My local chapter of The Autism Society did a screening of Wretches and Jabbers last night. It was fantastic. It's both heart-wrenching and encouraging at the same time. I think Larry and Tracy send an important message about judging a book by it's cover. What's inside is always so much more interesting.
Another example supporting my theory that most people with autism have above average intelligence.
Watch it! I command you!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Surfers Healing Fundraiser 2011
Surfers Healing is non-profit organization that offers a free day of surfing to those with autism. It is funded solely by donations and is run by AMAZING volunteers. The families are treated with dignity and love. Our 8yr old son, Xander, has participated in the camp 4x and this will be his 5th. We have been so grateful to this day of non-judgement, where Xander can be himself and people actually celebrate his awesome quirks.
Please donate if you're able by clicking on the link below:
http://www.active.com/donate/surfsup2011/xander213
If you are unable to donate, consider volunteering for Surfers Healing or some other autism organization in your area. You'll love hanging out with these fabulous people.
For more info on Surfers Healing: www.surfershealing.org
For more info on
Surfers Healing Virginia Beach: http://www.surfershealingvb.org/
UPDATE: The fundraiser is over. I raised $1100 this year. Thank you so much to everyone who donated or gave their time.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Yes, I still exist
Hey, howzit? I know I haven't blogged in a while. I just don't have anything interesting to say lately. So there it is, my extremely brief entry for the summer. Enjoy.
Here's a picure from a recent trip to the zoo.
Friday, March 4, 2011
The Evil Tail
The Bob has an arch nemesis. His name is the Tail. The Tail is a foul, evil thing that never leaves the Bob alone. He taunts the Bob, wagging constantly in his face.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Not Broken
I watched a documentary the other day that got me to thinking. I know, dangerous, eh? The documentary was about three young men at different places on the spectrum. One was non-verbal, one was moderate and the other had Asperger's. The non-verbal boy and the boy with Asperger's seemed very comfortable with their autism. The young man with moderate autism was frustrated and kept on talking about his brain being broken.
I asked myself, "Why such a difference in attitude?" The answer became obvious. It was the views on autism by those around the individual on the spectrum. I heard not one negative word about autism from any of the people around the two who seemed happy. The boy with Asperger's said he viewed his autism as an asset. The non-verbal boy was surrounded by neuro-typical teens and adults who treated him with respect. The unhappy boy's parents said his brain was plagued with autism. They constantly spoke about it as a disease. They did all of this in front of him. It was very apparent that the parents who spoke negatively loved their boy. I honestly don't think they realized how their comments affected him. They often talked around him to others. When others talk about you as being broken or plagued, you're eventually going to believe it.
I understand that dealing with the symptoms of autism can be very difficult, especially for the caretakers. There are many that view it as a disease and use words like "afflicted", "broken", and "suffers from". Negative words are often sharper than any blade. Research shows more and more that individuals with autism are aware of everything that goes on around them and that includes conversations. Just because someone can't verbalize their feelings doesn't mean they don't have them. Rail against autism, hate it if you want. Make yourself miserable with constant negativity. That's your prerogative. Just keep it away from your kids. You don't have the right to suck them into your blackhole of misery.
Andy and I are very conscious of what we say around Xander. I don't ever want him to have that feeling of self-loathing. It would absolutely break our hearts. I want him to know that he's not broken.
I asked myself, "Why such a difference in attitude?" The answer became obvious. It was the views on autism by those around the individual on the spectrum. I heard not one negative word about autism from any of the people around the two who seemed happy. The boy with Asperger's said he viewed his autism as an asset. The non-verbal boy was surrounded by neuro-typical teens and adults who treated him with respect. The unhappy boy's parents said his brain was plagued with autism. They constantly spoke about it as a disease. They did all of this in front of him. It was very apparent that the parents who spoke negatively loved their boy. I honestly don't think they realized how their comments affected him. They often talked around him to others. When others talk about you as being broken or plagued, you're eventually going to believe it.
I understand that dealing with the symptoms of autism can be very difficult, especially for the caretakers. There are many that view it as a disease and use words like "afflicted", "broken", and "suffers from". Negative words are often sharper than any blade. Research shows more and more that individuals with autism are aware of everything that goes on around them and that includes conversations. Just because someone can't verbalize their feelings doesn't mean they don't have them. Rail against autism, hate it if you want. Make yourself miserable with constant negativity. That's your prerogative. Just keep it away from your kids. You don't have the right to suck them into your blackhole of misery.
Andy and I are very conscious of what we say around Xander. I don't ever want him to have that feeling of self-loathing. It would absolutely break our hearts. I want him to know that he's not broken.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Wii Sword Dance
This is from NYE 2009. I giggle everytime I watch this, especially since my nephew is 6'6" and Spencer is about 3'9".
Ladies and gentlemen, I present "The Wii Sword Dance".
Ladies and gentlemen, I present "The Wii Sword Dance".
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