We have always known the Teen Queen was a visual thinker. When she couldn't find her words, she'd draw a picture. Her early forms of communication included PECS (Picture Exchange Card System) and picture plans. Now that the Baby Queen has her iPad with several picture and video apps, we're getting a better idea of what goes on in her head, where her sensitivities are strongest, what sensory inputs are most painful. Sadly, we've floundered with her for 15 years, but I'm embracing the "Better late than never" philosophy. We'll grab the technology by the short hairs and follow her lead. My only problem with her developing communication skills is that she knows where all the bodies are buried. Yikes.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Visual thinking and Autism
Those of us in the Autism community know the name Temple Grandin. Those in the cattle industry know the name Dr. Temple Grandin. She is a rare case of an Autistic person born in the 50s whose mother identified her condition as being workable instead of an automatic trip to an institution. Because of Eustacia Cutler's unwillingness to give up on her daughter and her conviction to tirelessly work with Temple, the world has an amazing source of insight into the Autistic mind. Dr. Grandin is proof that Autistic children can learn, can be reached, as long as their sensory challenges and differences are recognized and respected.
We have always known the Teen Queen was a visual thinker. When she couldn't find her words, she'd draw a picture. Her early forms of communication included PECS (Picture Exchange Card System) and picture plans. Now that the Baby Queen has her iPad with several picture and video apps, we're getting a better idea of what goes on in her head, where her sensitivities are strongest, what sensory inputs are most painful. Sadly, we've floundered with her for 15 years, but I'm embracing the "Better late than never" philosophy. We'll grab the technology by the short hairs and follow her lead. My only problem with her developing communication skills is that she knows where all the bodies are buried. Yikes.
We have always known the Teen Queen was a visual thinker. When she couldn't find her words, she'd draw a picture. Her early forms of communication included PECS (Picture Exchange Card System) and picture plans. Now that the Baby Queen has her iPad with several picture and video apps, we're getting a better idea of what goes on in her head, where her sensitivities are strongest, what sensory inputs are most painful. Sadly, we've floundered with her for 15 years, but I'm embracing the "Better late than never" philosophy. We'll grab the technology by the short hairs and follow her lead. My only problem with her developing communication skills is that she knows where all the bodies are buried. Yikes.
As long as I have been visiting, I haven't really known what you and your family have been dealing with. I not sure how I missed it or if I came on board after the fact. Regardless, may peace and strength bless you, and may your troubles be fleeting.
ReplyDeleteLeigh
Whitehall
I don't talk about it a lot, unless there's info that's really neat or helpful. You guys are "family", tribe. Makes it easier to share some of these things. And if I can help someone find info they need, educate the public, all the better.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your sweet prayers, we'll happily take 'em.
The notion that this technology is allowing you to understand your child, after being deprived of that knowledge all this time, is really incredible.
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine the mixed feelings this must bring, but ultimately the joy of finally knowing!!!
Wow.
Timbo, I now have two invaluable pieces of info that will help me make Baby Queen more comfortable, which can help her cope. She has double vision which she described, this has been corrected with glasses and suddenly her balance improved. She also can't stand squishy food. Pudding creeps her out and can't stand to be near it. Check.
ReplyDeleteI'm having fun finally getting to know her.
I did know about your daughter from past blogs, and ya know what? YOU ARE FUCKING AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have a niece who is forever at a functional 4 year old level, even though she is now 28. Love her to death, but know the difficulty. BLESS YOU TO HELL AND BACK!!!!
Thank you Xenolith. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteBUT WHY ARE YOU YELLING AT ME????