Friday, December 24, 2010

Articles, Advice and Authors on Autism


Dear parents, friends and all others who are interested in reading and learning from the plethora of articles on the internet regarding Autism.
There are some very good, practical, relevent and informative articles written by some learned professionals, parents and especially Autistic individuals themselves, who know what they are talking about. They have a real and proven understanding of the Autism Spectrum and write their 'words' in such a way as to honour and respect the dignity, value and personhood of the Autistic person.
But, lately I have been reading up on some articles proclaimed to be written by 'knowledgable' (even 'expert') writers on the net, and I have been perturbed by some of what is being proclaimed as knowledge.
I know I am not alone in my thoughts here.
But I do worry that some parents who are looking for information and 'answers' to their questions may be absorbing some of the misinformation in some of these articles.
Now....having said that, I personally do not proclaim to be an expert regarding the Autism Spectrum (or the greatest writer in the world :)) I listen to and learn from not only my Autistic children, family, colleagues and friends, draw from my own experience, intuition and observation of living with Autism, and am regularly reading the resources of knowledgable writers in the field of Autism. 
When you read an article, to learn something more about Autism, please maintain an inquisitive mind, but moderate your intake of the information by filtering the truth, relevence, fact, fiction, genuineness, 'credentials' (real knowledge and experience) of the writer.
There is much wonderful information about Autism out 'there', but be selective about the information you may apply to your own personal journey with Autism. 
A good place to start building quality knowledge is to include in your reading the many texts and articles available by Autistic authors, parents, some professionals and others genuinely dedicated to providing accurate information and advice.

What many people do, who learn through reading the many sources of information,  they apply many of the suggestions, blocks of advice and info (in general) to their treatment of their children and other persons who are on the Autism Spectrum. 

Lets make sure that this information applied is as correct as it can be, humane, applicable, honourable, ethical and respectful of the actual and real needs and desires of our Autistic children/teens/adults. 


Merry Christmas to all.

Monday, December 6, 2010

A Special Thanks


I would sincerely like to thank those kind souls who have been purchasing my books; both the Ebook and hard copy versions.
The proceeds from the sales of these books goes towards assisting my beautiful autistic son with attaining the best possible future I can provide for him. This could mean the purchase of assistance 'materials', a trust fund (for a time in the [hopefully distant] future) and anything else he will need to help him live a contented life.
I am currently compiling more chapters which will revolve around creating breaking new ground and helping other parents (and our autistic children and friends) keep extolling the truths surrounding the family and individuals living with Autism as an indelible part of their lives.

Cheers, Louise

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Ebooks about Autism

I have decided to present all of the books I am currently writing and those to come in the future, as Ebooks.
This way, those interested in purchasing any of my works, will be able to read what they have purchased immediately. This will also cut down on the costs (e.g. shipping and book production) for the buyer.
So......I have been jotting, slaving over, sifting through and typing up new books on the topic of Autism for some time now.
An Autism Connection
If you are interested in 'hardcopy' versions of my book - "An Autism Connection", I currently have several copies available for $19.95 each, with free postage within Australia only. If you are from another country and would like a copy (AUS $19.95 + postage cost), please email me and I'll work out the postage costs to you.
These hard copy books are 'second hand', but are in as new condition, are unmarked, undamaged, but do have an inscription inside the front cover - written by me. 
I am offering these books for sale (about 8 of them) to 'you' as I my small office area is becoming overstocked with written and book materials and I would like to streamline such, and wish to 'computerize' the bulk of my work, files etc..
Cheers for now :)

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Frog Car Seat Covers

In about 7 days I will be putting my frog car seat covers on Ebay. They will be for posting only in Australia or local pickup. Please go to my other website Realist Art In Oz for a further description of them.
UPDATE - as of today, 28th September 2010, the frog car seat covers and their matching floor mats are for sale on Ebay Australia - for sale only in Australia.

Note; They are now sold.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Tactile Toys - Patty Cats

 

I've been busy making these gorgeous creatures, I've nick-named PattyCats. Initially I made a couple for my Autistic son and some other children for fun, as they loved the feel of the luxurious fur and found them very soothing.
But low and behold they have become somewhat of a 'hit' with the kids and the adults (kids at heart) too!

Do you remember (ye fellow oldies, 70's children) the furry little toy creatures we may have had as kids, which when you stroke the fur on their back they'd arch up as if they loved the attention? Well, combining that memory with the Patty Cat toys I make, ye oldies can reminisce about the 70's and the kids of today can enjoy a simple, fun and cuddly toy which can entertain as well.
They are made from high quality faux fur, with sewn on eyes (for improved safety) and a sewn on tail (for extra strength) and measure approximately 14 inches/36 cms from nose to tail.
(Please note that even though the eyes are well sewn on, they may still pose a potential choking hazard for those persons [and pets] who may chew their toys or objects)

If you too are interested in these mesmerizing creatures, please email me .

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Wrightslaw (USA)

I thought that it might be helpful to post the link to Wrightslaw for my United States (America) readers.

"Wrightslaw - Special Education Law and Advocacy" is for (quoting the Wrightslaw website) "Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities." 

On this site there are links to Wrightslaw's blog, books and loads of information for interested parents, advocates and educators alike.

Hope this helps those people who are in need of or wanting information to assist with such specific legal rights and needs or just to increase their understanding/confidence in advocating for their children.

Wrightslaw has books published regarding, for example, IEP's, Special Education Law, and many other titles.



Monday, June 28, 2010

Inspirational video for us all

 Please watch this inspirational Youtube video of Jeremy Sicile-Kira's High School Commencement Speech. Using assisted speech technology, Jeremy presented his speech. 
Awesome speech and congrats Jeremy.
Jeremy's mother, Chantal, is an author of various excellent books regarding Autism.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Books on Autism

 "Louise's Autism Info Shoppe"

As a parent of a child who has been newly diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum, or perhaps you are interested in learning more about what Autism means for a family member or friend, or your may be hoping to learn more for study reasons, reading quality and accurate information by those wonderful souls on the Spectrum who can offer a very real and unique perspective, is something I highly recommend.
Books such as
 Exposure Anxiety - The Invisible Cage: An Exploration of Self-Protection Responses in the Autism Spectrum and Beyond
"Exposure Anxiety - The Invisible Cage..." by Donna Williams,
The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism and Asperger's

"The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism and Aspergers" by Dr. Temple Grandin,
 Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Second Edition

"Beyond The Wall: Personal Experiences With Autism and Aspergers Syndrome" by Stephen Shore, are just some of those unique and invaluable sources of 'insider' information and education regarding living with Autism and what it means for the individual and their experience of life.
These wonderful Autistic souls (writers) books are a great place to start your greater understanding of the Autism Spectrum.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Inspirational Autism Quotes



When we seek an inspirational quote about Autism, we may be looking for just the right group (sentence?) of words which can describe a heart felt feeling, thought or even such group of words can become a personal mantra which we say to ourselves regularly to give us a sense of peace, confirm our beliefs or desires, express our understanding of and compassion for our Autistic children, partners or friends and so on.
Inspirational quotes can also give us the strength to 'carry on' when 'times' are hard or somewhat difficult: when we are feeling sad or unsure about life or even at the other end of the 'spectrum' - when we are in a 'good place' emotionally, physically and so on.
Sometimes inspirational quotes give us the drive to carry on and confirm our beliefs in what we trully hold dear to our hearts. A well designed/written quote can sum up in even just a sentence a powerful feeling, belief or thought which touches or is cemented in your soul.
Many people who have visited this site are keen to discover the 'right' quote to qualify such feelings, beliefs or thoughts. Many of these quotes will be used to share with others and to help promote understanding, compassion, empathy and respect for the souls who are on the Spectrum and their families.
So, what I will add to this post, as I find them, are direct links to net sites, books, articles and whatever else I can find, which centre around quotes and/or poems for Autism.
Books/quotes on Autism by me
Lucarinfo
Asplanet
The Greatest Quote.com  (generalist)
The Soul of Autism
to be continued.......

Monday, June 21, 2010

Donna Williams video - Exposure Anxiety

In this Youtube video (of approximately 10 minutes), Donna discusses Exposure Anxiety and how such impacts on the individual on the Autism Spectrum. Donna describes Exposure Anxiety as an "invisible cage", which is a very apt description of how Exposure Anxiety can envelop one and be something which can be very difficult to be freed from without the assistance of an empathetic and understanding person/helper/professional/parent/other.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Autism Awareness

This design is an example of some of the stickers, hoodies, windcheaters, badges and tshirts for children and adults, I have displayed on my Cafepress website. The more we display our pride and acceptance of our Autistic children, friends and colleagues, we increase the awareness and acceptance of Autism being a natural part of our world.


Saturday, June 12, 2010

"Autism Learning Disability Sleep" - article

Here is a lovely article from Stephen Simpson (UK), who is a fellow writer on Articlesbase. This article about "Autism Learning Disability Sleep" is easy to read and contains relevent and practical information surrounding the topic of sleep deprivation and difficulties for our carer families and children on the Spectrum.
Stephen Simpson is an Autism specialist and Learning Disability Nurse in the UK.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Quotes for Autism


For those of you who love to read quotes regarding Autism, life in general, from famous people and others not so famous, check out -

Quotes good ones will always be around and some great ones here - add yours...http://asplanet.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=54&Itemid=97


Written by AsPlanet.info (Alyson Bradley / varied) UPDATED May 2010  

and you are sure to find one you like.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

"Autism Reality" YouTube

This is a great video on YouTube called Autism Reality, posted by theWrongPlanet.
It is a highly acclaimed documentary film, featuring Dr. Temple Grandin, Alex Plank and is produced and directed by Alex, and runs for 10 minutes approximately.
Whilst watching this documentary, I was trully moved.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Aspitude!

Aspitude! is a blog regarding Autism and Aspergers, created by
Elesia Ashkenazy Portland, Oregon, United States.
 
Elesia is a wonderful woman who is deaf, on the Spectrum and is a loving mum of a young boy also on the Spectrum.
Her blog has many interesting posts and information surrounding the topic of Autism.
A great read!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Autism and Heavy Metals

This interview between Donna Williams and Dr. Ed Danczak is a 'must read' for parents of children on the Spectrum, and who are interested in or wondering about heavy metals, biomedical treatments, invasive procedures and so on - all considered in the 'light' of 'treating' Autism.
The link for this interview will take you to Donna Williams blog, where she has posted this delightful, interesting and informative interview.
Dr. Danczak is a very interesting man, who, though now retired, considers his patients and their needs in a holistic fashion - something both Donna and I believe in.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Aspergers

Rudy Simone, "The Asperger Detective", has a wonderful site called help4aspergers
Here you will find a bounty of information on Aspergers from an intelligent and delightful woman, who is herself living with Aspergers.
If you have a daughter or son with Aspergers, and they (or you) need some inspiration from someone who is enjoying an accomplished life whilst also being on the Spectrum, please have a look at her website.

Savants and Autism

A colleague and friend of mine, Donna Williams, an internationally acclaimed Autism Consultant and Author (amongst many other talents she has) has a delightful essay/description of the "Savant Syndrome" on her website.

Donna has many wonderful articles on her website pertaining to Autism and tips for parents regarding low cost (if not free!) ideas for parents to try when living with and teaching their Autistic children on a day-to-day basis.

As I have always said, you don't need to empty the bank account or mortgage your house to the hilt to help your Autistic children and yourselves live a quality and happy life.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Inspirational video regarding Autism (teenager)

"Hope for Autism and Aspergers Syndrome - My Story"

Is a trully inspirational YouTube video by an Autistic teenage girl named Taylor. In the video she discusses her perspective and experiences of living with Autism, having been diagnosed as being on the Spectrum at a very young age.
This video is a must-see for any parent, friend, relative and anyone who is on the Spectrum, who is seeking some inspiration and/or insight into one persons' account of living with Autism.
Taylor is an articulate, warm and very intelligent young women with a wonderful message for us all.