Category Archives: family

“Stop…” A Poem: Disability Day of Mourning 2016

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

                Today I share this poem, originally published in June 2013, to witness and remember the lives of Disabled people killed by their parents and caregivers…  Stop..   Stop   These words of … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, ASAN, Boycott Autism Speaks, Death, Disability Day of Mourning, family, Rail Against Stigma | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Crossing the line: The Danger of Compliance

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

As Amy Sequenzia so eloquently states: “ABA is not only abusive to Autistic children, it makes ableism and abuse acceptable. “Experts” want 40 hours/week of this and parents who don’t comply can lose their children. ABA creates a culture of … Continue reading →

Posted in ABA, ableism, Autism, Behaviour, Compliance, family, Intervention, Parent | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 22 Comments

Voting “yes” – because I trust you… #bced

Posted on September 17, 2014 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Yup… Voting ‘yes’ and that vote is not saying that I think this is a good deal… because it is not… But it is better than I think we would get if we were legislated back… and I trust, respect … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, BC Teachers Federation, BCTF, Christy Clark, Collective Responsibility, family, Parent, Public Education, social justice | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Papa, the Shillelagh, and a head in the clouds….

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

As I was growing up, I recall my mother often seemed practically concerned about my fanciful ways and ideas, and my tendency to have my head somewhat ‘in the clouds.’ My mother might be considered a bit of a worrier, … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, Autism, family, Father, Humour, language, Parent | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Doctor Who and St. Nick: What my child needed for Christmas

Posted on December 25, 2013 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

H woke up early this morning…“It is Christmas, Mom! C’mon… get up!” Then quoting Mr. Scrooge he added, “I don’t know what to do! I’m as light as a feather, I’m as happy as an angel, I’m as merry as … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, diversity, Doctor Who, family, self-advocacy, St. Nick | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

I am so NOT a Superhero: Autism, Holiday Stress, and Making Cookies with the Kids

Posted on December 21, 2012 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Originally posted on Thirty Days of Autism:
I sometimes think I would like to be a superhero – well perhaps not actually – but I have previously admitted that I am coveting the cape!!  A cape would be cool –…

Posted in Autism, Big sister, Cooking with kids, family | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Vectors of Autism and Alone Together: thoughts on extending social understanding

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

The theme of the SFU film festival was Alone Together… and how in the midst of an urban environment people can still feel isolated, solitary, and disconnected.  It is interesting that concept can be extended to have meaning the context … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, diversity, Documentary, family, Laura Nagle, promote social understanding, SFU Public Square Alone Together Film Festival | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Aaaack!! Are we Thankful? Autism and the Family Dinner Party

Posted on September 30, 2012 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Originally posted on Thirty Days of Autism:
Navigating sensory issues, social stress and anxiety for children on the Autism spectrum can be a challenge at any time. However, I was recently asked by a parent for some tips or suggestions…

Posted in Anxiety, ASD, Aspergers, Autism, calm, connections, Cooking with kids, family, inclusion, mentor/apprentice, perspective of others | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Autism… and Mexico and Family and Inclusion and…WOW!

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

“When I asked H to help me with packing today… he got all excited. Turns out he though I asked him about “hacking”… Love that kid! And Yay!! Work at SFU [working at the university] is done – so I … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, Anxiety, aproximating typical, Autism, family, fitting in, Journey, Parent | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

Autistic Travel… And Were Off!!

Posted on July 25, 2012 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

We are on the plane… heading far, far south… to Mexico. Every few years Craig and I have been fortunate to be able to take some time away and do a bit of travelling. In fact, each summer my parents … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona TASH, ASD, Aspergers, Autism, family, Handling Change, Sometimes the pace chooses me..., travel | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments