A Self -Taught Artist with a Funny Sense of Humor: My Former Student Makes Me Proud

 

A Self-Taught Artist With a Funny Sense of Humor: My Former Student Makes Me Proud

     This picture is an original one painted by a former student. This student, now a young man, is kind, cheerful, and has a fun sense of humor. He is also a self-taught artist. His artistic skills have dramatically increased since middle school. He is on the autism spectrum, and he was very easy to work with and always had a smile on his face. All my paraprofessionals loved working with him, and this affable middle school boy was interested in learning. As an adult, he loves to draw, paint and read. Science books are his favorite, and he is currently interested in crystals and minerals. Anything about nature will capture his attention, and he loves his dog dearly. Read this mother’s wise words and learn how she meets him where he is and loves him for who he is.

 

What are some of your child’s favorite activities?

Drawing, painting and reading

 

What is something your child is good at doing that is not reflected on tests?

Drawing

 

If you could describe your child in three words, what would they be?

Imagination, caring, funny

 

How old was your child when you knew he/she had special needs?

10 months

 

What is one piece of advice you have for someone with a newly diagnosed child?

Work together as a team, with medical, educational, and family

 

 

How do you foster self-care? ( either for yourself or your child or both)?

going to dinner with friends, reading, knitting

 

 

What are ways to help promote social skills you have found effective for your child?

Take the initiative myself: I start conversations and use questions that require more than yes/no answers

 

Are there any support groups you recommend for parents or children?

Everything is online these days

 

 

What is one meal that everyone in your family likes to eat?

           Chicken nuggets

 

Please share anything else you want people to know. It could be something like how your child is awesome, your favorite family activities, or anything else you want to share about your child.

Love them for who they are and learn to roll with the punches.

 

     I love this mother’s advice that you need to roll with the punches. I went over to their house to deliver my questions and her son came out to greet me, saying that their dog would bark a lot if I came in the house. He is still the sweetest person I knew as a middle schooler. Now as an adult, he has a job and carries on a great conversation. He loves to play cards and has a great sense of humor, so I suggested to his Mom that he join some of the activities of Integrated Community Solutions for their social events. She thought that was a great idea, so I hope he joins their monthly activities and makes new friends. He has much to offer, and seeing his progress as an adult was a joy for me. I am proud of him and am grateful I was his teacher.