The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

This will be a follow-up of our presentation at last year’s conference. The new session will share what has provided for our son’s success, our family’s triumphs and challenges, and how ASD is a natural part of our lives. We will also show how humor, love, and understanding bring about a soothing brand of acceptance. Previously our presentation evoked tears, laughter, and a feeling of what just being positive can do and we hope to provide more this year. This year's presentation will build on the things that attendees from last year's presentation found to be inspirational, educational, as well and deeply meaningful emotionally. The format will be much the same in that we as a family will provide a glimpse of our lives through a journey that encompassed a variety of travels.

We will be focusing on several specific areas with the objectives being:

To provide an overall view of what transpires from initial diagnosis to acceptance. Showcase interventions and methodology that worked and provided vast results in the areas of health, education, and planning for the future. Illuminate a series of snapshots vignettes to show the affects on parents, family dynamics, and the individual with autism. Sharing methods of getting past the negative aspects which a disability may create to mold those into characteristics which can lead to lifestyle choices within self determination. Examples of “Breathing” and how to let go, providing opportunity, as well as how an entire family may view self-determination differently. “Winning Plays” will showcase how individual family members can support the team in supporting individuals with ASD and how winning the game is within reach. The future is NOW! Providing options on how to plan past planning. When does real self-determination for a person with autism click in. Starting as a child and transitioning that into adulthood. Dreams for “Our Life In A Nutty Shell III” Living with Autism and Making the Most of Loving It. Providing a path for dreams for every attendee.

The goal of this presentation is to show how provided opportunities via education options and choices, community involvement, and building a natural circle of support can lead to a fulfilling, and positive life for any individual with autism no matter when a person may be on the spectrum.

Our goal is to also do what we were able to accomplish last year. Show that every family will be as unique as their child with autism and that each one is able to provide a foundation to make it with the love and support from each other and what benefits having a loved one with autism within a family may bring. We want to change the death sentence mentality into a life with parole after acceptance into what will be a very rewarding existence for everyone involved and lucky enough to be touched by an individual with Autism……the loving to is the icing on the cake.

Content Area: Family and Sibling Support