What you should know about an IEP - Mark Wirbel Reporting

Please welcome Autism Hangout's newest reporter, Mark Wirbel!  Mark is a journalist and a HS video production teacher from Ohio. Equally as important, Mark has a 7 year old son on the spectrum.  Mark joins Autism Hangout reporters Emily Willingham, Carrie D and Craig Evans in covering issues critical to families with autism.  See his first

The Techno-Caveman is Back

Has it really been 10 days since I wrote anything here?  Wow!!  I am already falling behind on my resolution.   If I could have just one super-power... it would be the ability to go through life with no sleep.  I love to sleep, but there is so much I want to do!!  Perhaps someone will invent a gizmo that you can hook up to for a quick "re-charge", then off to the next thing.  Grrr!!

What would your super-power be?

We have has a GREAT week with our AS buddy!  He has spent MUCH less time on the computer and as a result has been much more engaged with the family.  I'm proud of him.  I guess I should tell him that, huh?

We are on the brink of kicking off our second "hangout" site.  This one will deal with Cancer.  Last year cancer has hit really close to home for me.  First my uncle was diagnosed and is not doing very well, (prayers).  Then my father was diagnosed, he is doing GREAT. We have a good friend fighting it right now (I need to call him!!).  Lastly we had a very special friend pass away this week from this insidious disease.  We will truly miss her, but we take comfort knowing that she is in a better place, and that, if given the choice... she'd surely choose to stay where she is.

More in the new Hangout soon!

My latte is getting cold now and I have to run to Home Depot.  Will write again soon!!  God bless!!

If you are so inclined please follow me on Twitter @fgustafson and send me a friend request on Facebook.

Bonnie Sayers Key Learnings of Autism Thought Leaders

Listen to interview on Autism Hangout


Meet Bonnie Sayers... a whirlwind of excited, positive energy! Bonnie is an autism advocate, a prolific blogger, mom to two boys on the spectrum and the organizer of Twitter's Autism Day! And this is a partial list of her involvement!

In this conversation, it's easy to understand that Bonnie is programmed to help us all learn all we can about autism. And she can do it in any medium! Whether it's using an existing template (blogs, epinion forums) or new technologies (such as Twitter), Bonnie is compelled to bring the autism community together share common experiences and wisdom.

You can find out lots more about Bonnie and her causes here:

http://autismspectrumdisorders.bellaonline.com/
http://autismfamiily.blogspot.com/
http://autismfamily.tumblr.com/
http://www.epinions.com/user-bonniesayers
http://www.bellaonline.com/ebooks/ebook131
http://foodiemama.com/Feeding-Teens/ http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MakingPECSCards/http://bonniesayers.blogspot.com/ http://autismfamilies.gather.com/http://www.cafemom.com/group/20863 http://pecsclub.ning.com/
http://twitter.com/autismfamily

MaryTara Wurmser - "Key Learnings of Autism Thought Leaders"

Listen to Interview on Autism Hangout

MaryTara Wurmser is an autism safety advocate, the Kids and Family Category Lead at Epinions.com and publisher of the Bon Bon Gazette. She's recently done even more notable work on publicizing how to keep our kids with autism safe. 

 

In this candid conversation, MaryTara discusses her life with Alex and her advocacy for safety issues related to kids with autism. Thoughtout this discussion MaryTara clearly demonstrates how humor and a good attitude can help you meet the challenges of life with autism.   

 

For more information of safety issues for kids with autism, and a great read on what's current in the autism field, stop by her blog, theBon Bon Gazette.  You can also see some of MaryTara's current articles at Epinions.com.

Looking forward to 2009

Did 2008 seem really short?  Where did it go?  In Minnesota, things really seem to slow down during the winter months, at least they do for me.  Not because there is less going on, or I have less on my plate; but it just seems to drag on.  From the time the snow flies, I can't wait until it is gone!!  

2008 was a year of many firsts for me and my family.  What will 2009 bring?  

In January I ran my first marathon.  Wow what an experience that was.  It was truly the hardest thing I had ever done in my life, with the exception of USMC boot camp.  The big difference;  I am 25 years older now.  I did my first triathlon this year, in fact I did four of them.  They were awesome.  

I had a son graduate HS and a daughter graduate college in 2008.  Huge milestones for them and I am very optimistic about both of their futures.  They are very talented and capable young adults.  My youngest got his license in 08.  That is a whole other blog post in and of itself.  He is our daredevil.  He lives life to the absolute fullest and wants to shove everything in RIGHT NOW.  He's a lot like his dad.   

In July, Craig Evans and I started Community Hangouts and Autism Hangout.  AH has been a learning experience and a very rewarding venture for me.  Craig has done a fantastic job in moving the ball forward and making AH what it is today.  I very much look forward to seeing it grow and prosper through 2009.  

Theresa and I began our 20th year of marriage in 08.  I love her more today than the day I proposed.  She has had a big year too loosing over 100 lbs. and  working towards her first muscle fitness competition coming up soon.  She also ran her first marathon in October.  I could not be more proud of her.  She is an awesome lady!!

For me 2008 has been my year of social networking.  I jumped into Facebook about mid year.  I love it.  I have been able to connect with several friends from my past.  Later in the year I found Twitter.  Whoa!  Twitter is pretty cool.  I am still a caveman but learning more every day.   That brings me to blogging.  My first blog post went up on the last day of 2008.  We will see what 2009 blogging brings.

2009... I look forward to you.   Get ready... cause here I come!!

Kelly Langston Interview on AH

Check out Kelly Langston on Autism Hangout!

"God has a purpose for children with autism!"   Kelly Langston

 

Author, blogger and mom to Alec, Kelly Langston is a woman of great faith. In this Podcast, Kelly talks about her upcoming book Autism's Hidden Blessings: Discovering God's Promises for Autistic Children and their Families (Kregel Publishing - Release; March 2009).

 

You don't have to be a person of great faith to listen to Kelly's inspirational wisdom, but it is solidly rooted in the Bible.  As she points out, "God's biggest blessings can be behind the biggest giants."  Hear her talk about getting past the trials of discouragement and helplessness to living the extraordinary adventure. Kelly knows"God has a unique and marvelous purpose for children with autism." She has filled her book with scriptural promises for your child's worth, future and your own wisdom in understanding God's greater plan.  "How great the power of His love!"

Adonya Wong Interview on AH

Check out Adonya Wong on Autism Hangout!

Author Adonya Wong talks about her new book "In My Mind: The World Through the Eyes of Autism."

Like most parents of kids with autism, Adonya's experience has been both challenging and rewarding. In this Podcast, Adonya talks about her son Nicholas, the inspiration for her book. And how she, like most parents of kids on the spectrum is working toward helping others better understand and develop their kids.