Autism Book Review part 2 For the Love of Ann - Story of an autistic child

Adding to my earlier review on autism books here's another one which I said I'd read after Joel's swim instructor said it was pretty amazing how a very autistic girl grew out of her autism and seeing as there was an article recently about how some people with autism can grow out of autism it seems quite topical. BBC News - Children 'may grow out of autism'

The book that Joel's swimming instructor suggested I read is called for the Love of Ann - The True Story of an Autistic Child' about a girl called Ann who was born in the 50's and brought up in a time when autism was really not around.  The parents were told to put her in a home but they fought for her to have an education eventually and with the help of a very understanding head and with the work they did with Ann at home they succeeded in teaching Ann to talk and then to read and write. 

The parents and two brothers adored Ann and the love they gave her really does shine through the book.   This gives me hope as my husband and I think that love has a big role in Joel's development and people love Joel not just his family.  He has the effect on some that immediately get it and him and there are some who just don't get him.  For the ones that do get Joel I adore you.

The thing about this book which sets it apart from books written about children with autism today is the unpolitically correct style in which it is written.  The way these parents taught Ann to do things was by smacking her into submission if she did something she shouldn't be doing ie getting up all the time during meal times.  They didn't tell anyone what they were doing as they would be considered cruel but they kept on smacking her until she did what she was being taught ie holding a spoon at the table and using it.  When she finally understood this task she was rewarded with lots of cuddles.  The training was reward and punishment and it worked for this family but not sure this is recommended these days.  In fact people may be shocked at this method they used and I was a bit taken aback but I could understand how desperate they were.

You have to read the book to see how hard this family tried with Ann and not judge them for it as they weren't given a handbook about autism and there were no services out there to help and no ABA schools  for children with autism. Thank God we have the school and the knowledge of specialist tutors who have been trained in ABA methods which is very much based on re-enforcement and rewards for getting things right and ignoring bad behaviours.  So the techniques this family used was similar to techniques used with Joel apart from the smacking.  This book was written in a different era where disability was seen as shameful and where the parents were told either institutionalise her or drug her so they took it on themselves to help Ann and treat her at home and they came through it with a girl that clearly loved them back and could eventually tell them and laugh with them. 

Ann grew out of her autism and became a model and secretary but am not sure what happened to her.  The book was certainly inspirational as these parents got through the tough times and came out the other end so it was interesting to read how parents coped in the 60's living with autism - not very well and all behind closed doors as far as I can work out and I think these parents were an exception to the rule.  I'm grateful we live in a more accepting time but know that it's still difficult to understand even if you have all the books and guidance you can still get confused about what it's all about. 

It's the times when I see small gains and improvements with Joel that I have hope for him and his future.  When he said to me 'turn it on' and handed me the ipad the other day I was gob smacked and immediately turned it on and it made my day to hear him.  I can hear his voice these days even though it's very quiet and very low.  It's still a voice and as long as he has one I will do my utmost to let him be heard and be instantly responded to so that hopefully he might realise it can get him somewhere.

Joel's school Curry fundraiser Buffet

 

 

Am very excited to announce we are going to have our first Step by Step school Parent's association Fundraising event which involves eating lots of curry!

 

This is open to EVERYONE to come along to East Grinstead in West Sussex and support Step by Step School for children with autism and come and help raise money to go towards the two whiteboards needed which cost £2,500 amongst other things they needed for the school.  You may have read my post before that Step by Step rely heavily on charities for costs other than running costs of the school and staff salaries.  All the extra costs come from charities. 

 

So if you'd like tickets then do call or email me and will get them to you.  All  very welcome and the more the merrier.  Please help this first event go off with a bang! 

 

Currently looking for raffle prizes.  I don't mean that green looking liquor from fairs of old but talking about luxury spas/weekends away/hampers etc.  If you think you can help then I would love to hear from you!

 

Alice xx

 

 

 





 



Beauty School Drop Out

I woke up on the penultimate day of the school holidays and got out of bed in the usual blurry state.   I took a glance in the mirror as I passed the bathroom to see a gigantic line down my forehead (AKA a wrinkle).  I was so shocked by this line I gave a silent cry, as let's face it (literally) what else can you do?    I thanked Mother Nature for delivering this post-Christmas gift and carried on with my motherly duties in a more relaxed fashion than the norm as the school rush wasn't on. 

Father Christmas had given me a humongous supply of face creams.  I don't think I've ever received so many in one go (all mainly Boots No 7 and a few Clarins on my Christmas list).  So my husband thought I'd be in good supply for at least a few months which no doubt I will be.  I was slightly insulted that he unintentionally bought the 45-55 year old category for my no 7 cream and when I politely mentioned that I was in the 35-45 year old category to which he responded that was all a load of marketing rubbish, they shouldn't categorise cream by people's ages and they all do the same thing.  He's probably right and it's only my pride that was slightly dented by the age cream thing.  I have since been smathering on the stuff and hoping for the best.  It's the turning 40 thing that's slightly alarmed me, hence the request for facial cream. 

Broadcaster Fiona Bruce admitted recently that  ''Age is definitely an issue for women in TV.''
''So far, it hasn't been for me, but I know I need to make the best of myself.''
''For instance, if I have a few grey hairs. I dye them. I don't let my grey hair show when I'm reading the news''.   Well I appreciate your honesty Fiona and I bet you're also into trying out the latest miracle face creams!  Seeing as I'm in the broadcasting industry I guess it's worth plastering it on but do not wish to go any further than that.  Have you seen some people on TV resembling plastic dolls with no expression?  Bring on the natural look that's what people prefer isn't it?; just look at how the tides are changing with Britain's new love Clare Balding after her amazing commentary on the Paralympics she's been moved into Saturday night TV and I'm guessing she doesn't spend hours analyzing her skin.  So this makes me more confident with regards to my career and how people appreciate a brain and attractive personality with a few lines is more interesting! 

Regardless of my new beauty products, I saw an advert for local beauty school models and thought as soon as the littlies go back to school I will get going with a facial to iron out the new wrinkle.  I wheeled my two year old son into the school  with me (well I could hardly leave him outside) to book an appointment.  The beauty school therapists were busily waxing each other within an inch of their lives and Max wanted to get straight out of his pushchair to see what they were all babbling about.  He ran down the large room with salon beds of gushing girls saying hello and fawning over him and he was very pleased showing off in front of them.  Meanwhile Julie their teacher told them to be quiet as a client (me) was in the room.

So I went in to my appointment today to have a manicure and facial and was greeted by the receptionist and paid for my treatment up front and was told to sit down next to the other 'models' for our treatments.  Half an hour later I was greeted by Kelly my lovely manicurist and was sat down to a manicure and Julie the teacher was very instructive and obvioulsy very good.  It really felt like I was in the beauty parlour in the Grease movie.  Even their outfits were the same as the Pink Ladies!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TOxhzAm7fY.  My head was buzzing with the Song Beauty School Drop Out and was mesmorised by this video as a child. 

The Pink Ladies in Grease

Because of the late start I was told the manicure would continue while I was having a facial so was moved on to the bed surrounded with curtains and met Jessie my facialist who called me 'Honey' lots and was charming apart from being blasted with a white light while she analysed my skin through a magnifying glass for what seemed like half an hour.  She jotted so many notes down I wondered how bad my skin could be.  Then Julie came to oversea and look at my skin under light too and said 'are you outdoors lots?' ie your face is really weather beaten.  She said do I ride lots which was a nice way of putting it.  I did say I was outdoors lots which I am and generally thought that was good for my skin being on cliff walks and country walks whenever I get a chance!  Anyway Julie recommended I get into a beauty routine and look like this in ten years time and that was our aim.  I said go ahead and I'm all for that!!  My face was then steamed, massaged and given a Dermologica treatment.

An hour later I walked out as fresh as a daisy with a polished face and my hands were lifted out of of wax paraffin bag and nails swiftly painted.  The polish didn't dry properly so they were slightly the way I do them when I'm in a hurry but overall the result wasn't bad for a beauty school therapist. 

My friend who called me half way through the beauty treatment has already asked to come along with me for a facial to cut costs this January.  Our original plan was to go to the Alexander Spa Hotel down the road for a spa day.  But seeing as we're both broke it's a trip down to the Sussex college, but I know we'll have as much fun here.  It's the company you keep that matters after all isn't it?