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/
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
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Xmas, holidays and guilt free Vintage Twists time
Goodness, it HAS been a while between posts!
Looking back over the last month and its been all about getting listings into the shop, finishing off work in the office (at my full time job) before my christmas break and getting the house ready for xmas day.
I had three weekdays off before xmas weekend. I spent every single one of them at the shops in the morning and cleaning in the afternoon. I must be insane! Within minutes of collecting my kids from their week away with their Dad I immediately regretted spending those three days in a shopping and cleaning frenzy - instead wishing I had beached myself on the couch with books and girly movies. I had wasted my quiet sanctury of three blissful days with no kids and my significant other at work. What. A. Dimwit! The continuous chatter offering of random facts and ensuing sibling rivalry that badgerred me for the 40 minute drive home was like a hammer on my head, me the nail, bashing sense into me for next time with each and every thump and thwack. Must. Spend. More. Time. Doing. What. I. Love.
We convinved my youngest that they were now too old for stockings - so he didnt notice his, crammed full of junk food and silly gifts as usual, when he gently started tearing paper off his 'not from us' presents at the godforsaken hour of 5am on xmas morning. For the first time ever, I paid attention, rememberred that my mate had once salivated over remote control helicopters at a shopping centre display and although it pained me to buy a 42 year old man a toy for xmas - I did it. He was so damned happy. Win.
We started our day, as we have for several years, at the dog beach with our beloved Weimeraners -
Anzac and Sari. We tire them out whilst connecting with nature - give the pets some attention before ignoring them for the rest of the day and reminding ourselves that though we have just opened gifts and induldged we need to appreciate the freely accessible wonders at our doorstep. Xmas morning at the beach is always gently warm, still and beautiful.
It was my turn to host this year and although some may cringe at the thought, I was over the moon. For me, it meant everyone dear to me under the one roof at the same time without me having to travel all over Perth to see them all!
My sister, her hubbie and 5 out of her 7 kids (plus a tag along but very welcome boyfriend of my oldest niece) and my partners parents and sisters family. Each family contributed to the table.
I indulged my gorgeous younger nieces with chocolate, chips and lollies - what? Its my right isnt it? I always balance with a practical gift( novelty glass) and a fun gift (giant bubbles). Always over way too quick, the day flew by with squeels from the kids (and adult kids) in the pool,
a trail of chips and xmas bon bon wrappers all over the house and a table and fridge full of leftovers. Take a look at this amazing spread of deserts my talented kitchen whiz sister contributed to our spread!
Shop sales at VintageTwists in the lead up to xmas were steady and I posted several items to people that were gifts from the buyer. What a fabulous gift - vintage - it just keeps giving doesnt it!
Ive been on a frenzy of listing in the last month - below are just some of the new items you will find in the shop.
Looking back over the last month and its been all about getting listings into the shop, finishing off work in the office (at my full time job) before my christmas break and getting the house ready for xmas day.
I had three weekdays off before xmas weekend. I spent every single one of them at the shops in the morning and cleaning in the afternoon. I must be insane! Within minutes of collecting my kids from their week away with their Dad I immediately regretted spending those three days in a shopping and cleaning frenzy - instead wishing I had beached myself on the couch with books and girly movies. I had wasted my quiet sanctury of three blissful days with no kids and my significant other at work. What. A. Dimwit! The continuous chatter offering of random facts and ensuing sibling rivalry that badgerred me for the 40 minute drive home was like a hammer on my head, me the nail, bashing sense into me for next time with each and every thump and thwack. Must. Spend. More. Time. Doing. What. I. Love.
We convinved my youngest that they were now too old for stockings - so he didnt notice his, crammed full of junk food and silly gifts as usual, when he gently started tearing paper off his 'not from us' presents at the godforsaken hour of 5am on xmas morning. For the first time ever, I paid attention, rememberred that my mate had once salivated over remote control helicopters at a shopping centre display and although it pained me to buy a 42 year old man a toy for xmas - I did it. He was so damned happy. Win.
We started our day, as we have for several years, at the dog beach with our beloved Weimeraners -
Anzac and Sari. We tire them out whilst connecting with nature - give the pets some attention before ignoring them for the rest of the day and reminding ourselves that though we have just opened gifts and induldged we need to appreciate the freely accessible wonders at our doorstep. Xmas morning at the beach is always gently warm, still and beautiful.
It was my turn to host this year and although some may cringe at the thought, I was over the moon. For me, it meant everyone dear to me under the one roof at the same time without me having to travel all over Perth to see them all!
My sister, her hubbie and 5 out of her 7 kids (plus a tag along but very welcome boyfriend of my oldest niece) and my partners parents and sisters family. Each family contributed to the table.
I indulged my gorgeous younger nieces with chocolate, chips and lollies - what? Its my right isnt it? I always balance with a practical gift( novelty glass) and a fun gift (giant bubbles). Always over way too quick, the day flew by with squeels from the kids (and adult kids) in the pool,
a trail of chips and xmas bon bon wrappers all over the house and a table and fridge full of leftovers. Take a look at this amazing spread of deserts my talented kitchen whiz sister contributed to our spread! |
| Pineapple upside down cake - a childhood memory that has evry bite flooding my brain with remembering |
|
| Toffee apple trifle
which sends my eldest into a 'smeagle - like' possessiveness
|
 |
| Cherry chocolate almond torte caprese |
Shop sales at VintageTwists in the lead up to xmas were steady and I posted several items to people that were gifts from the buyer. What a fabulous gift - vintage - it just keeps giving doesnt it!
Ive been on a frenzy of listing in the last month - below are just some of the new items you will find in the shop.
See you on the flipside!
Alena
Vintage Twists
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Teaching through drama - using the arts to understand concepts in other learning areas
This is a must read article written by WA's Victoria Laurie. It's what all drama teachers know in their gut to be the answer to other teachers woes.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/creative-educating-for-the-future/story-e6frg8n6-1226205351727
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/creative-educating-for-the-future/story-e6frg8n6-1226205351727
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Heading North
As I finish my coffee and wait for a taxi, Im contemplating the fact that I've lived in Western Australia for 32 years and this will be the furthest North I have ever travelled in my own state. In the next three days I will visit Karratha, Dampier, Paraburdoo and Tom Price for work. This year has also seen me travel to Esperance, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton, Sydney and Melbourne for work and Kalbarri for a holiday. It's been a busy year but also very rewarding.
Meeting people that live in country towns is refreshing. It reminds you to slow down, to enjoy the beautiful land we live on, live off, rely on and take advantage of.
It's like all this plane travel has been scheduled to help me get over my fear of flying, which due to severe random motion sickness has me in a constant state of anxiety from 3 days before travelling. Often I need to be horizontal for many hours after a bad flight. So, on this particular trip, I will need to fly between two of the towns in a six seater plane. No it will not be fun. The mental steps I will need to overcome to even step foot on the plane will be enourmous. But I simply have no choice. The alternative was a 7 hour drive each way.
So, big pat on the back for me for not chucking a tantrum. Because I will happily admit that I am freaking the hell out.
On the plus side, I always seem to sell several items from my shop when I travel for work, so hell to the yeah - hands in the air for ka ching ka ching while Im away from the coup.
Wish me luck!
Meeting people that live in country towns is refreshing. It reminds you to slow down, to enjoy the beautiful land we live on, live off, rely on and take advantage of.
It's like all this plane travel has been scheduled to help me get over my fear of flying, which due to severe random motion sickness has me in a constant state of anxiety from 3 days before travelling. Often I need to be horizontal for many hours after a bad flight. So, on this particular trip, I will need to fly between two of the towns in a six seater plane. No it will not be fun. The mental steps I will need to overcome to even step foot on the plane will be enourmous. But I simply have no choice. The alternative was a 7 hour drive each way.
So, big pat on the back for me for not chucking a tantrum. Because I will happily admit that I am freaking the hell out.
On the plus side, I always seem to sell several items from my shop when I travel for work, so hell to the yeah - hands in the air for ka ching ka ching while Im away from the coup.
Wish me luck!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
When The Rain Stops Falling produced by Black Swan State Theatre Company
When The Rain Stops Falling, written by Andrew Bovell and
produced by
Black Swan State Theatre Company.
Saturday, October 29 - November 13 at 7:30pm,
State Theatre Centre of WA.
Photo right by Gary Marsh
Exquisite. Mesmerizing. Heartbreaking. Visually stunning.
I'm calling it. This is the best piece of theatre I have ever seen. Hands down, without a shadow of a doubt the best hour and 45 minutes I have ever spent in a theatre.
Written by the same Australian master of words as Lantana and Speaking in Tongues, Andrew Bovell hold the audience captivated with his Brechtian use breaking the fourth wall, allowing the actor to address the audience directly. His use of repetition helps to link the different characters to their descendants and his poetic, lyrical dialogue is insightful.
Directed by a favourite of mine, Director Adam Mitchell is an artist and the stage is his canvas. His hand picked cast each owned their roles like a second skin.
I had the pleasure of sitting in on some scene work in the rehearsal room. Adam directs in a very 'hands on' manner. He works the stage with his actors. Walking in their shoes, guiding them like a favoured child you can see that he was 'a little in love' with every one of his actors. He even said as much on opening night to his captivated audience that crushed the foyer after the performance. They would try a scene their way, try a scene his way. Everyone had a voice in that room, even the students I had taken in to view the rehearsal were given the chance to have their say at the end.
I digress.
Adam's direction is flawless. Helped in part by the stunning movement direction of Claudia Alessi, the scenes transitioned seamlessly from one to the next. There were no 'blackouts' in the lighting for you to collect your thoughts between scenes, so that you are digesting this non linear story on the run, learning alongside these truthful characters how the fate of their past will influence their future.
Bryan Woltjen's set and costumes were visionary. Whilst addressing the vast locations from 1950s London to 1980's Ulurru, a dreary rain soaked street to the vast landscape of the Coorong. The minimalistic props allowed what props were used to become symbols of the things that stay the same, passed down through the generations like an old hat. The use of black stage drapes to create windows and doors at the front of the stage, that tracked left and right, up and down, helped to manipulate what the audience can see at any given time. The stairway to heaven, massive, mammoth, striking and beautiful is at one point Ulurru, and another, a symbol of the ever stretching highways the go on endlessly connecting the Australian cities across the great divide.
Mia Holten's AV feast was stunning as ever. Subtle sometimes so you don't even realise she is enhancing Ben Collin's artful, self composed sound scape, blending beautifully with Trent Suidgeest's clever and also subtle lighting design. All masterfully controlled by the talented and oh so calm Anna Dymiter Hawke, Black Swans Stage Manager.
Of course, without the cast, the telling of this poetic story would not have been possible. A stellar cast of some of WA's best actors.
Steve Turner as Henry Law was such a likable character that it hurts that little bit more when you realise what his secret is. I honestly can't imagine anyone playing this role better than he did. Superb.
Alison van Reeken shone as Elizabeth Law. She had several costume changes as her character aided in setting the various time shifts. Bryan's colourful dresses had the collar rising on each of Elizabeth's garments as she moved through time, choking her until she is gasping before the climax in her scenes with Henry Law, her husband. Equally, as her older self, Julia Moody was scarily real (my friend commented several times to me "That's my mother!") and had a such a presence onstage, that even when sitting silently, saying nothing for several scenes, you can't help but watch years of withheld grief play out on her face. Subtext extraordinaire.
Older Gabrielle York (Vivienne Garret) and Joe Ryan (Igor Sass) broke my heart in every one of their scenes. Such beautiful, honest endearing interpretations of their characters that my throat has constricted just remembering those scenes.
The stunning Gabrielle York (Fiona Pepper) and Gabriel Law (Scott Sheridan) were lovely as the young lovers. They had just enough whimsy and lightness to balance the pain inside them both.
This play has everything. As several people have already said to me, it's what good theatre looks like. Acting, direction, set, costumes, lighting, sound, stage management, stage mechanist's, lighting and sound operators; they have and are still working together to produce a quality of theatre that I have never before seen and I will never forget!
If you live in Perth, GO AND SEE IT!
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