KeepOnSinging wrote:

Hi Gabriele, I just checked and see that you are still logged on.  Although I plan to turn in soon, I was sondering how home schooling is going and how your son is.  I know virtually nothing about autism, but beginning this coming Tuesday, I will be spending about three hours each Tuesday and Thursday with the 21 year old autistic son of a friend of mine who teaches full time in the communications department of our university. So I hope to be learning a lot as he and I continue to get to know one another.   Also, I was homeschooled until I was eleven.  Two of my nieces, each with four children, home school all their children.  

Thanks for asking, KOS.  We have  a mixed system, doing a couple of hours at school and then I pick him up before lunch to do work at home.  Its a lot easier for me this way as the teacher sets the curriculum/goals has suggetions for me on what to do at home.  Atm we mostly do training in literacy and numeracy with two programs for which the school has given me a home licence.  The school covers science/phys. ed/cooking/music ect.  So it is relatively easy for me.  But I love that he gets to mix with peers, as his only brother, my eldest is 22 years (still living with us) and so he is like a single child. Impairment in social interactions is one of the core deficits in autism.  He has a much better chance of progressing in this area when with other children; I couldn't create these learning opportunities at home.   
I haven't had any contact with adult autistic people myself.  I guess in order to establish a bond quickly, you would tap into this person's special interest/obsession and be open for it to be shared (excessively, most likely....), then you can carefully and slowly use it to extend this person's horizon.  I also find it better to "under-interact", if there is such a word, like giving space/making time for them to interact, rather than filling a gap in the conversation myself.  I often count to 15 in my mind to see if there is a reaction as it can take so much longer for someone with autism to articulate. That's something a speech pathologist has told me. There is always a communication impairment in autism.  But of cause that can also mean someone doesn't stop talking when they should or repeats words out of context (echolalia).  The sprectrum is sooo wide.   It depends on how profound the impairment is. I hope you don't have to deal with self-injury.  Also a lot of autistic people have co-morbid conditions, seizures, intellectual disabilities, pica ect.  The picture of the geeky, nerdy genius is unfortunately not on the mark in the majority of cases.       

Last edited by gabriele (8/22/2014 2:24 am)

I haven't seen Booky here in a while.  Booky, if you see this, I want to thank you for bringing me here.  Not sure I could handle the abc thread, especially in the absence of view.  Certain posters are at it again, missing view and her well thought out arguments.  

Last edited by gabriele (8/22/2014 2:54 am)

Good Friday Morning to you all...
Right now it is sunny, hot and humid in VA, but they say the rain is a commin!!!!
I just got back and stopped by to see what was happening in Maksyl World, and it seems like actually nothing much!!!  Quiet and uneventful from what I can tell....so I popped over to tumblr and I really didn't find anything but what was on last night really...Maybe in a bit some WONDERFUL news will show up..

I did find the picture if Maks and Meryl right before they did the twizzle turns in the VW...the look...thats all I can say...(Friends???) 

I will be popping in today to check the news and see how everyone is...got to go get my grandsons birthday present today...he is 4 today but his party is tomorrow...

Everyone have a wonderful day and I will see you in a bit and then definately tonight!!! 

Just popping in here for a minute.
Okay, all of you taking the Maksology 101 class. Your final exam is at 10:am today!!!!!!!!!!!!! The new semester begins on Monday -- no time off for you guys -- and there will be a list of courses for you to choose from later today. All the courses will be focusing on different characteristics of Maks!!!!!!!!!!!!
And Val, too, in some instances. I don't have to take the exam because I did my class by independent study and had a take-home final earlier. I made an A+++++++++++++++. I heard that Meryl is angry with me, though!!!
See you later!!!!!!!!! 

gabriele wrote:

KeepOnSinging wrote:

Hi Gabriele, I just checked and see that you are still logged on.  Although I plan to turn in soon, I was sondering how home schooling is going and how your son is.  I know virtually nothing about autism, but beginning this coming Tuesday, I will be spending about three hours each Tuesday and Thursday with the 21 year old autistic son of a friend of mine who teaches full time in the communications department of our university. So I hope to be learning a lot as he and I continue to get to know one another.   Also, I was homeschooled until I was eleven.  Two of my nieces, each with four children, home school all their children.  

Thanks for asking, KOS.  We have  a mixed system, doing a couple of hours at school and then I pick him up before lunch to do work at home.  Its a lot easier for me this way as the teacher sets the curriculum/goals has suggetions for me on what to do at home.  Atm we mostly do training in literacy and numeracy with two programs for which the school has given me a home licence.  The school covers science/phys. ed/cooking/music ect.  So it is relatively easy for me.  But I love that he gets to mix with peers, as his only brother, my eldest is 22 years (still living with us) and so he is like a single child. Impairment in social interactions is one of the core deficits in autism.  He has a much better chance of progressing in this area when with other children; I couldn't create these learning opportunities at home.   
I haven't had any contact with adult autistic people myself.  I guess in order to establish a bond quickly, you would tap into this person's special interest/obsession and be open for it to be shared (excessively, most likely....), then you can carefully and slowly use it to extend this person's horizon.  I also find it better to "under-interact", if there is such a word, like giving space/making time for them to interact, rather than filling a gap in the conversation myself.  I often count to 15 in my mind to see if there is a reaction as it can take so much longer for someone with autism to articulate. That's something a speech pathologist has told me. There is always a communication impairment in autism.  But of cause that can also mean someone doesn't stop talking when they should or repeats words out of context (echolalia).  The sprectrum is sooo wide.   It depends on how profound the impairment is. I hope you don't have to deal with self-injury.  Also a lot of autistic people have co-morbid conditions, seizures, intellectual disabilities, pica ect.  The picture of the geeky, nerdy genius is unfortunately not on the mark in the majority of cases.       

Hi gabriele!  We haven't spoken much, I have cut down on posting lately, lol!!  I am a 1-on-1 teaching assistant to children with autism.  My classroom has a maximum of 8 children (I am in NY).  You are absolutely correct......it is such a broad spectrum!!  I have worked with the nerdy genius, the not stop echolalic, and everyone in between!  What I will say, is that these children have given back to me in spades!!  The first time a child holds eye contact with me and smiles or says my name, is like being handed the sun!!  I feel blessed to be able to assist these extraordinary children and other than raising my own children, they have been the absolute joy of my life!!  I have to agree with you about the need to wait and listen.  When I first began working with these kids, I found myself talking nonstop in the absence of their words. I realize now, that listening is just as important, and giving them the time needed to answer, whether with words or actions.  Your son is lucky to have you.....you seem like an amazing mom!  Good luck to you and your beautiful family!!  Glad to have you here, btw!! xoxoxoxoxo