Food for thought! But what about those kids diagnosed after the age of 7? and those who receive support until the age of 7? Is 7 a magic number? Do kids suddennly become cured of Autism at age 7? Hmmmm.
http://www.nbnnews.com.au/index.php/2012/02/20/package-delivers-the-goods/
Showing posts with label HFA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HFA. Show all posts
Monday, February 20, 2012
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Currently reading.....normal stuff!!!!
I tend to get hooked into one author or genre for ages. In the interest of broadening my horizons a bit I have gone of the beaten track to test two very different styles out recently. Well, different for me that is!
I've mentioned before that working for a theatre company has some fairly serious perks. Last year we premiered Tim Wintons first penned play (all his previous plays have been adapted from novels and done so by other playwrights) I met Mr Winton with very little star glaze. Dont get me wrong, I adore the play Cloudstreet, but have as yet not got round to reading the novel. So, as Im sitting at my desk in the office, with Tim Winton hanging out having a chat, I am struck by, not only how lovely and down to earth the man is, but also how, well, ordinary he is.
Which is what makes his writing so endearing. He finds detail in the most ordinary everyday moments and helps his readers slow down long enough to notice the little things and find a new appreciation in something that had never stood out before.
Watching a doco recently about 'how the brain works' I now realise that this is the brains way of stopping us overloading each day. If we noticed every little detail as we move through the world we simply wouldn't be able to function, we would simply get nothing done. We'd all be like hippy's, stopping to smell the roses and appreciate the way the light filters through the trees at a particular time of the day and the colours produced give you warm fuzzies. (Ok maybe that last bit is more to do with me being a lighting nerd and missing creating immensly....)
So, I've had this 'insight' recently. Artists, whether they be the visual/ textile/ sculpture kind, photographers, designers, performers, writers, musicians etc - they see the world differently to those that are artsy challenged. They see what everyone else is too busy to see.
When my employer produces a theatrical production, they are discecting moments in time and amplifying the effect as they project their sound and images to their audience. For example; a lighting design manipulates and controls what the audience should focus on at any given time. The colours they use may be naturalistc to convince us of a particular time of day or temperature. They may also use non naturlistic colours to symbolise an idea at a basic level. Wash the stage in red as someone is murderred. Green backlight as the wicked witch gets her evil on. This is similar across all the designers, with costumes that symbolise their character etc. Every single choice made by a production team is specifically to point out to the audience that 'you should be noticing this, this is important'
Again, I have diverted!
So, Ive been reading Tim Winton. First was "The Turning" followed by "Dirt Music." Both left me with a profound need to travel and desire to notice more. Reading Tim's stuff is such a breath of fresh air and a lovely break from my usual paranormal 20 book long series'.
I've also finally started reading a recent purchase that was in itself long overdue. "Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum - A Parent's guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transitional Needs of Teenagers with Autism Spectruim Disorders", by Chantal Sicile-Kira.
It is a broad rangeing overview of a broad spectrum disorder. There is plenty that doesn't relate directly to Z, my youngest, who is on the spectrum. But there have also be plenty of 'A-Ha!" moments to give me food for thought too. Only a small way into in so far so will report back when I've progressed further into it.
This post took me three sessions to finish over as many weeks. I've had a terribly sore back with a pinched nerve, so sitting down makes it worse! Made it really hard to keep on top of the shop or blog. Onwards and upwards - to better health and clearer understanding!
I've mentioned before that working for a theatre company has some fairly serious perks. Last year we premiered Tim Wintons first penned play (all his previous plays have been adapted from novels and done so by other playwrights) I met Mr Winton with very little star glaze. Dont get me wrong, I adore the play Cloudstreet, but have as yet not got round to reading the novel. So, as Im sitting at my desk in the office, with Tim Winton hanging out having a chat, I am struck by, not only how lovely and down to earth the man is, but also how, well, ordinary he is.
Which is what makes his writing so endearing. He finds detail in the most ordinary everyday moments and helps his readers slow down long enough to notice the little things and find a new appreciation in something that had never stood out before.
Watching a doco recently about 'how the brain works' I now realise that this is the brains way of stopping us overloading each day. If we noticed every little detail as we move through the world we simply wouldn't be able to function, we would simply get nothing done. We'd all be like hippy's, stopping to smell the roses and appreciate the way the light filters through the trees at a particular time of the day and the colours produced give you warm fuzzies. (Ok maybe that last bit is more to do with me being a lighting nerd and missing creating immensly....)
So, I've had this 'insight' recently. Artists, whether they be the visual/ textile/ sculpture kind, photographers, designers, performers, writers, musicians etc - they see the world differently to those that are artsy challenged. They see what everyone else is too busy to see.
When my employer produces a theatrical production, they are discecting moments in time and amplifying the effect as they project their sound and images to their audience. For example; a lighting design manipulates and controls what the audience should focus on at any given time. The colours they use may be naturalistc to convince us of a particular time of day or temperature. They may also use non naturlistic colours to symbolise an idea at a basic level. Wash the stage in red as someone is murderred. Green backlight as the wicked witch gets her evil on. This is similar across all the designers, with costumes that symbolise their character etc. Every single choice made by a production team is specifically to point out to the audience that 'you should be noticing this, this is important'
Again, I have diverted!
So, Ive been reading Tim Winton. First was "The Turning" followed by "Dirt Music." Both left me with a profound need to travel and desire to notice more. Reading Tim's stuff is such a breath of fresh air and a lovely break from my usual paranormal 20 book long series'.
I've also finally started reading a recent purchase that was in itself long overdue. "Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum - A Parent's guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transitional Needs of Teenagers with Autism Spectruim Disorders", by Chantal Sicile-Kira.
It is a broad rangeing overview of a broad spectrum disorder. There is plenty that doesn't relate directly to Z, my youngest, who is on the spectrum. But there have also be plenty of 'A-Ha!" moments to give me food for thought too. Only a small way into in so far so will report back when I've progressed further into it.
This post took me three sessions to finish over as many weeks. I've had a terribly sore back with a pinched nerve, so sitting down makes it worse! Made it really hard to keep on top of the shop or blog. Onwards and upwards - to better health and clearer understanding!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Z, ASD and transitioning
It's been an up and down few weeks in the house, with the usual kids visit with their father down south with his family - a whirlwind one week visit - which usually does more to upset Z than I believe it does good.
That, along with xmas and all the hoo ha, the festive season is generally a time of extreme emotions and reactions for Z because routine flies out the window. Routine is something that HFA (High Functioning Autism) kids come to rely on as a way to get through the day without any major shifts if emotions.
Compounding all of this though is a fairly significant step for Z, the transition from primary school to high school. After a particularly long and drawn out tantrum (Bear in mind that Z is turning 13 this year) at 10pm one night this week - initially a reaction to being made to do the dishes (his job) after letting them pile up for two days - which then blew out into a tirade of self abusive slurs about his own abilities, emotions, lack of friends etc.
Sitting on the kitchen floor with him I managed to somehow reach him during his meltdown. This has become much easier to do since he was diagnosed a few years ago. For him, having a label for his reactions made it easier for him to have more control over 'coming back' from an episode. It also gave me more understanding of what he was going through (less focussing on how I had gone wrong in my parenting). We had a chat. He admitted that although he had grown more confident in the last year he had still been bullied at school, often by kids younger than him. My heart broke - why hadnt he told me - he said that that was not something you want to admit to anyone!
I have ordered some books. He doesnt want to go to a peadiatric psych, so for now we will see what we can do together, but I have made it clear that in the best interest of his health we will not rule out outside help if it is needed.
One book is for me, but is also suitable for Z to read:
Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Parent's Guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transition Needs of Teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders
the second is for Z:
Living Well on the Spectrum: How to Use Your Strengths to Meet the Challenges of Asperger Syndrome/High-Functioning Autism
We will soldier on!
A
That, along with xmas and all the hoo ha, the festive season is generally a time of extreme emotions and reactions for Z because routine flies out the window. Routine is something that HFA (High Functioning Autism) kids come to rely on as a way to get through the day without any major shifts if emotions.
Compounding all of this though is a fairly significant step for Z, the transition from primary school to high school. After a particularly long and drawn out tantrum (Bear in mind that Z is turning 13 this year) at 10pm one night this week - initially a reaction to being made to do the dishes (his job) after letting them pile up for two days - which then blew out into a tirade of self abusive slurs about his own abilities, emotions, lack of friends etc.
Sitting on the kitchen floor with him I managed to somehow reach him during his meltdown. This has become much easier to do since he was diagnosed a few years ago. For him, having a label for his reactions made it easier for him to have more control over 'coming back' from an episode. It also gave me more understanding of what he was going through (less focussing on how I had gone wrong in my parenting). We had a chat. He admitted that although he had grown more confident in the last year he had still been bullied at school, often by kids younger than him. My heart broke - why hadnt he told me - he said that that was not something you want to admit to anyone!
I have ordered some books. He doesnt want to go to a peadiatric psych, so for now we will see what we can do together, but I have made it clear that in the best interest of his health we will not rule out outside help if it is needed.
One book is for me, but is also suitable for Z to read:
Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Parent's Guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transition Needs of Teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders
the second is for Z:
Living Well on the Spectrum: How to Use Your Strengths to Meet the Challenges of Asperger Syndrome/High-Functioning Autism
We will soldier on!
A
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Weddings, birthdays rollercoasters and the inevitable Hogsbreath
It's been a massive week in Vintage Twists (and her owners) world.
As I drink my morning coffee and look back on the week I've just had, I have to ask myself what the hell the universe was thinking? Throwing that crap at me? I mean, SERIOUSLY?????
Good, positive, awesomeness was the 50% off sale in my store. Selling 12 items in one week was big for this 'lil full time with other (real) job. I could also be convinced to run it again, considering the space I made in my back room. As my gaze wanders to the rather large box brought in from the car yesterday, I realise that the space has been filled, twice over! (Working for a theatre company can have it's pluses come wardrobe clean out day!)
Also good positive awesomeness was one of my oldest and dearest friends, Fiona, getting married. She looked amazing, radiant. Every time I caught sight of the gorgeous groom, Donald, gazing at her and turned into a blubbering mess. Wait until you see the pic, you will see what I mean about the way he is looking at her!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jhos-Pics-Photography/163252280376405
Whats more, at the reception, she sang to him. A moment I will never forget!
I wore a vintage 80's does 50's skirt from America, complete with crinoline to puff it out. I suspect the outfit just made my hips look bigger, but was loads of fun to wear.
The flip side to that seemed to be that big old thing, communication, threatening to implode my own relationship from the inside out. Thankfully, roller coasters have an endpoint. You can choose to get off or have another ride. Im a bit dizzy, but still on the ride.
Awesome above all maybe is reaching that milestone of seeing your baby boy look and act like a man.
Problem is, he is only 15, as of yesterday. 6 foot 3 and a half, size 15 shoes. Gigantor. What's more, he hasn't finished growing yet.
Took him and the family out to Hogsbreath Cafe and we just 'went for it'. Birthday boy O and M shared a meat tower which consisted of a lamb chop, a steak, a few ribs and a strip of bacon each, along with curly fries and salad. I had the chicken parma and Z had nuggets and curly fries kids meal. (we spent a while coaching him to try something different. He went for safe in the end. Classic spectrum behaviour. My sisters daughter touches many foods to the tip of her nose before trying them. The quirks that go with the syndrome are many and varied.
VT
As I drink my morning coffee and look back on the week I've just had, I have to ask myself what the hell the universe was thinking? Throwing that crap at me? I mean, SERIOUSLY?????
Good, positive, awesomeness was the 50% off sale in my store. Selling 12 items in one week was big for this 'lil full time with other (real) job. I could also be convinced to run it again, considering the space I made in my back room. As my gaze wanders to the rather large box brought in from the car yesterday, I realise that the space has been filled, twice over! (Working for a theatre company can have it's pluses come wardrobe clean out day!)
Also good positive awesomeness was one of my oldest and dearest friends, Fiona, getting married. She looked amazing, radiant. Every time I caught sight of the gorgeous groom, Donald, gazing at her and turned into a blubbering mess. Wait until you see the pic, you will see what I mean about the way he is looking at her!
Whats more, at the reception, she sang to him. A moment I will never forget!
The flip side to that seemed to be that big old thing, communication, threatening to implode my own relationship from the inside out. Thankfully, roller coasters have an endpoint. You can choose to get off or have another ride. Im a bit dizzy, but still on the ride.
Awesome above all maybe is reaching that milestone of seeing your baby boy look and act like a man.
Problem is, he is only 15, as of yesterday. 6 foot 3 and a half, size 15 shoes. Gigantor. What's more, he hasn't finished growing yet.
Took him and the family out to Hogsbreath Cafe and we just 'went for it'. Birthday boy O and M shared a meat tower which consisted of a lamb chop, a steak, a few ribs and a strip of bacon each, along with curly fries and salad. I had the chicken parma and Z had nuggets and curly fries kids meal. (we spent a while coaching him to try something different. He went for safe in the end. Classic spectrum behaviour. My sisters daughter touches many foods to the tip of her nose before trying them. The quirks that go with the syndrome are many and varied.
M and I convinced O to have the "Rocky Rd" desert as I had failed as a mother and not provided a birthday cake. An amazing feat helped by mum and Z.
So, a week of clearing out the Vintage Twists vault, new love, renewed love, ageing and celebrating.
Looking ahead I have the Chris Cornell concert next week....woot! Bout time I got my music on!VT
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Doing this while I really should be cooking!
You see, this is exactly why I needed to start a blog.
It's just ater 4pm on a Sunday and while everyone else are laying around in blissful relaxation, I am feeling guilt over doing things other than the kitchen variety.
Why is it that we allow self guilt? Why am I unable to lie around on a weekend without feeling like I should be furiously scrubbing, washing and cooking up a storm.
So, really, this blog may be seen as an wexcuse, avoidance, or the one I am leaning towards: therapy! Ha!
Really, it will help link up a few things going on that can be hard to keep track of.
Today I did my time on the work stall going on as part of the Outskirts Festival in Northbridge. I bought myself this crazy awesome bag organiser made by Brag Bags
I bought this one in Black:
http://bragbags.com.au/products/Handbag_Organiser_Zip_Linen_XStandard-252-2.html
Considering how many times a change bags in any given week, this little puppy is going to make life a lot easier
Also picked up a leather vintage belt, black pants and two t shirts for M, so he was all happy!
Time to don the domestic apron and get on with it all.
On tonights menu is a ready rolled roast pork, no crackle so M and the kids will no doubt spit it. My thighs will thank me I am sure!
It's just ater 4pm on a Sunday and while everyone else are laying around in blissful relaxation, I am feeling guilt over doing things other than the kitchen variety.
Why is it that we allow self guilt? Why am I unable to lie around on a weekend without feeling like I should be furiously scrubbing, washing and cooking up a storm.
So, really, this blog may be seen as an wexcuse, avoidance, or the one I am leaning towards: therapy! Ha!
Really, it will help link up a few things going on that can be hard to keep track of.
Today I did my time on the work stall going on as part of the Outskirts Festival in Northbridge. I bought myself this crazy awesome bag organiser made by Brag Bags
I bought this one in Black:
http://bragbags.com.au/products/Handbag_Organiser_Zip_Linen_XStandard-252-2.html
Considering how many times a change bags in any given week, this little puppy is going to make life a lot easier
Also picked up a leather vintage belt, black pants and two t shirts for M, so he was all happy!
Time to don the domestic apron and get on with it all.
On tonights menu is a ready rolled roast pork, no crackle so M and the kids will no doubt spit it. My thighs will thank me I am sure!
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