Archives for posts with tag: Parenting autism spectrum

http://youtu.be/p2FugTurW7Q

“RIDING THE SPECTRUM: HIGH GEAR AND LOW GEAR”

a Video presentation for the ADHD Coaches Organization Conference, Atlanta GA 2012

[This video is a remix of the original version (http://youtu.be/JYTwSWzG3wE); the original gives a more accurate rendering of the spectrum experience… My friends on the spectrum “got it” immediately… My “neuro-typical” friends said it was too fast and mixed up… So there you have it… Vive la difference! ;)]

A peek inside the experience of very special minds, that receive and filter sensory information in ways that defy “neuro-typical”.

In 2000, Leslee Hare began a journey with many twists and turns. She was working with specialists who eventually diagnosed her son Lucas with Autism. During the process she realized that if Lucas was “Autistic”, then she was certainly “Something” not very far removed along the Spectrum.

Lucas simply rode in high gear, while she coasted along in low gear, under the radar and managing to fit in… somewhat.

Through over a decade of working with Lucas, Leslee became convinced that the “Spectrum” encompasses more than just Autism, Asperger’s, PDD-NOS, Sensory Integration Issues, Proprioceptive Issues, etc.

She perceives that ADHD, Asperger’s and Autism – and many other labels that we use to describe neurological differences, including some “paranormal” phenomena – simply describe different points on the Spectrum.

And the folks who think they’re “neuro-typical” slide along the Spectrum, too. They just happen to have been in the majority… until now.

We all share this ride.

Part One:
High Gear reveals the world that appears to someone with very high-functioning ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, or Autism.

Part Two:
Low Gear filters the world into the more regulated experience of a person who’s managed to qualify as “normal”.

The two versions of Riding The Spectrum loop in sequence.

Experience them both, and glimpse a wider view of the world as it flies by.

(Words, images, direction & production by Leslee Hare; Music by Matthew Pelosi)

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

Leslee Hare

Keep the words concise and the images overflowing with content. You see everything you’re meant to see, in the many layers of intention and desire.
My tendency to use strong words to express my understanding of life taught me that editing brings deeper understanding. I rant and then sift through the chaff, lifting out the essential grains of my truth. I love getting help and comments from friends. Each word struck and added indicates progress.
I begin with a concept, next comes a script, then the images arise from the energy behind the words. I use only original work… my own artwork and fonts, my amateurish photography, half a dozen software programs, and some amazing original music by Matt Pelosi. With this trance-like process, intuition nudges these videos into being.
I hope they help you find another bit of your own inner spark!
9 January 2012

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I’m so sorry they “had” to die… But they gave themselves to a very honorable cause: MY SON cooked dinner with me last night!!! (Oh, and it wasn’t a grilled cheese sandwich or a pizza!)

I am so proud of him… 

Those of you who’ve followed this blog for a while may remember that he has an autism diagnosis… And since he’s turned 15, he’s been on a remarkable tear of learning life skills.

At his own initiative.

Last night, he and I cooked pasta, enhanced a marinara, chopped Belgian endive (…um, no, not for the pasta…), and sauteed shrimp.

He learned what paprika tastes like, and what al dente feels like. Oh, and to wait until the water boils to put the salt in.

But guess what the totally unexpected BONUS was?

When we got home from shopping, I was exhausted from a long, busy day. I was dreading heating up the bottled sauce and waiting on the spaghetti to be done… I just wanted to go lie down.

But when I realized, after a few minutes, that he was actually going to stay there in the kitchen with me and do whatever I asked to help, I became energized! We had fun, the food was excellent, and I felt so good when we were done that I even happily washed up.

We really never know where the next quiet, unassuming gift of love is going to come from, do we?

May we all enjoy such gifts, just when we need them!


HAPPINESS IN THE HOLE
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Who says you can’t buy happiness?

A tough morning with a doctor…

Add flour, water, sugar, oil & love (and a little chocolate)…

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Who says there’s no panacea?

We call it Krispy Kreme & conversation!

(and a hug helps, too!)

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