February 2012 - The Joy of Autism

Star Dust

I have a soft spot for Christopher Plummer. When Adam was a year old, he was mesmerized by the Sound of Music. He loved when Captain Von Trapp used the whistle to call for his children and keep them “in line.” I enjoyed Adam’s baby belly...

Published Mon, Feb 27 2012 6:40 AM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Inspiration

Digging Up

William Morris admonished, “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” Was he ever in a house with kids and a to-do list for an autistic one that seems to run miles ahead of me? Ugh. I’m obsessed...

Published Fri, Feb 24 2012 11:32 AM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Estee

Torontonians: The New Snow Wusses

This will date me. When I went to school, I used to trudge through deep snow. No, I didn’t walk three miles like my grandmother did, but there was lots of snow. During recess, we’d slide down any hill we could find and even forget our snow...

Published Fri, Feb 24 2012 4:37 AM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Parenting, school, Media

Are You My Mother?

“Mommy!” Adam looks into my eyes and says my name as if he’s reassuring himself. It’s as if he’s saying you’re my mommy, and that is that. “Yes, Adam, I’m Mommy.” I say. He’s eyes are glued to...

Published Thu, Feb 23 2012 7:37 AM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Family, Single Parenthood, Autism and Intelligence

The New Technology and Autism Awareness

This article on technology and autism appeared in The Globe and Mail today. I’m worried that some people will view it as another autism miracle. Don’t get me wrong, I’m ecstatic about the iPad and other technologies and the awareness...

Published Wed, Feb 15 2012 7:44 PM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Autism and Learning, Uncategorized, Development, Autism and Intelligence, communication

Google’s Valentine

I’m sure you’ve all seen the Google Valentine co-animated by Michael Lipman. The boy keeps trying to win the girl’s heart with things. In the end he does simply by sharing in the same activity with her. It reminded me of how to engage...

Published Tue, Feb 14 2012 1:28 PM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Joy, Inspiration, Play

The Colour of Love

I love colour. After my separation and divorce, the colours I picked for our home were all grey. As first couple of years separation passed, and then meeting someone very special and having lots of friends and laughter in our home, I’ve been picking...

Published Mon, Feb 13 2012 5:08 PM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Family, Inspiration

Back Seat Driver

“This way!” Adam says firmly from the backseat of our car. He points to the direction he wants me to turn as he declares it. It’s not always safe, of course, for me to see where he’s pointing while I’m driving. I am asking...

Published Sat, Feb 11 2012 12:58 PM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Adam, Autistic Self Advocacy

Judith Snow at the ROM (closes March 4th)

Who’s Drawing the Lines: The Journey of Judith Snow A celebration of an artist’s triumph over perceptions of disability Opening August 20, 2011, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) presents Who’s Drawing the Lines: The Journey of Judith Snow. This...

Published Thu, Feb 09 2012 1:44 PM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Inclusion, Art, Advocacy

Belly Laughing

I had electricans in my house today as I finish fixing my kitchen. While they were doing their work I was fooling around on Facebook. There’s a new map application that let’s us mark where we are visiting. Seeing as how I made my first visit...

Published Wed, Feb 08 2012 7:37 PM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Joy

Everyday Is A Work of Art

I have a favorite non-autism blog right now. It’s by friend/artist Carla Lipkin called A Water Colour A Day. I love Carla’s work (and she’s a lovely person too).The blog is a work of art — you must check it out. It got me thinking...

Published Tue, Feb 07 2012 5:04 PM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Art, Joy, Inspiration

Guilty Or Not Guilty? Is That The Question?

As I begin to come out of my jet-lagged delirium from my thirty hour flight from Sri Lanka, I can talk more about my trip. I realized that yesterday when I was answering a friend’s questions about it. As I talk, the thoughts crystallize. It is only...

Published Thu, Feb 02 2012 4:02 AM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Travel