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.

 

You Got Rid of What?

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Only a few years ago, I would have believed that getting rid of network television constituted child abuse, or at a bare minimum mommy abuse. About the same time I started homeschooling my oldest child, I called the cable company and informed them that I was no longer interested in their services. This was actually the second step in my television recovery program. And yes, there should be a 12 step program out there. I was hooked. I was completely addicted to the craziness of “reality TV” and in the process was missing out on some of my own reality. The day before I shut down the cable I binge watched my favorite shows. I had that DVR filled with the latest craziness from talk shows to housewives of every conceivable county. It was my last fix, and then I went cold turkey.

This personal decision was met with shock and awe by friends and strangers alike.

Me: I would like to discontinue my subscription to network television.

Cable Guy: Um, we have other packages you could check out.

Me: No thanks. Just go ahead and shut down my account entirely.

Cable Guy: Are you dissatisfied with our services?

Me: No, you are pumping craziness into my house very efficiently.

Cable Guy: So would you be interested in a different package?

Me: Can I talk to your supervisor?

It was like the cable guy could not comprehend the possibility of anyone having the audacity to consider actually turning off the TV. My friends were even less understanding than Mr. Cable Guy.

Friend: Are you watching Breaking Bad?

Me: Breaking bad what?

Friend: Breaking Bad, the show.

Me: Oh, we don’t have television anymore.

Friend: Oh my gosh! What happened?

And this is where I realized that most people took this as me not being able to afford to pay for the services of the local cable company.

Me: I had them turn it off.

Friend: So you have absolutely no television?

Me: Well, we have one television and a DVD player for the kids’ movies, but no network stuff.

Friend: How do you know what is going on in the world?

Me: I read.

Friend: “BLANK STARE”

Friend: So, you are homeschooling and you got rid of TV… how are your kids going to know anything about the world?

Me: “BLANK STARE”

Yes, I realize that getting rid of network television can be seen as radical. However, I get reactions that would lead one to believe I moved my children into a cave and tried to recreate the Stone Age. It is a bit worrisome to see how unsettled friends and strangers are when they find out that I have no clue who the latest celebrities are, and what “said” celebrities are up to in their personal lives. I seriously used to think that this kind of stuff was news, but I have come to find that it is in fact not at all pertinent to my daily life. Which, to be honest, was serious news to me.

I understand that most people can have TV in their homes and not feel like it is eating up way too much time. I was not one of those people. I just needed a break, and I am finding the break to be much more enjoyable than I dreamed it would be. I have so much more time, and when I sit down to relax I am plugged into conversations with my family. With some of that extra time I finally got around to writing the books I had been meaning to write. I’d like to challenge Americans to turn off the TV for one week. Just unplug that sucker and see what you are able to get done. I would love to hear what you are able to do in a week without TV.

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.

 

 

 

Books

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The most adorable, and by far the sweetest, walrus you will ever meet is named Tevah. He is a larger than life spirit with aspirations that extend outside the walls of his current home. Come with Tevah as he makes his way through an epic adventure into the great beyond.

photo (3)
I would also like to introduce Wisteria Jane Hummell to all of you. She is a four-year-old southern belle and is one of the funniest people I know. She is a kind soul with only the best of intentions… most of the time. Wisteria stars in a series of books that are driven by long valued character traits many parents are working to teach their children. She is learning about honesty, friendship, courage, kindness, acceptance, love, obedience, independence, trust and so many other wonderful values.

Wisteria Jane character sketch1
I am blessed to have Ard Hoyt, an insanely talented illustrator, as my partner in these writing adventures. I am also thrilled to have Clelia Gore, of Martin Literary Management, as my literary agent. Check out the initial character sketches.  I will keep you posted on the progress we are making in the publishing of these books.

http://www.ardhoytbooks.com
http://www.martinliterarymanagement.com

Let’s Get Real

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I am a homeschooling mother of  two, soon to be three, beautiful kids. I came to the homeschooling community with an interesting and atypical background. I have a master’s degree from Arizona State University in education. I was trained to work in the public schools. I feel like this training gives me some interesting insights into both the typical schooling system and the homeschooling system. I started this blog because I want to share my experiences and expertise. I am unfortunately going to offend some people on both sides of the homeschooling debate. I believe there is a place in this world for both public schooling and homeschooling. I have a hard time finding people who share this belief. It seems the proverbial “line” has been drawn, and most people just pick a side.

My blogs are driven by topics I find to be relevant to parenting and homeschooling. If you don’t home school, but have opinions or questions you would like to share… feel free. I try very hard to base my stance on factual information, but my stance is still just an opinion. Keep this in mind as you read and respond to this blog. We all are entitled to our opinions and should be respectful of each other as we discuss the topic of education. I love to hear any and all perspectives others are willing to share. I am always learning and growing because of the brave souls who are willing to put their beliefs and opinions out there.

I have stated time and again, on many different forums, that homeschooling is not for everyone. There are a plethora of circumstances where it is logistically impossible for a parent to home school their child. But if you are interested in homeschooling and are committed to the process, you absolutely can be successful teaching your children at home. The day my son came home and asked me if I would consider homeschooling him I picked up the phone and called my friend Krista. She homeschools all four of her kids, and was my “go-to-gal-pal” for this situation. Krista was a sounding board and an insanely insightful resource for me in a moment of confusion and fear. I want this blog to be a “virtual Krista” for all of us. This needs to be a safe place for asking questions, sharing frustrations, making friends, and building up your network of homeschooling families.

The New Homeschoolers

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It seems to me that homeschoolers are seen as unconventional, but I would like to publically challenge that perception here today. We, as a nation, educated our children at home longer than our government has. In 1776 we issued the Declaration of Independence, and by 1783 we were officially recognized as the great independent nation of America. For over 135 years we homeschooled our children or hired tutors to come into our homes. The obvious pitfall with this system was the fact that not all kids had the opportunity to receive an education.  In 1918 the education of our children became big business for our government. This was the beginning of compulsory education. This public education system gave all children the right to education, but this system has so many flaws.

I am all for universal educational opportunities. But the government’s “universal” plan is clearly not producing universal achievements. According to a New York Times article (Dillon, 2009) in 2009 there was just a 53% high school graduation rate in the inner cities as opposed to the 71% graduation rate seen in the suburbs. I believe this issue, and the many others, can be rectified in a number of ways. The most obvious starting point would be to give some power back to the local residents. Decisions about curriculum need to be influenced on a local level. This would allow communities to help develop programs and curriculum based on common belief systems.

America’s public school system used to involve heavy community support for the teachers. Teachers often times ate in the homes of the students, and even lodged there on occasion. In the beginning, teachers and parents had close relationships due to the financial necessity of community involvement. Now we are discouraged from getting “overly involved” in the education process. And by overly involved, I mean parents in some school districts are not allowed to attend the celebration of their child’s birthday in the classroom.  I think this is ridiculous.

I love having the option to home school my kids.  I have the ability to create a learning environment and curriculum based around my belief systems as opposed to the belief systems of people who have made it their life goal to become known for their innovative “common core” movement. I have no desire to be known for the methods in which I educate my kids. I only want to make sure that my children have a solid foundation of knowledge before they enter the world as adults. I have tailored each child’s process to their strengths and weaknesses. Each of my kids learns through a slightly different approach. Having the ability to adjust my teaching methods according to each child’s needs, has been one of the greatest aspects of teaching my children at home.

This is partially why I am such an advocate for homeschooling. I have the ability to guide the learning process of each of my children. I can tailor the way information is presented based on the learning styles of each of my children. I am back in a position where I can truly guide my children towards a healthy, highly educational, God centered life. I never thought I would be one of “those homeschooling moms”, but circumstances have molded me into exactly that.

Dillon, S. (April 22, 2009). Large urban-suburban gap seen in graduation rates. New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/22/education/22dropout.html?_r=0

Homeschooling

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My experience has taught me some precious lessons. When someone questions your decision to home school your children, you should not take it personally. The question is often times a reflection of the person asking it. They don’t believe they could do it, and therefore tend to doubt another’s  ability to home school.

There are tons of different programs available for homeschooling. You will absolutely find one that works for you. It may take a couple of tries, but you will find a program that is a good fit for you and your kids.

One of the first things you should know about me… I do NOT think that homeschooling is for everyone. There are families who would not benefit from bringing their kidddos home and trying to take over the education process. If the public school option works for you then you should use it. It has some fantastic aspects. However, if you are interested in homeschooling your children then I can help you.

Some things to consider when choosing a homeschooling program…

 

  • You need to decide upfront if you want to purchase a preplanned program or if you want to start from scratch.
    • There are so many great programs out there that are put together in a very orderly fashion. The lesson plans are complete and the work is divided out into a daily schedule for you and your child.
    • There are also insanely amazing books available to help you plan a totally individualized curriculum for your child. My personal favorite is The Well Trained Mind, by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise. They outline the best resources and provide you with reasons for their choices. It is the most complete guide for planning an individualized program that I have found.
  • Do you want your child to have a high school diploma?  Some states recognize home school as a legitimate schooling program and will allow the parents to create a diploma, but some states will require a GED.
    • If you are not willing to let go of that diploma, you need to plan on researching some of the accredited programs. They are typically a little more time consuming, when it comes to busy work. I have my master’s in education, and I chose an online “public” school program for my children. I may change in the future, but for now I am not comfortable walking away from the stigma of having a diploma. (See how well trained I am?   I am outside “the box”, but pressed right up against it!)
  • Do you want to do a primarily online program, or would you like to utilize more of a traditional “book based” school plan?
    • I personally like the interactive nature of online programs. This is definitely not the case for all homeschooling parents. Traditional books are also a great way to educate your kids. There are programs that incorporate nearly equal amounts of both books and internet, and there are programs that focus on one or the other. Look at all your options and choose the best one for you and your child.
  • If you are going to home school your kidddos, I strongly suggest having extracurricular activities. Kids need to have time to be with their peers, and it is a wonderful opportunity for your children to learn from someone else.
    • I know this can get a bit expensive, but it is well worth your time and money. Each of my children has one activity they picked, and a few I picked. I have had each kid try out a number of sports, crafting classes, and music lessons. For our family, we have stuck with piano for all, and one sport for each. I am also the resident crafting expert. Let me amend this… my husband is the king of sewing and has become exceptionally adept at making stuffed animals from scratch. We own the only rainbow butterfly patterned unicorn that I have ever seen.

These are just a few of the factors I think are important when picking out a homeschooling program. I would love to hear more from you about your experience and your concerns.