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Autism/siblings of children with autism

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Expert: - 12/6/2009


Question
Dear Catherine,

How best can I reach the families you serve that would benefit from the doll program I started to help children who have siblings with developmental disabilities, especially autism?  I have four children, one of whom has autism.  When they were little, I faced the same dilemma those who write to you here are facing:  How and when do I tell my other children about what is going on with my child with autism?  When do I put a name to the unusual behaviors and characteristics I know they must be observing?  These are the questions, and the situation parents face that inspired me to start my doll program:  My Sibling Dolls.  I hope you will share this with parents.  Our program benefits teens and adults with developmental disabilities, because we provide a work experience for them:  they dress, accessorize and package the dolls.  I have written all the text in the booklets that come with the dolls, as well as all the text on my website.  Besides being the mother of a young man with autism, I am also formally educated as a Special Education teacher with a concentration in autism.  
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Loretta

Answer
Hi Loretta,

Sounds like you have created a wonderful resource for families with challenged children.

I would recommend you build a web site to distribute your dolls to a wider audience. I cannot offer specific advertising through this forum though I can point people to your Internet site as one of the many resources available.

Send me a URL and I will add it to my list of resources.

Best wishes,
Catherine

Autism

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Catherine Ridenour

Expertise

I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.

Experience

I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.

We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.

Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.

I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.

NOTE:

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