Autism Treatment Center of America Forum

[Lizzie Harwood]

Hi there

I did the Son-rise Start-up program back in August. It was great and we are now in our sixth week of running the program. Although we are really pleased with the progress we are seeing I still torture myself with all the self doubt and the "do I even know what I'm doing? questions. I worry about whether we are evaluating progress properly and maximizing the value of the time spent in the playroom and blah blah blah. Basically I would love it if there was someone in New Zealand to bounce ideas off and to compare notes with. Anybody out there?

[Kiwi Lisa]

Hi Lizzie

I'd love to connect with you, and anyone else in NZ who's doing Son-Rise or interested in finding out more about the program. Please send me an email at lisa_leej@yahoo.com or text me on 021 121 5015. I'm in Wellington, where are you? I'm not doing SR myself (don't have any kids) but have read all the books and really like what they teach. I'm volunteering at a Thursday after school session with 5-10 year old autistic or aspergers kids. It's super fun, and I've been usiong some of the SR principles during the sessions. This has been working very well and several of the kids seem to be having much more fun and playing more interactively together than they were a few months back. Some of the more autistic wee lads are noticeably more relaxed and comfortable around me, and reduce their repetitive behaviours, when I come and sit with them and do whatever they're doing. (With accepting attitude eh!)

I'm planning to do mentor training and would like some more practise. If you like dialogs and want to explore your concerns about evaluating progress and maximising playroom time or anything else I'd be happy to do free dialogs (if you're OK that I'm not professionally trained yet).

I don't think there's anyone else in NZ currently doing SR that I have been able to discover. (Please speak up folks if this is not correct!) So congratulations Lizzie on being the first! There's a big group in Melbourne. I'm going over to Melbourne myself in 2 weeks to connect with Irini and Ari and other SR parents to get some more hands on experience. I'd really like to see SR more widely known in NZ, both with folks like yourself who do the formal SR training program, and for folks who don't think they can afford courses but would consider adopting some of the SR principles. If you want to connect with these Melbourne folks, I'd be happy to pass them your contact details. If you have skype set up at home this can be a great way to connect long distance.

I hope to hear from you.

Cheers,
Lisa

[Kiwi Lisa]

Hi folks

A follow-up to my earlier posts: If you're a Kiwi family doing SR or interested in SR for your child or for volunteering, please feel welcome to email me if you want help with more info or connections. Although I am no longer in New Zealand, I am still connected to a few Kiwi parents and volunteers doing Son-Rise. (NB, I'm not trained or paid by SR. I am currently a volunteer in a SR program in Canada - and having a REALLY fun time with it! I am a "fan" of the program - or any other program with similar ideas/results.)

For folks who have an interest in Son-Rise, I suggest getting the SR starter pack (which is cheap) and the initial free consult. You can implement some of the ideas cheaply and quickly, without attending any course. If you do decide to go to start-up, I believe there are now some start-ups running in Australia - ask for info about them during your consult. Also ask about referral discounts - drop me an email if you want me to connect you with another family doing SR, to share ideas plus the benefits of the referral discount.

What you can do right now is implement some of the ideas in your home. Try working with your child in a non-distracting environment (eg a quiet room in your house). Focus on keeping a positive attitude, energy, excitement and enthusiasm with your child, at least for the duration of the teaching session. These kids respond to positive motivators! Make whatever you're wanting to teach so much fun that they will want to learn it! Whatever you do, don't give up hope, I have seen these kids achieve a lot more than many folks think they can!

By the way Lizzie (who posted below, and I connected with in 2009) has had FANTASTIC progress with her son, she tells me he is doing really well and they are reducing their weekly playroom contact hours this year since he doesn't need it much anymore. Woo-hoo!!

Cheers
Kiwi Lisa
Email: lisa_leej@yahoo.com