Biking For Life

I love to ride my bike. Learning to ride a bike is one of the best things I ever did. I learned last summer at iCan Shine bike camp (click here to read more about it). I went for one week. I did my best. I learned to ride without training wheels. It was exhilarating. When camp was done, mom bought a bike for me. I loved my blue bike. I practiced everyday. I made good progress. I meaningfully tried to make biking my hobby. I wanted to make my body perform a useful skill. I found that practice riding helped me gear my body for other motor skills. Naturally I don’t feel my body well. I dearly need sensory input to feel my body’s weight. Bike riding provides lots of muscle stimulation and practicing good body awareness. Since I learned to bike, I have been able to control my body better and do things more independently. I can now pour my own milk, dress myself, keep myself from running into the street, and help out more around the house. I feel more practical now. I like that I have intelligent thoughts and now my body is starting to catch up with my mind. I mostly love bike riding because it is fun. Making bike riding a part of my life has been so wonderful.

Making Friends

J writes:

Phillip, how do you makes friends? My grandson is 11 and has no friends and is dreading going back to school because kids are mean to him and tease him.  It's heart breaking. Any hints?

To J,

Learning to make friends is hard. Is he interested in anything in particular? Maybe he can make a friend who has the same interests. Talking on-line is also a good way to let a person in your life in a less menacing way. Because you don’t have to worry about eye contact, social manners, and time to respond on-line, it is easier for me to interact on-line. Making friends face-to-face is easier with other autistics that understand. It gets easier with lots of time hanging out. I love having friends. Meaningful memories come from being with my friends. I get lots of practice making friends because my mom and her friends get us kids together. I love that meaningful friends can make my life more fun. Good luck to your grandson this school year. May he find a good friend.

Love,

Philip

Me and some of my RPM Friends in Buffalo

My Time in Maryland (ICI Conference)

Me and Diego

Two weeks ago I attended ICI in Maryland. ICI means Institute on Communication and Inclusion. Making learning about autistic means to inclusion pleases me. I met Diego, his mom Edlyn, and his helper. It was fun hanging out. One of my favorite days was when I got to type with Michael and Camille. We typed about the ABCs of inclusion. Inclusion is so important. Elizabeth cared about our group and loved what we wrote. I am pleased she wanted to talk with me and held my keyboard even though she never met me before. She had confidence in me and her ability to talk with me.

Me and Elizabeth (practicing independence)

Good meaningful lectures peacefully made me take note of what I would like to achieve too, like doing a talk. I would also like the ability to type more independently. Lots of time and practice needs to be invested to get good. Part of my learning was getting to practice more stressful environments. I want to get better at sitting quietly and not being disruptive. I get mad at myself for being too noisy when stressed. Peace often escapes me in crowds and loud places. I was managing as best I could. Life day to day can be unpredictable. Sometimes I am in more control of my body. Other days I can hardly feel my body. It is the worst feeling to feel weightless. I hate being practically disembodied. It becomes a nightmare. Stimming helps feel my body again.

Part of a big drum circle

On day 1 I could not stay calm. I needed to stim badly to feel my body. Help came from Casey. She gave me a massage and sang to me. Casey saved my day. I sat more calmly after that. On day 2 I had my best day. I loved that I could participate and meet new friends. Making friends was the best part of the conference. I will remember talking to Diego, Michael, Camille, and Elizabeth as the highlight of the week.

Michael, Camille, and Me

ABC's of Inclusion

by Philip, Michael, and Camille

Actual inclusion opens doors.

Be patient with us. 

Caring people make it successful.    

Don't give up.

Excellent expectations. 

Friends, need I say more?    

Give us lots of patient encouragement.

Hear us when we spell. 

In day, talking to friends opens my world.      

Just like typically functioning,need support.

Keep believing in us. 

Learn challenging subjects. 

Must be proud.

No baby talk. 

Open hearts please us.       

Praise our achievements as they are yours as well.

Question your assumptions. 

Remember we are just like you.

Spelling is our way out.

Treat us with respect.  

Understand totally intelligent and eager to learn.

Voices must be heard.      

Wait for us to finish our thoughts. 

Xylophone can't make open words and it still is in the orchestra.

You are needed for our success. 

Zero tolerance for non believers.