Category Archives: language

The pathologization of interest and curiosity

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

As I am increasingly connected with people in Disabilities and Autistic communities, I am finding that there were things that in the past sat quite comfortably with me – that now – looking back – make me uncomfortable. I sometimes … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, acceptance, Autism, Autistic, inventing, language, self-directed learning | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 27 Comments

Pathologizing Kitty…

Posted on March 29, 2015 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I’ve been considering that we don’t impose the dog paradigm of communication, where tail wagging means ‘I am happy or excited’ and ‘please give me more…’ on the cats we know and love… It is interesting that we realize the … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, acceptance, Autism, Communicate, language | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

Therapy Defined: Self-Regulation

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Definition of self-regulation intervention or therapy: H is given the downtime he needs to delve into his interests and to regroup and relax when he needs it… (And you wouldn’t call this therapy if the kid were non Autistic, you’d … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, acceptance, Autism, autism stigma, Autistic, Intervention, language | Tagged , , , , , , | 13 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

Good Questions: Do geese know how to read?

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I have been cleaning and culling and going through tonnes of stuff of late – and I every once in a while I come across a little treasure. The other day, in the midst of my organizing effort, I found … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, childhood, language, perspective of others | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Two Little Girls

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Today I am at a District Student Services Training for Special Education Teachers and others, which is hosted in the multipurpose room of one of our elementary schools. There have been marvelous conversations and dialogues around supporting diverse learners, building … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, advocate, Autism, Collective Responsibility, diversity, Educator, language, perspective of others, promote social understanding, Special Education | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

“Whisper me, Mom”: Autism and Supporting Development

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

When H was tiny I used to whisper words to him when we were out, because he lacked words of his own in an unfamiliar environment, or with unfamiliar people. I would lean in seamlessly – almost invisibly – so … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Communicate, connections, language, mentor/apprentice, Vygotsky | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Autism and Thoughts on Written Output: Infinity Blade II… A review by H

Posted on December 27, 2012 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Please note: This post has two sections: the first is H’s review, the second consists of an examination of written output for H and others who process differently. H is trying to teach me how to play “Infinity Blade II” … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, IEP, language, review, Special Education, Speech and Language Therapist | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

The Beauty of Conversation Unplugged: “Mom ~ I love you!!”

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

Today H and I  were heading into the big city. It was close to a two hour trip and we agreed to have a no technology drive. That meant no iPad, iPod or laptop in the car for H… and … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, language, Parent, Sometimes the pace chooses me..., wireless | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Aa is for Applecus and Autism: A look back at supporting language development

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

The other day I was reading about a mother’s excitement over her daughter’s language acquisition. It had me thinking back and remembering how that felt for us. My son is now 12 and has amazing expressive language – it took … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspergers, Autism, Behaviour, Communicate, Intervention, language, Speech and Language Therapist, visual strategies and supports | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments