Tag Archives: flexible thinking. modelling cognitive strategies

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

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

Building Stilts and Resiliency

Posted on January 5, 2013 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

H built stilts yesterday. His dad, Craig the Amazing, has offered to build some wooden ones with him, but apparently H couldn’t wait. Here is his prototype… Pretty cool, really… Then one of them broke – or more like… tore. … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Father, Flexible thinking, Resiliency | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 9 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

Where choice lives… and thoughts on perspective

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Craig and I recently spent two days in Vancouver… deeply engrossed and captivated by the presentations of Michelle Garcia Winner and Carol Gray. On Day 1: Doodle notes by a visual learner  (or a fidgiter??) from my first day of … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspergers, Autism, Autistic Shadow Traits, Carol Gray, Michelle Garcia Winner, neuromajority, Neurotypical, perspective of others, Social Thinking, Space and Pace, valid perspectives, Visual Notes, Vygotsky | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

I am so OK with being wrong…

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

I am WRONG… rather often actually; I don’t know – what I don’t know – until I have found out – that I don’t know it… As convoluted as that may sound, it makes sense really. It is a relatively … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, being wrong, discomfort avoidance, good enough thinking, Handling Change, handling discomfort, Resiliency, Special Education | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Out on a limb and taking risks: Aaaaaaack!!

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

I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.                             ~Pablo Picasso Today I did something amazing… But first, I do need to confess that I am deathly afraid of … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, connections, handling discomfort, relationships, Resiliency, Teacher | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Amazing Arizona TASH Adventure: A Roadtrip with H – Part 1

Posted on June 13, 2012 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

After a long day of traveling from Vancouver, Canada, H and I are now settled into our hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. We had some great conversations – and discussed the not knowing all of the details – and how that … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona, Arizona TASH, ASD, Aspergers, Autism, Autistic Shadow Traits, inclusion, Laura Nagle, self-advocacy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

I am in Arizona… but I can’t figure out my own system!

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I’m heeeee-ere!! I have arrived safely in Arizona!! I’m very excited about the next few spectacular days surrounded by wonderful people sharing amazing perspectives at the Northern Arizona Autism Conference! Hmmm… Do I sound enthusiastic?!? I am rather enthusiastic!! Tomorrow … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona, Aspergers, Autism, good enough thinking, NAzASA | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Appreciate the Big Things: perhaps my shadow traits are showing

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

This week I am leaving my lovely spring dappled little town on the outskirts of Vancouver, Canada – and heading down to the icy cold of Northern Arizona. Yes! You read that correctly! In my little town, spring is no … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, Arizona, ASD, Aspergers, Autism, Autistic Shadow Traits, Laura Nagle, NAzASA, Neurotypical, promote social understanding, Social cognition, Social Thinking, Teacher | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments