AutismSanta–Michael Miller

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When I was introduced to Michael and his love of giving back to the autism community, I wanted in. Michael’s journey into the world of autism spectrum disorders started at home with his is son, who was diagnosed on the spectrum. As Michael’s young son outgrew his  extensive collection of toy trains and cars, this father decided to share these once treasured items with other children on the spectrum. The initial giving streak started with gently used items, but has grown into a donation program that includes brand new items such as lego sets and ipads.

Over the last couple of years, an army of elves have been recruited to help in this effort. I could not be happier to be a part of this team. Michael will be giving away two signed copies of Wisteria Jane. I hope the children who receive these books know that there truly is a Santa, and he does not work just one day a year. He works year-round and is tireless in his effort to spread joy.

Autism Support For An Adult

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When a woman finds out she is pregnant, there is a dream that she subscribes to. Each of our dreams are different, but we have them. We hold onto those dreams until something forces us to let go. Some of the families I have the honor to work with are going through the “letting go” process. They are saying goodbye to what they thought would be, and opening the door to a new reality.

One of the struggles parents of children on the autism spectrum face, is finding support services. These services are generally not covered by insurance, incredibly expensive, difficult to get into, and sometimes just plain obsolete. I am currently working with a family whose adult daughter is struggling to find a path that will accommodate her needs and fulfill her dreams.

The first step we are taking is to look into the state run programs. Those programs can be difficult to get into, and often times financial support is based upon the income of the family. In this case, the adult child is old enough to no longer be considered a dependent, and therefore may receive some services that she would not have ten years ago. At a bare minimum, these state programs provide support staff who know their stuff. They know the laws and are able to direct families towards seeking fair treatment in educational settings, job placement, and all other aspects of life. Sometimes it’s just nice to know that someone is there and willing to hold your hand and walk you through the tough moments.

The next step is to ask the experts we are working with to give referrals for different programs in the area. I am new to the state I live in, and so I am always looking for success stories involving any local service providers. We were lucky enough to find that the local community college has just adopted a program specifically for individuals who struggle with the issues found within an autism diagnosis. This program provides great support for their students. Everything within the academic program nurtures the strengths, and supports the weaknesses that each student brings to the table.

We are currently looking for an assisted group living scenario. I am hoping to find an option for the family, as they are truly hoping to see their daughter live independently and successfully. This is definitely not the case for all families. Many want to keep their loved ones in the home. In this particular situation, the adult child is a very high functioning individual and could successfully live on her own with the proper support systems in place.

We are also looking for support systems for the family as they go through this transition. I don’t want them to make rash decisions as they watch their daughter and sister struggle to find her way as an independent adult. It is hard to step back and allow your child to face challenges without stepping in to lighten the load. But it is incredibly important that the family has a professional on their side to talk out their fears, joys, and any future needs they will face.

I will update this post as we get this sweet family on the path they are seeking.

 

The top three places to start a search for support services:

  1. Vocational Rehabilitation: this is generally a government funded program with individuals who have fabulous training and are prepared to provide extensive support for anyone who is looking for work and has a documented disability.
  2. Community Colleges: Contact the disability resource center of your local community college and ask to speak with the director. These folks are very aware of what resources are available within the community.
  3. Google local support groups for the issue you are looking to address. The absolute best place to find good information is from others who are working through similar issues.

Seize the Day

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I am constantly reminded of just how short and precious life truly is. Losing both my parents in a three year timeframe has given me a deep respect for each day I am here. This perspective influences the way I plan both short-term and long-term goals. I used to believe that there would always be time to do whatever I wanted, but I have converted my thought process to “seize the day” and “put your money, and hard work, where your mouth is.”

I recently came across a father who inspired me immensely with his “seize the day” attitude. Brian Smith has a son who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum. He, as do all parents of children with any non-typical developmental struggles, faced a myriad of unknowns. Brian found that his son responded extremely well to music and connected to the messages within the lyrics. With fortitude and planning, Brian began the process of creating songs to help his son navigate through new experiences life presented. I was thrilled when I was introduced to Brian’s work, and even more enthralled when I found out more about the man behind the music. Each of us faces moments when we realize someone needs to step up and make a difference. But very few of us look within ourselves and choose to become that catalyst for change. Brian was one of the few who looked inside and opted to do the hard work necessary to make a change.

I have been inspired by Brian’s attitude and his ability to make the world a better place than he found it. As I move forward with my goals and continue on my journey, I am working to become more of a catalyst for change. If you are interested in finding out more about Brian Smith and The Aus-Sums go to http://theaussumdad.com/ and check out what they are working on now.

Autism and Bullying

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Autism and bullying tend to go hand in hand.  Unfortunately, suicide rates for those on the spectrum are also increased.  One in sixty-eight will be diagnosed on the Autism spectrum.  This intensely high number leads one to believe that nearly every child in the United States will, at one point or another, come in contact with an individual on the spectrum.  It is imperative that we teach our neuro-typical kiddos what Autism looks like and how to interact with those on the spectrum.

No parent would allow their child to torment a cancer patient, and the same mentality should be instated when dealing with a child on the spectrum.  Those on the spectrum will have differences.  Their level of functionality, by the general population’s standards, can vary significantly.  There are those who are completely non-verbal, while some individuals will seem to be functioning quite well, other than their tendency towards social awkwardness.  The socially awkward trait lends itself to horrible teasing and isolation for children on the spectrum.

The comment “you’re so weird” is one of the most common statements I hear.  This is an incredibly damaging way of communicating with a child on the spectrum.  Parents would flinch if their child told a cancer patient they look weird without hair, but often times the belittling comments, towards kids on the spectrum, are either made by adults, or are ignored.  When we, as adults, model a behavior of intolerance we are setting the bar incredibly low for our children.  We should be teaching them how to negotiate the social waters with those who may not seem to react in a typical fashion.

There are ways to teach your children empathy and compassion for children on the autism spectrum.  One of my favorite techniques is to remove all my facial and physical cues, and then ask my children what my words alone mean.  This is how children on the spectrum “see” communication.  They don’t register most of the physical and or facial cues we, as neuro-typical individuals, take for granted every single day.  They are also incredibly literal.

A simple look, is not enough to get your message across with a child on the spectrum.  I can give my neuro-typical children a look and they know the conversation is over.  A child on the spectrum needs to be taken step-by-step though your expectations and then usually needs an explanation of your reasons for feeling this way.  Kids on the spectrum are amazingly literal.  What you say is what you mean.  When you take away all the facial cues and an ability to understand sarcasm, there is a lot of room for misinterpretations.

Neuro-typical children need to be taught how to be tolerant of these social differences and how to embrace the amazing individual who is exhibiting these behaviors.  We can’t expect kids on the spectrum to feel safe if we don’t make some changes.  I beg all parents with neuro-typical children to take a stand and help stop the unintentional bullying that is causing children on the spectrum to become more depressed at younger ages.  I beg you parents to teach your little ones how to love with open arms and an open mind.

Autism and Social Inclusion

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Autism and all its spectrum “sister” disorders are so incredibly interesting and individualized.  Through my studies, and personal interactions, I have found the topic of social isolation to be one of the top complaints among those who are on the autism spectrum.  We, as human beings, are such social creatures.  We thrive when conversing about mutual interests and spending time with individuals who hold fast to similar value systems.

Those on the spectrum often times struggle to express the less tangible aspects of their lives.  Emotions tend to be a difficult topic to discuss when dealing with someone on the spectrum.  Hard facts and scientific evidence dominate conversations with individuals on the autism spectrum.  It is hard for these kids to relate on an emotional level.  And this social chasm creates hurdles in interactions with their neuro-typical peers.

There are some amazing programs out there that are closing the social gap between neuro-typical kids and those on the spectrum.  These inclusion programs create a bridge between children who might not connect under other circumstances.  It’s important for children on the spectrum to feel safe and understood.  They need to know that their peers are not judging the differences, but instead looking for similarities and common ground to build a relationship on.

I applaud the teachers who are taking the time and putting forth the emotional energy required to facilitate these programs.  Both the individuals on the spectrum and those who are not will benefit from learning to interact and making connections with each other.

Second Chances

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This is the most amazing program, and I just had to post a little something on this interesting setup.  Dog Gone Express is a program that brings adoptable pets to the public.  But they don’t just bring families the untrained canines who need love.  As advertised on their website, they bring trained pups from the “big house to your house”.  This is a Louisiana based program that takes dogs on death row and places them with inmates where they will go through basic training.  The inmates gain some amazing bonding experiences and a skill set as dog trainers.  The dogs get a second chance at a fulfilling life.  Many of these pups are placed in homes with individuals who have special needs.  One of the first pups to be placed with a family went to a child diagnosed with autism.   This company truly serves multitudes of individuals in need of love.  Inmates are given the opportunity to bond with and train amazing dogs who then go on to become therapeutic canines in the general population.  What an amazing concept!  I just wonder if these little pups have any clue just how much good they are truly doing.

Check out their website and donate if you can to this amazing program.  http://doggoneexpress.com/home.html

http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/Shelter-dog-trained-in-prison-gives-autistic-child-new-lease-on-life-257604551.html

Autism News

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I just had to write a post on this little tidbit from the news. I don’t follow most news topics very closely. For heaven’s sake, my friend had to call me to let me know tornadoes were on their way, because she knows we don’t watch television.  She figured I would need the heads up. Thanks Mel!

However, I do follow autism news and April happens to be my favorite month. Mostly because of autism awareness, and I kinda dig all the chocolate that comes with Easter. This autism news report touched my heart in a way very few stories ever do. So, I am sharing.

Sheila Chako, a teacher from California, wrote the most beautiful letter to her students with autism. I can’t do the letter justice by quoting only snippets of it. So, please take a moment and read the letter in its entirety.

http://sprinkleteachingmagic.blogspot.com/2014/03/dear-autistic-student.html

 

“Dear Child With Autism-

 

You brighten each and every day.  You may not know this but I look forward to school because of you.  I know school is hard.  Every day I see the worry on your face.  School goes quickly.  Daily changes throw you off-course.  You worry.  About yourself.  You cry because you have no friends.  No one invites you to their birthday party.  You worry about the weather.  In a drought, will the animals suffer? You obsess…

 

…I am your teacher, and I will fight for you every day.  I just see you. Thank you for being you.

 

Love,

Your Teacher”

https://www.facebook.com/SprinkleTeachingMagic

http://www.pinterest.com/SheilaJaneIdeas/

Many teachers are so overwhelmed by the immense load they carry in the classroom, that they miss out on the little connections that leave a lasting impact. Ms. Chako has clearly mastered the art of living in the moment, and finding the simple pleasures in making children smile. She reaches out to the anxiety these children struggle with, and lovingly brushes it away. She clearly loves the little quirks and personalities each of her students brings to the class. I have to sing the praises of this teacher. I don’t know her, but this letter is a window into the classroom where she will write on the slate of each child’s soul.

 

Autism

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I am passionate about autism. I completed my undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona in communicative disorders. I then went on to get a master’s degree in education from Arizona State University. I studied special education with a singular focus on autism. I did not study cross categorical special education… I am only trained to work with individuals on the autism spectrum. I am passionate about working with kiddos on the spectrum. I had planned on teaching in a special education classroom once all three of my kids reached school age, but my plans took an unexpected turn when my oldest child asked if I would consider homeschooling him. I am now homeschooling two of my kids. Next year I will add my youngest to the homeschooling roster. Believe it or not, all three requested this setup. I love what I do each day, but I still feel a deep need to be actively helping out in the autism community. This blog is one of the ways I am staying connected.

As the statistics roll in from all the most recent data on autism rates, we are forced to acknowledge the fact that the occurrence of autism is on the rise. According to the CDC, the current numbers reflect that 1 in every 68 children will be diagnosed on the spectrum. We still have no conclusive evidence as to what causes autism, but a 30% increase in autism cases over the last two years is something we must address. There are many different contingencies that account for portions of this tremendous spike.

One factor that gives a significant boost to the increased volume of autism cases is the spectrum style diagnosis of this neurological condition. The spectrum qualifies and quantifies the severity of the individual’s symptoms and their potential struggles. The broadness of the spectrum allows for an enormous range of cases and symptoms to fall under the umbrella of autism. There are incredibly high functioning individuals, showing few outward signs of autism, who will be diagnosed on this spectrum. There are also lower functioning individuals, requiring lifelong assistance, who will fall on this same spectrum. Clearly, this very inclusive “spectrum style” of diagnosis adds to the sheer volume of cases.

Another factor that impacts the number hike is societal awareness of this condition. More than ever before, people are aware of the outward behaviors associated with autism. When parents know that a behavior is not typical they are able to seek professional advice earlier. More public knowledge equates to an earlier diagnosis. We are now able to diagnose cases earlier and begin interventions at an earlier age than ever before. I personally believe that increased awareness can partially be attributed to the unofficial “parent coalition”. So much of our information comes from loving parents who step outside their comfort zone to inform and educate all of us. To you parents, I would like to say an enormous THANK YOU!

I believe the most significant factor is the unknown cause of autism. There are studies testing a number of different genetic and environmental possibilities. Unfortunately, we still don’t have a concrete answer as to the cause or catalyst for the development of autism. I pray that more awareness will bring more funding, and that more funding will bring more research. I believe that we will find the answer.