THE BRILLIANCE THAT IS AUTISM!
On this page you will find quotes, stories, anecdotes, articles etc illustrating and demonstrating the brilliance and magnificence that is autism....please enjoy!
I’ve been asked “what is autism?” and I thought about adding pages that outline the specifics of what autism is and how it is diagnosed, however I prefer to allow Autism to speak for itself. Hence, the purpose of these pages...I could give you some mainstream explanation, symptoms, cause and effect, etc, but that would really defeat the purpose of this website. Autism is as autism does (as Forrest Gump would say) and I will let those who are autistic tell us what Autism is!
First there is a wonderful documentary by Alex Plank, who is the founder of the website “Wrong Planet”.
First there is a wonderful documentary by Alex Plank, who is the founder of the website “Wrong Planet”.
This is a video of a lecture by Temple Grandin detailing her experience with autism. She has a number of lectures on Youtube, so if you find this one interesting, go to YouTube to search for more.
Steven Wiltshire is what is called an Autistic Savant. He has also been called “The Human Camera”. He has an absolutely amazing ability to draw entire cities from memory. He embarks on a half an hour trip in a helicopter around a city and then from memory will draw a panoramic image of the city over a number of days. His skill is so well known that he has been invited to draw the many cities all over the world, including Rome, Tokyo, London and New York. Again, there are many YouTube videos of his work, so please explore further.
THE SPARTAN SPARKLES & THE SPARKLE EFFECT
http://www.spartansparkles.com/
http://www.sparkleeffect.org
Here is a fabulous story about a Cheerleading group in Iowa. They experienced a string of small miracles and large transformations in their Iowa town after several members of the varsity cheerleading squad formed their own cheerleading squad for children with special needs. Ten girls with special needs - from autism to Down Syndrome were included- radiating new joy and confidence as part of our "Spartan Sparkles" cheerleading squad. The program is youth-led and fully integrated into the high school sports program. They have appeared in a number of American News Reports including ABC and “Oprah” and as a result of this work, a whole revolution has begun with the “Sparkle Effect”, which is a program mentoring integration for Cheerleading squads in other schools. Check out the YouTube video, but also take a look at the website. This is a true inspiration and what can be achieved if we have a view that is inclusive!
http://www.spartansparkles.com/
http://www.sparkleeffect.org
Here is a fabulous story about a Cheerleading group in Iowa. They experienced a string of small miracles and large transformations in their Iowa town after several members of the varsity cheerleading squad formed their own cheerleading squad for children with special needs. Ten girls with special needs - from autism to Down Syndrome were included- radiating new joy and confidence as part of our "Spartan Sparkles" cheerleading squad. The program is youth-led and fully integrated into the high school sports program. They have appeared in a number of American News Reports including ABC and “Oprah” and as a result of this work, a whole revolution has begun with the “Sparkle Effect”, which is a program mentoring integration for Cheerleading squads in other schools. Check out the YouTube video, but also take a look at the website. This is a true inspiration and what can be achieved if we have a view that is inclusive!
“Mom, with a popsicle, anything is possible!”
Tommy (Mum Susan Pruyn) Please take a look at her blog in my reference section. Gotta love this quote!
Tommy (Mum Susan Pruyn) Please take a look at her blog in my reference section. Gotta love this quote!
THE HORSE BOY
The Horse Boy is a book by Rupert Isaacson, a father who was prepared to do anything to reach his autistic son. There is also a documentary with the same name and this film explores the journey of this family. What the film is about:
More and more films are being made about the vital role that fathers play in the development of their children. Society is entering a new era of parenting, when fathers, instead of being emotionally distant breadwinners, are stepping up to the plate of direct, hands-on parenting. The special bond between father and son is one of the greatest gifts life can offer. The Horse Boy tells this story.
http://www.horseboymovie.com/Film.php
http://www.horseboymovie.com/Book.php
http://www.horseboyfoundation.org/
The Horse Boy is a book by Rupert Isaacson, a father who was prepared to do anything to reach his autistic son. There is also a documentary with the same name and this film explores the journey of this family. What the film is about:
More and more films are being made about the vital role that fathers play in the development of their children. Society is entering a new era of parenting, when fathers, instead of being emotionally distant breadwinners, are stepping up to the plate of direct, hands-on parenting. The special bond between father and son is one of the greatest gifts life can offer. The Horse Boy tells this story.
http://www.horseboymovie.com/Film.php
http://www.horseboymovie.com/Book.php
http://www.horseboyfoundation.org/
Wow! This Youtube clip really affected me. Norman Kunc is a true inspiration and proof that with acceptance, awareness and understanding all children, irrespective of their diversity can achieve the ultimate of their potential!
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This is a brilliant article by Kathie Snow: (http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/) on “People First Language”. We are all encouraged to use this language around disabilities, so that we remove labels and negative connotations.
AUTISTICS HAVE SOUL - The Tale of Brotherly Love!
You have to love the dedication of this boy, Jake advocating for his brother Alex who has autism. It takes incredible strength and courage to stand up for something that is right and I am so impressed that it has come from the mouth of “babes” as it were!
You have to love the dedication of this boy, Jake advocating for his brother Alex who has autism. It takes incredible strength and courage to stand up for something that is right and I am so impressed that it has come from the mouth of “babes” as it were!
Autism: The Musical
This is a superb documentary by HBO about a woman, who has a son who has autism. She decided to create, produce and direct a musical with children who have autism and the result is this video, as well as children who were given an opportunity to shine and achieve success! It goes to show that with belief anything can be achieved and these kids can have experiences that empower them. I am providing the link to PT 1. YouTube have the entire documentary in parts, so follow the sequence if you want to see the entire program. I highly recommend that you do.
Dr John Elder Robison
Author of "Look me in the Eye" & "Be Different"
Dr Robison provides a very interesting overview on life as a person with
Asperger’s. He finally received a diagnosis at age 40 but throughout his life had to find ways to adjust to his environment. Both of his books are very good and provide excellent insights into the world through the eyes of someone who lives on the spectrum, but also who has made their life a success.
Dr Robison provides a very interesting overview on life as a person with
Asperger’s. He finally received a diagnosis at age 40 but throughout his life had to find ways to adjust to his environment. Both of his books are very good and provide excellent insights into the world through the eyes of someone who lives on the spectrum, but also who has made their life a success.
