Embracing Autism E-Book

Robert Parish

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Bildung
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 319

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2013

Beschreibung

"The voices here confirm what I've always suspected: everyone is part of one large continuum, and the approaches and insights recounted here can help any parent, any educator, any person deal with any child--or, for that matter, any other person--more effectively and with more compassion. I only wish I'd encountered earlier this cadre of experienced and caring individuals whose humor and resourcefulness represent clearly how best to love and nurture a child."--Cynthia Nitz Ris, J.D., Ph.D., University of Cincinnati Through sensitive, sometimes humorous, experienced-based writing from teachers, clinicians, and parent activists in the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community, this book will help educators and others to better understand the world inhabited by ASD children. The stories contained in the book will inspire and inform readers who are working day-to-day with children in the autism spectrum, providing valuable insights into what makes these kids tick and useful information on how they communicate, learn, and succeed. Robert Parish (Cincinnati, OH) is an award-winning journalist with four nationally broadcast public TV documentaries about Autism Spectrum Disorders to his credit, as well as more than 100 digital video projects about ASD for the educational market.

Leseprobe

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

About the Editor

About the Contributors

Foreword: The “Secret” Key to Connection, by Susan Senator

Introduction

Chapter 1: My Journey with Jacob, by Diane Bayer

Minnie

Speaking the Language of the Natives

All in a Song

Autism and Artism

Penguin Kisses

Chapter 2: Relating to ASD Children, by Arnold Miller

The Child’s “Difference” Is Not the Fault of Parents

There Is Often a Bond, Even When It Is Not Immediately Apparent

Can a Bond Be Built When There Is None Initially?

Four Common “Support and Demand” Stances Toward Special Children

Chapter 3: Three Special Kids—No Apologies Necessary, by Kim Stagliano

Chapter 4: Patience—The Least Important “Super Power,” by Kristin Kaifas-Tennyson

Rational Detachment

Detachment Strategies

The Three S’s

Implementing Strategies That Lead to Connection

Chapter 5: North of the Border, by Gay and Dennis Debbaudt

Welcome to Canada

First Steps

Reaching Out

The Learning Curve

Walking the Line

Developing Empathy

Academic Life

Sharing the Wealth

Into the Future

Chapter 6: Getting to Know You, by Stephen Shore

Making the Initial Connection

Making Deposits into a Child’s “Word Bank”

You Say “TomAto,” I Say “TomAHto”

Special Interests and Passions for a Successful and Productive Life

Music for Children with Autism

Structuring the Stage for Successful Communication

Self-Advocacy and Disclosure as a Means to Better Communication and Success

Growing Up

Chapter 7: Life with Shawn, by Jeanne Lyons

Active, But Odd

Fixations

Meltdowns

The Power of Music

School

Chapter 8: The Freedom to Be Odd, by Cammie McGovern

Chapter 9: Just a Little Autism, by Teresa Becerra

Fasten Your Seat Belts, We’re in for a Bumpy Ride

Life-Changing Experiences

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Here and Now

Chapter 10: Acceptance in Waves, by Robert Becerra

Chapter 11: Everyone Has a Chance to Grow, by Jackie Marquette

Trent

The Importance of Supports

Everyone’s Gift Counts

Walking with Others

See the Whole Person

Chapter 12: Grass in the Wind, by Kristina Chew

Chapter 13: Now for Our Feature Presentation, by Robert Parish

Jackie, Can You Hear Me?

Just a Label?

Fill That Prescription!

Hanging Around

Checking Out

Blessed Are the “Angels”

I’ll Have Fries with That (Part One)

I’ll Have Fries with That (Part Two)

Slow Down and Breathe

What Next? What If ?

Chapter 14: The Big Question

Resources

Index

More Praise forEmbracing Autism

“The voices here confirm what I’ve always suspected: everyone is part of one large continuum, and the approaches and insights recounted here can help any parent, any educator, any person deal with any child—or, for that matter, any other person—more effectively and with more compassion. I only wish I’d encountered earlier this cadre of experienced and caring individuals whose humor and resourcefulness represent clearly how best to love and nurture a child.”

—Cynthia Nitz Ris, J.D., Ph.D., University of Cincinnati

“A rare, engaging look at individuals with autism and those who love and care for them. Each of these warm, lively accounts educates and entertains. Thoroughly engrossing.”

—Marti Leimbach, author of Daniel Isn’t Talking

“An inspiring, riveting must-read for parents of children with autism and for anyone who aspires to more meaningful communication with the autistic among us, the brilliant late-talkers and non-talkers who may one day save the world.”

—Annabel Stehli, author of Sound of a Miracle, a Mother’s Fight to Free Her Child from Autism

“Written by and for parents, educators, and people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), this book is a compilation of wise, loving, sensitive, and hopeful stories. This thoughtful advice from those who know will be useful for people who care about someone of any age with ASD.”

—Robert L. Hendren, executive director, M.I.N.D. Institute, UC Davis

“What a joy to read! There is, perhaps, no better way to learn about autism than to pay attention to the experiences of those living with it. This collection of stories from people with autism and their families, friends, and colleagues shows a side of autism we don’t hear enough about. The authors share that living with autism can be hard, frustrating, and chaotic but also, at times, brilliant, inspired, and pleasantly unpredictable.”

—Dr. Paula Kluth, author of “You’re Going to Love This Kid”: Teaching Students with Autism in the Inclusive Classroom

“To connect with a child with autism is a very special gift . . . not only for the child, but for the few people lucky enough to develop that connection. Robert Parish is sharing this gift with the world.”

— Jennifer Strauss, M.Ed, executive program director, Autism Consulting & Training, Inc., Miami

“Robert Parish and his contributors provide a perfect blend of first person insights about autism spectrum disorders. Their accounts are informative, uplifting and hopeful, whether you’re working with ASD kids in the classroom, or your living room.”

—Sarah E. Caruso, Cardinal Hill University

“An extraordinary collection of stories that allows us to better understand, appreciate, and connect with children on the autism spectrum. These personal accounts provide insight, encouragement, and optimism to families and professionals working with this remarkable and inspiring group of children.”

—Lindsey Sterling, M.S., University of Washington Autism Center

Copyright © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

“Life with Shawn” © 2008 by Jeanne Lyons. All rights reserved.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Embracing autism : connecting and communicating with children in the autism spectrum / Robert Parish and friends.—1st ed.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN-13: 978-0-7879-9586-7 (cloth)

1. Autism in children. I. Parish, Robert, 1951–

RJ506.A9E445 2008

618.92′85882—dc22

2007044099

To Jack Michael Parish,

for always being exactly who you are.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Hundreds of loving, supportive people have been involved in creating this volume about embracing children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). I will resist the temptation to name them all.

It seems appropriate to first acknowledge my “co-creator” of Jack Michael Parish: his mother, Diane Maier Knight. Despite the fact that Diane and I endured a difficult divorce nearly a decade ago, her vitally important role in Jack’s life is recognized and appreciated.

Jack’s three older siblings have also made a huge difference in our family’s journey with autism. Graham and Ryan Parish (technically, Jack’s half-brothers), although not present in his day-to-day life, have—inspired by Jack—embarked on careers working with special children and adults, and they’ve helped me embrace my youngest son’s “difference” more than they’ll ever know.

Courtney Parish, at this writing nearly sixteen years old, has been an amazing presence in our family. For a number of reasons, Jack’s diagnosis has had a significant impact on nearly every aspect of her life. More often than not, she’s handled all the curve balls thrown at her head with humor, understanding, and grace.

Jack’s grandparents, Blanche and Jack Maier, have lent important financial support to Jack’s therapy and educational life. Sadly, many of the interventions we (and most every other ASD parent) pursue are not covered by insurance.

Arnold Miller and Stephen Shore, who you’ll meet on these pages, have been with our family from the beginning of our autism trek. Both have taught me about acceptance and embracing our son for who he actually is.

The editorial and marketing team at Jossey-Bass have been a pleasure to work with. Editor Margie McAneny, who approached me about writing a book during a special education conference in Salt Lake City, has guided this project with passion, professionalism, and humor. Leslie Tilley’s content and editorial suggestions shaped the entire manuscript—not an easy task with nearly a dozen writers involved. Other important Jossey-Bass contacts who I’ve relied on through my maiden “big time” publishing voyage include production editor Matt Hoover, copyeditor Tom Finnegan, senior editorial assistant Julia Parmer, executive editor Lesley Iura, senior marketing manager Dimi Berkner, and publicist Maria Meneses. Thank you all for your creativity and energy.

All the very talented and insightful contributors to this work deserve special mention. For several, it was a first attempt at writing their thoughts and feelings about this mysterious and perplexing difficulty. Everyone, including the already published writers, handled my editorial direction without the slightest bit of hesitation or pride of authorship. Thanks so much for trusting me.

It is important for me to acknowledge a trio of mentors. Sadly, all have passed away. Vivian Kwiatek, my English teacher at Millburn High School in Millburn, New Jersey, was the first one to recognize my “gift” for writing. Courtney Whitney Jr., during my teenage “what should I do for a living?” crisis, gently encouraged me to pursue a career in media and communications. Last but not least is legendary Cincinnati broadcast journalist Al Schottelkotte—absolutely, positively the best writer I’ve ever worked with.

Finally, a special acknowledgment to my mother, Beverly Jane Acomb Parish, who through example showed me the true meaning of unconditional love. My ability to connect with Jack and write and edit a book about this not-so-comfortable subject is a direct result of her presence in my life.

ABOUT THE EDITOR

Robert Parish is an award-winning journalist with four internationally broadcast television documentaries about autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to his credit. Parish has also produced more than one hundred digital video segments about ASD for educational distribution. His projects are used in coursework at universities; by professional associations; and to inspire and educate special education teachers, the medical community, and parents. Parish maintains a Website (www.comebackjack.org) that receives thousands of visitors each month. He is frequently interviewed in the media as an expert on autism. He also hosts a bimonthly program on Autism One Radio. His son Jack has been an inspiration to him, his family, and thousands (perhaps millions) of others.

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS

Mother of ten-year-old Jacob, Diane Bayer has written extensively for dozens of ASD-oriented Websites, blogs, and electronic publications about her son, his diagnosis, and her perspective about it. She has a master’s degree in special education. Her Website is www.theautismexpress.com.

Robert Becerra is an executive in the insurance industry, a budding novelist, and, thanks to his son, Robert Jr. (“Little”), a dedicated student of ASD. He and his wife, Teresa, spend a great deal of time advocating for their own son and countless children and adults with an ASD diagnosis.

Teresa Becerra lives in Miami with her husband, Robert. Her son, Robert Jr., was diagnosed with autism at twenty-three months. She is the founder of I Know Someone with Autism—Now You Do Too, a Dade County School program. She is also the president of Parents for Exceptional Progress, South Florida Chapter. In addition, she lectures at local universities and serves on a number of special education boards. She was recently elected president of the Autism Society of Miami.