Autism - poll

Does someone you know/love have Autism?

As a Special Ed. Teacher, I work closely with children with Autism, and I have been for almost 10 years now. I love every minute of my time with kids with Autism, and I've changed as a person as a result. They bring so much joy to our lives, and they are very special people.

Anyway, just curious if your lives have been touched by a child with Autism in any way.

TIA!

PS - New neighbors on my block came over and introduced themselves. Their oldest son has Autism, and I told them I work with kids with Autism. The mother's eyes lit up, and she instantly felt comfortable with me. It was very touching when she thanked me for working with these special kids, and it made me feel proud to be a Special Ed. Teacher.


T

PS- Gotta mention my pet-peeve again. Always use person-first language with kids with Autism or ANY other disability. The disability is a small part of the person and does not define the person as a whole.

EX - I work with CHILDREN WITH AUTISM (not Autistic children).

Sorry - off the soap box!!! And if you didn't know that lingo, now you do.


*** Not sure how my cleaning lady's info ended up in this post - WEIRD!!!

Message edited 7/3/2007 4:37:11 PM.

Re: Autism - poll

my sister teaches 4 to 5 years old with severve autism- she has 5 kids and 2 aids- they are cute though- I give her alot of credit

Re: Autism - poll

When I worked at a camp we had a family who had 4 kids....2 of which were autistic. The oldest had a mild (Asbergers sp??) I believe...The third child was severely autistic...I felt so bad for the mom.

Re: Autism - poll

my uncle has autism. he's basically like my little brother- even though he's 6 years older then me. I used to always beat up the kids that made fun of him- and i still would

he's very high functioning, but will never have the mental capacity beyond that of a 6-7 year old. He's the awesomest person ever though. And, all the ladies love him.

Re: Autism - poll

My nephew has autism. We are blessed to have him in our lives - he amazes us every day!

And we have discovered that the people who WORK with children with autism - are truly special people. . . thank you for all that you do!

My nephew is five and he can ask for bread, a drink and the ever important "popcorn" now - his teachers and therapists have not only changed HIS life but they have impacted all of our lives as well!

Oh and I should add that my niece has Asperger's - they are brother and sister and my sister is the most amazing, patient and loving mom you have ever met! She is an inspiration!

Message edited 7/2/2007 10:47:46 PM.

Re: Autism - poll

My mothers best friend Terry's son has Autism, its very hard on her! We haven't seen her son since he was a baby hes 17 now and she still doesn't bring him places........I don't know why though we are like family to her.

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My SIL teaches Autistic children and I think that is amazing. She LOVES her job.

Re: Autism - poll

These posts are bringing tears to my eyes...

Keep sharing your stories...

Re: Autism - poll

My dad's friend's daughter has autism.

I also worked with a woman with autism while working in a group home. Technically she wasnt' supposed to be there but it was at a time where they were shutting down institutions & her mother begged to have her classified as developmentally disabled, because the list to get into a house that was equipped to deal with autism was too long.

Both were very low-functioning.

Re: Autism - poll

DH's cousin found out last year her son has Autism. We had a suspicion of it when we saw him last summer and he was totally into our dog, but not responding to us or her. She is now working with various teachers to try and get him to be functioning. He is four years old.

And a woman I work with married a man whose son has severe autism and is almost non-functional. It's very sad as he will be in a home for his whole life and she is constantly getting calls regarding his actions.

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My nephew is autistic. I give my SIL credit for what she goes through and is doing for him. I know it can't be easy.

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I have been working with children who have autism and who are on the PDD spectrum for 11 years.

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I am an autism and behavior consultant and have worked in the field for 12 years. This is the only thing I have ever dine and will ever do. Autism is my entire life...

Re: Autism - poll

One of my best friends teaches children with autism. I give her (& anyone else who works with people who have autism) a ton of credit!

I'm a little confused about why we should call Celina? Maybe I missed something?

Posted by nyteacher13

PS - New neighbors on my block came over and introduced themselves. Their oldest son has Autism, and I told them I work with kids with Autism. The mother's eyes lit up, and she instantly felt comfortable with me. It was very touching when she thanked me for working with these special kids, and it made me feel proud to be a Special Ed. Teacher.

Her name is Celina - (631)905-5896.

She's awesome!!!

Give her a ring and tell her Theresa recommended her.

Good luck!!!

T

Re: Autism - poll

Posted by SuzyQ

One of my best friends teaches children with autism. I give her (& anyone else who works with people who have autism) a ton of credit!

I'm a little confused about why we should call Celina? Maybe I missed something?

Posted by nyteacher13

PS - New neighbors on my block came over and introduced themselves. Their oldest son has Autism, and I told them I work with kids with Autism. The mother's eyes lit up, and she instantly felt comfortable with me. It was very touching when she thanked me for working with these special kids, and it made me feel proud to be a Special Ed. Teacher.

Her name is Celina - (631)905-5896.

She's awesome!!!

Give her a ring and tell her Theresa recommended her.

Good luck!!!

T

Message edited 7/3/2007 7:13:00 AM.

Re: Autism - poll

I am a Special Ed. teacher who has worked with children with autism....most rewarding thing I have ever done

Re: Autism - poll

I am a speech language pathologist. I have worked with little ones with severe autism and now I work with high school and middle school students with ED. But our skills program does contain some students with mild autism. My second job at night is with adults with MR/DD and Autism in group homes.

I also have two step-nephews with autism. One has aspergers and the other has autism. Both of them are pretty high functioning due to my SIL's diligence with their therapy. The one with aspergers is in all advanced classes. I give all of these parents so much credit. I have the kids during the day and I always say that I can't imagine how the parents do it all day, especially if they have other kids. It is the most exhausting, frustrating, confusing and sometimes rewarding disorder. They are saints and much have endless love and patience.

Re: Autism - poll

Several of my friends work with autistic children (early intervention). Over the years I have met many of the children they work with because my best friend becomes friends with everyone she meets, so they're all invited to her house for parties. She is so good at what she does, I think she's amazing.

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i work with teachers of children with autism and aspergers.

did i miss something...why would i call this celina?

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I used to work with adults and children with autism

Re: Autism - poll

Message edited 7/3/2007 9:08:52 AM.

Re: Autism - poll

my oldest has aspergers
my middle one has PDD...
my youngest is being evaluated for PDD

i guess i'm in the circle of friends with children with autism as we surround ourselves with it.

nyteacher13...lipglossjunky... and all others that dedicate thier lives to children with disabilities i deeply appreciate everything you do.. you are special people!

Message edited 7/3/2007 9:08:25 AM.

Re: Autism - poll

I know people on the spectrum.

I give tons of credit and have ALOT of appreciation for anyone who works with children with Autism and for the parents of children with Autism.

Re: Autism - poll

I don't know anyone personally with autism. I recently talked to a mother of a teacher who works with kids with autism. She said her son finds it's very rewarding and when you have a breakthrough, it's the best feeling in the world.

Re: Autism - poll

question, only because I truly do not know the answer - I have heard that Autism is "curable"? Is this the case and does anyone know what causes it?