Why I don’t like all of those “get off social media and into the real world” posts, by Morenike. A great explanation about why interacting with others via social media can be more “real world” than IRL interactions, for those on the spectrum.
The obsessive joy of autism
The obsessive joy of autism, by Julia Bascom (Just Stimming). A lot of things about having autism are hard – but she so beautifully describes her obsessive joy as well. It’s gleeful, rich, intense, and all-encompassing.
Accommodations: being different
A case for universal design: accommodations and being singled out, by S.E. Smith. Accessibility is useful for everyone, not just people with disabilities (eg wheelchair ramps can also be used by parents with strollers, cyclists etc). Having to request accommodations can leave people feeling isolated and different due to fundamental aspects of their identity- the choice to blend in or stand out is not their own.
(Categorised under Disability and Politics, because Australia doesn’t robustly enforce its policies about Disability Discrimination).
Aut(ism Mine)craft
10 things I’ve learned from running a Minecraft server for children with autism, by Stuart Duncan. A great article from the father who started the Autcraft server – a safe place for children with autism to enjoy playing Minecraft. Our experience on Autcraft has been very positive, and matches what is written in the article.
Autism – hygiene
Frank talk about special needs and hygiene, by Shannon Des Roches Rosa. She discusses circumcision, dental hygiene and toilet training in detail – interesting, practical and amusing. She also encourages parents to not unwittingly undermine their children’s self-care skills, especially when such skills are acquired slowly.
Toy triumphs!
We all know how challenging it can be to find toys that our kids love. Thankfully when they get a bit older, there’s always special interests to guide our gifting decisions. Here’s a selection of our recent wins:
Topple Tree – we’ve had a lot of fun with this toy. It’s one of a few balance/construction type toys, that can be used for turn-taking, sorting and so many other things!
Brain Box Click Electronics – not so much about the electronics (at this age), but the fan. You can assemble the circuit so that pressing a button makes the fan spin, and releasing the button releases the fan to flyyyyyy!! Great for indoor exercise as well, retrieving the fan, sending it flying again, retrieving the fan, sending it flying again etc. There’s also a little light and a few other options. Next step will be demonstrating the order to assemble the circuit :).
Wind up monkey with cymbals. Clockwork toys just never seem to get old. Add in the cymbals and it’s a winner :).
Spinning top with colourful LEDs and music.
Fringe dress. Sooo cute! Hmm, to file in sensory toys or sensory clothing??
Micro Chargers Light Racers. Two tiny cars are charged up then race around the glow-in-the-dark track with their lights on for the specified number of laps, then circle in the finished area until they run out of charge.
Battery-powered glitter lava lamp. Also cycles through different colours of light when shaken/inverted. I bought ours for $3.50 from Stacks Discounts (a $2/cheapie shop) – unfortunately they don’t have a website, but it’s always worth checking the cheapie shops! (The link is to a similar product at Smiggle, right at the bottom of the page).
Skylight Rocket. The good old stomp rocket, with a light for night-time, and a soft tip for indoor use. Also great for indoor exercise – glee and retrieval :).
Pin Art! Gotta be the metal though – the plastic just doesn’t do it for us. Can get it cheaper on Ebay or elsewhere if you shop around.
All the things I’m supposed to be
All the things I’m supposed to be, by Autism with a side of fries. It’s humorous, it’s pretty realistic, and it made me smile.
Physical affection
Why you might think I have rude kids, by Kelly (The Reformed Idealist Mom). An interesting perspective on not requiring her children to be physically affectionate – even with family. I especially liked the “Hug, handshake or high-five” option.
Selective community care
No one brings dinner when your daughter is an addict, by Larry M. Lake. Interesting autobiographical account of the care shown by his community both when his wife had cancer, and after his daughter was involved in a car accident – both physical illnesses/traumas. And the deafening silence when his daughter was working through mental health issues and addictions.
Tips for journalists
How editors and journalists can produce better and fairer reporting on people with disability. Includes 10 tips for representing disability in the media, eg don’t use suffers/bound, skip the hero/pity thing, don’t focus on the disability (that person may be a footballer, brother, lawyer etc), recognise that there are more disabilities than just the physical ones.
lovenlearning 