<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Autism is Not the Boss &#187; Advocacy</title>
	<atom:link href="http://autismisnottheboss.com/category/autism-advocacy/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://autismisnottheboss.com</link>
	<description>Parenting tips for children on the autism spectrum. Is it possible to live with autism without losing your mind, your life savings, or your spouse? Yes! It may be an uphill climb at times, but there are also some surprisingly easy spots. So for those parents who are determined to enjoy life with autism, welcome.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sun, 01 Jan 2012 15:53:24 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8</generator>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
			<item>
		<title>Ahem&#8230;legislators? Some thoughts on Autism Policy</title>
		<link>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2011/11/ahem-legislators-some-thoughts-on-autism-policy/</link>
		<comments>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2011/11/ahem-legislators-some-thoughts-on-autism-policy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:25:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism legislation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism policy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism; autism advocacy; parent advocacy; autism parenting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://autismisnottheboss.com/?p=778</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For legislators, some thoughts on autism policy:
1. Promote and respect our kids as valued human beings. Until then, all the policies and legislation we&#8217;ve worked so hard for will  be circumvented by discrimination and the &#8220;law of unintended consequences.&#8221; For instance, policies against restraint and seclusion are working in some schools, but others simply call the police, who arrive with handcuffs and pepper spray to handle meltdowns and remove troublesome students. State run hab centers are finally being phased out, but ex-residents may have few options when community leaders attempt to limit the number of people with cognitive disabilities <a href="http://autismisnottheboss.com/2011/11/ahem-legislators-some-thoughts-on-autism-policy/"> Continue reading...</a>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2011/11/ahem-legislators-some-thoughts-on-autism-policy/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Five things I&#8217;ve learned about parenting an autistic child</title>
		<link>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2011/10/five-things-ive-learned-about-parenting-an-autistic-child/</link>
		<comments>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2011/10/five-things-ive-learned-about-parenting-an-autistic-child/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 08 Oct 2011 16:27:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[advocacy for autism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[behavioral issues]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sensory issues]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://autismisnottheboss.com/?p=771</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Autism is still a mystery to me, but I&#8217;ve learned a few things over the last ten years (and no doubt there will be more of these in the next ten years). Here&#8217;s a few of my lessons-learned. What are yours?
1. I don&#8217;t trust anyone to say what my son&#8217;s abilities are, or will be. Autism is a developmental delay, not a developmental stasis. Studies are finally emerging that show most IQ tests underestimate the intelligence of kids with autism. We&#8217;ve had doctors and teachers tell us that Connor wouldn&#8217;t be able to do this or perform that, and he&#8217;s <a href="http://autismisnottheboss.com/2011/10/five-things-ive-learned-about-parenting-an-autistic-child/"> Continue reading...</a>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2011/10/five-things-ive-learned-about-parenting-an-autistic-child/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Advocacy Training – A transformative experience for parents of special needs children</title>
		<link>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2011/06/advocacy-training-%e2%80%93-a-transformative-experience-for-parents-of-special-needs-children/</link>
		<comments>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2011/06/advocacy-training-%e2%80%93-a-transformative-experience-for-parents-of-special-needs-children/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jun 2011 18:30:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family Support]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Quiet Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism; autism advocacy; parent advocacy; autism parenting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://autismisnottheboss.com/2011/06/advocacy-training-%e2%80%93-a-transformative-experience-for-parents-of-special-needs-children/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Advocacy is good for our kids, but many of didn’t realize that it is good for parents, too. A new study completed by doctoral student Michelle Reynolds for the University of Missouri cites that parents who take advocacy courses become stronger and more confident advocates for their children with disabilities. Among the main benefits of advocacy for parents are:
A decrease in intimidation. Confident advocates felt less likely to be afraid to express their options and disagree when dealing with medical and educational staff.
Hopefulness about the future. Parents learn how to navigate the maze of organizations, manage transitions and learn about <a href="http://autismisnottheboss.com/2011/06/advocacy-training-%e2%80%93-a-transformative-experience-for-parents-of-special-needs-children/"> Continue reading...</a>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2011/06/advocacy-training-%e2%80%93-a-transformative-experience-for-parents-of-special-needs-children/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>5</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Autism policy &#8211; How should we advise our state legislators?</title>
		<link>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2011/01/autism-policy-how-should-we-advise-our-state-legislators/</link>
		<comments>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2011/01/autism-policy-how-should-we-advise-our-state-legislators/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 23 Jan 2011 19:42:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://autismisnottheboss.com/?p=714</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We are excited to participate in a pilot program sponsored by our local Arc chapter where we will be hosting a small group of parents, self-advocates and local legislators.  The purpose of the meeting is to share our experiences and feedback about what&#8217;s working or not working with current policies and practices related to autism and other disabilities.  I&#8217;m certain the stories will be compelling,  heart-wrenching and inspiring, as in the case of one friend who was placed in a state-run hab center for years but is now *finally* living happily on his own.  
But I know that at some point, one of the legislators will turn to me and <a href="http://autismisnottheboss.com/2011/01/autism-policy-how-should-we-advise-our-state-legislators/"> Continue reading...</a>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2011/01/autism-policy-how-should-we-advise-our-state-legislators/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Well-intentioned vs. effective (the spectrum of autism parenting)</title>
		<link>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/12/well-intentioned-vs-effective-the-spectrum-of-autism-parenting/</link>
		<comments>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/12/well-intentioned-vs-effective-the-spectrum-of-autism-parenting/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Dec 2010 20:47:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[effective parenting for children on the autism spectrum]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://autismisnottheboss.com/?p=712</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We  all go through those times where we either a) defer decision-making to the experts or b) come to an IEP meeting with both barrels loaded, ready to fight to the death for our kids. What we often forget is that raising a child &#8211; any child- requires the help of the community, the parents and the child himself. What we cannot forget is that the parents are the glue that holds all the pieces together. As parents, we try to do our best, but there is a difference between being well-intentioned and being effective advocates. An effective parent advocate is one who <a href="http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/12/well-intentioned-vs-effective-the-spectrum-of-autism-parenting/"> Continue reading...</a>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/12/well-intentioned-vs-effective-the-spectrum-of-autism-parenting/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Autism and restoring a mom&#8217;s trust in public schools</title>
		<link>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/11/autism-and-restoring-a-moms-trust-in-public-schools/</link>
		<comments>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/11/autism-and-restoring-a-moms-trust-in-public-schools/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 2010 17:16:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family Support]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism public school education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism special education]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://autismisnottheboss.com/?p=708</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;m afraid to believe that my son&#8217;s 4th grade in his new school is going so well. Connor is in a gen ed class 93% of the time; he is making As and Bs (albeit with modified programs for reading and writing);  he even participated in an after-school creative writing class with 12 other students without his para.  His teachers are great, and they understand that despite his language delays, he is a very bright little boy who can handle high expectations if given the chance.  The kids at the school are also wonderful, and Connor has made three new friends. The administrators and the special ed team <a href="http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/11/autism-and-restoring-a-moms-trust-in-public-schools/"> Continue reading...</a>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/11/autism-and-restoring-a-moms-trust-in-public-schools/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Autism Ups and Downs: When Parents Lose Their Way</title>
		<link>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/09/autism-ups-and-downs-when-parents-lose-their-way/</link>
		<comments>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/09/autism-ups-and-downs-when-parents-lose-their-way/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Sep 2010 15:26:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism advisors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism caregivers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting a child with autism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[special education]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://autismisnottheboss.com/?p=701</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Losing our way as parents happens.  Typically, it begins with the nagging doubt  that we aren&#8217;t doing something quite right, but we cannot  for the life of us figure out what it is. Sometimes the realization is a false alarm generated by other stressors in our lives.  Other times, the doubt is based in reality, but the underlying issue is easily identified and corrected by advice from other parents,  professionals or the ever-helpful Google search engine.
But other times, we parents do come to a point where we don&#8217;t know what to do, and all of the advice, research and theory just won&#8217;t cut it.   We need hands-on <a href="http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/09/autism-ups-and-downs-when-parents-lose-their-way/"> Continue reading...</a>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/09/autism-ups-and-downs-when-parents-lose-their-way/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Autism and the Hobgoblin of Comparisons</title>
		<link>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/07/autism-and-the-hobgoblin-of-comparisons/</link>
		<comments>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/07/autism-and-the-hobgoblin-of-comparisons/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:04:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://autismisnottheboss.com/?p=698</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#8216;Comparison, a great teacher told me, is the cardinal sin of modern life. It traps us in a game we can&#8217;t win. Once we define ourselves in terms of others we lose the freedom to shape our own lives.&#8217; Jim Collins, Author &#8216;Built to Last&#8217;
Comparisons are my weakness.  I compare everything and everyone. I compare my son to his typically developing peers, his high-achieving cousins and other children on the autism spectrum.  What am I looking for? Any clue to demonstrate that &#8220;Our son is making progress&#8221; or &#8220;Connor is rapidly closing the achievement gap.&#8221; Of course Connor is making progress!  Every day and in every way he <a href="http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/07/autism-and-the-hobgoblin-of-comparisons/"> Continue reading...</a>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/07/autism-and-the-hobgoblin-of-comparisons/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>What&#8217;s Wrong with This Picture?</title>
		<link>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/04/whats-wrong-with-this-picture/</link>
		<comments>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/04/whats-wrong-with-this-picture/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:13:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://autismisnottheboss.com/?p=690</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are many perceptions about autism that need to be re-calibrated, and there has been good progress in terms of autism awareness and understanding.  But in terms of equal rights for children on the spectrum, it&#8217;s just a mess. For example, why are children in elementary school arrested for lashing out at teachers and paras who try to restrain them?  Wouldn&#8217;t most parents tell their children to fight and run away from their attackers??  But in Missouri, Arkansas and other US states, children as young as 6 or even 11 years old who resist restraint are arrested, often for felonious assault, without a second thought. 
What&#8217;s <a href="http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/04/whats-wrong-with-this-picture/"> Continue reading...</a>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/04/whats-wrong-with-this-picture/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Autism and the Many Kindnesses of Others</title>
		<link>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/03/autism-and-the-many-kindnesses-of-others/</link>
		<comments>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/03/autism-and-the-many-kindnesses-of-others/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:56:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autism and kindness of others]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://autismisnottheboss.com/?p=687</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We have become alarmingly accustomed to hearing the awful news about the mean and rotten things &#8211; bullying, discrimination and other abuses &#8211; that happen to autistic children. Yet, we don&#8217;t often talk about the many kindnesses &#8211; some big and some small &#8211; that go unrecognized and occur every single day in our children&#8217;s lives.  Here are a few of my favorites:
- The school nurse.  When Connor spilled something on his pants, he was taken to the nurse&#8217;s office for a temporary pair.  Of course, the only thing that suited him were a pair of girls&#8217; leggings.  The nurse called me <a href="http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/03/autism-and-the-many-kindnesses-of-others/"> Continue reading...</a>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://autismisnottheboss.com/2010/03/autism-and-the-many-kindnesses-of-others/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

