Living My Dream
Posted - Sunday, April 18, 2010Every individual with autism can succeed in their community
I knew that I wanted to be a teacher since I was twelve. And then I met my first child with autism when I was seventeen, Shari. Then, I knew I wanted to be a teacher of people with autism. Twenty-six years later I am still living my dream.
Shari and I spent significant time together over a period of three years. I was her family’s…
Shari and I spent significant time together over a period of three years. I was her family’s…
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TnT
Posted - Sunday, April 18, 2010There is always HOPE. Always.
Troy and Tyler, who I nicknamed TnT, are twin 17 year old boys who are both autistic, and now share one other thing...epilepsy. I found out when Troy had his first seizure in October, that 30% to 50% of people who have a diagnosis of autism also develop epilepsy. Well in our case it's 100%. They really are not sure why. They think it has something to do with puberty…
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The Parents
Posted - Sunday, April 18, 2010My life is richer because of you
I am a recently retired Family Support Specialist who worked for 32 years for a small child and family services agency in Helena, Montana. My job was to provide family education and support services to a caseload of 15-20 families. However, I'm not here to talk about the agency or our services. What I want to write about are the wonderful families with whom I have worked over the years…
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My Life
Posted - Thursday, April 15, 2010First and foremost, he was MEANT to be here
My youngest son John was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of 5. His kindergarten teacher encouraged my husband and me to have him tested, after observing him in class. As the parents of three boys, we knew John was “different”, but weren’t sure if it was his just being the youngest, or overreacting to what seemed to be an alarming lack of interest in what had captivated his…
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Something Positive
Posted - Thursday, April 15, 2010I learned that by talking to other people about Autism I was not alone
I have been an employee of Easter Seals for seven years. My daughter was enrolled in therapy through Early Intervention and I was caring for my father who was terminally ill. My father passed away and my daughter was diagnosed with Autism within a month of each other. I was overcome with depression, anxiety, and stress. I did not know how I would survive. I began to volunteer at Easter…
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I’m Busy!
Posted - Thursday, April 15, 2010Maximizing independence for people with autism and other disabilities
I have the privilege of working in the offices of our Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research. Every day I greet one of our clients with autism who works at our school. When I ask, “How are you today?” his energetic answer is always the same as he smiles brightly and walks with determination toward his next stop in the building. Our client always answers cheerfully, “I’m busy!!!!”
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Wolves School Library
Posted - Wednesday, April 14, 2010The Chicago Wolves School Library is a huge success!
March 10, 2010 was a historical day for the Easter Seals Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research. Staff, students and patrons were on hand for the official grand opening of the Chicago Wolves School Library. The festivities featured many personalities from the Wolves, former players Bob Nardella, Steve Martins, and the mascot Skates. The students assisted the players on cutting the ribbon to officially open the library. Then they…
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Special Ed
Posted - Wednesday, April 14, 2010The journey to Asperger’s Syndrome
I still remember how nervous I was. My sweet, precious baby boy was off to his first day of preschool. You see, he had stayed at home with me for the previous four years, and it wasn’t easy to let go. It was even more difficult for me, I believe, than other parents in the same circumstance. And that is where our story begins.
Ed was born…
Ed was born…
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Disclaimer: The opinions and ideas expressed here are not necessarily those of Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago.