Tag Archives: parents

And Then You Cry ‘Victim’

Posted on February 17, 2015 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

When Autistic adults are ignored or gaslighted or tone policed and told they “shouldn’t be so angry” or they are “not like my child,” then the opportunity to learn from the real autism experts is missed. It may not be … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, Advocacy, advocate, Autism, listening, poem, poetry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

This Teacher will Rail Against Injustice

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

We (BC Teachers) are in the midst of negotiations – at the table with a government that is unwilling to negotiate. We are at stage two of a three stage plan of action – which currently involves rotating strikes. We … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, BC Teachers Federation, Christy Clark, Educator, Public Education, social justice, Teacher | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Cleaning H’s Room – Round Two

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

Ding, Ding… And we’re at it again… or maybe more like … still!! Four days ago I started a little project that was necessary so that I could move ahead with creating a much-needed office space for myself. I mentioned … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Handling Change, scaffolding, Star Trek, Star Wars | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

“Time to Listen”: Autism and the simplicity of relationships

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

It is the end of my day… I am home from work. It was a good day. I taught a little girl, who is struggling in so many areas, to tie her shoes… and it gave me goosebumps. I can … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, calm, Distance Education, Distributed Learning, Parent, relationships | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 22 Comments

Sunday Morning at Our House: loving ordinary

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

Craig is streaming Bugs Bunny cartoons and I am checking emails and reading blogs. The dining room table is shaking with his laughter – which makes it hard to type – but adds joy to my world. I love that … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, relationships, weekend | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 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

MosaicYoda and Autistic Empowerment

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

Autistic self-advocates have perspectives we need to understand Autistic self-advocates have perspectives we need to understand Sometimes the planets just seem to align… I won the cool program (Photo Mosaic) from Deanne Shoyer, who has a plethora of resources over … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Neurodiversity, perspective of others, self-advocacy, Small but Kinda Mighty, Yoda | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Yours, Mine and Ours: autism, self-advocacy, and setting limits

Posted on September 23, 2012 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Originally posted on Thirty Days of Autism:
I have been thinking about limits: the edges of ourselves… that place where we interface with the world. Our limits and where we set them are the control valves for our emotional, social,…

Posted in acceptance, ASD, Aspergers, Autism, calm, Flexible thinking, handling discomfort, Resiliency, self-advocacy, visual strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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