Autism Awareness

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Comment by Yvette Perryman-Brown on August 10, 2008 at 7:12pm

A couple of weeks ago I went to an autism training in Charleston and I learned a lot more inforamtion about the subject. I encourage everyone to go to whatever trainings that come about. I will post information as well as I go to the trainings with my job. Also if you are somebody you know has a child 0-3yrs of age with any disabilites or has been diagnosed with Autism, refer them to me so that I can enlighten them about our program for Early Intervention services. My work number is (803) 539-3833 Thank you

Comment by Umeki Curry on July 31, 2008 at 12:54pm

Jenny McCarthy's foundation "Generation Rescue" is raising alot of awareness and interest about our children and Autism. She will be on my favorite show "WWE's Saturday Nights Main Event" this weekend to raise money for more research.

Comment by Malachi Jamison on July 22, 2008 at 5:26pm

Thank you all so much for your encouragement. As much as I love my son, I can see that same gift in other children. Just taking the time to show them that you care is the greatest blessing you will ever have. I truly commend all of you who spend your time, energy and love pouring into our children. All I can do is say, THANK YOU! Although my son may not be one of your students, your service is a blessing and it will definitely touch the lives of so many children. Please stay encouraged!!! Bless you all!! Thank you!

Comment by Sharon S. Sprinkle on July 6, 2008 at 3:38pm

Hi everyone,
I have experienced working with special needs children that range academic deficient to profound disability. I'm a special needs teacher who have worked with students' in many different special classroom and settings. I'm advocate for all children especially my special needs angels. I find it a joy and a blessing to work with children who have been diagnose with autism. To Malachi and his wife, and others, your children who have been diagnose with autism are special gifts from God. Parents please keep doing what you're doing, by educating yourself, creating special groups within your city of resident, and don't be afraid to write lawmakers about any changes that you may see that are necessary for autism. Stand up, voice your opinions! Since everyone is reaching out and speaking, I found that is truly a Blessing to encourge others to join or speak in groups like this. I have learned that We have to be the loudest voice for own children ! No matter how bad things may seem.
A special Thank you to Malachi(&wife ) for creating such a significant group that shows that you have a big HEART. I pray that we understand the importance of reaching out to one another and encourage others to come forward and speak about it. My assumptions is that in our very own black community, people think it is a taboo or curse to come forth and express themselves about it. They're not openly acceptable to talking about children with certain types of disabilities.
Keep hope alive and Be Bless everyone!!

Comment by Angela Dantzler-Hill on July 1, 2008 at 10:06am

I'm an educator and I have worked with children who have autism. I can't relate to what parents go through raising an autistic child, but I know we can't set limitations on what they can and can not do. Ernestine is my cousin and her son has autism. She has worked so hard with Rashad and I commend her for pushing him to do more and not listening to what doctors said he will never do. By her pushing Rashad he is able to do things we thought he would never do: Read, Cook, Iron his clothes, household chores and the list goes on.

I have two stories I would like to share that will encourage parents that are raising these brilliant children. The first story is about this middle school student who has autism. He came to school and their were several skills he just did not have so they assigned a one on one person to him that followed him around to each one of his classes to make sure he stayed on task. This took place during his 7th and 8th grade year. His one on one did not play with him and she pushed him to do things he said he could not do. This partically student verbalized more than the other austistic children at the school, which was so amazing. Towards the end of his 7th grade year and the beginng of his 8th grade year his one on one would allow him to go to his classes on his own to see how he could handle it. He did an excellent job and all of the teachers were amazed by his growth. He went from a defiant student to a respectable student. I can remember the days with him yelling at teachers, throwing things and walking out of class. This student has now graduated from high school and each year in high school he was on the honor roll. Believe or not he was the most popular student in middle and high school.

The second story is about a young lady I taught this year who had autism as well. She was different from the student above because she didn't talk as much. She only shook her head. As a teacher I would give her assignments and she would be the 1st one to finish and her work would be exceptional. I became very curious one day so I decided to just sit down with her during lunch to just talk to her. I did all the talking of course because she just refused to open up. Everyday she came to school I would compliment her on something and ask her on Monday about her weekend. I didn't know this had an affect on her until she stopped doing the work for her other teachers and only did work in my class. Then it got to the point where she started asking me questions. I found it to be funny because she started asking me the same questions I would ask her and every Friday she would come by my classroom door and she would just stand there looking in. When I would come to the door she would say have a nice weekend and walk off before I could respond to her. I became her favorite teacher and she only communicated with me and I think it was because I showed her love and I never treated her different from my other students. It's just so amazing how they learn things and how they are so loving.

I know you all thought I would never end, but I just had to share these stories. I commend all of the parents that have a child with autism because I know it is not a easy job raising them.

Comment by Rene' Walls Howell on June 28, 2008 at 12:10am

Autistic children seek and interpret things differently from other children. Tameka is right - we don't see (and probably will never see) all the talents they possess; however, parents, family members, teachers, and others involved with all children need to recognize and foster the talents they DO have instead of focusing on the tasks that give them problems.

My student had an advocate - a strong, knowledgeable advocate - who spoke up for the parents when they might not have known how to express themselves. I had never heard of such a person before, but I now know they are invaluable. All parents of autistic children need these advocates to help ensure that their children receive all the advantages they should.

Comment by Tameka Berry/Hunt on June 27, 2008 at 2:55pm

Malachi, this is only the beginning. Everyday brings something different. My son can operate any electrical equipment without instructions. He was also diagnosed as having photographic memory at the age of two. I could write something and he could look at it a few seconds, I could erase it and he could rewrite it entirely. I have so many stories that I could share with you for encouragement. These kids are truly gifted as you have stated. I have also worked with Earnestine's son and both him and my son are so different although their diagnosis is the same. I say this because there is no one cure for all children with autism. There are different spectrum levels, and each child's needs have to be assessed individually to get there where they need to be or as close as possible. I have learned to never say never when it comes to these children, because they don't show us everything that they know. However, they are definitely more intelligent then what some may think. I have learned something from every child that I have ever worked with. Malachi, I can agree it is truly an amazing experience once you began to undersand and become involved in their world.

Comment by Malachi Jamison on June 27, 2008 at 9:37am

Hi Ernestine! These are the stories which encourage my wife and I! You are absolutely correct in reference to the gifts that God gives them. I wasn't sure if it was the echolalia or if it was a gift. My son can see a movie once and repeat the entire movie.(Almost all). The first time I noticed it we were watching Shrek 2. I sat there like a deer in headlights, just amazing.

These children a beautiful!! I love going to his class and participating in storytime or outside activities. I truly enjoy the interaction.

Comment by Genevieve Carson on June 26, 2008 at 8:03pm

Welcome Earnestine,
Much love goes to you and your family. We all have much support for everyone on here who has a relative and love one that's diagnosed with autism.

Comment by Ernestine Rivers-Thompson on June 26, 2008 at 4:47pm

I am a parent also of a child with autism. My son Rashad was diagnosed with this disorder at the age of three in 1998. We had our share of challenging moments, but with the help of God we made it through. Early detection is the best thing for this condition because it really helps you to decide the best plan for you child. My son has done remarkably well over these past ten years and I know it's due to early intervention services he received. He has accomplish many tasks that I was told that wouldn't be possible because he was autistic. These children are amazing and extremely smart! You just have to open up to their world and you will discover their hidden gifts. I am still amazed how my son taught himself to play the piano and acoustic guitar. For some reasons these children do well in the areas of art, music and math.

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