Autistic: Beyond the Label

Keywords: autism, parenting, book reviews, sensory processing, communication, neurodiversity, autism diagnosis, autism resources, autism literature, autism understanding

Summary

In this episode of Autistic Beyond the Label, host Dana Colarusso shares her personal journey through autism literature, discussing key insights from various books that have shaped her understanding of autism. She emphasizes the importance of communication, sensory processing, and the unique experiences of autistic individuals. The episode features reviews of 'More Than Words' and 'To Siri with Love,' as well as an exploration of Temple Grandin's 'The Autistic Brain,' highlighting the evolving understanding of autism and the significance of recognizing individual strengths.

Takeaways

• As a parent of an autistic child, reading is essential.
• Books like 'More Than Words' serve as practical guides.
• Understanding sensory processing is crucial for effective communication.
• Reading fatigue is a common experience for parents.
• 'To Siri with Love' offers relatable insights into parenting an autistic child.
• Temple Grandin's work emphasizes the uniqueness of the autistic brain.
• Neurodiversity highlights the diverse experiences of autistic individuals.
• Personal stories in autism literature can provide comfort and understanding.
• Recognizing strengths in autistic individuals can lead to meaningful opportunities.
• The understanding of autism continues to evolve with ongoing research.

BOOKS CITED IN THIS PODCAST:

More Than Words: A Parents Guide to Building Interaction and Language Skills for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Social Communication Difficulties by Fern Sussman, Illustrated by Robin Baird Lewis. 424 pages

ISBN-10. 0921145411. Publication date January 1, 2012.

To Siri with Love: A Mother, Her Autistic Son, and the Kindness of Machines by Judith Newman. 256 pages

ISBN.10178429828X

ISBN.13978-1784298289

Published by Harper on August 22, 2017.

The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across theSpectrum by Temple Grandin with Richard Panek. 256 pages

ISBN.10.0547636458

Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt April, 2014.

AVAILABLE AS AUDIOBOOK.

Music composed by and used with the permission of Peter de Mello.

Beth McBarnett, Ambassador at Grandview Kids and a parent support worker at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, describes her journey from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to life after an Autism Diagnosis for her son.

Keywords: autism, parenting, support, diagnosis, family, resilience, community, milestones, patience, advocacy

Summary: In this conversation, Beth McBarnett shares her journey as a mother of an autistic child, discussing the challenges and triumphs she faced after her son Aaron's diagnosis. She reflects on her experiences in the NICU, the importance of finding support and resources, and the impact of community on her family's journey. Beth emphasizes the significance of patience, acceptance, and celebrating milestones, while also advocating for the need to share stories within the autism community.

Takeaways:

• Beth's son Aaron was diagnosed with autism at two years old.
• The initial reaction to the diagnosis was numbness and denial.
• Self-care included spa visits and time away from home.
• Finding local resources like Grandview Kids was a relief.
• Integration in schools has been beneficial for Aaron.
• Celebrating small milestones has changed their parenting approach.
• Patience has been a key lesson learned through parenting.
• The decision to have more kids after an autism diagnosis is different for everyone

• Community support has been vital in their journey.

• Sharing stories helps shape care in the community.

Grandview Kids a hub for children's special needs services:

• https://grandviewkids.ca/
• https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/autism-spectrum-disorder-asd/supports-services.html

Poetry by Matthew Stewart Ball mentioned in this episode:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32332995-kiss-of-god

Music created by and used with the permission of Peter de Mello.