tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41178566856962406352024-03-05T02:12:20.125-05:00Same Child, Different DayAbout one family's continuing experiences after a child's autism diagnosis (oh yeah, and its about the booklet, too)Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-15167925281811149462014-11-12T08:29:00.001-05:002014-11-12T08:29:46.583-05:00"Same Child, Different Day" Site Closing: Where to go nowBecause of the useful and relevant information it provides, "Same Child, Different Day" will stay up and available. However, I will no longer be monitoring this site. Our life has taken a different direction, and I've developed two new blogs to reflect that.<br />
<br />
"<a href="http://jonwrites.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Read All You Want</a>" is my writing blog, and I will be using it as a writing portfolio as well. It has autism anecdotes, but now only as they pertain to my writing. Please <a href="http://jonwrites.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">click here</a> to see what it has to offer.<br />
<br />
The second blog, "<a href="http://ourjourneyourway.com/" target="_blank">Our Journey, Our Way</a>," touches on how autism affects us as we travel through life: to restaurants, bowling alleys, arcades, beaches, parks, theme parks and any other travel experience. Please <a href="http://ourjourneyourway.com/" target="_blank">check it out</a>, and feel free to share and comment.<br />
<br />
In fact, please share this post, and bring your and our friends to another look at life with autism spectrum disorders.<br />
<br />
Thanks for your loyal support, and I look forward to traveling with you and writing for you on my other blogs.Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-61668114905894405392014-07-20T00:29:00.003-04:002014-07-20T00:29:59.882-04:00Same Child, Different Day: Several Years LouderI have been threatening for years to write a sequel to the booklet <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SCDD2" target="_blank">SCDD</a>. Well, time's up! I've started writing the full-length follow-up book, aptly titled <i>Same Child, Different Day: Several Years Louder</i>. When I wrote the original, I was looking for a way to cope with Nolan's diagnosis and make sense of the new world to which we were introduced.<br />
<br />
"Several Years Louder" came about because so much has changed within our family, the local, state-wide and national autism community, our understanding of autism and our child himself. Also, our youngest daughter was later diagnosed and I began working directly with those living with autism. It's been an interesting trip, to say the least.<br />
<br />
If you've spent any time here reading what I have to say, you know that, apart from this blog, I've been writing since long before personal computers were a Thing. With Life being the fickle creature she is, though, I've never really been able to make writing work for me, let alone being able to work for writing. Unable to commit the time necessary to making a living from writing, I've jumped from one false start to another, never really completing what I'd like to, and looking like a fickle creature myself.<br />
<br />
I decided recently that, if I'm to make writing work, I'll have to do it full time. "But," said the tiny but loud logical side of my brain, "if you do this full time, without immediate fiduciary recompense, however will you eat?" "Good point," I said to Logic Brain. So, I decided to try something I'd heard of, but knew little about.<br />
<br />
I launched a <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/660152560/debut-book-same-child-different-day-several-years" target="_blank">Kickstarter campaign</a>, with the hopes that, when fully funded, I'll be able to commit all of my time and resources to nothing but "Several Years Louder." If the backers come through, and I have no doubt that they will, I'll be able to invest all of my efforts toward making the book happen. That said, I'd appreciate it if you would help me make this <i>our</i> book.<br />
<br />
Please visit the link below. Check out all the pages, the rewards, the links within the project and my high quality, professionally made video (no professionally made). Then if you feel good about the project, please share share share it with others who could benefit from all the book will have to offer.<br />
<br />
I appreciate your interest and involvement. Here's to a successful campaign.<br />
<br />
All the best,<br />
Jon<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/660152560/debut-book-same-child-different-day-several-years">https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/660152560/debut-book-same-child-different-day-several-years</a>Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-89384297280576216452013-08-20T03:45:00.002-04:002013-08-20T03:54:00.869-04:00Hate-filled Letter Directed at Autistic Child: Reinterpreted<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps you recently heard about
the grandmother from Newcastle, Ontario, Canada who <a href="http://www.citynews.ca/2013/08/18/family-in-shock-after-hate-letter-targets-teen-with-autism/" target="_blank">received a rabidly hate-filled letter</a> from an anonymous “donor.” The letter
was directed at the grandmother’s grandson Max, who happens to live with
autism. Reaction to the letter has been heavily
one-sided, with most folks, including a <a href="http://globalnews.ca/news/789411/oshawa-family-receives-hate-filled-letter-directed-at-autistic-son/" target="_blank">Canadian Member of Parliament</a> and <a href="http://www.inquisitr.com/912226/autistic-boy-gets-hate-letter-television-stars-step-in-to-rally-community/" target="_blank">some television celebrities</a>, lambasting the unidentified author.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> At first,
I, too, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/vacarctic/posts/432484516870507" target="_blank">jumped on the bandwagon</a>, and posted my negative opinion on Facebook
(obviously not the most objective of debating platforms). Then, before I went any further, I stopped
myself to look at this from the perspective of the nameless scribe, and decided
to share with you, and maybe justify a little bit, what she or he was <i>really</i> trying to say. I’ll go through
the letter a section at a time, hope you will humor me, and that you will
refrain from tossing rancid eggs at my windows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The writer
starts off with, <span style="color: red;">“To the lady living at this address:”</span> (at least the author
didn’t throw out an expletive in the introduction; that’s the best way to keep
your reader engaged). From here on out,
I will quote exactly as the letter is written; any grammatical errors are
pulled directly from the letter: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">· </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">“I also live in this neighborhood and I have a
problem!!!!”</span> (Note the four exclamation points --- a clear sign that the person
who wrote this is serious)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">· </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">“You have a kid that is mentally handicapped,
and you consciously decided that it would be a good idea to live in a close
proximity neighborhood like this????"</span> (The four question marks, as with the same
number of exclamation points above, indicate that the writer clearly is unsure
about this statement and would like more information.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The phrase “mentally handicapped,” along with
the interrogative tone, means they had heard autism is not a mental disability,
and therefore, since the recipient lives so close by, would like to meet up for
a coffee or a beer to learn more)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">· </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">“You selfishly put your kid outside everyday and
let him be a nothing but a nuisance and a problem to everyone else with that
noise polluting whaling he constantly makes!!!"</span> (This statement says that the
recipient of the letter is a little self-centered, and I get where the author
is coming from. She or he is clearly offering personal services as a care
provider, since the grandmother cannot possibly be with the boy all the time.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Looking after him would be far better, according to the
letter, than to let the kid possibly bug “everyone else” in the neighborhood [how
thoughtful].</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">As there are only three
exclamation points this time, the writer doesn’t know if the preceding comment
will be as welcomed as the others so far)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">· </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“That noise he makes when he is outside is </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">DREADFUL!!!!!!!!!!</i></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;"> It scares the hell
out of my normal children!!!!!!!”</span> (In a follow-up to the previous comment, the
writer explains that her or his children are like most typical children, which,
the author explains, is like living in Hell.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Caring for Max would certainly do the trick in getting that yuckiness
out of those brats [I’m paraphrasing here, of course].</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Note the author's abundance of exclamation points, and you will agree.)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">· </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">“When you feel your idiot kid needs fresh air,
take him to our park, you dope!!! We have a nature trail!! Let him run around
those places and make noise!!!!!!"</span> (This writer has a flair for fancy
words.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">They are apparently aware that
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idiot#Etymology" target="_blank">the etymology of the word “idiot”</a> is derived from the Greek word meaning “private
citizen.”</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Therefore, as a private
citizen living in this particular community, the grandmother is being encouraged
to partake in all of the outdoor activities offered; let the boy blow off a
little steam.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The writer even kiddingly
calls the grandmother a “dope,” which, if you aren’t up on your current
young-person vernacular, means “excellent.”)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">· </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">“Crying babies, music and even barking dogs are
normal sounds in a residential neighborhood!!!!! He is NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”</span>
(Obviously a passionate comment.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">This
writer is truly fed up with the cacophony of sounds that are common to the area.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Thank goodness for Max and his hell-scaring
noises.)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">· <span style="color: red;"> </span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“He is a hindrance to everyone and will always
be that way.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">Who the hell is going to care
for him?????? No employer will hire him, no normal girl is going to marry/love
him and you are not going to live forever.”</span> (Another cry for the privilege of
looking after Max. The writer is practically begging to be allowed the opportunity to care
for this unique boy.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The author reminds
the grandmother that she can’t just send him off to get a job; he’s only 13,
for goodness sake.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">For some reason,
though, the writer puts the cart before the horse in this part, already trying
to marry the boy off to a young girl who is as unique as he; just any ol’ girl off
the street will never do for him!!!!!! [See, I can do it, too].)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">· </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“Personally, they should take whatever non
retarded body parts he possesses and donate it to science.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">What the hell else good is he to anyone!!!
You had a retarded kid, deal with it…properly!!!!!”</span> (It’s common for those who
are not familiar with autism to believe that all persons with the condition are savants.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Really, that number is a small
percentage.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">In this case the writer
assumes Max is involved in biological or anatomical experimentation, which, of course, should only be done under the observation of a trained scientific
professional.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">This misunderstanding has
caused her or him to suggest that Max should return to a lab any quantities that have
not been preserved from deteriorating, since he won’t need them anymore.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">She or he believes that, at one time the
experiment was preserved, but now should be disposed of in accordance with
local ordinances.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Though uneducated, this
is one truly thoughtful neighbor.)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">· </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">“What right do you have to do this to hard
working people!!!!!!! I HATE people like you who believe, just because you have
a special needs kid, you are entitled to special treatment!!! GOD!!!!!!”</span> (According to the author of the letter, his
grandmother should be ashamed that it has come to her neighbor having to beg
for the opportunity to look after Max; she or he has better things to do than
to check in on other people’s kids.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">No
special treatment should be afforded this grandmother; she should be required
to ASK for assistance, just like anyone else, and not expect others to just
come a’knockin’. GOD!!!!!!)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">· </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">“Do everyone in our community huge a favor and
MOVE!!!! VAMOSE!!! SCRAM!!! Move away and get out of this type of neighborhood
setting!!!"</span> (My, how somebody does enjoy that Shift/1 key combo.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Basically, grandma, if you can’t be hospitable
like everyone else and start relying on your neighbors for a little help, this
writer feels you can just relocate.)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">· <span style="color: red;">"</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">Go live in a trailer in the woods with your wild
animal kid!!!"</span> (The author says that, since she or he believes Max is such a fan
of the outdoors and wildlife, perhaps seeing it firsthand on location would be just what he
deserves.)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">“Nobody wants you living here and they don’t have
the guts to tell you!!!!!”</span> (Since it can be assumed that the writer could not
possibly know everybody in the world, she or he is probably exaggerating
here.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Most likely “nobody” means whoever
wrote the note has instead surveyed each and every person in the <b><i>neighborhood</i></b>,
and not a single one of them likes grandma’s lack of invitation.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">They are just too shy to tell her.)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">“Do the right thing and move or euthanize him!!!
Either way, we are ALL better off!!!</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;">Sincerely, One pissed off mother!”</span> (This closing is a little extreme on
the writer’s part.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">However, based on the
tone of the rest of the letter as interpreted above, the writer of the letter thinks, if the
grandmother does not move, Max should no longer suffer from the lack of
neighborly communication on the part of the grandmother.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Honestly, that’s kind of dramatic, and at
this point the writer is just throwing a temper tantrum. Baby.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">By the way, the signature does not indicate
the writer as female, since even my own actions have caused people to call me a
“mother” in the past.)</span></span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There, I hope you can see from my
analysis of this author’s letter, she or he was just being a good citizen and
neighbor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Frankly, since the written word can so easily be misinterpreted, I think there are better ways to go about it.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(1)<span style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="line-height: 107%;">This post is purely satirical, and no disrespect is intended toward Max
or his family. Sometimes humor, sarcasm
and a little indignation can be just what the soul needs. My family shares your triumphs and struggles,
and our hearts go out to you in this time of troubling hatred, abuse and
disrespect. We believe that autism is
the newest discrimination and we hope you will find justice.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(2)<span style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--></span><i><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If Max’s family reads this post and they are offended in any way, please
contact me [jongilbert@rocketmail.com] and I will remove it immediately. ~Jon)</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-35439206105132090632013-07-10T23:32:00.001-04:002013-07-10T23:33:26.770-04:00VAC’S EARLY EDUCATION & CARE LAUNCHES NEW PRESCHOOL AUTISM PROGRAM 88 PARK STREET, RUTLAND, VT<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #24313a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Vermont
Achievement Center’s Early Education & Care Program welcomes a new program;
Intensive Autism Spectrum Disorders (IASD) Program for children ages 3 to 5
years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #24313a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Located
in Rutland, Vermont the Vermont Achievement Center’s Early Education and Care
Program serves children ages 6 weeks to 12 years of age in an enriching,
developmentally appropriate learning environment. To meet the needs of children who have been
diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum and require fulltime child care, VAC is
expanding services for this population and opening an Intensive Autism Spectrum
Disorder classroom, the “Indigo Room”, for children ages 3 to 5 years old. Our highly dedicated, passionate and
knowledgeable staff have years of expertise in the fields of autism, behavioral
intervention, developmental disabilities, education, special education, music
and art. Children enrolled in the
program will have the opportunity to experience a structured, challenging and
encouraging environment complete with a sensory integration room and the
Mitchell Therapy Pool. The full time, year-round,
8 am to 4 pm, Monday thru Friday preschool autism classroom will offer breakfast,
lunch and afternoon snack. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: #24313a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Anticipated start date, September 3, 2013. Enrollment limited – slots filling</span></b><span style="color: #24313a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> <b>quickly. For more information, please contact Diahn
Johnson, Director of EEC, 802-775-2395 X612.</b></span>Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-66847069200677753352013-06-07T21:13:00.000-04:002013-06-07T21:13:32.134-04:00Autism Story: One for the history books<div class="MsoNormal">
Nolan likes swimming.
Like many others living with autism, he is drawn to the water. So, it’s fortunate for him that his school
provides pool therapy once per week. It’s
fortunate for me that the therapies are performed at the <a href="http://www.vacvt.org/programs-and-services/community-programs-services/" target="_blank">Mitchell Therapy Pool</a>,
which just happens to be located on the <a href="http://www.vacvt.org/" target="_blank">Vermont Achievement Center</a> campus where
I work. Nearly every Tuesday I try to
sneak down to the pool on the other side of the building to see Nolan, if even
for just five minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A couple weeks ago I missed visiting with him, which in itself doesn't man much; I've missed a Tuesday here or there before. However, I found out later that I would have
seen a rather amazing thing, had I visited this one particular swim session.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ann, our very hard working pool director, is in love with
each of the kids in all of our programs.
She has also become attached to the visitors to our pool, including
those from outside organizations. She
makes it a point to learn about each one, including their names and a little
about them. Nolan is no exception.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One day when my own student was visiting the pool, Ann
shared with me what I missed the previous Tuesday.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I've found him in the past, Ann told me Nolan was sitting
alone at the end of one of the picnic tables enjoying his snack after a usually
rigorous swim session. At the other end
sat an anatomical rescue dummy, seated in an upright position, just as a kid
enjoying a snack would be after a usually rigorous swim session. As Ann thumbed through a catalog, she
watched Nolan watching the mannequin; his eyes would return to his snack, then
back to the dummy, and back again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slowly, Nolan inched closer to the mannequin, obviously
curious and interested about the new addition to the table. Ann set the magazine down on the table as she
walked away to answer the phone a few feet from the picnic table. When her attention turned back to my son, she
couldn't believe what she saw.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nolan had slid himself all the way over, and he had placed
Ann’s catalog in front of the dummy; his hand was patting the back of the doll
and he was turning the magazine’s pages as he repeatedly asked the inanimate
object, “Are you okay, baby?” He thought
the adult-sized puppet was a baby!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She was floored by the adorable scene, and I was
amazed. When I told Lori about it later,
we were both delighted that this kid, who three years ago couldn't so much as say his name, had now engaged in spontaneous play with a full-sized doll and had acknowledged its presence --- and had read it a
book!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sniffle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~Jon<o:p></o:p></div>
Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-90245912976481074392013-02-09T16:22:00.004-05:002013-02-11T22:58:33.659-05:00New Book Announcement = Same Child, Different Day: Five Years Louder<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: #f9f7f5; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.385;">Any long-time readers know that in May, 2007, our son Nolan was diagnosed with autism. While we were hit by the diagnosis nearly as hard as any other family, like many of those families, we did our best to avoid letting it get us down. We </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">weren't</span><span style="line-height: 1.385;"> running into a lot of help or direction, and ended up learning as much as we could on our own.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f9f7f5; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 1.385;">One year later, almost to the day, I sat down to </span></span><a href="http://thesamechild.blogspot.com/2009/01/autism-radio-interview-and-buying.html" style="color: #4265a7; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.385; text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank">write a book</a><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 1.385;"> about our experiences during that first year. I shared the haircuts, the doctor visits, comments made by uninformed medical professionals, Lori’s tutu-clad walk through the mall, and many other fun, sarcastic, teachable moments. While I thought I would end up filling volumes, the work ended up being not much more than booklet-length. It was so small, I </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">didn't</span><span style="line-height: 1.385;"> even think to take that 50-page venture to a publisher; instead, the first 100 copies were born on an office color printer. Later, with a generous donation from a local autism support group, the next 300 came from a local printing company.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f9f7f5; color: #444444; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With no ISBN, no agent, and no publisher, I was on my own to market <a href="http://thesamechild.blogspot.com/" style="color: #4265a7; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank"><i>Same Child, Different Day: One family’s experiences during the first year after a child’s autism diagnosis</i></a>. I promoted the book as a look at the lighter side of autism; while the diagnosis can surely be a traumatic moment, I tried to show that there are times when you “just gotta laugh.” I held a few local signings, and appeared at an autism awareness event or two. After being <a href="http://thesamechild.blogspot.com/2009/02/autism-radio-interview.html" style="color: #4265a7; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank">interviewed a couple times on the radio</a>, folks seemed to be taking to the little tome. To spark further interest and to reach a wider market, <a href="http://thesamechild.blogspot.com/" style="color: #4265a7; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank">I created this blog with the same title</a>.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f9f7f5; color: #444444; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Internet exposure caught the attention of Autism Speaks, and they began additionally <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/resource-library/manuals-and-tool-kits" style="color: #4265a7; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank">offering the booklet from their website</a>. With that, I was able to reach an even larger audience. Soon, <i>Same Child, Different Day</i> reached <a href="http://thesamechild.blogspot.com/2009/04/same-child-different-day-goes-global.html" style="color: #4265a7; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank">nearly every corner of the world</a>: New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, the United States and Turkey all blessed me with requests for the booklet. I wholeheartedly believe that, along with frank and funny anecdotes, it is the early naivete of that first publication that ended up making it so appealing.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f9f7f5; color: #444444; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I realized after unwrapping 2013 that it has been five years since I told the world about that innocent little booklet. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anne-Barbanos-The-Next-Frontier/205082666188273" style="color: #4265a7; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank">Anne Barbano</a>, one of the radio interviewers I mentioned, encouraged that she and I should chat again when I write a Book 2.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f9f7f5; color: #444444; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That time is now.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f9f7f5; color: #444444; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today I officially announce that I have begun working on the follow up to that first <i>Same Child, Different Day</i>. Based on what we have experienced so far, our advocacy and awareness efforts, goals our son has surpassed that we were told he would never even reach, the later autism diagnosis for Nolan’s older sister, and many other interesting encounters, the second book will be entitled <i>Same Child, Different Day: Five Years Louder</i> (5YL).</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f9f7f5; color: #444444; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even though the finished product is still months away, I would love it if you would help to spread the word and get people excited for the arrival of <em>5YL</em>. I’ll be sure to fill this full-length book with more of the poignant, funny, thought-provoking and entertaining stories and useful information you found in the first <a href="http://thesamechild.blogspot.com/" style="color: #4265a7; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank"><em>Same Child, Different Day</em></a>. Please tell anyone and everyone you know that this fun book showing the lighter side of autism is coming.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f9f7f5; color: #444444; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Feel free to visit the book's website by <a href="http://jonwrites.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">clicking here</a>. Also, PLEASE ask anyone who would be interested to LIKE our Facebook page by clicking here (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/SCDD2" style="color: #4265a7; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank">click here</a>)!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f9f7f5; color: #444444; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To reach me directly, please use my <a href="http://jonwrites.wordpress.com/contact-jon/" style="color: #4265a7; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank">contact page</a>.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #f9f7f5; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.385; margin-bottom: 18px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6675774.2681;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000613802463762;pid=UBM9780393705294;usg=AFHzDLt0vyOLoSucxzIRg9P8mc_dKJvJNw;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.cdsbooksdvds.com%252Fproduct.jhtm%253Fsku%253DUBM9780393705294;pubid=612308;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fc379104.r4.cf1.rackcdn.com%2F9780393705294.jpg;width=200;height=200" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe><br /></div>
Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-84657062227300669012013-01-17T00:53:00.002-05:002013-01-17T00:53:43.149-05:00Ten Things You Would Overhear Every Day in Our House<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyone reading this post <a href="http://thesamechild.blogspot.com/2009/09/autism-things-some-people-say-part-ii.html" target="_blank">has stories to tell</a> about the goings on in their unique household. I’m sure you have
even said things that, to a neighbor listening in, would sound as though you
were drained of all coherent thought. In
this post, I want to share with you a list of ten things we say in our own home
that, while not all necessarily quirky, we should at some time record for easier playback.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though I agree that there are likely a households out there
that repeat one or two of these phrases daily, in our House of Chaos, there isn't a saying below that doesn't go unsaid every day. Ten of the most popular are, in no particular order..</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>1) </b></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“NO
PASSWORD”</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">:</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Each and every mother
loving day, Nolan insists on connecting with one manner or other of
electronic device.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">We try not to connect
him with anything that can display a movie, mostly because of numbers 2 and 3
(and in part #4) below.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Because we lock
the devices, part of that objection requires us to repeatedly utter “No
Password,” to which we are met with screams, repeated volleys requesting the
secret code, crying, high decibel whines and whatever ruckus he thinks will
annoy us into giving in.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">If we do, we
are guaranteed to holler…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>2) </b></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“NO
PAUSE/PLAY”</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">:</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">This should actually
read “No Pause, Play, Stop, Fast forward, Rewind, Eject, Reinsert, Freeze
frame, Zoom”, but I wouldn't have time to type all that (especially since we
only say this statement every day).</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Like
I said in #1, we try to keep the remotes, Wii controllers, computer and iPad
passwords, smart phones and other DVD/Netflix access points away from
Nolan.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">If we slack (daily) and he gets a
hold (daily) of one of the aforementioned forbidden items, he will resort to pressing
any combination of the electronic commands listed above. To do so is to feed caffeinated
cane sugar directly into the vessels of his sensory diet.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">That leads to us yelling…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>3) </b></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“STOP
BOUNCING”</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">:</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">As do many kids with
autism, Nolan stims.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Repetitive movie
quotes, humming in a way that mimics the Tasmanian Devil, and the “typical”
hand flapping are all daily self-stimulation activities we have come to know
and love.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">But, every time we cue the
intro to Spongebob Squarepants or Yo, Gabba Gabba (or any other sherbet-colored
children’s television show), our +100lb. boy starts rocking the joint --- and I
don’t mean by being musically inclined.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">When he starts bouncing, the living room sways, the TV that (if I do say
so myself) is securely mounted to the wall begins to jiggle, and you can ride
the surf of the hardwood floor boards the length of the house.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Then, it isn't long before we yell…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>4) </b></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“TURN IT DOWN”</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">: This may be the least fair
of all the items on this list, because --- let’s be honest --- what parent doesn't at one time or another crave peace and quiet?</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">In this case, though, we’re talking about both
Madison and Nolan, and redundancy.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It’s
every day, several times a day, that we utter this statement.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Whether it’s the iPad, Netflix or that robot
we bought for Christmas, the device unfailingly manages to reach a decibel
level somewhere between “chainsaw” and “fighter jet squadron”.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Ask the user to “turn it down”, and they will
--- but only until they think we can no longer hear it.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Then, the child will kindly return the volume
to its previous ear-bursting level, most likely so we don’t miss out on all the
fun ourselves.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Of course, while this is
going on with one child, to the other, one of will have to say…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">5) </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“STOP</span></b><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
WHISTLING”</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">:</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Guess what Madison has
learned how to do.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">All the time.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Ask her to stop whistling, however, and she
will reach an indignant posture that is reserved for the most arrogant diva.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">We may have asked her to stop whistling because
its suppertime, Mom is sleeping or she has been at it for eleven hours.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> Regardless, a</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">ll she heard was that she would
never again be allowed to whistle for the rest of her life.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">She sulks, we get upset, she has to go to
bed, then we have to say...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>6) “ST</b></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">OP
KISSING THE MIRROR”</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">:</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">There’s a nice,
full-length mirror hanging on the hallway side of our bathroom door.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Though she’s no sort of “clean freak”, Lori
is wiping that thing daily.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It would
appear that neither Nolan nor Madison is intimidated by nor suffers from
heightened hypersensitivity caused by this shiny, reflective decoration.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">On the contrary; each one --- eight and nine respectively, mind you --- cannot resist placing a full-on lip smack every time they head through the
bathroom door.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Not long after this, we
will have to tell Nolan…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>7) </b></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>“YOUR
UNDERWEAR IS ON BACKWARDS”</b></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">: One might think that this phrase is reserved
for me.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Rest assured, I usually get this
one right the first time without too much instructional assistance.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Poor Nolan does this so often, though, that
(well, first off, it made this list; and second) I’m beginning to wonder if at
this point in time he thinks that’s just how they go on.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">No matter; it isn't long before we have to
beg…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">8) </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“NO</span></b><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> MOMMY’S BED”</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">: This one has only been
nightly for about three months. </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">A year
before that, it lasted a little over a year and a half.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://thesamechild.blogspot.com/2013/01/id-like-my-bed-back.html" target="_blank">I mentioned previously</a> how Nolan demands nightly
and repeatedly that he wants to sleep in <strike>our</strike> Lori’s bed.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It isn't a quiet request and it won’t
arbitrarily happen.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Oh no.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Even on the off chance he falls asleep in his
own bed, by between 12:30 and 3:30 in the morning, Nolan </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">will</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> end up in our bed.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">We
no longer try to fight him on it, either.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Not if we want the rest of the house to get any kind of sleep.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">And, at that time in the morning, I just want
to get to my sofa.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Then, in the morning,
there is no doubt Lori will have to say…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>9) </b></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“WAIT FOR
IT”</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">:</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">We really should put that <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/angel-guard-seatbelt-latch-covers-3493681.html?cat=5" target="_blank">Angel Guard seat belt latch cover</a> back on the buckle.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">This nifty device keeps Nolan (any child, for that matter) from
unbuckling the belt.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Otherwise, every
day as soon as the van slows to Docking Speed, we hear the dreadful ‘click’, and he is
standing up.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Lori started saying “wait
for it” as she would travel the loop in front of Nolan’s school on the way to
dropping him off.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">If she drawls out a
slow “waaaaaait for it,” the boy will at least stay buckled in --- even though he
may think she’s playing a game.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It works
in parking lots, driveways and fast food drive-thrus…go ahead, try it at home.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">While you are doing so, I’ll explain that we
constantly have to tell Nolan…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>10) </b></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“GET YOUR HAND OUT OF YOUR PANTS”</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">:</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Again, this one amazingly is rarely directed
toward me.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> And, o</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">nce again, Nolan and his
underclothes made the list.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">This one
happens so frequently that he can recite it back to us on command.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">One afternoon I had to stay after work for a
meeting; Nolan was allowed to hang out.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Lori left him with his iPad, and I had him situated in our meeting room
on a beanbag.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I turned around to check
on him and, there he was, in this room full of female teachers, digging in The
Valley.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">All I was able to say was, “Nolan...”</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">As if we had rehearsed it (and I guess in a
way we had), Nolan replied, “Get your hand out of you pants.” Oh, how they laughed...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Way to stay classy, son.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -24px;">
~~Jon</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -24px;">
<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="150" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6675774.1654;sz=180x150;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000613802463762;pid=UBM767685109472;usg=AFHzDLtXFfPWlWHW9aN7Z_BAoGiUyvCHHQ;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.cdsbooksdvds.com%252Fproduct.jhtm%253Fsku%253DUBM767685109472;pubid=612308;price=%2423.01;title=AUTISM%3AMUSICAL+BY+HALL...;merc=CDS+Books+and+DVDS;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fc383350.r50.cf1.rackcdn.com%2F767685109472.jpg;width=60;height=85" vspace="0" width="180"></iframe><br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-86648746216205530832013-01-12T01:48:00.001-05:002013-01-12T01:48:19.104-05:00Unprompted and Unexpected<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I mentioned on my blog Celebrate the Autism Spectrum
(<a href="https://celebratethespectrum.wordpress.com/2013/01/11/a-story-some-news-and-exciting-information-celebrate-the-autism-spectrum/" target="_blank">click here</a>), I get excited when any child in the World of Autism does
anything beyond expectation. It may be a
one-time thing, or it could be the sign of something big on the horizon. Doesn't matter. To those of us who know and understand, even
the littlest leaps are amazing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday Nolan made one of those unexpected leaps. His paraprofessional told my wife today that,
while working with Nolan, she somehow caused her finger to bleed. Well, Nolan noticed, and at first reacted as
we figure he would.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are you OK, Ms. Lafayette?” he mumbled as though his mouth was
full of marbles, trying so hard to speak as fast as we do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She showed him her finger; it was bleeding a little, but she assured him she would be
fine. Undeterred, he told her, “Be right
back.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s OK, Nolan. I’m
fine,” she tried to convince him again.
Opening the classroom door, however, he told her over his shoulder, “Stay
here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ms. Lafayette was curious at this point where the journey
would take him, so she ducked into the hallway a short distance behind
him. She wanted to give him his space,
while still intrigued by what he intended.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Stay ‘dere’,” he commanded again when he saw her tailing him, and he turned the corner
toward the school’s front door. Ms.
Lafayette was not worried, though she ducked through a shortcut to arrive first
near where she was sure would be his destination.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Opening the office door, Nolan struggled at first to get the
school nurse to understand his desire. “Bandage,”
he stumbled. She was confused, so he
repeated, “I want bandage, 'puhweeze'.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Upon seeing Nolan’s aide, the nurse understood. She handed him the supplies he needed, and he
headed back out the door. Ms. Lafayette scooted
back down the side hallway, hoping to meet Nolan at the other end. As soon as they found one another, Nolan
tried to open the package and put the bandage on Ms. Lafayette’s finger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He did all of this unprompted. All by himself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sniffle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He also likes electronics.
A lot. When it isn't time for him
to use the iPad or computer or watch movies, Nolan will scour the countryside
(that is, every room in the house) looking for a stray, unguarded cell
phone. Lori, Kaleigh and I recently
acquired smart phones, and they are as functional as any computer. Leave one without a lookout, and he is on
Netflix or YouTube, playing, pausing and rewinding the same two or three
seconds of any interesting video he can find.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday night I was the negligent adult, and he wore my phone
out until the battery died. I tried to
get my phone from him as quickly as I could, without any luck. By the time anyone had gotten to him, Nolan
had pulled a switcheroo; somewhere in the fuss, he had unplugged his mother’s
charging phone and replaced it with mine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clever.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~Jon</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="150" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6675774.1664;sz=180x150;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000613802463762;pid=UBM9781843101888;usg=AFHzDLvER_jA-95B8yoaA5xbVFg6iZPzag;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.cdsbooksdvds.com%252Fproduct.jhtm%253Fsku%253DUBM9781843101888;pubid=612308;price=%2418.77;title=Autism+All-stars+By+Sa...;merc=CDS+Books+and+DVDS;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fc375687.r87.cf1.rackcdn.com%2F9781843101888.jpg;width=56;height=85" vspace="0" width="180"></iframe><o:p></o:p></div>
Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-78773283217790669512013-01-09T00:34:00.000-05:002013-01-09T00:39:41.557-05:00Madison's First SleepoverEven though we have two kids on the spectrum,<a href="http://thesamechild.blogspot.com/2012/01/autism-family-affair.html" target="_blank"> I don’t talk much about Nolan’s older sister Madison</a>.
Mad (she doesn't care for “Maddie”) was diagnosed with PDD-NOS 2½ years
ago, and, while we had our suspicions for some time before, she wasn't diagnosed until she was 6½. Even though
she has autism, honestly, sometimes it’s easy to miss. Mad is smart, talkative, loving, makes eye
contact, does well in school and is relatively independent.<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there are a couple places where her uniqueness shines
through. First of all, she has a nearly <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eidetic_memory" target="_blank">eidetic memory</a>, and catches details of a situation at a quick glance. Yet, while she can recall the weather and exactly what she was wearing on the day we bought our pet mice last year, to get her to
remember the morning routine she has been doing for years or focus long enough
to find a bright pink piece of paper on an otherwise empty dining room table,
and all hope is lost.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then, there are Madison’s social skills. I’ll start by saying that Mad is in love with
everyone. In her eyes, there is not an
ugly person on this planet, and everyone loves her back. Why wouldn't they? To her, all people are perfect and she
considers every soul she meets to be a friend.
From our big, gruff, bearded typical Vermont neighbor next door to my
boss she met one time in the grocery store, Madison loves all people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, to get her to understand the complexities and nuances of
childhood relationships, to realize that not everyone wants to hear about her
family <b>all the time</b>, or to make her realize
kids can have more than one friend at a time, is a full time job. She has “friends” at school, but not by the
same definition we used as kids. Don’t
get me wrong; she knows when someone is being mean to her and there are some
she does not like at all. But we accept that Mad may likely never have a BFF.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nevertheless, Madison had her first sleepover this past
weekend. We have known “V” and her
family for a couple of years now. We invite
them to game days, and we have watched each other’s kids from time to time. V and Mad are in the same class, and she is
the closest thing to a best friend that our daughter has. V knows that Madison is quirky and can get
annoyed sometimes at her chattiness. Even
though they get along well together, I was leery about the event.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That was a pointless worry.
Madison and V had a great time together.
Sure, Madison chatted V’s ears off and had a tendency to get upset at
the unfairness of losing a Wii game.
But, when I caught my little kid leading the play activities and had V
following her every direction without argument, my apprehension melted
away. Her friend showed up at about 4:30
Saturday, and was still in our house 24 hours later, never once begging for us
to rescue her or asking for amnesty.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We worry that she’ll never have long lasting relationships
with kids her age. If the past weekend
was any indication, Madison doesn't seem too worried about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~Jon<br />
<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="150" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6675774.1657;sz=180x150;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000613802463762;pid=UBM9781843109761;usg=AFHzDLtMAnW2Mvyj93iIfoScKY7YaGp9fg;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.cdsbooksdvds.com%252Fproduct.jhtm%253Fsku%253DUBM9781843109761;pubid=612308;price=%24129.00;title=An+A-z+of+Genetic+Fact...;merc=CDS+Books+and+DVDS;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fc383640.r40.cf1.rackcdn.com%2F9781843109761.jpg;width=62;height=85" vspace="0" width="180"></iframe></div>
Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-26965069107563198022013-01-06T00:59:00.000-05:002013-01-06T01:01:49.037-05:00Rough Sleeper<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Nolan doesn't know how to sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">"What's that?" you ask. "<i>Know</i> how
to sleep? Like, he can't choose a position?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">No. I quite literally mean exactly what I said: the boy doesn't appear to find the "<span style="background: white;">natural periodic
state of rest for the mind and body, in which the eyes usually close and
consciousness is completely or partially lost, so that there is a decrease in
bodily movement and responsiveness to external stimuli" (<a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/sleep">www.thefreedictionary.com</a>).
I'll elaborate.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">During school nights especially, we try to get Madison and Nolan to
bed for 8:30 at the latest. Sometimes we
succeed with this, which is especially helpful when Lori and I are attending
classes ourselves and need the time that they are zonked out to get our own
work done. More often than that, though,
we aren’t even putting them <i>in</i> bed
until about 8:30 --- and that is due to our own procrastinating. There is a fear Lori and I share that we
associate with most of the overly dramatic transition times in our house --- times
that make a Lindsay Lohan temper tantrum look like a Teddy Bear picnic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">(Oh those dreaded transitions --- a time for fighting to get them
off the iPad, screaming as they refuse to move down the hallway toward the
bathroom, rerouting as that trip down the hallway turns into a detour into a
random bedroom, our struggling to drag a limp, lifeless body back into the
hallway, frustration as one child can’t resist admiring herself in the mirror,
irritation as the other one can’t resist planting his lip prints on the same
mirror, and concern as they both need to be retrained once again on the same
procedures we retrained for the prior evening regarding teeth brushing, hand
washing, potty using, medicine receiving and turn taking.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Eventually, they make it into bed.
Stories have been read; covers have been pulled up to chins and kisses
have been doled out. Once the lights are
off, we know what happens. Every night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">“Mommy bed,” we hear, and we ignore. “Daddy, Nolan Mommy bed?” For now, it’s phrased as a question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I don’t know why I always do, but I can’t continue to ignore him,
and I answer every time. “Go to sleep,
Nolan. In Nolan’s bed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">“Mommy bed?!” It’s a louder
question this time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">“No, buddy. Daddy’s laying
in Mommy’s bed tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">“Mommy bed!” he shouts again.
I ignore the request this time, and the cacophony of repetitive demands
begins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">“Mommy bed. Mommy bed! Mommy bed! Nolan Mommy bed! Daddy, Nolan Mommy bed!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">And if we continue to ignore him: “MOOOOOMY BEEEEEEDDDD!” he
screeches two octaves higher.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">He knows the buttons to push.
“Nolan!” I tell him directly, “You are laying in Nolan’s bed, tonight!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The debate continues for a little bit, and sometimes he even falls
asleep. Or so it seems at first. He wasn’t always this way. He used to insist on sleeping with one of us
when he first started sleeping in a Big Bed…and we would usually give in. Then one day, he just stopped. He would fall asleep in his own bed and we
wouldn’t hear from him until morning. Then, about three months ago, it started up
again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The one piece that <i>never</i>
seemed to go away, however, and happens without fail as though he’s on a timer,
nearly every night at almost exactly 12:30 in the morning: Nolan screams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">It’s a scary sound, and often lasts for a half hour or longer. Sometimes the screams are accompanied by
moans, sleep talking, and other alarming, indescribable noises. Quite often, while we assume he is sleeping, he
will holler, “Mommy, no!” or “K’wee (his sister Kaleigh), stop it,” or some
other random, sometimes inaudible statement, all the while maintaining the
chorus of other unsettling sounds. No
one is in the room bothering him, and we have ruled out the cats sleeping too
closely to him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">During this time, he also kicks, turns sideways, and rolls in his
blanket like a Cheese Dog on a convenience store steam roller. We try to calm him down by patting his back,
and --- curiously --- sometimes yelling his name works. There are nights though where no amount of consolation
will work; the poor guy just will not sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I guess that’s a bit of an exaggeration. He sleeps, of course, if ever so very
lightly; and not very well, or very deeply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I’d imagine that’s why he ends up in <s>our</s> Mommy’s bed, anyhow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-66412052904621677092012-12-31T03:34:00.000-05:002012-12-31T03:35:22.012-05:00Special Occasions: Who's Expectation is it, Anyway?<a href="http://thesamechild.blogspot.com/2011/04/happy-6th-birthday-nolan.html" target="_blank">I've mentioned before</a> about the difficulty with holidays and
special occasions where our son Nolan is concerned. He wears the label of “classic autism”, if
one can even be described as such. There
are times when he is the “stimmy”, “routine-y”, “bouncy”, “no-eye-contact”
template of the definition. Other days,
he won’t stop hugging us or stop talking (granted, the “talking” is generally a
constant repeat of a three-line section from a SpongeBob episode, which I guess
would be back to the routine and stimming).
But, rarely does he get excited in anticipation of anything other than
returning home to fire up the iPad.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His sister Madison dons a PDD-NOS diagnosis (which she will
relinquish when the bright, shiny, new DSM-V hits newsstands), and on a good
day would easily be mistaken for one of her neurotypical peers. Tell her there’s a birthday coming up (hers
or a friend’s), or that Santa is even weeks away, and she glows with
anticipation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When any big day is upon us, Mad is as excited as a Chihuahua
is to a doorbell. She salivates at the
thought of a new doll, an art set, a picture drawn in crayon. To her, opening gifts is an event to be savored. And no matter what is inside, no matter how
trivial it may appear to an outsider, to Madison, it is keys to Cinderella’s
castle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nolan, on the other hand, remains stoic and resolute. No, sir --- no silly gifts will loosen his
resolve to stay glued to whichever electronic device we forgot to put away the
night before. It isn't in him to get
excited about what’s inside the red, green, uninteresting paper. Oh, he has little problem responding in one way
or another to the product inside, but unlike Mad, his reaction is never what a
parent expects or wishes for their child.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This Christmas wasn't much different, though it was better
(for us) than holidays in the past. He
was a little more excited; slightly more animated when he opened his
gifts. It could have been the electronic
nature of them, or he could have genuinely been energized. Either way, his eyes seemed to shine a little
brighter (if that could even be possible), and his smile was more genuine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know if it really matters either way. I mean, to us as parents, we want him to be
happy, and excited, and to look forward to his birthday. But if he doesn't get that way, is that on
him, or on us? What if he’s satisfied
with whatever emotion he is feeling? He doesn't have any idea he is missing out on anything…because, to him, he isn't.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rest of the year, the word “normal” frustrates us to
aggravation or tears, depending on the situation. Yet, when a special event rolls around, our
hearts are broken that our kiddos don’t have a “normal” reaction to the
occasion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Sometimes it isn't our kids who have the difficulty. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~Jon</div>
Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-82544669568426715932012-12-28T23:44:00.000-05:002012-12-28T23:44:41.526-05:00Myth: Individuals with Autism are a Danger to Society<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a misconception --- likely fomented by the media
and a susceptible public --- that children with autism spectrum disorders are
somehow dangerous, or begin to exhibit dangerous behaviors, as they get older. While this may hold true for some individuals
living with autism, the same can be said for any neurotypical person.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In fact, with early and intense intervention, symptoms of
children on the spectrum tend to improve rather than worsen. While autism can never be cured, and a child
certainly doesn’t grow out of it, with proper treatment, individuals can learn
ways to cope with their condition. Many,
in fact, go on to lead successful, productive lives.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is very rare to find a person with autism who is
outwardly violent or who purposefully commits acts of hatred. When someone on the spectrum is involved in aggressive
incidents, they are usually instigated by frustration, sensory overload, and
physical excess or similar stimuli. Of course,
as with anyone, there are exceptions to this, and other medical, mental, or
behavioral factors may be evident as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’ve had other experiences or have anything you would
like to add, please comment below. I
encourage thoughtful, stimulating conversation, regardless of your viewpoint.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~Jon<o:p></o:p></div>
Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-7337798879477279012012-12-22T03:29:00.000-05:002012-12-22T03:29:08.111-05:00Same Child Different Day, Back from a Break and New Information<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m sad that it has been 10½ months since<a href="http://thesamechild.blogspot.com/2012/02/autism-and-carly-fleischmann-in-her-own.html"> my last post</a>. There was a point in time when I was able to
commit day and night to this blog. I was
sharing what you wanted to hear, and <a href="http://thesamechild.blogspot.com/2011/09/same-child-different-day-voted-one-of.html">you made it successful</a>. However, as it often does, life slid in
behind the wheel and steered us down a different road.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bad news started with losing my 9-to-5 in January, which
by itself can stifle one’s enthusiasm.
However, I immediately signed up for college courses, working toward my Bachelor’s
Degree in Communications, and I began looking for another job. Along with meeting the requirements of the
Department of Labor, the college courses have been research and writing intensive, so I
have appropriated much of my authoring time to that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since then, I was also fortunate to have been invited to
co-develop an autism resource center (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/vacarctic" target="_blank">ARCTIC: Autism Recognition Care Training and Information Center</a>) at our local Vermont Achievement Center (<a href="http://www.vacvt.org/">VAC</a>). Creating the proposal, cultivation of the facility
and duties as the Coordinator of Autism Resources has added to my list of
chores. I also host the blog for the
autism support group (<a href="http://celebratethespectrum.wordpress.com/">Celebrate the Autism Spectrum</a>) at VAC, and the
organization offered me a position as an Education Instruction Assistant in
their school for children with autism.
So, I have been deeply immersed in self-enrichment as well as continuing
advocacy and education projects.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;">
In reality I have only taken
a break from the duties of "Same Child, Different Day" for a short while. While I’m not completely happy with that, at least
I have been in front of continuing to help folks. In the end, that’s what’s most important to
me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you would still like to order a copy of the booklet <i>Same
Child, Different Day</i>,<i> </i>or to email me personally, <a href="mailto:jongilbert@rocketmail.com" target="_blank">click here</a>. If you or someone you know would like to more
information about our Rutland, VT area autism resource center, the school, the
support group or our other blog, please <a href="http://celebratethespectrum.wordpress.com/2012/12/18/update-on-vacs-autism-recognition-care-training-and-information-center-and-autism-education-program/" target="_blank">click on this link</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks and welcome back!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~Jon<o:p></o:p></div>
Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-83138418372352285472012-02-04T20:39:00.000-05:002012-02-04T20:42:33.429-05:00Autism and Carly Fleischmann, in her own words (literally)Check out the video below; this girl is amazing!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bigdandbubba.com/pages/archive2012.html?feed=447152&article=9637873">http://www.bigdandbubba.com/pages/archive2012.html?feed=447152&article=9637873</a><br />
<br />
Thank you to <a href="http://www.bigdandbubba.com/">Big D & Bubba</a> for the link!<br />
<br />
~JonJon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-61893464642766940512012-01-29T23:04:00.000-05:002012-01-29T23:07:06.436-05:00Autism: A Family Affair<span style="background-color: #f9fafa; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I don’t mention
it much here; heck, I’ve gone back through my posts and don’t see that I’ve
ever mentioned it once. Nolan isn’t our
only one on the spectrum. His older
sister Madison was diagnosed a little over a year ago when she was almost
seven. I don’t think to ever mention her
autism for a few reasons.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f9fafa; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9fafa; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">First of all,
she is lucky to even be alive. She was scheduled
to be born January 29, 2004 (today would be her 8</span><sup style="background-color: #f9fafa; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">th </sup><span style="background-color: #f9fafa; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">birthday), but
she couldn’t wait. She came to us instead
in November, 2003 – three months early at 27 weeks plus five days. She was 14 inches long, and tipped the scales
at a meager 2 pounds four ounces (sugar is heavier, but not nearly as
sweet). For her first two years we were
fully focused on keeping her alive.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f9fafa; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f9fafa; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Since then,
aside from some minor medical concerns and a demure size that belies her energy
level, she’s progressed at a fairly steady rate. She’s scarily intelligent and (as far as the
rest of the World knows) is the happiest of all Earth’s creatures. But, there have been things that caused us to
worry about her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f9fafa; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f9fafa; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">She hand flaps
like she’s trying to take off; she has trouble with the appropriateness of some
of her conversations; Mad is friends with other kids, but gets lost when she’s
pressed to understand social cues; she repeats, repeats, repeats; she can’t
recall the “morning drill” on her own from day to day; she is <b>literally</b> distracted by shiny things (woe
unto the mirror hanging on our bathroom door)…and the list goes on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f9fafa; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f9fafa; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">A couple years
ago, we had her tested by the same folks who ran the series on Nolan. While Mad’s level of autism barely mirrors
her brother’s, we never doubted our concerns.
Not that we want even one on the spectrum, let alone two. Nevertheless, her diagnosis has helped us out
when it came time to get her some therapies she has since benefitted from.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f9fafa; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f9fafa; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Still, it’s
tough from day to day to think that she is even autistic (or has autism or
whatever you prefer to read). But, she
has been diagnosed and she is. I don’t
know why I felt the need to bring that up, other than today is January 29 and
it got me thinking…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f9fafa; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f9fafa; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">~Jon</span><o:p></o:p></div>Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-79958959693923866832011-10-09T10:28:00.000-04:002011-10-09T10:28:32.239-04:00Choices We've Had to MakeAny of us in the autism community knows that, in order to achieve really substantial success, our kids need 25-40 hours per week of intensive therapy. Ideally, this comes from therapeutic centers and licensed, school trained providers. Hopefully, they are able to receive services at in a clinic environment, filled with tools and equipment specifically designed for speech, occupational and physical therapies. At one time, this was the situation we were fortunate to be in.<br />
<br />
<br />
Sadly, as with all good things, over time this perfect situation came to a slow but inevitable end. First, the amount of time allotted for their therapies whittled down. From a couple times a week, to barely once every other week, the services soon became glimpses in time.<br />
<br />
Next, the clinic closed. A unilateral decision was made that in-home care would be of the most benefit to our kids. The gym, equipment and tools were considered overkill and unnecessary; according to the private therapy organization that provided these services, the therapists themselves could offer all the tools needed for our children’s successes.<br />
<br />
Then, these home visits every other week went from a one-hour session to 20-40 minutes per visit. Our providers would show up, spend about 7-10 minutes doing administrative work on their laptops, then our kiddoes would engage in twenty or so minutes of therapy, and finally, 10 more follow-up minutes would be taken to wrap up the computer’s administrative needs.<br />
<br />
It was then that we made the unilateral decision to pull our kids out of these formal services. Twenty minutes every other week was doing them no good, and was becoming more of a pain than benefit. We had to break our day up that one time every other week, with basically no benefit from the meeting. Fortunately, we have, over many years, developed a fairly well-stocked therapy gym and have a pretty good supply of tools. Lori and I have been very consistent with our own therapy schedules for the kids, and they get a pretty good array of help from their school.<br />
<br />
It’s been a little over a month since we parted ways with the ‘clinic’. The sun still rises and moon still shines. And --- can you believe it? --- the kids are still developing in in ways we never could have imagined. <br />
<br />
While we’ve had some pushback from here and there regarding a lack formal services, we don’t see the problem.<br />
<br />
Anymore.<br />
<br />
Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-66849234015892308622011-09-27T22:57:00.003-04:002011-09-27T23:00:01.450-04:00Same Child Different Day: Voted one of the best autism blogs in the industry!What an Honor and a Surprise. I opened my email today to find that <a href="http://www.autismblogs.org/blog/794/same-child-different-day">Same Child, Different Day</a> has been voted by <a href="http://blognation.com/">BlogNation.com</a> & <a href="http://autismblogs.org/">Autismblogs.org</a> as one of the best autism blogs on the 'Net!<br />
<br />
What an honor. We even got a cool badge thingy!Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-11250451414945484942011-09-26T00:54:00.000-04:002011-09-26T00:57:13.218-04:00Autism: The things some people say, Part IVGrocery shopping for us has never been a boring event for us. Heck, <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/645631/my_sons_first_and_hopefully_only_encounter.html">take this incident from a few years ago</a> as an example. Today we still have to do everything we can to minimize the chaos we can bring during any shopping trip.<br />
<br />
One of the things we do, and that helps us immensely (and in turn helps <strong><u>you</u></strong>), is to put Nolan into the basket part of an extra shopping cart. We've tried to let him help us push the cart, and grab things off the shelf. But, that doesn't always turn out so well. <strong>Note:</strong> We also refuse to make him stay home every time we shop. Then it wouldn't be "we" anyhow; since a reliable PCA is nearly impossible to find, it would end up being "me" or "her". And, while shopping alone can be quicker, its just one of those things we do together. So, all 100 pounds of Nolan ends up in a shopping cart he shares with his sister, who still fits in the seat.<br />
<br />
Understandably, you can imagine the looks we get from putting our child in the back of the cart. The message on the handle of the shopping cart reminds us what we are doing is not suggested. The loudspeaker is also good about scolding violators with regular chastisements. Even as we turn the corner at the endcap between the pasta and bread aisles, I shudder in angst as I expect the girl stocking the milk to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PIT_maneuver">PIT maneuver</a> our cart into the chocolate bars, strip off her apron, brandish a Shopping Cart Police badge, shove a price gun in my face and call for the Parking Lot Guy to back her up by surrounding us with a ring of carts he just rescued from the corrals.<br />
<br />
Sadly, as they would be reading me my rights and calling the Department of Children and Families to save my children from their plight, the Point of Purchase Tactical Response Team (P.o.P.Ta.R.T) would miss the true criminals cruising the aisles right under their noses. Those people?<br />
Dog Owners. (I like dogs and most of their owners --- let me explain!)<br />
<br />
You see, we recently had One of Those Days in our local Aisles-o-Plenty where we received repeated comments, glances and observations about hauling our autistic son through the store in the basket of the cart. Ironically, one of these commentaries came from someone with a "baby" of their own in the shopping trolley. Granted, their precious little one was in the child-safe portion of the carriage. But, it was <strong><u>not</u></strong> a baby by the definition I would use. Their "baby" was a furry, tailed little creature with a runny nose and a flea collar.<br />
<br />
The last time I checked, it was <strong><u>suggested</u></strong> we not place our human child in the grocery section of the carriage. But, clearly marked in the doors of the entrance to nearly every grocery outlet in America, it is a health code violation to carry your pet into the store. I won't even get into my opinion regarding bringing a domesticated animal into an establishment where food is sold. I won't debate between the terms "pet" and "companion". And, based on the level of REM sleep this one was expreiencing, I doubt sincerely this was a dog who was on the clock.<br />
<br />
The question I want to ask is, how does putting my autistic son in the basket of a shopping cart to make a better shopping experience for us and the other shoppers, warrant negative reaction (especially when, by doing this, there will be <strong><u>less</u></strong> chance you will have to interact with him than if he was not in the cart)? However, the pet owner who carries an animal through the store in the shopping basket, clearly and obviously in violation of state health laws, gets told "what a cute baby" and doesn't see the contradiction when personally reminding us of our own transgression.<br />
<br />
My one suggestion: don't be surprised if P.o.P.Ta.R.T is there when your "baby" makes an accident on the floor. Unless, of course, they are busy frisking me for competitor's coupons.<br />
<br />
~JonJon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-54140187005502222052011-09-23T23:06:00.001-04:002011-09-23T23:16:04.655-04:00Autism Awareness SurveyWould you please share about ten minutes to take this important autism awareness
survey? There's no cost; there are no vendor links; you will not be asked to
buy anything. I'm simply looking for your input to nine short questions
regarding autism awareness and I would appreciate your help. It's also totally confidential.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PZLZHQR"><span style="color: #473624;">Click here to take survey</span></a> Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-86971466339541719062011-08-28T08:56:00.004-04:002011-08-28T09:05:58.409-04:00Autism: The things some people say, Part IIIYesterday, EPEC, my <a href="http://www.rutlandvermont.com/">Rutland, VT </a>autism support group had the good fortune of being able to set up a booth at a local community health fair. It was a really good time and we had a great turnout.
<br />
<br />Well, it was a good time for most of us.
<br />
<br />To read more, swing by the <a href="http://rutlandepec.blogspot.com/">EPEC autism support group blog </a>to read the article, or <a href="http://rutlandepec.blogspot.com/2011/08/epec-event-community-health-fair-follow.html">click here</a>.
<br />
<br />~Jon
<br />Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-36281613523998876862011-06-16T00:22:00.008-04:002011-06-16T00:47:29.871-04:00One Down, Twelve to Go: Kindergarten Accomplished<div align="justify">Wow. One hundred and eighty days (give or take a snow day) have passed since Nolan started attending (mainstream) school. Thursday marks his last day of Kindergarten, a day that (quite honestly) we once worried we might never see.<br /><br />We had questions last autumn before he started. Some were the concerns of any parent; others were unique to our son. We had concerns about field trips, waiting in line for lunch, meltdowns in class, riding the bus, academic comprehension, going to the bathroom (he still struggles with potty training), and making friends. And those are just a few.<br /><br />Nevertheless, (while Nolan did have several days where we worried about his progress, and sometimes even his status at school) he made it!<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><span style="color:#333333;">o Some field trips that we knew would bore him he had to skip (going to a farm); bowling and swimming however, not a problem.<br /></span>o There were mornings when we would get to school too early, he wouldn’t wait for the kitchen ladies to get breakfast into the chafing dishes; others days he would actually wait for a friend who was farther back in line.<br />o Meltdowns were unavoidable, but amazingly, the other kids worked right through it (and in public, many of them would admit aloud, “Mom, that’s my friend Nolan”).<br />o There were days Lori would have to pick him up from school because Nolan was simply not getting on that bus; another day, the bus simply forgot him.<br />o This is the boy who couldn’t speak in September; now he writes his name and whole sentences, and even reads!<br />o Somehow we/they worked through potty training (good luck next year, Angela and Mrs. Swift), and as for friends, if you were reading, you know we just covered that.</span><em><br /></em></span><br />Take today for example. There was a Books and Beyond award ceremony at the school today. While everyone gathered in the room, Nolan waited. He waited while kids went to the podium to get their medals. And, when his name was called, Nolan went up to the teacher, dipped his head as she put the ribbon around his neck, and went right back to his seat. I had to work, but Lori saw every tear-squeezing second of it.<br /><br />When Lori picked the kids up though, she stopped by work to get me first before making the routine trip home. By the time I got to the car, he was in Full Nuclear Meltdown.<br /><br />But you know what? Even in public, I’m still okay with admitting aloud, “That’s my son, Nolan.” </div>Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-34565390723115783822011-06-02T23:55:00.011-04:002011-06-03T01:02:16.971-04:00Same Child, Different Day II: Doing what I do best<div align="justify">Stay with me for a minute...this really is going somewhere.</div><br /><div align="justify">You are all wonderful. Your comments on the blog <em>Same Child, Different </em>Day have been thoughtful and inspiring. And your remarks regarding the booklet <em>Same Child, Different Day</em> have been nothing but encouraging. Follow that up with the fact that there is so much more to say, and so many more people who need to hear what needs to be said. Autism is not going away in the foreseeable future, and our loved ones are <u>everywhere</u>. </div><br /><div align="justify">We have had discussions regarding <a href="http://thesamechild.blogspot.com/search/label/Potty%20Training">potty training</a>, I've written articles about <a href="http://thesamechild.blogspot.com/2009/09/dealing-with-autism-in-public-open.html">autism in public</a>, we've ventured into the <a href="http://thesamechild.blogspot.com/2009/10/autism-discontinued-state-insurance.html">world of politics</a>, and I never even told you about the time 1) the school forgot to put Nolan on the bus and --- 2) he was almost "expelled" (he's a special needs <strong>kindergartner</strong>) for a day (or two). All the while, I've been reaching an audience who already lives it.</div><br /><div align="justify">That's not bad, in and of itself. However, if ever we're going to bring awareness about that which is autism, it's the "other people" I/we need to reach.</div><br /><div align="justify">So...I've been writing a book...again.</div><br /><div align="justify">Tentatively titled <em>Fishing for Nolan</em>, it's both an expansion of the booklet <em>Same Child, Different Day</em>, and at the same time is it is a completely new work. For one thing, <em>Fishing</em>, which this time will be a full-length "memoir", looks at autism from a father's perspective. As the Product Description for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Autisms-Barriers-Fathers-Story/dp/1853029793"><em>Breaking Autism's Barriers</em></a> (Bill Davis, Jessica Kingsley Pub, Feb, 2001) denotes, "Few books about autism have been written from a father's perspective." <em>Fishing</em> also takes on a different tone than <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Not-My-Boy-Familys-Journey/dp/B003WUYRMC/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1307075531&sr=1-1"><em>Not My Boy</em></a> (Rodney Peete, Hyperion, Mar, 2010). While <em>Not My Boy</em> looks at the issue through a cause-and-effect lens, <em>Fishing</em> takes a more anecdotal, open-minded approach. </div><br /><div align="justify">While we, too, have our beliefs about Nolan's diagnosis, this book is geared more toward the general reader. I've pointed this book in the direction of public awareness.</div><br /><div align="justify">So, there you have it. Over the next few months, I will be glued to this chair in an effort to bring our story to you (and in a more ambitious way, to the rest of the World). I appreciate your continued support ... because without all of you, this never would have been possible!</div><br /><div align="justify">Thanks, Everyone.</div><br /><div align="justify">~Jon</div>Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-72194145391038681952011-04-27T22:07:00.006-04:002011-04-27T23:50:10.220-04:00Happy 6th Birthday NolanAs I get into my adult years, I like to think of my birthday as more about my Mom than about me. I mean honestly, do I want to keep counting them anyhow? I've had enough birthdays to see the inaugurations of ten presidents (and participate in votes for half of them), see the start and end of America's space shuttle program, watch as personal computers grew by shrinking (from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRS-80">TRS-80</a> to the iPad), and to be called "people your age". So, to say that I no longer experience the same thrill from each new birthday as I once did would understate the truth.<br /><br />The same goes for the first few birthdays as a new parent. For me, at least, the little ones were still young enough that they didn't feel the full thrill behind the streamers, crepe paper, pastel cakes, gift wrap and party hats. Those first couple of celebrations (maybe numbers one and two) were for us, the Parents. Admit it. Even you found some gratification (and maybe a little selfish pride) from the attention doted on you, Mom and Dad, in the name of your precious little angel.<br /><br />But at a certain age, that doting turns toward the kids, which is as it should be. They acknowledge the gifts they receive with smiles by the pound. Their laughter, the screeches --- all approval for of a job well done. At that time, its all about the kid. Or, at least, it should be.<br /><br />Not in our house; not with Nolan. Today is Nolan's birthday, and for us it was simply the day after yesterday. There were no giggles after tearing into a package. Last night we heard no sound of anticipation; no "Daddy, tomorrow's my birthday" or "what did you get me, Mom?". He can't tell us what he wants, so he doesn't screech in excitement when he gets it.<br /><br />We tried to liven up tonight with a trip to Applebee's --- mainly because they sing that familiar birthday cadence (the one that only the people embarrassing the birthday-ee enjoy). Instead of smiling from ear-to-ear, he covered them with his hands. Not the reaction we were hoping for.<br /><br />A friend told me today that he's adorable, and the fact that he doesn't get the same emotion from birthdays as other kids doesn't matter; that he loves and respects us anyhow. I know she was trying to help; I really do. But its little comfort to parents who want their children to experience joy; parents on this side of the fence. Birthdays, Christmas, even Easter Egg Hunts. <br /><br />Nolan's sisters and his cousins traipsed the yard outside Grandma's house this past weekend looking for hidden plastic eggs. But to get Nolan to do so meant breaking him away from SpongeBob. He took five minutes to find twelve eggs; then he was back in his pineapple under the sea.<br /><br />Maybe that explains why no one --- not anyone --- called him for his birthday, either. It was probably figured he wouldn't understand the reason for the call, anyhow. Maybe not. But I would have known.<br /><br />Not that it matters, since at that age it's about the kids anyhow.<br /><br />~JonJon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-13822396792560176672011-04-10T10:17:00.004-04:002011-04-10T11:00:52.834-04:00Autism: The New Discrimination<div align="justify">About a year ago, I talked you you about autism insurance legislation that was being proposed (finally) by the State of Vermont (<a href="http://thesamechild.blogspot.com/2010/03/vermont-autism-insurance-reform-bill-s.html">click here to read the post</a>). Quite intelligently, our legislators chose to pass this monumental reform. Fast forward several months, and now our Governor (formerly one of the senators who pushed this legislation) has proposed <a href="http://www.vtcair.org/media.html">rescinding this legislation</a>.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Why, you ask? It's the same old 'why': $$Money$$. Apparently, what was essential a year ago is now too expensive to fund. You see, Vermont is considering single-payer helthcare. So, what previously would have been legislation that would have placed the oness on insurance companies, now --- should single payer pass --- now has the potential to put the financial "burden", so to speak, on the state.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">I don't care.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Autism isn't a political issue and coverage shouldn't even be debated. Why are our children and families --- people living with a diagnosis not brought about by any careless outside force --- discriminated against, and yet states have chosen to assure the coverage of alcohol and drug treatments?</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">I think it's a good question. It's one I asked Governor Shumlin in a letter I'm mailing Monday. I asked him a few others in the letter as well (including a couple "what ifs"). Now here's hoping the letter will even make it into his hands. I'll ask for your help by posting a link to this article on Facebook & Twitter.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">I'll let you know in a couple weeks how it's going.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">~Jon</div>Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4117856685696240635.post-9445524661898691582011-03-08T23:25:00.008-05:002011-08-28T09:38:56.328-04:00Autism Awareness: Define "normal"<div align="justify">We're three weeks away from Autism Awareness Month and World Autism Awareness Day. There's a push for folks to wear blue on April 2, and buildings from the Empire State Building to the Sydney Opera House will be bathed in an azure wash. There's even a call to add a cobalt hue to the White House. Here in my home town of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.rutlandvermont.com">Rutland, Vermont</a> we will again be hosting "<a href="http://thesamechild.blogspot.com/2009/04/celebrate-spectrum-radio-interviews.html">Celebrate the Spectrum</a>", a full month of community-based events and activities centered around autism awareness.
<br />
<br />Hopefully, there will be something to show for all of this awareness advocacy. The question is: will it ever be more than blue shirts, awareness ribbons, support walks and sound bytes? I hope so. But, when there isn't a month supporting my son and those like him, other questions abound.
<br /></div>
<br /><ul>
<br /><li>
<br /><div align="justify">My son walks normally, not with a limp. Why would he warrant a "handicapped" tag?
<br /></div></li>
<br />
<br /><li>
<br /><div align="justify">He looks just like any other normal kid on the playground. Why doesn't he play kickball with the other boys?
<br /></div></li>
<br /><li>
<br /><div align="justify">He doesn't come into the restaurant in a wheelchair. Why can't he just sit normally like his two quiet sisters?</div></li>
<br />
<br /><li>
<br /><div align="justify">Every other normal person in the room is whispering amongst themselves. So, why does he have to sing and hum so loudly, and keep beating his hands on the wall?
<br /></div></li>
<br /><li>
<br /><div align="justify">Why can't we just let go of his hand like any other normal kid?
<br /></div></li>
<br /><li>
<br /><div align="justify">He just looks so ... <u>normal</u>.
<br /></div></li></ul>
<br /><p align="justify">There's the issue. Autistics (or those with autism, or however you choose to phrase it) don't look different than anyone else in the room. No curved spine. No wheelchair. No Cochlear Implant or hearing aid. No guide animal or white cane. Nothing to identify that they are facing what you and I would consider a challenge.
<br />
<br />Once the ribbons have faded, the walks have wrapped, the donations have been tallied, and the light bulbs replaced with the color of the next support event, our loved ones living with autism will go back to looking normal. And, when they have a meltdown in the middle of Costco because the humming fluorescents and PA systems became too much, we will go back to being the parents who can't control "that unruly child".
<br />
<br />Because memories fade, and human nature is in us all.
<br />
<br />I guess that's just normal.
<br />
<br />~Jon </p>Jon Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05118810649516535880noreply@blogger.com2