3 Years Later

3 years later and we've aged out of the system.

So now we can say that the school that would not take our advice is actively doing what we wanted for the "new" kids they have on their roster.  They are now using technology to help the autistic... at least that is what I've read in the newspaper.....  The "look at what we're doing now..."  makes me want to pull my hair out.

Great news is that the last 3 years proved to be a great new beginning.  Our daughter was now in an environment that would at least "work" with us to repair what damage she sustained in her 5 years prior.  Teaching her to use a cellphone for safety was number 1.  Providing opportunities to use her computer graphic skills in a way that leads to employment was number 2.  Creating a safe yet challenging environment for her was all we asked and what they delivered.

So now our path will lead to her being self employed.  How?  via the digital technology that we so wanted her to learn and utilize in a supported environment over 7 years ago.

I believed it would help her "belong and grow" back then, and I still believe it today, except now we have to start building a professional community for her online.  She still does her best socially online; which is still mostly via graphic art.

She is still the most safe interacting with others online.

Technology is still the best friend she has.

4 years and 25 pounds later....

What we believed our Adolescent Artistic Autistic was "wired" to do, we found she could.  Unfortunately, the professionals we ended up with couldn't find the enthusiasm to take on the technology challenge.  We found that providing the technology, software and training was not enough to change the way the 7-12th grade professionals interacted with the Ado Auti.

We continue our struggle to find the most safe and efficient way to continue on our path to self sufficiency.  I will back track and post via hindsight where our journey has taken us, the child and parent.

What To Do When You Get Lost In The Mall.  Using My Information Card.

Having the Adolescent Autistic confirm learned skill (what to do when lost) by using graphic skill (which promotes continued use of learned graphic arts skill - avoiding regression).  Motivation provided by the use of personal cartoon favorites.

pg2 social story

AT Result/Social Skills/Problem Solving: Fright on Kotake pg1

DanniChanGirl Social Comics

Pg 1, Panel 2

DanniChanGirl Social Comics

Panel 1 Page 1

DanniChanGirl Social Comics

Page 1b.

Picasa Web Albums - toni - DanniChanGirl Social Comics

Hopefully this image is better. I cut the comic in two and am using DashBlog to post it. This is Page 1a and is the result of the graphic journal entry below.

Danni's Version of Dealing with Social Issues p1a

 

Picasa Web Albums - toni - DanniChanGirl Social Comics

Testing this uploader to see if the picture is bigger.

2008 Oct Bad Days

This is a page from Danni's Graphic Journal depicting peer interaction during the course of the school day. In trying to learn the problem solving tools to deal with this situation, she has been inspired to create the ongoing comic strip I have been trying to post here. In this strip, she is "helping" someone with an issue very similar to her own.

Video Chat - OLPC

Here is one of the most important tools to have - can be utilized for Early Intervention to 18+. Accross Platform use -

A Fright on Kotake - Page 1 by ~dannichangirl on deviantART

Here is current work that seems to express social issues occurring in real life. This is AT at work - when language and communication is at a deficit, the autistic has found a way - yet she is not being heard..... or her talents utilized to balance the peer deficit. Any suggestions on how to get heard?

Teaching Writing Using Blogs, Wikis... / Standards related to digital writing

Teaching Writing Using Blogs, Wikis... / Standards related to digital writing

WYNN™ Literacy Software for Reading and Writing - Learning Systems Group

WYNN™ Literacy Software for Reading and Writing - Learning Systems Group

SpeEdChange: Too much technology?

SpeEdChange: Too much technology?

Science Homework: YEAH!

Science has always been a difficult subject for Danni, especially when taught in the standard format. This new teacher: Mr. Hummel - if this project is an indication of how the man teaches, then I am not only relieved, but am looking forward to Danni learning to love science!!!! I am more impressed with teaching the "Love and skill of Learning" than being miserably frustrated and burnt out earning an "A" that means nothing. With the latter, she will forget the memorized information and learn to fear the process.

Here she learned the process, showcased her talents (self-esteem boost) and actually wanted to spend time doing the project as well as sharing the project!

Response to Danni's List of Concerns

Here's the written response to Danni's list of concerns she submitted to each instructor. As you can see; content would not elicit the same response from a neurotypical.

I rank this little exchange at the top of my list of "Making a Difference".

School Day -1

These are Danni's concerns that will be copied to her teachers.

I asked her to write these - no help, prompts, suggestions or corrections from me.

The results:

A single response from an instructor I have yet to meet and a class she may end up withdrawing from due to a mix up -

This one act of written communication to her had a tremendous visible And I suspect deep emotional, social and academic impact! Visibly it excited her and made her happy: the written word never had this kind of impact: and as you will see, it was pretty dry reading - so it wasn't the content that created the response.

Verbally, she told me how good it made her feel that she was "somebody", she felt like she may belong; wasn't invisible. I think it also encouraged her and helped her better understand the strength, importance and rewards that written expression brings.

The Quest Continues into another school year

This blog initiated with the simple purpose of testing the ease of use, learning curve and at the same time engage the professionals working with Danni; while disseminating information and encouraging comments and communication. I'm still hoping.

At this stage, I will be teaching my now 15 year old Artistic Autistic to begin blogging herself. In the interim, this will now become a "Daily".

I am still hoping that our professionals will see the value of technology and how very useful and valuable it is in helping Adolescent Auti/Auspi Students have the opportunity to learn AND socialize with their peers.

Promotes Communication in a safe environment
Builds Life Skills
Motivation
Organization
Time Management

The list is long, and I will begin to post them along with examples of success, trials, and reactions.