I've recently started learning to knit. I find this to be very relaxing and it helps me to releive stress. It's also great because I can learn a hobby to make useful things. I would really like to learn to knit and stuff toys for my baby when he's a bit older.
Knitting also helps me because I stim a lot with my hands. This, in and of itself, is not a problem, except for the fact that one of the stims I have does cause occasional injury to my hands. Knitting is a great replacement for this stim that serves a useful purpose, as well as stress-relief.
Crochet is an alternative if the sharp looking needles make you nervous.
Just wanted to share that in case anyone else wants to try it. Hope you all have a Happy New Year!
AspieMama
Monday, December 29, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Is there something wrong with "perseverating" about animals? Rethinking "social skills" training.
I was just reading an article about increasing social interactions for autistic kids, and was a little bit offended. The child in the study (a teenager) was described as liking to read, watch television, and ride horses. She stated that she enjoys being with animals more than people. Because of her strong interest in horses, her interests were described as "restricted" and the article stated that she "perseverates" about the topic of horses and caring for horses.
Let's "tackle" this one issue at a time. My comments are in bold.
1. The child in the study (a teenager) was described as liking to read, watch television, and ride horses. Sounds like a teenager with some very healthy hobbies and interests to me. Oh, wait I guess we want her to be like the other teens...better start her smoking and going to drunken parties. (That was sarcasm).
2. She stated that she enjoys being with animals more than people. So do I a lot of the time. Animals don't have an agenda, and are often more friendly and forgiving than many people.
3. Because of her strong interest in horses, her interests were described as "restricted" and the article stated that she "perseverates" about the topic of horses and caring for horses. Well, I guess we'd better start some social skills intervention with all of the veterinarians, animal shelter employees, and animal rights activists because they sure devote a lot of their time to animals and their care. (Also sarcasm).
I think that we really need to respect the interests of autistic kids and help them develop them into a future job. I could see a great future for this young lady in some aspect of animal care. What a great field to get into!
But wait, this article was about a social skills intervention to get her away from this interest and be like the other teens. And, sadly, I guess it worked, because here is how the article described one of the successes of the intervention: "Towards the end of the school year, [CHILD's NAME] has made great strides as evidenced in her joining her peer to tease the speech and language pathologist."
Great job, you successfuly taught her to disrespect a teacher to be like her peers. Keep up the good work. (That was the last sarcasm of the post).
I'm not against social skills interventions, in fact, I think they're vital, but let's try to do them in a way that respects all individuals involved.
Thanks for reading, and have a lovely day!
Aspie Mama
Let's "tackle" this one issue at a time. My comments are in bold.
1. The child in the study (a teenager) was described as liking to read, watch television, and ride horses. Sounds like a teenager with some very healthy hobbies and interests to me. Oh, wait I guess we want her to be like the other teens...better start her smoking and going to drunken parties. (That was sarcasm).
2. She stated that she enjoys being with animals more than people. So do I a lot of the time. Animals don't have an agenda, and are often more friendly and forgiving than many people.
3. Because of her strong interest in horses, her interests were described as "restricted" and the article stated that she "perseverates" about the topic of horses and caring for horses. Well, I guess we'd better start some social skills intervention with all of the veterinarians, animal shelter employees, and animal rights activists because they sure devote a lot of their time to animals and their care. (Also sarcasm).
I think that we really need to respect the interests of autistic kids and help them develop them into a future job. I could see a great future for this young lady in some aspect of animal care. What a great field to get into!
But wait, this article was about a social skills intervention to get her away from this interest and be like the other teens. And, sadly, I guess it worked, because here is how the article described one of the successes of the intervention: "Towards the end of the school year, [CHILD's NAME] has made great strides as evidenced in her joining her peer to tease the speech and language pathologist."
Great job, you successfuly taught her to disrespect a teacher to be like her peers. Keep up the good work. (That was the last sarcasm of the post).
I'm not against social skills interventions, in fact, I think they're vital, but let's try to do them in a way that respects all individuals involved.
Thanks for reading, and have a lovely day!
Aspie Mama
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