Autism Journeys: Talents & Autism

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Talents & Autism

Do people with autism have super talents? When you talk to people about autism, do they ask if you or your loved one has a special gift? What talent do you possess?

Everyone of us has unique talents. I feel like I have a unique talent, I don't share this with people because I think it's kind of weird to think of it as a talent, but as I have watched my son I realize talents come in all shapes and sizes. My talent is the desire to have friends around often and to enjoy having them in my home. I realized this was a talent when I observed that most people don't like this, and then it occurred to me that a talent can be an ability that you possess that is not common in others. It's all about finding what is unique about you and then accepting it as a talent.

My son Hagen, is on the autism spectrum. He is a wonderful little boy with unique talents. This summer has been a joy to find a new talent of his. He can swim!!! (with a life vest, only because I make him). You are probably thinking to yourself "That is not unique, most people can swim". Here is the uncommon part, he is two years old, he can hold his breath longer than most kids, he can freestyle and breast stroke (all self taught). He can roll on his back when he is tired and he loves to be thrown high in the air and dropped in the pool. Here is a short video to demonstrate.

My son does have a super talent. Is he better than someone else? No, just enhanced by his unique outlook and feel to life. Our own individual journeys make us who we are. Each one of us has the ability to have super talents. I just think for my son, and maybe for others on the autism spectrum, it's easier to reach SUPER status. What do you think? What talent do you have? What talent does your child have? How have you found this talent? What do you do to make it super? Do you have a video you would like to share?

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Ms. Gamee goes to the Dentist

A client at Autism Journeys has a difficult time at the dentist. My co-workers thought maybe having me by her side would ease a bit of the anxiety. Since I’ve never been to a dentist’s office, Mom thought it best to test my skills out with her own children first.

Jordan, Carter, Mom and I went to the dentist on Wednesday. Jordan has always struggled to remain calm at the dentist. Usually, he needs laughing gas just to get his teeth cleaned. This was to be Carter’s first “real” visit. This was my chance to show Mom how I can help.

Jordan and Carter were nervous when we arrived at the dentist. But once we walked through the doors everyone in the lobby was ooing and awing over me and how adorable I am. When it was our turn, Jordan and Carter were both eager to take me to meet the rest of the dentist’s team.

Mom had me get up in the chair with Jordan. Jordan was still nervous, but was very preoccupied by me. He played with my ears and rubbed my head throughout the entire cleaning. I rested on his chest to provide him some deep pressure comfort. No tears and no laughing gas! It was over very quickly. Mom and the dentist were so proud of Jordan. Most importantly, Jordan was really proud of himself.

After Jordan, it was Carter’s turn. After seeing me with Jordan, Carter decided he wanted me on the chair with him too. At first, Carter was nervous when the instruments made those high pitch sounds. I could sense he was starting to wiggle, so I gently crept up a little higher on his chest to help hold him steady. It worked. He relaxed, opened his mouth and was able to tune out the remaining sound with headphones.

As for me, I quite enjoyed all the attention. The noises didn’t bother me a bit. The yummy smells of bubblegum and strawberries were quite interesting, but I think I’ll stick to my poultry flavored toothpaste at home. When we were all finished, the dentist offered me a job. Mom said I passed the test with flying colors. I am now available to accompany any clients to the dentist. If you want me to join you at your next visit talk to my Mom, Kate.

Here’s to a healthy and happy smile.

Woof Woof,

Ms. Gamee

Ms. Gamee's Gab

Holy cow! Or in my case, holy dog! What a crazy couple weeks I’ve had. Life in the spotlight is ruff. Each week I’ve been able to meet more of the families who visit Autism Journeys. It’s been fun to try new things with each of them. One of my favorites is playing fetch. Sometimes the kids are learning to take turns, and other times they’re working on speech and communication. Mom says I’m doing a wonderful job being patient and waiting for the kids to give me commands. One of my other favorites has been going on walks. It’s been so nice to get outside and take in the fresh air. Being traced with sidewalk chalk was fun too.

BBQ GAMES

That said, it was the older, more mature (aka trained) dogs like myself that won all the games. I came in second in the musical hula-hoops. It’s musical chairs but with hula-hoops. When the music stopped the dogs had to sit in the hoop. After musical hula-hoops we played wet t-shirt relay races. I must say I don’t really understand what the point of the race was, other then to embarrass all the dogs. Personally, I don’t get it, but Mom and my brothers, along with all the other people sure got a big kick out of it. Apparently dogs in wet t-shirts are adorable.