Autism
Alex Barton - Florida wants to hear from other families
As I wrote in my article Including special needs children in class: Is it worth it?, what happened to Alex Barton the day his kindergarten teacher had his classmates vote him out of the class should never have happened. Our hearts ached for Alex and his mother - and...July 13, 2008 - 8:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Alex Barton - update 7
I shipped our last Care Package to Alex last week. His mom Melissa wrote: Alex says THANK YOU! I am very appreciative of the support that everyone has provided thus far. It has been a long road and we have a far journey ahead of us. We are taking...July 8, 2008 - 8:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Fenway Park Disability Awareness Day - Autistic man sings anthem
From Laura - Barbara, I just watched this video and through teary eyes, I am sending it to you. It was BEAUTIFUL and so fun and great to watch!...July 8, 2008 - 1:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Alex Barton and public school inclusion
Shortly after the Alex Barton story broke, I had to interrupt my blogging for a trip to Kansas on assignment for another story. After four hours of sleep, I was tired. But also inspired by the window of opportunity that had opened by Alex's story making national headlines. Since it's...June 9, 2008 - 4:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | TrackBack
Being "special" and self-esteem
I, like so many others, was outraged and saddened to read about the terrible behavior of Alex's kindergarten teacher, not to mention the potential lasting effects on the child. However, it occurred to me that because he has an IEP, indicating Special Education, it is possible that he doesn't want...June 4, 2008 - 2:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Alex Barton card campaign update 4
27 pieces of mail arrived for Alex on Tuesday. I took a picture, but forgot to write down where they were from. Jonny and I wrapped and packed up the box and mailed it today: Alex's mom, Melissa will take a picture when it arrives. I am feeling so...June 4, 2008 - 1:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Special Ed, IEPs, Wright's Law, and empowered parenting
A brief excerpt from a free newsletter for parents of kids with special needs, followed by my soapbox :) Spring is here and the end of the school year is fast approaching. Yes, it's IEP season. IEP meeting Do you understand what your role is at IEP meetings? Do you...May 20, 2008 - 4:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Church bars severely autisic boy from Mass
Tracy asked what I thought of this and I'd like to know what you think: Church bars severely autistic boy from Mass After reading the story, I have to say I side with the church. There is a point at which accommodating disabilities begins to infringe on the rights of...May 19, 2008 - 10:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack
Taking Daniel to Dr. Capone today
It's cold again today - glad I never found the time to do the big wardrobe switcheroo. I'm off to Baltimore this morning with Daniel to visit Dr. Capone at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, which is part of Johns Hopkins University Hospital. Daniel has Down syndrome, but he is really...April 14, 2008 - 7:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Autism: the Musical - on HBO March 25
Autism: The Musical Charts the Emotional Journey of Five Autistic Children Who Star in Their Own Stage Show Debuting March 25th Exclusively On HBO Elaine Hall adopted Neal from an orphanage in Russia who after years of tantrums was diagnosed with autism. After the diagnosis Elaine realized she wasn’t...March 20, 2008 - 6:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
