Spectrum Educational Services

Yes, the title is spelled correctly. I joined a team called "Brave Girls" to challenge myself to take 10,000 steps per day for the month of September. My biggest insight so far is I lead a very sedentary life. The first two days of September I added a walk to my day and barely reached the 5000 mark. I planned a long walk with a friend for later in the week and discovered it was still under 10000 steps. Fortunately other exercise can be converted into steps. A bike ride with my daughter nearly make me reach my target on the weekend. I'm realizing simply adding a pedometer doesn't change my activity level. I need to be intentional in adding exercise to my schedule. One of my technically savvy children suggested I shake the pedometer to reach my goal. It was a family lesson on integrity as I shared I would rather provide the true number than boost my stats artificially. I'm thankful for my team as we encourage each other both for days where we achieved our goal a

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.

Lars and the Real Girl (Image via RottenTomatoes.com) Watching a movie about a life sized doll ordered off the Internet was not where I expected to discover community. Yet in  Lars and the Real Girl , community plays a central role as each character decides what to do about Bianca – the doll that Lars believes is real. Can Bianca come in for dinner? Lars' brother doesn't want to be associated with crazy. His sister-in-law, Karin, seems a bit more open. She asks what they can do to help, but recoils at the thought of letting Bianca borrow her clothes. It is a very personal request. Here is where Karin draws the line – Bianca doesn't have the same style. But Lars says Bianca doesn't care about stuff like that.The movie focuses on the community including Bianca so Lars can feel included, too. The community includes her for Lars. Lars, too, faces the challenge of valuing his doll. I think the most powerful moment is when Lars has to decide what he will do about Bianca.

A parent requests the disability supports a family member needs. A person on fixed income applies for increased rent subsidy to match increased expenses. Access to mental health services is required. "No" is a word heard repeatedly by people accessing social assistance. As I waited in line to pick up a cheque that could not be mailed because of the current postal strike/lock out in Canada, I heard many forms of "no". I believe it is time for a vocabulary makeover: That's not our mandate:  This response tells me the service provider is system oriented, not client oriented. The potential client is dehumanized as their needs are externalized into a checklist. It is emotionally easier to say no to a piece of paper than a person. For the applicant, it is challenging to not take the rejection personally. Your friend gave you the wrong information:  This typifies the mistrust service providers can develop towards their potential clients. It also undermines the soc

June 2006. Back on the psych ward for the sixth time. Medications conflicting. Over 200 pounds. Not knowing how to continue living, but not wanting life to end. Dear 34 year old me, Thank you for holding on to Life. I couldn't write to you otherwise. Please read carefully. The state you are in now does not reflect who you really are. Loved: Through losing those you most deeply love, you will discover that your identity is secure. The people who return to your life in addition to the new friends and connections - each one will become a gift to love. You will no longer snatch what love you can from others because your heart has more than enough love to give. Accepted: The severe rejection you face will intensify. Eventually even the system will not want you. When you receive your diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, you will begin to accept yourself. Yet even that acceptance will not be enough. You will trade rejection for acceptance from the one who will never spurn you.