Autism World Magazine Issue 15

Issue 15 / April 2014

essential reading for those who care

Autism W rld

Magazine

RDI Changed our lives How does your garden grow?

Dare to be different What are you doing this month?

Autism World Magazine - 1

.

Autism W rld This is the Digital Download version of Autism World Magazine If you are opening this on an iPhone or iPod use the “Open in iBooks” option.

For all other PDF Reader, please refer to your specific instruction manual.

Pictures labelled “Click on picture to play video” will take you to the video in YouTube.

Hyperlinks, video and emails work when you are online. Book pictures link you straight to Amazon or similar, giving you the opportunity to buy books.

Autism World Magazine - 2

.

Editor’s Note Welcome to Autism World Magazine.

We celebrate Autism Awareness month with a Special 100 Page Free Issue and at least 50,000 new readers of the iMagazine as we are Media Sponsor of Walk Now for Autism Speaks Los Angeles.

This month we bring you tales from the garden with Libby Majewski. RDI goes under our spotlight with Maisie Soetantyo and Sharon Bradbrook-Armit. Monica Holloway, author of bestselling autism memoir, Cowboy & Wills and Julie Chau Diep, Clinical Director of New Hope Therapy Center and founder of OC Autism, offer you some great Tips on Cultural Sensitivity.

How about some movement with your language development? Our Tried and Tested columnist Monique Simpson gets you in the swing. We bring you the best in Nutrition for your mind and your eyes, ears, nose and throat.

During April and beyond Grace Carbone Fava, from the Autism Advisory Support Service, Dares you to be Different. Are you game?

If you are reading this iMagazine for the first time, do please consider supporting the publication by becoming a subscriber.

Autism World Magazine is a not-for-profit publication and it is only through subscriptions, supporters and like-minded advertisers that can we continue to produce such a remarkable and forward thinking publication. Individual Issues are $2.99; Yearly subscription is only $24.99 a year - that's only $2.08 per issue.

More at autismworldmagazine.com/subscribe.html Download our FREE App for iPad, iPhones or Androids and then Subscribe from within the App. Or simply Subscribe to our Digital Download and we’ll email you the iMagazine each month.

Best wishes to you and your family,

iain iain croft editor and publisher iain@magswest.com www.facebook.com/worldautism

Autism World Magazine - 3

.

CONTENTS 10

10

SOWING)THE)SEEDS Libby)Majewski) How$does$your$garden$grow?

Guiding$children$in$everyday,$ family$oriented$activities.

20

20

RDI)IN)FOCUS with$Maisie)Soetantyo$ and$Sharon)BradbrookEArmit

Autism World Magazine - 4

.

Publisher:

ISSUE 15 / APRIL 2014

39

© Copyright 2014 MagsWest PO Box 99 Mosman Park WA 6912

info@magswest.com

Autism World Magazine is available digitally for iPad, iPhone, Androids, PC or portable device.

Subscribe via the Apple Newsstand or Google Play Or CLICK HERE

Editor:

Iain Croft Website:

autismworld magazine.com 09 HOW)ABOUT)THEM)APPLES Mel$and$Seb$McFadden

73 CREATING)VISUAL)SCHEDULES Catherine$Crestani$and$Diana$Wolf

39 CULTURAL)SENSITIVITY Monica$Holloway$&$$Julie$Chau$Diep

77 GET)OUR)FREE)VISUALS)BOOKLET Heidi$Heeman$&$Jacqui$Little

47 TRIED)AND)TESTED Monique$Simpson

78 DARE)TO)BE)DIFFERENT Grace$Carbone$Fava

53 UNSUNG)HERO)E)WENDY)BRIGGS by$Emily$Briggs

81 SOUTHERN)CALIFORNIA Jess$Block$Nerren

56 WORRIED)ABOUT)HEAD)BANGING Paula$Tazzyman

89 EMPLOYMENT)TRAINING Malcolm$MayLield

66 EYES,)EARS,)NOSE)&)THROAT Jacinta$O’Connor

94 IN)MY)OPINION)/)ACCEPTANCE Jocelyn$Davis

Facebook:

facebook.com/ worldautism Front Cover: Madeline Majewski taken by her mum Libby STATEMENT OF POLICY AND DISCLAIMER ‘The views expressed in any articles included in this publication are not necessarily those of Autism World Magazine or the publishers MagsWest Pty. Ltd. Autism World Magazine and the publishers do not promote or recommend any specific therapy, treatment, institution or professional viewpoint.

Please check with a doctor when changing any diet or major nutritional change.

Autism World Magazine - 5

.

SUPPORT US BY SUBSCRIBING FREE TO

Autism W rld

Magazine

Automatically delivered each month to your iPad, iPhone, PC or Android device

✤ S HARE THE J OURNEY ✤ E XPERT A DVICE ✤ R EAL L IFE S TORIES ✤ A UTISM , A SPERGERS AN D

PDD-NOS

✤ I NSTANTLY R ECEIVE

E ACH I SSUE get in on google play get in on googlthe e play get in on google play get in on the google play get in on google play get in on google play get in on google play get in on google play get in on the the goo get in on google play get in on googlthe e play get in on google play get in on the google play get in on google play get in on google play get in on google play get in on google play get in on the the goo

✤ D OWNLOAD O UR F REE APP THEN SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE I MAGAZINE FROM WITHIN THE APP

OR GO TO AUTISMWORLDMAGAZINE.COM Autism World Magazine - 29

.

www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/losangeles Autism World Magazine - 7

.

www.tinyurl.com/autismspeaksSD

jsain@padres.com

www.angels.com/autism scott.tarlo@angels.com Autism World Magazine - 8

.

HOW

?

ABOUT THEM APPLES

with Mel McFadden and starring Seb McFadden

Seb just begged me to do this video for you all to see. He even requested that I start recording his feet first.

This kid has seriously got the moves. Some days I can't believe that it's possible for one little boy to have so much personality.

You can't help but love him to bits.

CLICK ON PICTURE WHEN ONLINE TO PLAY THE VIDEO SebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmandanc SebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmandanc SebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmandanc SebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmandanc SebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmandanc S Type to enter text ebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmandanc SebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmandanc SebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmandanc SebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmandanc SebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmandanc SebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmandanc SebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmandanc SebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmandanc SebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmandanc SebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmandanc SebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmandanc SebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmanSebdancingmandanc

Priceless

Autism World Magazine - 9

.

Sowing the seeds of togetherness

Autism World Magazine - 10

.

How does your garden grow?

Guiding children with autism spectrum disorders in everyday, family oriented activities Libby Majewski

In the spirit of northern hemisphere spring time, I'm thinking it's time to get ready to start some seedlings in egg cartons. I have never had a green thumb, I have been inspired by my many friend’s passion for planting and growing living things.

I decided to dig in (literally) and to stretch myself out of my typical comfort zone and competency last spring.

I had no choice but to include my two youngest children, Ellie and Madeline.

Autism World Magazine - 11

.

We planted ourselves (sorry, no pun intended) in our driveway with gardening supplies, some old and rusty, some shiny and new, and a bunch of egg cartons that the girls had helped save just for this project.

We were able to work together without too much drama and yelling on my part (it’s much easier for me to gently guide other people’s kids - does that sound familiar??).

Over the next several days and weeks, we successfully started several types of flowers and even some pole beans.

My girls are now seven and five-yearsold and I know they will want to do this project again this year.

What if you are a parent of a special needs child and just getting out the door with shoes on seems challenging and overwhelming on most days?

Autism World Magazine - 12

.

What if you love to garden but can’t imagine how your child with autism could be a part of that? What if your child has severe processing issues with language and motor planning?

It may look different at first. It may even feel pointless at times but, encouraging your child to be your apprentice in simple activities around your home is probably the best skill you can ever give them.

Maybe they don’t like to touch dirt or flowers or grass or seed or rocks or It blows those “Social Skill” Groups sand. Maybe they push you away you’ve been paying a ton of money for when you try to include them in out of the water. With some something around the house. Maybe preparation and understanding, you you feel like giving up when it comes can develop essential areas that your to teaching them about things you child needs in order to live a life of love or would like to quality: working well try. Well, don’t give with others (coLet them make mistakes up. Your passion for regulation), gardening or your communicating in (it's dirt, right?) interest in just meaningful and learning how to start “attractive” ways seedlings in egg (translates to not Take perfect out of the equation, cartons, like mine ordering you not important. Let go of last spring, can be a around, repeating expectations (I know it's hard, wonderful start to questions, scripting, believe me). This is about guiding bringing your child etc), and a sense of your child with special needs in a into ordinary, yet competency that positive experience…This is an beautiful, simple, they can trust and opportunity for growth and learning everyday activities try new things to trust Mom, Dad, and themselves. and tasks that you without feelings value as part of a confused or healthy, functioning overwhelmed. family and home life.

In a nutshell, gardening makes for The good news is that, despite autism wonderful, guided activities for and processing issues and language parents and kids with autism and delays, you can bring your child under other special needs. Don’t your wing. You can pass on your love underestimate your child - their of flowers and plants and ladybugs or interest and ability in gardening will just your passion for learning probably surprise you and that will something new once in a while on to motivate you to keep at it and build your child. something special together.

Autism World Magazine - 13

.

GARDENING WITH AUTISM

Autism World Magazine - 14

.

Digging in the dirt can be a simple yet enjoyable experience for both you and them, even if you've never tried to garden or plant before.

Plan ahead It could take up a good chunk of time (depending on you and your child, it could be a 10 minute activity or one hour activity).

Use Pinterest Simple, child-friendly ideas (that's what I do). Make a board and save your ideas. Later your child may begin saving ideas with you to do together.

Go slow Demonstrate one step at a time. Just putting soil in the cartons can take up a lot of time but that's okay. It may be the only step you do on Day One. It’s not about task completion; it's about building shared memories, working together towards a common goal (teamwork, working well with others), allowing your child to explore their own abilities (little did they know they can use a shovel and fill three whole egg cartons with dirt, and building a sense of competency and shared accomplishment.

Autism World Magazine - 15

.

Assign roles Roles help you and your child focus on one task and action at a time: For example, encourage them to be the "watcher" at first as you model one step (don't do too many steps at a time, they may miss what is important); then try "I'll be the scooper and you be the dumper as you scoop soil and pass the shovel to your child and let them dump it in a pot or egg carton.

Add chanting or simple singing This encourages a well-paced, regulated activity. "Scoop and dump, scoop and dump, scoop and dump, we are scooping and dumping."

Let them make mistakes Take perfect out of the equation. Let go of expectations. This is about guiding them in a positive experience where they may have had no understanding of the concept of planting before this. Brand new = opportunity for growth and learning to trust Mom, Dad, and myself.

Get out the watering can Hold it together and slowly tilt it together, you control the pace by saying "Slow, slow, slow, we are pouring ssssllllooowwwlllyy�.

Autism World Magazine - 16

.

critical memories

Take pictures or video of the activity.

You can assign this to your spouse or other children who are eager to be included). The embedding of positive, shared memories is not something that comes easily to your child with autism. They may recall the steps, the details, and the process of the experience, but they will most likely struggle with recalling the enjoyment, the emotions and the shared sense of accomplishment. Videos and pictures of critical moments (like when they pushed those seeds into the dirt for the first time) can be reviewed often and this can be tremendously helpful to their ability to recall those emotions that are so motivating to all of us to try something again.

Autism World Magazine - 17

.

Ellie and Madeline Autism World Magazine - 18

.

End on a positive note You know your child. If they are a five minute guy, keep that in mind and end at three or four minutes to make sure it ends well between you and them.

Don't worry about finishing the planting; that can be done tomorrow or you can do it yourself.

Celebrate Use We-Go Language "We did it! We are the best seed planting team EVER!!"

- make sure to hug and squeeze them and look at their face and eyes (Don't insist on eye contact - rather, invite them to gaze at you and just share the moment.

Libby Libby Majewski, RDI速 Program Certified Consultant.

Owner/Director KidsAhead Consulting and Center for Development Moorestown, New Jersey www.kidsahead.net/ With over 20 years of experience in the field of autism treatment, Libby continually supports, guides, and works with families living with autism and related disorders as they journey through developmental milestones in order to achieve an improved quality of life.

Libby specialises in a developmental /cognitive model that addresses milestones that were missed in the early years of life and yet that can still be achieved.

Libby

Autism World Magazine - 19

.

RDI IN FOCUS

with Maisie Soetantyo and Sharon Bradbrook-Armit

Autism World Magazine - 20

.

WHAT IS RDI? Maisie Soetantyo Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)® is a trademarked proprietary treatment program for Autism Spectrum Disorders, based on the belief that the development of dynamic intelligence is the key to improving the quality of life for individuals with autism.

The program's core philosophy is that individuals with autism can participate in authentic emotional relationships if they are exposed to them in a gradual, systematic way. The goal of treatment is to systematically build up the motivation and tools for successfully interacting in social relationships, to correct deficits in this area that are thought to be common to all people with autism. What sets this program apart is the parent empowerment focus for long term autism remediation and increased quality of life.

RDI focuses on cultivating the building blocks of social connection — such as referencing, emotion sharing, coregulation, and experience sharing. These developmental markers normally develop in infancy and early childhood, but missing in individuals with ASD. RDI is a family-based program, where trained consultants support families to alter their interaction and communication styles. There is a period of parent education, followed by an assessment of both the child and the child-parent relationship.

After completion of the RDI assessment, consultants support the family through a set of specific objectives to build a "guided participation" relationship between parents and child that will allow the child to once again become a "cognitive apprentice" to the parents.

Just as in neurotypical development, where young children learn through observing and interacting with their parents, once the cognitive apprenticeship is in place, the family can move on to specific cognitive remediation objectives for the child. These are developmentally staged objectives designed to restore optimal neural connectivity through a series of "discoveries" and "elaborations".

The RDI program provides online learning system for each family, which is customized for each family member’s learning style. Resources such as video clips, variety of reading materials, life and archived webinars present rich learning opportunities for parents. The learning system is also a data bank for each family’s progress through their journals and video submissions.

Autism World Magazine - 21

.

Moving together 2004

HOW RDI CHANGED OUR LIVES

by Sharon Bradbrook-Armit

Autism World Magazine - 22

.

cooking together 2004

Before beginning to write this article I asked my daughter ‘Do you remember when we started RDI?’ A few years back I’m sure she would of replied with the actual date, including the day of the week, that we went to America to first meet up with our RDI Consultant. She said :

family to help her, instead of using therapies to fix her problems.

I then asked: “What do you think RDI has helped you with most?”

“It has helped me to understand my emotions.”

‘Yes it’s when we first started doing things together.”

Wow, well I wasn’t expecting that. But again it’s spot on along with other emotional, social and developmental areas too.

What a great reply because that is it in a nutshell. It was the beginning of us all spending time together as a family instead of rushing Alysia to one therapy or another, or waiting for therapists to turn up and do sessions with her. The beginning of us making changes within our interactions as a

Alysia was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Along the years she was given further diagnosis of speech, language and learning disorders. We started our Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) journey back in April 2004 when Alysia was 12-years-old.

Autism World Magazine - 23

.

At that point we had been following an ABA programme for almost nine years.

Alysia could talk but rarely communicated more than enough to get us off her back, or to get her needs attended to. She was heavily prompt dependent, had no real friends and high levels of anxiety.

She was liked by other children and some did hang out with her, but I have a feeling this was mainly due to their own insecurities and the fact that Alysia always had a protective adult around her at mainstream school.

We wanted her to be more socially aware and available. While looking for this right fit ‘social skills program’ I accidentally stumbled on RDI through a book review written by a parent on an ABA forum.

I went on to read Dr Gutstein’s book ‘Solving the Relationship Puzzle’ and was sold on this being what we needed and was hungry for more information.

attention in the kitchen 2004

We signed up to the RDI August 2004, four day Parent Training in Atlanta and decided that if we were going to do this we needed to jump fully on-board and include within our trip a visit to a US RDI Consultant, for her to carry out a formal assessment and give us our RDI programme to get us going.

Autism World Magazine - 24

.

In the parent training Dr Rachelle Sheely had us practise changing our communication style from using ‘imperatives’ (questions or statements that elicited expected response) to ‘declaratives’ (making comments with no expectation of a response, let alone a specific response).

We tried this out with Alysia that same evening. Once that declarative was out we were to wait…. up to 45 seconds… to see if Alysia had something to say in return. That evening we were seated in a Chinese restaurant and the declarative that made the breakthrough was actually said by our friend.

She had been looking after our children during the day and we had informed of what we were going to do. It went something like this: ‘I’ve got one of those lanterns’ Wait…. 45 seconds, no response, ‘My lantern is pink’ Wait.. and after about 20 seconds Alysia replied ‘I like the purple one’.

I honestly think that was the first spontaneous comment we ever heard her say. Needless to say we were determined to keep this going and ‘declaratives’ became a way of life for us.

joint attention siblings 2004

Autism World Magazine - 25

.

Using them took the burden off of Alysia to give what she thought was ‘a correct response’ which in turn made it easier for her to communicate without any feelings of pressure.

We formally started our programme that September. We continued to think about our communication with a focus on the amount of prompting we did. We moved onto building up moments of experience sharing by just doing things together.

Simple things like playing with a ball, doing a jigsaw, cooking cakes, playing games like ‘buck-a-roo’ and a little bit of DIY.

wanting to play, so we had to build it up in small steps. To begin with standing very close to her and only throwing for a few turns, being careful to stop at a successful point and not continue past that point.

Overtime we gradually increased the distance between us; the speed of action; the way in which we passed the ball; our expectations of the role Alysia was capable of doing; the length of time. We stopped over compensating and if the ball went out of play, or if she missed / dropped it, we would wait to allow her to make the repair of fetching the ball and starting the game again.

We learnt how to slow down; how to pause and not jump in to ‘fix problems’; how to have authentic roles to play; how to add small variations within our interactions that made them ‘same but different’ in order for Alysia to start to trust us as her guides; and how to gradually hand over more responsibility to her. Our early programme interactions would look something like this : ‘Spooning the mixture into cake cases’ I would spoon out the mixture and hold it over the cake case for Alysia to push off the spoon with the teaspoon that she had.

Initially I had to help her a little with this by modelling the action then hold out the spoon for her to take and continue. I would need to be mindful of my pace to ensure she was ready to carry out her role as we went along.

‘Playing catch’ Throwing the ball back and forth. Initially Alysia had problems with the co-ordination side of this as well as the motivation of

spending time together cooking

Autism World Magazine - 26

.

These simple interactions helped her to build memories of her own success because we had tapered them to enable her recognise her own uncertainty, along with her ability to solve the problem. In doing so these activities became ways of interacting and building motivation and not just learning a skill. Memories of both ‘we can as a team’ and ‘I can’ do it.

Those basics were our backdrop of taking Alysia just over her current edge of competence, which enabled her to think a little more in order to stretch her not only in physical actions but also in her problem solving, perspective taking and general thinking. We continued to learn through our RDI programme how to help her to continue to build those positive memories by ‘scaffolding’ her success in small increments. She went from a child that would say ‘I can’t’ to almost everything, to a young person that was more than willing to ‘give it a go’. Her confidence in her own abilities and her trust in us as her guides just kept on growing.

On the friendship front, by including our other two children in things we did with Alysia, along with gradually stepping back to allow them to interact on a more even level, helped them to bond. This, I believe, in turn gave Alysia the abilities to truly begin to form reciprocal friendships with her peers. About five years ago both my other children had friends staying for a sleepover, Alysia was with me. She turned to me and asked ‘why don’t I have friends?’ Up until that point she had been happy to have other children around her but had not shown any interest in building a friendship.

We discussed the fact that it takes two to form a friendship and you have to do more than just be around other people. This was like a ‘lightbulb moment’ for Alysia. Over the next year or two she began to turn that around because she was motivated to do so and not because we were giving her ‘social skills’ on how to make a friend. Where before she really only wanted to be at home she now wanted to attend social events and groups outside of school.

At age 17 she started to go to a couple of clubs for those with special needs, as this is where she felt most comfortable and their interests seemed better suited to her own.

Overtime she has formed a few close friendships with some of the group members and she will go to the cinema, shopping or will just hang out with them outside of the more formal supervised ‘pub / club’ gatherings. She also had a boyfriend for almost three years and has recently had to deal with a ‘relationship break-up’, which was hard for us both to go through – sad but all part and parcel of growing up. The resilience she has built up over the years has helped her, along with knowing other people care for and about her.

Alysia is an increasingly independent young lady; she arranges places to go and times to meet up with her friends; she travels independently; she manages her finances (with a little help now and then); helps with daily chores; chips in with daily family life; takes part in family debates and is part of all the decisions we make as a family from the colour of the walls and furnishings to where we should go for our family holiday.

Autism World Magazine - 27

.

siblings playing in 2005

Currently Alysia is part of ‘Project Search’, which is a joint venture between the college she attends and a local hospital. She has the opportunity to try out different roles within the hospital over this academic year, with the aim that towards the latter part of the year she will be offered a paying job.

Reports so far have been very promising as Alysia has taken on and contributed within the roles assigned and is enjoying every minute, I never doubted that she would.

A few months back Alysia was travelling home by train but accidentally got on a fast straight through to London one. She phoned to let me know what was happening, initially her voice tone had tinges of anxiety within it.

I stayed calm at my end of the line and as we talked I could hear her borrowing my calmness.

I suggested that she call me again when she got to Paddington Station so that I could talk her through how to get home.

Paddington is one of London’s busiest train stations with lots of trains going in and out from numerous platforms particularly in rush hour, which is the time she was travelling.

I didn’t get that telephone call but instead received a message stating she was now on her way home, with a time to meet her at the station. I was needless to say a very proud Mum due to the level of responsibility Alysia had shown and the way she had squashed her anxiety enough to think clearly.

Autism World Magazine - 28

.

Just last week I went out very early on Saturday morning, everyone else was still in bed. When I got home I went to get myself something to eat and put a few ingredients on the kitchen side before getting distracted and walking away. When I came back Alysia had taken the initiative to begin cooking me some lunch, she also worked out what I would be having and had collected the remaining needed items. I hadn’t said a word to her about this, she worked it all out on her own and simply wanted to help me!

Cooking is something Alysia is now very adept at, this has come from years of ‘doing it together’. We do still use cooking as one of our main ways of spending time together, as well as girly shopping trips, family meals, movie nights and the occasional family game evenings - anything from bowling to playing cards. These always were, and continue to be, backdrops to build our relationship around; it’s never been about the task. This is actually a very important lesson RDI taught me that I treasure and use with all three of my children.

These are aimed at forward planning, decision-making based on both the known and unknown, along with more in-depth personal emotional influences – I’m working on these same goals for myself and am also seeing some real benefit. Many people have commented over the years that Alysia doesn’t exhibit ‘autistic traits’, but actually it’s just that her autism no longer holds her back from living and exploring life.

I’ll leave you with this picture… my middle child is doing an Art A Level and one of her projects is based around ‘autism’. She asked Alysia if she had to represent autism as a picture what would it be?

Her quick response was ‘Sunshine’ said with a smile on her face!

Sharon Bradbrook-Armit

These things are not unique, small but significant changes are happening constantly. Little ‘WOW’ moments are part of our everyday lives.

Alysia has grown so much due to RDI evolving from the shy, withdrawn, prompt dependent, anxiety filled child to an independent, confident, increasingly less naïve, more socially aware young lady. I am convinced she would not be where she is now without RDI. We continue to work on RDI’s more advanced goals based on Dr Gutstein’s emerging ‘dynamic intelligence’ targets.

Autism World Magazine - 29

.

THE AUTISM WORLD NEEDS

YOU Do you have a story to share to help the next generation of ASD families. Please contact us at Autism World Magazine: Email: story@magswest.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/worldautism Website: www.autismworldmagazine.com

Autism World Magazine - 30

.

RDI 101 Maisie Soetantyo RDI was developed by renowned clinical psychologists, Dr. Steven Gutstein and Dr. Rachelle Sheely and their team of consultants in Houston, Texas.

Based on the latest research on neuroplasticity, the RDI program aims to improve neural connectivity in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as many other childhood disorders such as Reactive Attachment Disorder, ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, etc.

The RDI consultants complete a yearlong extensive certification training, and currently are available in 25 countries worldwide.

RDI provides a comprehensive program to restore the natural Guided Participation Relationship between parent and child where it has been disrupted or never developed due to atypical development.

As a result of this disruption, parents often describe a high level of anxiety in their special needs children which is expressed in

inflexibility, behavioral problems, learning difficulties, social and communication challenges.

What sets the RDI program apart is the intensive parent training component designed for both parents’ involvement from the beginning, and real life coaching taking place in the home setting with the whole family.

A trained RDI Consultant works with each family to develop an individualized set of objectives that may include simplifying the home environment, slowing down the pace of life, balancing the entire family’s schedule and life outside of a special needs diagnosis.

The RDI program believes that making lasting, meaningful and lifelong changes begins at home with the child’s parents first, and that the remediation process should take place amidst each family’s unique culture and relationships.

Autism World Magazine - 31

.

How the RDI Program works Relationship Development Assessment Parallel to the process of trust and communication building between a parent and his/her child, the RDI program also emphasizes a partnership between parents and their consultant.

An RDI consultant serves as a parent coach who provides education on the core deficits of ASD, puts together a systematic plan to implement each objective in practical ways and together with parents, monitor progress.

An initial RDI assessment consisting of select, age appropriate activities is administered to the parents and their child, followed by a session between the consultant and the client, provides a

complete picture of each person’s strengths and weaknesses, possible co-occurring conditions and developmental obstacles. In addition, information on potential activity themes, communication and environmental modifications, as well as needed scaffolding levels would emerge from the assessment process.

Based on the initial assessment a comprehensive short term plan for each family is set in motion. Common initial parent objectives may include assigning a 15-minute daily increment for quality time, slowing down communication pace, increasing use of non-verbal communication channels, or reducing screen time for everyone in the family.

Take a look at this RDI Assessment video donated by Maureen Chung Mo Lan, an RDI Consultant based in Hong Kong.www.counsellingplay.com.hk This clip has been annotated to highlight the overall assessment goals.

http://youtu.be/SM1dHn2jl3o http://youtu.be/SM1dHn2jl3o http://youtu.be/SM1dHn2jl3o http://youtu.be/SM1dHn2jl3o http://youtu.be/SM1dHn2jl3o http://youtu.be/SM1dHn2jl3o http://youtu.be/SM1dHn2jl3o http://youtu.be/SM1dHn2jl3o

Autism World Magazine - 32

.

Ongoing RDI Parent Training After the assessment process is completed, parents and an RDI consultant begin their collaborative work to remediate the areas of deficits. An invaluable tool for RDI consultants and families is the RDI Online Learning System, which is a private platform used to organize ongoing communication, video submissions, current and future objectives and yearly assessment findings.

In addition, parents have access to a video library containing samples of RDI work donated by other families, webinars on a variety of topics and ongoing discussion groups with other parents.

The frequency and format of ongoing supervision for each family is individualized, depending on the progress and the objective at the moment. It is common that parents and consultant would meet without the child whether it’s a face to face, Skype or phone consultations. Home visits and community outings are also important for an RDI consultant to guide parents in their most natural setting. To help parents understand their objectives, a consultant might utilize modeling, role playing, planning ahead, watching video clips of daily interactions as well direct work during follow up sessions.

Here is a video tutorial on the RDI Learning System

CLICK ON PICTURE WHEN ONLINE TO PLAY THE VIDEO

http://youtu.be/LWk8hTEe8vE http://youtu.be/LWk8hTEe8vE http://youtu.be/LWk8hTEe8vE http://youtu.be/LWk8hTEe8vE http://youtu.be/LWk8hTEe8vE http://youtu.be/LWk8hTEe8vE http://youtu.be/LWk8hTEe8vE Autism World Magazine - 33

.

Take a look at these two clips of RDI parent training sessions.

The first is Gina Underwood from Texas, modeling the use of self-talk to parents.

http://youtu.be/k86BxqvR-Ek http://youtu.be/k86BxqvR-Ek http://youtu.be/k86BxqvR-Ek http://youtu.be/k86BxqvR-Ek http://youtu.be/k86BxqvR-Ek http://youtu.be/k86BxqvR-Ek http://youtu.be/k86BxqvR-Ek http://youtu.be/k86BxqvR-Ek Autism World Magazine - 34

.

Maisie Soetantyo from San Francisco, modeling use of multi-channel communication and breakdown repair.

The ultimate goal of RDI consultants is to work themselves out of a job when parents have moved out of crisis, normalized their family lives and developed competence in guiding their child through day to day learning opportunities.

http://youtu.be/DU0u6_5UL74 http://youtu.be/DU0u6_5UL74 http://youtu.be/DU0u6_5UL74 http://youtu.be/DU0u6_5UL74 http://youtu.be/DU0u6_5UL74 http://youtu.be/DU0u6_5UL74 http://youtu.be/DU0u6_5UL74 http://youtu.be/DU0u6_5UL74 Autism World Magazine - 35

.

Suggested Reading http://www.amazon.com/ gp/product/B00J4OVUJ8/ ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl? ie=UTF8&camp=1789&cr eative=9325&creativeASI N=B00J4OVUJ8&linkCod e=as2&tag=autismoz-20 www.amazon.com/gp/ product/B00J4OVUJ8/ ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl? ie=UTF8&camp=1789&cr eative=9325&creativeASI N=B00J4OVUJ8&linkCod e=as2&tag=autismoz-20h ttp://www.amazon.com/ gp/product/B00J4OVUJ8/ ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?

My Baby Can Dance: Stories of Autism, Asperger's and Success Through the Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) Program

Maisie Soetantyo

About the Author Maisie Soetantyo has been a certified RDI Consultant for 11 years, and in addition to providing RDI programs for families with special needs children, she runs the RDI Certification Training Classes for the South East Asia region.

Ms. Soetantyo is co-founder of the CATCH clinic

www.catchclinic.com

http://www.amazon.com/ gp/product/B00IRD9RME/ ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl? ie=UTF8&camp=1789&cr eative=9325&creativeASI N=B00IRD9RME&linkCod e=as2&tag=autismoz-20 http://www.amazon.com/ gp/product/B00IRD9RME/ ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl? ie=UTF8&camp=1789&cr eative=9325&creativeASI N=B00IRD9RME&linkCod e=as2&tag=autismoz-20 http://www.amazon.com/ gp/product/B00IRD9RME/ ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?

The RDI Book ie=UTF8&camp=1789&cr

By Steve R. Gustein, Ph.D. eative=9325&creativeASI CLICK ON THE LINKS OR BOOKS TO ORDER VIA KINDLE Autism World Magazine - 36

.

https://www.facebook.com/worldautism https://www.facebook.com/worldautism https://www.facebook.com/worldautism https://www.facebook.com/worldautism https://www.facebook.com/worldautism https://www.facebook.com/worldautism https://www.facebook.com/worldautism https://www.facebook.com/worldautism

Autism W rld Magazine

We would love it if you could spare a few moments to spread the word about Autism World Magazine on Facebook, Twitter, your favourite social media, email or word of mouth.

Autism World Magazine - 37

.

NOW YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE TO

Autism W rld FOR FREE

www.autismworldmagazi ne.com/subscribe.html www.autismworldmagazi ne.com/subscribe.html www.autismworldmagazi ne.com/subscribe.html www.autismworldmagazi ne.com/subscribe.html www.autismworldmagazi

For all Androids, iPad, iPhone or by Digital Download DOWNLOAD OUR FREE APP AND SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE www.autismworldmagazine.com www.autismworldmagazine.com www.autismworldmagazine.com www.autismworldmagazine.com www.autismworldmagazine.com www.autismworldmagazine.com

TO SUBSCRIBE CLICK HERE

email us at: contact@magswest.com

contact@m Autism World Magazine - 3

.

Top Tips for Cultural Sensitivity

By Monica Holloway, author of bestselling autism memoir, Cowboy & Wills and Julie Chau Diep, Clinical Director of New Hope Therapy Center and founder of OC Autism.

Autism World Magazine - 39

.

Autism affects a community differently based on unique factors. Culture, language, geography, religion, gender, and family structure all play a role in how autism is interpreted and accepted in different cultures.

The unique aspects of cultural practices and beliefs shape the perception of autism, intervention and access to autism resources.

The Los Angeles Times did a beautiful piece a few years back on this very topic, titled “Warrior Parents Fare Best in Securing Autism Services,” but not every culture values a “warrior parent.”

One thing that we’ve learned from families affected by autism is that information which may be helpful for one person, might be too much or too little for another one based on a number of factors.

Sometimes too, there can be cultural myths about autism and other disabilities that can deter people from seeking help.

We encourage cultural sensitivity and understanding among families (including our own!) who may be affected by autism or other disabilities. Understanding how culture, traditions, and beliefs play a key role in how families interpret and experience autism can be a great thing.

Autism World Magazine - 40

.

Top tips on cultural sensitivity for those affected by autism inspired in part by Big Sisters of British Columbia: 1. Learn the Culture and Heritage.

Everyone comes from different backgrounds and have traditions that we may be unfamiliar with. Learn the heritage and traditions of the diverse communities in your area.

2. Recognize if there may be a Language Barrier.

Sometimes language barriers are more than just translations, but rather, different terminology in English could mean something else in other cultures.

3. Build Community Alliances.

Build friendships and relationships out of mutual respect.

4. Get to Know Social Norms.

Learn what people consider a "normal" tradition or belief within different cultures that you may encounter.

5. Take time to listen.

Sometimes asking, “Could you help me understand better?� can be a very effective way to learn more about those around you.

Keeping in mind these tips on cultural sensitivity for those affected with autism will help us to better understand how families accept, interpret and experience autism.

Autism World Magazine - 41

.

Julie Diep and Austin (the OC Monkey) encourage others during the Walk Now for Autism Speaks Orange County (Photo: Kristina Clemens)

Autism World Magazine - 42

.

Julie Diep, third from left, and her team.

(Photo: Kristina Clemens)

Says Holloway, “Keeping these tips on cultural sensitivity for those affected with autism in mind will help us better understand how families accept, interpret and experience autism.”

Adds Diep, “The roles and responsibilities of parents and professionals are affected by our cultures. While some culture encourages parents to actively participate, other cultures promote passive responding and complete acceptance of professional judgments without questions. I hope that we all take the time to learn about other cultures, so we can meet the individual needs of our families and find ways to maximize each child's potential.”

Autism World Magazine - 43

.

ABOUT MONICA HOLLOWAY: Monica Holloway is the bestselling author of Cowboy & Wills, a Mother's Choice Award's Gold recipient, and the criticallyacclaimed author of the memoir Driving With Dead People.

Holloway lives with her son and husband in Los Angeles.

www.facebook.com/ cowboyandwills

ABOUT JULIE DIEP: Julie Chau Diep is Founder of OC Autism, Clinical Director of New Hope Therapy Center, with a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and has her Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Diep faced struggles with ADHD and Dyslexia while in school, overcame all obstacles to achieve her success and credits her disability for opening new doors and opportunities.

twitter.com/monica_holloway

www.ocautism.com

www.monicaholloway.com/

Click on the book picture to order Cowboy & Wills, via COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS Amazon COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS COWBOY & WILLS Autism World Magazine - 44

.

contacts@ocautism.com

Autism World Magazine - 45

.

Reach Your Target Audience ADVERTISE IN

Autism W rld Magazine

Click Here For Details of our Great Rates Autism World Magazine - 46

.

TRIED AND TESTED WITH MONIQUE SIMPSON Speech Pathologist Ba.App.Sc (Sp Path)

Why does movement facilitate language development?

Monique Simpson As the founder and speech pathologist at Connect Therapy in Sydney, Monique Simpson has specialised in the field of autism for 12 years, treating only children diagnosed with ASD. Through the diversity and volume of clients under her care she has developed an enormous wealth of knowledge and practical experience on effective ways to treat children with ASD, Asperger’s and PDD-NOS. Monique brings Tried and Tested solutions to those across the autism spectrum.

www.connecttherapy.com

This month’s tip is a quickie but a goodie!

Have you ever noticed that after your child has been jumping on the trampoline, swimming, swinging, sliding, playing chasings or basically just moving around, that they are a lot more talkative and chatty? Or perhaps if your child is not talking yet that they are vocalising more? Or perhaps your child starts listening more?

Well there is a reason for this…

Movement and rhythm stimulate the frontal lobes and enrich language and motor development (Brewer & Campbell, 1991) This is one of the BIG reasons why I incorporate a lot of movement activities into my therapy sessions and I also encourage families to do the same at home. It’s not difficult because most kids love to move!

Autism World Magazine - 47

.

In fact with one of my clients, Max, I used to carry out his entire session on a platform swing. This is simply a swing with a large flat base.

We used the swing with Max because: 1. He was very motivated by swinging 2. The back and forth rhythmical movement of the swing was very calming and organising for his

nervous system. This helped Max get into a good state of arousal for learning during the session.

3. The movement stimulated the language areas of his brain.

Autism World Magazine - 48

.

“Understanding your child’s unique nervous system is crucial”

So very quickly the swing became an important part of my sessions with Max and a critical element for maximising the productivity of our therapy time. Consequently it also helped Max learn a range of different goals at a faster pace!

I’m not suggesting that you rush out and get a platform swing because that is not the point of this month’s tip.

But perhaps you might like to give some careful consideration to the specific movement input that your child enjoys and benefits from.

It would also be useful for you to observe what happens to your child’s state of arousal (e.g. calm, disorganised, revved up etc) following this movement input.

Every child with autism is so unique and needs strategies and therapy techniques that are going to work best for them.

Understanding your own child’s unique nervous system is so crucial for selecting and carrying out an effective treatment plan for them.

So while the swing was a winner for Max, it may be some other kind of input that works really well for your particular child.

Monique

Autism World Magazine - 49

.

http://www.connecttherapy.com http://www.connecttherapy.com http://www.connecttherapy.com http://www.connecttherapy.com

Autism World Magazine - 50

.

www.connecttherapy.com/register www.connecttherapy.com/register www.connecttherapy.com/register www.connecttherapy.com/register Autism World Magazine - 51

.

facebookfacebookfacebookfacebookfacebookfacebookzfacebookfacebo facebookfacebookfacebookfacebookfacebookfacebookzfacebookfacebo facebookfacebookfacebookzxxxxxxxxfffffffffffacebookfacebookfacebook facebookfacebookfacebookxzzzzzfacebookfacebookfacebookfacebook

Autism World Magazine - 52

.

Unsung Hero - Wendy Briggs

by Emily Briggs My mum Wendy is a single parent with three children. Two of them have Asperger Syndrome with one also having selective mutism and sensory processing disorder. Wendy created and opened the Centre of Gravity, in Far North Coast, NSW, Australia, for individuals with High Functioning Autism & Asperger Syndrome aged from 5-15 years. The centre operates once a month out of our family home. She also runs a support meeting for parents, carers, siblings, a resource area, and fields calls from families in need of assistance and or guidance in their autism journey.

Wendy is also the coordinator for Sensory Movie Day in Lismore NSW once a month for all special need kids to see the latest movie releases judgement free.

As Wendy is raising us kids she is studying for a Degree in Psychology and spends hours writing off for funding grants to raise money for a purpose designed premises to house Centre of Gravity.

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE YOUR UNSUNG HERO Autism World Magazine - 53

.

Need$someone$to$talk$to?

24-Hour Autism Hotline

1300 222 777 (Australia*Only)

The Autism Advisory and Support Service (AASS) runs a 24-Hour Autism Hotline which is staffed by parent volunteers who have children with Autism.

You can call any time of the day or night, from anywhere in Australia, to chat to someone who can offer service and guidance from a parent's perspective.

Whenever you call AASS you are speaking a parent of a child with Autism so you know that you are talking to someone who understands what you are experiencing.

Parents and carers waiting for a formal assessment and diagnosis, looking for the right intervention and joining the long waiting lists can be extremely overwhelmed, confused and frustrated.

AASS will help with unbiased advice, encouragement, guidance and support.

If you get the answer-phone please leave your number and a message.

We will call you back.

Autism World Magazine - 54

.

eat play Learn

Essential thinking on food, education and play from the most respected minds across the Autism world.

Autism World Magazine - 55

.

with PAULA TAZZYMAN Accredited Practicing Dietitian BSc Ma Nut & Diet (Sydney Uni)

Worried'about'head'banging?'

Could'it'be'due'to'food'chemical'sensitivity?

Head$ banging$ has$ become$ a$ common$ childhood$ condition$ especially$ in$ children$ diagnosed$with$ASD.$$Not$a$week$goes$by$that$I$don’t$see$a$client$$diagnosed$with$ASD$ with$serious$bruising$from$head$banging$behaviour.

Your$doctor$or$ physiologist$may$ have$suggested$ it$ is$ an$attention$seeking$behaviour$ and$that$parent$should$just$ignore$it!

Autism World Magazine - 56

.

In$my$experience$head$banging$is$linked$to; 1I Severe$headache$or$migraine.$The$child$may$not$be$able$to$verbalise$ it.

2I A$ food$ chemical$ intolerance$ especially$ to$ the$ natural$ yellow$ food$

colour$Annatto&#&160b.

Annatto$is$obtained$from$the$seed$coat$of$the$tropical$Bixa$Orellana$tree.

In$Australia,$ annatto$ is$ the$most$commonly$ used$food$colour$in$ our$food$ supply.$ It$ is$ found$ in$ a$ wide$ variety$ of$ products$ both$ healthy$ and$ treat$ foods.

One$of$my$clients$told$me$“annatto$is$everywhere!“$once$she$started$to$ be$ weary$of$it.$$This$is$especially$true$if$your$child$has$a$yellow$diet.

As$parents$have$become$more$and$more$savvy$and$are$on$the$look$out$for$ “artiOicial$ colours,$ Olavours$ and$ preservatives”$ the$ food$ industry$ has$ responded$ by$ tricking$ us$ and$ adding$ this$ $ “natural”$ yellow$ food$ colour$ instead.$Sneaky$indeed!

Autism World Magazine - 57

.

Did$you$know$annatto$is$even$more$problematic$than$artiOicial$colours?$ It$has$been$shown$to$negatively$affect$more$people$than$artiOicial$colours.$ So$ many$of$ my$clients$report$a$cessation$of$head$banging$when$we$do$an$ overhaul$and$they$remove$all$the$annatto$from$their$food$supply.$$ When$you$start$looking$at$food$labels$you$will$Oind$Annatto$in$many$foods$ including: • • • • • • • • • •

yoghurt custard ice$cream cheese$slices margarine Oish$Oingers$or$chicken$nuggets$and$other$crumbed$products breakfast$cereals biscuits dried$apricot$snacks snack$foods

Even$dairy$and$gluten$free$products$can$have$annatto.

Thankfully,$ there$ is$ a$ safe$ alternative$ in$ beta$ carotene,$ #$ 160a,$ from$ carrots.$Beta$carotene$is$widely$used$in$Europe$but$not$in$Australia.$$ Why&is&annatto&allowed&to&be&used&in&Australia?

The$ negative$ effects$ of$ annatto$ are$ recognised$ by$ our$ National$ food$ authority,$ FSANZ,$ but$ they$ claim$ that$ beta$ carotene$ is$ too$ costly$ and$ complicated$to$use.$Until$such$time$that$FSANZ$begins$protect$our$children$ from$ the$ nasty$ effects$ of$ annatto$ parents$ need$to$ become$detectives$ and$ buy$alternative$products.

So$ if$ head$banging$is$an$issue$for$your$child$start$reading$food$labels$ and$ look$for$annatto.$You$will$be$horriOied$as$to$how$prevalent$it$is.$$

Autism World Magazine - 58

.

Be& very& suspicious& of& marketing& stating& ‘All& Natural& C& no& artiDicial& Dlavours,&colours&or&preservatives’&as&it&may&have&annatto!

annatto$is$everywhere There$ is$ fantastic$ information$ on$ annatto$ and$ what$ products$ are$ safe$ alternatives$on$www.fedup.com.au$and$or$CLICK$HERE$THEIR$FACTSHEET $ In$wellness, Paula

Autism World Magazine - 59

.

r e t s a E Y TAZZ S TiP

' hat'do w ' t u B here!' w y r e v olate. e'is'e c t o a l h o c ' c e t ho 'and'c annot'tolera e r e h ' s 'c 'i tural' ue'or' r d a l e i n t ' h s e c a ' h E w n' t ur'iss 'your f o o i i ' d v o k a d a ' h e e r you o'not'b 'leading'to'b d ' s t n ls' e ) y'cli ines emica m m h ' f a c ' ( o l ' . ' a o e y r tu ein Man als'in'caca id'caff 'is'low'in'na o c v i a ' m o h t 't che y'wan 'carob,'whic ' a m ' u yo ontain 'is c n ' o n i a t c u l '( The'so feine'free. uttons tores. b ' b o r f ''or'ca ealth'food's r and'ca e d w 'h 'po ts'and carob ' e y k r u a b ' n rm You'ca major'supe ' t soy)'a e!' eryon v e ' r e 'East Happy

Autism World Magazine - 60

.

Tazzy Treats Carob cookies Gluten free, milk free and low in natural chemicals. Thanks to www.fedup.com.au

Ingredients

125 gm Nuttelex dairy free spread 1 1/4 cups brown sugar, firmly packed 1 egg ideally organic 1 1/3 cup plain GF flour 1 tsp soda bicarbonate 1 tbsp carob powder Directions: Preheat oven to 180째C. Cream butter, sugar and egg in a mixer until smooth.

Stir in sifted dry ingredients.

Place balls of mixture 5 cms apart on baking paper lined baking trays.

You could use a rabbit cookie cutter!

Bake 10-12 minutes.

Allow to cool on tray before transferring to wire rack.

These freeze well.

Autism World Magazine - 61

.

Tazzy Treats Carob Custard

A delicious low chemical, gluten & dairy free alternative to chocolate YOGO. Thanks to www.fedup.com.au for the recipe.

Ingredients

Directions

3 tablespoons carob powder 4 tablespoons cornflour ½ cup white sugar 800ml rice milk

1. Sift the dry ingredients together then 2.

3.

4.

5.

mix with 300ml of milk.

Heat the remaining milk in a saucepan until it boils rapidly.

Tip the carob mix into the hot milk and stir with a whisk, continue stirring until the mixture thickens.

Remove from heat and pour into a bowl.

Cover and chill overnight.

Autism World Magazine - 62

.

Ta z

s t a e z y Tr

ng i d d u P b o ar C r a Pe

Autism World Magazine - 63

.

Pear Carob Pudding low in natural chemicals, gluten & dairy free One of my clients shared this low chemical; gluten and dairy free treat with me.

Pears and cashews are low in natural chemicals.

Ingredients 1x 800 grams of tin pears in syrup 2 eggs ideally organic 125 grams of white sugar 125 grams of gluten free self-raising flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 2 tablespoon carob powder 6 tablespoon Nuttelex 1 tablespoon Nuttelex to grease 2 tablespoon water or rice milk 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Directions 1. Sift the dry ingredients together then 2.

3.

4.

5.

mix with 300ml of milk.

Heat the remaining milk in a saucepan until it boils rapidly.

Tip the carob mix into the hot milk and stir with a whisk continue stirring until the mixture thickens.

Remove from heat and pour into a bowl.

Cover and chill overnight.

Autism World Magazine - 64

.

Paula’s Wellness Tips e-Handbook It has been a treat to have spent the last six months compiling an easy to read reference for families to support their nutritional health I have gathered all my knowledge and put together"Wellness Tips: A Practical Guide For Family Health" to support many of the common concerns families grapple with; concentration, constipation, mental health issues, behaviour, sleep, digestive distress, food intolerance and food additives are all covered.

This e-Handbook accompanies the free “Food for the Brain” report on my website, which covers nutritional deficiencies that influence brain function concentration and learning. There are also many free blogs and video post that your clients can access.

This project has being a labour of love for me. My aim is to support as many families as I can especially those that may not be able to see me privately. It is my sincere hope that you and your family will benefit from my insights.

The endless hours that have gone into this document have all been made worthwhile by comments like this:

"I have just finished reading your e-book. Thank you so, so much for writing it. It contains so much information and helpful advice, that as parents we usually aren't given. When reading about certain deficiencies I just gasped and went OMG that's ME, others a light came on and I thought of my boy!!!

After a child has just been diagnosed as having ASD or another developmental delay, the paediatrition should hand them the child’s report and a copy of your book. That way every mother can have a copy, which will give her the information necessary to raise a happy, healthy little tot! Thank you Paula " Hayley.

To purchase Paula Tazzyman’s e-Handbook go to: www.paulatazzyman.com.au

Autism World Magazine - 65

.

Eyes,&Ears,&Nose& and&Throat&&

Jacinta O’Connor Jacinta O’Connor Nutritionist Naturopath Certified GAPS Practitioner MINDD Practitioner Additive Alert Presenter Kardinya, WA, Australia

When%I%see%people%in%my%clinic%for%the%first%3me,%they%o5en%present%with%a%history%of% sinusi3s,%postnasal%drip,%sore%or%dry%throats,%sore%gums,%dry%eyes,%and/or%recurrent%ear% and%throat%infec3ons.%From%a%GAPS%Perspec3ve,%these%issues%are%primarily%due%to% abnormal%microbial%flora%that%has%developed%on%the%mucous%membranes%of%the%nose,% throat%and%mouth.%To%work%on%addressing%this,%we%need%to%populate%those%areas%with% beneficial%flora%as%well%as%addressing%the%underlying%issues%of%allergy,%autoimmune%and% malnutri3on,%through%following%the%GAPS%Nutri3onal%Protocol.%Let’s%look%at%ways%of% managing%eye,%ear,%nose%and%throat%infec3ons%and%to%minimise%the%rate%of%reinfec3on.

Autism World Magazine - 66

.

Eyes • • • • •

•

Rinse%your%eyes%with%strained%warm%organic%chamomile%tea.%This%assists%with%reducing% inflamma3on%and%relieves%swelling%and%s3nging.

Swollen%eyes%–%While%lying%down,%apply%a%bag%of%chamomile%tea%over%the%eye.

Dissolve%one%capsule%of%probio3c%in%warm%water%and%use%as%a%rinse%at%bed3me.

Eat%liver,%eggs,%oily%fish%and%sour%cream%daily.

Eat%foods%rich%in%vitamins%A,%D%and%faNy%acids,%such%as%liver,%sour%cream,%oily%fish%and%eggs% daily.%Ea3ng%brightly%coloured%berries%in%season,%and%juicing%fruit,%greens%and%vegetables% will%provide%some%other%nutrients%for%healthy%eyes.

Do%not%use%any%chemicals%on%your%face.%Use%cold%pressed%oils%as%moisturisers.

Autism World Magazine - 67

.

Ears Populate%your%throat%with%beneficial% microbes%by%placing%a%capsule%of% probio3c%on%your%tongue%at%bed3me,% a5er%you%have%finished%ea3ng%and% drinking%and%you%have%cleaned%your% teeth.

• Mix%one%capsule%of%probio3c%with%a% warmed%tablespoon%of%olive%oil,%and%use% as%ear%drops%every%hour.

• Crush%a%clove%of%garlic%and%mix%with% warmed%olive%oil.%Strain%off%the%garlic%and% place%3%–%4%drops%of%the%garlic%oil%into%the% ear%every%hour.%In%the%evening,%cover%the% pa3ent’s%pillow%with%an%old%towel.%Place% warmed%garlic%oil%into%the%ear%canal%and%a% coNon%wool%ball%gently%over%the%ear% canal.%Allow%them%to%sleep.

• Ear%candling%can%be%used%to%remove%built% up%wax.%The%skin%of%the%ear%canal%has% glands%that%produce% a%waxy%oil%called%cerumen.%The%glands%can% some3mes%produce%more%wax%than%can% be%easily%excreted%out%of%the%ear.%This% extra%wax%hardens%and%blocks%the%ear.%As% the%ear%candle%burns,%it%consumes%oxygen% which%gently%draws%out%the%built%up% blockages.%It%also%assists%to%balance%the% fluids%and%pressure%in%the%ear.%The%excited% cry%of,%“I%can%hear%properly%now”%is%o5en% heard%a5er%an%ear%candling%session!%For% young%children%ear%candling%can%be% performed%as%they%are%quietly%falling%off% to%sleep.% Please&note:&&Ear&candling&is&not&to&be& performed&when&the&ear&drum&is& perforated.

•

What comes out when ear candling!

Autism World Magazine - 68

.

Nose •

Rinse%with%salty%water.%For%chronic%sinusi3s%rinse%daily%with%salty%water,%pu[ng%the%water% into%each%nostril%and%3l3ng%the%head%back,%so%the%water%goes%to%the%back%of%the%nose%and% finishes%up%in%the%mouth.

•

Mix%2%capsules%of%probio3cs%with%a%liNle%warm%water%and%use%as%nasal%drops%2%–%3%3mes%per% day.

•

Open%a%capsule%of%probio3c%and%place%it%on%the%tongue%at%bed3me.%For%a%young%child%start% with%½%capsule%on%the%tongue%at%bed3me.

Autism World Magazine - 69

.

Throat,and,Mouth •

•

•

Eat%the%diet%for%infec3ons%_%During%any% infec3on%nourish%your%pa3ent%with%loads% of%warmed%chicken%stock%and%chicken% soup%with%kefir,%yoghurt%or%sour%cream% added.%Don’t%give%your%pa3ent%anything% cold%un3l%their%throat%is%much%beNer.%No% raw%fruit%or%vegetables,%no%salads,%no% baked%goods%and%no%cold%drinks.%Just% lovely%warmed%soup,%camomile%tea%with% raw%honey,%well_cooked%faNy%gela3nous% meat%(cooked%in%water%or%stock)%and%eggs% lightly%cooked%in%animal%fats,%ghee%or% coconut%oil,%with%onion.% Sore%throat%&%sore%gums%_%Rinse%with%salty% water%a5er%every%meal.%Then%open%a% capsule%of%probio3c%on%the%tongue%(a5er% each%meal%and%at%bed3me).%Brush%teeth% with%olive%oil%and%bicarbonate%of%soda.% (Ensure%the%bicarbonate%of%soda%is% aluminium%free).%Have%a%bowl%of%olive%oil% and%a%bowl%of%bicarbonate%of%soda%in%your% bathroom.%Dip%your%toothbrush%into%the% olive%oil%first,%then%the%bicarbonate%of% soda%and%brush%your%teeth%for%a%minimum% of%2%minutes.

Thrush%in%the%mouth%–%Brush%your%teeth% with%bicarbonate%of%soda.%Open%a%capsule% of%probio3c%onto%the%tongue%at%bed3me.% Rinse%with%kefir%whey.

Eggs with onion Immune,boos4ng,during,any, infec4on,,par4cularly,throat, infec4ons., Direc4ons Slice,a,large,onion,and,cook,it,in, generous,amounts,of,animal,fat,, ghee,,bu@er,or,coconut,oil,under,a, lid,for,about,20,minutes,,un4l,the, onion,is,soC,and,sweet., Fry,2F3,eggs,so,the,whites,are,gently, cooked,and,the,yolks,are,leC,runny., Serve,the,eggs,and,the,onion, together,with,all,the,fat,,which,they, were,cooked,in.,Pour,some,coldF pressed,olive,oil,on,top., This,dish,is,very,gentle,and,soothing, on,the,throat.,The,fat,and,the,egg, yolks,will,dissolve,any,damaged, 4ssues,and,help,to,remove,them., The,eggs,,fat,and,cooked,onion,feed, the,immune,system,locally,in,the, throat,,and,boost,systemic,immunity, as,well., Give,this,dish,to,your,pa4ent,twice,a, day,,and,the,sore,throat,will,melt,

Autism World Magazine - 70

.

Jacinta O’Connor runs GAPS workshops and support groups in Kardinya and Nedlands, Western Australia nutritionmatters@ozemail.com.au

GAPS™ is the registered trademark of Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride.

Each month in Autism World Magazine Jacinta O’Connor takes you through some of the practical steps to help GAPS work for you and your family.

And if you are using GAPS send us an email and let us know how you are going. support@magswest.com

Autism World Magazine - 71

.

Become a Full or Professional Member of Autism West and, on top of our fantastic Centre, Support and Resources, get the Digital Edition of Autism World Magazine FREE each month.

For iPad, iPhone, PCs, Desktop and all portable devices.

You get so much more with Autism West.

Autism West offers the following Membership Options:

Full)Membership $25)per/annum • • • • • • •

Access$to$Argonaut$Autism$ Resource$Centre$at$Autism$West Can$request$items$for$us$to$ purchase$using$our$funding$from$ Argonaut$Limited Electronic/email$Autism$West$ updates Family$Advocacy$support Free$family$entry$to$the$end$of$year$ party 10%$discount$on$Autism$West$ workshops$and$conferences 12$month$subscription$to$the$Digital$ Edition$of$Autism$World$Magazine.

Professional)Membership $50)per/annum • Access$to$Argonaut$Autism$Resource$ Centre$at$Autism$West • Can$request$items$for$us$to$purchase$ using$our$funding$from$Argonaut$ Limited • Electronic/email$Autism$West$ updates • Family$Advocacy$support • Free$family$entry$to$the$end$of$year$ party • 10%$discount$on$Autism$West$ workshops$and$conferences • 12$month$subscription$to$the$Digital$ Edition$of$Autism$World$Magazine • Invitation$to$professional$events$ hosted$by$Autism$West • Hire$our$rooms$at$Autism$West$at$a$ discounted$rate • Access$to$a$TOBY$Consultant • Professional$updates$about$Autism$ Resources

Au#sm&West&Support&Inc&&&&&&&&|&&&&www.au#smwest.org.au 41&Broadway&Nedlands&WA&6009&&&&|&&&PO&Box&666,&Nedlands&WA&6009 Tel:&08&6389&1833&&&|&&&Fax:&08&6389&2600&&|&&&Mobile:&0414167345 Autism World Magazine - 72

.

Creating Visual Schedules with Catherine Crestani and Diana Wolf

Autism World Magazine - 73

.

There,are,a,variety,of,visual,schedules,that,can,be,used,or,created,for,your,child, depending,on,the,situa4on,that,requires,assistance.,Visual,schedules,help,break,larger, tasks,into,meaningful,steps,,as,well,as,providing,a,mini,4metable,for,ac4vi4es/events.,, They,can,also,be,used,for,teaching,new,rou4nes,e.g.,catching,the,bus,to,school,,going, to,the,toilet.,Visual,schedules,can,vary,in,complexity,depending,on,your,child’s,level,of, understanding,and,how,much,visual,input,they,can,tolerate.,

First/then,boards, These,boards,are,great,for,children,who,need,assistance,transi4oning,between, ac4vi4es.,In,par4cular,,this,includes,ac4vi4es,that,are,less,desirable,that,may,need,to, be,completed,in,order,for,a,desirable,ac4vity,to,occur.,For,example,,first,speech, sounds,then,bubbles.,These,boards,usually,only,have,two,ac4vi4es,that,are, interchanged,(e.g.,complete,the,first,two,and,then,put,two,more).,,These,are,easily, made.,You,can,draw,a,line,and,divide,a,piece,of,paper,in,half,with,‘first’,and,‘then’, wri@en,on,each,half,,or,‘1’,,‘2’.,Some4mes,an,arrow,in,between,is,a,great,help,as,well., An,example,can,be,found,below.,

Autism World Magazine - 74

.

Daily,rou4nes, Daily,rou4nes,oCen,involve,many,steps., It,helps,if,these,are,broken,down,into,a, series,of,smaller,steps,with,visuals,for, your,child,to,follow.,Examples,include, going,to,bed,,having,a,bath,,geWng,ready, for,school,,brushing,your,teeth,,going, shopping,and,so,forth.,,These,can,have,as, li@le,or,many,steps,as,needed.,Daily, rou4nes,can,be,easily,adapted,for, classroom,schedules,as,well., Here,are,two,examples

As,you,can,see,visual,schedules,can,be,created, using,a,variety,of,materials,including, computer,programs/soCware,but,also,paper,, pens,,textas,and,photos.,

Autism World Magazine - 75

.

Weekly/monthly, calendar, For,children,who,have,a, greater,understanding,of, 4me,,a,weekly,or, monthly,calendar,can, help,them,transi4on, through,dayFtoFday, ac4vi4es., You,can,use,photos,or, pictures,to,help,your, child., As,they,get,older,,you,can, write,down,the,ac4vi4es, as,well.

Catherine Crestani and Diana Wolf are Principal Speech Pathologists at Nepean Speech and Language Services, in Penrith NSW, Australia. Diana has more than 21 years of experience and continues to thrive on learning new ways to provide intervention to children. Catherine’s passion is for early intervention, including supporting children with ASD. && www.nsls.com.au Autism World Magazine - 76

.

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE BOOK OR ACCESS IT FOR FREE VIA YOUR APPLE OR ANDROID APP

VISUAL COMMUNICATION AIDS AND RESOURCES Non or Semi Verbal child or adult?

Our good friends Heidi Heeman and Jacqui Little from the Resources for Special Needs Facebook Group have created this wonderful booklet to make life easier.

It's all about Visual Communication, Ideas, Websites/links, Schedules, Product info, FREE downloads for PCS/PECS etc.

TO DOWNLOAD THIS FREE BOOKLET FROM THE AUTISM WORLD MAGAZINE WEBSITE SIMPLY CLICK HERE Please feel free to share around.

THIS IS GREAT INFO THAT WE WISH TO SHARE WITH AS MANY AS POSSIBLE

Autism World Magazine - 77

.

DO YOU DARE TO BE ? t n e r e f Dif Grace Carbone Fava Autism Advisory Support Service

individuals,with,Au4sm,and,their,families, face,is,a,life4me,struggle,%not%simply% something%we%do%once%a%year%to%make% ourselves%feel%like%we%have%3cked%the%box.

Au3sm%Advisory%and%Support%Service% (AASS),invite,all,schools,and,community, groups,to,Dare,to,be,Different.% Why?, A%huge%struggle%for%those%with%Au3sm%is% the%knowledge%that%they%are%different;% they%don't%seem%to%fit%in%to%our%society.% We%need%to%get%the%message%out%that%we, are,ALL,different,%be%it%in%our%appearance,% our%likes,%our%feelings%etc.% Many%are%frightened%of%what%they%do%not% understand%so%we%ask%that%Dare%to%be% Different%embrace%our%individuality%while% apprecia3ng%each%of%our%unique%gi5s%and% talents.

How,can,you,join,in??

Schools%and%Community%Groups%can%have% Dare,to,be,Different,Days,%with%students% dressing%"differently",%dressing,as,your, super,hero,(even,they,have,their, weaknesses,just,like,those,with,Au4sm)%a% mu5i%day%or%even%a%crazy%hair%day.% Ask%for%a%gold,coin,dona4on,to,AASS%and% that%will%be%used%to%enable%us%to%con3nue% our%invaluable%work%with%children%with% Au3sm%and%their%families.

There%is%also%a%Dare%to%be%Different%pack% wriNen%by%Clinical,Psychologist,Kellie, Knapton%that%discusses%what%Au3sm%is%and% how%we%are%all%different.% This%works%well%as%an%an4,bullying, program%that%can%be%shown%to%all%students.

FOR%MORE%_%EMAIL%INFO@AASS.ORG.AU

Autism World Magazine - 78

.

info@aass.org.au http://www.aass.org.au http://www.aass.org.au http://www.aass.org.au http://www.aass.org.au http://www.aass.org.au http://www.aass.org.au Autism World Magazine - 79

.

lakings.com/autismspeaks sfiamengo@LAKINGS.com

Autism World Magazine - 80

.

Autism Awareness in Southern California JESS BLOCK NERREN

Autism World Magazine - 81

.

April is Autism Awareness Month, and together with Autism Speaks, America’s largest grassroots autism nonprofit, families and professionals join together to increase awareness, advocacy and research of autism spectrum disorder.

To help raise awareness, Autism Speaks Southern California will host multiple disability-friendly events, including the 12th anniversary Los Angeles Walk Now for Autism Speaks where 50,000 community autism supporters are expected to participate on April 26, 2014 at the Pasadena Rose Bowl.

Families and organisations like Eva and Mark Woodsmall of Los Angeles (pictured above), who founded Spero Vineyards in Temecula, have worked diligently in raising autism awareness in the community.

The Woodsmalls walk in support of their 13-year-old son, Andrew, who was diagnosed with autism at age three, and they have raised more than $147,000 for autism.

In addition to Mark Woodsmall being a special education attorney and the Autism Speaks Southern California Board President, and Eva being a dedicated longtime LA Autism Walk committee member, the Woodsmalls founded Spero Vineyards in Temecula, a winery that provides training programs that help young adults with developmental disabilities secure meaningful vocational outcomes.

Nestled in the heart of Riverside County, Spero Vineyards partners with the City of Temecula and has 480 vines with plans to expand another 2,000 more by Spring 2014.

Autism World Magazine - 82

.

To date, Spero Vineyards employs eight young trainees with developmental disabilities, who will earn a vocational certificate in viticulture (the science, production and study of grapes) and food handling at the completion of their program with the Temecula-based winery.

Autism World Magazine - 83

.

Mark Woodsmall and Matt Asner address the 2013 Orange County Walk Now for Autism Speaks

The community is invited to join autism families in celebrating milestones and achievements while raising awareness and funds during Autism Awareness Month at several fun and informative upcoming events in the Los Angeles area where there is something for everyone.

On April 2 the World will “Light It Up Blue,� as Southern California participates in an international celebration of Autism Awareness, where institutions including LAX and LA Live light their facilities blue in honor of autism awareness month and World Autism Awareness Day.

The biggest event of Autism Awareness Month in Southern California will be the Los Angeles Autism Walk on April 26.

Families, professionals, educators and those with autism all gather to celebrate autism awareness.

It is a special day for our families as we acknowledge our strengths and challenges and see that we are not alone as we go through our journeys with loved ones with autism.

www.facebook.com/ AutismSpeaks.LosAngeles Autism World Magazine - 84

.

Lovers of local Southern California sports teams can also get in on the action too: Hockey fans can take to the ice at the STAPLES Center for “LA Kings Autism Awareness Night” on April 2 at 7:30pm.

Contacts and Social Media

If soccer is your sport, join Autism Speaks for “LA Galaxy Autism Awareness Night” on May 25 at 5pm.

-310-948-4426

And for baseball fans, the “Los Angeles Dodgers Autism Awareness Night with Autism Speaks” takes place June 17.

www.facebook.com/ AutismSpeaks.LosAngeles

www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/ losangeles losangeles@autismspeaks.org

www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/ losangeles

https://twitter.com/autismspeaksla

Autism World Magazine - 85

.

EmilyN@ladodgers.com EmilyN@ladodgers.com EmilyN@ladodgers.com Autism World Magazine - 86

.

WWW.AUTISMSPEAKS.ORG

DCOUTO@LAGALAXY.COM

Autism World Magazine - 87

.

18 + 1

What happens to your child once they turn 18? This is the question troubling many families.

Autism World Magazine hopes to answer some of your

89

Training

by Malcolm Mayfield It is only through the intention of creating clear and open channels of communication that true harmony between the autistic and neurotypical worlds can be achieved.

concerns in our 18 PLUS Section.

94

Acceptance

by Jocelyn Davis Jocelyn takes us through a fascinating conversation with her mother and her twin sister.

Autism World Magazine - 88

.

Future Employment: Part 7: Communication Channels

Malcolm Mayfield Managing Director Autism STAR Pty. Ltd

For the past few months, I have been exploring possible causes that could explain the AJ Drexel Autism Institute research findings individuals with autism spectrum conditions have worse employment and independent living outcomes than people with other disabilities.

They were: Overwhelm; Fear of getting it wrong; Lack of self-belief;

My key observation was that the research was problem focused and failed to present any possible causes. By extrapolation, the research ignored potential solutions to the identified issue.

In my opinion, there were five key factors that contributed to the lower employment and independent living rates of autistic individuals.

Society perceptions of autism; and Lack of training.

The first two factors are very closely linked. The need for perfection leads to overwhelm which in turn occurs to protect the individual from overstimulation.

Autism World Magazine - 89

.

trying to compare the English language with Mandarin

If left unreconciled, the interaction of overwhelm and perfectionism can often create a belief in an individual that he cannot achieve his goals.

This lack of self-belief is compounded by a society that is attempting to reconcile the learning strategies of the autistic mind against mainstream education models. The resultant confusion, miscommunication and mismatching results in the individual being labelled as “unteachable� which in turn leads to reduced training, learning and employment opportunities.

To focus on only one of the above five factors is in my opinion a limited and ultimately ineffective approach. We are dealing with a multi-faceted issue that requires a wholistic solution.

Strategies used to deal with overwhelm must be combined with belief change techniques that remove the societal fear of making mistakes.

Error-focused punishment must be replaced with solution-based thinking which is also balanced, achievable and realistic.

When a person believes that they can be successful, then she will be open to learning the skills required to achieve that success. Albert Einstein once said that if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.

To date, society in general has been attempting to understand the autistic mind by attempting to reconcile it against mainstream thinking. This is like trying to compare the English language against Hindi or Mandarin.

Autism World Magazine - 90

.

While translation protocols exist to enable communication, the intent of the original missive will become distorted or lost entirely.

I stand by my belief that autism is a different language. It is only through the intention of creating clear and open channels of communication that true harmony between the autistic and neurotypical worlds can be achieved.

The first step is in achieving understanding.

The next step is in maintaining understanding.

Can you take these steps into a brave new world?

Malcolm'Mayfield Managing&Director Au/sm&STAR&Pty.&Ltd. www.au/sm;star.com Adelaide,&Australia

MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL Mayfield is co-author MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MALMalcolm MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MALof “The Hidden Curriculum of Getting MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MALand MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL Keeping a Job: Navigating the MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MALSocial MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL Landscape of Employment.”

MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL Click book MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL MALonMAL MAL MAL picture to order MAL MAL MAL MAL MAL

Autism World Magazine - 91

.

IMAGINE...

your magazine, newsletter, or publication on the Apple Newsstand for iPad or iPhone.

Digital Publishing.

It’s closer and more affordable than you think with magsWest.

Email: contact@magswest.com Autism World Magazine - 92

.

And at Night, Angels and Demons lay down their heads A tribute to families raising children with autism

by Michael Tolleson, Autistic Savant Artist See more at: http://www.heartofthespectrum.com Autism World Magazine - 93

.

JOCELYN DAVIS - IN MY OPINION

ACCEPTANCE? Jocelyn Davis is the author of the children's book ‘There Will Always Be Love’, written by Jocelyn and illustrated by her twin Jess, who is on the spectrum.

They travel around the United States with Jess talking about Autism and our experiences. They also host an online show on Sunday nights, discussing disability topics of the day.

A"lot"of"discussion"has"been"going"on"in"the" au2s2c"community"regarding"the"acceptance," rather"than"the"awareness,"of"au2s2c"people.""

I"have"been"very"clear"on"my"own"feelings" regarding"acceptance"all"over"the"place," including"in"this"magazine.

I"have"a"disadvantage"in"speaking"about"this," however.""I"am"not"a"parent,"nor"am"I"an"au2s2c" person.""In"some"people’s"eyes,"this"invalidates" my"stance"on"acceptance.""Siblings"are"o@en"le@" out"of"the"discourse"because"we"have"not" raised,"or"are"not,"raising"an"au2s2c"person"and" we"are"not"au2s2c"ourselves."

I"decided"that"for"this"round"of"acceptance" discourse"that"I"would"go"to"those"who"fit"more" “legi2mately”"into"the"debate.""My"own"mother," Sharon,"raised"an"au2s2c"person"and"my"twin" sister,"Jess,"is"au2s2c.""I"thought"that"it"might"be" interes2ng"to"interview"my"own"family" members"regarding"the"subject.""I"had"one" simple"rule,"and"that"was"to"be"honest"about" the"answers.""Enjoy.

Me:"“What"is"your"view"on"the"acceptance"of" au2s2c"children"and"adults?”

Sharon:"“Of"course"I"am"for"accep2ng"my" children"but,"unfortunately,"not"everyone"is" built"like"that.""Life"is"not"like"a"fairy"tale"with" Cinderella.""In"an"ideal"world"we"would"accept" everyone"for"who"they"are.""But"we"don’t"live"in" that"world,"whether"it"is"au2sm,"psychological/ physical/emo2onal"disability."""These"things"are" a"part"of"your"family"members.""These"people" who"are"nonQaccep2ng,"I"can’t"relate"to"them"a" bit.”"

Jess:'“I"think"au2s2c"people"should"always"be" accepted.""That’s"preRy"much"my"thought."We" shouldn’t"be"looked"at"as"burdens"or"not"fully" people.""We"are"people.""Accept"it.“ Me:"“In"America"right"now"there"is"a"Bill"up"for" renewal"known"as"the"CombaSng"Au2sm"Act."" How"do"you"feel"about"combaSng"au2sm?”

Jess:"“I"don’t"think"you"can"combat"something" that"is"part"of"the"human"condi2on.""It"sounds" like"comba2ng"is"for"a"terrible"disease.""

Autism World Magazine - 94

.

“I"don’t"want"to"be"combaRed"against.""What" are"you"combaSng"against?""Au2sm?""Why"are" you"combaSng"me?""I"haven’t"done"anything" wrong!”

Sharon:'“I"do"not"agree"with"the"idea"of" combaSng"au2sm"because"it"is"detrimental"to" children.""Why"would"you"want"to"erase"certain" aspects"of"a"person’s"personality"when"you"do" that?""That"is"what"you"are"doing"when"you"are" combaSng"your"child.""You"don’t"want"to"do" that.""It"can"be"dangerous.

“I"do"agree"with"combat"in"a"different"way.""

When"you"think"of"combat,"you"think"of"puSng" on"armor"and"going"out"to"fight.""You"don’t"want" to"do"bad"things"to"people"you"love."I"wish" people"would"just"think"about"what"they"do"to" their"children.""

“When"I"think"of"combaSng,"I"think"of"figh2ng" the"system"for"beRer"resources"and"not" torturing"anyone.""I"think"of"being"ac2ve"in"the" community"and"schools"to"effect"change;"to"get" what"we"need.""We"should"combat"the" exploita2on"of"au2sm"and"the"disabled"in"the" media.""It’s"not"right.""For"example,"the"story"of" the"child"who"had"no"friends,"and"had"a" Facebook"birthday"party"with"two"million" people,"went"to"Disney"Land"and"played"with"a" professional"hockey"team."That"is"exploita2on"Q" in"my"opinion.""It"was"nice"to"say"happy" birthday,"but"now"the"child"is"being"used."How" will"this"change"his"life"for"good?""Or"the"story"of" the"young"disabled"man"from"last"year"who" made"a"halfQcourt"shot"in"basketball.""Why"is"it" so"important"to"make"people"feel"good"like"this?""

Why"do"we"have"such"low"expecta2ons"for"the" disabled?"Oh,"it’s"a"person"with"disability"on"the" news"doing"something"we"should"have"never" expected"of"the"disabled."

“It’s"not"that"it’s"not"awesome,"it"just"shouldn’t" be"seen"as"a"monumental"occurrence;"it" shouldn’t"be"framed"as"a"surprise"that"a" disabled"person"is"able"to"act"like"everyone"else.""

If"you"are"going"to"highlight"things,"it"should"be" highlighted"like"you"do"with"everyone"else.""The" disabled"are"not"here"to"be"your"inspira2on," side"show"or"to"make"anyone"feel"good,"they" are"human"beings"and"should"be"treated"as" such.""That"is"the"combat"that"we"need.”

Me:"“What"would"you"say"to"the"parent"who" says"that"they"love"their"child,"but"hate"their" child’s"au2sm?”

Jess:"“You"know,"I"think"I"would"tell"them"that" they"need"to"accept"the"au2sm"with"the"child" because"if"you"don’t"you"are"not"accep2ng"your" en2re"child.""I"think"that"is"not"full"acceptance."

You"can’t"really"change"what"or"who"they"are.”

Sharon:"“It"is"very"difficult"to"speak"to"parents" who"want"to"combat"the"au2sm.""If"someone"is" bent"on"curing"their"children"and"making"them" perfect,"they"are"going"to"con2nue"on"un2l"that" parent"finally"realizes"that"the"end"result"that" they"want"is"not"going"to"happen,"if"they"ever" realize.""Unfortunately,"some2mes"that"doesn’t" happen"and"you"end"up"with"abuse,"destroyed" families"and"some2mes"even"someone"who"is" killed.""We"have"seen"it.""They"do"not"think"of" the"ramifica2ons.""No"amount"of"informa2on"or" support"is"going"to"help"that.""They"are"fixated" on"what"they"need"to"do.""

“Most"parents"are"going"to"do"whatever"they" can"do"to"help"their"kids.""I"would"try"to"reason" with"those"who"do"not"listen.""I"would" encourage"parents"to"look"for"the"light"in"their" children.""I"knew"if"we"could"connect"some2me," without"harming"her"(Jessica),"we"could" eventually"reach"her.""

Autism World Magazine - 95

.

“I"knew"it"would"come"out.""It"was"a"maRer"of" how"we"could"get"it"out.""I"didn’t"accept"that"she" was"not"teachable"or"trainable.""I"did"not"give"up" on"my"child.""I"knew"she"was"reading"before"she" could"talk,"I"knew"she"was"absorbing" informa2on.""I"presumed"competency.""I"went" immediately"to"the"schools"and"started" improving"the"services.""I"know"that"as"the"child" gets"older"it"is"harder"to"look"for"that"light,"and"I" know"it"is"easy"to"get"desperate"like"that," because"I"feel"that"I"might"have"been"desperate" at"some"point.""But"would"I"have"never"accepted" my"child?""No.""I"am"not"that"person,"and"that"is" not"the"way"I"am.""Others"may"want"their" children"to"be"completely"different,"they"want" to"fix"it.

Me:"“Jessica,"what"would"you"say"to"those" families"that"are"experiencing"more"difficult" behaviors?”

“I"feel"that"all"children"have"that"same"light" somewhere.""It"is"just"a"maRer"of"finding"it"and" driving"towards"it.""It"may"not"be"what"a"parent" wants,"because"parents"want"everything"to"be" good,"but"that"is"your"child.""If"your"child"is" drawing"flowers,"no2ce"it."Don’t"ignore"those" flowers.""Add"to"those"flowers.""Make"them" happy.

Jess:"“I"think"the"same"thing"s2ll"applies.""You" have"to"more"modifica2ons"to"help"that"person" sustain"their"lifestyle,"but"I"don’t"think"that" changes"anything"about"accep2ng"your"kid"for" who"they"are.”

“How"about"we"think"about"making"the"child"or" adult"happy?""What"about"what"they"want?""

What"about"their"happiness?""They"can’t"sleep" at"night"because"they"can’t"draw"five"flowers.""

Let"them"draw"them!""Part"of"acceptance"is" about"understanding"that"there"has"to"be"an" allowance"of"selfQdetermina2on"within"their" own"capabili2es.""People"have"to"realize"that," even"if"it"doesn’t"fill"the"expecta2ons"that"we" arbitrarily"set"for"them.""If"we"do"not"put"that" person’s"happiness"at"the"forefront,"everyone" becomes"miserable.”

Me:"“Do"you"think"your"family"accepts"you?""Be" honest.”""

Jess:'“I"would"say"not"to"give"up,"not"to"give"into" despair"because"all"kids"have"poten2al.""Your" child"is"no"excep2on.""Once"you"find"your"child’s" poten2al,"you"should"help"them.""You"should" accept"your"kids.""You"can"always"try"to"find" ways"to"help"them.""But"in"the"long"run,"it"is" more"fulfilling"if"you"just"love"every"part"of" them.”

Me:"“What"about"those"who"will"need"help"for" life?""What"about"those"who"will"never" communicate,"will"stay"in"diapers"or"will"need" constant"care?”

Me:"“Do"you"want"to"elaborate"more"on"that?”"

Jess:"“No,"that’s"as"elabora2ve"as"I"am"geSng.”

Jess:"“My"family"definitely"accepts"me.""I"think" my"immediate"family"accepts"me.""I"honestly" don’t"know"if"the"others"in"my"family"accept"me.""

I"think"my"grandmother"accepts"me,"and"some" of"my"other"aunts"and"uncles"accept"me,"but"I" don’t"know"about"everyone"else.”

Me:"“How"would"you"feel"if"I"said"you"could"cure" your"au2sm?""“

Autism World Magazine - 96

.

Jess:"“I"would"tell"you"to"take"a"long"walk"off"a" short"pier,"because"you"are"my"sister"and"I"can" say"things"like"that.""And"I"would"probably"tell" you"some"words"we"can’t"put"in"the"magazine.”

Me:"“You"don’t"have"to"worry"about"that.”"

Jess:"“Good.”

Me"“How"would"you"feel"if" we"did"not"accept"you?”

Jess:"“I"would"be" devastated.""I"would"be"very" upset.""I"would"feel"that"you" wanted"nothing"to"do"with" me,"even"though"I"wanted" to"be"a"part"of"your"life.""I" think"it"is"important"that"my" family"accepts"me.""My" family"is"my"family,"and"if" they"didn’t"accept"me"I" would"be"devastated.""I" would"probably"kill"myself.”

Jess and Jocelyn

What is your experience?

Do you agree with Jocelyn?

Do get in touch with us at AWM Email: story@magswest.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/worldautism Website: www.autismworldmagazine.com

Autism World Magazine - 97

.

HOW

?

ABOUT THEM APPLES with Damaras Hanchett

Adam has autism and we were told that he may never speak. Well through everyday hard work, Adam has been making beautiful progress, sometimes it’s hard to understand him.

But yesterday when he got up from his nap, Adam asked "where is ander?" Zander=ander.

Billy responded that he was upstairs, Adam then says "ander stairs aying helo each" Zander was upstairs playing Halo Reach Billy and I were just smiles :):)

Priceless Autism World Magazine - 98

.

Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute Telethon Institute mailto: autism.childhealthresearch.org.au mailto: autism.childhealthresearch.org.au mailto: autism.childhealthresearch.org.au mailto: autism.childhealthresearch.org.au mailto: autism.childhealthresearch.org.au mailto: autism.childhealthresearch.org.au mailto:

Autism World Magazine - 99

.

Autism W rld

Magazine

Contributor request request Contributor request request Controbutor request request Controbutor

mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail Wantmail To Be mail mail mail mail mail mail mailFeatured mail mailIn This Magazine? mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mailrequest mail mail request request Controbutor request Controbutor request request Controbutor request mail mail mail mail mail mail mailrequest mailrequest mail mail request Controbutor Controbutor request request Controbutor request request mail mail mail mail mail Controbutor mail request mailrequest mailControbutor mail request mail request Controbutor request request Controbutor request request Controbutor request mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mailrequest mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail Click The Image Above To mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail Become An Autism mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail W rld Magazine mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail Contributor Controbutor request request Controbutor request mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail request Controbutor request request Controbutor request request Controbutor request request mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail Controbutor request request Controbutor request request Controbuto Controbutor rmail request request mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail Controbutor request request Controbutor request request Controbutor request request request mail mail mail mail mail mail mail Leave mail mail Or Just Us mail Your request Controbutor request request Controbutor request request Controbutor request request mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail mail Comments Or Feedback Controbutor request request Controbutor request request Controbutor request request Controbutor

Autism World Magazine - 100

.