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The Pool Party

By Christina Deanne

As someone who works with individuals who have spent more than half their lives in (now disbanded) instututions I feel your frustration. However, that said, I am so glad you child is home with you and your family and getting the care and attention he deserves.

Too many similar children in days gone by were dumped in institutions as 'unmanageable'. And lived lives similar to prisoners in places that were supposed to help them but did little but reinforce undesirable behaviours reinforced by their fellow residents.

Times have changed. I encourage you to seek out each and every therapy, social situation, and support group you can. There IS life with autism/ Aspergers. There is hope that your child can life the best life possible with whatever support systems may be necessary.

I currently work with two individuals who spent much of their lives in an institution. They have been in a group home now for 16 years and their lives are so much more rich, fulfilled. Amazingly enough we are still dealing with behaviours I can't help but feel were reinforced in the institution. Not a good place.

I hope you find all of the resources/advocates you can while your child is young and intervention/help is at hand. Just too sad what has happened to past generations of autistic people.

In BC Canada where I live the new model is keeping the child home where 'specialists' help is funded by the government and encouraged. A breath of fresh air.

Getting off the soap box.

Amy

Posted by: amy | Jul 14, 2006 01:15

As someone who works with individuals who have spent more than half their lives in (now disbanded) instututions I feel your frustration. However, that said, I am so glad you child is home with you and your family and getting the care and attention he deserves.

Too many similar children in days gone by were dumped in institutions as 'unmanageable'. And lived lives similar to prisoners in places that were supposed to help them but did little but reinforce undesirable behaviours reinforced by their fellow residents.

Times have changed. I encourage you to seek out each and every therapy, social situation, and support group you can. There IS life with autism/ Aspergers. There is hope that your child can life the best life possible with whatever support systems may be necessary.

I currently work with two individuals who spent much of their lives in an institution. They have been in a group home now for 16 years and their lives are so much more rich, fulfilled. Amazingly enough we are still dealing with behaviours I can't help but feel were reinforced in the institution. Not a good place.

I hope you find all of the resources/advocates you can while your child is young and intervention/help is at hand. Just too sad what has happened to past generations of autistic people.

In BC Canada where I live the new model is keeping the child home where 'specialists' help is funded by the government and encouraged. A breath of fresh air.

Getting off the soap box.

Amy

Posted by: amy | Jul 14, 2006 01:16

Chris,
I believe that there is a reason for everything that happens and each living being has profound, God-given purpose. No matter what another's life looks like through our own eyes, we can never see through the eyes of God. The pain, the icy lonliness of being Mom to a child with an ASD can only be understood by another who shares the experience. We are comrades, sister!
Blessings to you,
Gloria

Posted by: Gloria Kamper | Jul 20, 2006 00:46

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