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children with autism
People on the autism spectrum have a unique view of the world.
Symptoms of ASD can vary wildly.
You'll understand like never before.
What is it about hair that ruffles so many feathers? Last week, despite having been told not to do so, an Ottawa teacher chopped the hair off a child, ostensibly because the child was chewing on it. The teacher appears to have believed that somehow, he was acting in the child's best interests. Had he decided the child's identity for him? Had he decided that a child with a disability cannot make his own choices as to his appearance?
It's hard to believe it's been five years since autism entered my life. My son is eight now. Raising him remains a mystifying experience, yet I have learned some valuable lessons along the way:
Marc Carter was originally searching for a blue Tommee Tippee cup for his son with autism.
No big crowds, long lineups or loud noises at this Edmonton mall.
Imagine watching a movie made by someone with autism, rather than about someone with autism. Wouldn't that be a refreshing change from the norm? Individuals with autism found themselves the subject of countless documentaries and feature films rather than the creators and the mavericks calling the shots.
He doesn't have a "special" talent. In fact, less than 10% of the autistic population have some kind of savant talent. When you ask about his "talent" and he knows that he doesn't have one, he feels less. He feels as though he is being judged for being "wrong" yet again. I hug him and tell him that you mean well, and that the drawing he did of Spider-Man really did rock! What I wish you would ask instead, is this.
"The cup keeps him alive. If we lost the cup and couldn't find another Ben would die."
