I am an advocate for children and Adults with Autism. I have been working with them since the early 80’s. I think my favorite quote on the subject is my own “What works on Monday might not necessarily work on Tuesday”.

My success generally speaking comes from mostly “out of the box” modalities. I am very hands on with my approach. The first thing I establish with the student is a two-way trust. I have found that I can get them doing things that they or their parents thought were impossible. I am not a miracle worker and I do not even consider myself an “expert” on working with Autism. I “listen” to them even when they are not speaking. I find out what they love to do(if it is a healthy thing) and think of creative ways to get them to do it. Once I have developed their trust and do the fun(for them) stuff I start adding things that their parents, IEP or other team members suggest—I do not always agree with the parents, IEP or other team members and of course this starts some of the “Strained vibes” that often occur around these cases. In fact I call the DOE here in Hawaii the Department of Extinction—Good Special Ed. teachers don’t last long. Don’t get me wrong, there are good teachers in this very cumbersome system.

So parents—What to do—Hang in there!! Try new things—Speak out—Advocate for them. Video your kids and show them the video. Have them be the videographer—Take them on a field trip somewhere in nature and let them video it. Teach them to give and get massages. Play mozart, teach them to play mozart. Try Brain Gym, write on different colors of paper, music therapy, dance therapy,horseback riding, kayaking, watersports, take apples to folks in a convalescent hospital, animal therapy both receiver and giver!! Sing together. Get respite to avoid burnout. Start an Autism support group in your area.

……AND MAYBE THE MOST IMPORTANT THING OF ALL KEEP ON TRUCKIN