The Art that only Autism Can Bring
This is a remarkable short clip! This artist with autism takes a helicopter ride over the City of Rome, and within three days, he draws an extremely detailed drawing of what he saw out of the window of the helicopter....FROM MEMORY! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAyhz2m-UuQ
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Jenny McCarthy TIME Magazine
Hello Everyone,
Wanted to know what your opinion on Jenny McCarthy is...
"She speaks to so many frustrated, despairing mothers of autistic children because she is plausible, authentic. If you needed a woman to bring hope to these mothers, you couldn't ask for better casting than Jenny McCarthy."
Check this article in TIME Magazine...
So many people like her/dislike her....At times I have no idea what to think. This article makes her out to be so loving/helpful
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1967796,00.html
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Autism and Body Energy
As a parent we are always looking to help our children no matter what, that I can say and I think I speak for all the parents. I have heard that God made them this way and that's that. I'm a believer that we should continue to look for other alternatives to help all children not matter what their condition.
I have worked hard on such a project and I have spent hundreds of hours over the past four years hoping to find a single connection between all these conditions and I here to tell you that I found it. As a parent of four healthy girls and nine grandchildren the common denominator is the energy that is around us and in our bodies.
Body energy, is the foundation of our health. I have found in my research that not one person no matter their age or condition unless they have had energy work done to realign there energy system is out of balance. I bring this to your attention, your child's energy system and yours is out of balance. We mirror and reflect into our children and they sense what we fell, what we think and respond accordingly to the emotions of mother and father and even the siblings.
I'm currently working with several other families who have a child with Autism. I ask you to take the time to read my website and the testimony's of other parents who stepped out of the Western Medicine box. This isn't a promotion of website; this is about giving parents another prospective to change your child future.
The family members are more than glad and available for you to talk to and they will share their experiences with you.
If you have questions, I will glad to answer them and give you more information of my process. I can do this without ever meeting the children and how this is accomplished is through remote energy healing.
Parents with financial difficulty are welcome, what's important is your child not your check book.
Look forward to hearing from you.
310-818-1270
www.healing-vibration.com
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The Miracle Project Party Supplies and TheAutspot.
Elaine Hall , Diane Isaacs Founders of The Miracle Project and I ,the creator of their massive On-Line Wedding , Party and Costume Store, are proud to feature Autspot as a Founding Friend on the Home Page with of three of the most known names of Autism in the world next week.
The Miracle Project Party Supplies.com, will be full of Celebrity people and caring parents like you that want the very best of what life has to offer for our children.
Our Mission is , with your help to create the largest Autism, Special Needs, Education and Awareness Campaign ever created among the women who attend the over 30 Million Wedding/ Baby Showers and Kids Parties every year in the USA and Canada.
Elaine, Diane and I want Autism and resources like Autspot and the writings of your Blog to become topics of conversation among these women.
To help us we have over 200 Themed Party Packs and over 50,000 other festive supplies Guaranteed to result in lasting memories of
joy, laughter and love among children, family and friends.
Imagine This.
25 % of All purchases supports the remarkable Austism and Special Needs effort of The Miracle Project.
You can now make your next Perfect Party really count.
Tell us what you think.
P.S. Could you tell us in 1 paragraph the best childhood party you remember most so we can post it for the world to read, to remind all of us of the child within full of laughter, joy, laughter, love and friendships.
Simply send it to me
pauljcody@gtwyh.org
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Who's Afraid of Jenny McCarthy
This is an old article (about 5months)...but thought it was great piece by TIME Magazine
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Apartment/Condo living
Hi everyone,
Does anyone here live in an apartment or a condo?
We moved from our nice big house into the city to be closer to autism services. But that means we are no longer in a house :(
What do you do about noise coming from your apartment so your family doesn't disturb neighbors and so your neighbors don't bother your family with their noise?
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Partying 'Among Friends'- An Autistic Guide to Birthday Parties
Previously Posted on www.puzzlepieceprincess.com<br></p><p class="MsoNormal">There is nothing better than a birthday party, even with a
special needs child. If you are holding off due to worries, may I suggest a
change of heart?
Last year, we had our first birthday party-with friends. I
decided to invite the whole class of special needs children. A birthday party
is a serious commitment for any parent; it magnifies 100% with special needs.
There are the normal worries- theme, activities, and food.
Then there are the worries about your own child- will everyone come, will she
have fun, I want to see her happy. Then there are the worries over your child’s
special needs- will this over-stimulate, what if she has a breakdown, is this
too loud, too bright, too much? And finally, the worries of the other special
needs children- special diets, what if they break down, what if they get
violent at our party?
But, worries aside… I, like most parents with an autistic
child (or two), just want my children to experience as many of the regular
childhood activities as possible. I just brace myself for the worst and pray
for the best.
We set everything up the night before and told both girls
what was about to happen. “We are having a birthday party for Frances
tomorrow.” Frances screamed in delight, “Happy birthday to me? I LOVE
birthdays.” CJ shared the joy as she tried to pull streamers off the wall.
The next day the fun began as the children came over for the
party. All of them are unique, but they were all among friends. This made it
much easier. We have attempted parties in the past, for our friends’ children,
and the girls just look (and I am sure feel) awkward and out of place. But the
girls were happy. The other children were happy. And there was no pressure.
If you are going to have a party for your autistic child, here
are some tips for making it a success:
1.
Let your child know in advance what is going to happen.
If you are giving the party, walk through the events of the day. If you are
attending a party, ask what is going to happen. Explain to the host your
situation. A little prying in advance might save a lot of crying the day of the
event.
2.
Have a variety of food choices. Many other children may
have dietary restrictions. Some parents opt to “ask ahead”. Another idea is to
have a plate of veggies, fruits, GCF cookies, and other small snacks so
everyone gets something.
3.
Watch for “typical” party items that could upset
autistic children. Items that pop, jump out, or make sudden noise, may upset
party goers. If you have balloons, put them up high and out of reach.
4.
Have a “quiet place” set aside for children and parents
to go if there is a melt-down. Let everyone know when they come in that it is a
designated break space.
5.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself or your child.
If your child wants to wear a ski jacket and boots to her party, it is her day.
Don’t put unrealistic expectations on her or yourself the day of the party.
Make it like every day, just more fun.
Using these tips made our party a success. The best part was
meeting other parents and children that understand. When you are among others
in the special needs community, no one cares if your child melts down, we have
all been there. We don’t look at each other differently or in a judgmental
manner. It is a wonderful community to live in. And why not celebrate our lives
every once in a while? A birthday is just the way to do it.
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FREE TOYS that Inspire and Educate from Autism Spectrum Quarterly & HLW3B
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E7mSZnMG8Ck/TPM2eByytFI/AAAAAAAADNw/iS1t7WQ8RN4/s1600/Gingerbread-Man-FREE-TOYS.jpg" imageanchor="1"> http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E7mSZnMG8Ck/TPM2eByytFI/AAAAAAAADNw/iS1t7WQ8RN4/s200/Gingerbread-Man-FREE-TOYS.jpg" width=200 height=200 ox="true">
I had the great pleasure of writing two articles for http://www.asquarterly.com/"><FONT color=#888888>Autism Spectrum Quarterly this fall, one of which was a Holiday Gift Giving Guide that suggests gifts that educate and inspire -- while being 'pocketbook friendly'.
While I was doing the research, and final writing for the piece, I was moved by the generosity of the companies that were included in the Holiday Gift Guide -- they wanted to give away some of their toys! And who am I to say no to that?
We are talking some SERIOUSLY COOL toys -- those that kids actually want!
You can win one of 2 GRAND PRIZE PACKS worth over $150 each. They will include:
3 sets of http://www.citiblocs.com/"><FONT color=#888888>Citiblocs (52 pieces each)
1 Dressing Vest from http://www.funandfunction.com/"><FONT color=#2288bb>Fun and Function
1 Make Your Own Gum Kit from http://www.gleegum.com/"><FONT color=#888888>Glee Gum
5 tubs of http://www.aromadough.com/"><FONT color=#2288bb>Aroma Dough
1 science kit from http://www.kitsforkids.com/"><FONT color=#888888>Kits for Kids
Yes, two lucky people will get the opportunity to win ALL of those -- tell Santa he can skip your house, because we've got you covered!
Here is a portion of the article that I wrote for http://www.asquarterly.com/"><FONT color=#888888>Autism Spectrum Quarterly (so you know just why I think these toys are awesome), the other items I suggested can be found inside their Family/Holiday issue, which is available now!
CitiBlocs – My boys were infatuated with these new blocks before they even came out of the box! Made of lightweight pine, these non-toxic wooden “blocs” are all the same size and shape, making them easy to manipulate even for little hands. They come in multiple colors including natural, red, and blue, and with an illustrated guide full of ideas to get your little builder started. This construction toy provides an opportunity for children to enhance their creativity, motor planning, fine motor skills, cooperative play, language, and social skills. My recommended age: 3+ Starting at $19.99 USD from http://www.citiblocs.com/"><FONT color=#888888>http://www.citiblocs.com/</FONT></A>.
Dressing Vest: Playing dress up is a great way to spark the imagination! This innovative dressing vest from Fun and Function gives your child the ability to pretend to be a “Firefighter” at the same time it provides him or her with practice on large and small buttons, zipper, buckle, hook and loop, and tie and snap closures. The best part? Weights can be safely added to pockets inside the vest to provide calming deep pressure input. This imaginative toy gives your child important sensory experiences and enables him or her to practice language, fine motor, social, and cooperative play skills. My age recommendation: 3+. $34.99 USD from http://www.funandfunction.com/"><SPAN style="COLOR: blue">www.funandfunction.com</SPAN></A>.</SPAN></SPAN><BR><BR>
Make Your Own Gum – Glee Gum offers this mouth-watering kit that lets kids (and adults!) make their own all-natural gum using chicle, the sap that comes from the Sapodilla tree. Everything you need is included in the kit, including simple instructions and a choice of flavors. This fun and innovative project gives your child the opportunity to expand his or her understanding of science while getting great sensory input (proprioception, touch, taste, and smell!). Each kit makes 50 pieces of gum. My age recommendation: 8+ (but be sure to avoid this one if your child has any oral-motor or other issues that predispose him or her to choking!). $13 USD from http://www.gleegum.com/"><FONT color=#888888>http://www.gleegum.com/</FONT></A>.</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><BR><BR>
Aroma-Dough: This takes playing with dough to an entirely new – and gluten free – level! The dough comes in original and unexpected scents like Groovy Tutti Blue, Lolipop Lime Green, Rootin Tootin Root Beer and Cherry Cola Fizz. It is non-crumbly, and because it was invented by moms, it cleans up easily – even from the carpet! This great dough will give your child opportunities to strengthen fine motor skills, receive proprioceptive input, and practice motor planning and language skills. My age recommendation: 2+ (with supervision for younger children and those with a penchant for putting things in their mouths). $16.95 for 4 min-tubs from http://www.aroma-dough.com/"><FONT color=#888888>http://www.aroma-dough.com/</FONT></A></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><BR><BR>
Kits for Kids – Created by a kid for kids, these simple-to-do science experiments were a big hit at our house! The kit comes with everything you need to perform the experiments. With four different choices—Plant Pals, Awesome Insta-pets, Polymer Power, and Crystal Explosion—my only suggestion is to buy more than one kit, because your kids will want to do all of the experiments! Your budding “mad-scientist” will also benefit from practice with motor planning, science exploration, sensory input, math skills, and of course, problem solving. My age recommendation: 8+ (or younger with adult supervision). $14.95 USD from http://www.kitsforkids.com/"><FONT color=#888888>http://www.kitsforkids.com/</FONT></A></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><BR><BR>
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3000 Happy Heartbeats For Autism from your kids and family
Today is the day for you and your child to each name 3 reasons to be Happy. Then for each reason Donate 1000 Happy Heartbeats On-Line to the Autspot Happy Heartbeats Counter on behalf of every child and adult in the world with Autism to show them your support.
Six reasons you and your child are Happy = 6000 Happy Heartbeats
Be sure to do this every day with them to inspire a very happy child
For every hour to spend with your child doing something you both love like reading, playing, walking, singing Enter 5000 Heartbeats each.
A more detailed kid Activity Counter is coming.
Ask Greg for more information.
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Son of Jenny McCarthy Suffers Seizure, Sent to Emergency Room
It is estimated that between 25%-30% of those diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder will suffer at least one seizure before the onset of puberty.
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NYC Creative Arts Therapy/Social Skills Group Series
ARTS Rx has open enrollment for our new Creative Arts Social Skills
Group Series for children with special needs. Our Sunday program runs
for 2 hours and 15 minutes and includes Art, Dance/Movement and Music Therapy Groups.
We offer an integrated approach that combines hands-on creative arts
experiences through the modalities of art therapy, music therapy, and
dance therapy with best-practice interventions to address treatment
goals such as: Social Skills, Coping Skills, Communication, Sensory Integration, Attention Span, Self Esteem, and Developmental Growth.
Classes: 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15 & 5/22
Ages: 3-8
Time: 10am-12:15pm
Group Size: Small groups with 8 participants maximum, Ratio of children to staff is no more than 2:1
Price:$40 per group session/ Sliding Scale Fee Available
Location: 39 West 14th Street (Suite # 508) New York, NY 10011 (between 5th and 6th Ave)
Easy accessible to subways: N,Q,R,4,5,6, to Union Square, F to 14th
St./6th Avenue, OR 1,2,3 to 14th St./7th Avenue (Free Street Parking
Sundays)
Free Trial Sessions Available!
For additional information, please contact:
Lina Meza-Murillo
917-596-8517
Lina @ARTSRX.com
http://www.ARTSRX.com" style="line-height: 1.22em; color: rgb(30, 102, 174); ">www.ARTSRX.com</b></span></a></span></div></div>
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Autism and the biochemical approach
http://blog.spectrumsupplements.com/blog/autism-health/autism-treatment/autism-and-the-biochemical-approach/" title="Permanent link to Autism and the biochemical approach" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(65, 130, 162); outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "> http://blog.spectrumsupplements.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/aspergers_in_children.jpg" width="375" height="250" alt="aspergers in children" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 2.2em; margin-left: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; clear: both; "> http://blog.spectrumsupplements.com/blog/autism-health/autism-treatment/autism-and-the-biochemical-approach/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to Autism and the biochemical approach" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(17, 17, 17); ">Autism and the biochemical approachby ADMIN on JUNE 19, 2011[http://blog.spectrumsupplements.com/blog/wp-admin/post.php?post=42&action=edit" title="Edit Post" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(136, 136, 136); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); ">EDIT] Autism is a neurological problem that affects the processing, the integration and organization of information, which impacts skills such as communication, social interaction and school performance. Nobody yet knows the exact causes of this developmental disability, but recent research shows that genetic predisposition, heavy metal toxicity, yeast overgrowth, food intolerances and pollution might play a role in the disease development. According to latest research in the field, there would be 3 main groups of factors that could play a role in autism and asperger’s disease: Predisposing factors:
- Parental psychopathology
- Heavy metal toxicity
- Maternal smoking
- Genetic predisposition
- Lack of nutrients in mother’s diet
- Conception during winter months Trigger factors:
- Toxicity from some vaccines ingredients
- Allergens
- Food intolerances
- Heavy chemical exposure
- Illness Aggravating factors:
- Auto-immune condition
- Altered brain physiology
- Brain inflammation
- Electromagnetic radiation exposition
- Altered gut flora due to yeast or bacterial overgrowth
- Digestive problems
- Food allergies and intolerances
- Impaired body detoxification system Those factors could be of the utmost importance as it could offer an alternative way to improve the condition of autistic children through the use of supplements to treat or improve the health conditions involved in autism. This autism treatment support is known as the biochemical approach. In this approach, the treatment support focus is on 4 main actions: 1- Reducing the exposition to substances that could be involved with the development of the disease. This includes various toxins, such as food additives, chemicals, heavy metals and other forms of pollution. This is achieved by having a clean diet (i.e. eating organic whole foods, choosing natural care and cleaning products, avoiding chemically treated water, etc). 2- Lowering inflammation and exposition to allergens. Chronic inflammation, especially brain inflammation could have a negative impact on the condition of special needs children, like those suffering from autism. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory compounds as well as specific supplements known to lower inflammation can be used to support this. 3- Supporting the natural detoxification process. Heavy metal chelating and supporting main detox organs can have many beneficial effects on people suffering from autism. By supporting the skin, the liver and kidneys, the body is better equipped to flush out the toxins. As the detox organs of children on the autism spectrum are often weakened, the use of detox supplements might help their condition. 4- Correcting digestive issues and nutrient support. Yeast overgrowth and other digestive problems are often seen in special needs children. Probiotics and nutritional supplements can help to restore the gut mucosa and therefore help the assimilation of essential nutrients. At http://www.spectrumsupplements.com/" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(65, 130, 162); ">Spectrum Supplements, we offer a wide range of premium quality supplements ideal for the biochemical approach to autism. We carry a variety of nutritional supplements that support every organ in the body as well as products specifically aimed at detoxification, brain health and nutritional support. On top of that, we offer FREE shipping anywhere in the US, including Puerto Rico. We invite you to visit us at http://www.spectrumsupplements.com/" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(65, 130, 162); ">www.SpectrumSupplements.com</a> for your supplement needs!
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A Little Reality Check (Spring 2011)
Here is a little story I wrote last spring about fun - Haydn-style
Haydn and I are going to the local Burger King for lunch. Our Burger King is pretty small and rarely crowded, but has a play area that usually has one or two kids climbing around in it. My goal, when Haydn and I go out on one of our adventures, is to get him into an environment where he can interact with other kids. He works hard on his social skills in school, and these little play areas are a perfect place to test out what he has learned.
Today, we are walking into some "end of birthday party" chaos, and Haydn seems a little intimidated... For about ten seconds.
"How does it look kiddo?"
"It's crowded Daddy-o. There's a lot of kid traffic in there."
"Would you like to eat first?"
"I think I want to eat in the play area. Let's go."
He runs in, puts his shoes into a shoe cubby - one shoe on the left, the other all the way on the right. He shoves a handful of fries into his mouth and runs over to play. This particular play structure has three levels. Level one has two entrances. One the left, where kids can climb up to the other two levels, and work their way across to the rocket (lower level) and fire truck (upper level) play stations. The entrance on the right is a red tunnel that takes you back to the entrance to the rocket, and has a series of big steps that lead up to the other levels. There is also a small step down that puts you right in the corner on the floor.
Haydn gets into the red tunnel and hangs out for a little while.
"Hey Daddy-o! I'm in the red tunnel!"
"I can see that. Do you like it in there?"
"I love the red tunnel. Yes I do!"
"That's great Haydn. Why don't you climb up to the fire truck and check things out up there."
"I think I'll stay in the red tunnel for now."
"Sounds great."
I return to my table to eat my 5000 calorie lunch. The table is in the same room, but just around the corner of the play area. I have a partially obscured view of Haydn, but I can see and hear him, and he can't see me. If he can't see me, he will direct his attention onto the kids, (probably the lights too, but hopefully more on the kids). I don't want to have any influence on his behavior. There are three kids playing monster (pretend play - not one of Haydn's strong suits), chasing each other all over the place, and one kid (Haydn) hanging out in the red tunnel.
"OK, it's your turn to be the monster. Run!!"
Haydn laughs at the game, but does not seem to be too interested in getting involved. He sits in the red tunnel, peeking his head out every once in a while to check on the action, but never comes out. The kids chase each other down the left side of the play structure and head for the red tunnel.
Haydn sees the kids coming, and with a big smile, greets them.
"Hey guys. Do you like the lights in the Burger King Play Area?"
I guess we need to work on his conversation starters a little bit
"Look out. There's a monster chasing us!"
"I like the lights. Yes I do."
"We have to hide! The monster is coming!"
They push by him and crawl into the depths of the structure. Haydn stays behind in the red tunnel, talking to nobody in particular.
"Guys! Hey guys. What are you doing guys? Come see me!"
The kids chase each other through the upper level of the play area, and my son stays in the red tunnel, watching, and talking to himself. The Great Burger King Monster Chase goes up, goes down, and finally out of the structure again. The kids change monsters and head toward the red tunnel. Haydn sees them coming and leaves, crawling into the lowest, most isolated part of the structure.
"Guys. Hey guys. What are you doing guys? Come see me!"
Every time the kids fly by, Haydn sits in his corner...
"Guys. Hey guys. What are you doing guys? Come see me!"
The game goes on and on, for about twenty minutes. The kids chasing each other up and down through the structure and past Haydn who is sitting in the corner by himself. Round and round they go. Three happy little kids appear to be having a blast during the rowdy monster chase. Except for Haydn.
For the first time in a very long while, I feel sad for Haydn. The kids are running around, laughing, having a grand old time, and he is sitting in the corner by himself. I peek through the rocket, and I can just about see the back of his head. He looks so small and lonely, sitting in his little hideaway, calling out to kids that he just can't seem to connect with. I decide it's time to go rescue him from this social train wreck I have thrown him into. I walk around the corner towards the red tunnel and I finally get a good look at him.
He is sitting in the lower recesses of the play area, and he is sitting by himself, but he is far from sad and lonely.
He can't see me yet, so his attention is still focused on the monster chase. I try to stay out of his line of sight. I have ruined many great moments for him by getting involved when I should just stay out of the way and mind my own damn business. Every time the kids fly by, he greets them with a huge smile and his "Hey guys..." greeting. Every time he talks, the closest kid stops for a second and smiles at him, he smiles back, the chase continues, and Haydn turns away laughing.
I quietly retreat back to my table.
Haydn is doing fine. There is a reason that the monster chase goes by his little hideaway. The kids appear to have chosen this particular path because it leads them past Haydn for a mid-chase laugh. It's a perfect situation. Haydn can stay outside the madness, yet still be a part of it on his terms. Instead of feeling sorry for him, I should be proud. He has found a way to get into the mix, to be a part of the game, with no help or guidance from me or anyone else. He is happy to be in the room with the other kids, and he is saying all the right things.
And his Daddy-o is an idiot.
I want to step outside for a minute and slam my head in the car door a few times.
For some reason, today I have spent too much time looking at the other kids and not enough time watching my son. While the rest of the kids are having fun playing monster chase, Haydn is hanging out and doing his own thing. And thoroughly enjoying himself. Haydn has a different concept of fun, based entirely upon HIS perception. Haydn will show me what he needs through HIS behavior. If Haydn looks happy, that means that he is happy. What he needs to be happy may not be what I need, or what I think he needs, or what some other kid needs. Just because I think that something will work for him, does not necessarily mean that he needs it. Haydn's social challenges and difficulties are not the result of a sudden loss of understanding and comprehension. This is who he is, and who he has always been. He does not know any other way. His perception is filtered through his Asperger lens. The neuro-typical kids he tries to play with are a reference for him, not a template. A social skills barometer. Every time we throw him into the mix, we can see where his strengths and weaknesses lie, and begin working on them. That's it. I don't want my kid to be like your kid. I just want him to be able to hang out with your kid (with as little flappy, stimmy, spectrum-type stress as possible).
Haydn is not broken or defective, and he does not need fixing. As far as Haydn is concerned, his quirks are the perks. Haydn's unique perspective is the magic ingredient that makes Haydn who he is.
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Autism...Acceptance Versus Cure? Lessons From My Son About Tolerance and Acceptance of Diversity
Hi there - Just sharing a new article/post titled, http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/autism-in-real-life/201110/autismacceptance-versus-cure" target="_blank">Autism...Acceptance Versus Cure? Lessons From My Son About Tolerance and Acceptance of Diversity.
This article was originally published in Autism Spectrum Quarterly. I also added a new prologue. Interesting and sometime controversial topic, but I feel there are lots of shades of gray. Hope you enjoy it!
~Kym
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Pancakes and a Lobster Tank: UPDATE
I want to thank everyone for their kind comments. I am getting cold feet a little bit. We are very close to having to make a commitment (see previous blog) and we do not have the funds. Although there is time to pay, this is a HUGE leap of faith. Once again, I ask everyone to forward this to their social networks and encourgae everyone to spread the word. Please tell your family, friends, and social network to visit http://www.autismplay.com">www.autismplay.com</A> and show whatever support they can. Every dollar helps! Trust me, if we can make this happen and it is profitable we will do the right thing by the Autism Community. If you have any thoughts, please feel free to chime in.
1. Like us on Facebook (Pancakes and a Lobster Tank Fan Page).
2. Follow us on Twitter via @AutismPancakes
I am starting to have second thoughts and we can use all the encouragement / support we can get. Anyone have any fundraising ideas? Experience with running a succesful Kickstarter / Rockethub? Sorry to be a pain but the critical time is drawing near.
If you are in Ohio, or feel like travelling, you can find out all the taping details at http://www.autismplay.com">www.autismplay.com</A> and actually be a part of the DVD filming audience. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
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Pancakes and a Lobster Tank; Living with Autism, Loving Alex - UPDATE: KICKSTARTER IN PROGRESS
Once again, we thank everyone for their kind words of encouragement. In an effort to make this project a reality, we have launched a http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1645170297/pancakes-and-a-lobster-tank-living-with-autism-lov-0"><A href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1645170297/pancakes-and-a-lobster-tank-living-with-autism-lov-0">KickStarter Project. This is a place were contributions can be made, of any size, and premiums awarded based on such. This is probably the only chance we have. If you can, please consider a contribution. If you are unable to, understandably, please forward this as much as possible. Social Networking is what makes Kickstarter. Let me editiorialize for a moment, like all things related to Autism, we are going to be forced to go Grass Roots. Only those on the spectrum or their loved ones are going to be able to make this happen. Our cause and concerns / frustrations must be recognized! "Pancakes" is a way to get our opinions heard and our story understood. Please contribute if you can, if unable, please:
1. Sent the Kickstarter on facebook.
2. Tweet the Kickstarter on facebook (#Autism #Kickstarter)
3. Tell everyone you know.
If this is a success, it will all be because of every one of you! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you)!
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Update: Pancakes and a Lobster Tank; Living with Autism, Loving Alex - KickStarter Project Featured in The Tribune Chronicle
Hello everyone! I am sorry that we haven't been very consistent. We have put a lot behind the Kickstarter Project and have been blogging there via updates consistently. There was an article in the Tribune Chronicle, by Andy Gray, published today. http://www.tribunechronicle.com/page/content.detail/id/565636/Autism-play-looks-for-donors.html?nav=5026"><A href="http://www.tribunechronicle.com/page/content.detail/id/565636/Autism-play-looks-for-donors.html?nav=5026">You can read it here! Unfortunately, we haven't had any changes. Please let me put out one more request. Making a donation on http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1645170297/pancakes-and-a-lobster-tank-living-with-autism-lov-0?ref=live"><A href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1645170297/pancakes-and-a-lobster-tank-living-with-autism-lov-0?ref=live">KickStarter</A></A> works the same as making a Purchase from Amazon, as a matter of fact, they process all of the payments. This would be a Christmas Miracle! The minimum donation is $1 and we have a great variety of incentives. We can only make this happen together! If you cannot make a donnation than please do all or some of the following:
1. Visit our http://www.rebeccamaher.com/2012ticketsstore.html"><A href="http://www.rebeccamaher.com/2012ticketsstore.html">webstore</A></A> and see all of the options to contribute. We deal with Paypal only so you know that your information is safe!
2. Please consider liking our offical http://www.facebook.com/"><A href="http://www.facebook.com/">Facebook Fan Page. The more likes that we have, the more visible we become. Besides, this is a great way to keep up with updates about Rebecca, Pancakes, and a whole lot more!
3. Follow our official Twitter feed via @AutismPancakes
4. Spread the word, via personal acquaintances and social network, this is how KickStarter Projects become succesful.
Please help us spread the word! There is a lot that we plan to do with this but nothing happens without the DVD. We need a professional presentable package to get everyone's attention and help raise awareness. Awareness is power, fairness, and it serves all of us / our children to the greater good. Thank you and I hope everyone has a very Happy Holiday Season!
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