Merry Christmas from Autism Hangout!

"This is a season of hope. For those of us living with autism, hope is always welcome. Let us be grateful for the hope that another year will bring us new opportunties for our children to thrive!" - Craig Evans and Frank Gustafson - Founders, Autism Hangout

Autism Hangout brings you HOPE from Dr. Tony Attwood

I couldn't think of a better, more hopeful message for the new year than to tell you all about a chance to ask questions of leading autism expert, Dr. Tony Attwood. 

Right after completing his "Key Learnings of Autism Thought Leaders" segment (via SKYPE!), Dr. Tony suggested opening up the opportunity for folks in the autism community to ask him questions about living with autism. Tony admits that he's deluged with email, but he's want to address pressing issues or problems that are NOT directly addressed in his books. I have started a thread in the Discussion Forum where your questions will be qued and Dr. Tony will address a number of them in a monthly SKYPE interview starting in January '09.

THANK YOU, DR. TONY!

Autism Hangout invites you to post your messages of hope!

I'm sure most of you have noticed the recent glut of some rather DIS-couraging facts about families with autism. For those of us with kids on the spectrum, we're well aware of the facts. Frankly, what we'd like to hear more of are stories of achievement, success, or discovery.

That gave me an idea...

Beginning in January, I'd like to invite anyone and everyone in the autism community to submit your own personal stories about life with autism.

A Call for "Stories About Life with Autism!"

We all know facts about autism can be scary. But facts can be taken out of context... making "bad" look much more significant than the possibility for "good." Stories put facts into context. Stories can also provide insights to seeing opportunities for finding and celebrating joy. In other words...

Stories about autism can also be EN-couraging!

I'd like to start compiling positive stories about life with autism here at Autism Hangout.

As human beings, we're programmed to learn through stories. Reading another person's first-hand, emotional, close-to-the-heart experience is not only engaging, it's educational (you might learn a new way to handle a situation).

Categories of Stories

These will be available to everyone as threads for posting in the Discussion Forum.

* Overcoming obstacles/perseverance - From learning your child's diagnosis to telling family. From hearing those first words to getting dressed and going to school (and beyond). Even dealing with school yard bullies. There's great courage in our children! Tell us about it.

* Funniest moment - What's life without humor? Autism is no exception.

* Celebrations of autism/discovery of gifts - What's extraordinary about your child? Let's celebrate our kids' uniqueness.

* Key Learnings about autism - We've been asking the experts. What have you learned that you can pass along?

* My life with autism - Let's hear from the kids, sibs and parents themselves.

There can be more categories, maybe up to 10. If you have a story that doesn't fit the above, post it where it's closest. If there are enough similar entries, we'll move it to a new category.

Anyone touched by autism can enter; parents, grandparents, teachers, docs, sibs, kids with autism

There are lots of "half-full" stories of autism out there. Let's put 'em down for all to enjoy. Personally, I'm looking forward to reading those stories describing their glass as "with the tap still running!"

One more thing, just posted!  Don't miss Emily Willingham's latest, thoughtful installment on life with autism. In this Special Report, Emily talks about the importance of fighting for change as well as fighting for acceptance... and having the wisdom to know which is the correct fight.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Craig Evans and Frank Gustafson - Founders, Autism Hangout

Autism Hangout
14585 Cameo Ave. W.
Rosemount, MN 55068
Phone: (952) 221-1800

Web: www.autismhangout.com
Email: contact@autismhangout.com