Category Archives: self-directed learning

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

‘Glitchbusters’ the Movie…

Posted on May 19, 2015 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

H has been busy making a new movie, which he has delared a spoof. I won’t bother to disclose because, well, I’m fairly certain you’ll be able to figure it out. It is called Glitchbusters. So… this morning he was … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, cosplay, inventing, making movies, retro pop culture, self-directed learning, weekend | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Blacksmith at the Forge + The Music of Invention

Posted on July 11, 2014 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

It is summer, and with summer comes that certain sense of freedom in the days that stretch before us filled with possibility.  It is like that one gift under the tree that hasn’t yet been opened. In all honesty, I … Continue reading →

Posted in advocate, Autism, Autistic, Distance Education, letting go, self-directed learning, Space and Pace | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Who is calmer? A survey by H

Posted on December 31, 2013 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

This post is by H. We had one of our long drives into the city the other day and had lots of fun discussing various things, some very serious – some silly. H thought it would be great fun to … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, calm, Humour, perspective of others, self-directed learning | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Autistic Pride Day 2013

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

THIS…  1000000000 x this! ___________________________________________________ 30 Days of Autism is a project designed to fight stigma, promote civil rights, and increase understanding and acceptance for those who process and experience the world differently. © Leah Kelley, Thirty Days of Autism, … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, Aspergers, Autism, Autism Positivity, Autistic Pride Day, diversity, inventing, Neurodiversity, self-directed learning | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Horror B Films, Empathy, and Indignation!

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I have mentioned before that H is really into Horror B Movies and that he is working on making one of his own. H is The kid who knows who Stanley Kubrick is: Dreaming Big. He is always working on props … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, empathy, inventing, perspective of others, self-directed learning | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments

The Spectacular Joy of Inventing

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Inventing… the idea becomes the prototype… and onward from there! H made the hot sauce for me as imagined/dreamed up the other night (see Spice of life!). Um ya… it is aptly named: Twitching Corpse Hot Sauce! Today he is trying … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, diversity, Flexible thinking, inventing, Resiliency, self-directed learning, Space and Pace | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

There’s something strange in your Neighbourhood… Who’ya gonna’call?!? H the Creator!!

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I wrote a kind of teaser post about H’s project the other day. The big message of this post was that when special interests are supported with opportunity… innovation, problem-solving, and positive development are inevitable! (Insert theme music) Doodo doodo … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, self-directed learning, Special Education | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Who ya gonna call? Autism, Distance Education, and Ghostbusters

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

H’s most recent interest (since April of this year) has been in building his own Ghostbusters backpack. He has been is watching how to videos on youtube that have been posted by other kids with similar proclivities toward creating pop … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Distance Education, Distributed Learning, Public Education, retro pop culture, self-directed learning, Special Education, Speech and Language Therapist, Teacher | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Supporting Special Interests: Strength-based opportunities for development

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

H has been working on a project for weeks and weeks… I believe, however, that he has been planning it in his head for months. The potential for skill development embedded within this sort of self-directed special-interest project is enormous! … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspergers, Autism, executive function, good enough thinking, internet, Parent, Plan B, relationships, Resiliency, self-directed learning | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment