Comments on: Play Date with a Friend; or, What We Need

By: Autism Vox » On the “Dis” of Disability

Autism Vox » On the “Dis” of Disability — Tue, 01 May 2007 06:57:31 +0000

[...] and Mothers Vox in Brooklyn (yes, the podcast is coming soon), Charlie’s excitement about his first-ever playdate, Charlie dealing with a moment of complete and unexpected disappointment (he and I went to his [...]

By: Lisa/Jedi

Lisa/Jedi — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 17:48:36 +0000

Well said, Kristina! I love this idea of an ethical approach to viewing people with autism, as seeing humans beings with needs (like everyone) rather than seeing “behaviours” or stereotypes. Our common humanity is an important reference point in all of our interactions…

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 16:31:22 +0000

It was good because we planned, strategized, excessively—–I’d rather it be successful, for all parties!

By: mumkeepingsane

mumkeepingsane — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 15:53:30 +0000

I’m still nervously considering a play date for Patrick. I’m not sure we’re ready yet! Sounds like Charlie had a good one though.

By: mika

mika — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 15:30:17 +0000

Kristina, I am excited for Charlie’s play dates.
I have experienced successful play groups in the classroom. Even with our non-verbal students.
I find them to be a positive experience for my students.
I have found it gives the general ed. students more compassion and insight to our students.
The same general ed. students tend to help our children more in social settings(cafeteria,playground,etc) without us intervening.
Our adapted P.E. program also includes general ed.students as helpers.
It warms my heart to hear our parents tell us how a general ed student will see them in the community and interact with their child.
I find social interaction adds quality to our lives.

By: julie

julie — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 12:38:53 +0000

A menoring program is great. I find nyself telling people that Rebekah has autism it is not who she is.
I have struggled with the concept of intergration because she has such a hard time academically in those situations. I am finding that because of all of the intergration today that the children seem more accepting, tolerant and helpful. Lets hope that when this generation enters adulthood they will keep these attitudes. It will only help, because I am sure that there will still be autism and maybe a generation that does not judge as harshly will want to make changes in treatment and eduction not “fix” them and find someone to blame.Just appreciate them for who they are and their differences.