This is my very first blog post on my newly designed autism blog. Obviously I am going to be writing about autism and about my experience parenting my son. We are also homeschooling here so I will be sure to talk a lot about teaching. Before kids I used to be a teacher/therapist for folks with multiple disabilities. Little did I know that my education and career would come in handy in a very personal way. Actually to be honest, all the books and methods and experience did not fully prepare me for the challenges ahead. I am still learning.
I love lists so why don't I create one now.
Topics I will most likely be blogging about:
* Day to day challenges
* What has worked for us in teaching skills and/or academics
* How to cope as a parent or caregiver
* Discovering your child's gifts
* Sharing the successes and joys
* Toys, books, videos, materials and resources which have helped us
* Max's creations and artwork
And likewise here are some things I will probably NOT be writing about:
* The vaccine controversies
* Cures for Autism
* How my kid is better than your kid
* How I am a better parent than you
* How my methods/ways/choices are superior to yours
* Criticisms and judgements of other parents and caregivers who are just trying to help their child.
Now and then I may get on my soapbox but I am so weary of the political gesturing and haranguing in the autism world. It gets old really fast. My son is twelve now and with each year that passes it seems it gets worse with people fussing and fighting one another and seemingly caring more about their ideologies than about their own child.
I can tell you my stance right up front. My focus is my child. My son doesn't care what my thoughts are about the latest controversies in the autism world. He is my world.
I am hoping to be a positive force here, sharing a little of what I have learned along the way. Likewise I am in need of lots of advice and support myself. We are entering new and potentially scary territory here...the adolescent years.
Anyways...welcome to the autism express...all aboard!
PS...be sure to check out the train at the bottom for all you train lovers out there.
