The Main Thing
Without a doubt, there is a flood of information and resources for teachers, family members, therapists, doctors, job coaches, and others interested in the well-being of individuals with autism. Sometimes the sheer volume of information can obscure the single most important fact about autism.
or
continue reading
The incredible increase in availability of research, information, and resources related to autism is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it is easier than ever to find expert guidance and opinions about the latest strategies for treatment, to find support for caregivers, and to keep up with the latest research. This information definitely has a positive impact on people diagnosed with autism. And it is certainly exciting that the resources are so readily accessible via a wealth of print materials, live educational and support events, and web-based resources. On the other hand, the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming.
So, I’m going to take a bold step and give you a seven-word synopsis of that flood of information. It all boils down to one simple guideline: SPEND TIME WITH YOUR FRIEND WITH AUTISM.
The most valuable gift we can give any person, including our friends with autism, is our time. All of us are dedicated to maximizing the potential of individuals with autism while increasing their quality of life. We are interested in effective strategies that address target areas such as communication, social interaction, flexibility, cooperation, and initiative. We want to help our friends with autism by building on their strengths and learning to compensate for their areas of weakness. All of this requires the presence of other people.
TIP FOR THE DAY. We need not feel guilty about failing to stay ahead of the flood of books, articles, conferences, research, and techniques that come our way. While taking time to keep up with the latest information about autism is certainly wise, we need to remember to save the biggest chunk of our time for developing personal relationships with our friends with autism so they can live life to the fullest.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
Automatically generated related posts:
- Flood of Information “We just don’t know where to start...
- For The Birds As I was sitting at the dining...
- Arrival of Adolescence Teenagers tend to push the limits on...
- Typical Teens Parents and teachers express concerns when youngsters...
- Less Dependent, Part 1 Why do some individuals with autism need...