NATIONAL AUTISM CONFERENCE

Specialedder is intending to offer an "insider" perspective on public schools' attempt to navigate the maze that autism presents...philosophically, practically, politically, etc.....without any "sugar coating". Hopefully, any reader will not be put off by seemingly blunt statements.

I just attended my very first National Autism Society Conference. There are amazing people serving the needs of kids on the spectrum; there are amazing Aspies out there also. One the most enjoyable sessions concerned blogging about autism; aspieteacher.com, drivemomcrazy.com and wrongplanet.net bloggers were featured...these highly popular sites will be worthwhile reading for anyone interested in peeking into the Asperger mind.

Mr.Bob also found pleasure in positive affirmation that he's on the right track in his efforts to enable the young people in his school district...he has much more to learn, but he's going in the right direction.

As is the case anytime groups gather to discuss ASD, public schools were a front-line topic...necessarily so, since becoming educated is part of growing up. Naturally, teachers and classrooms constituted a major part of the discourse. Many comments from parents and clinical professionals were critical of the attitudes (perceived or real), policies, and practices of school districts and staff members, in particular; some expressed concerns were legitimate....some were unfair and unrealistic. While I won't elaborate at this writing (I need fodder for future entries), suffice it to say that public education is a massive bureaucratic ship turning ever so slowly, but not always so surely. And by the way, teachers desire to properly instruct kids on the spectrum--"they just don't always know how".

George and his family were close friends with my parents and sister. I liked George also, I just didn't know how to talk to him...neither did anyone else. Being the counselor guy, I saw him as non relating due to a lack of self-confidence; so I made concerted unsuccessful attempts to converse with him. It was evident that he possessed a high degree of intelligence, he had an obsession with "balancing the books," he spent an inordinate amount of time playing with my young children. After the death of my mother it was my responsibility to move "sis" to Dallas. George and family were there to help. Well, THEY were; George was disoriented, his posture was awkward, he had no idea what to do unless someone gave him explicit directions, he was constantly in the way. I was grieving, worn out, impatient...I was unkind. George is obviously on the autism spectrum. That was 15 years ago, before knowing about ASD...on my next visit to parents' grave site, maybe I'll look him up, buy lunch...see how he's doing.

Specialedder is off to the hospital for a few days--buying a new shoulder to go with the other new shoulder.

hasta la bye bye