Spectrum Educational Services

Karen Sudom speaks to the beauty and challenges of her experiences navigating this crazy yet wonderful world. She began as an Autism specialist and has widened her spectrum of topics to include her lived experience in community discussions, decisions and delivery. Not just about: Authentic! Karen doesn't just speak about Autism, but also what it is like to be Autistic. She doesn't just  speak about social supports and community inclusion, but also her experiences of delivering, needing and accessing help. She shares with educators, parent groups, students, churches, businesses, health professionals and other services providers. Karen's work has found her behind the scenes and behind the microphone. Pre Covid Karen  led weekly after school groups for preteens and teens with mainstreamed Autism called  ASDreams . She  served on the City of Medicine Hat's Advisory Committee on Disability Issues and Social Development Advisory Board. Karen moved to Calgary in 2023. 

My article "Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder" appears in the summer edition of  Bridge magazine . Scroll to page 13 to find a readable version of the thumbnails below. Save Save

I was thankful to take part in IDPD again this year. Shaw TV Medicine Hat captured highlights of the events. One minute into the video they focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders. I had the privilege of being interviewed. The interview took place in the foyer at the end of the school day just as parents were arriving to pick up their children. My "robotic" voice reveals that I'm using a significant amount of my brain for self regulation. Tools I used to manage myself during the interview: I focused my eyes on Leslie Jerry , a familiar face from the Advisory Committee on Disability Issues . Before being interviewed I asked the interviewer what questions she would have for me. I remembered that any part of being Autistic that I couldn't hide from the camera could become another avenue for ASD awareness. The comments from students demonstrated that IDPD increases inclusion. The sessions increased the level of students' understanding of different disabilities. I

Celebrate the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2014 to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The UN has gathered information on disabilities which you can read here . The article highlights barriers that people with disabilities face. " These obstacles can take a variety of forms, including those relating to the physical environment, or those resulting from legislation or policy, or from societal attitudes or discrimination." I'll be doing my part to remove obstacles by giving two classroom presentations to grade five students on Autism Spectrum Disorders at St. Pat's school.

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

The UP (Untapped Potential) program gives adults with Autism and other developmental disabilities employment support. Training includes skills and e mployability assessments, Life Skills workshops, job search skills, continued support on the job site, support to the employer, multiple work experiences, job customization, job placements, and three and six month follow up. I'll be doing some of their staff training. More information is available at  Being Human Services .

Just like the narrator of this video, I also have a broken foot and crutches. This clip highlights the need for medical services to be accessible to people regardless of the medical challenges they face. 1:54 of the video asks the question, "Wouldn't it make sense if doctor's offices and labs and medical equipment were accessible to . . people who have mobility problems?"

There is nothing easy about wondering if your child is on the Autism Spectrum. Since Autism is a medical diagnosis, your family doctor is the place to start. Then a referral can be made to a paediatrician. The blog "Autism Medicine Hat" lists the names of local paediatricians  here . Documenting difficult behaviours prepares you for describing the problems your child is facing. For each difficult behaviour ask yourself: What seems to trigger the behaviour? How long does it last? How often does is happen? Since tests for Autism are observational, be prepared for multiple appointments and possible referrals to other specialists. Receiving a diagnosis is more of a journey rather than an event.

It is a privilege to represent the Advisory Committee on Disability Issues at the ceremony on Wednesday. Each link below takes you to a picture of the features of the waterpark and playground. It has been designed to be accessible and fun for children, parents, and caregivers with and without disabilities ( Braille clock , drums , teeter totter , swings ). Surfacing  - is a resilient recycled tire solid surface that is level with the walkway.  The surface is firm, stable, slip-resistant, and provides outstanding shock absorption. Equipment - offers a mix of both accessible and more  demanding features that will appeal to and challenge a variety of children and abilities.  The ramps, accessible stairs and platforms use colour to indicate elevation changes.  The  safari bus allows children using a mobility device to experience the movement and bounce of a safari bus trip with their peers.   Water Playground - Seasonal (May long weekend - September long weekend).  Fully accessible

ASDreamers Logan Murray and Micah Sudom planned, wrote, acted, directed and submitted a video for the Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta contest. While the two did not win, a shortened clip can be seen here . Be sure to "like" it. Submitted in February, both Dreamers showed teamwork, perseverance and patience while waiting for the judges to make their decision.

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.

Another government agency has changed its policy to be more efficient. An  AISH  client can no longer email their worker. For example, instead of forwarding an appointment confirmation email from my specialist in Calgary, I now have to print it off and hand deliver it to the AISH office downtown. This adds many layers of cost: paper and ink travel my time to deliver another level of AISH administration Unfortunately arriving at the office does not simplify the process. Or personalize it.  Previously  I wrote about ways staff can humanize the experience of needing to access support services. As I was waiting for an appointment, a man went to the counter and asked to see his worker. PAD (person at desk): She isn't available. You can see the walk in worker. Man: When will my worker be available? PAD: I don't know. You need to make an appointment to see her. You can see the walk in worker. Man: How do I make an appointment? PAD: She makes her own appointments. You'

When a special needs child becomes a student at school, the role of parent expands. With many different people and levels in the education system, learning to work together benefits the student. I've had the privilege of facilitating parent panels which gave educators the opportunity to hear directly from parents their experiences of navigating the system. The following is the handout I created for participants. We both play a valuable and distinct role in my child's life requires effective communication system share what is working School is only a part of my child's day extra disability supports greater need for down time regular kids activities Life continues after graduation parental hopes and dreams undergo continual readjustment pacing for the long term skills for life maximize abilities by strengthening strengths To receive supports, there must be demonstrated need it is hard to focus only on my child's special needs technical language can

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.