Speaks’ founders have been well documented in the mainstream
media. Several of Autism Speaks’ senior leaders have resigned or been
fired after founders Bob and Suzanne Wright overruled Autism Speaks’
scientific leadership in order to advance the discredited idea that
autism is the result of vaccinations. Furthermore, Autism Speaks has
promoted the Judge Rotenberg Center, a Massachusetts facility under
Department of Justice and FDA investigation for the use of painful
electric shock against its students. The Judge Rotenberg Center’s
methods have been deemed torture by the United Nations Special
Rapporteur on Torture and are currently the subject of efforts by the
Massachusetts state government and disability rights advocates to shut
the facility down. Despite this, Autism Speaks has allowed the Judge
Rotenberg Center to recruit new admissions from families seeking
resources at their fundraising walks. We believe this is not the type of
action you anticipated when you agreed to provide support to Autism
Speaks events.<br />
<br />
<b>Autism Speaks’ fundraising efforts pull money away from local communities,</b>
returning very little funds for the critical investments in services
and supports needed by autistic people and our families. Only 4% of
funds donated to Autism Speaks are reinvested in services and supports
for autistic people and our families. Across the country, local
communities have complained that at a time when state budget cutbacks
are making investment in local disability services all the more
critical, Autism Speaks fundraisers take money away from needed services
in their community. In addition, while the majority of Autism Speaks’
funding goes towards research dollars, few of those dollars have gone to
the areas of most concern to autistic people and our families–services
and supports, particularly for autistics reaching adulthood and aging
out of the school system. According to the Department of Health and
Human Services’ Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating Committee, only 1% of
Autism Speaks’ research budget goes towards research on service quality
and less than one-quarter of 1% goes towards research on the needs of
autistic adults.<br />
<br />
<b>Autism Speaks’ advertising depends on offensive and outdated rhetoric</b> of
fear and pity, presenting the lives of autistic people as tragic
burdens on our families and society. In its advertising, Autism Speaks
has compared being autistic to being kidnapped, dying of a natural
disaster, having a fatal disease, and countless other inappropriate
analogies. In one of its most prominent fundraising videos, an Autism
Speaks executive stated that she had considered placing her child in the
car and driving off the George Washington Bridge, going on to say that
she did not do so only because she had a normal child as well. Autism
Speaks advertisements have cited inaccurate statistics on elevated
divorce rates for parents of autistic children and many other falsehoods
designed to present the lives of autistic children and adults as little
more than tragedies.<br />
<br />
<b>Autism Speaks’ only advisory board member on the autism spectrum,
John Elder Robison, announced his resignation from the organization this
month</b> <b>in protest</b> of the organization comparing autistic
people to kidnapping victims and claiming that our families are not
living, but merely existing, due to the horror of having autistic people
in their lives. In his resignation letter, he discusses his four years
spent attempting to reform the organization from the inside without
success, stating, “Autism Speaks says it’s the advocacy group for people
with autism and their families. It’s not, despite having had many
chances to become that voice. Autism Speaks is the only major medical
or mental health nonprofit whose legitimacy is constantly challenged by a
large percentage of the people affected by the condition they target.”<br />
<br />
The disability community recently celebrated the 50<sup>th</sup>
anniversary of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of
Rights Act, legislation first signed into law by President John F.
Kennedy in 1963. The law begins with the statement that, “disability is a
natural part of the human experience that does not diminish the right
of individuals with developmental disabilities to live independently, to
exert control and choice over their own lives, and to fully participate
in and contribute to their communities through full integration and
inclusion in the economic, political, social, cultural, and educational
mainstream of United States society.”<br />
<br />
We believe that statement to be true. Over the past fifty years, the
disability world has focused on making these aspirations into reality,
and significant strides have been made. Unfortunately, the actions of
Autism Speaks attempt to undo fifty years of hard-won progress and take
us further away from a world in which the goals articulated in the DD
act are fully realized. We applaud you for your interest in supporting
the autism and developmental disability, yet firmly believe that your
support would have a more positive impact were it invested elsewhere. As
a result, we the undersigned members of the disability community stand
together in urging you to end your support of Autism Speaks and
re-allocate your donations to a recipient who can better represent the
needs and desires of autistic people and our families.<br />
<br />
We would be glad to arrange a meeting to discuss these issues in more
detail. Please direct your response to Ari Ne’eman of the Autistic Self
Advocacy Network at 202.596.1056 or by e-mail at <a href="mailto:aneeman@autisticadvocacy.org">aneeman@autisticadvocacy.org</a>.<br />
Regards,<br />
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network<br />
The Association for Autistic Community<br />
Autism Women’s Network<br />
Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living<br />
National Council on Independent Living<br />
National Coalition on Mental Health Recovery<br />
Little People of America<br />
Not Dead Yet<br />
Ollibean<br />
TASH<br />
The Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism<br />
Queerability<br />
Michigan Disability Rights Coalition<br />
PACLA<br />
Down Syndrome Uprising<br />
ADAPT Montana<br />
YOUTH POWER!<br />
DREAM: Disability Rights, Education, Activism, and Mentoring<br />
Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://autisticadvocacy.org/2013/11/2013-joint-letter-to-the-sponsors-of-autism-speaks/" target="_blank">2013 Joint Letter to the Sponsors of Autism Speaks</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-33382579601314794102013-11-17T09:32:00.002+11:002013-11-17T12:46:51.362+11:00Autism is... (flash blog)Autism is giggles and tickles. <br />
<br />
Autism is pulling all the pillows off the couch, laying them on top of your child, and then squishing him because he loves it so much! <br />
<br />
Autism is courage and honesty.<br />
<br />
Autism is being hyper aware of all your child's achievements, and never missing even the smallest thing. <br />
<br />
Autism is laughter and love, and quirky humour. <br />
<br />
<b>This is autism.</b><br />
<br />
Autism is a whole other world unavailable to those not touched by autism. <br />
<br />
Autism is creativity. <br />
<br />
Autism is problem-solving. <br />
<br />
Autism is innovation. <br />
<br />
<b>This is autism.</b><br />
<br />
Autism is intelligent, even when non-verbal.<br />
<br />
Autism is seeing, hearing, aware.<br />
<br />
Autism is deep, pervasive empathy. <br />
<br />
Autism is a conduit to discovering deep internal reserves of resilience and positivity.<br />
<br />
<b>This is autism.</b><br />
<br />
Autism is a means to connect with people whom we might otherwise have never met. <br />
<br />
Autism is colour, and music and sensory beauty. <br />
<br />
Autism is looking optimistically towards a future of our own design.<br />
<br />
Autism is thinking outside the box. <br />
<br />
<b>This is autism.</b><br />
<br />
Autism is being willing to step away from conformity and living a unique experience. <br />
<br />
Autism is millions of different experiences, in millions of different lives. <br />
<br />
Autism is seeing the world through a different lens. <br />
<br />
Autism is food which doesn't touch. <br />
<br />
<b>This is autism.</b><br />
<br />
Autism is depth of knowledge on a wide range of wildly weird and wonderful topics. <br />
<br />
Autism is passionate. <br />
<br />
Autism is patterns, lights, shapes, sparkles. <br />
<br />
Autism is noticing tiny elements of beauty that others overlook.<br />
<br />
Autism is stuff that spins. <br />
<br />
<b>This is autism.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Autism is at least 1% of all human life. <br />
It has value. <br />
It has beauty. <br />
It has warmth. <br />
It has love. <br />
It has joy. <br />
It adds to our world.<br />
<br />
<b>This is autism.</b><br />
<br />
---------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<b>For other flash blogs, check out this page: <a href="http://thisisautismflashblog.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">http://thisisautismflashblog.blogspot.com.au/</a> </b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-85175816179966752592013-07-24T10:14:00.000+10:002013-07-24T10:14:54.031+10:00Research says Autism is NOT an epidemic<b>Myth: </b>"Autism is an epidemic and the prevalence of autism is rising rapidly. We should all panic and quickly look for a cure before..." <br />
<br />
...well who knows what people think is likely to happen if we don't eradicate autism. Maybe they're leaning towards a zombie apocalypse? It could explain the level of fear-mongering associated with discussions of autism prevalence rates. <br />
<br />
Here's a previous article I wrote on the subject: > <a href="http://sidautism.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/autism-is-not-epidemic.html" target="_blank">Click </a><<br />
<br />
And here's an interesting research paper (actual scientific evidence) on the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder amongst adults: > <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21536975" target="_blank">Click </a>< <br />
<br />
The gist of it? Prevalence is not related to age and adult rates are similar to that found in children. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-85120386235604320572013-07-08T11:46:00.000+10:002013-07-08T11:49:08.375+10:00A Note to Grandparents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fDzeZe0ORhLRsQNXo6VLc07xC8piwFFvOGbS2yVPbc6jiaq62y_qDfX7P78F-JP6lH8yvRc-XUVyvHlMSshBRQAWvqEa-0fWT9xtYXxlUdXqkaab4NFhziJlFTfdG-2ePly0IJFofKs/s1600/grandparents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fDzeZe0ORhLRsQNXo6VLc07xC8piwFFvOGbS2yVPbc6jiaq62y_qDfX7P78F-JP6lH8yvRc-XUVyvHlMSshBRQAWvqEa-0fWT9xtYXxlUdXqkaab4NFhziJlFTfdG-2ePly0IJFofKs/s400/grandparents.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Dear Grandparent,<br />
<br />
How you involve yourself in the life of your autistic grandchildren can make or break your entire family. Parents of autistic children often have to distance themselves from negative family members, because of the harm it causes for their children to be around such influences.<br />
<br />
Do you want to find yourself on the outer fringes of your children's and grand children's lives? <br />
<br />
If you can admit to having said things like, "But there's nothing wrong with him," or, "A bit of discipline will fix that," or, "It's all in the parenting style," then sadly, you have to also admit that these are judgmental statements and you have been a negative influence in your family.<br />
<br />
So you need to make a decision - do I want to have positive involvement or not? If your answer is yes, then I highly recommend the following page:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.aspergersyndrome.org/Articles/Especially-for-Grandparents-of-Children-With-Asper.aspx" target="_blank">Especially for Grandparents...</a> <--click!<br />
<br />
An excerpt:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>What if I don’t believe the </b><b>diagnosis?</b></i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>That’s your privilege. But keep in mind that the child’s parents
believe it. They live and work with the child daily and are in a unique
position to notice the deficits. Because they care deeply about that
child’s future, they aren’t concerned about the stigma of a label, as
long as it means the child is eligible for the specialized programming
she needs. They have put their pride aside for the sake of the child and
expect the same from the rest of the family. </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Consider carefully what could possibly be gained by refusing to
believe the diagnosis. Then consider what could be lost. The parents are
already living with a great deal more stress than other parents, and
they don’t need the added strain of skeptical or judgmental
grandparents. Otherwise you may suddenly be faced with the pain of being
unwelcome in your grandchild’s home.</i></blockquote>
<br />
The article is focussed on Asperger's Syndrome, but all of the content also applies to autism spectrum disorders in general. If you want to have positive relationships in your family, then I hope you will follow the instructions in that article. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-5340225992053195092013-06-20T10:42:00.000+10:002013-06-20T10:42:08.147+10:00Caffeine, ADHD and Stimming Behaviours<br />
Today I was prompted to recall how about ten years ago, I attended a very interesting seminar presented by a visiting psychologist from Sydney. Sadly, I can't remember his name anymore. The presenter described himself as having undiagnosed ADHD, paced back and forth rapidly and constantly as he spoke, and presented a lot of information in a very condensed, speedy fashion. A great deal of concentration was required to take it all in.<br />
<br />
But boy was there a wealth of good stuff in there. I think that seminar helped me to see my son more clearly and with a deeper compassion. And in many respects, I think this has coloured most of my interactions with my son and my decisions since then. Below are a couple of key things I got out of the seminar.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yxwx6m1p1WdFG5XlmKG20D7fTrSe17t8Hy6KOsaOLR4N5mHIWG47gxetTTIxyDYf4PtmO7SaXK7IRhlugi-uV5CLl0XuNogc0ZgGaXcJHPGH5_TX306x5UH9Lk8tP3LABgm_fTSTgsk/s320/adhd.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Caffeine & ADHD</b><br />
<br />
The presenter told us about the medications used for ADHD, and how their stimulant effect would allow neural connections to happen between the frontal lobe and the base of the brain, creating calm and more organised thought, and hence allowing clear and better decision making to occur. Impulse control is made possible by these medications, and he explained how terrifying it must be for kids who were unable to control themselves. He described how without these connections, spontaneous and risky decisions could be made because once an idea was present, the neural connections were not there to prevent the action from taking place. By way of explanation he mentioned that scars on the fingers of young children had at one time been used as a diagnostic observation for autism, because if the child had been told "Don't touch the stove, it's hot," they would automatically reach out and touch the stove. The idea had been presented, but there was no connection to the part of the brain that would prevent the action from occurring. (I guess this is also an early indication of the many overlaps between autism and ADHD).<br />
<br />
He then went on to say that caffeine, also being a stimulant, could have a similar effect. He said that giving caffeine to a child with genuine ADHD would calm them, and could even help with sleep problems. He also touched on the frequent misdiagnosis of energetic young boys with ADHD and described how caffeine could be used as a rudimentary diagnostic test. "Give your child a glass of coke," he said, "And if they calm down or even get sleepy, they more than likely have ADHD. You should then get them properly assessed." <br />
<br />
<br />
It's
interesting to see the studies play out this caffeine theory. Here's an interesting research-based article on the subject - <a href="http://psychcentral.com/lib/2010/caffeines-effect-on-adhd-symptoms/" target="_blank">Caffeine's Effect on ADHD Symptoms. </a><br />
<br />
There are many other articles out there on the internet on this topic. Plenty of stuff to read. There's heaps of info out there about the benefits and side-effects, be sure to do your research before you start pumping your children full of caffeine! And make sure to look at the scientific/medical studies as well as anecdotal evidence. The long term effects of excessive caffeine use can be quite harmful if you're not careful. A quick Google search will be worth the effort. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<b>Stimming behaviours</b><br />
<br />
Another thing I found extremely useful that day was a lengthy discussion about what we call "stimming" behaviours. Stimming is a term used to encompass a number of different physical behaviours which provide much needed and specific stimulation for the nervous system of the individual concerned. Some of the more common of these seen in autism are hand-flapping, spinning, jumping/bouncing, rocking, swinging and licking/mouthing. In someone with ADHD, it might look like something simple like a jiggly foot while seated, or a wriggly bottom in a seat.<br />
<br />
The key message from the psychologist was never to simply suppress the behaviour. He made it abundantly clear that if we try to suppress the unusual behaviour, a more bizarre (and/or more annoying) behaviour will usually move in to replace it. If we try to stop someone jiggling their foot, they still need an action, so they might start tapping their pencil on the table, or repeatedly clicking the button on the end of their pen. If we try to physically hold down flappy hands (yes, I was once advised to do this by a supposed autism "expert" - but I was horrified and never did it), the nervous system still needs whatever it is seeking through flapping, so another behaviour will pop up in its place. And what that might be is unpredictable. It might be something much more awkward or embarrassing, like hands down pants in public places.<br />
<br />
So his advice was, if you want to get rid of a certain behaviour, first of all decide whether your need to do so is really that important. What is motivating your desire to remove that behaviour? Who really benefits from getting rid of it? Does it <i>really </i>matter? Are you just allowing yourself to be embarrassed by something which isn't a big deal in the bigger picture? Are you being too controlling or worrying too much what other people think? Will it be more distressing for your child to get rid of it than to just allow it to continue?<br />
<br />
Is it really causing any harm?<br />
<br />
Then, if you have a socially <i>unacceptable </i>behaviour to deal with - such as hands down pants in public places, always be sure to negotiate something more socially appropriate to replace it, or you could find yourself with a much bigger problem. Maybe offer a fidget toy. Try many options until something works.<br />
<br />
For example, the psychologist, throughout the presentation, was fiddling with his wedding ring and twirling it around his finger. Until he pointed this out though, I was completely oblivious. He explained that this was a behaviour he had given himself which was virtually invisible and completely acceptable, but helped him to organise his thoughts and served the physical need he had to fidget. <br />
<br />
Always remember the behaviour has appeared for a physical reason, and never punish for doing it. This behaviour isn't intentionally there to annoy you, so don't take it personally and don't get angry about it. It is very difficult for people to drop compulsive habits, so a more supportive attitude is needed if you want to make positive headway. Certainly offer regular rewards for any show of self control. How you do this is up to you, but it's vital to any chance of success.<br />
<br />
Take what you want from these ideas - but for what it's worth, everything he presented that day has turned out to be excellent advice as far as I'm concerned.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-39030848506401872052013-06-18T09:43:00.001+10:002013-06-18T10:33:18.254+10:00Businesses hiring autistic peopleThere is a trend among businesses requiring a specific kind of attention to detail and focus, to hire autistic people to fill the need. This is because of special traits which tend to be present in autistic people. Below is a fantastic, exciting and inspiring example of this, in SAP Germany. Be sure to check out the thinking behind all of this in the video from the SAP web site.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Diversity and Inclusion Video from SAP web site: </i></b><br />
<a href="http://www.sap.com/asset/index.epx?id=c95ce76c-fd87-4664-a8ad-420cf927d8b4" target="_blank">http://www.sap.com/asset/index.epx?id=c95ce76c-fd87-4664-a8ad-420cf927d8b4</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sap.com/asset/index.epx?id=c95ce76c-fd87-4664-a8ad-420cf927d8b4" target="_new" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMIOSFmdAXMhctLvTdG-BGZ7x-moBY2Zg2D58QqmeqS3EgYUAU8elOUAvsttFiDyf5blJacohgOq1RBzbBOx_JvvLY9S8hUaa21okwovTUUMLVPvcOVgAQBxtvNbzrC_biOt1sLG7TN8/s400/sap.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
SAP is embarking on a global program to hire people with autism as
software testers, programmers and data quality assurance specialists,
the company announced Tuesday. Autistic employees can offer competitive
advantages, according to SAP, while helping the individuals secure
meaningful employment.<br />
<a href="http://scn.sap.com/community/business-trends/blog/2013/05/24/video-sap-is-hiring-hundreds-of-autistic-workers" target="_blank">http://scn.sap.com/community/business-trends/blog/2013/05/24/video-sap-is-hiring-hundreds-of-autistic-workers</a><br />
<i>May 24, 2013</i><br />
<br />
<br />
MSN News: German company seeks to hire 650 autistic people<br />
<a href="http://news.msn.com/world/german-company-seeks-to-hire-650-autistic-people">http://news.msn.com/world/german-company-seeks-to-hire-650-autistic-people</a><br />
<i>May 22, 2013</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<i>--------</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-461122937573620182013-06-16T10:36:00.001+10:002013-07-06T18:59:01.976+10:00On why murdering special needs children is always badI was replying to a post <a href="http://www.mommyish.com/2013/06/13/autistic-alex-spourdalakis-murdered-by-mother/" target="_blank">elsewhere</a>, where the author showed deep compassion and sympathy for Dorothy Spourdalakis. She didn't have any special needs children herself, and took the position of thinking it wasn't fair to judge because she could never know what Dorothy's experience had been. She was deeply affected by Alex's story and I can understand how she felt she was walking a kind and non-judgmental road, but she had really missed the point - which is that murdering our children is never okay. <br />
<br />
As I replied and tried to inform her of a different world view, it came to me like a revelation, the simple explanation for others of why it is not okay to do this.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>FACT: </b>Special needs parents are not somehow especially able to kill our
children, and we shouldn't be afforded extra privileges to do so either.<br />
<br />
<b>FACT: </b>Parents who do kill their children have their own special thing going
on in their heads, and it's not because of the child. It was there
already, their capacity to kill. Autism has nothing to do with it.<br />
<br />
I can't currently think of a way to make it any simpler. <br />
<br />
<br />
We value our children as much as you value yours. We would put our lives on the line for our children just like you. Killing our children is not on our agenda any more than it is on yours. If people from within our ranks kill their children, they absolutely deserve judgement, just like you do if you kill yours. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
---Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-55742906760181669602013-06-15T09:28:00.000+10:002013-07-04T07:17:27.517+10:00RIP Alex Spourdalakis - yet another autism murder<b>Alex Spourdalakis, autistic 14-year-old, was murdered last week by the very people entrusted with his care. </b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmoKuGVubh6P9ETvxmFcGdTGxiA36xpxPjzdt_OC0BKr8nOCjlX4XaRleC91TTscj9kthuQIa1MTkW3TytRoUOihC9mSH9FlG-BmNK-FfqkLbLuZVSQvWpXRF7SlvIdmKUa3H9pNNWko/s1600/alex_spourdalakis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmoKuGVubh6P9ETvxmFcGdTGxiA36xpxPjzdt_OC0BKr8nOCjlX4XaRleC91TTscj9kthuQIa1MTkW3TytRoUOihC9mSH9FlG-BmNK-FfqkLbLuZVSQvWpXRF7SlvIdmKUa3H9pNNWko/s640/alex_spourdalakis.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RIP Alex Spourdalakis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Alex is <a href="http://sidautism.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/what-about-murdered-autistic-children.html" target="_blank">one of such a long list</a>. And his story has really gotten under my skin, for a number of reasons, as outlined below. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What happened?</b><br />
<b> </b> <br />
His own mother, Dorothy Spourdalakis, with the support of his godmother Jolanta Agata (Agatha) Skrodska, stabbed him four times in the chest. This happened several hours after they had attempted to give him a drug overdose of sleeping pills and decided they couldn't wait any more to see if the medication would kill him. So his own mother went to the kitchen, chose a knife, went back to the bedroom, and plunged it into her own child's chest, over and over again, while he lay sleeping in his bed. She also nearly severed his hand while slitting his wrist.<br />
<br />
She then handed the knife to her co-conspirator, his godmother and co-carer, who proceeded to use it to kill the family cat because they didn't want it to go to a shelter. Then the two women cleaned the knife, returned it to the kitchen knife block, and attempted to overdose themselves on sleeping pills. After locking the bedroom door, they laid down beside poor dead Alex and went to sleep.<br />
<br />
The only small mercy I can see in this is that Alex was fast asleep when his mother stabbed him. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Media Message</b><br />
<br />
The media is failing Alex. As a whole, the message is currently focused on the idea that Alex was a difficult autistic teen who weighed 200 pounds and was prone to violent outbursts. His mother and godmother were "overwhelmed" and "beyond exhaustion". The media are saying that the system, by leaving them unsupported, drove these two women to commit premeditated violent murder of a helpless autistic teen.<br />
<br />
What the media seems to not realise is this: the message they are spreading is that the lack of supports and services probably justified murder, even premeditated murder. It's apparently not their fault. It's everyone else's. Also, an autistic person's life has no real value, and it's okay to commit murder in order to step back from personally difficult circumstances. <br />
<br />
I would appeal to the media to spend more time looking into Alex's story, finding out who he really was and how he touched lives, sharing those details with us. If this were not a disabled child, the media would automatically do so. They would raise him up, spend time talking about how wonderful he had been in life, how he had touched so many lives, how loved he was by his community, and would share little personal stories offered by people who had known him. They would do this while concurrently pushing home the point that murdering one's children is not okay, and publicly vilifying the parent.<br />
<br />
But because Alex is autistic, and despite the crime being so violent and awful - and premeditated - once again the message is one of sympathy for the murdering parent. Why is it justifiable to violently kill an autistic teen, but not okay to kill a neurotypical one? Why is that the default position of the media?<br />
<br />
The media needs to turn this lens on the choice of focus they use, because they are propagating the tragic and horrific idea that disabled children's lives don't hold the same worth as other children's lives. They need to pick up their game and get the message right. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Let's look at the situation more bluntly and honestly. </b><br />
<br />
Earlier in 2013, Alex's mother had publicly appealed for help and she claims that help had not been forthcoming. She purportedly received $15,000 in cash raised from concerned citizens who sent money. Nobody seems to know how that money was dispersed. And later there was an additional appeal for more money. She did receive an offer of DCFS services via the hospital two weeks before she killed Alex, but she apparently rejected those services.<br />
<br />
Instead, she took Alex out of hospital. She took him home, and after just a week, started to conspire with his godmother to kill him. <br />
<br />
She gave up on her own son.<br />
She chose to kill him.<br />
She spent a week talking about it and planning it with another person.<br />
She premeditated it.<br />
There was no sudden mental snap.<br />
It wasn't a crime of passion.<br />
She didn't suddenly fly into a rage and do something terrible in the heat of the moment.<br />
She planned it.<br />
FOR A WEEK. <br />
And then carried it out, three times. <br />
She gave him an overdose of sleeping pills.<br />
She waited for hours, checking his pulse and breathing to see if he was dead yet.<br />
That was murder attempt number one. <br />
Eventually she decided more drastic action was needed. <br />
So, after attempting to murder him once and failing, she decided to do it again.<br />
She went and got that knife from the kitchen.<br />
She probably spent time deciding which knife would be best for the job.<br />
Then she went back to the bedroom, stood over her sleeping son.<br />
She probably took a moment to think about which way would be best to stab him. <br />
Then she plunged the knife into her son's chest. <br />
And she did it again.<br />
And she did it again.<br />
And she did it one final time.<br />
That was murder number two. <br />
Then she sliced open his wrist for good measure - this would be the third attempt to kill him.<br />
She nearly took off his hand, she cut his wrist so deep. <br />
<br />
<br />
She murdered her own son in three different ways, to make sure it was really done. She was methodical, systematic and patient. She made sure the job was done and there was no chance of his survival.<br />
<br />
<b>There is nothing here to be sympathetic about. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
I am also suspicious of the supposed suicide attempt by these two women. Given they already had seen the sleeping pills not work in their attempt to kill Alex, I question the veracity of their claims that they were attempting suicide. I am of the view that they more likely wanted to make themselves look like victims and garner sympathy after they were found.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>So, what's to be done?</b><br />
<b> </b> <br />
It's really very simple.<br />
<br />
Next time you hear of an autistic or disabled child killed by his/her parents, instead of thinking,<br />
"Oh those poor parents, they must've been desperate." <br />
Remind yourself to think this: <br />
<b>"Oh that poor child, how awful."</b><br />
<br />
It comes down to people seeing it differently, and reminding others to do so as well. Murder of a child is simply not the behaviour of a normal caring person. It is a crime, regardless of the circumstances. It's that easy to understand.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Also, there is a <a href="http://paulacdurbinwestbyautisticblog.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/autistic-community-vigil-in-memory-of.html" target="_blank">Community Vigil for Alex</a> scheduled for 7am 16 June. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/387982241320567/?ref=3" target="_blank">Click for details.</a></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>-------------- </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Other articles about Alex: </b></span><br />
<ul>
<li>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=476067232467730&set=a.441303382610782.1073741825.155369821204141&type=1&theater" target="_blank">Karla Fisher: The Deadly Double Standard</a> </span>
</li>
<li>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://jessicawolverinemetaneira.blogspot.ie/2013/06/snapping-flipping-and-killing-how-high.html" target="_blank">Jessica Wolverine: Snapping, Flipping and Killing: How high stress levels, violence and even murder are a privilege restricted to normative adults</a></span>
</li>
<li>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://mamabegood.blogspot.com/2013/06/when-autistic-child-is-killed.html" target="_blank">Mama Be Good: When An Autistic Child Is Killed</a> </span>
</li>
<li>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://indigowombat.tumblr.com/post/52745911873/the-list-grows-longer" target="_blank">Onward: The List Grows Longer</a> </span>
</li>
<li>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://raisingrebelsouls.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/the-murder-of-alex-spourdalakis.html?m=0" target="_blank">Raising Rebel Souls: The Murder of Alex Spourdalakis </a> </span>
</li>
<li>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://emmashopebook.com/2013/06/12/but-what-about-alex/" target="_blank">Emma's Hope Book: But What About Alex?</a> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://thatcrazycrippledchick.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/where-is-love-case-of-alex-spourdalakis.html" target="_blank">Where is the love? The Case of Alex Spourdalakis.</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://timetolisten.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/my-wibbly-wobbly-rantings-about-murder.html" target="_blank">Radical Neurodivergence: My wibbly wobbly rantings about the murder, yes murder, of Alex Spourdalakis. </a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://autismhwy.com/blog/?p=4403" target="_blank">Autism Highway: Awareness No One Wants</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://blogs.redorbit.com/it-takes-a-village-to-kill-a-child/" target="_blank">Wendy Baskin: It Takes A Village To Kill A Child</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://adiaryofamom.wordpress.com/2013/06/12/how-do-we-get-from-here-to-there/" target="_blank">A Diary of a Mom: How do we get from here to there</a> </span></li>
<li><a href="http://forum.ship-of-fools.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=005215;p=1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Ship of Fools: Memory Eternal, Alex Spourdalakis Discussion</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://sandymk.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Triplet Mom: Let's Get Real About Autism</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.care2.com/causes/mother-kills-autistic-son-a-hate-crime.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Kristina Chew: Mother Kills Autistic Son, May Be Charged With Hate Crime</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2013/06/14/autism-biomed-and-murder-of-alex-spourdalakis/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Respectful Insolence: Autism Biomed and the Murder of Alex Spourdalakis</span></a>
</li>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-13865036855814415332013-05-29T07:47:00.002+10:002013-05-29T07:53:20.092+10:00Barb Rentenbach- An Inspiration and an Important Lesson for all of usThis article, written by Ariane Zurcher, describing Barb Rentenbach's book <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Might-Be-You-Exploration-Connection/dp/0988344904" target="_hplink">I Might Be You: An Exploration of Autism and Connection</a></i>, proves you simply can not know what your child - yes, even an autistic mute - might later achieve in life.<br />
<br />
To me this is a powerful lesson in not placing limitations on autistic people. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ariane-zurcher/living-with-autism_b_3299197.html" target="_blank">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ariane-zurcher/living-with-autism_b_3299197.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://emmashopebook.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/barb-lois.jpg" class="decoded" height="248" src="http://emmashopebook.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/barb-lois.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barb Rentenbach (<i>left</i>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218475111705224894.post-47230271359296926572013-05-24T08:18:00.001+10:002013-05-24T08:19:50.894+10:00WanderingWith three tragic drowning deaths of autistic children who wandered in the past week, wandering has become a big issue. This article is by far the best thing I've read on the topic so far:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.babble.com/mom/autism-community-reels-three-drowning-deaths-in-one-week/" target="_blank">http://www.babble.com/mom/autism-community-reels-three-drowning-deaths-in-one-week/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Landon Bryce also reposted a previous article and video clip. This is essential viewing and will shake up your way of looking at wandering:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thautcast.com/drupal5/content/wandering-and-gulf-between-parenthood-and-me" target="_blank">http://thautcast.com/drupal5/content/wandering-and-gulf-between-parenthood-and-me</a><br />
<br />
<img alt="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5008/5353693397_66981662db_z.jpg" class="decoded" height="277" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5008/5353693397_66981662db_z.jpg" width="400" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0