This article asserts that CEOs value creativity over all other qualities in their employee leadership team.  I am reminded of Dr. Gutstein’s metaphor of the deckhand versus the captain.  The message I am spreading on all my autism lists is, “Do we want our children to be gainfully employed and financially independent as adults?  Of course.  Are we , then, emphasizing and supporting autism interventions centered on developing the capacity for creative thinking?  If not, it is time to rethink our intervention priorities.”

Click here to see the full Story

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

——————————————————————–

We wanted to share with you all a story featuring iLs which was aired this past Sunday night on the local NBC affiliate.  The story is about a boy who was part of an iLs pilot study at local schools in which 19 of 20 children with learning difficulties saw significant gains.  One of the 20 was an autistic boy whose mother was so happy she contacted the local news station and they did a story on him.

Link to article and video.

It’s 2.5 minutes long – short but sweet!  FYI, the video is on the right side of the page and begins with a 30-second ad.

——————————————————————–

we think it is worth the view! Let us know what you think.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Here is a link to the article

Here is a quote from it:

Trust your instincts.

When people are struggling with emotional or relational problems, they have to choose a treatment. Here is where you need to listen to your instincts, and go with the approach you want. When you do, it significantly increases the chances that you will stick with it, and that it will work for you.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

I was struck as I watched the Grammys this year at the artistic representation of values and emotions.  Some were about love, others about fun.  The one that I was absolutely riveted by was the performance given by the Dave Matthews Band. ..

In the beginning the stage went completely black.  Softly, the sound of an acoustic guitar could be heard.  A single spotlight revealed one single man, standing alone in the vast darkness of the stage.  He begun to sing about relationship.  The experience of being a part of one- the longing to have one.  A second spotlight appeared.  Separate yet connected as the drummer added his contribution.  Two single artists connected by a joint purpose.  Then a third spotlight connected the singer with a fiddler who added a third strand to the music.  Slowly each member of the band was revealed.  Each adding their unique parts to the song, to the experience, the the relationship.

“You and me together..” played on as in walked an orchestra.  Each individual building and adding. Forming a unit. Although each player looked different from the next they were undeniably a community.  There were smiles, energy, and nods of encouragement as the blend of individuality was raised in harmonious jubilation.  A community, I thought, where there was once emptiness.  Where there was once disconnection.  Now I could see and hear how they offered each other support and how they built one another up. A longing fulfilled.

I find myself moved beyond words that this is the experience  of shared joy, of relationship that I want to bring to the children I work with.  In fact, this performance is a visual representation of  the journey I see them take from lonely and alone to connected with purpose and vision to other members of their family; to their community; to their world.

“You and me together we could do anything-you and me together, yes,yes!”

Take a look and see what you think…

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Our new ‘blog’ is under development. Please stay tuned!

Jodi Tucker / Kids Matter Canada

Bookmark It

Hide Sites