Hi Everyone!
Check out this incredible video. I met these parents through The Son-Rise Program when they started their program with their son Adrian.
What I love about the video is that it highlights the fact that there is hope from recover from Autism, a view also shared by our staff at The Autism Treatment Center of America.
I also love the fact that Adrian's parents accept him just the way he is while still wanting to help him grow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMz_3rltnXE&feature=channel_page
Have a wonderful day!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Be what you want.
"We must come to see that peace is not merely a distant goal we seek, but it is a means by which we arrive at that goal. We must pursue peaceful ends through peaceful mean" M.L.King.
The Son-Rise Program does just this. We are about helping Autistic and Aspergers children be able to interact and create meaningful social relationships in their lives.
To achieve this we become their friends.
We embrace their ideas and join in with their activities.
We celebrate them and enjoy them for who they are.
We are user friendly and try to be helpful in every way we can .
We talk to them believing that that are capable and sensitive human beings who understand and are intelligent and knowledgeable, whether they can communicate their intelligence or not.
If you want your children to have more meaningful relationships, be the best model of how to be in a relationship, by becoming the best friend you can be to your child.
The Son-Rise Program does just this. We are about helping Autistic and Aspergers children be able to interact and create meaningful social relationships in their lives.
To achieve this we become their friends.
We embrace their ideas and join in with their activities.
We celebrate them and enjoy them for who they are.
We are user friendly and try to be helpful in every way we can .
We talk to them believing that that are capable and sensitive human beings who understand and are intelligent and knowledgeable, whether they can communicate their intelligence or not.
If you want your children to have more meaningful relationships, be the best model of how to be in a relationship, by becoming the best friend you can be to your child.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
An Inspiring Letter from a Son-Rise Dad
This letter arrived last week from a Son-Rise Dad whose child went from on-the-spectrum to off-the-spectrum in just 17 weeks. Truly a miracle!
Hi Bears,
Hope you are well. My name is William Dunne and I live in Belfast, Northern Ireland with my wife Shauna and two children: Ronan (7) and Lorcan (3). Lorcan was diagnosed with severe learning difficulties with Autism Spectrum Disorder in November 2008. My wife recently contacted you via Facebook and briefly told of the success of our Son Rise Program® after only being up and running for 17 weeks.
My wife and I were so confused when Lorcan was diagnosed as we did not know where to turn for help, as I'm sure you're aware there was no immediate rush by anyone to offer help for Lorcan. It seemed as though he was just another statistic, another child diagnosed with autism and we were sent home to deal with it.
We heard briefly about The Son Rise Program from Lorcan's social worker although she did also say that she couldn't really recommend it as she herself knew little about it. Shauna and I researched the program and we were really optimistic in what we found and it gave us a sense of hope, false hope some told us but hope is hope. As Raun says, "there is no such thing as false hope!!" We registered on the Autism Treatment Center of America's™ website and eventually on The Son-Rise Program Start-Up, which we attended in London in January. We learned so much from Bryn and William and the other parents there and we came home fully motivated and ready to get our program into full swing.
We got 3 fantastic volunteers to come on board and help us with our program and after a few difficult weeks to start with things began to click into place and we started to see results with Lorcan. When we started the program Lorcan's vocabulary was around 50 words, by the end of April this had increased this to 148 words, with a couple of 2 word sentences also. His attention span improved, his flexibility improved and his overall behaviour was calmer than before.
As my wife mentioned to you on Facebook, Lorcan visited his Paediatrician in April for another assessment and she was very pleased with his overall progress since she last saw him in November 2008, she was so pleased with his progress that she decided to update his diagnosis and remove the ASD from it because she felt that it was no longer an issue.
We gave copies of the letter we got of Lorcan's first diagnosis plus his updated diagnosis to William when we were at The Son-Rise Program New Frontiers so I'm sure you will get a chance to read them and I hope you can share them with other parents to inspire them as we have been inspired.
We, along with our 3 fantastic volunteers Claire, Suzanne and Lisa, went to New Frontiers this month and we found it a great experience. We came back again more motivated than before and we got some great ideas from William and Kate on different themes for our playroom.
As my wife said on Facebook, we have created a website for Lorcan (www.bebo.com/LorcanSonRise) so that members of our friends and family can keep up to date with Lorcan's progress. There are also some pictures on there of Lorcan in the playroom and a blog which we try to update whenever we get the chance. We would be delighted if you could have a look at this.
We would like to thank you for taking time out to read our story and also for giving us the opportunity to help our beautiful son.
We look forward to hearing from you. Lots of love
William & Shauna
Hi Bears,
Hope you are well. My name is William Dunne and I live in Belfast, Northern Ireland with my wife Shauna and two children: Ronan (7) and Lorcan (3). Lorcan was diagnosed with severe learning difficulties with Autism Spectrum Disorder in November 2008. My wife recently contacted you via Facebook and briefly told of the success of our Son Rise Program® after only being up and running for 17 weeks.
My wife and I were so confused when Lorcan was diagnosed as we did not know where to turn for help, as I'm sure you're aware there was no immediate rush by anyone to offer help for Lorcan. It seemed as though he was just another statistic, another child diagnosed with autism and we were sent home to deal with it.
We heard briefly about The Son Rise Program from Lorcan's social worker although she did also say that she couldn't really recommend it as she herself knew little about it. Shauna and I researched the program and we were really optimistic in what we found and it gave us a sense of hope, false hope some told us but hope is hope. As Raun says, "there is no such thing as false hope!!" We registered on the Autism Treatment Center of America's™ website and eventually on The Son-Rise Program Start-Up, which we attended in London in January. We learned so much from Bryn and William and the other parents there and we came home fully motivated and ready to get our program into full swing.
We got 3 fantastic volunteers to come on board and help us with our program and after a few difficult weeks to start with things began to click into place and we started to see results with Lorcan. When we started the program Lorcan's vocabulary was around 50 words, by the end of April this had increased this to 148 words, with a couple of 2 word sentences also. His attention span improved, his flexibility improved and his overall behaviour was calmer than before.
As my wife mentioned to you on Facebook, Lorcan visited his Paediatrician in April for another assessment and she was very pleased with his overall progress since she last saw him in November 2008, she was so pleased with his progress that she decided to update his diagnosis and remove the ASD from it because she felt that it was no longer an issue.
We gave copies of the letter we got of Lorcan's first diagnosis plus his updated diagnosis to William when we were at The Son-Rise Program New Frontiers so I'm sure you will get a chance to read them and I hope you can share them with other parents to inspire them as we have been inspired.
We, along with our 3 fantastic volunteers Claire, Suzanne and Lisa, went to New Frontiers this month and we found it a great experience. We came back again more motivated than before and we got some great ideas from William and Kate on different themes for our playroom.
As my wife said on Facebook, we have created a website for Lorcan (www.bebo.com/LorcanSonRise) so that members of our friends and family can keep up to date with Lorcan's progress. There are also some pictures on there of Lorcan in the playroom and a blog which we try to update whenever we get the chance. We would be delighted if you could have a look at this.
We would like to thank you for taking time out to read our story and also for giving us the opportunity to help our beautiful son.
We look forward to hearing from you. Lots of love
William & Shauna
No matter what, change is possible.
Good Morning!!!
This week at the Son-Rise Program Intensive we have a 32 year old man who has Autism. He is here with his Mom, Aunt and a fabulous volunteer.
He loves clicking his pen, dancing, and looking at magazines, especially about food.
He has been here just for two days now, and already we are seeing changes, he is much calmer and more relaxed, and tells us , "I am happy , in this room, I am happy".
He played a baseball game with his Mom yesterday that lasted 7 minutes. During that time, he took turns, answered questions, and even wrote a tick under his name each time he hit the ball. 7 minutes was an incredible achievement for this man who before has only interacted in another persons game for no more that 2 minutes.
WOW!
No matter how old you are, or who you have been before, it is possible to change. This is an underlying belief of The Son-Rise Program, here at The Autism Treatment Center of America, we believe every child with autism, whatever their diagnosis or their age has The possibility to change and grow.
We have the pleasure of this families company for the next two weeks, so I will keep you informed of what he gets up to.
With love to each of you.
This week at the Son-Rise Program Intensive we have a 32 year old man who has Autism. He is here with his Mom, Aunt and a fabulous volunteer.
He loves clicking his pen, dancing, and looking at magazines, especially about food.
He has been here just for two days now, and already we are seeing changes, he is much calmer and more relaxed, and tells us , "I am happy , in this room, I am happy".
He played a baseball game with his Mom yesterday that lasted 7 minutes. During that time, he took turns, answered questions, and even wrote a tick under his name each time he hit the ball. 7 minutes was an incredible achievement for this man who before has only interacted in another persons game for no more that 2 minutes.
WOW!
No matter how old you are, or who you have been before, it is possible to change. This is an underlying belief of The Son-Rise Program, here at The Autism Treatment Center of America, we believe every child with autism, whatever their diagnosis or their age has The possibility to change and grow.
We have the pleasure of this families company for the next two weeks, so I will keep you informed of what he gets up to.
With love to each of you.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
"Autism Is Awesome, Mom"
Please read this exchange from my facebook wall -- Wow!!
Yen K.O.
Dear Bears, something I want to share with you. Lately, as I've been thinking that I'm a victim of all this craziness, my son who still struggles socially, sat beside me silently, put his arm around me just like that for 5-10 minutes. His choice of consoling me was amazing and really working. And when I lied down on the bed, still feeling low, he just played by himself, checking on me from time to time with his smile. I am blown away. This boy is already living life the Option Process way. He chooses to use his happiness to comfort me. I was bitter and negative at him, and he still smiled at me, no judgment, just total acceptance of me. It's like he's the teacher, he's teaching me in his own way about happiness. And you know what else? When I feel sad, he takes out a book, hands it to me and reads out loud "Happiness is a choice by Barry Neil Kaufman." never my other books, always this book. And he often blurts out "Autism is awesome, mom!", just like that, out of nowhere. Amazing!
Bears Barry Neil Kaufman at 8:23pm
Wow! You son is your teacher...and when he says: "Autism is awesome, mom" -- well, it just takes my breath away. Yen K., you are so, so blessed. And we all are blessed as well because of your sharing. Hey, and do I ever love his choice of favorite reading material. Smiles and love, Bears
Yen K.O.
Dear Bears, something I want to share with you. Lately, as I've been thinking that I'm a victim of all this craziness, my son who still struggles socially, sat beside me silently, put his arm around me just like that for 5-10 minutes. His choice of consoling me was amazing and really working. And when I lied down on the bed, still feeling low, he just played by himself, checking on me from time to time with his smile. I am blown away. This boy is already living life the Option Process way. He chooses to use his happiness to comfort me. I was bitter and negative at him, and he still smiled at me, no judgment, just total acceptance of me. It's like he's the teacher, he's teaching me in his own way about happiness. And you know what else? When I feel sad, he takes out a book, hands it to me and reads out loud "Happiness is a choice by Barry Neil Kaufman." never my other books, always this book. And he often blurts out "Autism is awesome, mom!", just like that, out of nowhere. Amazing!
Bears Barry Neil Kaufman at 8:23pm
Wow! You son is your teacher...and when he says: "Autism is awesome, mom" -- well, it just takes my breath away. Yen K., you are so, so blessed. And we all are blessed as well because of your sharing. Hey, and do I ever love his choice of favorite reading material. Smiles and love, Bears
Monday, May 25, 2009
Loving Kindness
Good Morning to each and everyone of you amazing and most lovely people!
I am reading a book about Dipa Ma, who was one of the first women Buddhist masters. She believed that women are "better" at meditating than men, as they are more emotional and therefore have more flexible minds. Being a woman myself I can't help but agree.
She was known for her deep and overflowing ability to really love another person, and spoke a lot about having "loving kindness", not only towards other people but towards yourself.
Again this reminds me of The Son-Rise Program, and all you wonderful parents out their loving and being so kind and thoughtful towards their Autistic children.
The Son-Rise Program Principles, of being User Friendly, and Joining your autistic child's repetitious behaviours and isms, is Loving kindness in action.
Today I am going to practise loving Kindness not only with everyone I meet today, but with myself. Anyone want to join me in practising Loving Kindness towards themselves today, no matter what????
Let me know, there is strength in numbers.
loving you
I am reading a book about Dipa Ma, who was one of the first women Buddhist masters. She believed that women are "better" at meditating than men, as they are more emotional and therefore have more flexible minds. Being a woman myself I can't help but agree.
She was known for her deep and overflowing ability to really love another person, and spoke a lot about having "loving kindness", not only towards other people but towards yourself.
Again this reminds me of The Son-Rise Program, and all you wonderful parents out their loving and being so kind and thoughtful towards their Autistic children.
The Son-Rise Program Principles, of being User Friendly, and Joining your autistic child's repetitious behaviours and isms, is Loving kindness in action.
Today I am going to practise loving Kindness not only with everyone I meet today, but with myself. Anyone want to join me in practising Loving Kindness towards themselves today, no matter what????
Let me know, there is strength in numbers.
loving you
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Tales from a Son-Rise Child Facilitator - the universe lead me to The Son-Rise Program
It was a hot summers day and I was in my Grandmothers garden with my Grandparents, my Brother, my great aunt and some of my cousins. I was talking to them about my teacher training course and how I was interested in working with children with special needs eventually. My Grandmother happened to mention an article she had just read in one of the leading British newspapers.
She showed me the article and it was about a boy who was autistic and how his family were doing a home based therapy for him and it was from America. Apparently this therapy had helped this little boy tremendously and his Mother was being interviewed about different things he has achieved since they started the program.
A couple of months later while volunteering in Robert's Son-Rise Program ,His Mom, Anna was telling me that she was once in the paper doing an interview about Robert and about The Son-Rise Program. She showed me the article and it was none other than the very same article my Grandma had shown me a couple of months earlier when I had never heard about The Son-Rise Program and here I was, volunteering in that same program. I knew right then and there that this had to be one of those "meant to be" moments.
I have heard many unique stories about how people discovered The Son-Rise Program, I would love to know your story too!
She showed me the article and it was about a boy who was autistic and how his family were doing a home based therapy for him and it was from America. Apparently this therapy had helped this little boy tremendously and his Mother was being interviewed about different things he has achieved since they started the program.
A couple of months later while volunteering in Robert's Son-Rise Program ,His Mom, Anna was telling me that she was once in the paper doing an interview about Robert and about The Son-Rise Program. She showed me the article and it was none other than the very same article my Grandma had shown me a couple of months earlier when I had never heard about The Son-Rise Program and here I was, volunteering in that same program. I knew right then and there that this had to be one of those "meant to be" moments.
I have heard many unique stories about how people discovered The Son-Rise Program, I would love to know your story too!
Friday, May 22, 2009
One Mom to Another!
Dear Sweet People:
Two people, among hundreds, talking to each other on my Facebook wall... wow!
Tey Siew Zing:
Hi, many thanks for sending me the Inspirational DVD & Son-Rise Program Catalog which i request through web. Its mean very much to me which i can't explain it by words. Thank you very much. I had received its while i am very blue and i don't know what to do, where to go in order to help my son. I feel like the whole world suddenly change when doctor told me that your son is at mild stage of autism and relatives telling me that your son is abnormal, he need to attend special school instead of normal school. Adding that when normal kindergarten principle rejected him as a student. These ready make me feel down & hopeless. The received of DVD & catalogs make me feel very much better and from that moment, i feel that i am not alone here even far from US also willing to giving me some helps. Thank you for your helping hands. I had follow the giving tips and its ready work. Now my son had better eye contact and he is much more closer to us. Hope can attend the son rise program in Malaysia
Yen kie (Lucy):
Hi Siew Zing, I'm from Indonesia. I, too, just discovered Son-Rise early this year. It's amazing how simple yet effective the Son-Rise principles are. Let's do this together. True, we are very far from the US (I hope to attend all programs too, one day), but for now, we can join the message boards in ATCA, watch the webinars, get phone ... Read More consultations, read Bears' books. Highly recommend "Son-Rise: The Miracle Continues", "A miracle To Believe In", "Happiness Is A Choice" and "To Love Is To Be Happy With", to name a few. My journey has just begun, but I've started to get a better perception and attitude toward my son's autism. Many thanks, Bears. Love you, love Option, love Son Rise!!!
Two people, among hundreds, talking to each other on my Facebook wall... wow!
Tey Siew Zing:
Hi, many thanks for sending me the Inspirational DVD & Son-Rise Program Catalog which i request through web. Its mean very much to me which i can't explain it by words. Thank you very much. I had received its while i am very blue and i don't know what to do, where to go in order to help my son. I feel like the whole world suddenly change when doctor told me that your son is at mild stage of autism and relatives telling me that your son is abnormal, he need to attend special school instead of normal school. Adding that when normal kindergarten principle rejected him as a student. These ready make me feel down & hopeless. The received of DVD & catalogs make me feel very much better and from that moment, i feel that i am not alone here even far from US also willing to giving me some helps. Thank you for your helping hands. I had follow the giving tips and its ready work. Now my son had better eye contact and he is much more closer to us. Hope can attend the son rise program in Malaysia
Yen kie (Lucy):
Hi Siew Zing, I'm from Indonesia. I, too, just discovered Son-Rise early this year. It's amazing how simple yet effective the Son-Rise principles are. Let's do this together. True, we are very far from the US (I hope to attend all programs too, one day), but for now, we can join the message boards in ATCA, watch the webinars, get phone ... Read More consultations, read Bears' books. Highly recommend "Son-Rise: The Miracle Continues", "A miracle To Believe In", "Happiness Is A Choice" and "To Love Is To Be Happy With", to name a few. My journey has just begun, but I've started to get a better perception and attitude toward my son's autism. Many thanks, Bears. Love you, love Option, love Son Rise!!!
Being Present and Appreciating the Current Moment
Now when it comes to work I find it easy to be present and focused on what I am doing, whether working with a parent helping them learn the Son-Rise Program, teaching a trainee, editing an interview, handling my emails, etc. It is the in between times, when I have not chosen any specific thing to focus on, that I will spend my time thinking about unimportant things like getting window shades, when to service the cars, did I do the bills, etc. At first it feels like this thinking is just happening to me, but I know differently - I am choosing to focus on this unimportant stuff. Looking further into why I choose to spend my time thinking about these things I realise that I do this to avoid being present and fully appreciative of the current moment. This is good to know about myself - I will change this.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Tales from a Son-Rise Program Child Facilitator - heightened Senses
I found out very quickly through volunteering in a Son-Rise Program that Autistic children are extremely good at sensing things. I had learnt at The Son-Rise Start-Up Program that because these children had challenges picking up on social cues, they had other ways of figuring out the world to compensate for that.
I know that Robert was definitely in touch with the energy I put out because he would know when I was uncomfortable about a certain behavior that he would display and as a result of that, he would do it more.
For example, he would pee on me. I would get really uncomfortable because I didn't know how to handle it and thought it was because he didn't like me. Then it would always be me that it happened to and none of the other volunteers. Also, it's common that Autistic people are either hyper or hypo sensitive so it makes sense that they would also have extra sharp hearing or an extreme sense of touch, etc.
One thing that truly amazed me was that after one of our group meetings for Robert's program, when we had all left, Robert returned home from his Grandparents house where he had been for the entire meeting. The first thing he did was to go into the living room where the meeting had been held and circuit around sniffing the seats where we had all been sitting.
He then continued to tell his parents exactly which seat each and every volunteer had sat on and he was exactly right, incredible!
The beauty of The Son-Rise Program is that a large part of it is about attitude and beliefs, so after looking at why I was uncomfortable when Robert did those things with me, I was able to change my belief (in this case, the belief that he didn't like me). As soon as I had changed that belief, he stopped peeing on me.
I know that Robert was definitely in touch with the energy I put out because he would know when I was uncomfortable about a certain behavior that he would display and as a result of that, he would do it more.
For example, he would pee on me. I would get really uncomfortable because I didn't know how to handle it and thought it was because he didn't like me. Then it would always be me that it happened to and none of the other volunteers. Also, it's common that Autistic people are either hyper or hypo sensitive so it makes sense that they would also have extra sharp hearing or an extreme sense of touch, etc.
One thing that truly amazed me was that after one of our group meetings for Robert's program, when we had all left, Robert returned home from his Grandparents house where he had been for the entire meeting. The first thing he did was to go into the living room where the meeting had been held and circuit around sniffing the seats where we had all been sitting.
He then continued to tell his parents exactly which seat each and every volunteer had sat on and he was exactly right, incredible!
The beauty of The Son-Rise Program is that a large part of it is about attitude and beliefs, so after looking at why I was uncomfortable when Robert did those things with me, I was able to change my belief (in this case, the belief that he didn't like me). As soon as I had changed that belief, he stopped peeing on me.
Apply the Son-Rise Program Principles to yourself.
To all those who read this who know me, I send much love and appreciation for you in my life.
For all those who read this whom I do not know I send you a hearty hug and a welcome.
The Son-Rise Program was designed for Autistic children, however apply the following principles to yourself on a regular basis and change the quality of your life.
"Your Child's potential is limitless" - "YOUR potential is limitless."
"Your special child is a gift" - "You are a gift."
"Love and Acceptance is the key to helping your child." - "Love and acceptance is the key to helping YOU help YOU."
Today give some of the Son-Rise love you give your child to yourself!!
Have fun loving yourself today!
For all those who read this whom I do not know I send you a hearty hug and a welcome.
The Son-Rise Program was designed for Autistic children, however apply the following principles to yourself on a regular basis and change the quality of your life.
"Your Child's potential is limitless" - "YOUR potential is limitless."
"Your special child is a gift" - "You are a gift."
"Love and Acceptance is the key to helping your child." - "Love and acceptance is the key to helping YOU help YOU."
Today give some of the Son-Rise love you give your child to yourself!!
Have fun loving yourself today!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Recovered from Autism After 17 Weeks of The Son-Rise Program
I just received the following message through my Facebook page. It is absolutely amazing!
HI BEARS
I have just returned from The Son-Rise Program® New Frontiers last week in London. It was fantastic I feel so ready and motivated to enhance my program. I was telling William about my son Lorcan's diagnosis. On November he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and also Learning difficulties. I attend start up in London January 2009 ( I love Bryn, she is fabulous) and to my amazement on the 22nd April 2009, Lorcan was reassessed and now no longer fulfills the criteria for Autism. If I can achieve this in just 17 weeks of intensive Son-Rise Program therapy, I can achieve anything. So, thank you all so much.... Read More
Love Shauna and William
Belfast
Wow...Shauna: First, thanks for your gracious words...and then, most awesome, is what you have accomplished using The Son-Rise Program in 17 weeks is just off the charts in terms of wonderful!!! Everyone has to know what can be accomplished. Bears
HI BEARS
I have just returned from The Son-Rise Program® New Frontiers last week in London. It was fantastic I feel so ready and motivated to enhance my program. I was telling William about my son Lorcan's diagnosis. On November he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and also Learning difficulties. I attend start up in London January 2009 ( I love Bryn, she is fabulous) and to my amazement on the 22nd April 2009, Lorcan was reassessed and now no longer fulfills the criteria for Autism. If I can achieve this in just 17 weeks of intensive Son-Rise Program therapy, I can achieve anything. So, thank you all so much.... Read More
Love Shauna and William
Belfast
Wow...Shauna: First, thanks for your gracious words...and then, most awesome, is what you have accomplished using The Son-Rise Program in 17 weeks is just off the charts in terms of wonderful!!! Everyone has to know what can be accomplished. Bears
Relaxing with a Possible Unwanted Future
We have just returned from teaching the Son-Rise Program New Frontiers training course in the UK. It was an incredible week. I was very inspired by all the people who attended the program - there were moms, dads, volunteers, sisters, an aunte, a pastor etc. all coming together to focus on loving their special child/adult and learning more specific techniques to inspire growth in them.
As in all the training courses there is time dedicated to helping families feel more comfort, relaxed and empowered as they run their Son-Rise Programs. This course was no different, and mid-week one of the issue that was talked about, dialogued and discussed was the "fear for my child's future when I am not here." It was beautiful to see the changes people made through facing this fear and allowing themselves to relax right now and then ultimately to be more present and effective when working with their child.
I remember their was a point in our Son-Rise Program with our daughter Jade, when Bryn and I stopped and look at a possible future where Jade was still special and required care - she had been isming and exclusive for an extended period of time. We talk, dialogue, discussed, cried and ultimately came to a deep sense of peace about it - and then the next day we got up and continued to run our Son-Rise Program, feeling more present and ready for the journey with our precious little girl.
Thank you all who attend New Frontiers - it was an honor to be there with you.
Love William
As in all the training courses there is time dedicated to helping families feel more comfort, relaxed and empowered as they run their Son-Rise Programs. This course was no different, and mid-week one of the issue that was talked about, dialogued and discussed was the "fear for my child's future when I am not here." It was beautiful to see the changes people made through facing this fear and allowing themselves to relax right now and then ultimately to be more present and effective when working with their child.
I remember their was a point in our Son-Rise Program with our daughter Jade, when Bryn and I stopped and look at a possible future where Jade was still special and required care - she had been isming and exclusive for an extended period of time. We talk, dialogue, discussed, cried and ultimately came to a deep sense of peace about it - and then the next day we got up and continued to run our Son-Rise Program, feeling more present and ready for the journey with our precious little girl.
Thank you all who attend New Frontiers - it was an honor to be there with you.
Love William
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
New Frontiers!
Hi Everyone,
What a beautiful morning it is this morning!
I feel blessed to be here at the Son-Rise house amongst my co workers, I can hear them chatting away, changing lives and laughing.
I have been to London, to see the queen, not quite but very nearly. William Hogan and I taught, New Frontiers to 170 parents and professionals, New Frontiers is our advanced Son-Rise Program for people who have already taken our Start Up Program.
We walked to the hall each day by the river past The Tower of London, a beautiful way to center ourselves before we taught.
What a week it was! There were 114 children represented in the room.
A few tales of the delightfulness of the children represented.
One child's ism was tiding,he loved to keep the house in order, everything had its place, and he even liked to tidy up people. If their collar was crooked he would straighten it, if their buttons were undone he would do them up, and if they had a piece of lint on their clothing he would dust it off. How great is that ism!!
Another child would like to play with the skin on the back of someones hand, squishing it around.
One child who was highly verbal had taken so well to his Son-Rise playroom that he renamed it his, "Happy room", and tells his family and volunteers that it is a place where you go to explore and investigate yourself and the world.
How right he is.
Open your heart to the beauty that your day has to offer you.
with love to each of you!!
What a beautiful morning it is this morning!
I feel blessed to be here at the Son-Rise house amongst my co workers, I can hear them chatting away, changing lives and laughing.
I have been to London, to see the queen, not quite but very nearly. William Hogan and I taught, New Frontiers to 170 parents and professionals, New Frontiers is our advanced Son-Rise Program for people who have already taken our Start Up Program.
We walked to the hall each day by the river past The Tower of London, a beautiful way to center ourselves before we taught.
What a week it was! There were 114 children represented in the room.
A few tales of the delightfulness of the children represented.
One child's ism was tiding,he loved to keep the house in order, everything had its place, and he even liked to tidy up people. If their collar was crooked he would straighten it, if their buttons were undone he would do them up, and if they had a piece of lint on their clothing he would dust it off. How great is that ism!!
Another child would like to play with the skin on the back of someones hand, squishing it around.
One child who was highly verbal had taken so well to his Son-Rise playroom that he renamed it his, "Happy room", and tells his family and volunteers that it is a place where you go to explore and investigate yourself and the world.
How right he is.
Open your heart to the beauty that your day has to offer you.
with love to each of you!!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Autism is Curable.
The following is an exchange that recently took place on my Facebook page (find me by searching for "Bears Barry Neil Kaufman"). Please read and enjoy!
Autism is curable. Autism is curable. Autism is curable. I always wonder why some people get indigestion when we say what we know. Rather than believe in what can't be done, we can choose to believe in what can be done. Naysayers never change the world. The past doesn't predict the future unless you believe in the past. Autism doesn't have to be a life sentence. The Son-Rise Program for Autism. Love, Bears
Ruthie wrote:
"sounds interesting"
Julie wrote:
"interesting doesn't begin to cover it. it's life changing for your whole family"
Martha wrote:
"There IS a cure for autism! Keep on talking, Bears!"
Lorna wrote:
"If you don't BELIEVE it...you will never take the steps to make it happen. BELIEVE IT."
Anneliese wrote:
"I believe you Bears!!! Yes Autism is curable and the Son Rise program will help me help my son!!!"
Cindy wrote:
"Part of the "cure" (in my opinion) is helping the people who are around autistic people to NOT treat the autistic people like they are "wrong". Once autistic people get to be in a society that accepts their "non neurotypical" personality without judgment or fear - - it helps to encourage them to want to be a part of our world."
Avak wrote:
"we are coming to ATCA in mid June to do Start Up, however what we have learnt from your website, a DVD and a book, we have seen great change in our son Nicholas, YES Autism is curable!!! Remember to LIVE WITH PASSION! PS: The past does not equal the future... xoxoxoxoxoxox"
Isabl wrote:
"thank you for your words it gives people hope and without hop there is nothing and as you said there is a cure just BELIEVE there is one......."
Lynn wrote:
"Whether the terminology is "cured", "re mediated" "indistinguishable from peers" or whatever you want to call it, sonrise and other relationship based therapies are paving the way for parents to really help their children be the best they can be. Furthermore, the term "cure" is simply another belief and can mean whatever one wants it to mean."
Stacey wrote:
"Thank You!!!!"
Jeannie wrote:
"YES! Naysayers never change the world--People who are Forces of Nature change the world!!!"
Joan wrote:
"Yes, Autism is curable .........thank you for writing that..."
Karen wrote:
"I believe. There's no sign of it happening for my boy - YET, - but I still believe it's possible, even if it may not happen for Ruari. I'll never give up on my sons potential."
Dawn wrote:
"Lets celebrate the term 'cure', I for one believe its possible."
Alison wrote:
"Raun is the evidence of a cure - in person. Go meet him - he is the most cured ex-autistic person I know. Try looking in his eyes and say a cure is not possible - you couldn't do it."
Laura wrote:
"I have met too many children COMPLETELY CURED to disagree with this status! Whether my daughter will join them, I do not yet know, but I press on and shoot for the moon, even if I miss, I end up in the stars. It hardly matters anyway... we have our miracle, I had a CONVERSATION tonight with my daughter. The one who would never have meaningful language. YAY"
Ethel wrote:
"The Son-Rise program is so interesting and I have learned so much from Becky. Children are our future and we need to believe in them and not give up whether they have Autism or something else, I love the positive attitude!"
Russell wrote:
"It should also be called 'parents of autistic children will find themselves program'! My son taught me more than I can ever teach him. What a trip!"
Poppy wrote:
"indeed it is!"
Alison wrote:
"I really needed that today after a particularly stressful meeting. Thank you xxx"
Darlene wrote:
"Our belief systems are so important. Bears, if your family believed everything the doctors told you about Raun, he would not have been cured. You believed he could be cured and he was as well as many others that the Son-Rise program has helped. Time well spent, often gives great results. Thanks for investing time in very cool kids and sharing what you know with others."
Dolores wrote:
"Wondering if it would work for the mentally handicapped."
Jackline wrote:
"Autism is curable. Thank you Bears, thank you Samahria. Thank you for taking that big step that allows me to dream, to want, to reach for heights everyone's assuring me are hard to catch. I don't believe them, I may be slow but I'm sure. I will get there. I'll run a Son-Rise program for my Antonio. I know I will in the end. Blessings and keep spreading hope!"
And I wrote:
"THANK YOU all for being so thoughtful and responsive. These kinds of dialogues and discussions are important for all of us -- questioning pessimism and adopting more hopeful optimistic perspectives. Love, Bears"
To submit your own comment just click the button below that says "comments".
Autism is curable. Autism is curable. Autism is curable. I always wonder why some people get indigestion when we say what we know. Rather than believe in what can't be done, we can choose to believe in what can be done. Naysayers never change the world. The past doesn't predict the future unless you believe in the past. Autism doesn't have to be a life sentence. The Son-Rise Program for Autism. Love, Bears
Ruthie wrote:
"sounds interesting"
Julie wrote:
"interesting doesn't begin to cover it. it's life changing for your whole family"
Martha wrote:
"There IS a cure for autism! Keep on talking, Bears!"
Lorna wrote:
"If you don't BELIEVE it...you will never take the steps to make it happen. BELIEVE IT."
Anneliese wrote:
"I believe you Bears!!! Yes Autism is curable and the Son Rise program will help me help my son!!!"
Cindy wrote:
"Part of the "cure" (in my opinion) is helping the people who are around autistic people to NOT treat the autistic people like they are "wrong". Once autistic people get to be in a society that accepts their "non neurotypical" personality without judgment or fear - - it helps to encourage them to want to be a part of our world."
Avak wrote:
"we are coming to ATCA in mid June to do Start Up, however what we have learnt from your website, a DVD and a book, we have seen great change in our son Nicholas, YES Autism is curable!!! Remember to LIVE WITH PASSION! PS: The past does not equal the future... xoxoxoxoxoxox"
Isabl wrote:
"thank you for your words it gives people hope and without hop there is nothing and as you said there is a cure just BELIEVE there is one......."
Lynn wrote:
"Whether the terminology is "cured", "re mediated" "indistinguishable from peers" or whatever you want to call it, sonrise and other relationship based therapies are paving the way for parents to really help their children be the best they can be. Furthermore, the term "cure" is simply another belief and can mean whatever one wants it to mean."
Stacey wrote:
"Thank You!!!!"
Jeannie wrote:
"YES! Naysayers never change the world--People who are Forces of Nature change the world!!!"
Joan wrote:
"Yes, Autism is curable .........thank you for writing that..."
Karen wrote:
"I believe. There's no sign of it happening for my boy - YET, - but I still believe it's possible, even if it may not happen for Ruari. I'll never give up on my sons potential."
Dawn wrote:
"Lets celebrate the term 'cure', I for one believe its possible."
Alison wrote:
"Raun is the evidence of a cure - in person. Go meet him - he is the most cured ex-autistic person I know. Try looking in his eyes and say a cure is not possible - you couldn't do it."
Laura wrote:
"I have met too many children COMPLETELY CURED to disagree with this status! Whether my daughter will join them, I do not yet know, but I press on and shoot for the moon, even if I miss, I end up in the stars. It hardly matters anyway... we have our miracle, I had a CONVERSATION tonight with my daughter. The one who would never have meaningful language. YAY"
Ethel wrote:
"The Son-Rise program is so interesting and I have learned so much from Becky. Children are our future and we need to believe in them and not give up whether they have Autism or something else, I love the positive attitude!"
Russell wrote:
"It should also be called 'parents of autistic children will find themselves program'! My son taught me more than I can ever teach him. What a trip!"
Poppy wrote:
"indeed it is!"
Alison wrote:
"I really needed that today after a particularly stressful meeting. Thank you xxx"
Darlene wrote:
"Our belief systems are so important. Bears, if your family believed everything the doctors told you about Raun, he would not have been cured. You believed he could be cured and he was as well as many others that the Son-Rise program has helped. Time well spent, often gives great results. Thanks for investing time in very cool kids and sharing what you know with others."
Dolores wrote:
"Wondering if it would work for the mentally handicapped."
Jackline wrote:
"Autism is curable. Thank you Bears, thank you Samahria. Thank you for taking that big step that allows me to dream, to want, to reach for heights everyone's assuring me are hard to catch. I don't believe them, I may be slow but I'm sure. I will get there. I'll run a Son-Rise program for my Antonio. I know I will in the end. Blessings and keep spreading hope!"
And I wrote:
"THANK YOU all for being so thoughtful and responsive. These kinds of dialogues and discussions are important for all of us -- questioning pessimism and adopting more hopeful optimistic perspectives. Love, Bears"
To submit your own comment just click the button below that says "comments".
Monday, May 11, 2009
Big Mountains to Climb
A note from Julie:
OK! ! need some love:
My husband is in the army, he was deployed last year, and has been here & gone quite a bit over the last few months... my daughter (5) is a daddy's girl (so was i) and each time he leaves, she gets very anxious. and the old isms come back. I think she fears he won't come back. Each time he does, he brings them a small gift, so hopefully they'll think about their little goodie rather than that he's gone. we're trying to work through it, but i also have a little guy (3) and I'm spread very thin. It's a difficult balance...
I have only one volunteer right now, and she helps occupy my little guy so i can work with my daughter... so, I'm a little overwhelmed lately.
Please send some love and a few "E's" my way.... i could use them.
A message from Bears:
Julie: Some of us have little mountains to climb; some of us have big ones to climb. The benevolent universe never gives us more than we can handle. So, if you got some big ones, it's because you are "big" inside -- and you can find the way. Yes, sometimes we feel overwhelmed...yes, I understand only one volunteer for your Son-Rise Program is a huge challenge and your husband, bless him, just visiting from military deployment on limited leaves is surely another big challenge...but that's not about our circumstances; it's about how we embrace them (or resist them). Imagine a universe that we can never quite understand with our small and sweet brains...but, nevertheless, a universe that operates with an intentionality to support us and to love us (even when it doesn't seem so). We could call that trust or faith. So, close you eyes and decide to open them with a new perspective. And then rather than "need" love from the outside, bless yourself with love from the inside. Love, Bears
A message back from Julie:
Thank you again for helping me re-evaluate the situation. sometimes it takes another person's guidance & insight to open your eyes again. I may me in an unfamiliar place, with no family around me, but there is a handful of people I've met through my daughter that care deeply... and I need to appreciate THEM instead of dwell on who's NOT here.... and to be my own force of nature.
Thank you, bears, and thanks again for leaving me in a puddle of tears :)
gratefully,
Julie
OK! ! need some love:
My husband is in the army, he was deployed last year, and has been here & gone quite a bit over the last few months... my daughter (5) is a daddy's girl (so was i) and each time he leaves, she gets very anxious. and the old isms come back. I think she fears he won't come back. Each time he does, he brings them a small gift, so hopefully they'll think about their little goodie rather than that he's gone. we're trying to work through it, but i also have a little guy (3) and I'm spread very thin. It's a difficult balance...
I have only one volunteer right now, and she helps occupy my little guy so i can work with my daughter... so, I'm a little overwhelmed lately.
Please send some love and a few "E's" my way.... i could use them.
A message from Bears:
Julie: Some of us have little mountains to climb; some of us have big ones to climb. The benevolent universe never gives us more than we can handle. So, if you got some big ones, it's because you are "big" inside -- and you can find the way. Yes, sometimes we feel overwhelmed...yes, I understand only one volunteer for your Son-Rise Program is a huge challenge and your husband, bless him, just visiting from military deployment on limited leaves is surely another big challenge...but that's not about our circumstances; it's about how we embrace them (or resist them). Imagine a universe that we can never quite understand with our small and sweet brains...but, nevertheless, a universe that operates with an intentionality to support us and to love us (even when it doesn't seem so). We could call that trust or faith. So, close you eyes and decide to open them with a new perspective. And then rather than "need" love from the outside, bless yourself with love from the inside. Love, Bears
A message back from Julie:
Thank you again for helping me re-evaluate the situation. sometimes it takes another person's guidance & insight to open your eyes again. I may me in an unfamiliar place, with no family around me, but there is a handful of people I've met through my daughter that care deeply... and I need to appreciate THEM instead of dwell on who's NOT here.... and to be my own force of nature.
Thank you, bears, and thanks again for leaving me in a puddle of tears :)
gratefully,
Julie
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Tales from a Son-Rise Child Facilitator - Robert moves into my world
The thing I love the most about The Son-Rise Program is that when the child is exclusive, we join them in their world. We don't try to stop their unique behaviours but instead see them as a way to connect, accept, and build a bridge to their amazing world.
One of the most memorable moments of joining as a volunteer, was when Robert used to cover a table with a blanket, crawl under and be in his own little camp for up to 30 minutes at a time.
At first I would sit outside Robert's little camp trying to distract him or make conversation with him. I judged myself that he wasn't playing with me because he either didn't like me or I was boring.
I went on to learn that part of his personality was to be exclusive and avoid connecting with people and that he was doing it to take care of himself in an over stimulating world.
I had witnessed Robert doing other isms such as spinning in circles but this was different and not so obvious to me. Once learning it was an ism, Anna suggested that I joined Robert by setting up my own table and hiding under it and then finding something fascinating about the experience that Robert could be getting out of it.
I went in to my next session and Robert hid under the table with his blanket just like before. I got my own blanket, put it over another table and crawled under. It was a very sunny day and I remember a streak of sunlight coming in from the window and streaming through the fibers of the blanket.
There I was under my blanket crouched up in a ball and on my hands and knees and looking for something to enjoy about the experience. Sure enough, as the sunlight shone through, I saw the most incredible sight. Thousands of specks of dust began to glisten and dance in the stream of sunlight like gold. I was completely in awe of how beautiful it was and became mesmerized by watching the dust.
It was so peaceful, relaxing and fun to be under there, not having to do anything but enjoy the moment. I honestly can't tell you if I was underneath there for 5 minutes or 45 minutes but I do know that while I was under there, Robert had come out of his camp and decided that he wanted to come into my camp.
This was a child who was not close to me, spent a large part of our time together running away from me, screaming, throwing blocks at me or peeing on me and he had crawled into my camp and snuggled up next to me and was lying there with a big smile on his face. At that moment, I understood the power of joining and knew how key it was to connecting with Autistic children.
One of the most memorable moments of joining as a volunteer, was when Robert used to cover a table with a blanket, crawl under and be in his own little camp for up to 30 minutes at a time.
At first I would sit outside Robert's little camp trying to distract him or make conversation with him. I judged myself that he wasn't playing with me because he either didn't like me or I was boring.
I went on to learn that part of his personality was to be exclusive and avoid connecting with people and that he was doing it to take care of himself in an over stimulating world.
I had witnessed Robert doing other isms such as spinning in circles but this was different and not so obvious to me. Once learning it was an ism, Anna suggested that I joined Robert by setting up my own table and hiding under it and then finding something fascinating about the experience that Robert could be getting out of it.
I went in to my next session and Robert hid under the table with his blanket just like before. I got my own blanket, put it over another table and crawled under. It was a very sunny day and I remember a streak of sunlight coming in from the window and streaming through the fibers of the blanket.
There I was under my blanket crouched up in a ball and on my hands and knees and looking for something to enjoy about the experience. Sure enough, as the sunlight shone through, I saw the most incredible sight. Thousands of specks of dust began to glisten and dance in the stream of sunlight like gold. I was completely in awe of how beautiful it was and became mesmerized by watching the dust.
It was so peaceful, relaxing and fun to be under there, not having to do anything but enjoy the moment. I honestly can't tell you if I was underneath there for 5 minutes or 45 minutes but I do know that while I was under there, Robert had come out of his camp and decided that he wanted to come into my camp.
This was a child who was not close to me, spent a large part of our time together running away from me, screaming, throwing blocks at me or peeing on me and he had crawled into my camp and snuggled up next to me and was lying there with a big smile on his face. At that moment, I understood the power of joining and knew how key it was to connecting with Autistic children.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Autism Is Curable
Autism is curable. Autism is curable. Autism is curable. I always wonder why some people get indigestion when we say what we know. Rather than believe in what can't be done, we can choose to believe in what can be done. Naysayers never change the world. The past doesn't predict the future unless you believe in the past. Autism doesn't have to be a life sentence. The Son-Rise Program® for Autism.
Love, Bears
Love, Bears
Monday, May 4, 2009
Tales from a Son-Rise Program Child Facilitator - why a playroom?
When I first began working with Robert one to one, he didn't have a playroom. His parents were working on turning his bedroom into a playroom but hadn't quite got that up and running yet so for now, I was going to learn the principles of The Son-Rise Program while playing with him around the house.
At the time I didn't know any better, I hadn't experienced the luxury of the non-distracting environment of the playroom. I was more than happy to work with Robert around the house.
I was constantly running up and down the stairs, in and out of the garden, into the kitchen for a snack, up into the bedroom to jump on the bed, a quick trip behind the living room curtain and then off to play with the pet cat's tail. It was hard work!
It was fascinating, Robert would do things like unravel the whole roll of toilet paper and once he found a can of furniture polish and spent about 10 minutes spraying it on the linoleum floor and then drawing circles in it with his finger.
He had an amazing sense of balance and completely baffled me when he would spin around in circles again and again and then be able to walk along a very thin window sill.
Anna would observe me quietly from the kitchen and then give me feedback afterwards. I didn't really know what I was doing at the time but I did know to follow his lead, have energy, excitement and enthusiasm and try and get a game going when he was available.
I had a lot of fun and it was an exciting challenge. I remember getting a game going at one time that involved me sliding him down the stairs in a laundry basket. He absolutely loved it and I was definitely sweating.
I felt like being with Robert for just 30 minutes was more rewarding than any of my other jobs or experiences thus far. I was doing something really meaningful.
I can really see now how the environment of the playroom is the very best way to filter out distractions and hone into connecting with the child and will forever be grateful for that sacred place. It truly is where the miracles happen.
At the time I didn't know any better, I hadn't experienced the luxury of the non-distracting environment of the playroom. I was more than happy to work with Robert around the house.
I was constantly running up and down the stairs, in and out of the garden, into the kitchen for a snack, up into the bedroom to jump on the bed, a quick trip behind the living room curtain and then off to play with the pet cat's tail. It was hard work!
It was fascinating, Robert would do things like unravel the whole roll of toilet paper and once he found a can of furniture polish and spent about 10 minutes spraying it on the linoleum floor and then drawing circles in it with his finger.
He had an amazing sense of balance and completely baffled me when he would spin around in circles again and again and then be able to walk along a very thin window sill.
Anna would observe me quietly from the kitchen and then give me feedback afterwards. I didn't really know what I was doing at the time but I did know to follow his lead, have energy, excitement and enthusiasm and try and get a game going when he was available.
I had a lot of fun and it was an exciting challenge. I remember getting a game going at one time that involved me sliding him down the stairs in a laundry basket. He absolutely loved it and I was definitely sweating.
I felt like being with Robert for just 30 minutes was more rewarding than any of my other jobs or experiences thus far. I was doing something really meaningful.
I can really see now how the environment of the playroom is the very best way to filter out distractions and hone into connecting with the child and will forever be grateful for that sacred place. It truly is where the miracles happen.
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