Category Archives: mentor/apprentice

Mom, do you want to learn about the game Portal? Co-creating Conceptual Frameworks

Posted on November 23, 2013 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

H: Mom – do you want to learn about the game Portal? Me: Sure! (considered pause) Me: Wait a second – what does that mean? Will you tell me about it for five minutes or will I have to commit … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, executive function, Flexible thinking, mentor/apprentice, other-ability, perspective of others, Social cognition | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

We’re Making Hobbit Cloaks – Oh Ya!!

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

The Hobbit!!! H and I have been reading The Hobbit this summer. You can read about the beginning of our journey here and it has progressed as beautifully as I had hoped. H and I are still reading – but … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, connections, cosplay, Journey, mentor/apprentice, Reading The Hobbit, scaffolding | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Geek Mythology: You don’t know the power of… acceptance!

Posted on June 1, 2013 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

H wears his inner Jedi… on the outside! Ya… We’re cool with that! Cue theme music: ♪ Da dahhh dadada da dahhh… ♪ Related Posts: • Lego, Star Wars, and Duct Tape: A Rainy Day Collaboration • Autism, Star Wars in … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, Autism, Geek Mythology, mentor/apprentice, Play Therapy, Star Wars, Toy Traders, Yoda | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“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

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

Be the Change… Vectors of Autism at the SFU Alone Together Film Festival

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Lately I have been so busy – I can hardly tell which side is up. I mentioned I was too busy to blog to my friend Ariane at Emma’sHopeBook and we brainstormed a few ideas. Here is a depiction of … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Documentary, IEP, Laura Nagle, mentor/apprentice, promote social understanding, Purchase Vectors of Autism: Laura Nagle, SFU Public Square Alone Together Film Festival, Special Education, Teacher, Vectors of Autism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Remembering Neil Armstrong: Father, Son, and Special Interests

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

The Amazing Craig knows an astounding amount about the space program. Here are some of his reflections about Neil Armstrong: “Neil Armstrong and David Scott literally saved the space program from disaster – they were on a Gemini Mission and … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Father, mentor/apprentice, Neil Armstrong | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

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

Posted on October 7, 2011 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

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 to help her Autistic child get through/handle … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Aspergers, Autism, mentor/apprentice, ToM (Theory of Mind) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Diagnosis: AUTISM … part 2

Posted on June 20, 2011 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Like any parent, I don’t want to focus on the differences in my child from a deficit point of view. Although I know that I must be realistic in addressing areas in need of development if H is to be … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, Aspergers, Autism, Diagnosis, mentor/apprentice, Parent, Vygotsky | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Together: Vygotsky, connections and the tipping point

Posted on April 23, 2011 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Connecting in a small town… It is a small town: heavy on character, light on wireless technology. I had anticipated sketchy internet access – but there is none. I hope you appreciate that I had to sacrifice and come to … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, bandwidth, Communicate, connections, Humour, mentor/apprentice, Parent, relationships, scaffolding, the tipping point, Vygotsky, wireless | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments