It's September
September is an interesting month for autistic kids and parents. There can be a tremendous amount of stress in trying to figure out if this school year will be better or worse than last year. For some people, the thought that it could actually get worse is enough to make you scream. But it can and for some it will. For those folks, my heart goes out to you. I hope that someone figures out a way to reach your child the same way you do. If you are autistic, I hope that someone is compassionate and patient enough to make you feel comfortable in your new surroundings. And if you are lucky enough to have it all fall into place, well then, I am thrilled for you.
If you are a parent and your kids are back to school, then why don't you take some time to read a book or watch a movie. I just read Kerry Cohen's new book Seeing Ezra. It is a touching memoir of a mother who accepts her autistic boy. In the beginning there is a lot of reluctance and resentment but no one knows Ezra better than she knows Ezra. I was particularly interested in the author's note at the beginning of the book where she explains her use of the words "autistic" instead of saying "person with autism". I catch a lot of grief for using "autistic" and love to see it becoming more acceptable. The one thing that hit me about the book is the trouble, isolation and depression that parents sometimes go through when a child is diagnosed. It highlights the fact that there is still so much more awareness that needs to be spread. Make sure you pick up a copy of Cohen's book. I am sure there are many that can relate to her struggle towards acceptance. Please click here to buy a copy.
If you are in Columbus, OH area, please click here to join ASAN's Autism Speaks Protest. Do we want all that money going towards employee's salaries? I don't.
ASAN is also 5 years old this fall! Congrats to this fantastic self advocacy group. "Nothing about us without us" is their motto. I like to say "Nothing about them, without them." Click here to learn more about their fundraiser and celebration in DC this November 16th.
On a final note, on October 21st and 22nd, Autcom will be holding the Autism Without Limits Conference in Burbank, CA . Here is a list of the scheduled speakers (yes, I am thrilled to be one of them):
- Anne Donnellen
- Sue Rubin
- Stephen Hinkle
- Johnny and Chris Seitz
- Darlene Hanson
- Steven Gersten
- Jeremy Sicile-Kira:
- Peyton Goddard
- Parent Panel (Rita Rubin, Emily Iland, Lisa Lieberman, Nancy Brady)
- Jordan Ackerson: Mike Hoover, Rob Cutler
- Jodi Robledo
- Steven Kapp
- Dana Commandatore
- Lars Perner
- Nick Pentzell
Posted by Rethinking Autism at 9/17/2011 3:12 PM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: Seeing Ezra Kerry Cohen neurodiveristy Autistic Self Advocacy Network Autcom
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: Seeing Ezra Kerry Cohen neurodiveristy Autistic Self Advocacy Network Autcom
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