Saturday, April 9, 2016

                    

             Is she artistic or autistic?


For autism awareness month, I was asked to 
write an article about my daughter, Lauren, who is diagnosed with autism and related disabilities. 


The article shares a positive perspective on her life and the impact she has had on so many people. It also sheds light on the path to my disability advocacy efforts for nurses with disabilities.

Please take a look at the article, make comments and share. We need all of the autism awareness we can get...this month and each and every day throughout the year!

With thanks in advance,

Donna

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Speed dating? Or, one night stands?



Speed  dating has many similarities to hiring staff to work with adults with autism.

Applicants speed through in record time. Some even dress up for the occasion.

Some visit with Lauren for an hour and are never seen again. Others, don't show up at all.

Some sleep over and help Lauren with one shower..... and never return.

Hungry? Help yourself. Eat a meal with Lauren and then decide she lives too far away.

Like to bowl?.... Take Lauren bowling...then stand her up the next week.

Does this sound like speed dating or many one night stands?

Lauren’s resilience in the face of all of this is amazing.

Can you imagine handling rejection this often?

Keeping it real!
Donna