I am back.

Once again, I'm back. I finished my undergrad degree in psychology and began grad degree in psychology. Took about a year off from blogging to concentrate but, kept studying and working with autistic individuals all this time. I have another blog for autism as well: http://defineautism.blogspot.com check it out. I have a question to anyone and everyone out in this beautiful world our ours, do you think that the field of developmentally disabled (from caregiver, parent, and practitioner perspective) has become more or less complicated. In other words, are services and advice easier to find or not? Think far.

Been Away!!!

I have been away for some time now. I had to attend some weddings and receptions, finish two psychology courses in less than two months, and spend time with family while working full time. I am exhausted but besides the wedding and receptions, nothing else has changed. I am still taking a course in psychology and am still working (thank God), plus my family still asks me to spend time with them. That is key to development for any child. How much time do you spend with your family? Consider how much time you spend working, shopping, fixing cars, or doing anything else. How can you not consider spending some more quality time with your family? So go ahead and spend some time with the kids and wife/husband, you will realize how much you are appreciated.

Teacher Selection

Upon successful completion of any school, graduation ceremonies are common. Parents, students, and teachers gather together to congratulate the graduating students. Happiness and feelings of warmth are evident. Why aren't celebrations like these a common practice for special education graduates? Could it have something to do with the teaching style that was utilized to teach them in school? Special education programs vary by counties, at least in California. School districts often make a good effort to hire a qualified teacher but, as we all should know, anything is possible. Even if teachers are qualified, do they have the heart to patiently deal with developmentally disabled students on a daily basis? I really think that psychological testing are necessary in order to find the appropriate teacher. Testing on anger management and patience as well as genuine interest for student's well being should become necessary in order to hire special education teachers. I am concerned about this matter because I have witnessed some very well qualified but lacking in love and patience type of personalities in special education teachers. Clearly, I felt that these individuals should not have been selected for the field of special education teaching. They most certainly seemed to forget one essential element of special education teaching, it is not done for the money but simply for the developmentally disabled students who are there to learn with love and care. 

Day Programs for Stress Relief

The enough misery stamps before a star bankrupt.


Parents are often discouraged by negativity around them. It is difficult to parent an autistic child, but it is more difficult to explain what autism is to the general public. As complicated as this process is, it is not a reason to leave this matter untreated. The public needs to know and comprehend that autism is alive and that autistic individuals can function in this world. Numerous "day programs" have sprung in the past ten years which offer assistance in teaching living and working skills to developmentally disabled individuals. Parents should consider enrolling their special person in one of these programs to see if it benefits at all. While the special individual is at the program, parents can attend to other necessities. Maybe it will be a perfect time to reignite romance in your relationship!


This "escape" time can serve as a stress relief and empower you to further parent your autistic child. Most programs teach individuals how to clean, wash dishes, pick up objects, and put away objects. They can also teach how to communicate properly with random people. These are valuable skills for anyone, not just for developmentally disabled individuals. These programs also have social outings and seem to be very fun to be involved in. So, please consider relieving some stress for better health for you and your loved ones by enrolling your special someone in one of the many "day programs".

Spread the Word

Encouragement for parents with autistic child/children seems to be scarce. The public does not seem to comprehend what autism is and how it affects all those involved. Teaching the public is a good thing and should be exercised regularly. I encourage parents to talk to others about autism. Tell them your struggles and let them know how strong you are. I truly believe that parents with developmentally disabled child/children are strong. Please help spread the word on autism.

Basic Signing

It is complicated to communicate with someone who is hard of hearing or unable to speak. It is far more complicated if someone is deaf and mute. I have worked with an individual who was both. On top of that he was severely autistic. Through sign language (even in its most basic form) communication was made possible. Since this individual did not receive therapies and such as a child, we resorted to using basic pointing techniques and communication was made possible. My point here is that it is possible to communicate with deaf and mute autistic individuals. One does not need to learn proper sign language (although it can really help) in order to communicate. 

Take Me Away

Caring for anyone with any disorder can prove to be quite exhausting. In addition to caring for the needs of your loved one, you have to live your life. That means paying bills, making appointments for yourself, keeping up with car maintenance, house maintenance, etc. Simply stated, the life of a caregiver is stressful. How many times have you wanted to quit? How many times have you thought that you were working for nothing? How many times have you wanted to give up? My earlier blogs emphasized the need for time away from your care's.  Taking time away from your care's will not make you a bad person, instead, it can strengthen you to care even more for your loved one.