starting off the new school year...

with this:

I designed this new reminder postcard for my desk.  Getting psyched so see my students.

why i love my job(s): part one

I have three jobs, and I love them all.

First things first, my "main" job.  My full-time job is at a school for students on the autism spectrum.  I work as an intervention specialist in the vocational program.  Our school (which is fabulous), has several different programs: the preschool, elementary school, middle school, and high school are run on a 50/50 split: students on the autism spectrum to peer models.  Each of these run as a typical school with supports in place to promote success for the unique needs and strengths of people on the autism spectrum.

The vocational program (where I work) runs a bit differently.  My students are between the ages of 15 and 21, most are limited verbally or non-verbal and use various other means to communicate (iPad apps such as Proloquo2Go, Dynavox systems, sign language).  Our program focuses on preparing students as whole people to live complete and full lives.  We work on community involvement, job skills, social skills, self-management of behavior, as well as academic skills.

I love my students.  I am so grateful that I get to be a part of their successes, challenges, and lives.  They make me laugh, smile, think, and constantly re-evaluate.  Things that used to seem important, don't seem so important when I'm at work.  They keep me grounded.  They give me perspective.  They are truly a blessing in my life.  You can read more about how much I love my students here and here.

I love my co-workers.  I work with the most supportive, hilarious, weird group of people.  They make every day fun and are all so committed and passionate about supporting our students to meet their full potential.  Here's an example of how great they are:

I love my job.  It challenges me (daily multiple times every day).  It's my vocation: I feel like I'm doing what I am supposed to do in my little corner of the world.  I don't know anyone who looks forward to going to work more than I do.

i'm so famous, you guys.

Pubished author. Be proud.

Here's the link to the article, that originally appeared here.

different, not less

Today is World Autism Awareness Day.  April is Autism Awareness Month (also, it's National Pecan Month; you're welcome).  I don't want you to just be aware of autism.  I think we've accomplished that.  Everyone is at least peripherally aware of autism.  We've all heard the statistics: 1 in 88 children, 1 in 54 boys.  We all know someone, or know someone who knows someone, whose child has been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Frankly, I think being "aware" of autism is easy.  In fact, it would be pretty difficult to be unaware of it.  I think it's time to move past awareness to understanding.

People with autism live in a world that is at best, uncomfortable, and at worst, simply impossible.  It is a world not constructed to meet their specific needs, and more often than not, a world that does not attempt to understand them as an individual, as a person, as more than a diagnosis.

I'm done with Autism Awareness.  I'm ready for Autism Acceptance.  I know that autism is hard.  Really hard.  But I also know it comes with (often) hidden blessings.  Here are just a few.

My Top Three Favorite Things About Autism:

1. Many people with autism are completely transparent.  No games.  No ambiguity.  Complete and total honesty.   Want to know if you're having a bad hair day? Ask someone with autism.  Or don't ask, they might tell you anyway.
2. When many people with autism love, it is fiercely loyal.  Whether it is a TV show, a book, a character, a teacher, or a friend--you never lose their love and affection.
3. People with autism feel completely free to be themselves: you don't like it, they don't care. Authenticity is beautiful.

Understanding, not pity.
Appreciation, not simple awareness.
Different, not less.