Posts Tagged "facebook"

Facebook Group

Posted by wendy on Jan 5, 2011 | 0 comments

Have you visited our Facebook page yet? Stop by sometime and check out the discussion page – I’ve created several questions that I’d love to see some answers to. There are some hotbutton topics, some coping issues, and some basic day-to-day things.

You should also feel free to post links to sites you find helpful or informative there (and I’ll most likely post them here, too).  If you haven’t joined the Autism is A Trip Facebook page yet, just click on the Facebook button over there on the right. 

Let’s start chatting!

A Little Support

Posted by wendy on Jan 5, 2011 | 1 comment

I am absolutely blown away at how quickly so many people jumped to help my friend in Michigan.  It’s gotten me thinking about our history in special education, and I’ve realized something very important:  we’ve made it this far not by relying on the professionals and agencies, but by seeking out other parents who have walked the same path.  Every major question I’ve had has been answered by a mom in the preschool waiting room, a dad on the playground, or a complete stranger I’ve bonded with over vegetables and autism at the local grocery.

Autism is a social disease, but not always in a bad way.  Autism has made me unafraid to approach a mom at a water park here in British Columbia and ask about how to get my son into the special education program.  Autism made me bold enough to approach another mom of three boys at our local park.  That particular encounter taught us how to get Jack into the French Immersion program here, and which school to try when the local school was full.

Autism has alternately made it hard for my child to be social, and made it easier for me.

So here’s my idea.  I’m going to start a network of sorts here on the site of people who would like to be open to help others.  If you’re interested (your commitment would be only to answer questions and guide others), let me know.   If you need help, let me know and I’ll either put you in contact with someone in your area, or put the word out.  We can help each other get the best results.

Let’s be social, shall we?

A Little Help?

Posted by wendy on Jan 4, 2011 | 4 comments

I’m working on some posts to put up over the next few days, but right now I’m coming to you with a request.  I have a mama friend in Michigan with a five-year-old with an ASD dx, a four-year-old who is being assessed, and an 18-month-old with sensory issues.  She’s new to the state and needs information on how to get ABA services for her oldest.  Is anyone out there familiar with navigating the special needs support process in Michigan?  She can’t afford an advocate and would appreciate any help you can give.  Please feel free to comment here or in the discussion area on the Facebook page, and please let me know if you’d like to contact her directly.

Thank you in advance for all of your help, and I’ll return with some laughs tomorrow!

The Blue Puzzle Piece

Posted by wendy on Apr 26, 2010 | 4 comments

I have gone back and forth about whether or not to mention this here, as I would like this site to remain politics-free.  However, I think this is important.

Don’t hate me, but I can’t deal with Autism Speaks anymore.  The blue puzzle piece just doesn’t speak for us.

There are lots of reasons behind this, but rather than get into them here, I’d like to direct you to Shannon at PITAUP, who does the job quite nicely here. 

There’s also an awesome group on Facebook where you can go to learn more – Help Tell The Truth About Autism Speaks.

Basically, I’ve been looking at this whole autism thing from the viewpoint of a parent.  My attitude changed when I thought about how Jack will present himself as an adult and what he’ll want out of life as an autistic individual.  I am his champion, his advocate and his biggest fan, and that’s a job I don’t take lightly.  I can’t support any organization that doesn’t recognize that what makes Jack different makes him amazing.

I will, however, wear their free t-shirt while cleaning.  I’m thrifty like that.

Photos on Facebook

Posted by wendy on Apr 19, 2010 | 1 comment

I just uploaded a bunch of cool little photos for you to use on Facebook or Twitter or wherever you like to the Facebook group. Go check them out, and feel free to upload your own!!