By Patty Pacelli
When researching colleges for your student who may have learning differences, it is worthwhile to look at universities that have dedicated centers or programs that go above and beyond the standard academics for your student, such as the SALT (Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques) Center at The University of Arizona.
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By Trevor Pacelli
Dealing with the death of a relative is never easy for anyone, there are lots of mixed feelings, grudges against other family members, and doubts about the future. I personally have lived a charmed life up to this point, as no relative significantly close to me has died. I did lose an aunt to lung cancer about five years ago, and it was certainly sad for all of us, but I had no real personal connection with her. I also lost another aunt to old age, but it was not nearly as sad for any of us, for she had severe dementia and dying peacefully in her sleep was what all we really wanted for her.
By Trevor Pacelli
Most everyone has had a pet at some point. Thus, many also had to bear that tough day when the cat, dog, parakeet, or hamster breathed its last breath. Knowing a pet’s tendency to become a member of the family, losing them can feel as tragic as losing a longtime friend.
By Patty Pacelli
As our son Trevor reached about 18 months, we noticed he had stronger than normal reactions to certain happenings in his day. He got extremely upset at anything that interrupted the schedule that he had formed in his mind. He couldn't verbalize his feelings or thoughts at that age, so he would cry, scream and throw himself on the floor. Even when he became more verbal, at about 4, it was still difficult for him to explain what was wrong, and to control his emotions. He exhibited these behaviors in settings such as church and preschool, so on the way to church in the car we would coach him and have him repeat, "No yelling, no hitting, no falling down." We aren't sure how much that helped, but he remembered the words.
By Patty Pacelli
Between about 18 months and 2 years, we noticed our second child, Trevor, wasn't talking as much as his older sister had at the same age. Everyone told us, "boys are slower," and not to worry. But the bigger concern to me was that he didn't seem to understand what we were saying to him. When we asked him if he wanted to do something we knew was fun for him, we didn't get the expected excited head-nod and feet-kicking, or even a "yeah!" He just continued on with no reaction.
By Trevor Pacelli
I may land on the autism spectrum, I may have delayed speech development, I may be at times discomforting to talk to in person, I may get tired easily from being out a lot, but I still have proven that I’m just as capable as everybody else in working a satisfying career.
--By Paul Deniken, Guest Blogger from DadKnowsDIY.com.
It’s important to accept that a normal home might not be safe or comfortable for a child with special needs. Most of the time, modifications must be made that ensure the child has the opportunity to be mobile and self-sufficient. “Home Modification” may sound like a scary, expensive task - but in reality there are plenty of reasonable, economical, and even eco-friendly ways to fit your house for someone with special needs.
By Trevor Pacelli
Everybody has a dream of some sort. The 2016 movie, La La Land, nominated for 14 Academy Awards, tells us about two star-crossed lovers whose contradicting dreams challenged their love for one another. It makes you wonder, what’s most important? Your loved ones or your dreams?
By Trevor Pacelli
“Cheer up! Stay positive! Always look on the bright side of life!” Wherever we go, at home, at school, or at work, we are always pressed upon by our peers and media to keep up a grin as a solution to hard times. Anything besides happy, we are expected to think that something is wrong with us. If we get angry, we get called aggressive. If we are disgusted, we get called judgmental. If we are fearful, we get called cowardly. If we are sad, we get called negative.
By Trevor Pacelli
In the horror movie, Unfriended, from 2015, the execution and approach is typical at best, but it addresses one of the most important subjects of horror in our technological society today--suicide--which is currently the third leading cause of death for children aged 15-19. Cyberbullying continues to be a deathly serious issue that is attacking our adolescent generation, and Unfriended’s message is very clear: What’s put online stays online. |
Inspiration for Life with AutismThis blog has a variety of articles about people living life with autism, and topics and ideas that can help in the journey. Guest bloggers are welcome. Inspired by Trevor, a young adult film critic, photographer and college graduate on the autism spectrum. Categories
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