Check out website below...

The Joy of Autism

As many of you know, I work with individuals who have ASD (autism spectrum disorder), helping them learn how to use language to communicate, engage with their peers, and build social skills. I have come a long way from when I first started learning about autism, and I must say, I am an advocate for individuals who have autism, because I believe that we can do so much more to help them, and I am so excited about all the new research being funded on autism spectrum disorder, as well as other pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). Autism causes an individual to experience the world differently from the way most of the rest of us do. For example, normal sounds may really bother someone with autism. It's hard for these individuals to express themselves using words. Children who have autism usually keep to themselves and many cannot communicate without special help. Furthermore, being touched, even in a gentle way, may feel uncomfortable. This is why so many parents feel so distressed when their child pushes them away when they try and comfort them. Children with autism cannot usually make the same kind of connections that other children make easily (eg: when someone smiles, we usually assume that this person is "happy" or being "friendly"). However, a child with autism may not understand the person's smile and connect it with the emotion of "being happy" or "being friendly." So far, research has shown that autism is genetic, and is not caused by a certain type of parenting style. Many parents feel that they have done something wrong, however, it could have been something the fetus was exposed to while in the womb, a certain type of chemical or toxin, or due to a genetic mutation. We cannot diagnose autism as a medical disorder, and it does not fall under "mental illness." Autism is viewed as a "developmental delay" and depending on the severity of the disorder, many autistic individuals can grow up to lead a normal functioning life. Unfortunately, there is a lot of stigma surrounding autism still. My graduate advisors have just recently informed us that there is an art gallery event celebrating...

"The Joy of Autism"
Lonsdale Gallery, 410 Spadina Road, Toronto
October 5th at 7 p.m.
Free to the Public
You can check out the website here:

http://www.taaproject.com/

Hugh Laurie who plays "Gregory House" on the new t.v. show, House, M.D. I absolutely love this show for some reason...because I love men with an overly sarcastic sense of humor. I also hate them as well.

"Just because no one understands you, that doesn't make you a f*cking artist..."

To My Friend, Always and Forever

When you're on your own...

When you're at a fork in the road, you don't know which way to go, there's too many signs and arrows.

You haven't laughed in a while. When you can't even fake a smile. When you feel ashamed.

When you forget your name and the pleasure can't disguise your pain and you don't feel the same.

What a lovely day to shape your dreams and you don't even have to sleep.

You can make it what you want to be. You can fly away! You can change your name! You can have a happy face!

It can be so real.

I've Started School...

Some people admire the way the music box has been painted, with all its fine details.
Others are fascinated by the way it works on the inside, how everything clinks and clanks.
Myself? I am interested only in the music that comes from the box...and how it makes me feel.

Well duhh, but of course, you say.

Last night I attended my first class in my graduate program. The entire lecture consisted of introductions and what we'll be doing throughout the year...blah blah blah. As I sat there and listened to everyone introduce themselves...I thought to myself: wow, I think I'd be very interested in becoming this..or that. Everyone came into the program with very diverse backgrounds and experiences. Everyone was fascinating...determined....and everyone has different goals, that were quite inspiring to say the least. Since I am in a psychology program, it seems only obvious that I would be interested in the way the music box makes me feel...or what it reminds me of. And I have been this way since I was a child...well perhaps since I was a young adolescent..maybe 14 or 15.

I do not know too many people who have known what they've wanted since they were that young. I also do not know too many people who have been best friends since they were kids, or who have stayed true to their religious, political and even moral beliefs for that long.

However, I can say that I have always been interested in what I'm studying...and I am still best friends with some of the same people since I was quite young...and as for my religious, political and moral beliefs...well I used to think that the Easter bunny was religion and that moving away from home before you were married was immoral..so I guess some things change...but my point is that I have faith that certain things remain constant...and I have taken these things for granted. How boring, you might say. But no, change is good. Its just that I have come to realize that some things are a part of you no matter how much you try to change them....and this is why I am comforted to know that some things are eternal, no matter what.

What beliefs or things in your life have you held on to since you can remember thinking about them?

Right Where You Want Me

there is something about me that you should know.
i've never felt that need to lose control, always held on back and played it slow but not this time.
baby don't be gentle, i can handle a little pain.

take me on a journey, i've been thinking lately i could use a little time alone with you.
crazy. lets do something maybe.
please dont take your time, you got me right where you want me.

i'm gonna let you have your way with me. when you move like that its hard to breathe.
i never thought it could be like this but i was wrong.
can't explain it how you swept me off my feet unexectedly. instant motion trying to keep my body still.
i can hardly stand the thrill.

you got me right where you want me...

(lyrics: jesse mccartney)

Spring/Summer Photos 2006

Me and Ian just chilling at home (summer 2006)