hide-n-(sensory)-seeking

Erin Clemens is a remarkable young woman whom I've gotten to know a little bit through an Autism support network as well as her blog . Erin found out she had Asperger's in her teenage years. According to her writing, she would have much preferred  to find out even younger. She had many of struggles growing up, but determination, learning to listen to her own body signals and feelings, and a supportive family have helped her find much success as well. In her writings, and I'm sure in person as well, she is frank and open about how becoming familiar with her Asperger's has contributed to her struggles and her triumphs. Erin is certainly a unique individual, but she is one of many who is leading a successful, fulfilling, though not quite challenge-free life as an adult on the Autism Spectrum. But then, do any of us really have a challenge-free life?  One of her biggest passions is to help educate others about Autism, and supporting those on the spectrum. ...

Here is how to turn a child's perspective from I can't  to I can! While children and adults on the Autism Spectrum certainly need solid and as wide as possible "I can" networks, it's important to remember that every  child and even adults need to be encouraged, sometimes even nudged a bit toward a spirit of capability. Never underestimate the value that your skills, wisdom, or talents can bring to another person's journey or experience. And yes, you have something  to offer. It's usually the simple things that are the most memorable and often make the biggest difference. And our time and attention are two of the most precious gifts we can ever give another person.  Can you become another thread in someone else's support web? Can you play a few games with a child to help them practice taking turns and see someone modeling good sportsmanship? Do you know how to cook or bake? Sew? Oil a bike chain? Enjoy animals? Hiking? Changing...

I love Jacob's story, not just because he is amazing and appreciates his autism, but because his parents didn't try to change him to fit their ideas of who he should be. They took notice of what engaged him and embraced it, using his interests to connect with him, and allow him to feel safe and confident in himself. I admire them for this. And this is the gift we try to give our kids. Acceptance and complete support. My son has not displayed a genius talent for math or astrophysics, nor do I have any expectation that he will. But when I watched Jacob for the first time, I was almost unsettled at how many similarities I observed between him and Zak. Then it made me smile a lot, and cry a little, because I felt reaffirmation that we are on the right track as a family. While their passions are focused on different things, the excitement with which they both talk about what they love is so similar. The knowledge and interests ahead of their years paired with such innoc...

April is Autism Awareness Month My request this month is for people to turn off what they think they know about Autism and Autistic individuals, and rather, get to know them as individuals. It's good to be aware of  someone's challenges due to Autism, but take notice of the things that make that person human. Try to look at the world through their eyes, hear it with their ears, feel it through their skin. You may find it a whole lot more beautiful, but much more scary, and sometimes unkind as well. The next time you see a child screaming or not cooperating and an exasperated parent, or an adult who seems to never want to look you in the eyes and seems to take a while to get their words out, or the teenager who seems like a loner...let your first thought be "I wonder what their struggle is? I wonder if this might be hard for them? I wonder if I could make them more comfortable?"     Never underestimate these kids. These adults. These individuals. ...

It's not an epidemic. It's not a disease. It's not a death sentence. Nor even necessary a life sentence. It is hard. It is different. It can even be scary at times. But if you look deeper, there is amazing beauty. I choose to focus on the beauty!