Category Archives: Memes

Autism Shines – Callum

Here is our contribution to the wonderful Autism Shines project.  Autism Shines is an effort to cast a positive light on our spectrum children, rather than allow the misinformation in the media to contribute to public fear.  You can show how you or a loved ones shines as well by uploading a picture to their site or Facebook page.

Special thanks to Lexi at Mostly True Stuff for helping with our picture.

 

To “I Wish I Didn’t Have Aspergers”: An #AutismPositivity2012 Flash Blog Event

A couple of weeks ago, someone somewhere googled “I Wish I Didn’t Have Aspergers”.  The phrase popped up in a blogging dashboard and struck the blogger as being particularly sad.  She wished she could have answered.

We don’t know who it was.  We don’t know where he/she lives.  We have no idea if he/she found what he/she was looking for in that search.

We do know that search directed that person to a blog.  We do know the searcher clicked on it in an attempt to find what they needed.  And we do know enough about the challenges of autism to know that person is likely not alone in that sentiment.

So, we got to thinking.  What would we say to that person?  What if it was a kid, desperately trying to make it through tough years of intolerance and ignorance?  What if it were a person who might never stumble across the amazing voices speaking for autism acceptance?  What if that person thought himself/herself all alone?  What would we say about the present?  What would we say about the future?  What would we say about happiness?  And hope?

Each of us in the autism community –- self-advocates, parent advocates, friends and family, teachers, health professionals—we would all have different messages for “I Wish I Didn’t Have Aspergers”.  But likely we would all try to send the message that there is a brighter future and that friendship and support are out there.

We are asking every blogger in the autism community to write a message of positivity to “I Wish I Didn’t Have Aspergers”.  So that next time that individual (or another) types that sad statement into Google, he or she will find what they need – support, wisdom, and messages of hope from those who understand.

And – for those of you who do not blog but wish to join in – please post your positivity message to http://autismpositivity.wordpress.com

Please join with us on the last day of Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month – April 30th – in a flash blog of autism positivity.

To participate:

  1. Publish your post on April 30th in the following title format:  “[Your Blog] to ‘I Wish I Didn’t Have Aspergers: #AutismPositivity2012”.
  2. Share your post on Twitter and Facebook, using that hashtag.
  3. Add your link to the Autism Positivity website and grab the badge:
  4. Share/reblog this message to your blog, page, etc.

This Autism Positivity Flash Blog Event is the brainchild of Thinking About Perspectives, a group of bloggers committed to increasing autism awareness and acceptance via open and respectful dialogue.  We are:  30 Days of Autism, Outrunning the Storm, The Third Glance, Aspie Kid, Flappiness Is, Quirky and Laughing, Life on the Spectrum, Fairy Tale Forgotten, The Aspie Side of Life, and Inner Aspie.

My First “Meme” – Autie Nuggets!

From Wikipedia:  Internet Meme – An Internet meme is an idea that is propagated through the World Wide Web. The idea may take the form of a hyperlink, video, picture, website, hashtag, or just a word or phrase, such as intentionally misspelling the word “more” as “moar” or “the” as “teh”. The meme may spread from person to person via social networksblogs, direct email, news sources, or other web-based services.

I am ashamed to admit that, prior to yesterday, I had never heard of this term.  But my Facebook friend MarsupialMama (or Twitter) suggested to me that we start one, based on an idea I had this morning. My idea was born this morning, following serving my food-averse autistic toddler chicken nuggets for breakfast.  Just like dinner last night.  Just like the previous lunch.  He, like thousands of ASD kids, has severe food aversions.  At this point, he has eliminated almost every food he used to eat, and we are down to chicken nuggets and various forms of bread.  He will not eat beans, rice, pasta, fruits, vegetables, cheese, or even ice cream.  His food must be dry and either round or square.  I know I am not alone in this.  So I got to thinking.  Here’s my idea, from my Facebook page:

The Autie Nugget 

“For you entrepreneurial types, I have a GREAT idea: Speciality chicken nuggets! Seriously. Chicken nuggets containing veggies, beans, whole grains – lots of varieties. You could even do a chicken nugget shaped fruity type of dessert [Fruit Fritters]. Frozen, non-toxic, [vitamin-enriched] and ready to heat. I’ll even name it for you – Autie Nuggets. If you’ll perfect, market, and ship ’em in dry ice, I won’t even ask for a portion of the profits. Admit it. I’m brilliant. And if you tell me it has already been invented and is currently being sold, I’ll accept my non-brilliance and declare that guy brilliant instead.  [Furthermore], if somebody, [based upon our plea], invents and sells them – and my son eats them – I will give free advertising [and promote via social networking] for life on my blog. No, REALLY.” 

Suggestions:  

1.  Smell is going to be important.  If it doesn’t smell like a chicken nugget, a lot of ASD kids will refuse to eat it.

2.  Shape is non-negotiable.  It must resemble a standard chicken nugget.  No variations possible, as- again – ASD kids will refuse to eat it.

3.  Color must be standard as well.  It needs to be golden, with a crispy outer surface.  And the coating will need to stay on the nugget.  

4.  The texture will have to also resemble a firm chicken nugget.  If it falls apart, ASD kids will refuse to touch it again.  

5.  One reader suggested the veggie blend remain in the center of the nugget.  Not sure if that’s possible, but it seems like a good idea.  I’m thinking the outer layer will have to be chicken for the outside texture to be right.

So, readers and bloggers, what do you think?  Want to help spread the word for someone to invent these?  It could change the nutritional intake for autistic children with severe food aversions everywhere.  It’s a call to action – somebody, somewhere, please create and sell a healthy version of the Autie Nugget!

Bloggers:  If you will promote the idea, I’ll add you to my blogroll.  Yes, I know that’s kind of an anti-climactic incentive, but it’s all I’ve got to offer you.  LOL  😉