The Joy of Autism

Is Having A Disorder The New Normal?

Using the title from Kat Kelland’s article in today’s Globe and Mail, she suggests that experts are worried that, with the extended array of defined disorders in the soon-to-be-released DSM V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual), no normal...

Published Wed, Jul 28 2010 8:05 PM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Activism, Critical Disability Studies, Inclusion, Acceptance, Autism Spectrum and Diagnosis, autism, Book Reviews, Advocacy

Ryan Barrett

This is Ryan Barrett. I do not know him. But he could be my son, Adam. He is beautiful. I’m sure he brought his family so much pride and joy. When I read the story that he was found dead I responded with unusual intensity. I feel as if I am looking...

Published Mon, Aug 17 2009 9:06 AM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Uncategorized

Interviews from educational leaders who share ideas on how to make inclusion work

We all know the many obstacles to a truly inclusive classroom. First, many educators don’t really understand how to make it all work. There is no understanding of “universal design.” (please cut and paste this link into your browser...

Published Mon, Oct 19 2009 6:03 PM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Inclusion

Do You See?

“You didn’t see me.” That must be the most popular line of relationship distress we’ve all ever heard and the reason for much heartache. With those who are closest to us, we yearn to be seen meaning, we want to be seen for who...

Published Tue, Dec 29 2009 7:33 AM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Critical Disability Studies, Writing, Book Reviews

Travel and The Autistic Child

Curiousity is a wonderful human trait. Adam is autistic and while he needs some regularity and structure and familiar environments, he also needs to explore new ones. He is curious. He likes to explore — in his own time — new foods, new things...

Published Wed, Jan 06 2010 7:23 AM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Single Parenthood, To Get To The Other Side, Travel

Dis/Ability?

I don’t normally posit questions asking for comments on my blog posts. As I posted Uta Frith’s lecture yesterday, I am interested in the positioning of autism ability as the result of an impairment, or disability. It is not an absolute that...

Published Wed, Oct 06 2010 10:25 AM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Autism Theories

Protecting Little Joys

We have to protect our little joys. I was thinking of this as I was putting Adam down to sleep this evening. As usual, we read Dr. Seuss. He eventually yawned and put his head down on his pillow. It sounds “normal,” I know. Around here, hums...

Published Mon, Oct 04 2010 8:11 PM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Adam, Research, Acceptance, Joy, autism, Autism Theories

A Remarkable Night

Tonight has been a most remarkable night. Adam has probably talked the most he has in his lifetime. I have no answers why. We’ve supported him, taught him, spent six years fine-tuning, changing and adapting things. By “things” I mean...

Published Fri, Oct 15 2010 7:32 PM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Adam, Development, Joy, communication

At What Point?

At what point do we stop participating in research studies? I think about this as I receive another request to do so with Adam. We’ve received many of these notices and requests over the years to participate in one research study or another —...

Published Sun, Nov 14 2010 8:12 AM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Inclusion, Acceptance, Joy

Tune In Today: Autism Now

I’ll be participating in Autism Now’s webinar today at 2 p.m. EST and speaking about The Autism Acceptance Project and my life and journey with Adam. Anyone can register by clicking the link. Digg this post Recommend on Facebook share via...

Published Thu, Apr 21 2011 5:39 AM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Uncategorized

Why I Write About Autism

Meet Amy Hempel, a New York writer. She tells us why she writes. Sometimes people are really critical of writers, particularly those of us who share our days and our lives with our autistic children. As if a writer doesn’t already have the little...

Published Tue, Apr 12 2011 12:57 PM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Writing, Inspiration

early spring 2011

With a glimpse of early March sun, I got an itch. I can’t stop myself from setting the date to open the pool, to think about the gardening I want to do this year, and to imagine where Adam and I will be a few years from now. I am imagining his,...

Published Tue, Mar 15 2011 12:57 PM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Estee, Acceptance

Creative Behaviour

I’m thinking a lot about behaviour today. I don’t often re-post the articles of others, but in my search, I came across this blog: Forward: FWD (feminists with disabilities) For A Way Forward. A study recently released in Delaware found that...

Published Wed, Feb 09 2011 9:08 AM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Autism and Learning, Art, autism, Inspiration

Push

A little something I’m working on: Push By: Estée Klar I pushed you into the world. I wanted you. I’m sorry. The white hospital room and metal equipment fluorescent lights and beeps no air until your lungs were suctioned over one minute. I...

Published Mon, Nov 22 2010 9:20 AM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Poetry

Disability Organizations Launch Formal Complaint Against Bias, Damaging Media Coverage

This press release was released today. I think this is also a call to all autism parents and providers to watch the bias language that is so often used in regards to autistic people: Canadian Association for Community Living Volume 10 Issue 5 March 2012...

Published Fri, Mar 30 2012 3:40 PM by Estée Klar

Filed under: Activism, Autism and The Media

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