Serena McCarroll first began to experience chronic pain during her training at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. She would later develop additional challenges with proprioception, the body’s ability to continually sense and integrate its movement and position.
Sketching Roots: the beekeeper (stories from the autism spectrum)
I.
After I meet with a psychologist for a few sessions, she begins to mention the possibility of an autism spectrum diagnosis. I bristle, insist I’m just there to talk about depression.
Autism/Aspergers Q and A: social skills training and managing negativity
Two questions this time around. One from a parent…and one from a lady diagnosed with Aspergers who wants to know how anyone could feel good about life on the spectrum.
Thoughtful questions. My non-expert, answery type things: in effect.
Scissors (stories from the autism spectrum)
(Please note: this post can be upsetting for some; depending on how emotional topics impact you, read or don’t-read accordingly. In short: take care of yourself.)
I spent a few years in therapy, speaking with a psychologist about the autism spectrum, learning to manage social challenges, sensory issues and so on. I was fortunate enough to find someone with a background in autism issues, so the discussion ended up being constructive, beneficial. I’m collecting those discussions, hoping to make them available soon. But after reading this post at Diary of a Mom, I wanted to share a particular session. In that Diary post, Jess writes about the need for parents to comes to terms with a child’s spectrum diagnosis, to feel at peace with it. The alternative…rejecting or denying the diagnosis…can be a devastating experience for the autistic involved.
Between Cork and Pin: the strange case of autism stereotypes
I don’t think I need to list common autism stereotypes. Basically, if you’ve ever looked at the internet, watched the news or, you know, are human…you’ve heard them.
sketching roots: the grandfather situation
Memories; no particular order.
Interview with Janet Amorello (parents and autism spectrum stories)
On the ‘Blending with Autism’ Facebook page and blog, Janet Amorello writes about daily life with Sam, her 18-year old autistic son. Sam has challenges with communication, yet finds unique and surprising ways to create meaningful language. He also has a love of drawing that speaks to his vibrant perspective on the world.
I spoke with Janet about words, art and the different ways Sam has shaped her views on the autism spectrum. (All images below are from the ‘Blending with Autism’ Facebook page.)
Autism Spectrum and Social Media: fun times with misinformation.
One of the downsides to social media has been the ease with which people can spread misinformation about autism and its causes. One of the upsides to social media: we can talk back.
Depression Infographic (autism spectrum disorder and depression series)
As mentioned in the last post (Part 3 in this series) people too often think of depression as merely being a collection of sad thoughts and feelings. But it’s actually a complicated system of forces, all working together to generate an overwhelming sense of futility.
Interview with Dawn Simmons, mother of Levi Null.
News broke this week about a bullying situation involving 13-year Levi Null from Iowa. Levi is on the autism spectrum, and his struggles with bullying escalated recently when classmates began to post videos of the attacks against him online.