OTTAWA — For years, Christine Alexander, the executive chef and owner of Grenfell Catering Delights, stood behind her deli counter teaching young adults with autism from a nearby centre to use her debit machine to buy sandwiches, cookies and drinks. “The service worker would always speak for them and interact for them. I said, ‘You … Continue reading Ottawa chef cooks up plan to help young adults with autism in the kitchen
Category: Autism
My brother, Karan, has autism. These are all my thoughts about living with autism, and special needs in general
One of the most stupid things to say to special needs families
I've heard this line a million times, and believe me when I say that I constantly want to punch whoever says this ridiculous line to me: God only gives special needs children to those who can handle it" ... or any variation on the same. Honestly ... if that's the only thing that comes to … Continue reading One of the most stupid things to say to special needs families
I spy with my little eye, something beginning with the letter “a”
I guess people who deal with special needs of any form can identify with this. Often, it feels like having a superpower - the power to spot special needs where others don't. I know it sounds overbearing, awful and sad. Some people don't have external, identifying "marks" of having a special need. But I can see … Continue reading I spy with my little eye, something beginning with the letter “a”
Cats, autism and overcoming prejudices
So that's Karan sitting on the doorstep of our house. That's an abandoned cat. To cut a long story short (although if you want the long story, here it is), she was most likely left behind by her owners and she's adopted our garage as her base, while she roams around for most of the … Continue reading Cats, autism and overcoming prejudices
BrainPop: What is Autism?
Came across a link to a video on Twitter which explains what autism is in a simple way and is created for children. With a cartoon character and a robot discussing the issue, it breaks down the bare elements of autism in a concise and easy-to-understand manner. Try and help your kids understand what autism … Continue reading BrainPop: What is Autism?
Autism awareness month supported by Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi
Note: I don't normally post press releases on my blog, but I felt this one warranted a post 🙂 There's a few activities for members of the public to get involved with, so if you're in Abu Dhabi around that time, why not? As part of Hyatt Hotels & Resorts’ international Global Month of Service, … Continue reading Autism awareness month supported by Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi
When lunch didn’t go according to plan
As I've posted before, I have been trying to take Karan out for lunch to different restaurants to get him used to new places, and not stick to a usual routine. Anyway, one place which we regularly go to is Aappa Kadai in the Dubai Marina. Not only is the food good, they're pretty accomodating … Continue reading When lunch didn’t go according to plan
Accept the difference. Don’t ignore it.
The following image from http://www.postsecret.com When I saw this post, I started thinking about those who deny the existence of special needs in their children, and withhold from them the opportunity to get any therapy that might be needed. I've come across those who are offended at the idea that their child might have "something … Continue reading Accept the difference. Don’t ignore it.
Lunching with my brother
I've been trying to get Karan to go out for lunch every weekend, at least once, so that he gets out of the house instead of staying cooped in. So far we've experimented as a family (all four of us), as a trio (Karan, my Mom and I) and today, it was a duo date … Continue reading Lunching with my brother
Apologies in many forms
It's been a while. Hello there. A lot is my fault - I have been so caught up in work, I have not been able to pay full attention to this blog, or any of my blogs. But anyway, apologies are in order. A lot has been happening with Karan. He's got his summer vacations … Continue reading Apologies in many forms
Devina Divecha's Journals 