PACE (Parents Of Autistic Children Everywhere) has grown in the last year. There are now136 members to date, with 5 administrators: Mike Wilwand, Arlene Reid, Jacqueline Mason, our resident sage Anne Fountain and of course, your's truly, The Diva.
We've learned from our first World Autism Awareness Walk last April. We've heard people's suggestions and are working hard at coming up with a better plan. We want to make April 2nd 2014 a moment that brings a little something to your life.
As great as our first annual walk was, we kind of boo-booed on one small detail... how to get us back to our vehicles... OOOOPPPSSS... We've addressed that issue for this year. I can't give you all the details yet, but what I can tell you is that from now on, you won't have to do the walk twice. Sorry about that. I really, really am. But even with that small boo-boo, you gotta admit, overall, we had a great walk. I loved the pictures our photographer Anthony Schellenberg took of us. Again, if you're looking for a professional photographer, please check out Anthony's site at: http://www.anthonymarkphotography.net/. If you want a patient photographer who knows his stuff, you need to be checking in with Anthony soon. The holidays are coming, so I'm going to bet he's going to be booked solid fairly quickly.
If you didn't come to the walk last April, I really hope you make it out this spring. If you did walk, who did you walk for?
Being around children with autism has changed my life in a way only the sweet innocence of someone with autism can. Autism has changed my life... I am twice the woman I used to be because of it. I've had to change my way of thinking to understand my children, think outside the box. It's not an easy thing to do, but I learn something new every day to help me along. I think the greatest obstacle that any person with autism has to overcome is other people telling them what they are and are not capable of doing. My children know that I am one person that they will not have that challenge with. Bill Gates, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Edison, Beethoven, Emily Dickinson, Mark Twain, Mozart, Einstein, Van Gogh... What would our society look like without these brilliant minds? And they HAD AUTISM!!! This is why my children will never have to battle with me as to what they are capable of, because of these people, I will always PUSH my children to do their best in everything they do in life.
That is why I walk.
There are other children who are much more severely affected with autism than mine, and I know a few of them. They may not be the next Einstein. I know that people think they are less capable, less knowledgeable, less, less, less and less. I walk for them too, because people who think my friends are LESS need to understand that different is NOT less. My friends and family are MORE deserving than anyone in this world of understanding, patience and love.
That is why I walk.
So, I hope to see you walk beside me, because the more people we have walking, the more others will see that we are here. Life isn't watching the moments in your life pass you by, life is making those moments count for something. April 2nd is your moment. Make it count!
In order to make this walk a moment in your life that will count for something, I need some feedback. I would like input from those who attended last year's walk. What would you change? What should we add? Email me at autism.diva.help@gmail.com.
In the mean time, consider yourselves hugged!
Lou
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Monday, 14 October 2013
Did You Know?
A dear friend of mine posted these seven statistics on facebook and I thought I would share them with you here:
1) Autism now affects 1 in 88 children (1 in 54 boys).
2) Autism prevalence figures are growing.
3) Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined.
4) Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average.
5) Autism receives less then 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases.
6) Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism.
7) There is no medical detection or cure for autism.
Here's a look at a homework assignment of a child living with autism.
How many teachers out there would look at this and think that the child who wrote this is being uncooperative? At first glance to me it seemed as though someone was making fun of a child who can't spell. Then I read the teacher's instructions again.
I wonder how many teachers out there are looking at this and thinking that this child is being uncooperative? How many teachers are looking at this and feel offended? How many teachers are looking at this and having an 'aha' moment?
As a parent, looking at this makes me think if perhaps my eleven year old can't write because he's over thinking the rules? Maybe. Could it be that the letters themselves standing alone make no sense to him? Maybe. I wish he could tell me, I really do. But this picture clearly shows that the child who finished the homework assignment wasn't 'lazy' about his work. He or she clearly takes pride in his work and put a lot of effort into it. He or she made certain to follow the rules and did what was asked.
Rules... just one small deficit area for our children. A rule is a rule is a rule.
Autism... It's not a processing error... It's a different operating system altogether. Most of us can overcome a mistake in direction and read between the lines, but our children really struggle in letting go of the details. Every detail is important to them, and they just can't decide which detail is the MOST important.
In my home, it doesn't help that my career is detail focused. If I don't pay attention to details, people can die, so my motto at home with my children is 'pay attention to details people!' I think I may have to make a slight adjustment to my motto... Not sure how, so if anyone has suggestions, please share!
Consider yourselves hugged,
Lou
1) Autism now affects 1 in 88 children (1 in 54 boys).
2) Autism prevalence figures are growing.
3) Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined.
4) Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average.
5) Autism receives less then 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases.
6) Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism.
7) There is no medical detection or cure for autism.
Here's a look at a homework assignment of a child living with autism.
How many teachers out there would look at this and think that the child who wrote this is being uncooperative? At first glance to me it seemed as though someone was making fun of a child who can't spell. Then I read the teacher's instructions again.
I wonder how many teachers out there are looking at this and thinking that this child is being uncooperative? How many teachers are looking at this and feel offended? How many teachers are looking at this and having an 'aha' moment?
As a parent, looking at this makes me think if perhaps my eleven year old can't write because he's over thinking the rules? Maybe. Could it be that the letters themselves standing alone make no sense to him? Maybe. I wish he could tell me, I really do. But this picture clearly shows that the child who finished the homework assignment wasn't 'lazy' about his work. He or she clearly takes pride in his work and put a lot of effort into it. He or she made certain to follow the rules and did what was asked.
Rules... just one small deficit area for our children. A rule is a rule is a rule.
Autism... It's not a processing error... It's a different operating system altogether. Most of us can overcome a mistake in direction and read between the lines, but our children really struggle in letting go of the details. Every detail is important to them, and they just can't decide which detail is the MOST important.
In my home, it doesn't help that my career is detail focused. If I don't pay attention to details, people can die, so my motto at home with my children is 'pay attention to details people!' I think I may have to make a slight adjustment to my motto... Not sure how, so if anyone has suggestions, please share!
Consider yourselves hugged,
Lou
Thursday, 19 September 2013
YMCA--YOU ROCK
I did it. Totally stepped out of my comfort zone and spoke to between 50 to 100 people. I can't be certain as it took all of my effort to 'keep calm and carry on' and keep my head held high. Yours truly can now put "guest speaker" under her belt.
Again, I'm no expert on Autism... Wouldn't want to pretend I am either. Heaven forbid. Did I mention I'm no expert? But I am a mom, and co-founder of PACE (Parents Of Autistic Children Everywhere). And I'm happy, so very happy to have had the opportunity to meet all the wonderful people I call my friends through both PACE and Autism Diva Help. They are my family!
So, my friend Marni facebook messages a couple of us autism friends and asks if anyone would care to be a guest speaker and talk about autism in our lives to the YMCA staff of angels. I call these awesome people 'staff of angels' as these people take care of our most precious possessions in life - our babies. Not only do they look after and ensure our kids' safety, they WANTED to learn about autism. They came to LEARN what they could do to HELP our kids! Do you have any idea how rare that is?! Naturally, Mike tells me I should do it. Well, actually... he dares me. You know me and dares, how could I pass this up? I didn't really think that anyone would actually follow up with me...
In the 11 years of Dayton's life, I have never had a phone call from an organization asking if I could donate some of my time and talk to their staff of angels about autism. Not once. Until now. I was FLOORED.
I explained to everyone in the room that it was my first time speaking to an audience, never mind the large turnout I had to speak to. They heard what I had to say, they asked questions and took notes??? I am honoured to have shared three hours with these people, and I pray that what I had to share with them will be of some help in their work.
What could I have had to talk about you may ask... This is me we're talking about, and I have a lot to say. I spoke about consistency, and about picture schedules, about visual aids, organization and routine, routine, routine! I talked about how literal some of our kids can be and that before you know it, you're having two arguments in one, because our children are focused on either a technicality (I said red when it was brown) when the argument itself is of much greater importance than colour, or literal thinking (you're as fast as a bunny rabbit--I'm not a bunny rabbit!!!)
I brought samples or workbooks that I've been using at home for our kids, as our kids need to be taught most things, things don't naturally just come to them. And of course, I brought a magnet responsibility board for them to see in action. Most people that see it, LOVE it.
The most important information I shared with them was how parents feel, and to cut us some slack from time to time. We may not always show it, but we love the people who look after our kids and we appreciate more than they will ever know. It may not seem like it, but for those that look after our kids with kindness and really want to understand our kids, we could even say we love those people. I explained that we come into their day cares looking like hell sometimes, and may not smile, but it is no reflection on them. We may be rushed, but it isn't because we don't care enough to say 'hey, how was your day?' We're running out the door and doing it quick because we want to avoid a meltdown, either because our kids have a hard time with transition, or they have this obsession with pulling the fire alarm on their way out and we're not looking forward to the wrestling match preventing them from actually pulling it, or there's construction on the road on our way home that wasn't there yesterday, and change is upsetting to our kids, or, or, or... Or we've had a bad day at work because we got a phone call from school because little Johnny yet again swore in the classroom or disrupted the class with echolalia (repeating words without being able to use them; there are two types: immediate and delayed), or our child did something inappropriate (Dayton did a lot of that on a daily basis, but has progressed nicely the last two years, outgrowing some of his autistic traits, which gives me high hopes for his future--a lot of work and therapy, and most importantly--consistency and routine).
I was asked how I could handle having four of my children on the spectrum... Well, it helps that one is of age and moved in with grandpa, it really does. And as for the rest, I firmly believe God will never put any weight on your shoulders that your knees can't handle. I think that's why mine are so big. In fact, yes... I'm sure of it, LOL. Sorry, I'm not a fan of the teenage language, but am having to learn it because of my oldest... You know OMG, LOL, LMAO, ROFL. I've come up with some new ones... TDKM (Teenage drama is killing me) and my favourite DTD (do the dishes).
The hardest, most stressful, emotional, but most rewarding job in this world is being a parent. True happiness is the sound of my kids playing, laughing and even fighting, because when they're gone it's silent, and I miss the noise and want them home. This is even more true for those of us raising children on the autism spectrum. I love my babes!
I told them how much care takers mean to us. How we couldn't go to work without them, and without work, we couldn't afford the medication our kids need to be successful. I told them how much we love our kids... They make me laugh, they're silly, hyper and sometimes a complete mess, but they have the sweetest kisses and the strongest hugs. They are my world and I love them.
Until next time, consider yourselves hugged,
Lou
What could I have had to talk about you may ask... This is me we're talking about, and I have a lot to say. I spoke about consistency, and about picture schedules, about visual aids, organization and routine, routine, routine! I talked about how literal some of our kids can be and that before you know it, you're having two arguments in one, because our children are focused on either a technicality (I said red when it was brown) when the argument itself is of much greater importance than colour, or literal thinking (you're as fast as a bunny rabbit--I'm not a bunny rabbit!!!)
I brought samples or workbooks that I've been using at home for our kids, as our kids need to be taught most things, things don't naturally just come to them. And of course, I brought a magnet responsibility board for them to see in action. Most people that see it, LOVE it.
The most important information I shared with them was how parents feel, and to cut us some slack from time to time. We may not always show it, but we love the people who look after our kids and we appreciate more than they will ever know. It may not seem like it, but for those that look after our kids with kindness and really want to understand our kids, we could even say we love those people. I explained that we come into their day cares looking like hell sometimes, and may not smile, but it is no reflection on them. We may be rushed, but it isn't because we don't care enough to say 'hey, how was your day?' We're running out the door and doing it quick because we want to avoid a meltdown, either because our kids have a hard time with transition, or they have this obsession with pulling the fire alarm on their way out and we're not looking forward to the wrestling match preventing them from actually pulling it, or there's construction on the road on our way home that wasn't there yesterday, and change is upsetting to our kids, or, or, or... Or we've had a bad day at work because we got a phone call from school because little Johnny yet again swore in the classroom or disrupted the class with echolalia (repeating words without being able to use them; there are two types: immediate and delayed), or our child did something inappropriate (Dayton did a lot of that on a daily basis, but has progressed nicely the last two years, outgrowing some of his autistic traits, which gives me high hopes for his future--a lot of work and therapy, and most importantly--consistency and routine).
I was asked how I could handle having four of my children on the spectrum... Well, it helps that one is of age and moved in with grandpa, it really does. And as for the rest, I firmly believe God will never put any weight on your shoulders that your knees can't handle. I think that's why mine are so big. In fact, yes... I'm sure of it, LOL. Sorry, I'm not a fan of the teenage language, but am having to learn it because of my oldest... You know OMG, LOL, LMAO, ROFL. I've come up with some new ones... TDKM (Teenage drama is killing me) and my favourite DTD (do the dishes).
The hardest, most stressful, emotional, but most rewarding job in this world is being a parent. True happiness is the sound of my kids playing, laughing and even fighting, because when they're gone it's silent, and I miss the noise and want them home. This is even more true for those of us raising children on the autism spectrum. I love my babes!
I told them how much care takers mean to us. How we couldn't go to work without them, and without work, we couldn't afford the medication our kids need to be successful. I told them how much we love our kids... They make me laugh, they're silly, hyper and sometimes a complete mess, but they have the sweetest kisses and the strongest hugs. They are my world and I love them.
Until next time, consider yourselves hugged,
Lou
Thursday, 4 July 2013
Lou Lovrin, An Autism Expert
I have been accused of being arrogant because I am the author of Autism Diva Help, therefore I consider myself an "expert" on autism. This accusation made me doubt myself and made me take a long, serious look at what I have accomplished through Autism Diva Help. Through many nights of prayer, I've come to the conclusion... drum roll please... As long as my children, friends, family, fellow autism parents and Mike and of course I know who I am, others' opinions are just background noise. And so, I will continue my work.
Not that most of you need me to clarify this, but I will for those who think me to be arrogant enough to believe I am an expert in autism... I AM NOT AN EXPERT IN AUTISM. Autism Diva Help is about MY life and the lives of autism parents who have shared THEIR experiences with me. Autism Diva Help exists for those who believe they are all alone and need to see that others like myself may be living with the same concerns for their children. It is my diary of research into schools and school divisions. I've met a number of people through Autism Diva Help that I would never had the chance to meet without my work. While I consider all of the people I've met through Autism Diva Help of great importance in my life, the most significant person I've met through my work is Mike. He's changed my life, showed me that I am worthy of love and respect and that I deserve to be treated like a princess, even on days where I am not at my best. And then there are the kids. I am now a mother figure to five children. I see the miracles of God every day when I look at my beautiful, talented children, and every day, I am blessed. I truly am blessed to be called "mom." I have the most wonderful children, they are my heart, my soul and my life.
An expert in autism... Is there such a person? Even professionals with their diplomas and decades of education and experience agree that if you meet one child with autism, you've done just that. You've met A child with autism. Autism is a Spectrum Disorder, it is a very large spectrum. No two children or adults with autism are the same. While they share similarities, they have different challenges. And while there are no 'experts' on autism, there are 'experts' on YOUR children. That expert is YOU. No one knows your child the way you know them, and the same goes for myself. I know my children, and I love them very much. There is little I wouldn't do for them. As their "mom," I also have a responsibility towards them, as do you to your children.
As dad (Paul) has taught me, consider yourselves hugged,
Lou and family
Not that most of you need me to clarify this, but I will for those who think me to be arrogant enough to believe I am an expert in autism... I AM NOT AN EXPERT IN AUTISM. Autism Diva Help is about MY life and the lives of autism parents who have shared THEIR experiences with me. Autism Diva Help exists for those who believe they are all alone and need to see that others like myself may be living with the same concerns for their children. It is my diary of research into schools and school divisions. I've met a number of people through Autism Diva Help that I would never had the chance to meet without my work. While I consider all of the people I've met through Autism Diva Help of great importance in my life, the most significant person I've met through my work is Mike. He's changed my life, showed me that I am worthy of love and respect and that I deserve to be treated like a princess, even on days where I am not at my best. And then there are the kids. I am now a mother figure to five children. I see the miracles of God every day when I look at my beautiful, talented children, and every day, I am blessed. I truly am blessed to be called "mom." I have the most wonderful children, they are my heart, my soul and my life.
An expert in autism... Is there such a person? Even professionals with their diplomas and decades of education and experience agree that if you meet one child with autism, you've done just that. You've met A child with autism. Autism is a Spectrum Disorder, it is a very large spectrum. No two children or adults with autism are the same. While they share similarities, they have different challenges. And while there are no 'experts' on autism, there are 'experts' on YOUR children. That expert is YOU. No one knows your child the way you know them, and the same goes for myself. I know my children, and I love them very much. There is little I wouldn't do for them. As their "mom," I also have a responsibility towards them, as do you to your children.
As dad (Paul) has taught me, consider yourselves hugged,
Lou and family
Friday, 24 May 2013
A School Division Is Only As Good As Their Weakest Teachers
Dayton has started a new school starting April 1st. We now live in the Seven Oaks School Division, and all I can say is WOW!!!
I'm not really sure what the deal is, it's either
a.) they know Mike (with 5 kids, 3 on the autism spectrum, everyone knows Mike... During Dayton's transition to another school meeting, everyone from the Seven Oaks School Division as well as the principal from the school Dayton will be attending in his middle years said "oh yes, we know the family well," and smiled a warm welcome; or
b.) they're amazingly awesome!!!
Either way, I'm tickled pink. Dayton's having really great days at school, coming home happy and smiling and when it's his turn at the dinner table to tell us about his favorite part of the day, he tells us "everything about today was awesome!" I LOVE IT!!!
Dayton LOVES his teacher. The relaxed atmosphere and laid back disposition of the school principal and his staff is so much different than what we've experienced in the past with school division 1, Louis Riel and school division 2. Dayton is thriving, and actually LEARNING! I'm absolutely amazed! The last school Dayton attended physically removed him from Social Studies as they didn't think Dayton would understand the subject and worked on his IEP goals, and this new school includes him, and he's LEARNING!!!
For example, during dinner time, I ask all of the kids to tell me about their favorite part of the day, as well as what they've learned 'today' they didn't know 'yesterday.' Dayton starts telling me about the talking circle he learned about at social studies. "Momma, did you know how the talking circle started?" I'm dumbfounded. What the heck is a talking circle, but rather than looking dumb and admitting to my son that I had no clue what he was talking about (although I think my chin dropping to the kitchen table didn't help in convincing him otherwise), I just asked him to explain what he learned. "When there was an 'issue' (holy crap, my son said issue...) or a problem, people would gather (yes, he used the word gather!!!) around in a circle, sit down and talk about it and come up with ideas how to fix the problem."
"Wow Dayton, that's great!"
"I know!"
On another occasion, Mr. Dayton was writing out math questions and answering them!!! No joke, true story! I was especially blown away when he came to me with his notebook and asked me to write a few math questions, especially some subtraction questions, which he wasn't able to do without manipulations in the past. Not only did he answer them correctly, but he solved them in his head or used his fingers!
I have received ZERO phone calls from Dayton's new school about bad behavior. In fact, after a rather difficult counseling session in which Dayton had a major meltdown about his biological father hurting him by lying to him a few times (I really wish Dayton would move past this issue with his dad... I keep trying to explain to him that forgiving his dad would actually help him too, not just his dad, but he won't listen to me), I stopped to speak to the principal. Explaining to him that Dayton may have a rough day at school and that he can call me on my cell phone if I wasn't home as I had the day off, he told me that they already have a game plan for Dayton that's worked for Dayton and not to worry. "A game plan? You mean he's had rough days?"
"I wouldn't call them rough, but he's had to leave the class room to settle down, and it's been dealt with here and I didn't think you needed to worry about it. We're more than happy to help him when he needs it, and he's more than happy to comply with our game plan."
Say what? Have I walked through some twilight zone? WOW!!!
Dayton has also learned how to cook as he likes to watch his teacher cook breakfast in the morning??? This is no joke - the boy is so good at cooking that he is now in charge of cooking our Saturday morning breakfast! The whole family looks forward to Saturday morning breakfast by Dayton, but I refuse to give up our Sunday morning french toast... That's my time!
A mother's treasure are her children. They are the gleam in her eye, the beat of her heart and the warmth of her breath. To her, they are her everything, and seeing all my kids go to school where they are truly including all of my babies, not just cosmetically, but genuinely including them, is the best feeling of all. My babies are being treated with respect and dignity. They are happy, and that's all that matters to this proud momma.
Unfortunately, it's taken me six years to get here, to finally find a school division I can trust with my babies. We are not all this fortunate. Stay tuned for my next blog piece about a father and his two sons, coming from another school division where the school actually had police waiting for him to come and pick up his children, and an officer escort them out of the school...
In the mean time, consider yourselves hugged,
Lou
I'm not really sure what the deal is, it's either
a.) they know Mike (with 5 kids, 3 on the autism spectrum, everyone knows Mike... During Dayton's transition to another school meeting, everyone from the Seven Oaks School Division as well as the principal from the school Dayton will be attending in his middle years said "oh yes, we know the family well," and smiled a warm welcome; or
b.) they're amazingly awesome!!!
Either way, I'm tickled pink. Dayton's having really great days at school, coming home happy and smiling and when it's his turn at the dinner table to tell us about his favorite part of the day, he tells us "everything about today was awesome!" I LOVE IT!!!
Dayton LOVES his teacher. The relaxed atmosphere and laid back disposition of the school principal and his staff is so much different than what we've experienced in the past with school division 1, Louis Riel and school division 2. Dayton is thriving, and actually LEARNING! I'm absolutely amazed! The last school Dayton attended physically removed him from Social Studies as they didn't think Dayton would understand the subject and worked on his IEP goals, and this new school includes him, and he's LEARNING!!!
For example, during dinner time, I ask all of the kids to tell me about their favorite part of the day, as well as what they've learned 'today' they didn't know 'yesterday.' Dayton starts telling me about the talking circle he learned about at social studies. "Momma, did you know how the talking circle started?" I'm dumbfounded. What the heck is a talking circle, but rather than looking dumb and admitting to my son that I had no clue what he was talking about (although I think my chin dropping to the kitchen table didn't help in convincing him otherwise), I just asked him to explain what he learned. "When there was an 'issue' (holy crap, my son said issue...) or a problem, people would gather (yes, he used the word gather!!!) around in a circle, sit down and talk about it and come up with ideas how to fix the problem."
"Wow Dayton, that's great!"
"I know!"
On another occasion, Mr. Dayton was writing out math questions and answering them!!! No joke, true story! I was especially blown away when he came to me with his notebook and asked me to write a few math questions, especially some subtraction questions, which he wasn't able to do without manipulations in the past. Not only did he answer them correctly, but he solved them in his head or used his fingers!
I have received ZERO phone calls from Dayton's new school about bad behavior. In fact, after a rather difficult counseling session in which Dayton had a major meltdown about his biological father hurting him by lying to him a few times (I really wish Dayton would move past this issue with his dad... I keep trying to explain to him that forgiving his dad would actually help him too, not just his dad, but he won't listen to me), I stopped to speak to the principal. Explaining to him that Dayton may have a rough day at school and that he can call me on my cell phone if I wasn't home as I had the day off, he told me that they already have a game plan for Dayton that's worked for Dayton and not to worry. "A game plan? You mean he's had rough days?"
"I wouldn't call them rough, but he's had to leave the class room to settle down, and it's been dealt with here and I didn't think you needed to worry about it. We're more than happy to help him when he needs it, and he's more than happy to comply with our game plan."
Say what? Have I walked through some twilight zone? WOW!!!
Dayton has also learned how to cook as he likes to watch his teacher cook breakfast in the morning??? This is no joke - the boy is so good at cooking that he is now in charge of cooking our Saturday morning breakfast! The whole family looks forward to Saturday morning breakfast by Dayton, but I refuse to give up our Sunday morning french toast... That's my time!
A mother's treasure are her children. They are the gleam in her eye, the beat of her heart and the warmth of her breath. To her, they are her everything, and seeing all my kids go to school where they are truly including all of my babies, not just cosmetically, but genuinely including them, is the best feeling of all. My babies are being treated with respect and dignity. They are happy, and that's all that matters to this proud momma.
Unfortunately, it's taken me six years to get here, to finally find a school division I can trust with my babies. We are not all this fortunate. Stay tuned for my next blog piece about a father and his two sons, coming from another school division where the school actually had police waiting for him to come and pick up his children, and an officer escort them out of the school...
In the mean time, consider yourselves hugged,
Lou
Saturday, 6 April 2013
WE DID IT!!! THE FIRST EVER, ANNUAL WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS WALK!!!
One of my dreams has finally come to life. An autism walk in Winnipeg, with a rally in front of the Legislature Building. Until last year, my dream was to have my son Dayton beside me, and as you know, my family has grown, by many, many more children. So my dream came true, with not only Dayton, but with Katie, Amber, Athena and John. Ashley (My 18 year old, Asperger's, OCD, anxiety disorder, ADHD) couldn't be there with us, she was the one missing piece of our family's puzzle, but the rest of the attendees more than made up for her absence with sheer numbers and amazing energy! And let's not forget about Mike, my better half in every way. He was waiting for us at the end of our walk, organizing the speakers and band.
It is a blessing to be in a relationship where my goals and dreams are the same as my spouse's. Something I need to get used to though (and it won't take long, human nature won't allow it), is to have someone care about me so much, that he makes decisions based on whether or not he thinks I'm ready for it... At first, I thought Mike was treating me as a child, but upon further reflection, I realized that he was actually 'protecting' me! I'm not accustomed to someone taking care of me at all, and between you and I, I really, really like it. And when he thinks I can do something, and really believes in me, he fully supports me and does everything in his power to help me accomplish my goal. Especially if that goal mirrors his own... On April 2nd, 2013, the world celebrated the 6th annual World Autism Awareness Day, and this was the first year that Canada has recognized the day as such. Finally!
I really wanted to be a part of this day... And Mike agreed. He wanted the same. And while I'm not sure if Mike deemed me ready for this or if our vision was in sync, I am happy that we were involved.
And then, my friend Arlene... While she's not nearly as protective of me as Mike, in fact, I'm certain that during the planning stages of the walk she was prepared to throw me under a bus, our goals were in sync. She worked very hard to make this walk a success. This walk would not have been possible without all of our joint efforts.
Anne Fountain's speech made me cry. It took me a while to get my wits together after hearing her speech for the first time. She is an amazing woman, a woman I respect and who's opinions I value very much. Even when it comes to my personal life, I call for her advice. God has given her the gift of wisdom, and she shares her wisdom with those who need it the most. Here is the link to her own blog and the wisdom she shared with us the night of our walk. WARNING... You will need a box of tissues before opening this link:
And so, the autism walk! Not only did my dream come true, but it was a huge success!!! I expected an attendance of maybe 50 people if we were super lucky... Our numbers were so much more! Thanks to Anthony Mark Schellenberg of Anthony Mark Photography, I can show you the story of our First Annual Autism Awareness Walk. WARNING... Tony's work is absolutely AMAZING! He is an artist, who shows a story through his pictures. The pictures you are about to see are beautiful, so make sure you have a box of kleenex beside you before you begin!!!
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| Our walk banner made exclusively by Arlene |
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| Arlene and I carrying the banner with my daughter Katie (14 years old, autism, ADHD, GDD). I LOVE this couple that joined us at the front, namely their enthusiasm and energy!!! Wish I knew who they are |
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| Some brought friends along. What a beautiful sight! |
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| Anne with her son |
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| Arlene gathering the participants to get ready to begin the walk |
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| Me, freaking out to Mike about the enormous turn out of people, Mike calming me down at his booth of information and jewelry |
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| The live band waiting for us at the legislature building, our final destination |
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| My Mike... The master of ceremonies |
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| Arlene happy to hold her baby boy after the walk |
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| Anne making her wonderful speech |
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| Arlene celebrating the end of our 35 minute walk from the Forks to the Legislature building... Wait a minute... That is NOT her husband... Arlene, you have some explaining to do!!! |
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| My son Dayton (11 years old, PDD-NOS, ADHD, OCD, ODD, GDD), somewhat relieved and tired after the walk was over |
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| Johnny, my 5 year old |
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| Mike and my 5 year old Athena |
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| The live band: Beggars Brawl |
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| One of my favourite families I don't see often enough |
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| Arlene's family |
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| Some brought their own posters to wear |
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| The founder of Autism Manitoba - for parents and caregivers. Link to her facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/244966218954875/ |
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| Ian McArton, Athlete Development Manager of Special Olympics Manitoba making his speech |
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| A beautiful symbol of unity... I'd recognize that ring anywhere... Love it! |
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| Our entrance to the Legislature Building!!! We did it!!! |
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| My daughter Amber (12 years old, PDD-NOS, ADHD, GDD) |
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| What's left of our posters after every walker received one |
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| Dusti with Bella, an autism service dog and a loving member of their family |
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| During Anne's speech... Everyone was moved |
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| People enjoyed our posters! Yey! Lord knows we spent countless hours making these, so it was great seeing people truly enjoy them |
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| Athena, watching Anne during her speech |
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| Bella, my favourite autism service dog |
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| Loved these!!! |
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| Love the autism spirit! |
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| Arlene manning the information and jewelry booth for Mike. He'd locked his keys in the van and I had to call CAA... |
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| The autism awareness bear! Isn't he adorable?! |
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| Just thought it was a pretty picture... Good work Tony!!! |
There are 155 beautiful pictures to show the story of the event. Thank you Tony for giving us all access to the photo album. To see more of the event, and trust me, it's definitely worth seeing the pictures, go to:
While you're at his site, check out the rest of his work, and book your next portrait appointment as soon as you can, as he's getting to be busy. Mention you saw his work on the World Autism Awareness walk for him to fit you in sooner.
The event was a success, and while I'm happy we were a part of it, I'm also relieved that it's over and we can start working on things in our lives again. I'm hoping to have some help from others for next year's walk as this walk will be an annual event for us. I can hardly wait to invite people to our 10th annual World Autism Awareness Walk!!!
Hope you've enjoyed Tony's picture story and Anne's speech as much as I have. Consider yourselves hugged,
Lou and family
Monday, 25 March 2013
Pary Deux Of Our Our Very First Annual World Autism Awareness Walk
There's a week left before the walk, and I'm starting to panic. Mike and Arlene are strong and steady, me... I'm about to puke. But I've always been a bit on the diva side, and being able to recognize that is the first step in recovery, right?
Mike has been able to confirm the attendance of Special Olympics. Do you know what that means? It means we need to do more posters!!! If I sniff one more marker... Thanks a lot Mike!
Anne, my dear Anne has found volunteers to help us color more posters, sparing my nervous system from the fumes of highness. Thank you Anne!!! Personally, I think she's just trying to save the rest of the posters from me. I'm starting to color outside the lines... It makes me feel dangerous. The purple penguins and the yellow leprechauns are trying to steal my coco puffs! I'm gonna team up with the rainbow unicorns and defeat them! Who's with me?!
Arlene's gone as far as making a logo for PACE. Mike's gone nuts and started making T-shirts for the walk. I think he's trying to stroke me out from the pressure. If you want a T-shirt, honorariums of a minimum of $20 would be appreciated to cover the cost of buying the shirts and the thingies to iron the logo thingies on them and the ink thing of a bob dooey. Next year, we'll be a little more prepared and hopefully be able to buy the T-shirts on line for much less. Hopefully... If you would like one, call Mike at 204 632 5539 or 204 795 2625. There's 20 shirts in medium, large, x-large and 2xl, so first come, first serve.
I've got a photographer!!! Yey!!! And not just any photographer, I've got the best photographer!!! Tony Schellenberg of Anthony Mark Photography is going to document our very first World Autism Awareness Day Walk with his beautiful work of art. Check out his work at www.anthonymarkphotography.net. Tony is also a father of two beautiful children on the autism spectrum, so if you're looking for a photographer who 'gets it,' that has patience and knows what he's doing, you've really got to check him out. Mike and I will be making an appointment with him soon to get some family portraits done.
We're collecting boxes to use the cardboard to glue our in excess of 200 posters to them for the walkers to carry or wear, we're still trying to decide how to do this. Maybe we'll give y'all the option. Any suggestions? Email me please!!! This way they will last for next year's walk. We could use your help too!!! We're getting together at the Y on the corner of McGregor and Mountain tomorrow (Tuesday, March 26th) at 6:00pm and will be there until 8pm. We really could use your help in coloring the posters and gluing them to cardboard walkers will carry, so if you have some time to spare (I know... time is something we all wish we had, but please... Even 5 minutes of your time would be helpful), we would be super thrilled to have your company. The address is 363 McGregor St. Bring your kids, as we're still hosting to Kid's Gymboree while the parents help us. For more information on the Y: http://www.ymcaywca.mb.ca/northend.html
Consider yourselves hugged,
Lou
Mike has been able to confirm the attendance of Special Olympics. Do you know what that means? It means we need to do more posters!!! If I sniff one more marker... Thanks a lot Mike!
Anne, my dear Anne has found volunteers to help us color more posters, sparing my nervous system from the fumes of highness. Thank you Anne!!! Personally, I think she's just trying to save the rest of the posters from me. I'm starting to color outside the lines... It makes me feel dangerous. The purple penguins and the yellow leprechauns are trying to steal my coco puffs! I'm gonna team up with the rainbow unicorns and defeat them! Who's with me?!
Arlene's gone as far as making a logo for PACE. Mike's gone nuts and started making T-shirts for the walk. I think he's trying to stroke me out from the pressure. If you want a T-shirt, honorariums of a minimum of $20 would be appreciated to cover the cost of buying the shirts and the thingies to iron the logo thingies on them and the ink thing of a bob dooey. Next year, we'll be a little more prepared and hopefully be able to buy the T-shirts on line for much less. Hopefully... If you would like one, call Mike at 204 632 5539 or 204 795 2625. There's 20 shirts in medium, large, x-large and 2xl, so first come, first serve.
I've got a photographer!!! Yey!!! And not just any photographer, I've got the best photographer!!! Tony Schellenberg of Anthony Mark Photography is going to document our very first World Autism Awareness Day Walk with his beautiful work of art. Check out his work at www.anthonymarkphotography.net. Tony is also a father of two beautiful children on the autism spectrum, so if you're looking for a photographer who 'gets it,' that has patience and knows what he's doing, you've really got to check him out. Mike and I will be making an appointment with him soon to get some family portraits done.
We're collecting boxes to use the cardboard to glue our in excess of 200 posters to them for the walkers to carry or wear, we're still trying to decide how to do this. Maybe we'll give y'all the option. Any suggestions? Email me please!!! This way they will last for next year's walk. We could use your help too!!! We're getting together at the Y on the corner of McGregor and Mountain tomorrow (Tuesday, March 26th) at 6:00pm and will be there until 8pm. We really could use your help in coloring the posters and gluing them to cardboard walkers will carry, so if you have some time to spare (I know... time is something we all wish we had, but please... Even 5 minutes of your time would be helpful), we would be super thrilled to have your company. The address is 363 McGregor St. Bring your kids, as we're still hosting to Kid's Gymboree while the parents help us. For more information on the Y: http://www.ymcaywca.mb.ca/northend.html
Consider yourselves hugged,
Lou
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