Fireworks Kaleidoscope 2 - Youtube video by Louise Page

This video - Fireworks Kaleidoscope 2 - shares the same description with the post below, but contains different footage and sound track.

Fireworks Kaleidoscope - YouTube video by Louise Page

 

I created and filmed this video with the intention of relating to music therapy, combined with a visual relaxation (and enjoyment) component. The idea, when viewing the video, is to imagine you may be looking through a kind of door/key hole into another dimension. This hopefully elicits a feeling of overall peace, tranquility and a momentary 'escape' from anxieties, stressors and so on. I also invisage that this video may assist in calming 'behaviour', even momentarily. This video was not designed with hypnosis in mind - not my area of expertise :) - just a relaxing auditory and visual experience. I have 'tested' its calming effect on a very small bunch of kids on the Spectrum (including mine) and they appear to instantly be mesmerized by the video/music - to their enjoyment. See what you think and let me know if you liked it (or not ;).  The music score is by the very talented UK artist Ricknanman.

Note: the video looks a tiny bit 'jerky' in spots. This is deliberate. It is supposed to represent 'yourself' looking through the door/keyhole, with natural body/eye movement and blinking in a couple of places.

Bullying - a website worth noting

"Bullying Education" is an excellent website (US) which is worth perusing if this topic is of interest to you.

Please follow this link to read their articles and more.

"Have You Met My Seven Asperger's Teachers?" - Stephen Borgman

Stephen Borgman is a Psychotherapist who has blog called Spectrum Solutions on the website Psychology Today.

In one of his latest articles, Stephen talks about seven person's who are on the Spectrum, whom Stephen feels has taught him alot about the Autism Spectrum through reading and communicating with them.

This interesting and informative article is called "Have You Met My Seven Asperger's Teachers?"

Articles on HubPages

If you are seeking more articles by me regarding the Autism Spectrum, please go to HubPages.

Many of the articles I will be writing can be found here. My pen name on HubPages is La Papillon.

Autism, Stresses and Anxieties - book

I am currently piecing together a new book surrounding the 'topic' of stresses and anxiety and how such can affect an individual (child/teen/adult) on the Spectrum and their respective family members and friends.

I am hoping to have this book finished within the next few weeks, and be available as a download or Ebook (and hard copy) on the Lulu.com website very soon. 

I have also received some wonderful interest in this upcoming book from some of my professional peers in the United States and elsewhere, who will be adding a link to their websites for the book.

My hope is that this book will not only be useful for families and individuals on the Spectrum, but also professionals and others interested in gaining an insight into the realities of 'life' as it can be for families/individuals especially, so that they will increase their understanding of the clients (ASD and parents) they may have visit upon their practices and intervention/assistance methods. Understanding the heart and soul of their clients can be invaluable in helping clients move through, on and above any difficulties and/or challenges they may face each day.

Autism Quotes

  The Art Gallery of Life. 

The individual is like a unique one-off painting, a masterpiece on canvas.
But its individuality is dulled or altered when others come along and add their own swish of paint to make it something different, adding their own vision of what this unique painting should look like or be.
Someone may not like the original circle painted to one side, so they add a square on top of it. Another prefers to add their idea of the perfect shape, a triangle and another takes the paint brush and loads it with a different colour and scrawls a star.
Before you know it the original painting has become a mishmash of others visions; the original circle is now just visible beneath the added layers of others preferred colours.
Now the unique canvas is unique no more. It is coated in others dreams of what the painting should be and the intruding artists are all standing back arguing about what they each see as to what should be appreciated by the other.
If each ‘artist’ wanted to visualize their own masterpiece, each ‘artist’ should have painted their own shapes and dreams on their own canvas.
Then the gallery of life could display each unique shape, on its own unique canvas, belonging to each unique individual.
The variation of subjects in this ‘exhibition’, within this gallery, can then be the masterpiece of an example of the diversity of the passions of the painters.

Copyright of Louise Page 2011

If you wish to reproduce this poem/quote in print, please email me for permission, thankyou.

You are welcome to add it to your website or blog, but please credit the original author - me.. 

Articles, Advice and Authors on Autism

Dear parents, friends and all others who are interested in reading and learning from the plethora of articles on the internet regarding Autism.

There are some very good, practical, relevent and informative articles written by some learned professionals, parents and especially Autistic individuals themselves, who know what they are talking about. They have a real and proven understanding of the Autism Spectrum and write their 'words' in such a way as to honour and respect the dignity, value and personhood of the Autistic person.

But, lately I have been reading up on some articles proclaimed to be written by 'knowledgable' (even 'expert') writers on the net, and I have been perturbed by some of what is being proclaimed as knowledge.

I know I am not alone in my thoughts here.

But I do worry that some parents who are looking for information and 'answers' to their questions may be absorbing some of the misinformation in some of these articles.

Now....having said that, I personally do not proclaim to be an expert regarding the Autism Spectrum (or the greatest writer in the world :)) I listen to and learn from not only my Autistic children, family, colleagues and friends, draw from my own experience, intuition and observation of living with Autism, and am regularly reading the resources of knowledgable writers in the field of Autism. 

When you read an article, to learn something more about Autism, please maintain an inquisitive mind, but moderate your intake of the information by filtering the truth, relevence, fact, fiction, genuineness, 'credentials' (real knowledge and experience) of the writer.

There is much wonderful information about Autism out 'there', but be selective about the information you may apply to your own personal journey with Autism. 

A good place to start building quality knowledge is to include in your reading the many texts and articles available by Autistic authors, parents, some professionals and others genuinely dedicated to providing accurate information and advice.

What many people do, who learn through reading the many sources of information,  they apply many of the suggestions, blocks of advice and info (in general) to their treatment of their children and other persons who are on the Autism Spectrum. 

Lets make sure that this information applied is as correct as it can be, humane, applicable, honourable, ethical and respectful of the actual and real needs and desires of our Autistic children/teens/adults. 


Merry Christmas to all.

A Special Thanks

I would sincerely like to thank those kind souls who have been purchasing my books; both the Ebook and hard copy versions.

The proceeds from the sales of these books goes towards assisting my beautiful autistic son with attaining the best possible future I can provide for him. This could mean the purchase of assistance 'materials', a trust fund (for a time in the [hopefully distant] future) and anything else he will need to help him live a contented life.

I am currently compiling more chapters which will revolve around creating breaking new ground and helping other parents (and our autistic children and friends) keep extolling the truths surrounding the family and individuals living with Autism as an indelible part of their lives.

Cheers, Louise

Ebooks about Autism

I have decided to present all of the books I am currently writing and those to come in the future, as Ebooks.

This way, those interested in purchasing any of my works, will be able to read what they have purchased immediately. This will also cut down on the costs (e.g. shipping and book production) for the buyer.

So......I have been jotting, slaving over, sifting through and typing up new books on the topic of Autism for some time now.

If you are interested in 'hardcopy' versions of my book - "An Autism Connection", I currently have several copies available for $19.95 each, with free postage within Australia only. If you are from another country and would like a copy (AUS $19.95 + postage cost), please email me and I'll work out the postage costs to you.

These hard copy books are 'second hand', but are in as new condition, are unmarked, undamaged, but do have an inscription inside the front cover - written by me. 

I am offering these books for sale (about 8 of them) to 'you' as I my small office area is becoming overstocked with written and book materials and I would like to streamline such, and wish to 'computerize' the bulk of my work, files etc..
Cheers for now :)

Frog Car Seat Covers

In about 7 days I will be putting my frog car seat covers on Ebay. They will be for posting only in Australia or local pickup. Please go to my other website Realist Art In Oz for a further description of them.
UPDATE - as of today, 28th September 2010, the frog car seat covers and their matching floor mats are for sale on Ebay Australia - for sale only in Australia.

Note; They are now sold.

Tactile Toys - Patty Cats

 

I've been busy making these gorgeous creatures, I've nick-named PattyCats. Initially I made a couple for my Autistic son and some other children for fun, as they loved the feel of the luxurious fur and found them very soothing.
But low and behold they have become somewhat of a 'hit' with the kids and the adults (kids at heart) too!

Do you remember (ye fellow oldies, 70's children) the furry little toy creatures we may have had as kids, which when you stroke the fur on their back they'd arch up as if they loved the attention? Well, combining that memory with the Patty Cat toys I make, ye oldies can reminisce about the 70's and the kids of today can enjoy a simple, fun and cuddly toy which can entertain as well.
They are made from high quality faux fur, with sewn on eyes (for improved safety) and a sewn on tail (for extra strength) and measure approximately 14 inches/36 cms from nose to tail.
(Please note that even though the eyes are well sewn on, they may still pose a potential choking hazard for those persons [and pets] who may chew their toys or objects)

If you too are interested in these mesmerizing creatures, please email me .

Wrightslaw (USA)

I thought that it might be helpful to post the link to Wrightslaw for my United States (America) readers.

"Wrightslaw - Special Education Law and Advocacy" is for (quoting the Wrightslaw website) "Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities." 

On this site there are links to Wrightslaw's blog, books and loads of information for interested parents, advocates and educators alike.

Hope this helps those people who are in need of or wanting information to assist with such specific legal rights and needs or just to increase their understanding/confidence in advocating for their children.

Wrightslaw has books published regarding, for example, IEP's, Special Education Law, and many other titles.

Inspirational video for us all

 Please watch this inspirational Youtube video of Jeremy Sicile-Kira's High School Commencement Speech. Using assisted speech technology, Jeremy presented his speech. 

Awesome speech and congrats Jeremy.

Jeremy's mother, Chantal, is an author of various excellent books regarding Autism.

Books on Autism

 "Louise's Autism Info Shoppe"

As a parent of a child who has been newly diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum, or perhaps you are interested in learning more about what Autism means for a family member or friend, or your may be hoping to learn more for study reasons, reading quality and accurate information by those wonderful souls on the Spectrum who can offer a very real and unique perspective, is something I highly recommend.

Books such as
 
"Exposure Anxiety - The Invisible Cage..." by Donna Williams,


"The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism and Aspergers" by Dr. Temple Grandin,
 

"Beyond The Wall: Personal Experiences With Autism and Aspergers Syndrome" by Stephen Shore, are just some of those unique and invaluable sources of 'insider' information and education regarding living with Autism and what it means for the individual and their experience of life.

These wonderful Autistic souls (writers) books are a great place to start your greater understanding of the Autism Spectrum.

Inspirational Autism Quotes

When we seek an inspirational quote about Autism, we may be looking for just the right group (sentence?) of words which can describe a heart felt feeling, thought or even such group of words can become a personal mantra which we say to ourselves regularly to give us a sense of peace, confirm our beliefs or desires, express our understanding of and compassion for our Autistic children, partners or friends and so on.

Inspirational quotes can also give us the strength to 'carry on' when 'times' are hard or somewhat difficult: when we are feeling sad or unsure about life or even at the other end of the 'spectrum' - when we are in a 'good place' emotionally, physically and so on.

Sometimes inspirational quotes give us the drive to carry on and confirm our beliefs in what we trully hold dear to our hearts. A well designed/written quote can sum up in even just a sentence a powerful feeling, belief or thought which touches or is cemented in your soul.

Many people who have visited this site are keen to discover the 'right' quote to qualify such feelings, beliefs or thoughts. Many of these quotes will be used to share with others and to help promote understanding, compassion, empathy and respect for the souls who are on the Spectrum and their families.

So, what I will add to this post, as I find them, are direct links to net sites, books, articles and whatever else I can find, which centre around quotes and/or poems for Autism.
Books/quotes on Autism by me
Lucarinfo
Asplanet
The Greatest Quote.com  (generalist)
The Soul of Autism
to be continued.......

Donna Williams video - Exposure Anxiety

In this Youtube video (of approximately 10 minutes), Donna discusses Exposure Anxiety and how such impacts on the individual on the Autism Spectrum. Donna describes Exposure Anxiety as an "invisible cage", which is a very apt description of how Exposure Anxiety can envelop one and be something which can be very difficult to be freed from without the assistance of an empathetic and understanding person/helper/professional/parent/other.

Autism Awareness

This design is an example of some of the stickers, hoodies, windcheaters, badges and tshirts for children and adults, I have displayed on my Cafepress website. The more we display our pride and acceptance of our Autistic children, friends and colleagues, we increase the awareness and acceptance of Autism being a natural part of our world.

"Autism Learning Disability Sleep" - article

Here is a lovely article from Stephen Simpson (UK), who is a fellow writer on Articlesbase. This article about "Autism Learning Disability Sleep" is easy to read and contains relevent and practical information surrounding the topic of sleep deprivation and difficulties for our carer families and children on the Spectrum.

Stephen Simpson is an Autism specialist and Learning Disability Nurse in the UK.

Quotes for Autism

For those of you who love to read quotes regarding Autism, life in general, from famous people and others not so famous, check out -

Quotes good ones will always be around and some great ones here - add yours...http://asplanet.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=54&Itemid=97

Written by AsPlanet.info (Alyson Bradley / varied) UPDATED May 2010  

and you are sure to find one you like.

"Autism Reality" YouTube

This is a great video on YouTube called Autism Reality, posted by theWrongPlanet.

It is a highly acclaimed documentary film, featuring Dr. Temple Grandin, Alex Plank and is produced and directed by Alex, and runs for 10 minutes approximately.
Whilst watching this documentary, I was trully moved.

Aspitude!

Aspitude! is a blog regarding Autism and Aspergers, created by

Elesia Ashkenazy Portland, Oregon, United States.

 

Elesia is a wonderful woman who is deaf, on the Spectrum and is a loving mum of a young boy also on the Spectrum.

Her blog has many interesting posts and information surrounding the topic of Autism.

A great read!

Autism and Heavy Metals

This interview between Donna Williams and Dr. Ed Danczak is a 'must read' for parents of children on the Spectrum, and who are interested in or wondering about heavy metals, biomedical treatments, invasive procedures and so on - all considered in the 'light' of 'treating' Autism.
The link for this interview will take you to Donna Williams blog, where she has posted this delightful, interesting and informative interview.
Dr. Danczak is a very interesting man, who, though now retired, considers his patients and their needs in a holistic fashion - something both Donna and I believe in.

Aspergers

Rudy Simone, "The Asperger Detective", has a wonderful site called help4aspergers
Here you will find a bounty of information on Aspergers from an intelligent and delightful woman, who is herself living with Aspergers.
If you have a daughter or son with Aspergers, and they (or you) need some inspiration from someone who is enjoying an accomplished life whilst also being on the Spectrum, please have a look at her website.

Savants and Autism

A colleague and friend of mine, Donna Williams, an internationally acclaimed Autism Consultant and Author (amongst many other talents she has) has a delightful essay/description of the "Savant Syndrome" on her website.

Donna has many wonderful articles on her website pertaining to Autism and tips for parents regarding low cost (if not free!) ideas for parents to try when living with and teaching their Autistic children on a day-to-day basis.

As I have always said, you don't need to empty the bank account or mortgage your house to the hilt to help your Autistic children and yourselves live a quality and happy life.

Inspirational video regarding Autism (teenager)

"Hope for Autism and Aspergers Syndrome - My Story"

Is a trully inspirational YouTube video by an Autistic teenage girl named Taylor. In the video she discusses her perspective and experiences of living with Autism, having been diagnosed as being on the Spectrum at a very young age.
This video is a must-see for any parent, friend, relative and anyone who is on the Spectrum, who is seeking some inspiration and/or insight into one persons' account of living with Autism.
Taylor is an articulate, warm and very intelligent young women with a wonderful message for us all.

AuKids Magazine UK

Photo/logo courtesy of the AuKids website

AuKids magazine is based in the United Kingdom (England) and is a quarterly magazine (online and available as a 'hard' copy) for parents of children on the Autism Spectrum. The theme of the magazine encompasses positive parenting and contains ideas, advice and practical solutions for raising and caring for our children on the Spectrum.

Contributors and creators of this terrific magazine are a combination of parents and professionals who are devoted to sharing information and support for parents, and extolling the virtues and blessings of sharing life with our autistic children.

"AuKids is a joint venture between parent and journalist Debby Elley, whose twin sons have Autism, and speech and language therapist, Tori Houghton."

To find out more about this magazine, go to AuKids

Chelation Therapy

This is an interesting article on the Quackwatch website, regarding chelation therapy. A link to this article is provided for you if you are interested in reading varied pieces of information (and critiques) on one of the many therapies that are proposed for children on the Autism Spectrum (and other persons). The best way to ascertain what is best for yourself or child is to have clear and concise information provided by varying sources, so that you are able to make an informed opinion and moral decisions. Whatever your beliefs are regarding chelation therapy, this 'article' is interesting.

Ebook "Poems and Quotes...Autism Spectrum"

I have just published an ebook titled "Poems and Quotes to Promote Acceptance and Understanding of the Souls on the Autism Spectrum".

The book is in full colour and contains a beautiful photo/illustration to accompany each poem/quote. These heartwarming poems are just some examples of the many I have penned over time. I'm in the process of collating other poems into another book which will also be available as an ebook, as well as a paperback.

Articles on "The Greatness of Autism"

(symbol designed by Louise Page, not the logo of N.L.C.)


On the website, Natural Learning Concepts (New York, USA) you will find some wonderful articles regarding the Autism Spectrum, quote "..that will guide you, inspire you and make you laugh and cry".

Jene Aviram is Natural Learning Concepts' President and you can learn more about her and her advocacy for Autism here.

YouTube music "Through My Eyes - Thanh Bui"

"Through My Eyes" sung by Thanh Bui, is a song which aims to help people understand what it is like to live with Autism. It's a beautiful piece of music, with a powerful message.

"The Voices and Choices of Autism" a new magazine

"The Voices and Choices of Autism" is a new magazine created by a wonderful woman by the name of Sharisa Kochmeister.

In order to highlight the talents, expertise and person that is Sharisa, this post would be very long. So please go to "The Voices and Choices of Autism" , and you will be linked to ASPLANET's website, where a full description of this great new magazine and info about Sharisa can be read.

Her new magazine is by, for and about persons on the spectrum/differing abilities and also contains articles by well known and highly respected professionals in the 'field'.

I'm a bit 'chuffed', humbled and honoured too, that Sharisa has asked me if I would like to be a contributing author to the magazine.

A beautiful sibling story

Please click on "20/20 Report on an autistic boy" to watch a YouTube video about the beautiful relationship between a teenage girl and her autistic teenage brother.

This report was done by the American ABC and has been thoughfully presented and done with dignity and respect for the family/siblings.

Autism Advocacy

Autism Advocacy - what does it mean for me?

I believe that to advocate for autism means advocating for the civil, human and humane rights of the autistic person.

Allowing the autistic person the ability to speak and be heard regarding their desires, thoughts and feelings, either via their own abilities to communicate verbally, visually or with assistance.

Honoring their choices about how they wish to live their lives and what assistance they request or require to live a quality life.

A while back, I worked in a legal firm which advocated for the rights of individuals who were less able (financially) to 'hire' the assistance of private lawyers to defend them, and/or assist them in empowering themselves to have their human rights (or other important issues, amongst other things) rightfully respected. When these fellow citizens felt their feelings, issues and selves were respected they felt supported, heard and relieved that there was a service with which they felt they had an equal right, as any one else in the community, to be it justice or care.

Autism Advocacy, just as with the legal firm I worked with, should equally honour and respect the autistic person.

Autism Advocacy, to me, is not about curing the autistic individual, providing invasive/inhumane or 'fad' treatments for autism, 'training' autism out of the person, labouring for hours a day to change the autistic child to become 'normalized', and so on............

I feel that true advocacy for the autistic person (child, teen or adult) is to work with them, work for them, work beside them. Listen to them and be guided by their intrinsic selves, their natural ways of communicating and being.

Gain a clear understanding/interpretation of what the elements of their 'autistic' behaviours (e.g. rocking, handflapping etc.) mean.

Learn what is the best way they can confidently communicate their needs and wishes.

Know that what is one autistic person's 'experience' and way of being is and can be very different to the next autistic individual.

Be respected for their individuality and their personhood.

Autistic children (or persons), who are unable to speak for themselves or act on their own behalf when it comes to what assistance is being provided for them, especially need to be advocated for in a fashion as I have described above. They deserve nothing less.

A person who believes in advocacy in its' truest sense is not a self serving individual. They are individuals who believe in honoring the dignity of a fellow human being and acting on their behalf (when needed or requested to) to ensure that such is upheld by 'others'.

William Stillmans' website

William Stillman, an adult with Aspergers, autism consultant and author, has a website called "Demystifying Autism from the Inside Out".
In his archived article section, you will find many interesting articles on autism which promote respect, understanding an compassion for the autistic individual.
These articles include titles such as...............

“Presuming Intellect: 10 Ways to Enrich Our Relationships Through a Belief in Competence”

Autism: A New Cultural Competency and Autism: Food for Thought

Black Saturday in Victoria

Allow me to digress from the theme of this blog with this particular post.The day of 7th of February, 2009, would have to have been one of the most sad and horrible in my 46 years.

We in Victoria lost approximately 210 of our fellow Aussies in the Black Saturday Bushfires, with many injured .

Many, thousands, lost their homes, businesses and livestock also. And many members of our beloved wildlife 'family' suffered terribly (apparently millions).

Some of our beautiful towns were literally wiped off the 'map'.

We endured the hottest day in our history and with no rain and strong hot winds, the trees, bush and land felt crispy dry. The temperature at my friends' house (15 kilometers from my home) was 50 degrees Celsius. This temperature corresponded (50 degrees) with the reading on my thermometer, which was attached to the wall of my house, under the shade. The winds were gale force; combining with the heat to create a smokey, oven like atmosphere. It felt like hell on earth.

Those who bravely and courageously fought the wild fires are still working today in trying to contain some of these fires that remain a real problem. Many other wonderful volunteers and emergency service personnel are and have worked relentlessly and tirelessly too.

But as with the spirit and grit like those who know and understand adversity, the Aussie spirit of mateship and caring for each other came to the fore. Through all the tragedy, heart ache, loss and despair, many wonderful souls rallied together - friends, neighbours, strangers and even some wildlife - to unselfishly protect, shelter and care for each other.

The Australian (and overseas) community has so far raised over 150 million dollars; gathered mountains of clothing and other essentials for those directly affected by the fires. Our Australian community 'banded together' and gave what they could to help their fellow Aussies in need.

The pictures at the top of this post, are ones I took on that horrid day and one a week after (the fires are still burning today, 28/2/09), when, as I stood near the back door of my house, I looked up only to see a massive wall of a rusty coloured smoke 'wave' rolling towards us. It was trully frightening. We appeared to be surrounded by smoke.

This horrible event has numbed all of us in the Victorian community and the rest of Australia. The support and thoughts offered by all of those overseas have been much appreciated by us all and I'd like to thank all of those kind persons who have offered such.

My heart goes out to all those souls who lost their lives, and their family, friends and neighbours (those known to me personally and those I didn't know) who will be heart broken without them.

Aspergers/Autism AQ test

Whilst visiting the Asplanet (Aspergers Parallel Planet in the links column) forum recently, Alyson (who runs the website with her son) posted this link to an Aspergers/Autism AQ test, which we, many members of the forum decided to take.

It is not meant to be a test for formal diagnosis of Aspergers/Autism, but it is very interesting to try it and see what 'score' you may get.

I did the test twice and came out with a score of 30 each time.

If you have ever wondered if you may possibly be on the autism spectrum, this AQ test may give you a hint as to whether you are or not.

Click here to go to the test.

Autism and parent dilemmas

Recently, I read a newspaper article/letter, written by a mother who appeared to be feeling desperate about the amount of funding (or seeming lack of) available to her family, from the government, in regards to helping provide services such as ABA therapy ("...the nearest thing to a cure for autism..." she wrote). These and other services, e.g. speech therapy, psychological and so on, are able to be accessed with this funding as well.

Another thing she mentioned was that the autistic child "is a drain on the family..." (and finances).

Apart from understanding that the mother and (newly diagnosed) daughter are 'beginning' their journey with autism and that she may be grappling with the diagnosis and what it all means for the family as a whole, I wondered what information she has been provided with in regards to understanding autism; advocating for her daughter and self; the holistic perspective of her daugther's medical, physical, psychological, cognitive etc. needs and so on.

It appeared to me that what she is currently relying on may be limited information regarding the 'steps' available for assisting her daughter. I wonder if she has been offered information or advice regarding learning from or researching the current information available from the many members of the community of autism; mainly those who live with (are autistic) and are specialists in the field of autism?

I wonder if parents are sometimes adequately provided, initially, with important information surrounding the potential of e.g., exposure anxiety or underlying health concerns playing a part in some behavioural issues; the possibility of one or various sensory difficulties affecting a child's enjoyment of life etc.. The list of possible 'sensitivities' or difficulties can seem quite long.

Of course you don't want to overwhelm parents with an exhaustive list of possible areas of note, but if armed with information, most of which may not pertain to their respective child, at least they can be 'aware' of these potentials, note when some are perhaps arising and perhaps have a basic understanding of how to work with these issues and who to enlist to help them with 'their' ethical management.

I felt for this mother and her apparent desperation to find 'answers', "cures" (she wrote) and assistance for her family.

I felt that she was beginning her journey in a land of the unknown. A land where there was a level of fear of the unknown, a search for 'why?', 'how?', 'when?' and 'what now?' And wondered if she was perhaps asking these questions, was she receiving qualitative answers.

The financial commitment to a particular therapy she was finding also overwhelming and concerning. I felt myself asking the question of 'who told her that she needed to fork out massive amounts of money (once the funding had been exhausted) to 'treat' her daughter?' Is this the only way to provide quality of life for her daughter and self (+family)? Is it proven to be the best scenario? Should a select and varied set of interventions (holistic approach) be implemented to achieve quality of life for the child (and family)? In other words, the finances are not exhausted on one particular area, but best utilized for each issue/problem/difficulty as it may present?

By holistic approach, I mean services/assistance/recognising such as, but not exclusively;

e.g. * speech/occupational/physical therapies

* diagnosing potential digestive/metabolic etc. disturbances

* possible allergies

* cognitive processing difficulties/sensory processing

* physical/motor/coordination

* other comorbid conditions

* mineral and other element deficiencies

* emotional/anxiety/interactional difficulties

* family concerns/upsets/behaviours/disposition

* counselling (for family members, and child if old enough)

* environmental (home, school, inside, outside, lights, noise, sound, smell, texture, taste, colours, textures, people, animals etc...) triggers for behaviour or emotional reactions......and so on.

To discover and work with some of the above-mentioned 'things', we may need to employ specialists to help manage them. Therefore, funds may need to be spread across various forms of assistance.

Once a complete (as much as is possible) picture of our child's needs is ascertained, a holistic management method can be employed. (Many of the methods used to assist us and our children cost virtually nothing once we have 'skilled' up ourselves).

I felt I wanted to reach through her letter to her 'pen', hold her hand and help her take a few deep breaths for a moment.

I wanted to let her know that, yes, there is a humungus amount of 'information' on the net, in books, from the mouths of many. It can be overwhelming for a parent new to an autism diagnosis for their loved one.I wanted to say to her to start with the necessary information about her daughter; gather what she needs for her own wellbeing; observer her own daughter's individual needs, desires, abilities and so on, and work from there.

Remove pages from your cheque book only when necessary. There may be no need to mortgage the house. Are there other simple and effective ways to help remedy health (and other) issues which may be presenting with your child on the spectrum?

Listen to the stories from people who are themselves on the spectrum to help gain life's perspective from the 'inside - looking out'.

Some parents unfortunately begin their 'journey' with their child's diagnosis without acceptance. Denying the reality of the situation. Getting 'lost' in 'information. Losing sight of the personhood of the child with the diagnosis.

For some parents this may be temporary. For others, they work through these feelings with success over time. Some parents are relieved to have their suspicions confirmed and acceptance can be immediate. Everyone is different.

What I hope to achieve with blogs like this is to help parents understand the real 'story' of autism; referring them to websites and blogs of people on the spectrum; help them not be swept up in the cylcone of infromation OR misinformation about autism; help them to be 'grounded' - at a grass roots level of living WITH their autistic child and not against them. Share a quality life with their children and not inflict some uneccessary and sometimes inhumane 'treatments' for autism on them.

I hope to encourage parents to not 'blindly' accept all they are told in regards to their child, but to calmly question the validity, humanity, necessity, justification, safety, ethics, real value, purpose, proof of effectiveness and so on of various 'things' they are 'learning of' or being 'told to do' or 'what is best' for their child. From the information we, as parents, are given, we need to 'go with' the best.

Our children deserve the best we can give them. They depend on us.

Ps. Let children be children too.

Just as we need time to reflect, create, chill, be alone, enjoy being 'self', 'do' when we want to 'do', sleep when we want to sleep, laugh when we want to, cry when we want to, get frustrated and want to be understood, to be listened to when we want to be heard, to be held when we need comfort, to express ourselves and so on.............so do our beautiful children.