"The Mind Tree"

Since reading The Mind Tree I have been looking at my students' behaviors in a completely new light.  I feel like I'm more forgiving and patient with things that I didn't necessarily understand to be what they were.

Not to say that I am fascinated with ASD, but I am fascinated that every individual with ASD is SO DIFFERENT.  This book has brought me to realize that things are NEVER what they seem, and that I should always think twice before making a snap judgement about a behavior (such as eye-contact or "rude" behavior/words).  Tito, the writer, has really opened my eyes to see just a tiny fraction of what it would be like to live with ASD.  I was Specially Educated by this book.  I used to think very highly of individuals with ASD and those that care for them, but now I'm even more humbled by what they have to go through in life, and how much those that care for them actually do to help them to be successful.

I love books :) Especially autobiographies.

Now to laugh it up a bit...

When I brought the boys down to lunch today my para gathered all of the coats/hats/boots/gloves/snowpants/etc that he could from me and the boys and took them to their table while I made sure they all made it into the line to get food. Well... L and M were nowhere to be found when I turned around.

I figured L usually has to go to the bathroom at the WORST POSSIBLE TIME (part of being a kid, huh?) so that was probably where I would find him :)  I walked over to the bathroom door to stand and wait outside and what do I hear?

SCREAMING.

I open the door and call in to them (I wasn't aware that M was in there at the time) and I look in to find L peeking under the stall door LAUGHING while M is in hysterics that someone is interrupting his "private moments"...

Oh my word. The joys of being a teacher :)