The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

One of the challenges with autism spectrum disorders is finding ways to include individuals in everyday situations. Along with what is commonly referred to as “the Hidden Curriculum” of learning social cues, there can also be other challenges that make it difficult for these individuals to participate fully. Brothers, ages 11 & 17, present their struggles and successes; from how to enter a game at recess to transitioning to high school, they share creative insights in this interactive session. Brothers Cameron (17, diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome) and Jordan (11, diagnosed with autism) Blackwell have presented nationally on myths associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders. One of the myths they focused on was that individuals on the spectrum do not want to be social nor form relationships. In this session they delve deeper into many creative supports that can assist in inclusion into the home, school and community.
Early in elementary school, Cameron struggled with making friends, in fact, in his own words; he saw no need to make friends. It was too difficult to understand their conversations and their social rules. His sensory system was on constant overload and he didn’t understand why. His diagnosis brought understanding and supports. He takes the audience through the steps of first learning to open up to an adult, working through finding a sense of humor and when the time was right, peers were included and eventually he made friends.  Extracurricular activity involvement helped with the transition to middle school but finding a passion for band was the key to his success. Using his special interest area (musical instruments), he became a part of a group and when the time came for transitioning to high school, he had a readymade support system.  Cam shares the ups and downs of finding his own way through the school maze- what supports have helped and how his needs changed over the years.  He also presents community involvement ideas as well as insight into his relationships with his immediate and extended family.
Jordan has just finished elementary school and has had the good fortune of having a remarkable team surrounding him throughout his life- beginning with
First Steps and through preschool and elementary school. He explains some of the challenges he has faced and what he struggles with still. Jordan discusses adaptations and accommodations that have enabled him to not stand out from his peers any more than necessary. He also speaks of supports such as the “Lunch Bunch” and how that has helped him make friends in his class. School involvement included managing the highly successful boys’ basketball team- until 5^th grade when all his hard work paid off and he became a member of the team! Involvement in church and cub scouts has had its challenges, but through creativity, flexibility and caring, he has been able to participate fully in these areas. The key is creativity- or as Jordan puts it, “You’ve got to think outside the box!” Creativity will be a main thread throughout this presentation. The guys conclude their presentation with a little game called “Guess the Adaptation!” which is an opportunity for everyone to utilize what has been discussed and put it into practice.
Both young men will discuss their own efforts at self advocacy as they each speak to their peers in school concerning ASD and their individual situations. Cameron has taken it upon himself to help others understand those with AS- one example in particular is the time he spends with a teacher at school who has a young son recently diagnosed with AS. His insights have better helped this father understand his son. Jordan discusses his weekly meeting with his support staff- no mom involved!- to discuss concerns, goals, schoolwork (projects and homework) and anything else they feel the need to discuss. “Owning” their diagnosis empowers them to take on the day to day challenges and leads to the self confidence that is evident when they present.
Attendees of this presentation will come away feeling uplifted, with a new perspective on your loved one or your work.

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