I am a life learning Mama and this page is where I like to share things that resonate with me in some way along this wonderful life journey we are on ♥

Saturday 14 April 2012

The Autism Paradox



Oh lordy this is soooooooooo true - the human brain is an amazing thing! ♥
The Autism Paradox...

1. It's easy to recite an entire book but difficult to make up a story

2. It's easy to line up toys but difficult to stay in line

3. It makes perfect sense to climb on the sofa but little sense to sit on it

4. Memorizing the Presidents in order - 10 minutes. Packing a school bag - 10 hours

5. Family pictures on the wall are boring but that speck of dust next to it, now that's fascinating!

6. Talking about weather patterns - piece of cake. Talking about my day... impossible!

7. Ability to focus on spinning objects - timeless, ability to focus on homework - 3 seconds

8. Being called by name, can't hear it. Some owl hooting in the distance - clear as a bell

9. How to operate the remote control - zero instruction. How to button up pants - intensive instruction

10. Navigating social rules - poorly skilled, Navigating from the back seat of the car - highly skilled

By Jenē Aviram
This article is property of and copyright © 2003-2007 Jene Aviram -http://www.nlconcepts.com/


Animal School




A eye-opening reflection on how we view children and how we teach children in our current education system

I am an different - but look just like you

‎I am the child that looks healthy and fine.
I was born with ten fingers and toes.
But something is different, somewhere in my mind, 
And what it is, nobody knows.
I am the child that struggles in school,
Though they say that I'm perfectly smart.
They tell me I'm lazy -- can learn if I try --
But I don't seem to know where to start. 
I am the child that won't wear the clothes 
Which hurt me or bother my feet.
I dread sudden noises,
can't handle most smells, 
And tastes -- there are few foods I'll eat.
I am the child that can't catch the ball 
And runs with an awkward gait. 
I am the one chosen last on the team. 
And I cringe as I stand there and wait. 
I am the child with whom no one will play --
The one that gets bullied and teased
I try to fit in and I want to be liked,
But nothing I do seems to please.
I am the child that tantrums and freaks
Over things that seem petty and trite. 
You'll never know how I panic inside, 
When I'm lost in my anger and fright.
I am the child that fidgets and squirms
Though I'm told to sit still and be good. 
Do you think that I choose to be out of control?
Don't you know that I would if I could?
I am the child with the broken heart 
Though I act like I don't really care.
Perhaps there's a reason I'm made this way --
Some message I'm sent to share.
For I am the child that needs to be loved
And accepted and valued too.
I am the child that is misunderstood.
I am different - but look just like you. ♥

by Kathy Winters.

This is such an honest and heartfelt portrayal of a child with Aspergers - well it is in my house! Makes me cry every time I read it! My son is doing well now, but his childhood was very like this poem in many ways and I just hope that with all my sharing of posts on 'differences' at least one person will take note and through education, children who are somewhat outside of the 'norm' will be accepted for who they are and embraced rather than ostracised! Blessings lovely people ♥