MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Hard Won Wisdom' source. Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:45:37 +0100 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/11/autism-experts.html Who are the autism experts? I googled it, and if you hit the link above you'll see who comes up first. (Autismsqueaks comes up second...surprise, surprise).I know it's goofy, but imagine an alien comes to this planet, and becomes enraptured with this thing called "woman"."Tell me more, what is this woman?"Would we send them to a gynecologist to explain the inner workings of a woman's body, a doctor to show the physical manifestations, a psychiatrist to show the issues of being woman,(all the previous from a male point of view), let them read books on women's issues, give them a copy of playboy, talk about women's suffrage, have a man talk about his wife, have children talk about their mother; would we, in essence, avoid a snowballs chance in hell that they could actually meet and talk with... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1960831 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:51:00 +0100 1960831 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/11/change.html (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1947292 Sun, 09 Nov 2008 13:44:00 +0100 1947292 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/11/point.html Are many of you old enough to remember this song, this movie??I think I'm going to get a copy for Ben for Christmas. It really says it ALL!!!!! (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1943415 Sat, 08 Nov 2008 01:20:00 +0100 1943415 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/08/what-do-these-people-all-have-in-common.html (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1730720 Sun, 24 Aug 2008 12:48:00 +0100 1730720 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/08/why-others-homeschool.html I thought this graph was interesting. The source is the U.S. Department of Education, so it's pretty kosher, not something made up to encourage homeschooling. As I look at it, the reasons why I am homeschooling (which I can't even truly figure out) start at the top of the graph and go down three steps.1. Child's special needs or disability . School has always been so hard for him, but until last year the little bugger "never gave up, never gave up, never, never, never gave up."(Winston Churchill, who was a "poor" student.) When he was in grade school, Mr. Butler, his resource teacher, had come from the high school. He said he kind of liked working with the younger kids because they hadn't given up yet. Mr. Davis told us at the beginning of 8th grade, he thought it would be Ben's banner yea... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1730721 Sun, 24 Aug 2008 12:00:00 +0100 1730721 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/08/teaching-in-pictureswhy-im-home_23.html Ben has been given a label of PDD, Educational Autism, PDD-NOS, Aspergers, ADHD, and the newest one, ED (emotionally disemboweled, er disturbed)...he shows signs of dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dysentery (?). He went to speech for 6 years, OT for 6, and the Resource Room for 9. Now, I'm not saying that I despise the public schools at all. Ben found them torture in the second grade, his words (his first apparent opinion of school), but many people have been so good and loving to him...there's just no way I can put blame for anything on the public schools. They did a remarkable job, and I wish I could write a big thank you to all his teachers, who almost always went above and beyond the call of duty. I know many of them hold Ben dearly in their hearts. And we'll never forget all t... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1729482 Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:09:00 +0100 1729482 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/08/i-dont-mean-to-be-facetious.html I had a whole "big-ass" writeup of the meaning of each of the pictures, but blogspot only put the pictures on . I will give explanations later....sorry! (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1726417 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:37:00 +0100 1726417 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/08/teaching-in-pictureswhy-im-home.html (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1726418 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:58:00 +0100 1726418 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/08/homeschooling-day-1.html Ben has 33 more minutes to go in Geography 9, his first class. He has to read pages 2-13. We joined a very good homeschooling group, and though it is religious in nature, we are not going there. It is state accredited, has very strict standards (ie, all classes much teach to state standards), and although it uses Bob Jones University Press crafted books, they are made here in South Carolina and are immediately acceptable. If you just skip the evangelizing, they are no different from many other books typically used in our schools. I also got most of them for less than half price on ebay. The cost for joining the group was about $300, and they make sure you are kosher. They also offer help figuring out your program, but with both of us being experienced teachers...they only offered a couple ... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1723509 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:32:00 +0100 1723509 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/08/amazing-ben.html I am very excited about something that is coming up. We decided it wasn't worth it to spend 2 or 3 thousand dollars to drive Ben to school. (I know they were supposed to pay for it...they didn't and we let them get away with it.) I didn't like the idea of him being labeled "emotionally disturbed" when we all know he's just wired different, kind of like our "poor" ADHD super-hero in the Olympics, Phelps. Ben barely passed last year, and there's no doubt we would be getting back to spending 2 or 3 hours on homework, most of it busywork. Plus that, Joel and I both used to love learning, and Ben is a natural at it if you cut him slack. I see only good in him, though.I had a child I taught in Chapter I, for special help in reading and math. "Fast Eddie" couldn't spell, write, or memorize basic ... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1709276 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:21:00 +0100 1709276 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/07/teaching-learners-with-multiple-needs.html I selfishly use my blog for a repository of bookmarks I am afraid to lose track of. And to voice my opinion. Neither one of these are particularly interesting to the rest of you. I'm sorry!!!There is a blog that a teacher has that includes a lot of free assessment tools, companies who deal in AAT, and common sense. I am studying to pass a Praxis II test in Severe and Profound Mental Disabilities. It's really tough to do without a college textbook, and it's going to be 5 essay questions to be finished in 1 hour. I'm not good at essay questions...and at age 50, the Alzheimer's my mother suffers from is starting to look like a genetic trait... (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1560934 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:30:00 +0100 1560934 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/06/be-quiet-please.html Part 2, It's Not About You! from CS on Vimeo.My mother told me never to use the words, "shut up". We were to say, "Be quiet, please!" I love my mother!!!! I also apologize for naming my previous post "Shut up". It was very rude of me.When I was thinking of communication and autism, it reminded me of Christschool's video of his son. I absolutely love this video, mostly for the cute babe in it, but also how those eyes look to his father. I haven't seen anything to compare to it. He makes priceless point. I hope you understand it. "Cost of therapy, $1" (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1512230 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:38:00 +0100 1512230 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/06/shut-up.html Maybe the "autistic" classroom should be the quietest in the whole school. This makes me speechless!!!Here's a teaser:The importance of using a minimal speech approachMany children with autism, like those in this study, experience extreme difficulties in understanding speech and use little or no speech themselves. Several teachers commented on the ways that some children "just tune out from speech and voices" or "definitely cut out any language input". When adults used everyday speech with these children, they often withdrew from the social interaction by turning away, protesting or simply by "switching off". The essence of a minimal speech approach is straightforward. It means that adults should consistently use only one or two relevant concrete words when interacting with children who un... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1512231 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:29:00 +0100 1512231 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/05/rotenberg-records-reportedly-are-seized.html Move along...nothing to see here, folks...JRC is above reproach...This supposedly happened within the last couple of weeks. (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1463861 Thu, 22 May 2008 17:21:00 +0100 1463861 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/05/welcome-judge-rotenberg-center.html I plan on seeing if the JRC visits my blog, and I will post if I see it in my sitemeter information. I thank Christschool for the idea. Click on the title link if you would like to learn more.Matthew L. Israel has a "response to blogs" here.I have chosen specific parts to look at from my own perspective.The skin shock procedure involves administering a two-second shock (15mA or 45mA) to the surface of the skin of, typically, an arm or leg. The shock feels like a hard pinch. It has no side effects other than a very occasional reddening or discoloration of the skin that clears up in a few minutes or at most a few days. It is administered, in the average case, only once per week. With the help of this treatment, the behaviors of many students improve to a point where they no longer need the t... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1461033 Thu, 22 May 2008 12:53:00 +0100 1461033 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/05/welcome-to-gina-of-blythewood-sc.html Hi Gina!!! Glad you made it! RoseIf you take a look on the left, and you'll see a search engine. Put in ADHD and you'll come up with many posts I have written on the subject. Take it all with a grain of salt...it's just MY opinion!Click on this to see my post about what we tried with our big Ben, what worked, and what didn't.I, also, went on the internet and looked up everything I could! If it weren't for Ben's Aspergers, I would know very little about computers. And I read more books and talked to more people in the first year than I had in my whole life before that. You will find the strength and wisdom to give your little Ben what he needs, and no more. If you can't afford it, he doesn't need it!! The flip side of that is you know you will give him everything you can! Don't feel guilty ... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1426525 Tue, 06 May 2008 20:32:00 +0100 1426525 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/04/south-carolina-archives-and-history.html (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1407053 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:42:00 +0100 1407053 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/02/autism-diva-better-much-better-way-of.html Responsive teaching strategies promote parent interactions with their children through strategies such as "follow the child's lead" and "take one turn and wait." The results of their study appear in an article in the April 2005 issue of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.The Case Western study, at least a step above ABA, is very similar to my own "step above" in reaching Ben. Initially I was very frustrated, prayed for patience, and kept a copy of the "Love Chapter" (Love is patient, love is kind...) framed and placed on the wall where I could always look to it for guidance. In Ben's third grade, I decided to try a VERY BEHAVIORALLY BASED, but ineffective trial of immediately punishing "bad", in my mind, behavior, with the lofty goal of Ben going off Ritalin. It failed miserably, but ... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1237776 Sun, 17 Feb 2008 14:33:00 +0100 1237776 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/01/mlk-day-recognize-that-he-who-is.html among you, shall be your servant. (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1166429 Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:32:00 +0100 1166429 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/01/autismspeaks-katie-mccarrons-death.html Some things seem so senseless...Katie had two parents. One saw only "autism" and felt compelled to eradicate her child of it, and death was the only answer she could see. One saw a beautiful, loving child.Katie, may you always be remembered in our hearts.(If you have come here from googling Autism Speaks, please remember Katie, who was not a "tragedy" to those who loved her. Their wisdom speaks volumes.) (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1159528 Thu, 17 Jan 2008 21:25:00 +0100 1159528 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/01/on-sufferingand-associated-thoughts.html As parents, we will do almost anything to avoid suffering in our children. A lot of therapy, parenting, teaching, is based on developing certain capabilities in our children that will make the road they travel easier, at least in our minds. It seems so many of the decisions we make keep this elusive "road" in mind. Yet even those who seem to have all the capabilities needed for a successful life suffer, sometimes unto death.I am at a difficult time in my life, having a difficult time making decisions for Ben. That road that I always held as a direction not to be veered from, is becoming less obvious. I'm beginning to think it isn't even a road at all.Escaping suffering is unrealistic. Life is messy, and sad, and joyful, and hard, and easy, sometimes all at the same time. One of the greates... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1129411 Fri, 04 Jan 2008 02:01:00 +0100 1129411 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2008/01/nerdfighters-happy-dance-project.html Such beautiful posts on this New Years Day!! So many make me think, make me cry, make me realize how blessed we are to be who we are, living in these times.My New Years resolution? To create the need in Ben to do the HAPPY DANCE! At the present, he is just "too cool" to make a fool out of himself as his 51 year old Ma is prone to do.Hey, I know I am "squirrel bait"! One of my favorite jokes is to roll up the windows before the flying squirrels attack...Thus, I don't think it's a coincidence that I 'found' nerdfighters (brotherhood 2.0)before the year was up. Like a moth to a flame...Like a squirrel to squirrel-bait... brotherhood 2.0 is the video-blog created by two competitive nerdy brothers who decided to end their habit of text communication and only communcate (there is no "i" in broth... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1124279 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 14:45:00 +0100 1124279 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/12/absurdity-and-aspergers.html After reading Look Me in the Eye, I was wondering if there was a correlation between absurdity and aspergers, as there should be.But there wasn't if you put them in quotes...I wonder if there will be after this post.Sorry, once again, only amusing myself.... (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1115104 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 17:05:00 +0100 1115104 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/12/ruby-bridges.html My husband is the South Carolina state coordinator for National History Day. Many students choose to write a paper, make a board, develop a power-point, enact a drama,etc., on various topics relating to history in order to take part in a nation-wide competition.That's how I became familiar with Ruby Bridges story. She was a child who helped lead the civil-rights era..."A little child shall lead them..." Her story is one of fantastic courage and forgiveness of the adults who would have rather seen her dead than integrating an elementary school in the 1950's.Who will speak to this ignorant generation for those who are born with different wiring? When will we stop making school (and life) torture for them and begin to accept that we all "still see the same stars", as Donna Williams sings?Than... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1113421 Sat, 22 Dec 2007 16:41:00 +0100 1113421 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/12/echolaliatoo-important-to-forget.html Sometimes I come across a blogpost that I wish I had written, so on the mark it is...and I try to leave a reference to it on my blog so I can look it up again another day.MOM-NOS describes echolalia in a way that could help every person who sees it as anything other than an exquisite way to acquire language. Her description is so simply put forward (ala Albert Einstein "Everything should be as simple as it is, but not simpler) that it shouldn't be missed. (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1081784 Sun, 09 Dec 2007 12:50:00 +0100 1081784 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/12/shhhhact-normal.html Joel, Ben, and I give each other so much shit it isn't even funny...well, maybe a little funny...From somewhere this expression, "Shhh...act normal!" bubbled up out of his psyche. Now when we are out in public the expression comes up when we are getting a little out of hand. It's always good for a laugh! And then we calm down...But yesterday evening we went out to eat and FORGOT TO ACT NORMAL!!! For years we have played a game in our living room which amounts to "variations on a theme" and we give points, when we remember, to the person who finds the funniest expression or visually comedic stance. There is always a seed of inspiration...be it something someone said or some absurdity of life come to light, or even like on "Whose Line Is It, Anyway?", some object that can be manipulated for ... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1081611 Sat, 08 Dec 2007 19:06:00 +0100 1081611 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/12/autism-speaks.html Dear Mom and Dad Thank you for helping me get through school. I really appreciate all that you did. You know I was really scared at the begening of elementary school. But thanks to you both I would not be where I am today. Thanks for helping me with my homework and school projects. I can't thank you two for all that you have done for me. And I will love you always. Love, Ben (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1080399 Sat, 08 Dec 2007 13:54:00 +0100 1080399 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/12/son-cures-self-of-autism.html I have been hanging around the hub, perusing, knowing there is a post for me in the mix of brain I've been dealt. "OUT OF THE CLOSET, INTO THE FRYING PAN" kept occurring, about my "coming out" at work as being autistic and prone to depression (they were not impressed)...but it just wasn't doing it for me. Then, my mind kept perseverating on Schizophrenic "word salad" and the "idea salad" this overheated brain was going through and wondering if there was a connection...but, alas, except for this sentence, it was not to be so.Then, I got it. Five minutes ago it occurred to me that Ben had told me this week he was no longer autistic. Right under my nose, and without my help...the little bugger had CURED HIMSELF!!!!! Honey, this is big news!!!! Perhaps I should contact Autism PFSFTAITK!!!! (Au... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1064891 Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:44:00 +0100 1064891 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/11/thanks-to-posautive.html THE OTHER HALF...how novel...I look to signs from the heavens. You could say the good part of Catholicism is so embedded in me...not even logic can dissuade me that coincidences are merely coincidences. I haven't been to church in years...BUT THAT'S NOT WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!!There is a silly belief that if one says a novena (don't ask) to St. Teresa, the "little flower", one will receive an answer in roses. I got a chain prayer (as us no-brains do...most of them are bullshit)about Saint Teresa from a "fundamentalist" friend. I was wondering what in the hell a fundamentalist was doing touching anything that stunk of papal (AKA, the ANTI-CHRIST!!!) catholicism...I guess the pull is too invincible...Well, anyhow, like Bev and her 8's, I have an obsession with the number 3 for luck. (The g... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1015000 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 14:34:00 +0100 1015000 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/07/whitterer-on-autism-word-play.html Ben also had a fear of death at that age. After a fish burial, and Grandpa D dying, he seemed to get over it. I think he thought if anyone else died, he would, too. (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=769004 Tue, 31 Jul 2007 10:26:00 +0100 769004 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/07/ics-and-isms.html If you google autism experts, you get 19,000 hits. If you google autistic experts, you get something like 55 hits, many of which are "autism experts" in disguise. It's all a matter of semantics.The thing about the Hub, there are many autistic experts here. They are experts in realizing the gifts and downfalls of autism. Autism experts pretty much have the "out damn spot" mentality.It's something about "ics".American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary - Cite This Source-icsuff. 1. Of, relating to, or characterized by (emphasis mine): carbonic. 2. Having a valence higher than that of a specified element in compounds or ions named with adjectives ending in -ous: ferric. 3. Of or relating to an acid: sulfuric acid.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical DictionaryCopyright © 2002, 2001, ... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=765017 Sun, 29 Jul 2007 12:31:00 +0100 765017 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/07/google-autistic-experts.html and "autism experts".Okay, I know it's a lazy blog, but I'm jus sayin.... (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=764307 Sat, 28 Jul 2007 16:08:00 +0100 764307 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/07/t4.html My Day BeginsEven though I lack the strength of lions and their courage,and am but Adam's fragile ribgraced with a mystical spirit.I sawa blazing fire,incomprehensible, inextinguishable,totally alive, Life itself.Hildegard of Bingen**************************************************************************What is the opposite of life? What is the opposite of good?When I was a child, my curiosity was piqued by the Nazi's. Were they bad people? Were the Germans bad people? How could they be fooled, and how could I avoid being fooled in the same way? Pretty big thoughts for a third grader. It's probably why my family referred to me as the "forty-year-old midget" in an 8 year old body.Not until we once again went to the Holocaust Museum this year, so my husband could see it, did the answer come... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=749058 Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:20:00 +0100 749058 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/07/origins-of-nazi-genocide.html When we went to Washington, I became very interested in the idea of sterilization and later "mercy killing" of handicapped children, where it all begin. The kids were "practice" for what was to happen later on. CANARIES IN THE COAL MINE?? To tell the truth, it was the first stopping point, where one could sit down in the Holocaust museum. The first time I went, I was drawn to understand it. The second time I went, I realized it was the beginning of the final solution.It had a name: the T4 Operation. I asked the clerk in the book store for a book about the T4 Operation, and the above was the one he gave me. Most books spoke only about the later days, this one served as a guide to where it all began. Strangely enough, it was the study of Eugenics in the United States that served as a scholar... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=743358 Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:50:00 +0100 743358 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/07/fire-me-please.html Warning: This is a RANT!God forbid anyone from work would actually read this rant... It might mean they have some interest in the kids other than what they've been told. I feel like I am being asked to train animals. With no brains. Or feelings. And there are "observation windows" in every room to make sure you are doing it right!!!!!!Document this, document that, do as you're told, don't make waves...Use the system! (There are two competing ones, which would you prefer NOW?)I'm not an animal trainer, I'm a God-blessed teacher!!!!!!!!Let me teach, and you all can do whatever the hell you want because in the end, I am only responsible for filling up the kids minds!!!! You've had your chance, how is that Kindergarten stuff working for ya? Am I the only one who feels there is a terrific waste... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=741470 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 12:53:00 +0100 741470 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/07/trusting-im-where-i-should-be.html H. is one of my ten students. His goal was to learn NSEW directions. He copied an unlabeled map of the 7 continents and 5 oceans, and labeled them without my help. He then labeled NSEW. He had surpassed his goal before he started. He knew more than I did. I've told him, twice, that he has a gift. He has asked me a couple of times what I mean by "gift".I've been told none of the kids have a mind greater than 5 years old. That's bull-ony. H. refused to sing today because he said "that's baby songs" (Days of the week, months of the year, "Good Morning to You", etc.) H. is 18 years old and has a brilliant, if unused mind. I love you buddy!!I was sent to NCIP class, to learn how to put "safety" holds on kids. (I am SORRY, but it's the G.D. truth). The teacher didn't think I did my job well. I a... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=741471 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 01:40:00 +0100 741471 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/07/google-news.html Google News (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=733822 Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:25:00 +0100 733822 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/07/plf515s-favorite-joke-about-aspergers.html A guy is flying in a hot air balloon, and he's lost. He lowers himself over a field and calls to a guy "Can you tell me where I am and whereI'm headed?">"Sure. You're at 41 degrees 2 minutes and 14 seconds North, 144 degrees 4 minute and 19 seconds East; you're at an altitude of 762 meters above sea level, and right now you're hovering, but you were on a vector of 234 degrees at 12 meters per second">"Amazing! Thanks! By the way, do you have Asperger's Syndrome?""I do! How did you know that?""Because everything you said is true, it's much more detail than I need, and you told me in a way that's no use to me at all.">"Huh. Are you a clinical psychologist?""I am, but how the heck did you know that??""You don't know where you are. You don't know where you're going. You got where you are by bl... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=720447 Sun, 08 Jul 2007 13:59:00 +0100 720447 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/07/interesting-conversation-at-kos.html I could spend all day there, but I've got to get some work done today. It is somehow on the recommended list, which means it will probably survive for more than just a few moments. I have seen mcewen's at Kos...maybe other's are familiar. It is a democratic political blog, and there is a lot of stuff I find hard to take, not being dyed in the wool democrat, but there are a lot of people who go there. (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=720054 Sun, 08 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100 720054 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/07/rettdevils-rants-psychotic-jerks-part-2.html The Rettdevil's Rants: Psychotic Jerks part 2: threats,Let him post it. Then if you decide to take the rape to court, you will have evidence.I am also a part of the porno film industry, although I never consented to it. The "date rape" drug I was given beforehand kind of took care of that. The "knowing" looks I got from some boys kind of confirmed it was "out there". If I could live any year of my life over again, it would be my 17th year, when alcoholism put me in places I would not have been sober.But in truth, he will probably get away with it. Ninety percent of rapist do because of the shame of going to court. Just realize that his karma is going to be shit for the rest of his life. And it had nothing to do with you, personally--rape is all about insecure people's power-play over other... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=708844 Mon, 02 Jul 2007 12:30:00 +0100 708844 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/07/short-bus-journey-beyond-normal.html When Ben was younger, I used to read every book I could get my hands on to understand what he was going through. Jonathan Mooney co-wrote a book called Learning Outside the Lines, from which I picked up the notion of "mental health days" that Jonathan's mother gave to him when school got to be too much. I'm sure there's more, but that one stuck.Jonathan was a victim of Special Ed, labled dyslexic, and had to ride the short bus to school. Here in America, the short bus is synonymous with disabilities,and thus "less than" children. He went on and graduated from Brown University with honors in Creative Writing and Disabilities Studies, and has set out to change the world for his peers.With candor and wisdom he takes his own recently attained short bus (named "Bob Henry") across the United Sta... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=707388 Sun, 01 Jul 2007 11:44:00 +0100 707388 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/06/things-that-make-you-go-hmm.html There is no link in google for "what crazy women think about. Sorry...1) When Ben was around 4 years old, why did he always lay on the same spot on the floor when we went to K-Mart? As I remember, he'd always lay on the same spot and have a little fit. Was there a noise, was it the lighting, did it happen once by accident, but therefore have to be repeated because "that's what we do here in K-Mart" (replaying the tape...)I've always wondered.2) When Ben had a good time, instead of "do it again" a few times he said "Go backwards!". I always figured he was rewinding the tape in his mind to "replay" the event. Being a visual thinker, it makes sense. Hmm...3) Is Ben's "oppositionality" a by-product of his early poor parenting? We didn't understand he didn't understand us, so we used to nail hi... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=706596 Sat, 30 Jun 2007 11:36:00 +0100 706596 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/06/sandy-and-teresas-emails.html These are not my words. My sister's (I've got 4!!!!) send me email from time to time. We all have the same sick sense of humor...I've put my favorite in boldThe Zen of Sarcasm 01. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me the hell alone. 02. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire. 03. Its always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it. 04. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted. 05. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else. 06. Never test the depth of the water with both feet. 07. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missi... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=705748 Fri, 29 Jun 2007 19:36:00 +0100 705748 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/06/donna-williams.html I don't want to lose track of this video. Donna's work has really picked up, and I love her new stuff. How I wish I could afford it! (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=696934 Tue, 26 Jun 2007 11:06:00 +0100 696934 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/06/humanity-versus-genius.html I just can't let it alone.I read a book a while back, and a seed was planted in a way that only great ideas can bring about. A good seed planted among the thorns.I'm sure it was a self help book, as I was "into" them about that time. I have tried to google to give the author credit, but just don't have the time or patience today, so if anyone is familiar with it (ala needle in a haystack style), PLEASE let me know. I think it was a woman, who, like many others, changed my head.It is a parable of sorts, as all good teaching is. She gave an example of a boat in which there were three people: Herself, an old man, and a young child, (I'm taking a tremendous amount of creative license here as I can't recall the particulars...) and a painting by a great artist, let's say for my sake, Rembrandt v... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=693028 Sun, 24 Jun 2007 13:41:00 +0100 693028 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/06/golden-opportunity.html I am still thinking back to the new owners words (He bought the school in January of 2007)that "...if somebody can come up with a better way..."For those of you who believe in prayer, send some of the good stuff my way. (As a lifelong catholic I'd never really seen it work until last year when Simone prayed for things for me. It was almost like a sure bet. Maybe I'm superstitious...)When I start feeling sorry for myself, I'll think of Anne McDonald and suck it up. Sweet Jesus, that woman has chutzpah!! Such effrontery towards the status quo!! My NEW hero... (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=693029 Sun, 24 Jun 2007 12:26:00 +0100 693029 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/06/from-joy-of-autism.html Sweet JesusThank you Estee. This is all the reading I need. (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=692629 Sat, 23 Jun 2007 20:47:00 +0100 692629 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/06/on-victimization.html Some of the area's of Lovaas treatment of autism amount to victimization of the person who by reason of threat is powerless to stick up for themselves.I have been victimized. In my 17th year I was somewhat of an alcoholic, often in a stupor, which led to being taken advantage of. I remember distinctly one man's words after he raped me."You deserved this" as he grabbed me by the hair and spat in my face. Twenty years later, after finally letting it out to my husband and a therapist, I closed the chapter by throwing a black rose on his doorstep. Symbolically, I wished him to die, mafioso style. I wish my Daddy could have sent someone to tie him to a rock and throw him in the river. What was sad, though, was that I could see he had young children by the toys in the yard. Somewhere in my catho... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=691319 Sat, 23 Jun 2007 00:42:00 +0100 691319 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/06/be-quiet-and-kids-will-come-to-you.html Ben's advice to a teacher who wanted to know the "secret". I was very quiet as a child...most of us major depressive schitzo-shitzo's are. At age 14 or so I was walking back from a friends house. A boy, tall, lean, and scary, started following me. I didn't know who he was or what he wanted. Mr. Faulkner, our neighbor who I had only waved at before said, "He won't hurt you. He's mute". I never saw him again although I lived the rest of my teen years in that neighborhood. Into my life, and then non-existent. Taking Ben to the library...a young boy hugs me. He is autistic, his teacher says. Grass in the windWhen Ben was young, I told his teacher the harder you pulled his rope, the harder he pulled back. It's so DAMN hard to let go of the rope. (Source: Hard Won Wisdom) Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=690055 Fri, 22 Jun 2007 12:22:00 +0100 690055 http://hardwonwisdom.blogspot.com/2007/06/lucifer-effect.html DISCUSSION OF MAL-TREATMENT OF HUMANS IS OFFENSIVE OR PSYCHOLOGICALLY DAMAGING TO YOU (I don't want to hurt you, and you know if I'm talking to you!!!!)I have a disclaimer, also. The last person in the world I want to be is the one that Joel Smith talks about here. Truthfully, I am not totally confident that I'm not. I am NOT looking for assurances.Most of us are familiar with the Stanford Prison Experiment, a now-classic study Philip Zimbardo conducted in 1971, where ordinary people became extraordinarily cruel to others by "just following orders".Zombardo has on the web a ten-step ideal to avoid becoming a victim of the Lucifer Effect.I have copied it here, in hopes Zimbardo would not choose to impart copyright infringement rights that he has to the material. I think this is a place wher... Hard Won Wisdom blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=687048 Thu, 21 Jun 2007 10:58:00 +0100 687048