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.

Integration Aides

Counselling/mentoring for Integration Aides is now an extra component of my Private Practice.

Please go to my web page for further info.

ABA Therapy - a Qu. answered by Donna Williams

I found this interesting article/answer by Donna Williams, posted on the "Autism Today" website.
As you may have gathered by now, I consider Donna to be one of the 'gurus' of the world of real knowledge and understanding of the autism spectrum.
In the article/answer by Donna, she is responding to a question posed to her by a lady wishing to understand more about ABA therapy.
Donna's answer corresponds with my own sentiments about ABA therapy.
For parents and other interested persons, 'articles' like these are important to read when seeking valuable and realistic information about the world of autism, generally speaking.
To find Donna's answers to questions (and the ABA therapy one I mentioned above) go to "Autism Today" and click on "ask the experts" column on the left. There you will find Donna Williams, fifth from the bottom of the experts list.

Frank Klein link (archive)

I've finally found a link to Franks' old website.
Apparently this is an 'archived' site.
Click here to view it.

"Autism and We" - a poem

To be enlightened is to understand

To join with another, we 'hold' their hand
To trully respect, allow them to be free
To be who they are, not (to be) like you or me.

Let us be guided by their intrinsic selves

Let antiquated beliefs gather dust on the shelves
Let the colour of their soul be untainted
Let them shine in the colours nature has painted.

Show them your heart, and they'll own it forever
Show that you 'know', and they'll keep it together
Show to the world your fulfilled soul
Show to all others that unity is our goal.

Copyright in text and photograph - Louise Page 2008
Excerpt from Louise's book - "An Autism Connection - sharing the journey with other parents."

Autism and Behaviour

Do you understand the behaviour of your autistic child, friend or sibling?

Discovering the reasons behind the behavioural responses/reactions is paramount when helping our autistic sons, daughters, siblings, family member or friend to experience a more rewarding and happy life with others and especially for themselves.

Some therapies focus on behaviours primarily and aim to change/alter/challenge the way an autistic person is responding to a e.g. stimulus. In gaining an understanding of the reasons or influences behind the response/behaviour in a holistic fashion, as is unique to the individual, the alteration or 'modification' can perhaps also focus on our understanding of the variety of responses inherent (as they can be diverse) in human nature. When we understand such, we can assist with learning alternative or other ways the autistic person can 'deal' with stimulus (if necessary for a healthy, happy and safe life experience).

If we discover underlying influences, such as a previously undetected illness/health issue, and treat such appropriately, we may well find that some difficult behavioural responses of an autistic person to a situation may dissipate/decline or even reduce dramatically.

When we attain such an understanding, we can see that not 'one way' is the 'only way' to understand someone or that one focused style of intervention is the best of its 'breed' when assisting our autistic children, friends etc..

As I mentioned above, a holistic approach, I feel, is the best consideration when we seek assistance/interventions for our children.

Each child can be different in many ways to the next. What works for one may not work or be appropriate for another.

I also believe that our children should not "be vessels of experimentation" (Quote from my book - "An Autism Connection - sharing the journey with other parents").

What can affect the behaviour of a child (whether on the spectrum or not)? Could you be asking these questions or could your autistic child, friend and sibling be asking themselves some of these questions?

- learning styles,

- communication abilities,

- health upsets (diagnosed or undiagnosed),

- physical abilities (to relay infromation),

- self esteem levels (including confidence in relaying information),

- feelings of self worth (inc. perception of self),

- possible exposure anxiety,

- the known or anticipated response of others,

- levels of trust in exposing one's fears to another,

- personality,

- fear of ridicule,

- feelings of inferiority (if the behaviours or responses of others imply their 'superiority'),

- sensory overload and other personal aversions,

- bullying,

- puberty,

- interrupted routine or sudden change,

- new unscertainties or fears have arisen,

- family issues,

- loss of a relationship (e.g. friend moved, or someone passing away etc..),

- are we having a good day or a bad day today?

- are we overtired?,

- are we hungry, thirsty etc.?,

- are we feeling ill?

- "I'm feeling happy. What's your problem?"

- am I able to relate to my helpers/teachers?

- do they (teachers/helpers etc.) relate to me?

- is my environment (e.g. school) the most appropriate for me?

- am I reacting to a medication?

- is a particular medication appropriate or necessary?

- are the 'interventions' being applied appropriate?

- is the help (educational and otherwise) designed to suit my needs or is it generically based?

- am I really understood?

- do I have communication devices/ assistance methods appropriate for my needs?

- am I worried about something?

- am I worrying about you (the parent, friend etc..)?

- "I need my own space and you don't get it."

- "I don't want to be social, but you insist..."

- "I don't want to be held now..." (knowledge of sensory preferences and aversions)

- "I don't want to look into your eyes..." (sensory overload)

Note, the "quotes" are things I have heard some autistic persons (mainly children) say to other people in moments when the 'others' have not understood their behavioural responses (exhuberantly in an exited/happy or angry way)

(list to be continued..................... :) )

Try this IQ test

I tried this IQ test, when a fellow Asplanet member 'wrote' about it on his blog. This person, Matt, is on the spectrum and found it interesting too. His blog is called MATTS CORNER

It's a bit of fun really.

To my amazement my IQ was calculated as being 141 !!!! I'm sure my kids will think that is an hilarious score!!! Well. I am a little chuffed about it :)

To try it for yourself go to 3 SmartCubes

Kirsty's YouTube video

Kirsty is a delightful young lady from England, who in this video, talks about her experiences and interests and about being on the autism spectrum.
To view this video, click here
Ps. The link to this video is via (and courtesy of) the National Autistic Society's website.

Interesting websites

I should have placed these websites in the links list a long time ago. They are full of interesting information, forums and articles to do with Aspergers/autism, and alot of interesting stuff from people on the spectrum themselves.
Professionals, parents and persons on the spectrum, alike, will be interested in what these sites have to 'offer'.
Wrong Planet and OASIS

My Professional Counselling Private Practice

I have now established my private practice in Professional Counselling for women, parents and carers of children on the autism spectrum.

To read more about this practice, click here

Communication Book

I'm pleased to announce that I have created another book, which is available on Lulu.com

It is a simple and colourful communication book which can be used by parents and their children (with and without disabilities) to share information surrounding their child's needs, abilities, likes and dislikes, acquired and developing skills.

This book could be a wonderful asset for parents and their children, as the information (pictures, drawings, stickers and text provided by parents/children) unique to the child is shared in a positive, supportive, respectful, constructive and very colourful way.

The child, whom the book is about, may gain great pleasure and feel proud as they share with their new teacher/aide, childcare staff or other relevant persons, information all about them. Perhaps showing off their photos of achievements, family members, friends, pets, drawings etc., whilst the reader also gains other important information about where the child may need assistance, extra understanding and awareness of potential areas of difficulty.

I perceive this book to be very helpful for parents in being able to help their child begin their new relationships with, e.g. a teacher in a concise and educative way.

Such information can be utilized when an IEP (Individual Education Plan) is being devised for the child.

It also provides a general base-line as to where the child is currently, educationally, behaviourally, socially etc., in their young life.

To view the book and a preview of the interior, please click here.

"Inspirational Quotes..."

"Inspirational Quotes...by famous people with learning disabilities or differences" is a website which contains, as the title suggests, interesting quotes and information from famous people on the autism spectrum and otherwise, and people who are dedicated to supporting persons with disabilities.

There is a drop-down 'menu' where you can choose the name of a famous person and read some more about them and their achievements and views/comments on life.

Click here to go to the website.

"An Autism Connection" - book

Just a note for those of you who may be interested in purchasing my book - "An Autism Connection - sharing the Journey with other parents", you can download a copy for (US) $10 from the Lulu Publishing site.

Gaining a copy of this book this way can definitely save you having to wait for it to arrive by mail and save your $ as well.

If you go to my Lulu store front, you will see some reviews by other interested persons and, soon I hope to have other wonderful reviews posted by parents who have read this book.

If you do purchase this book, I would be very interested in your feedback on it. You can email me on realistartinoz@yahoo.com.au

Currently, apart from setting up my private practice in Professional counselling (for parents and carers of children on the autism spectrum), I have begun writing another book which surrounds the topics of self esteem, empowerment of ones self and building resistance/coping mechanisms in regards to adverse elements of life. I particularly have in mind those persons on the spectrum and other individuals experiencing other differing abilities. But it could be of interest to anyone really who is experiencing some self esteem/confidence, social or other challenges in their life.

It's definitely a work-in-progress at the moment which I hope to finalize in a few months time.

The cover of this book will display one of Donna Williams beautiful paintings. Donna is a tremendously interesting and gifted lady, from Australia, who is on the autism spectrum. If you want to see examples of Donna's many talents, please click on the link to her site in the links field, right.

"Autism training program"

The "Autism training program" is presented as a visual and auditory information program on the "Autism Help Info" site. "Autism help info" is "..an initiative of the Gateways Support Services".
The presentation runs for about 15 minutes and is easy to read,watch and listen to. It assists those who work with, care for or are just generally interested in learning more about autism and how it affects an individual.
The main page of this site can be accessed http://www.autismhelp.info/main.htm
The "Autism training program" video can be accessed here http://www.autismhelp.info/tprogram/index.htm

"An Autism Connection"

bumper sticker www.cafepress.com/realistartinoz

Just another note to say a big thankyou to those kind persons who have reviewed and recommended my new book, "An Autism Connection" to other interested people. Some even leaving some wonderfully positive comments on the Lulu Publishing website.

The book is also available through many other channels, such as Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Booktopia, Abebooks.com.....

I am hoping to write more books in the future, perhaps focusing on particular subjects relating to living with autism (parents and children alike). Books which will be 'coming in' on an angle a little different to the usual clinical/educational books - with perspectives including the insights and souls of people with autism and opening up more of an understanding and appreciation of such, for those in our communities who would like to 'listen' to them. I feel that some of the greatest 'teachers' are those persons with direct and personal experience with some thing or situation.

Autism awareness is a most important issue and I am also very passionate about people developing or enhancing a greater respect for the differences inherant in us all.

'Respect' is a huge word in my 'personal dictionary'. With respect comes acceptance. With acceptance, the quality of an individual's life is increased in leaps and bounds.........more soon.....

Just a note.....

Some kind souls have told me that the link to Frank Klein's website in this blog is not working. If someone knows of a new link, could they let me know please. In the meantime, I'll keep searching as well. :)

An interesting news article regarding autism

To read a very interesting news article posted on the Asplanet ("Aspergers Parallel Planet") website, operated by Alyson Bradley in New Zealand, click here http://www.asplanet.info/.
The news article (on the first page of her site) is called NEWS - The Great Autism Ripoff - how a huge inustry feeds on parents desperate to cure their children."
Whilst on Asplanet, you can look through and join in on the forum to discuss anything surrounding the topic of the autism spectrum. Alyson also has many other interesting articles to read and interviews with dedicated specialists and members of the autism community.

A seminar with Donna Williams

On Saturday, 24/5/08, I had the pleasure of seeing Donna Williams speak at an Autism conference at Knox City Council in Melbourne.
She is a trully inspirational speaker/presenter. If you get the chance to attend one of her seminars, I highly recommend you do so.
Prior to the commencement of the seminar, many parents, carers and interested persons entered the conference rooms seeming either somewhat anxious, eager for information and/or some seeking 'guidance' relevent to their own children.
Soon enough they were enthralled by Donna's anecdotes surrounding her own life struggles and many achievements. There were times when we were in fits of laughter with her wonderfully cheeky sense of humour and another time (when she sang one of her beautiful songs whilst presenting a powerpoint presentation of her journey with autism) when I'm sure I wasn't the only person in the 'house' who had tears well up in their eyes. Incredibly moving.
To keep up to date with when and where Donna will be holding such seminars, refer to her site, "Donna Williams" and or "Auties.org" in the links list.

"Autism Friendly" video by Donna Williams

"Autism Friendly", a video/powerpoint p., contains 'descriptions', perceptions and truths about autism. Rather than me prattle on here, Donna's video 'speaks' for itself. Please see here.

Aspergers Parallel Planet

If you click on the link "Aspergers Parallel Planet" in the links column. right, you will be taken to a wonderfully informative website by Alyson, who is an adult with Aspergers. Her site is full of interesting information surrounding the autism spectrum, interviews with respected professionals, articles and so on. Her site even has a forum for interested persons to discuss issues and information about autism. Alyson is also a talented artist and some of her work can be seen on the site. Her story is a touching and empowering one, which I feel parents, friends, family and those persons on the spectrum, can gain a wonderful insight into the life, thoughts and feelings of a delightful woman living with Aspergers.

An Autism Connection

Finally, my book called "An Autism Connection", is available for preview and for purchase on Lulu.com.

Click here to access my store front.

Re: Book on Autism for parents

Well, after spending many painstaking hours jotting notes, typing, editing, enduring the frustration of my old computer crashing incessantly, being up till 3 in the morning (sometimes), accidentally spilling a cup of coffee on my old keyboard and now possibly needing reading glasses; I finally finished my book on autism for parents :)
Currently I am waiting for it to be reviewed for any tragic mistakes in grammar, construct and overall desired readabilty :)
Once this has successfully occurred, it will be available through Lulu.com (publishing co. in U.S.A).
This should be very soon.
When I make it available for sale, I'll post a note here.

'Can autism be cured?' - Donna Williams Blog

Please read the above-mentioned recent blog piece by Donna Williams, an inspiring Australian woman on the autism spectrum, if you are a parent searching for 'cures' for your child's autism.
Donna's fictional story "Can autism be cured?" is a beautifully illustrated (textually) story about different children on the autism spectrum whose well-meaning parents anxiously search for a potential 'cure' for their babes, and the financial and physical lengths they go to to achieve such, only to find that their children aren't 'cured' of autism and are to be just who they are - unique individuals.
As you may know, by perhaps having read my blog pieces below, I am not an advocate of 'curing' autism, I believe it is an intrinsic part the the autistic human being.
Link - http://blog.donnawilliams.net/

A book for parents

Currently I am writing a book for parents, about parenting a child with autism.
The intention of this book is to communicate with other mums and dads about the similar experiences we may have surrounding our lives raising our autistic children.
Sharing our experiences as parents can be cathartic and a valuable source of understanding our children on the autism spectrum, in addition to the information and assistance we receive from any of the professionals involved with our lives.
Once the book is available, I will post a note on this site. :)

Donna Williams YouTube - art

Click on the link below to view a YouTube video ('powerpoint' presentation) by Donna exploring the breadth of her beautiful artworks, incorporating photos of herself as a child, all accompanied by a piece of her inspiring music, sung with, what I call, a crystaline and angelic voice. She trully is a talented lady.
View her YouTube video "From Autism To Artism" here

Donna Williams YouTube video - siblings

In this YouTube video, Donna covers some of the issues surrounding the relationships between a child with autism and their sibling/s. Incorporated, in this video, are examples of her beautiful art works.
Watch Donna's video "Autism Has A Wider Context" here

Rory Hoy's YouTube video - "AUTISM AND ME"

On researching YouTube recently, I came across a delightful young English lad, who has made his own short video about his personal perspective of what autism means for him and how he sees the world.
A lovely video for those interested in autism and, especially those young people who have autism and would like to hear another person with autism speak about their experiences and thoughts.
Watch Rory's video here

Joel Smith

Joel has a great website called "This Way Of Life", on which he discusses many things surrounding living with autism, himself, and information for parents/persons wishing to know more about autism. It is a very pleasant site to navigate and read.

Donna Williams

Donna Williams is an accomplished artist, author, composer and screenwriter. Here, Donna displays some of her beautiful art works and other sections discuss her experience of having autism and her accomplishments in the other fields mentioned.
I came across her site when searching for art works produced by people with autism. Her art pieces touch your soul.
Refer to link (right)

Dr.Temple Grandin

Dr. Temple Grandin (Ph.D) is a very accomplished writer/author and has appeared on many major television shows. She is an amazing lady.
Apart from all the wonderful information on her site, when you click on the ">article" tab, Dr. Grandin discusses "Autism - The Way I See It", you can read about her insights into Autism from her personal perspective.
Refer to the link (right).

Frank Klein

To view Frank's website, click on the link (right), then click on "Autistic Advocacy", description - "A repository of pro-autistic articles, editorials and humour by Frank Klein".

Personal stories via the U.K.

The National Autistic Society of the U.K. has a section of it's site dedicated to the personal stories of people with Autism/Aspergers. By clicking on the link (right), you'll be taken directly to this particular section.

The Mind Within

By clicking on the above title in the links list (right), you will be able to read about the thoughts, perspectives and personal stories of the author of this wonderfully colourful web site. Included are exquisite pieces of art work by the author and links to their other web sites.

A personal perspective

There is a plethora of information, regarding the diagnosis, therapies, opinions, beliefs, causes, and so on, surrounding autism. So much so, that it can be very daunting for parents who have newly discovered a diagnosis of autism for their children.

I don't believe that persons with autism should be 'cured'. I believe we as loving parents and carers can work 'with' our kids and provide them with the quality of care and education, love and support that they (as with all children) need to enjoy quality of life (just as we hope for ourselves).

Celebrating achievements, progressive milestones, honouring their rights as valued human beings, helping overcome difficulties, 'walking along side them' and , especially, 'hearing' their 'voice' and listening to their wants and desires, are some of the things I perceive as being imperitive to loving and living alongside our babes (children), friends and other persons who have autism.

I am a devoted mother of three children, one son who has autism. Many other family members have autism, diagnosed and undiagnosed, too. Throughout the years of this experience, combined with the experiences of working with children with autism, I have learnt many things. One of the most important things I learnt was that we cannot presume to force 'normality' upon our children (with autism). To deny them their real selves; to quash their intrinsic selves and try to redesign them, finding a 'cure' (not a word in my vocabulary) and demanding they conform to our ways of thinking and behaviour, to me is disrespectful. Assisting the person with autism to live a quality, happy and meaningful life (for them) according to their 'design' and not ours, to me, is paramount.

As I get time, I hope to post links to the many interesting and real personal stories from people with autism. An important part of learning about autism, I feel, is to listen to these stories; hear the voices from their heart and soul.

.....what I hope to achieve.....

This blog is a re-birth of my original blog of a similar name. My intention, as this one grows, is to provide interesting and informative links, posts and input from and regarding real life accounts from persons with autism, via web site links and graciously offered stories and information, again from persons with autism who wish to share their stories and experiences. The purpose of such is to help mum's, dad's, carer's, grandparents (and others who are genuinely interested) in learning and understanding more about the real feelings, thoughts, experiences, achievements and hopes of persons with autism.
Though my areas of 'expertise' are as described to the right of this post, and I am a mum of 3 gorgeous (yes, I am biased) children, 1 who has autism, and other family members with autism, I maintain that the real 'experts' regarding autism are the many wonderful souls I know, and the ones I don't as yet know, with autism.
So many, whether they be the specialists, therapists and others involved in working with or diagnosing persons with autism, I can't help but feel are on the 'outside - looking in'.
Just as I am constantly learning, as I read a growing number of beautifully insightful 'personal stories of autism', I hope that such real life stories can be a source of greater understanding, support and enlightenment for those who don't have autism and wish to learn more.
Many such stories can be full of humour, descriptions of successes, awsome talents, beauty, sadness, happiness, trials and tribulations, life's passions and pains (and so on...), but above all are the real voices of autism.
I am also hoping to help, in my own small way, increase the opportunities for persons with autism to have their 'voice' heard and touch the heart and soul of others, as mine has been.