We sure have a lot of autism groups in Manitoba. Why is that? Probably because autistic people -and their parents- are so diverse. Groups have a pattern of forming to meet around specific needs. Supporting therapy choice, degrees of disability, location, age, role (parent or autistic person), a need for recreation or parent support… all these have been starting points […]
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Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness. Desmond Tutu Lately there has been a lot of online discussion about the challenges of parenting children with autism, and responses that raise concerns about the damage that can be done by parents who publicly focus on the struggle they have with their child. The […]
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Last week, a report summarizing the thoughts of over 600 students, parents and professionals on the state of inclusive education in Manitoba was released. Many of us were not surprised that an enormous percentage of respondents described significant barriers to education, right from preschool childcare right through post secondary. It was a collaborative effort between Education Solutions Manitoba, Barrier Free […]
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Lots of people think that Speech-Language Pathologists just help children who lisp. Helping kids to speak clearly is important, but we do a lot more! We evaluate and treat communication disorders in everyone from young children to elderly adults. We help people communicate effectively, from learning first words to the subtleties of effective conversation. We help children understand language, talk […]
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ADAPT exists to help parents learn more about developmental therapies for supporting children with autism. This fall, Community Living Manitoba offered us a grant to do just that. ADAPT has used the opportunity to create two documents: A brochure for parents of newly diagnosed children, offering encouragement and perspective, with a little advice on how to keep the wellness of […]
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Aleasha Whenham lives in rural Manitoba with her husband Jason and her 12-year-old son Jake, who was diagnosed with Salla disease, a rare genetic condition that results in a global developmental delay. She considers her family fortunate to be able to learn about RDI through the RELATE program. This reflection on parenting is shared from her blog, I Dream Things […]
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In September 2017, CTV Montreal reported on Ellis, a minimally-verbal boy with autism. The story was that one day, his parents discovered that Ellis “could think, could talk, through pictures.” His father had begun drawing household items and simple situations in an effort to connect, and Ellis drew back in response. Over time, Ellis also began to make changes to […]
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When my children were quite young, I tried to take them to places other little kids liked – parks, malls, the Children’s Museum at the Forks. Unfortunately for us, while my friends’ children were happy to run around and play and explore, my children found busy spaces quite overwhelming. Lots of noise, lots of stuff to see and process, and […]
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Erin: “Okay _____, it is your turn to sing.” Student: “Hmm, I think I will let my brain sing this one.” Erin: “Has it started? I would like to hear you.” Student: “Shh, it’s singing on the inside. I have to press the button to make it sing on the outside.” Music is a natural part of daily life. It […]
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I remember the first toy we bought my daughter that she actually liked. Up until then, we’d filled our house with baby toys, toddler toys, blocks, dolls, books, everything we could think of and afford that we thought would be fun. She didn’t really play with these toys in the ways we expected, and for awhile I fell into the […]
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