The Words

The Words

Telling her something directly doesn't work. It never did. As soon as it comes out of my mouth it is wrong. Now let there be a third person in the room to talk to and she listens. It is like we need a third person to buffer the words.

I am not even sure if that is the right use of the word buffer. It seems like buffer was an old word that was used when trying to listen to something on the internet.

Communication. The words, it is always about the words. Trying to say what needs to be said without triggering an episode.

Thoughts for today.
Mylinda

Repeaters

Repeaters

Both of the boys have autism but they are as different as night and day. They are also the same too. Both boys will repeat whatever they hear. Unfortunately it is usually cussing. We figure they ge it from the other students at school.

The latest ones though... The youngest one gets mad and says 'you spoiled little brat'. That might be another child. He also came home with 'rude, rude, rude'. That isn't a word we use. I wonder where that one came from?

At least he is using words. When he started school he only had about 10 words. And last but not least when he is talking he isn't hitting.

Life in a world with autism.
Mylinda

What Is Advocacy?

What Is Advocacy?

As some of you know I work at my dream job. I get paid to help families with a member with a disability. I have gotten paid to do this for 25 years. I have used my skills with my own children and now grandchildren for 32 years.  I get every question under the sun about disability which is good.

People call me saying they need an advocate. After talking to them for a few minutes it becomes apparent they want someone to make calls and go to meetings for them. I try to explain to the people who call me that it is not good for them or their children if I do that. They get angry - at first. 

I explain how everyone will start reacting to me and not them. I explain how my doing it for them robs them of the experience and sense of accomplishment of doing it themselves. They still don't believe me until they do what I am coaching them to do. 

Then the excitement!! They know what is like and they own the skill! It would be so easy for me to make the calls or go to the meeting for them. I like being the savior for them. It is like mainlining adrenaline.  It probably isn't good for me AND it isn't fair to them.

Just my two cents, 

Mylinda