Shaping Families

Autism: Hope

LaWanda Hayes is a mother in Atlanta, Georgia, working very hard to raise her son, Jonathan, who was diagnosed with autism at 14 months. LaWanda says that autism is considered a brain disorder, related to how people are “wired in terms of thinking processes.” Now at the age of 11, Jonathan participates in the gifted program at his school and has won awards in several different art programs, and has had his work displayed in galleries in Atlanta.

Listen - Transcript - Study Guide

Just Sayin'

Emily Ralph

It’s gonna be ok, right? That’s what every parent wants to believe for her child. We all know from experience, though, that being “okay” is a matter of opinion.

WEBSITES
The Autism Society – U.S.
The Autism Society – Canada
Autism Speaks – research, fundraising, family services.
Links to various resources on autism.
Children of Destiny website – a daily scripture reading and prayer for parents and families/friends of folks with autism.
Shenandoah Valley Autism Partnership – local organization offering support, resources and information for families.

MORE ON JONATHAN AND ART VENUES:
March 24, 2011: Jonathan was given an art award at the Cobb County School District's (CCSD) Art Awards Recognition Ceremony for having one of his pieces completed at age 8, “New York Skyline,” which was published in the CCSD Annual Budget Book, distributed to a vast portion of Georgia.

April, 2011: Jonathan received several awards in the annual Reflections Arts Awards Ceremony held at the High Museum in the Woodruffs Arts Center of Atlanta (also housing the Atlanta Symphony where his work was on display for a period of time.

May, 2011: One of Jonathan’s watercolors was on display at the Mason Muerer Art Gallery, Atlanta, as part of Atlanta's 2nd Annual VSA (International Organization on Arts and Disability); 1st place award displayed at a Buckhead Art Gallery (arts area of Atlanta).

VIDEO
Jonathan Hayes reading his personal biography, “I do know but I don’t,” about his difficulties with speech, at an award reception.

BLOGS
There are probably thousands of blogs dealing with autism but here are two good ones that came to our attention. Feel free to add your own autism blog recommendations to our Facebook page for Shaping Families.

Rainmom - Blog by Jen Graber, the mom of an autistic son.

Life is a Spectrum – blog by Amanda Broadfoot, includes links to her favorite bloggers on autism.

BOOKS
Free: A Brief Parent Guide on Autism Spectrum Disorders can be downloaded.

Free: A booklet called Autism Spectrum Disorders is available in its entirety online.

An extensive list of non-fiction books on the topic.

Also check resources at your local public library. In areas where there are autism support groups, some libraries have an entire section of materials.

Dietary changes are successful for some in struggling with autism. Here is one cookbook: The Gluten Free Gourmet Cooks Fast and Healthy: Wheat Free with Less Fuss and Fat by Bette Hagman. ISBN: 0805039813 (paperback, 396 pages, Henry Holt, 1997).

On the Facebook page for Shaping Families, there is a gallery of photos of Jonathan, showing the artist at work and some of his awards. LaWanda says, “After school, generally Jonathan will complete his homework, play with his Legos, Ki-Nex (which are toys geared towards juveniles who have a strong desire to build and construct buildings) works at least 3-4 hours per day on his art. Thus far, he hasn't had any 'professional' training in graphic arts designs, painting, etc.” LaWanda hopes to broaden the scope of his painting and use of canvas/acrylics-oils.

Hope: That Four Letter Word

Burton Buller

Hope. A little word that joins the chorus of troublesome four letter words that comprise much of today’s discourse.

September is National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month and Shaping Families features Christopher Kennedy Lawford speaking about his own journey. He is the son of actor Peter Lawford and Patricia Kennedy and was addicted to drugs for many years. He touches on how his recovery has affected his parenting.

Tortillas

One camping trip Carmen Wyse tried making breakfast tacos out of store-bought tortillas. Her story: They were very crumbly and weren't working so well. My friend said she always makes her own tortillas so I figured if she could, I could, too. I've been making them ever since. I usually make a double batch and keep the leftovers for snacks throughout the week. I can always count on a big hug from my 12-year-old son when he sees me starting to make these."

• Shaping Families Update - May 12
• Shaping Families Update - May 5
• Shaping Families Update - April 28
• Shaping Families Update - April 21

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