Disconnected

Just when you think that things will happen a certain way, something comes up and they change. My last post celebrated my day of freedom because the ASSessment was done finally. I thought for sure that my free time would increase and I would be able to start working on so many of the New Media projects and things that require my attention and also finish my class that had to take an incomplete for this spring. My body had other ideas.....

I spent over a week with very swollen glands and a sore throat and a couple of days with a fever so I ended up working and then literally going right to bed when I got home for the rest of the day/night. But more than that, I got a new student who is VERY challenging and presents a combination of many issues requiring ALL of my attention.

I've been going into work early and staying late until he's actually on the bus and on the way home as well as expelling tons of mental energy brainstorming ways to meet all of his needs and transition him into a school environment both while at work and at home. So, all of my free periods, which were reclaimed as the assessment ended have been full of paperwork and things related to this situation instead.

It also was one of those hectic stretches where the commitments on the calendar just don't seem to stop. Add the less-than-stellar-health to the mix and the Social Media world definately is not high on the priority list. Sure, I managed to scan the inboxes for super important emails but Google Reader has piled up and up. I've barely Twittered and Second Life is a distant memory. It seems strange to not have my finger on the pulse of what's going on right now. And although it's tempting to go back and try to "catch up", it'll be practically impossible so I'll scan GR quickly then as tough as it'll be, "Mark All Read" for many of them then start fresh.

I would love to say that this week will be different, however I don't expect things to change much until I actually get out of school and start my beloved Summer Life... (ahhhh... just the thought brings a smile to my face. ) There was a major issue at school yesterday with one of my other students, lots of end of the year paper work to do, IEPs to write, meetings to hold and just the busy spring calendar itself with family things, Special Olympics and such.

I also started an Autism course that I've been waiting for which will run for 9 weeks bringing me into July. I've been reading a lot of books about Autism as well. Of course, I'll still be trying to squeeze out a weekly podcast too, even if it's via iriver like the last two.

So, if you don't see or hear much from me for awhile, it's not that I don't love you... I'm just spread too thin.

busy, Autism+Project+of+RI, New+Media, Social+Media, second+life, Google+Reader, school

In My Language...

Having two Autistic students who are new to public school this year, I've been literally trying to absorb as much knowledge about Autism as I can in order to understand them and meet their needs. I've come across this amazing You Tube Video on several blogs (beginning with Chris Brogan) across the net and it's completely floored me. Amanda presents with multiple self-stimulatory behaviors that I see on a daily basis in my classroom. As I watched and got to the second half, my jaw dropped. Watch all the way through and you'll see why.





I don't think I'll ever look at my boys in the same way again. Granted, not all non-verbal Autistic people are capable of such eloquent language and cognition varies from child to child, but I'll not take anything for granted. Obviously, Amanda Baggs has an extensive vocabulary and supreme intellect and she is not representative of all non-verbal Autistic people, but had she not gotten her hands on a keyboard, we might never know.

I've just discovered this remarkable woman and have yet to read anything else yet, but have subscribed to and will read her blog Ballastexistenz.

I've also been a subscriber to Autismpodcast since it's inception and find it very helpful and enjoyable. It's a nice blend of personal experience (Michael Boll has an autistic son), expert advice and roundtable discussions. As a member of The Autism Project of RI, I'll be attending various trainings over the next few months and reading everything I can on the Autism Spectrum... man... going to need that 25th hour!

Link to all of Amanda's videos.

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