Movies and TV Shows

Since Conlan was diagnosed, we've read a lot, watched a lot, and learned a lot about autism. The other day as I was showering with him, I noticed that his posture was a lot like Jake's on the show Touch. He was standing there with his back to the water and arms at his side, slowly bringing his body into the stream of warm water. He held still and stood tall with his head pointing forward. Either he was impersonating Jake or the actor did an excellent job at portraying the posture of many autistic children.

Since it reminded me about Touch, I thought I'd write a post about various TV shows and movies that we have watched during the last three years that have really touched us or have been significant as we've learned more about autism.

To top any autism movie list, you have to begin with Temple Grandin. So here's the list, not in any particular order:

iPad, Pro Loquo

A few months ago, we were able to buy Conlan an iPad with the Proloquo application suite.  Normally we couldn't afford something like that, but the state granted us some money to help pay for therapy, technology, and even some utility bills.

It's an amazing application.  The school and his therapists use it a lot.  I worry about all the screen time he's getting, but it's worth it.  He is really getting a feel for how it works.  We use the iPad only for that one app and even screen-lock it so only that app can be accessed.

Enough?

I often find myself wondering if I'm doing enough for Conlan.  He doesn't get ABA therapy, because our insurance doesn't cover it, and we can't afford it.  All he gets is a couple speech therapy visits and a couple occupational therapy sessions per week. He's been on the county disability services and aid waiting list for over two years.  He struggles with learning his signs.  He doesn't always wipe.  We sometimes question if he even understands us.

 

We teach kids his same age at church.  As I watched them, it hit me hard, "he is so far behind".  Then this song came to mind.  I have done a lot for him.  I am there.  I kiss him. I hug him.  I laugh and play with him. That's what he needs, and apparently I do too.  The simple things.

 

 

Lately, he's really clung to me and has made it clear how much he misses and needs me.  One night after work, I headed towards the door to go teach my night class.  He stood in my way, clearly not wanting me to leave.  I had just barely gotten home, how dare I leave already!  Other times, he has stared longingly out the window as I drive away.  It breaks my heart, and how I wish I could be with him all day

Another School Year

About a month ago, Conlan finished second grade!  It was a long school year.  I can't believe the school district here has school go so late into June.  He learned a lot, his teacher and aides were wonderful, and he grew a lot physically too.


Conlan's and Heather's Art Work

He can now write his name and most of the alphabet.  In first grade, his primary goal was to get potty-trained.  In second grade, it was to recognize letters and write his name.  What will it be next year?  To read? To effectively use his AAC to communicate not only his needs but his wants and dreams and wishes and likes and dislikes and . . . To talk?  There are so many possibilities, and he is very capable and up to the challenge.

The past few days when I arrived home from work, he was so excited to have me home.  It makes it real hard to leave every morning.  And when I leave to teach my night class, he stands in front of the door blocking my way.  He may not be able to talk, but he sure can communicate his feelings and wants.


 

 

 

 

 

 





Using Starfall on the Screen in My Classroom

Winter

A few months ago, we bought Conlan a new coat, with a liner.  His old one was worn out and not warm enough for these cold winters that we've been having.  At first, it took some convincing to get him to wear it.  The liner also worked as an extra jacket and easily zipped in and out of the main coat.  Well, Conlan didn't like having both on at the same time and quickly learned how to remove the inner jacket.  That's all good, if we know about it.  Usually he just leaves it on the ground.  A couple weeks ago, we went on a small roadtrip for the day.  A couple days later, we noticed his inner jacket was missing.  We tried remembering everywhere that we had been and called the places we had visited.  So, for the rest of the winter, he goes without the lining.

Best Friends

After school, Conlan usually goes right outside and plays with the dogs, mainly with Dewi, our male.  Dewi is just a few months younger than Conlan.  We got him a few months after Romney passed.  Since we got the dogs back earlier this year, it's been interesting to watch the friendship form.  For a while, Conlan would just taunt the dogs, holding the ball and running around instead of throwing it for them to fetch it.  Recently, Dewi has started playing the same game.  He'll run away from Conlan with the ball and wait for Conlan to come to him.  They could spend hours with each other going back and forth, and they do!

"You Don't Have to be Normal"

There were so many good lines from this talk over at TED. Faith shares the story of her two autistic brothers and encourages us to be extraordinary like them.


I really liked that the older of the two brothers had never lied; he had no concept of lying. She ends her talk with, "Please, don't call me normal."  Let's all be as extraordinary as we can be!