Spectrum Educational Services

ASDreams is funded by Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) and hosted by Crestwood Mennonite Brethren Church in Medicine Hat. 2018 is the ninth year of running this program for youth on the Autism Spectrum. Registration is ongoing. Contact FSCD directly or Wendy Johnson 403-952-8406 wendywheelockjohnson@gmail.com

Micah Sudom, my son and former ASDreams member, composed Give it Time.  His band, Mostly Micah, played it during high school graduation. Micah is the one on piano. Mostly Micah also provided the dinner music for the school district's teacher retirement party. Micah's first educational assistant and his kindergarten teacher both retired this year. The PUF administrator who got me started in the school support system was one of the two honoured educators at the event. The title Give it Time wasn't chosen for a graduation theme or a teacher retirement gig, however I can't imagine a more fitting title. Early educators who gave of their time not knowing how their involvement would shape the lives of their students. Junior high boys who spent six years eating their lunches together in the band room, learning new instruments and jamming together. A mom who invested 18 years into countless appointments with Family Supports for Children with Disabilities, service provide

Due to renovations at CORE association, ASDreams new session begins Monday, October 17.

Alberta Health Services is offering an online session called, "Supporting and thriving with your loved ones affected by Asperger's Syndrome". This is the description: Adam has personal experience of living with a sibling diagnosed with Asperger's that he uses to guide others in understanding Asperger's and some commonly associated conditions. This will aid you in taking more informed care of the person with Asperger's in your life. Combining personal experience and training, Adam will explore how narrative approaches can help you connect to someone with this diagnosis. In addition, the personal impact on the caregiver will be discussed, including ideas for self-care. The course is available until June 10, 2016 at 11:00am.  Registration information available here.

In the New York Times an article entitled, " I had Asperger Syndrome. Briefly. " asserts that the definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder should be narrowed. I agree. The proposed change to the DSM V diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder includes, "Symptoms together limit and impair everyday functioning." I hope this clause will separate out from the rest of those with ASD the group of people currently diagnosed who assert that the only thing wrong with  having ASD is how other people treat them. If a person is fine with the way life is working, then why seek a diagnosis? Or try and keep the label while at the same time advocating that supports are not needed, just understanding? Requiring support is part of the new criteria. Autism is a diagnosis, not an identity. Good for the author for moving on to explore his potential.