Autism and Slavery
There was something different about our first grandson. He was a happy baby, he loved to chase the rainbows that came through the prisms in my window while he was in his walker. But he didn't speak or develop the same as others. He was a quiet baby, content with playing with certain toys for hours on end.
Eventually, my daughter got him on the list for TEACCH. It took months on the list before he could be evaluated, then the hard news came. Alex is Autistic.
He's a beautiful boy, just looking at him you would never suspect that he is autistic.
We really had no knowledge of this disorder or how to deal with his autism. His life has provided a learning experience for the whole family.
Alex is a loving boy, never holds a grudge and comforts the other children when they are having a bad day. He has never met a stranger, if someone attracts his attention, he will boldly walk over to them and introduce himself. Yet he has trouble connecting with children his age. He wants friends but kids his age find him weird.
Off and on through his young life, Valencia his mom, has home-schooled him. Too often public school can not and will not provide the tools he needs to develop. Both Alex and his younger brother Brandon are now being home schooled.
For the last two weeks Alex has been learning about slavery and today's assignment was to write and illustrate a poem. Maggie was so impressed with his poem she has shared it with the family. I am so proud of Alex, I am sharing it with you.
Maggie (his other grandmother) writes, "He did this with no prompting from me and with no fussing. It is all Alex's work and his words."
I will not be controlled like a dog. I will not do what you want. Neither tell me or force me what to do. I will stand what is right and your ways are wrong. No dog is a slave to a owner. You will let me off my leash that will let me be free.
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Alex is 13 now
Brandon is 7, but Brandon is more of the big brother.
Often Alex will make cartoon noises, it's as if he is playing a movie in his head. If he likes something, he can tell you everything there is to know about it (he loves Star Wars and video games). Otherwise, it can be quite a task getting him to complete a lesson.
He's a sweet loving child, but when he hugs you, he leans in shoulder first and you can barely feel his touch.
Now, 1 in 166 children are diagnosed with Autism. They still don't know what causes it.
No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.
Progressive Discussions
Thank you for sharing this.
It strikes me as especially appropriate for this forum, too. We make a lot of noise here (sometimes joyful and sometimes not), all striving to communicate what we feel must be said and heard. This post for Alex interrupts the din and reminds me to think about those who are seldom heard so clearly. The way we regard, behave toward, safeguard or fail the interests of individuals like Alex is one of the most important indicators of what kind of society we are or could become.
thank you for your kind words Brunette
you are right, one of the many issues we should be pursuing is giving a voice to the voiceless.
No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.
Progressive Discussions
My eldest Grandson is Autistic. He is 18 now.
I cannot tell you how greatly he has blessed my life. He is my Anthony Adame and he loves his grandpa. He has developed far beyond what we were told he would when, as a baby, he was diagnoised with Autism. I saw him yesterday at my daughters house. I really love that kid, and he loves his grandpa.
I will always be commited to helping these misunderstood Americans.
Unconditional love
no matter the situation, Alex loves without conditions. Every slight is forgiven and never talked about again.
I heard an interview once by a woman who also had autism that their thought process is different than the norm. If we could just figure that out and apply it in a learning situation it could help so many.
Thank you Marshall, they are very misunderstood.
No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.
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Both of you must be special people
to have been given the gift of these wonderful grandchildren. I know peronally that Momo is special and I have a pretty good feeling that Marshall is too.
Miss you Love
Both Alex and Brandon are special. Interestingly, because Alex was home schooled so much, Brandon has been home schooled. When he started kindergarten, they automatically advanced him to the first grade, but he was still a half a year ahead of his classmates. He had been so excited about going to school, then not a week into the year, he became bored. The schools can't provide for him either....both end of the spectrum.
No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.
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I think a real problem
and one that is very misunderstood, is that the schools *have* to provide for children. Not just children who fall within a "typical" range. They are required - by law - to provide for the needs of all children. In my experience, the schools lack the experience and the funding to provide the specialized instruction for children who are - as you put it - at either end of the continuum.
There are, of course, rules that apply to how you approach the schools for help. Unfortunately so many parents feel intimidated by the school administration that they don't know how to talk to them, or are talked into situations that aren't appropriate for their child. There are resources - like the one I mentioned below - that can help. I'm posting this stuff for people who are lurking and not necessarily commenting. Another good resource is the Exceptional Children's Assistance Center. These folks will even go to meetings with parents and school administration to help with individual cases, if necessary. Valuable resources indeed.
Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi
Very true Linda
The last meeting they had with the Administration, just before they pulled him out of public school, they were told that Alex needs to be put on Ritalin. That was the last straw!
No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.
Progressive Discussions
School Administrators
as much as I love them :) - are not doctors, and can't diagnose conditions or prescribe medicine. They can suggest that the child be evaluated by a doctor because of behavior or other issues.
I can understand that being the last straw. I'm so glad your daughter was able to homeschool in this situation.
I just wish the schools had the resources (financial and human) to actually meet the needs that they are mandated to meet.
Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi
Thanks for posting this, Mo.
Autism Spectrum Disorder affects so many people - I'm willing to bet that there is not one of us here who doesn't know someone who has that diagnosis.
Families should know that there is some support out there - The Family Support Network of NC provides support to parents from the testing stage on. The best thing they do (in my opinion) is do parent-to-parent matching.
Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi
Linda, I wish I had known you in Alex's early years
maybe things could have been different as far as daycare and schooling.
No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.
Progressive Discussions
Posting all of this now will help someone else.
thanks for sharing your family's story.
Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi
My daughter
This post strikes close to home for me, too. My own daughter has non-verbal learning disabilities that put her on the "spectrum" and create real challenges for her in social situations and in certain kinds of school work. The situation isn't such that she meets clinical criteria for IEPs or special education, but it's just enough that she finds herself off the beaten path, especially in peer relationships. She is such a sweet young woman. It breaks my heart to see her have to confront the reality that she has a "different kind of mind."
We have all been blessed
because Valencia met a wonderful man that understands and has lived thru a similar situation. He anticipated Alex's eventual realization that he is different and has been working with him for years to try to ease him into acceptance without shame.
No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.
Progressive Discussions
All Kinds of Minds
Not specifically directed at autism but check out All Kinds of Minds in Chapel Hill. It's a national org that has helped several kids that I'm aware of who smart but different learners.
I will Greg and A
this looks very interesting. I'll also forward to Valencia and Mike.
No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.
Progressive Discussions