Here are my stream of consciousness thoughts and reactions to Barb Rentenbach's presentation:
She types really slow. Is her mind working that slow? Or is it full of thoughts? I'm wondering how she learned to read in the first place, or even what a letter is. Lois has to stand behind her and rub her back in encouragement, almost like a child. Why is it that she keeps repeating cuss words, not just any old word?
"Autism is my prism, not my prison."
Wow. Barb's words, as read by Lois, are incredible. Barb thinks the world is better with autism. She wants to disprove the idea that autism needs the world but the world doesn't need autism. Why do I think the other way?? I assume people with autism wish they do not have it, but Barb sees advantages in autism, or even ADHD. She sees herself as closer to God than a "successful" businessman. Her writing is so clear, so professional! It appears that she has done a lot of research for this book as well. She jokes a lot with Lois.
I wonder, who edited her novel and added the commas, capital letters, and flow?
Barb: there is no standard brain. She thinks "autism is a type of neurology"--no comparisons or judgments. WE need to be careful when we medicate away ADHD. We don't know what we're missing! There are strengths with even dyslexia! Barb: "Find out who you are and be that on purpose." As a teacher, I want to find where my students excel and go from there. How can I practically do this? Where can I find the time in a classroom to spend extra had with a student with special needs, just to relate to them or get them on the same page as the class? I would love to get to be able to have a cooking session with a student like Lois can, but the classroom dynamics are not conducive for this!
Barb sees herself as Mary rather than Martha--she is contemplative and sitting at the feet of Jesus. Barb: "Know your part, be your part, play your part with conviction." "Neurodiversity is not good; it's God."
No comments:
Post a Comment