Archive
In the Spotlight: Sensory Friendly Films
Don’t miss Cars 2 this Saturday and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 on July 23!
June 30, 2011
By Autism Society
The Autism Society and AMC Theatres have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities and sensory issues a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis. Sensory Friendly Films provides the opportunity to see a new release in a theatre without the stress caused by darkness and noise. Audience members can watch as actively as they wish without being hushed or asked to leave. In short, these monthly viewings, currently offered at 132 AMC locations, make it possible for anyone to go to the movies – something many persons with autism and their families would not otherwise be able to do.
7 Facts about Sensory Friendly Films: What Distinguishes Them from Other Movies?
1. Lights: The auditorium lights are left on at a dim level so the room is not too dark.
2. Sound: The film volume is turned down in order to avoid excessive loudness.
3. Audience: At conventional film showings, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy discourages potentially disruptive behavior on the part of audience members. At Sensory Friendly Films, talking, singing, moving around the room and other activity is permitted.
4. Snacks: Viewers are allowed to bring food from home, accommodating gluten- and casein-free diets.
5. Time: Films are shown at 10:00 a.m. local time on Saturday mornings when the theater is less crowded and kids have more energy.
6. Previews: No previews are shown before the movie- the good part starts right away (so don’t be late!)
7. Cost: Sensory Friendly Films are offered at a reduced price of $4-$6, depending on the theater.
For show times, a list of participating theaters and more information about the program, visit www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms.
Topics:Events
The Broken Mirror: Autism and “Guy Talk”
June 29, 2011
By Robert Naseef, Ph.D.
Film director Charles Jones was speechless with excitement when he held his son for the first time. He put his feelings into words in his YouTube video Autistic Like Me, which is a teaser for a documentary in production.
“When he arrived, I had a son, a miniature version of me. I had someone to whom I could impart my values. For a father, a son is a mirror in which he sees himself, and I couldn’t wait to watch him grow. I would teach him everything I knew in order that one day he would be a better version of me.” As I watched the video, I reflected on how I also wanted to be a better version of my father when I held my son Tariq for the first time 31 years ago.
Two and a half years later, the mirror broke for Charles when his son Malik was diagnosed with autism. “It was like a rebirth, only this time I was devastated…I felt guilt, shame, hurt and, most of all, cheated. Why me? Why Malik?”
For Charles and other fathers, especially those with boys on the autism spectrum, the “broken mirror” leaves us powerless and ashamed. We love our children and don’t want to fail them. These feelings generally occur with men, as described by psychologist David Wexler in his book Men in Therapy. Autistic Like Me resonates with the fathers who have watched the video with me at conferences around the country and in my office in Philadelphia. Hearing from Charles has helped open up powerful and liberating conversations.
When it comes to emotions, there is a male imperative to “suck it up.” Expressing tender feelings is traditionally seen as weak. So, men tend to cry on the inside, as my father told me he learned in the orphanage where he grew up. On the outside, we may be grumpy and irritable, but on the inside we are hurting. Life doesn’t stand still and wait for us. Our families need us to express ourselves, and to show up and be present day by day.
Since expressing vulnerable feelings violates unwritten and unspoken male gender codes, asking a male how he feels evokes an automatic “I don’t know” response, resulting in frustration and distance for his partner. So, what helps men to express themselves, especially when they experience a broken mirror when living with an autistic child?
What I have found in my work with parents of children with autism is that men can begin to learn to express themselves in groups of men or even in one-on-one conversations with other men who have a similar experience. Without the fear of performing poorly or being “wrong,” there is a sense of safety from shame. When this happens, men can then begin to express themselves with women. This happens over and over at conferences and in my office.
Don’t start by asking a man how he feels. Use these openers to get him talking:
- Tell me your story.
- What’s it like for you? (curiosity works better than empathy)
- Tell me more.
- I need to know how to be your friend/ wife/ brother, etc.
- Your child needs you.
- It takes courage to open up, and I admire you for that.
- Let’s figure out a plan to go forward.
Listening and disclosing needs to happen more slowly for men as we are more easily overwhelmed by tender emotions. Living day by day, this is how I grow and help others.
On Thursday, July 7, Robert Naseef, Ph.D., will be chairing a panel discussion, Fatherhood Forum: A Panel Discussing the Special Contributions and Needs of Fathers at the Autism Society’s 42nd National Conference with Stephen M. Shore, Ed.D., Alexander Plank, Don White, Ven Sequenzia, Diane Adreon, Ed.D., Kent Potter, Craig Gibson and Charles Jones.
Learn more about Dr. Naseef’s psychology practice at www.alternativechoices.com and check out a recent interview about fathers and autism here.
Topics:Living with Autism
Windows into a Sibling’s Mind and Heart
June 27, 2011
By Caroline
My younger brother, Willie, has autism. That means I need to keep my eyes open for sudden windows into my brother’s mind and heart. I know better than to expect logical responses or explanations, but I keep trying.
I remember a time one such ‘window’ opened, during the long-ago era when my brother was obsessed with ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.’ He had (and still has) all seven stuffed dwarves, and he loved to line them up in a row. He referred to himself as ‘Grumpy’ or ‘Happy’ depending on his mood. (I realize now that the film was probably an excellent way for a boy with autism to learn about identifying emotions, since each dwarf is typecast and consistent in their facial expression throughout the story.)
One day, my parents asked him, “Willie, if you’re Happy [he was Happy that day], who is Mommy?”
For reasons inexplicable, Willie replied, “Mommy is Bashful!”
[Author’s note: Mommy is not bashful. However, Bashful is a very thoughtful, kind dwarf, so perhaps this was the reasoning behind the choice.]
My mom then asked, “And who is Daddy?”
Willie said, “Daddy is Doc!”
[Author’s note: This choice seems a bit more logical. My father wears glasses; has a calm, direct way of expressing himself, has a quirky sense of humor; and is a natural leader.]
Finally, my mom asked, “And who is your sister Caroline?”
With no hesitation, Willie said, “Caroline is Snow White!”
So there you have it. To my brother, I am a Disney princess. He may not be able to say things like, “Caroline, I look up to you,” or “Caroline, I’m glad you’re my sister,” but in his mind he can cast me in a starring role in the movie.
I may not be able to see all I’d like to see of my brother’s mind and heart. But what I do see is astonishing. He’s creative, hilarious and generous with his casting.
Maybe, just maybe, I can only see part of him because to see fully would be too much beauty to bear.
The Autism Society shares your stories about living with autism because there is value in learning from one another, and inspiring and supporting one another through our respective, various experiences. You can read more stories at the Living with Autism section of the Autism Society website. For even more autism journeys, meet us in Orlando for the Autism Society’s 42nd Conference and Exhibition. Register here! Here are examples of some of the personal, introspective sessions that will take place:
My Life with Autism
This presentation explores the multiple challenges that many with autism experience on a daily basis as well as gives insight into uneven social/emotional development. I will share how I have learned to be a self-teacher and work through barriers to obtain self-gains.
Sondra K. Williams, adult with autism
Speaking for Ourselves: Individuals on the Autism Spectrum Panel
This is the 21st year of the Speaking for Ourselves panel in which four individuals share their experience of autism/Asperger's. This is an opportunity for you to hear about their struggles and victories, and to applaud their personal growth. Each year, new individuals are chosen to give them a chance to be in the spotlight and gain confidence in expressing themselves in a supportive atmosphere. Come join us to cheer them on!
Julie A. Donnelly, Ph.D.
Topics:About Autism, Living with Autism
Lights: Camera, Interaction: Video Modeling to Teach Social Skills
June 24, 2011
By Jennifer Jacobs, M.S., CCC-SLP
I am excited to be attending and speaking at the Autism Society’s 42nd National Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders. My session, Lights, Camera, Interaction: Video Modeling to Teach Social Skills, will cover many different approaches of video modeling to target social language and behavior.
Technology is always evolving, and it is difficult to keep up with all the latest and greatest websites, techniques, apps and curricula. Luckily, this is something I love to do and I will do my best to deliver the most up-to-date information to you! Not only will you learn about research- validated video modeling, you will also learn how to build your video library from free internet sites and make your own videos. Participants will also learn how to systematically break down videos in order to highlight important social expectations in different environments. If you can visualize the behavior, you will have better success replicating that behavior!
I will show you how to make digital comic strips, story boards, sequencing cards and more in order to expand upon the behaviors and language used in the video and aid in generalization. Because if it doesn’t carry over into the natural environment, then what’s the point, right?
Please join me on Friday, July 8, at 11 a.m. and learn more about integrating this motivating, research-validated, evidence-based measure into your treatment of social skills and behavior. Register here!
Jennifer Jacobs is a speech-language pathologist who found success in the use of video modeling and developed an interactive video curriculum for therapists. Jennifer continues to assist in research and develop effective approaches of integrating technology and video modeling into social communication therapy.
As a precursor to this session, we would like to provide you with a special look at the article Video Modeling: Teaching Through the Box, which was published in the winter 2010-2011 edition of the Autism Advocate, the Autism Society’s quarterly publication available only to members.
Topics:Education, Living with Autism, Treatment
A Simple Truth about Typing
June 23, 2011
By Tracy Thresher
The most important things for people to know if they plan to facilitate honest conversations is to let the words flow from the typist without getting in the way of the typing. For the person typing, it is crucial to know they will not be judged for venting their anger. I had this point of realizing it is ok to let go of my anger through my typing. The facilitator I work with is patient in her support of my getting my thoughts out of my head. I truly thank her for being my forgiving support.
Thresher is a self-advocate with autism featured in the autism documentary, “Wretches & Jabberers.” The Autism Society is excited to bring together Thresher, along with fellow self-advocate Larry Bissonnette; their assistants Pascal Cheng and Harvey Lavoy; and Academy Award®-winning director Gerardine Wurzburg, for one big keynote session at the 42nd National Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Following the presentation, there will be a question-and-answer period with the audience – not unlike the sessions featured in the film. It’s not too late to join us!
“Wretches & Jabberers” will be available July 1 on DVD – but you can preorder on iTunes!
Topics:About Autism, Advocacy, Events, Living with Autism
Educators: Are You Looking for Effective Tools to Take Back to Your Classroom?
June 22, 2011
By Autism Society
2011 Autism Society National Conference
July 6-9, 2011 • Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center • Orlando, Florida
Click here for more information and to register!
Evaluating Promising Approaches for Children with Autism: Matching Best Practice to Needs
Noting that there has been no true comparison between educational/behavioral/developmental approaches for working with children on the autism spectrum, qualitative research was initiated to investigate Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication-handicapped Children (TEACCH), Daily Life Therapy (DLT), Miller Method (MM), and Developmental Individual difference Relationships intervention (DIR). Relational Developmental Intervention (RDI) and Social Communication Emotional Regulation Transactional Supports (SCERTS) are also discussed.
Stephen M. Shore, Ed.D.
Looking Beyond Appearances: Considering the Deeper Meaning of Behavior
Behavior is not always what it appears to be. A student who is adamantly refusing to start his work may be perceived as "non-compliant," but be struggling with anxiety. A student who is throwing chairs may be perceived as "oppositional," but may be overwhelmed by emotions. This video-illustrated presentation blends the perspectives of a parent/educator and a psychologist in order to share information related to identifying the deeper meanings of observed behaviors and developing effective behavior supports.
Julie A. Donnelly, Ph.D. and Sheila Merzer, M.A., L.P.
Moving Professional Development Beyond Workshops and Conferences to Coaching and Outcomes
The Illinois Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project (IATTAP) uses a systems approach to data-based decision-making and involves the development of teams to increase capacity and sustainability at the school level. This session describes how IATTAP uses a layered approach that assists school and district teams to translate training into actual practice in the classroom. IATTAP will report on how this focus has demonstrated the impact of professional development and improved outcomes for students with ASD.
Kathy L. Gould, M.S.
Top-Down and Bottom-up: Choosing the Best Therapies
Much time and energy have been spent debating which therapies are “best” for ASD. This session provides a rational framework for selecting therapies, based on the neuropsychological principles of “bottom-up” and “top-down” learning. We will explain these principles, and show how different therapies for ASD can be ranked, according to their degree of bottom-up or top-down orientation. Bottom-up and top-down approaches each have a role to play, but at different points in the evolution of a child’s ASD.
James Coplan, M.D.
Look!! A Curriculum to Teach Sexual Health to Individuals with AS/HFA
This curriculum was designed to include lessons on both sex and relationship education. Earlier lessons focus more on the “technical” aspects of sex education (anatomy, reproductive health, sexual responses, partnered sex, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections), followed by lessons that explore in more detail social aspects of romantic relationships (preparing for dating, regular dating, stages of relationships, moving into longer term relationships). The curriculum tackles more complicated socio-sexual topics of attitudes, values, differences (e.g., sexual orientation), and sexual coercion.
Melissa Dubie, M.S.
A Rational Approach to Psychopharmacology for Children and Adolescents with ASD
Disruptive behavior is common in children with ASD. In this session the presenters describe underlying neuropsychological and neurophysiologic deficits commonly encountered in ASD (cognitive rigidity, dysregulation of attention, arousal, and sensory processing), and the different pathways by which these deficits culminate in disruptive behavior. Using this framework, participants will be able to “reason backwards” from the observed disruptive behavior to consider its primary cause(s), and use this knowledge as the basis for instituting behavioral and pharmacologic interventions.
James Coplan, M.D.
Topics:Education
Study Shows a “Diagnosis of Autism is not a Diagnosis of Divorce”
June 22, 2011
By Liz McGarry
As a college student, I learned a lot of what I know about the world from surfing the Internet. Whether I’m checking out tomorrow’s forecast or the latest YouTube sensation, I rely heavily on my laptop to tell me what I need to know. Although I never want to believe that it could let me down, the truth is that the Internet can sometimes be more of a conniving trickster than a trusty friend. It’s so easy to believe everything that is out there, especially when an article is well written and seems reliable. I like to think that I am an expert at spotting false information, but at my first day at Alternative Choices psychotherapy. I learned that I, too, have fallen victim to a myth that has gained a lot of popularity over the last few years.
Many people have heard this statistic as it has been cited frequently throughout cyberspace and beyond: “Parents of children with autism have an 80 percent divorce rate, much higher than that of the general population.” Although everyone seems to quote it, including the hit television show Parenthood (see the video below), this statistic has yet to be connected with any empirical evidence. In fact, a study last year “revealed no evidence to suggest that children with ASD are at an increased risk for living in a household not comprised of their two biological or adoptive parents.” According to the study, 65 percent of typically developing children lived in a two-parent household, compared to 64 percent of children with an ASD.
This of course does not imply that raising a child with autism is free of challenges. There have been many studies documenting increased parental-related stress and marital dissatisfaction among parents of children with autism. Nevertheless, Dr. Brian Freedman, lead author of the study, emphasizes the important message that a diagnosis of autism is not a diagnosis of divorce. As for me, I thank Dr. Freedman for reminding me that even a good “fact checker” can fall for a faulty statistic. If you’re interested, click here for an article about the study.
Robert Naseef, Ph.D., and Brian Freedman, Ph.D., will be presenting a workshop covering this issue entitled, “From Research to Real Life: Autism, Divorce, and Married Life,” at the Autism Society’s 42nd National Conference on ASDs. The workshop will take place Friday July 8, 2011, in Orlando, Florida. It’s not too late to join us! Register here.
You can learn more about Alternative Choices at http://alternativechoices.com/.
Topics:Living with Autism, Research
Designing and Implementing Situational Communication Boards: A “How To” Session
June 21, 2011
By Kendra A. Turner, M.S. Ed.
Every day, autism educators face wide-ranging communication obstacles in special education classrooms around the country. Varying levels of receptive language understanding and expressive language abilities, as well as multiple communication systems and varying levels of technology – not to mention the complications that inevitably accompany communication technology – make this a daunting task. One practical and effective solution, which will be explored in depth at the Autism Society’s 42nd Conference and Exhibition, is the use of situational communication boards.
Mark your calendars for Kendra Turner’s and Krista Smith’s presentation on Friday, July 8, from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m., at this year’s conference in Orlando (register here!). We will be presenting “Situational Communication Boards for Nonverbal Students with Autism,” during which we will discuss practical and effective classroom communication strategies, provide examples of boards created from a variety of inexpensive materials, and present methods for differentiating boards to address the communication needs of students with autism spectrum disorders.
Situational communication boards offer educators and parents the ability to create and implement an expressive communication system for students with autism. For professionals and students, situational communication boards provide simplified access to critically important communication tools that are easy to create, organize, access and maintain. At our July 8 session, we’ll demonstrate how these boards can be made with household items and built into more effective classroom tools. We’ll look beyond standard vocabulary and explore socially and age-appropriate messages, including jargon and slang, that help students develop meaningful relationships with their peers.
If you want to see several effective communication boards up close, learn how to quickly create boards from household items, and discover strategies for addressing the diverse communication abilities of students with autism spectrum disorders, then join our session at the 42nd Autism Society National Conference on July 8.
Kendra A. Turner, M.S. Ed., is a special education consultant and founder of Real Autism Solutions. She specializes in program design and professional development, and shares practical and effective autism education strategies via her blog at RealAutismSolutions.com. In addition to her professional experience, Kendra has an adult sibling with autism.
Krista Smith M.S., CCC-SLP is a certified speech-language pathologist who has worked with children and young adults with autism for the last 10 years. Krista works in public and private schools as well as in private practice. She is a contributor at RealAutismSolutions.com.
Topics:About Autism, Education
The Son Becomes the Father
June 19, 2011
By Stuart
When we have children, we're supposed to shape their futures and instil in them proper values, good morals, ethics... all that good stuff.
But then something happens when you question whether or not you'll ever get that chance. A doctor says three little words to you that shatter your confidence: "Autism Spectrum Disorder."
Your child's future, your future, your limits, your responsibilities, your own self.... all come into doubt.
For some reason, from what I can tell, it's especially true for us dads. Well, guys, believe it or not, providing you stick through it, it is a good thing.
After a little while, something funny happens. You find that your child isn't the only one making progress, they're not the only one growing up... you do too.
I've always tried to be a good person, going out of my way to help people and be kind to others. But it wasn't until my son was diagnosed with autism that I was reborn. I became someone new... a better someone.
Some things I've learned
Tolerance: I think we've all had those days when we see other children behaving badly and thought to ourselves: "I can't believe their parents let them behave that way." But having children of our own who can't express themselves, can't handle the overwhelming stimulation, can't get the things they want, can't be who they want to be... we begin to understand why those children might be upset, why those parents aren't caving to those crocodile tears and, most of all, how hard it is for both of them. The last thing they need are our judgmental glances.
Being Nonjudgmental: While walking through the mall recently, my wife and I passed a man who clearly did not have much money, possibly not even a house. He did not talk very clearly and didn't seem to have much control over his motor skills. But what he did have was a smile. He pointed to something, mumbled to us and was clearly happy. We smiled and said hello, and glanced to where he pointed.. but not able to understand, we said ok and continued on our way. We both looked at each after, wishing we could do something... but we were not in any position to do that. We both agreed that we certainly could not judge him... not too long ago, we would have both talked about how strange that guy was. Now, all we can think is that this man was someone's son. This man was once a child who has had a whole lifetime of experiences that have led him to this point. We should not judge him. We cannot judge him. He wasn't strange. He is who he is.
Acceptance: It's difficult not to judge those who are different, especially if they seem bizarre compared to what we're used to. But when you put that judgmental tendency aside, you begin to realize just how accepting you can be. I always thought that I was accepting... I had no idea just how hard it is to put away that instinct to label someone as "weird" until I had a child that others would label "weird" themselves. I also see that quality in my son. Everyone is intriguing to him. Everyone is different. And though they may seem bizarre to him, he accepts them. He only wishes that they'd do the same for him.
Compassion: When you have a child who never seems to care if you're stressed or hurt, when you have family that can never seem to understand just how hard it can be sometimes, when you have other people muttering to each other about your child having a meltdown... all you want is for someone to tell you it's ok. To tell you they understand. I used to save my compassion for those who were kind, those that I knew well enough... I was wrong. Thanks to my son, I realize now that compassion should never have to be earned.
Patience: I used to think I was a pretty patient person. I am very much "go with the flow" and don't usually care too much if someone's late or not taking my needs into consideration. As my son got older and missed more milestones, as he tested me more and more, as he had meltdown after meltdown... I realized that I wasn't quite as patient as I used to be. Then came comments from others, lack of support... my patience was tested further. But despite all that, as I learned how and why my son is who he is, I learned that I can wait a little longer; I can put things behind me a little easier. My patience levels are far beyond what they ever were before. I've learned I can wait out a 45-minute meltdown and still be there to calmly console my son when he's ready to hear me.
Unconditional love: My son may one day reveal himself to be an autistic savant... or he may stay where he is or regress to who knows what level. It doesn't matter when it comes to how much I love him. He may never be the person that I pictured him being that very first day I held him in the hospital room... that vision of the future is long gone. But that's ok. His successes, his failures, his future... none of it affects how much I love him. He's still my son. He's still my perfect little boy. He's still my flesh and blood. And nothing, no one and no disorder can ever change that.
A purpose: Until I had children, I was pretty much just living my life day by day, paycheck to paycheck. Having children tends to focus one's purpose quite a bit. But when your child has special needs, your inner instincts take over a bit and you begin to see the world as a big, flawed, dangerous and clumsy place. You start to see that most other people don't have the same acceptance levels for those who are different; they don't have as much patience, tolerance or compassion. Most people fear or ridicule anyone who is different from them and make no effort to understand those differences. What you realize is that your child isn't the only one who needs help. That's when you begin to realize that you're more than just a parent, you're an advocate.
The Father Becomes the Son
I am not the man I once was. I'm a father now. More so, I'm a father of a child with autism. As his father, I'd like to think that I've still been able to teach him good values, morals and ethics. I'd like to think that I've given him the tools he'll need to grow into a strong, valuable and proud adult. The truth is, though, he's done far more for me than I ever could for him.
I've learned to take nothing for granted and appreciate everything in my life. I've learned how to slow down and recognize all of the sights, sounds, tastes, smells and textures around us every day. I've learned how to see the world through the eyes of a child all over again.
I've put away my preconceived notions, expectations and selfish desires. I see people for who they are rather than what I think they may be. I see the future for the unknown and limitless potential that it is. I
see myself as the man I should have been a long time ago. Though he is still young, though he still has so much more life to live... I want to grow up to be just like him.
Stuart also goes by AutismFather on Twitter and Facebook and blogs about autism from a father's point of view at http://www.stuartduncan.name.
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to read our other Father’s Day posts this week!
Also, you might be interested in this upcoming session at the Autism Society's national conference: Fatherhood Forum: A Panel Discussing the Special Contributions and Needs of Fathers.
Topics:
My Songbird Sings the Truth
We continue our celebration of Father’s Day this week with a guest blog post from Dan about his “little songbird.”
June 17, 2011
By Dan
“Every little thing is gonna be all right,” Mikey sings as he runs down the hall with a big smile on his face. The sound is pure heaven to me and I feel myself grinning from ear to ear.
Bob Marley’s song “Three Little Birds” is more commonly familiar from the line that Mikey has made so adorable: “‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right.” The song appears in a children’s video that plays during one of Mikey’s TV shows and it has fast become his favorite video to watch.
As any parent of a child with autism can attest, any words that come out of your child’s mouth are heartwarming miracles. Mikey started singing this song the other day and at first it was just adorable and cute, but then after I listened closely and read the lyrics of the song, I felt so uplifted and saw it as if Mikey was really talking to me.
“Don’t worry about a thing”
When it comes to Mikey my normal reaction IS to worry about everything. I would do anything to help him with his autism and I do everything I can to make him happy and loved. As I think of that line I realize I need to stop worrying about the things I can’t change.
“Rise up this mornin’/Smiled with the risin’ sun”
One of the best sounds in the morning is to hear Mikey wake up singing. I can’t think of a better way to start the day and this line makes me remember to cherish that sound.
“Three little birds/Pitch by my doorstep/Singin’ sweet songs/Of melodies pure and true”
Mikey is my little songbird. Most of the time his speech is littered with echolalia and gibberish, but it’s those times, those sweet, sweet times, when he says a word or phrase perfectly, or, when he sings—those are the most pure melodies of truth I can ever hear. For every grunt or whine there are those infrequent times of joy when I hear “I luff you,” and then, then all is right with the world.
“Sayin’, ‘This is my message to you-ou-ou”
I hear you talking to me Mikey. I do. And I will always listen. I can’t wait until the day you can tell me every single thought in your head. I’m listening.
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out our other Father’s Day posts this week! Also, you might be interested in this upcoming session at our national conference: Fatherhood Forum: A Panel Discussing the Special Contributions and Needs of Fathers.
Topics:Living with Autism
