Comments on: Autism – back to basics

By: Curtis Maybin

Curtis Maybin — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 00:04:30 +0000

Great stuff on autism looking forward to more. Thanks Curtis Maybin

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By: Suzanne B.

Suzanne B. — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:52:17 +0000

Awesome post…you have a great way of speaking truth with wit and irony! I spend so much conversational energy each day prompting my son on how/when/why to respond to basic cues, I fear that I’m going to start prompting rude friends and family members in my life who don’t have autism as a legitimate excuse for their behavior! And best wishes on the IEP front. Even in the best environments, those meetings are the emotional equivalent of having a root canal without anesthetic.

By: Cordelia Ross

Cordelia Ross — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:00:55 +0000

I absolutely LOVE reading your writing! It’s addicting, hilarious, and beautiful. Thank you!

By: Crystal Jigsaw

Crystal Jigsaw — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:40:12 +0000

Yep, IEP time, can be a real ball-ache. We’ve got statement review in January and I need to get down to writing a report on Amy’s “negatives” so they won’t take any hours of support away.

As for the pointing, that is so true.

CJ xx

By: rhemashope

rhemashope — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:14:54 +0000

Thank you for this, Maddie. Your point on pointing made me smile: “Of course I’ve noticed, it’s just that he’s an exceptionally polite child.” That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

I love that he cares to see your DNA.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:01:25 +0000

I’ve never been any good at carrying on both sides of the conversation. There are certain ways to get each of the boys’ attention, different for each one of course. For Will, it involves getting his attention away from whatever he’s focused on. A loud voice will work in a pinch, but a touch is usually best for both of us. Alex actually responds quite well to the extended hand. Taking people by the hand is his primary means of making a request. Ben will use both those…though most of the time I have to physically go and get him.

Of course, getting the attention is only half the story. Then I actually have to communicate why I wanted their attention in the first place. All bets are off there!

By: Jen

Jen — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:52:26 +0000

My son was diagnosed with autism almost 3 months ago at 23 months old. I was driven mad by the comments of ‘oh he is not pointing’ and what the significance of that is. I kind of get it now, but ‘joint attention’ is a new thing and I will read up on it more. Love that you carry on both sides of the conversation, I will try that. Great posting, thank you:) Jen

By: Rachel

Rachel — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:55:05 +0000

Very interesting, thankyou! I’ve never heard of joint attention before, maybe it’s a US thing- don’t know what IEP is either, but it sounds like a real pressure for parents & children. (I’m a UK reader btw) I agree, some of these techniques are too aggressive, you don’t want to knock the personality out of the child, however ‘odd’ their behaviour might appear .

I’ve just started an autism blog about my 6-year old daughter and her twin.

Rachelx

By: Carrie N

Carrie N — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:04:16 +0000

Joint attention – was just reflecting and writing on this topic this morning. “I have an entire conversation with myself, speaking both roles” Me too. Really? Yes. Me too. Good to know we’re not alone. Amen.