Jackie Marquette's Newsletter May16, 2008

[Guest guest]

Jackie Marquette's Newsletter

Dr. Jackie M. Marquette

Remarkably Able: Teens and Young Adults with ASD and DD

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Free Online Newsletter May 16, 2008

Specialist in Autism and Life Transitions

Author, Researcher, Consultant, Parent

Promoting Quality of Life for All Teens and Young Adults with Autism and

Related Disabilities & Achieving Tangible Transition Outcomes

Creator of:

Capability and Independence Scale (CAIS)

Walking the Path SeminarsJackie@...

www.independencebound.com

This newsletter is dedicated

to the loving memory of Joyce Rosine , 6/15/1930 - 5/7/08. My

mother was caring and giving to all in her family throughout life. Her

love and support was significant to my accomplishments and

achievements in

life and most importantly to the man Trent has become. She touched our

lives. Trent and I will miss her dearly.

IN THIS ISSUE..

1. NEW TALK SHOW--REMARKABLY ABLE RADIO TALK SHOW

HOSTED BY DR. JACKIE MARQUETTTE

2. URGENT E-MAIL, SOME NEXT STEP OPTIONS FOR A 20 YEAR OLD MALE

WITH ASPERGERS

3. WALKING THE PATH CLASSES

4. A NEW PUBLICATION

5. SUMMER ART

6. E-MAIL ME ABOUT YOUR NEEDS OR EXPERIENCES

7. JACKIE'S SPEAKING SCHEDULE

8. BIO

9. WHAT'S NEW? TRENT'S DVD: THE STUNNING ART OF TRENT ALTMAN

IS NOW AVAILBLE

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1. NEW TALK SHOW--REMARKABLY ABLE RADIO TALK SHOW

HOSTED BY DR. JACKIE MARQUETTTE

Where to Listen:

KFNX News-Talk Radio AM 1100 on the dial, Phoenix, AZ

When:

Mondays 9-10 PM, First show June 9, Pacific Time, or Listen via Internet

Streaming, or download, or play back when posted to my web site.

What is the Program About?

Remarkably Able Radio Talk Show is designed to increase everyone's

awareness about real options based upon best practices that can enhance

the quality of life for people with ASD/Developmental Disabilities and

their families. A national crisis currently exists because of limited

resources that disenable individuals with ASD from adolescence into

adulthood. Families are uncertain about how to help their teen or young

adult. People with autism have potential and strengths that make them

remarkably able in many ways.

Why this topic?

There are reliable treatments, therapy, and educational strategies that

are available for children with ASD. Every child with autism grows up. As

youth enter their teens and then adult years, these strategies must be

integrated into a much wider framework of traditional and broad

innovative

supports. These comprehensive supports can enhance individual capability

levels across all life domains and increase community membership and

well-being.

What is the focus?

The Remarkably Able Radio Talk Show will provide a dialogue on areas that

effect individuals with ASD. Some topics include: emotional, social,

educational, vocational, medical, alternative options, political and

spiritual. Interviews with leading experts in the field will be conducted

as well as interviews with people who have ASD and their families. All

will share perspectives and experiences. Research findings, effective

tools, and practical everyday solutions are sought to help dissolve the

barriers that hinder community participation, inclusion, and personal

growth. Finally, the ultimate goal is to offer hope for a better life to

individuals with ASD of all ages and their families.

Advertise your Service or Product

Become a sponsor and support this untapped dialogue by advertising your

services or products on the Remarkably Able Radio Talk Show. Use this

opportunity to reach a wide audience. Contact

Jackie@... for more information.

2. URGENT E-MAIL, SOME NEXT STEP OPTIONS FOR A 20 YEAR OLD MALE

WITH ASPERGERS

I want to share an urgent email I received by a parent who has a son with

Aspergers and needs immediate assistance. I believe we can all learn and

help by sharing experiences and options. I offer her email and my

response.

Please help,

is now 20 years old, jobless, friendless, and terribly lonely. We

have placed in 2 job training programs both of which he quit

because he is " not like those people " . refuses to accept himself

despite years of therapy and still says that he will spend his life

" running from special ed " . graduated from H.S., but his

transition

plan only offered a summer semester at a job training programs he

hated so

much. No other alternative was suggested. Shortly after high school

graduation, my sister got him a job at a local nursing home washing

dishes

in the kitchen. As worked the night shift with very little

supervision, the result was not favorable and he was dismissed from the

position.

has many dreams some of which include Professional wrestling (he

has never wrestled), a baseball star(ditto), and a NASCAR driver.

does not have his license because he panicked at Driver's Ed and never

finished the course. Unlike others with Asperger, has limited

math skills and no interest in science. (That explains why my niece

debates 's diagnosis). I tried finding a transitional education

program but each attempt was met with failure. Neither of the post high

school programs Options At.. nor A College Internship Program would

accept

him because his IQ is below 69.

I guess I just feel so hopeless. Today he asked me if I could teach him

multiplication so he can go to college in the fall. I am so alone and I

feel like such a failure. I love this child who is actually a grown man.

I want him to have a job, but he refuses job training. I want him to

drive, but I know he'll never pass the test. Most of all I want him to

have a happy and secure future, but I don't see that happening.

needs to have a realistic understanding of who he is and yet how do I

tell

him what he has and how it limits him. I am paralyzed. Is there anybody

out there who knows what my next step should be?? If you are unable to

help, can you possibly refer me to somebody that might be able to do so?

Sally

Dear Sally,

I will try and guide you to the 'next steps' that you might consider with

you son. Even though I do not know you son, I made a brief assessment

regarding the information you gave me. First, let me say that is

still very much capable. He sounds like a delightful young adult. He like

many others with Aspergers has potential and value and only need

direction

and support. The key is identifying 's best strengths and

interests,

along with creating broad innovative supports that will enhance his

success and self value.

The problem with some of the options that were offered to is that

people with Aspergers or autism do not fit in the boxes that schools and

society designed. It doesn't do much good to send youth with disabilities

out into the world if we haven't helped them identify their best

strengths

and interests, and, most importantly, ways to apply them in school,

employment, leisure, and community living. By not considering broad

supports and using a person's label or IQ as criteria to enter a certain

program in my opinion offers a complete disservice to and many

others. Disability labels and IQ are factors that limit people and cannot

lead to a positive setting where he can work and live with

quality.

Having said that these are some suggestions:

Driving License: I am not sure what has been tried. Do you know why

panicked and quit his lessons? Possibly you could hire a private

trainer to teach how to drive at his own pace. Maybe the lessons

would not be time limited and could meet the pace which may be

comfortable

for to show progress. Could you make an assessment and ask how

important it is that drive? It may not be a very important issue

to or you at this time. Possibly you might revisit this at a

later date.

's Interests: You mention that likes wrestling, baseball,

NASCAR. These are great interests. Could you explore more what it is that

he likes about these. Maybe he is telling you that he wants to feel good

about the person he is and dreams of being a star in these areas. It

appears that doesn't have many positive feelings about who he is

right now, and is worried about where his life is going. He may not be

able to express these fears to you as well. It may not be possible that

Micheal reach a dream to become a star in these interests. Could you

explore other ways he can become involved in these areas? Could he have a

hobby, attend anyof these events with a neighbor, family member, or a

mentor? Finding a mentor for people with Aspergers is valuable, the

individual could help explore interests and be a buddy or coach

giving him constructive positive feedback. Sometimes this will fulfill

interests in this area. I learned from my own experience that sons do not

want to hear advice or hang out with their mom.

's Job at the Nursing Home: You said that had a job

washing dishes at a nursing home on the night shift. What supports did he

have? Were there any other coworkers around? Why was he dismissed? Was he

open to the job at the beginning? Is there a different job where he could

be an assistant to someone at the nursing home? such as maintenance? or

can another job be negotiated and carved with the supports 's

needs? Does have a job coach?

Is a client with your state's Vocational Rehabilitation? Possibly

supported employment might be an option or self employment as well. I

would find a contact person in your area to learn more about these

services.

Team Support: You might try and draw support for people to serve on a

team in 's behalf. This will alleviate some responsibility on you

and draw from others who could see the way a little more clear. Invite

people who know or want to help in some way to a meeting at your

house or some other fun informal setting. With this team support

will be encouraged to take an active part in creating his life making

changes that are maybe unsettling and uncertain, but good for his growth.

When people are actively involved they are more likely to take

responsibility. This will help feel he has some say or control

about what is happening in his life.

I have written about many other ideas in my book: Becoming Remarkably

Able: Walking the Path to Talents, Interests, and Personal Growth. You

can

go to my web site for additional information as well.

http://www.independencebound.com/Becoming_Remarkably_Able_%28new%21%29.htm

A wonderful resource is Dr. Beth Mount's books on Person-Centered-Planning

http://www.capacityworks.com/books.html

and variety of resources from Autism Asperger's Publishing Company

http://www.asperger.net/

I hope this helps with the next steps. I know what it is like to be where

you are with

. I was there too with Trent. If it is hopeful at all, other young

adults with autism have faced and overcome challenges just like the ones

your son is facing. I know it isn't easy.

Good luck. Please keep me posted.

Much Success to and your family.

Jackie Marquette

3. WALKING THE PATH CLASSES

I have been teaching Walking the Path classes to support groups. If your

group or school in the area where you live has an interest in my

delivering a Walking the Path course, contact me at

Jackie@...

I can also speak at your next association or conference meeting.

To read more about Becoming Remarkably Able: Walking the Path to Talents,

Interests, and Personal Growth go to:

http://www.independencebound.com/Becoming_Remarkably_Able_%28new%21%29.htm

To read what others say about the book, go to:

http://www.independencebound.com/what_others_say.htm

4. A NEW PUBLICATION

Chapter 11, Everyone Has A Chance to Grow, written by Jackie Marquette,

In EMBRACING AUTISM: CONNECTING AND COMMUNICATING WITH CHILDREN IN THE

AUTISM SPECTRUM. Parish (Editor) and award winning journalist,

published by Jossey-Bass.

The stories contained in the book will inspire and inform readers who are

working day-to-day with children in the autism spectrum, providing

valuable insights into what makes these kids tick, and useful information

on how they communicate, learn, and succeed.

You can purchase this book at:

http://www.josseybass.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-078799586X.html

http://www.comebackjack.com/Hello.html

5. SUMMER ART, Craft, Creativity Classes with Lowy Fess: Beginners

welcome! Starts Tuesday June 3rd, 7 -9 PM. For more info, call at

Registering in advance is recommended; Class fee is $25- which includes

materials

www.GetHarmonyNow.com ( n 's Website)

6. E-MAIL ME ABOUT YOUR NEEDS OR EXPERIENCES

I would love to hear from you via email. Please share with me your

progress toward reaching your goals as well as the challenges you have

had

to face and how you have overcome them. Jackie@...

7. JACKIE'S SPEAKING SCHEDULE:

http://www.independencebound.com/news/sitenews.asp

8. BIO

http://www.independencebound.com/About_the_Marquette_Group.htm

9. WHAT'S NEW? TRENT'S DVD:

THE STUNNING ART OF TRENT ALTMAN IS NOW AVAILBLE

Trent Altman and Fess collaborate on this project. This 20 minute

DVD presents Trent's paintings set to beautiful music written and

produced

by Fess.

What others have said about this DVD:

Visually Soothing

Musically Relaxing

Stress Reducing

A Wonderful Tool for Meditation

The DVD's can be purchased at www.TrentsStudio.com

Price is $18.00 Ea or 2 for $33.00

To view a sample of Trent's Youtube DVD go to:

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** YOU MAY SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER

Feel free to forward this newsletter to share with your friends, family,

and professionals. Don't hesitate to email me with any of your successes

with your child or ideas you have for future newsletters. Your

experiences

and stories are important to me. Thanks for taking time out of your

day to

read this! & #8232;

Jackie M. Marquette Ph.D.

author, consultant, researcher, parent

Specialist in Autism and Life Transitions

502 742-8756

502 417-6063 ©

***This is an FREE online newsletter. If you want to be removed from the

list, please email Jackie at: Jackie@...

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site: www.independencebound.com

copyright © Remarkably Able Newsletter, Jackie Marquette, 2004-