F.A.L.A. June 2008 Newsletter

April’s Issue of “Cottage Living:” Pride of Place, Building Communities that Support Quality of Life!
I stumbled across two articles in April‘s Issue of “Cottage Living” that can be purchased at Wal-mart and local Grocery Stores.

On page 16, “Pride of Place” written by Lisa Selin Davis, is what I have envisioned for our family and eventually my sons as far as what real community support is all about, especially for families impacted by Autism.

Architect, Ross Chapin’s designs for “pocket neighborhoods” show how crafting close-knit homes can create a sense of community.

Ross Chapin and his associate partners bought 7,200 square foot lots just outside of Seattle which allowed for double the density of housing. The 975 square foot homes with shared common courtyards became their first pocket neighborhood.

Serious skeptics warned Ross of the “Third Street Cottages” that face one another and share a common landscaped area to be a financial mistake?However, the eight Cottages sold immediately and their value has increased dramatically.

The Cottages are painted in soft hues of Olive Green, Blues, Terra-Cottas, and Buttery Yellows.

If you have read an article worth sharing, please contact F.A.L.A. at
http://www.falanow.com/.

The other article in “Cottage Living” April Edition starts on page 44: “Prairie Crossing Sets Standards for Responsible Neighborhood Development.”

Again, this is a great example of how one developer and cottage owner, engaged in a land development plan with several business entrepreneurs.

What I love about this Development, is the use of Conservation Land coupled with Organic Farm land while creating an environmentally responsible and tight-knit Community.

The Organic Farm not only produces enough food to feed and help sustain its Community, it also became an income producing business.

Farming to many autistic children and adults can be extremely therapeutic and helps release stress for many people. Farming also addresses many sensory needs for autistic adults and children. Also, eating organic fruits, veggies, produce, eggs, and livestock is healthy and good for our environment.

Prairie Crossing really does set the standards for responsible and creative neighborhood development.

Environmentally conscious neighborhood developments are the wave of the future and make a lot of sense.

Understanding Autism & “Autism: The Musical”
I finally got to watch “Autism: The Musical” and cried throughout. Watching this very down-to-earth and raw Documentary should really help others understand and have a small glimpse into our challenging world.

What I loved most about this film was the fact that after two months of rehearsal, these kids were able to bond, became friends, and learned to appreciate each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Their awareness of themselves and others like them was difficult to swallow but was also a wonderful reality. They helped open my eyes and showed me just how starved for friendships they really are. And, how just like any normal non-autistic child, friendships are extremely important to them.

So, what can we do to help our autistic children build lifelong friendships? Last night, I asked Alex who his closest friends at school were and he replied Joshua, Ms. Diamond, Ms. Amy, and Ms. DeAnn.

Then I checked to see if Joshua’s mom had volunteered to be on a Parent Phone List which she was not so today when I go to the Classroom to teach art, I will give Ms. Diamond our information and ask Joshua’s mom to call us. We will plan a BBQ so Joshua and his family can meet our family and eventually plan a sleepover.

I find it interesting that our kids refer to adults and teachers as their friends? Al’s Class consists of six boys, one teacher (Ms. Diamond), and two aides (Ms. DeAnn and Ms. Amy) unlike a standard Classroom of 20 students and one teacher.

He also interacts a lot with his teacher and aides and he trusts them. As the Classroom Art Docent, it is apparent that the boys also look to me as their friend and really look forward to my visits once a week. I don’t think it matters to autistic children about a person’s age, I think that they simply enjoy and crave interaction.

What I liked least about the reality of “Autism: The Musical” was when Elaine’s soon-to-be Husband’s family member made the comment that Elaine’s son was a “Bad Kid!“ Acceptance and understanding from family members and strangers to autism continues to be hurtful and very frustrating to me.

We continue to speak of acceptance from the community but how do we educate family and the community and build empathy ... by continuing to create Documentaries like “Autism: The Musical,” that’s how.

Get involved with autistic kids and get creative!