Russell, this was so beautiful. It made me cry, and not just as a father, but also as a son, a brother, and a human. This was incredible. Thank you. And Thank you to your parents too! You turned out *perfectly*
What a heart-warming story, Russell. I would like to know more about how you found out you were autistic and any helpful resources in Ottawa, for a friend’s child.
I'm happy to answer any questions, here or in DM's (or even over tea for locations accessable by OCTranspo). I have always felt it was my duty to share anything I have learned with others, but I'm also reminded to limit my "infodumps" as not everyone wants an essay response to every question😇 )
One of the things I learned quickly is that while there are "resources" aimed at children and their parents, that people age-out quickly. I don't personally know what is available to parents and younger Autistic people, as I've not (yet) connected with others in that specific situation.
While there are attempts by Autistic adults to set up social groups for themselves, we do end up with traumitized people trying to help other traumitized people. I shared some experiences about that recently, but still hope I will have the spoons (there is a "spoon theory" used to discuss energy) to return in the future.
I have personally found meeting people online to be key. The author I mentioned in this article is one that I follow. There are also the authors of "I Will Die On This Hill" https://r.flora.ca/p/autistic-adults-and-parents that are great to follow. These are parents of younger Autistic children, and are willing to share what they have learned (and end up being people around which community forms to share).
I know you were thinking in terms of Ottawa, and I'm mostly sharing links to authors that live elsewhere, but I have found these online connections to be critical.
And, people you "meet" online can always decide to connect in person.
Oh, that is a great book recommendation! I don't live in Ottawa but Autism Ontario does have some good webinars and appears to be a neuroaffirming space.
Russell, this was so beautiful. It made me cry, and not just as a father, but also as a son, a brother, and a human. This was incredible. Thank you. And Thank you to your parents too! You turned out *perfectly*
I'm so glad my post provided some inspiration for your own musings. How lucky you were to grow up with such parents!
What a heart-warming story, Russell. I would like to know more about how you found out you were autistic and any helpful resources in Ottawa, for a friend’s child.
I wrote more about my own story earlier https://r.flora.ca/p/big-changes-50
I'm happy to answer any questions, here or in DM's (or even over tea for locations accessable by OCTranspo). I have always felt it was my duty to share anything I have learned with others, but I'm also reminded to limit my "infodumps" as not everyone wants an essay response to every question😇 )
One of the things I learned quickly is that while there are "resources" aimed at children and their parents, that people age-out quickly. I don't personally know what is available to parents and younger Autistic people, as I've not (yet) connected with others in that specific situation.
While there are attempts by Autistic adults to set up social groups for themselves, we do end up with traumitized people trying to help other traumitized people. I shared some experiences about that recently, but still hope I will have the spoons (there is a "spoon theory" used to discuss energy) to return in the future.
https://r.flora.ca/p/navigating-conflict-in-autistic-spaces
I have personally found meeting people online to be key. The author I mentioned in this article is one that I follow. There are also the authors of "I Will Die On This Hill" https://r.flora.ca/p/autistic-adults-and-parents that are great to follow. These are parents of younger Autistic children, and are willing to share what they have learned (and end up being people around which community forms to share).
I know you were thinking in terms of Ottawa, and I'm mostly sharing links to authors that live elsewhere, but I have found these online connections to be critical.
And, people you "meet" online can always decide to connect in person.
Oh, that is a great book recommendation! I don't live in Ottawa but Autism Ontario does have some good webinars and appears to be a neuroaffirming space.