New (and returned!) Member Q&A - the spotlight is on you!
Posted by
donnaj
on 2nd June 2010
at 16:26
1. How did you first become interested in autism?
I became interested in autism when my son who is 3 years old, 2 at the time was suspected autism. I couldn't believe what I read when I read up on everything, a lot sounded like CJ a lot not. but the more I talked to people I realised there was a lot more to autism than just what they have on leaflets and websites
2. What has been your most positive and memorable experience with autism?
My most positive experience would be noticing how unique my son is. And educating myself a little more about something I had no clue about and to be less judgemental.
3. Are there any speakers, writers, specialists, teachers or family members who you particularly admire? (If not, is there a book or website which you find particularly helpful?)
I don't know if there is, I haven't read a lot of things by particular people, but my social worker is full of information and she helps me out hell of a lot.
4. What would you like to see happen with autism awareness in the next 5 years?
For people to realise that you can't see autism and not to pre judge anyone with autism as you havent' lived in their shoes so you have no clue, and nor do I.
5. What do you want to get from this community?
Support and understanding xxxx
Posted by
Elena - former Community Manager
on 3rd June 2010
at 18:30
Hi Donna, thanks for taking the plunge and being the first person to participate!
I love what you said about not judging people if you haven't lived in their shoes. I see a lot of that going on (not here, but on Facebook & Twitter), not only people judging people who experience autism, but even people who experience it in some way often judge others who also experience it! (Ok that was a mouthful, hope I made sense) As we all know, autism is so different from person to person. We need reminding that it's not the same for everyone!
I'm also really glad to hear that you have a social worker who helps you out so much!
I hope that you do find the support and understanding that you need here in our community.
See you around and thanks again Donna!
Posted by
demipowell
on 11th June 2010
at 22:50
1. How did you first become interested in autism?
I've volunteered/worked with autistic children and adults for about ten years. I adopted my middle son three years ago and it has become increasingly clear over the years that he is somewhere on the autistic spectrum!!! Not that we can get a diagnosis, but thats another story.
2. What has been your most positive and memorable experience with autism?
I worked with a young boy in Peru who was severely autistic, non-verbal and very very aggressive. Over a few months he started to use his senses to communicate with others, was able to take a few classes in a classroom environment and even said a few words. One day, after I'd been off for a few days with a tummy bug, I went into school and observed from a distance as he smelled all the volunteers looking for me!!!!! FAB!
3. Are there any speakers, writers, specialists, teachers or family members who you particularly admire? (If not, is there a book or website which you find particularly helpful?)
There are many. I am currently digging Debi Brown's website! I have used "I am Special" with various young people and thats been helpful.
4. What would you like to see happen with autism awareness in the next 5 years?
I would like the doctors to stop telling me that diagnosis isn't useful as it labels people! Or that they CANNOT assess until age 7! And all the other NONSENSE they dream up.
5. What do you want to get from this community?
HELP HELP HELP HELP HELP. Any tips, advice, resources, things I havent thought of to help my little man. I have realised that about 1 percent of help comes from professionals and the other 99 percent from me, so I need all the help I can get.
Posted by
okudaisi
on 12th June 2010
at 11:26
1. How did you first become interested in autism?
i had heard about it before, through the media and when i used to work for islington council a colleague's brother had it.... when my own child was diagnosed i was shocked
2. What has been your most positive and memorable experience with autism?
the first time my child said he loved me, even though a colleague of mine said to be that my child would never say that to me! yep people can be so wicked!!
3. Are there any speakers, writers, specialists, teachers or family members who you particularly admire? (If not, is there a book or website which you find particularly helpful?)
wow where can i start! the first real online support i got was from a website called www.mdjunction.com/autism
facebook
nas, as they helped me when my son was initially diagnosed. they came through at the last minute and i got more than my child would have got if i didnt go to nas
i like reading biographies of people on the specturm that helps me to empathise and see similar traits in my son so i like temple grandin, they guys that wrote born on a blue day and the other guy who wrote Beyond the Wall lol sorry i cant remember their names
4. What would you like to see happen with autism awareness in the next 5 years?
5. What do you want to get from this community?
well i am a give adn take person, i have a lot of knowledge i think around strategies, hwo to improve situations or how to be an investigator, i like finding solutions to things lol
Posted by
Elena - former Community Manager
on 14th June 2010
at 10:30
Many thanks to Demi & Ola for participating in the Q&A - thanks for sharing your thoughts!
It's so great to hear your stories...and Ola you have made me realise that perhaps the last question should include a bit more..."What do you want to get from this community? What can you bring to the community?" (or something like that) I'll edit it now...
Posted by
okudaisi
on 14th June 2010
at 11:13
ok, great! take care
Posted by
okudaisi
on 14th June 2010
at 11:18
Hi Demi, you didnt say how old your middle child is... in regards to help, what things are you having issues with at the moment regarding a diagnosis if i believed what the professionals said i wouldnt even take any action with my son but because i believe that God will sort him out i then put my faith into action and he has improved so much because i believe. i noticed (for me) that parents who believe the diagnosis of the professionals their children seem not to develop as much as they shouild as they believed what the professional said and therefore did nothing about it i keep pushing Dave, he is hyperlexic and has an obsession with letters and numbers and patterns.. now i have trained him that things can change suddenly even though he used to be so rigid, i managed to get him more and more flexible and now he can deal with change very easily, bowever he does have his off days!
Posted by
loubielou
on 20th July 2010
at 09:46
1. How did you first become interested in autism?when my eldest sons school nurse reffered him for assessment, as i researched autism it became clear that, that was the reason i had struggled so much with him when he was a baby(and still do!!!), but also whilst researching it became clear they my youngest was showing more classic signs eg hand flapping! and also that i have aspergers.2. What has been your most positive and memorable experience with autism?has to be once we started doing very basic signing with my youngest son that he signed that he loved my (still brings tears to my eyes)3. Are there any speakers, writers, specialists, teachers or family members who you particularly admire? (If not, is there a book or website which you find particularly helpful?)my elder brother, we are both aspies, and have always had a really close bond, and being able to talk to him about my crazys (as i lovingly call them) has been a huge help, and also my husband for dealing with 3 autistic people in one house! tough job!4. What would you like to see happen with autism awareness in the next 5 years?i would like parents fighting to get answers and a diganosis to be able to easily access the resources out there, as i have really struggled myself.5. What do you want to get from this community?to get advice, support, and somewhere i can moan about how hard my day is, and also share the heart warming moments that happen and make it all worth while
Posted by
Elena - former Community Manager
on 20th July 2010
at 16:33
Hi Loubielou, and thank you so much for commenting! I really enjoyed reading your answers, and I'm so glad you've joined us here.
How beautiful and sweet that your youngest son signed that he loved you. I felt my eyes fill up with tears as I read that. It's so sweet that he wanted to communicate that to you, and you must have been over the moon!
Also, I think it's great you have a brother with whom you can connect and share life experiences with. We'd love for him and your husband to come join us sometime (if they're up for stuff like this....and if you don't mind them being around - ha!).
Well, you're certainly in the right place to have a bit of a moan and also some heart-warming moments. If you need more than a moan - a rant! - please come join us in The Rant Room.
I look forward to getting to know you more. : )
Posted by
pizzacky
on 25th September 2010
at 04:05
Hi, eveyone, happy to be here, cuz there are not much online forums to talk about Autism, and finally i could find some supporters and volunteers here, hope I can join part of you!
Here are the answers for the new five questions - for you to knowmore about me =]
1. How did you first become interested in autism?
since my undergraduate study, until 2009, I have the first chance to get in touch with them!
2. What has been your most positive and memorable experience with autism?
I love being with them, they are creative, direct and pure. I remembered an Autistic child behave quite naughty in class, but he kept holding my hand whenever the school off, just sit besides me, and reading his own interest - car wheel.Although they are not sociable, they have their own feelings, and they find their way to show you.
3. Are there any speakers, writers, specialists, teachers or family members who you particularly admire? (If not, is there a book or website which you find particularly helpful?)
I admire my mum, she devoted herself in human services, and having lots volunteer works with elderly.
4. What would you like to see happen with autism awareness in the next 5 years?
Indeed, I do reli hope to advocate more about special education need among community, and increase the resources to support parents with Autistics children.
5. What do you want to get from this community? And/or: What will you bring to this community?
we are a group, I will keep sharing my views and experience related to Autism, and hope others can also provide suggestions for me.
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Posted by
Elena - former Community Manager
on 2nd June 2010
at 14:44
Welcome to the New (and returned!) Member Q&A section.
This is a new section we've created, so that new members of Talk about Autism can drop by and answer 5 quick questions. This is a great way for us to get to know a bit more about you - and one day, when you're ready, you are more than welcome to volunteer to become a featured member of the month for our monthly Member Q&A.
For older members who haven't been around in a while, and who would like to re-connect with the community, you're more than welcome to jump in also! Please also come say hello in the Welcome back! discussion.
How to participate:
To participate, all you have to do is post a comment below with your answers to the five questions.
We'll ask the same questions of everyone, but if there's a question which you personally are not comfortable with answering, or just don't wish to answer - please don't hesitate to skip over that one.
If you have any difficulties with this activity, or if you just want to chat about it, send me an email at mike@talkaboutautism.org.uk.
New members, please answer these five questions:
1. How did you first become interested in autism?
2. What has been your most positive and memorable experience with autism?
3. Are there any speakers, writers, specialists, teachers or family members who you particularly admire? (If not, is there a book or website which you find particularly helpful?)
4. What would you like to see happen with autism awareness in the next 5 years?
5. What do you want to get from this community? And/or: What will you bring to this community?
Over to you! Say as little or as much as you like!