Autism is at the heart of an Irish teen's dazzling memoir
about nature
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Sitting on a mountain, 'I glean every smell, sound, flutter, flicker, until it takes up all the space in my head,' writes Dara McAnulty in Diary of a Young Naturalist. 'Click' goes his brain camera. Later, the autistic 14-year-old will translate the image into words. |
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Disabled and parent activists are often at odds. Authors of a new book explain why |
'Parent organizations exert a lot of power when we're talking about disability policy. Parents need to start sharing some of the power.'
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Dr. Sharon Smile: 'What racism does, many, many times, is remove your voice' |
A Black clinician at Holland Bloorview called on doctors to take part in 'uncomfortable discussions about racism and how it impacts us as a unit and [our] families and clients.'
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Nursing chief reflects on 'beautiful view of life and all its complexities' |
Marilyn Ballantyne has spent over 40 years working with children in acute-care and rehab hospitals. But her deep commitment to care began on a small family farm.
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Restraints, isolation routine for some disabled students in Manitoba |
A survey of Manitoba parents that revealed frequent school use of physical restraints and isolation on students with disabilities is 'hugely problematic,' a researcher says.
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Managing back-to-school anxiety |
Parenting book author Ann Douglas has a blog with useful tips for parents and kids who are feeling the jitters before the re-opening of schools during the pandemic. Here are some key points:
- It's natural that you're feeling anxious given the uncertainty caused by COVID-19.
- Over the next few weeks, focus on what you can control: ensure that you and your children get enough sleep, do things everyone enjoys, and be extra kind to yourself and others.
- Validate your child's worries. 'It makes sense that you're a little anxious. Everyone feels that way when they have to adjust to something new. Let's go over what we know so far (e.g. changes in class seating plans; rules about masks and social distancing; online learning).'
- 'What if I lose my mask?' If your child has a specific worry, identify it and brainstorm solutions: 'What could you do? Who could you ask for help?'
- If your child has more complex needs, and the school hasn't been proactive in addressing how they will be met, come to the table with practical ideas and solutions to share with your child's teacher and the school. You are the expert on your child. Advocate fiercely.
- Anxiety is contagious. To calm your child, you need to calm yourself. Recognize when you're ruminating about countless 'What ifs?' that you have no control over. Instead, choose another activity, preferably one that requires a lot of concentration and that you enjoy.
- Remind your child that you've all learned to adapt during the pandemic. Brush up on flexible-thinking skills by changing your child's schedule in a fun way: 'Tonight we're having breakfast for dinner!'
- Monitor your child's behaviour for any signs that low-level worries have become acute: emotional outbursts, physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches, and changes in sleeping and eating or energy level and mood.
- If your child needs extra support to deal with anxiety, reach out to your school and school board to identify school-based services. Children's Mental Health Ontario is another good starting point. They are the umbrella organization for child and youth mental health service providers in Ontario. Their website has lots of helpful information and a search tool to help you identify services. You can also reach out to your child's program at Holland Bloorview or another rehab centre.
- Recognize there are no ideal school choices during a pandemic. Make peace with the decisions you make.
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The New York Times
The New York Times
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Shayleigh Marie Pappas, online |
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See Holland Bloorview's Events listing and click on the month for more details.
SEPTEMBER 11
DRIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHT
Trolls World Tour
Gates open at 7 p.m., movie starts at 8 p.m.
Holland Bloorview, 150 Kilgour Rd.
Entry is from North-East Gate, volunteers will direct you.
Tickets are $40 per car for outpatients. Includes snacks and non-alcoholic drinks for four people. Portable, accessible washrooms will be available. Purchase here.
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Dying in your mother's arms |
This short film on The New York Times website follows a palliative care doctor determined to plan a 'good death' for children in the worst situations. Tenderly told with insights from parents and doctors alike.
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The Ontario Autism Coalition |
This advocacy group's website has excellent reports identifying the needs of autistic children returning to school during a pandemic, and resources for parents who are advocating for their children. |
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A poetic, pragmatic, and powerful invitation to unmake and remake the world for every body. This book is transformative!
Ruha Benjamin, author of Race After Technology
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Amit Patel was a British trauma doctor who lost his sight suddenly due to a rare condition. After being assaulted on a walk with a white cane, he feared leaving the house. This memoir is about how a service dog changed his life. |
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Together, the contributions not only emphasize acceptance and self-love but reclaim identities like 'fat' and 'disabled' and span across gender, gender identity, race, and other intersections.
Booklist
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Content in BLOOM is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor.
Views expressed in posts and resources listed do not signify endorsement by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.
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