Professor Mother Blog

When I was a kid, the prevailing method of teaching kids to swim was to throw them into the pool.  Just toss them on in, and believe that when they sank to the bottom, they would figure out that flailing your arms and legs would make them rise to the top and voila!  They were swimming!  I’m not sure of the efficacy of this, since the numbers of drownings are so high, but I know that there’s nothing better than just trying something new….

So- here I am- jumping into the pool of mass media and online communication.  Joining a well-established pool of bloggers whose work I read on a frequent basis and who have fantastic insights- from funny to insightful to inspirational.  For a very long time, being a rather shy person, I didn’t feel I had anything to contribute.  Appreciate, yes.  Add to?  No.  I was one of those faceless group who read and don’t post. 

But I recently wrote a book, “Children with High Functioning Autism: A Parent’s Guide”, and I realized that I DO have something to contribute!  I am a professor of special and gifted education, as well as a mom with two children-  both very high-functioning, and yet one is “cured” of autism, and one has autistic- type behaviors.  Our journey has led us through the very process that I teach about.  Being on the other side of the table was a humbling experience, and one that I hope to share with others.  I have the perspective of a professional, and yet, the heart of a mother. 

When my child was first diagnosed- and even before, when we were frightened and worried, I did what I do best- research.  My goal for this blog is to continue to research and to share various news articles with a larger community- using both of my views.  I love teaching teachers, whether they are “formal” teachers, and in a classroom, or parents, seeking to help their child grow.  Teaching, in my view, is the process of helping a child uncover their very best self.  In order to do that, you have to understand how a child grows- physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually- and then understand the various things that can help or hinder that growth.  And you do it because you love them. 

I love my children- and I think I can help some other parents and teachers by what I know and love- so here I am!  A big shout  out to the blogs that I read and have admired on a regular basis:

• Mom- Not Otherwise Specified; http://momnos.blogspot.com/
• Kristina Chew of Autism Vox and We Go With Him  http://kristinachew.com/vox/kc.html
• Vicki Forman: http://www.vickiforman.com/
• Jen Lancaster http://www.jennsylvania.com/
• Mary Beth http://blondechampagne.wordpress.com/
• Julie Powell: http://juliepowell.blogspot.com/

Thanks for having me- I hope to be swimming the length of the pool soon!

Dr. Claire