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Saturday, January 8, 2005
Woodall Kids - please check it out
Please check out this site as a way to understand autism better. I know every child is different, but it might
help you to understand the autism spectrum a little better.
A Rough Week on the Autism Front
Whew! What a week, only three days, and it felt
like a month. My autistic student has been out of control. He's strangling other children, throwing dangerous
objects, biting me (on the shoulder), and creating general mayhem wherever he goes. I feel like strangling his parents,
who let him rule their home, so he feels that he can do it everywhere. Quote for the day: "I am not going to do
it your way. I will do it MY way." That pretty much sums up his attitude. I discussed it with the school psychologist,
and we both feel that this child is a prime example of what happens to an autistic child who has no controls placed on him,
is given no pharmacalogical help, and who is allowed to rule the home. I feel sorry for his family, because, sooner
than later, something drastic is going to happen. This week it was biting, breaking another child's glasses, strangling
others. What will it take for change to happen in this home and situation? I only hope that I am here to see it,
and not become a victim of the situation.
Monday, January 3, 2005
Autism Spectrum
Our son, Josh, is a really special guy. Diagnosed, finally, in 5th grade as a person with Asperger's syndrome,
he is now in the 10th grade and doing fairly well. Given the fact that high functioning autism affects his social
skills and processing abilities, it is sometimes difficult to tell that he is a learner with "differences." It makes
me angry for people to say that he is not "normal", particularly since "normal" is such a broad term. I don't believe
any child is "normal", but all of us fall somewhere on the weirdness scale somewhere. Josh loves Yugi-Oh, cartoons,
video games, and food. He is interested in girls, but doesn't have a clue about flirting! Some day, he will find
a really sweet little girl who can tolerate his eccentricities and will love him for who he is, a really special guy.
I would love to talk to other parents of exceptional kids and how they deal with their differences.
Who am I?
I am a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, a teacher of fourth graders who run the full range from nuts to brilliant,
a knitter, scrapbooker, science fiction reader, and blessed wife of the best teacher-scrapbook supporting husband in the world!
Whew! does that tell you enough? I am simple, but complex. Even I am confused....
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I'll make changes to this site on a regular basis, sharing news, views, experiences, photos...whatever occurs to me. Check
back often!
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