Living Well on the Spectrum...

I came across a book this past week that I think may prove to be beneficial for some members of our group.  I know as Jackson grows into the teenage years and into adult hood, the topics and areas this book discusses may help me to navigate situations and help Jackson plan, prepare for, and successfully execute the next stage of life.

The book is called, Living Well on the Spectrum by Valerie L. Gaus, PhD

While a 7q11.23 Duplication child may or may not have received an official autism spectrum diagnosis, we do know that some treatments to help individuals with autism can also be beneficial for a 7q11.23 Dupe individual. 

As you explore this book, it may help you understand some of the perspectives that a 7q11.23 Dupe individual may experience.  Often times, at this stage of life, it is difficult for Jackson to clearly articulate how he may feel, what may cause anxiety, why certain situations are enjoyable, or why social situations are so uncomfortable.  By utilizing the worksheets and outlines in the book, you may be able to further identify challenges and find additional coping strategies to help individuals become even more successful in their pursuits and in life.

The following is an excerpt from the book.

"On a daily basis, adults on the spectrum face stressful, frustrating, and sometimes debilitating roadblocks that most neurotypical individuals don't appreciate or understand. Author Valerie Gaus, a psychologist who has been immersed in working with spectrum adults for more than 15 years, 'gets it.'

Her newest book...is a straight-talking roadmap that will provide both wind and rudder to help adults navigate daily life and meet long-term goals. Filled with practical strategies to minimize stress and maximize progress toward individual goals, this book exudes an unwavering strength-based, can-do attitude.

Dr. Gaus reinterprets what could be considered deficits and weaknesses of AS/HFA into distinctive strengths that can be used to one's advantage throughout life. She infuses this attitude with candor and sensitivity...She combines an uncanny understanding of the challenges ASD presents with an array of practical, problem-solving tactics. What's different about this book is the methodical, concrete way she helps the spectrum adult assess his or her current way of thinking and functioning, recognize the patterns that are interfering with personal and professional success, and then create a customized step-by-step personal solution plan. Living Well is a powerful guide for achieving well-being in all areas of life."

-Autism Asperger's Digest

Transition Periods of Life

Each stage life brings new challenges and learning opportunities. While each stage of life has its joys and celebrations, there are also hurdles and situations that require finesse. Two of those stages are the maturation process for teens and young adults, and transitions to adult services and lifestyles.

Sometimes, we are not sure how to go about discussing these areas with our children who have special needs. However, it is crucial that we do cover these topics with our children. They need the information for their benefit as well as their safety. The following materials may help you in your discussions and teaching moments with your child.

The following link takes you to a training page for the PACER Center. The Pacer Center partners with each State's Parent Center to provide information and training. Because of the work I do with the Utah Parent Center, I've known about these training classes which are offered to parents and teachers. You may want to contact your state's Parent Center to find out if similar training is being offered in your area.

Use these training materials either as a supplement to the class or if you are unable to attend a training session. The Pacer Center has loaded the documents on their website. In the future, if this link is disabled, the information can also be found through the Pacer Center and their Fast Training Index.

The following are webinar introductions to the trainings:
Maturation Transition: http://www.fastfamilysupport.org/Webinar/video.asp?vf=Adulthood
Adult Transition: http://www.fastfamilysupport.org/Webinar/video.asp?vf=FirstJob

Power point presentation slides and training materials can be found for the following material in addition to many other topics. http://www.fastfamilysupport.org/fasttraining/index.asp

Information can be found in Spanish or English.
Topics include:
* Getting and keeping a first job
* Building a Resume
* Maturation - What every parent needs to know
* Tools parents can use - A Handbook for Parents of Disabled Teenagers
* Social Concentric Circle
* Adolescence Time Line for Girls
* Adolescence Time Line for Boys

Pacer Center:
http://www.pacer.org/

The mission of PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents.

Founded in 1977, PACER Center was created by parents of children and youth with disabilities to help other parents and families facing similar challenges. Today, PACER Center expands opportunities and enhances the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families. PACER is staffed primarily by parents of children with disabilities and works in coalition with 18 disability organizations.

Pacer Training Information:
http://www.fastfamilysupport.org/

If you have additional information that is beneficial in talking about these areas with children who have disabilities, please leave a comment.