Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Temple Grandin
As a mom and an advocate for children with Autism, I have been vaguely familiar with Temple Grandin, her studies of animals and her diagnosis of Autism. I've read several of her books, seen interviews on tv and youtube and the HBO special about her life. I have always admired her strength and her mother's undying committment to her daughter.
Born at a time when parents were told to institutionalize their child who were "different", she battled many obstacles placed in her way not just because she was autistic, but because she was a woman, as well. Her mother and her aunt didn't allow her to have any limitations.
On October 3, 2010, at the Autism Speaks Walk Now for Autism on Long Island, I had the opportunity to meet her. I missed her speech but while regrouping after the walk, she literally walked right passed us and stood with the man next to our picnic area as he showed her some sensory friendly outdoor playground equipment. I walked over to take her picture and heard her speak to the people around her.
You could tell that she had a diagnosis of Autism. She seemed slightly uncomfortable to have so many people standing around her and she didn't want to look at anyone, but yet her mere presence was inspiring.
I went home and watched the HBO movie "Temple Grandin" again. I paid more attention to the details I missed earlier and was moved to tears, having been able to associate the movie, the books, etc with a real person.
As the parent to a child with significant disabilities, I have found that not only does my child have limitations placed on him by society, but also by me. I struggle with that everyday. I want him to be all he can, yet I accept reality, there are some things that he can't do like the rest of us, but that doesn't mean he can't do at all.
"Different not less" ~ Temple Grandin
If you are the parent of a child with a disability, or more specifically, Autism........please check out the movie "Temple Grandin", now available for purchase and/or rental. Trust me, you won't regret it.
Born at a time when parents were told to institutionalize their child who were "different", she battled many obstacles placed in her way not just because she was autistic, but because she was a woman, as well. Her mother and her aunt didn't allow her to have any limitations.
On October 3, 2010, at the Autism Speaks Walk Now for Autism on Long Island, I had the opportunity to meet her. I missed her speech but while regrouping after the walk, she literally walked right passed us and stood with the man next to our picnic area as he showed her some sensory friendly outdoor playground equipment. I walked over to take her picture and heard her speak to the people around her.
You could tell that she had a diagnosis of Autism. She seemed slightly uncomfortable to have so many people standing around her and she didn't want to look at anyone, but yet her mere presence was inspiring.I went home and watched the HBO movie "Temple Grandin" again. I paid more attention to the details I missed earlier and was moved to tears, having been able to associate the movie, the books, etc with a real person.
As the parent to a child with significant disabilities, I have found that not only does my child have limitations placed on him by society, but also by me. I struggle with that everyday. I want him to be all he can, yet I accept reality, there are some things that he can't do like the rest of us, but that doesn't mean he can't do at all.
"Different not less" ~ Temple Grandin
If you are the parent of a child with a disability, or more specifically, Autism........please check out the movie "Temple Grandin", now available for purchase and/or rental. Trust me, you won't regret it.
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