Sidther's Lenses

I have a brand new Blog!
AND I have now started writing on Wizzley!

I joined Squidoo in January of 2011 and fell in love with it. My son has Autism and throughout the past few years I have been told time and time again to write a book. I couldn't though, I have problems focusing long enough to finish one, I have started and abandoned 5 of them. Writing on Squidoo allows me the chance to build up a collection of my experiences and share what I know about Autism with the world! I occasionally write about other things, but find other topics challenging- with ASD, I have volunteered as an advocate for so long I just write about the things people often ask me about or say that they find confusing.

All of my lenses have some personal background to them. I have worked with many children on the spectrum, before that I was an EMTS and have also worked as a rehab specialist in a Brain Injury center. Currently, I am a stay at home mom, advocate and when I am not on Squidoo I am studying molecular biology and ... Autism. There are so many scientific articles and many personal stories online, so I thought I would try to combine the two.

I never give my son's name because although Squidoo is a safe place, the internet in general is not. I never show a clear image of his entire face either- this is intentional- he is my baby! He is fully aware of his nickname and likes it because he is so cute and loves when people acknowledge that! When I ask if he wants a "bigger kid" nickname, he says "not yet, I didn't think of one". When he does, I will have lots of changes to make!

You may notice that some of my lenses hint at my own diagnosis... I was evaluated in college when the sights and sounds were too overwhelming and the counselor thought that my speech was no where near as intelligent as my writing- it also creeped him out that I could not look at him so he sent me off to the campus clinic where they used a ratings scale. Once Cutie was born and eventually diagnosed Cutie's doctors (my son's online name is Cutie) reaffirmed the suspicion. Really I don't think it matters at all either way I am happy and have a wonderful family. Yes, I do know for sure my diagnosis of Sensory Integration Dysfunction is accurate!

Yes, my picture is kind of old! I am always the one holding the camera! As soon as we remember to have my husband take a picture I will update it (if it is a good one!)

Anyway, please feel free to leave me questions etc in the comment areas on any of my lenses or topic suggestions! I would love to write lenses that answer questions about ASD or other stuff that I might have stored in my mellon head!