Autism and Neurodiversity
Just as having verbal speech ability doesn't equate to verbal ability to communicate thoughts, feelings and opinions; absence of verbal speech doesn't equate to not having thoughts and opinions, or not having the desire an ability to communicate them.
"Parliament is teaching kids that don't have a disability that they shouldn't be with kids that do have a disability. I think that's mean. ... my school rules are to be respectful, to be safe and to be a learner. I think parliament should have the same rules. Saying to get rid of kids with… Continue reading Why I Belong in Mainstream School
Sometimes its big things. Sometimes just little things. But, big or small, in can appear to others that my little Miss has an almost obsessional desire for what others might perceive as ‘bold face lying’. Just recently, to her psychologist of all people, Miss declared, that she didn’t have a white board. Now, anyone who… Continue reading The Truth about Lying – Autism and Inflexible Thinking
Are you crunchy food or soft food orientated? Sensory challenges are common for children (and adults) on the spectrum. Oral sensitivities can be especially challenging when it comes to nutrition necessary for healthy development. Cadence, historically, experiences quite severe oral oversions, which have played a key role in past hospital admissions. Expanding food types is… Continue reading On Oral Sensitivities
Autism is often synonymous with a strong interest in sorting and arranging, making this button 'Tree of Life' craft project a desirable one for many kiddo's (and adults) on the spectrum. It also puts fine motor skills to work, in a fun and colorful way. The symbolism of the 'Tree of Life' and the meaning… Continue reading Button ‘Tree of Life’ Craft Tutorial
When eight year old Cadence penned a heartfelt letter to the fairies asking the important question, "is there an autism fairy?", Queen Fairy thought long and hard about her response. If such a fairy existed, young Cadence wondered if she might visit her – noting that the fairy will be safe in her friendship; that… Continue reading No, there is no ‘Autism Fairy’.
In five short minutes, Director Abigail Romero, takes us on a journey into the non-verbal world of a young Autistic girl. Through Cadence's words, Romero engages the audience in concepts of both societal acceptance towards Autism and the value of self-acceptance. An honest, sometimes raw but remarkable portrayal of one Autistic child's insight into self,… Continue reading Acceptance – a film about autism (words by Cadence)
A colorful demonstration of Cadence translating her words into art.
When pondering the question, "Why do people call Autism a label?", eight year old Cadence, who has Autism and other challenges, delightfully explained the difference between a tin labelled 'tomatoes', and one of her key 'ingredients', Autism, before proudly declaring "I have more ingredients than tomatoes". Text and image: "Why do people call Autism a… Continue reading The Autism Label
Color is important to Cadence. Much of how she relates to the world is through color (sight) and texture (touch). Cadence best understands, relates too and responds to feelings / emotions in her own unique 'color coded' way. Here she shares her short story, "Green days make me feel Yellow". Scared is purple and blue.… Continue reading Green Days make me feel Yellow
