Autism Aspirations

Inspiring. Empowering. Finding Hope in an Autism Diagnosis.

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Do people with autism have feelings?

Do people with autism have feelings?

Yes yes yes!

People with autism most definitely share the same feelings as people who don’t have autism. Autism does not make people emotionless nor does it cause a lack of empathy. In fact, emotions can be even more intense in autism – including empathy. 

For some people with autism, the challenge lies in naming, understanding and expressing emotions.

A ‘feeling’ may be felt but being able to…

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Making a safe descent into the school year’s end You are finally here - home stretch. Summer looms in the near future. Dreams of relaxation, family, and adventure propel you forward. 

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What’s your scale saying to you? Oh good! You're back!    I was hoping I could entice you to step on me again today! 

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Help me! I'm Drowning in Christmas!

Help me! I’m Drowning in Christmas!

What might a person with autism tell his or her parents, caregivers and teachers about the holiday season?

Dear adults,  

I know you are upset with me. I hear you talking to each other about me. You wonder why I seem so ‘off?’ Why do I melt down more often these days? Why am I being so inflexible and ‘non-compliant,’ you ask?

There is a lot going on in my world. I wish I could tell you so that…

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Meltdown at the border and what it taught me The message I was about to deliver boomeranged around and smacked me in the head. Ivars and I were excited about our return to Ohio.

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A New School Year: What are you Thinking! It's that time of year!  The words "Back to School" ring loud in the ears of parents, students and educators.

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Why am I Acting This Way, you Ask?

Why am I Acting This Way, you Ask?

Dear Adults who Love Me,

You know who you are – my teachers, educational assistanst, parents – heck, even my grandparents. I hear you talking to each other about me. You wonder why I seem so ‘off?’ Why do I melt down more often these days? Why am I being so inflexible and non–compliant, you ask?

There is a lot going on in my world. I can tell you about it, if you want to know.

My house is filled…

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I Have Something to Say Just because some kids with autism cannot speak, does not mean they don't have something important to say!  :-) 

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Growing in the Dark

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Students with Autism: Have you Shared Your Vision?

Students with Autism: Have you Shared Your Vision?

What pictures do you hold in your mind of your child’s day at school? What activities would be challenging? Which activities would bring her the most joy? How do you see him reacting to frustration? Is your child dancing when music is being played or sitting with headphones watching a learning video? Is your child running around enjoying the freedom of recess or walking the perimeter of the…

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It's Not a Priority

It’s Not a Priority

Okay, bear with me…I am still stuck on the whole “I don’t have time” thing.

I keep noticing that I literally race through life – from one task, appointment, meeting, event to another. I complain that I don’t have time to take a warm bath, a walk in the woods, to read a good book and the list goes on. But now, I hear myself saying it and I flinch a little. Why don’t I have time?

Like so many…

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I Don't Have Time!

I Don’t Have Time!

Take a peek into my inner thoughts on any given day…

My mouth: “I don’t have time to do something for me!”

Stern voice in my head: “Rephrase please: You choose not to have time.”

My mouth: “You don’t understand! I DON’T have time!”

Stern voice: “Okay, believe what you will, and go on being miserable.”

Ouch.

I catch myself saying it more often than I care to admit! What if the stern voice makes a…

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The TRUTH about Individual Education Plans

The TRUTH about Individual Education Plans

It’s only fair that I be honest right from the start. I don’t enjoy creating individual education plans. I have a hard time deciding what goals to choose, especially when a student’s needs are high. I want to do it all and be all I can, for the student who needs me most.  I hate how scripted and hemmed in I feel by IEPs – always striving to be clear and concise while incorporating the correct…

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Disconnect to Reconnect

Do you ever just need to escape? Refill a very empty reservoir? Nurture yourself, for a change?

Most of the year I am content to take mini escapes – to carve an hour out for myself. But three years ago I discovered that I needed something more. I needed to really disconnect so that I could reconnect. I needed to do something totally different. Something that challenged me and yet, refueled me.…

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Invest in YOU, Empower Two

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Tired of Being Tired?

Tired of Being Tired?

Are you tired of being tired? Do you have goals that you never seem to achieve? Do you give more of yourself than you are able to replenish? Taking care of others, especially those we love, quickly depletes us. Too often we put our needs last and end up exhausted, burnt out and unhappy. We need to refuel! But how? We try to eat healthy and stay active but our results are disappointing!

Good…

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I Love you Anyway, Dad

I Love you Anyway, Dad

Dad,

I am not the child you thought I would be.

You love me anyway.

I cannot do the things you hoped I could do.

You cheer for me anyway.

I have interests that are very different from yours.

You participate with me anyway.

I don’t respond to you the way you would expect.

You engage with me anyway.

I sometimes behave in ways you don’t understand. 

You keep learning anyway.

My future may not be…

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