Communicating Though Technology

Like many people on the autism spectrum my little man has a fondness for his PC and more so the Internet. But its not just a hobby, Interest or even an addiction! Its his voice, the great one within… The one he can’t seem to use to express himself in the real world.

I’m not saying that Little man can’t speak, because he can! He is very verbal (ask our neighbours, the bus driver or even the postman)! Its just that little man struggles to put some of what he needs to say In the right set of words. This can lead to frustration, misunderstandings and a degree of sadness.

Of course I’d always heard about both children & adults with Aspergers having some type of connection and in many cases, great knowledge when it comes to the world of computers, many children branded as little whizz kids. I didn’t think much about this, that was in till my own child took to the keyboard.

I’ve never had to really ever teach little man something more then once when it comes to computers. I remember his interest at a young age. He was eager to know what all the fuss was about and couldn’t wait to explore cyber space. At 12 years old my son can now show me a thing or two when it comes to using a computer especially when it comes to windows (yes, its true, once you use a Mac you never go back).

Both the existence of computers and the net has opened a whole host of doors for children like Little Man. I’ve noticed that online his much more confident, fancying himself as something of a comedian at times. He loves talking to others about the world of Mind Craft, making Youtube Tutorial videos and sharing his love of wrestling and transport.

Its simple, the computer has no string of facial expressions to understand, it doesn’t constantly change its tone with every mood, it won’t ever demand you stare at it in order to prove your paying attention… Its your connection to the world and those in it. Its a place that lets you express yourself without fear in a way you know how! No ones looking at you and even if they are its through a web cam which according to the little man is an extremely cool invention (his words not mine).

As your child gets the most out of their new communication tool, they also learn and discover all there is to know about it! Little man has no issues when it comes to making spread sheets and presentations. His a massive fan of power point software and seems to understand where every file lies on his PC (even those he has no access to).

It allows him to write at speed instead of lagging behind as he struggles with his fine motor skills when doing things the traditional way. Whether his working on a new movie trailer for his youtube channel or sending that occasional funny tweet that makes everyone laugh, his expressing himself without fear… His learning, communicating and experimenting all at the same time.

All the above is fantastic, making me a very proud mother. However, though I think its great, as his mother I still feel its important he learns the communication skills required to use away from the computer, out there in the big wide world. That’s why together along with his school Little man is thought communication and social skills that we encourage him to use both on and offline.

So… Will I be at all surprised if my son grows up to get a job that involves computers, the net or both?

No… I think its looking pretty likely don’t you?

Acer Launch – Spencer House

I don’t know where I would be without the web. If there was no web there would be no blog and that for me is a daunting thought.

I remember when I first started using a computer, I’d be there for what seemed like forever searching for every key I needed on the keyboard (it wasn’t unusual for it to take up to 5 minutes to complete a three letter word)! Likely it didn’t take long for me to get used to typing and using the Internet. Within months I had launched the blog, finding myself writing post on a daily basis.

The children share a desktop for homework and creative projects. Little man has gained so much from using it and if anything such technology has provided him with a way to communicate and express himself in a more positive light.

Those who read the blog will know how my child who is diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome amongst other labels, suddenly stopped writing and as a result his ‘then mainstream school’ found the only way to get him to produce and engage in any type of work was to give him access to a computer. Little man is a fast learner and I’ve found that todays world of technology has provided him with great opportunities, a way to show how clever he really is! Little man is 11 and can do just about anything on a computer from spread sheets to presentations, video editing and site building. Like me it provides him with a louder voice, a way to send messages to world. Little man is undergoing OT (occupational therapy) and as part of the programme his learnt varying levels of touch typing. At 11 my son has just started his own blog and discovered the world of twitter (which he loves just as much as his mother)!

So, when one of the big names in technology ‘Acer‘ invited me to the launch of their latest tech products, little man was pushing me out the door armed with a note pad and pen and a camera shoved in my hand.

the launch was also a celebration of their worldwide partnership within the Olympic movement as well as the support it has provided to the ‘London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games’ (LOCOG) during this years London 2012 games.

A few select bloggers and writers were invited to the magnificent Spencer House in Saint James Place London, Where they got to have a play with all the latest releases from acer, before being treated to a delicious 3 course meal set in one truly astounding setting.

Before I begin to write about what’s new with acer I really want to share this beautiful historic eighteenth century mansion ‘Spencer House’ a place I felt so privileged to have been invited.

Image credit Spencer House

I had no idea that the venue for the event was one of such historic beauty. Decked out with vintage furniture & accessories, gold leaf trimming, tall vases and large dangling crystal chandeliers.The walls of every room displayed an array of beautiful painted art and the ceilings are higher than any I’ve seen before. Set over looking Green Park and located just around the corner from Buckingham palace, one didn’t find it hard to be bedazzled.

As you can see from these images, I became a tad obsessional about those stunning chandeliers.

Acer and spencer house put on a beautiful lunch consisting of three wonderfully prepared causes ( and there was me expecting a table of full of nibbles).

Possibly the most beautiful house I’ve ever stood in!

I loved the mix of attendees. I was sat with some lovely people at dinner. Conversation was flowing as all had something interesting to say (there is nothing worse than dinner with a load boring so and so’s so this I was pleased with).

The gadgets were all pretty impressive. I think that most mistake acer as a brand that produces user friendly yet very basic tech products therefore explaining their affordability. I’m guilty in assuming that acer mostly produced consumer friendly net books and tablets. With time its become very apparent that this isn’t the case and it was during my visit to spencer house that I discovered just how much more acer offered its users.

The Acer Aspire 5600U, an all-in-one PC, was the product that really impressed me. Not only does its floating design look fantastic with full HD screen and ability to recline up to a 60 degree angle but it’s also a touch screen which I’ve found to be a fantastic feature for those with certain SEN and disabilities (especially that of autism) because of the simplicity and sensory benefits it provides.

I had a good play on the Acer Aspire 5600U and can therefore report that yes, the 10 point touch technology really does make this an incredibly smooth and highly responsive multi-touch experience.

There were many other reasons for lusting over the system. The semi-transparent enclosure around this PC accommodates the hard drive, blue-ray player and the screen giving it that tidiness.The keyboard and mouse are wireless and it boasts a frameless screen which is an impressive 23″. The PC comes with an exclusive VESA mount kit allowing you to view HDTV on the wall giving u the perfect cinema experience.

Another that caught my eye was this special-edition Olympic tablet, the iconia A510.

The A510 has an extra long battery life of up to 15 hours and built in storage of 32G (can be expanded up to 64G with the use of an SD card). This is a tablet designed for both work and play with its powerful quad-core performance and smart productivity, the A510 is able to multi task with ease.

Superior audio is another great feature that comes with the A510. The Dolby Mobile 3+ with premium 5.1-channel HD output, and two high quality inbuilt speakers, makes both music and movies that bit more enjoyable.

This has been pre-loaded with Eurosport player for a limited time and includes that of the Andriod Ice Cream Sandwhich OS, making the A510 the perfect tool for mobile lifestyle.

This is a great tablet thats not only powerful but also attractive in terms of design. Available in both black and silver and sporting the Acer/Olympics logo that celebrates it’s partnership within the Olympic movement.

The Olympic A510 special edition tablet is available from Carphone Warehouse from £349.99

With little mans birthday fast approaching this tablet has somehow become his most wanted item… Yes, his not asking for those weird but wonderfully cheap items like batteries and padlocks, as his done in previous years (another trait of his Aspergers I’m sure)!

So, there you have it, some awesome Tech products from Acer. Christmas will be here before you know it after all.

This is a review post. I wasn’t asked or paid to write this. I reviewed the items during the Acer launch at Spencer House. Opinions are honest and all words are that of my own.

“I’m never going back to school, ever”

Last week I received a call from little man’s tutor requesting that I collect him from the library early (This was an hour before he was due to finish)

Turns out the little dude had a mini meltdown why getting lunch at the supermarket. Reason… He thought the security guard was laughing at him!

Yep, his tutor who I refer to as James for the purpose of this blog, was having a friendly chat with the security guard while little man grabbed a drink from the refrigerator. He called out to his tutor and just at that same moment both the tutor and the guard began to laugh about something totally unrelated to anything Little man was doing. However Little man didn’t know this and as he often does, he jumped in at the deep end.

Of course the guard was unaware of the little mans AS and I don’t think the tutor even had time to warn him. Of course Little man was somewhat confrontational requesting an explanation from the guard and the tutor on what it was they found so amusing. I don’t think he was as polite as he could have been and I’m guessing that the use of inappropriate language may have been used somewhere along the way.

I’m very thankful that his tutor James is somewhat understanding of AS and this isn’t really a massive deal as it is only the second incident in the six weeks they have worked together as opposed to the daily calls I received from his mainstream primary school, regardless it was a situation that needed dealing with.

To cut a long story short I didn’t need to collect him early as first requested as James called me back to say that they were now back in the Library and things were a lot more calmer. Nevertheless he asked if I had a spare half hour when collecting him as some other concerns needed to be discussed.

Sat on the bus I had all sorts going through my mind, “Other concerns, what concerns” this was a constant niggle in my head. I kept thinking what if James no longer wishes to educate Little man. How will little man deal with yet another rejection! I don’t know why I thought this as James is very understanding of Little man’s needs and has told me that he considers him a pleasure to teach. He thinks he has a great mind and personality if given the time to get to know him. Like I’ve already mentioned this is only one of two incidents… So surely not! I think it’s just going to take time for both myself and the little dude to get over the whole mainstream thing and trust people again as I feel little man worries about how things will plan out, where I just feel like we have been failed by the system to many times.

I finally arrived at the library and to my surprise but also delight Little man was clam and relaxed, showing no indication of his not so long ago mini meltdown… He went off and scanned some books while I chatted with James (Oh yes he adores the library’s self scanner)

Well, at last I could finally relax… It turns out James had concerns in relation to the ongoing statementing process and pending transition to a “Special” school that would someday be upon us, as opposed to that of little mans tendency to display challenging behaviour. He stated that every time he even tried to raise the subject of little man starting a new school one day in the further he would become extremely anxious and find a number of ways to not talk about it! This included shouting over James as he spoke, walking off or just shutting down. I explained that I was still trying to contact the caseworker in relation to the final statement, James said we have to come up with a transition plan even without a school place just so little man would always know it was coming.

I defiantly agreed!

The second thing was in relation to his fine motor skills. Yes, he was making zero progress in his writing. He was still refusing to write and near on all his work is done on the computer or is somehow practical… Like science projects and discussions.

His tutor James knew this was one of my many objections to the proposed statement. When first meeting James to discuss what Little man likes and dislikes, what his good at and not so good at in preparation for teaching him, I explained the issue of messy handwriting, fine motor skill problems and the reluctance he displays when it comes to him having to write. I felt that this was an important issue that James needed to know in order to teach him, and this just shows my concerns were valid.

With this I contacted the LEA caseworker who happens to be situated in the very same building as the library. Although I have had dealing with the caseworker a good six months now it was the first time we had met face to face.

I think she was a little worn out after our conversation as Little man would not give her a break when firing hard fast questions at her in relation to the elevator that he saw her come down in. He stated that members of the public should be allowed to use it too and wanted to know the reasons for such a ban! (He just loves an elevator my son)

So the outcome of our little chat was… She requested that I ask Little man’s tutor to write his concerns and for me to forward these on to her as soon as possible as it is going to panel again in order for the LEA to decide if they will make any of my recommended amendments and name my preferred school in part 4 of the statement (Which happens to be independent so I’m not holding my breath) The panel will have the meeting after the half term and the final statement should follow sometime there on after. The Caseworker was in agreement on one thing, and this didn’t require any form of panel meeting! Little man does needs a school… FAST! She had just 15 minutes in his company before she quickly agreed *giggle* He really was talking for England this particular afternoon. With this she agreed to look into my parental preference for an independent school, mainly due to the fact that all the maintained schools have said that they can’t meet his needs (Shock will be had If I’m not required to fight my arse off for it)

Once I had got the Little man home we sat down for a chat, topic being, “SCHOOL TRANSITION” He ran away to his room, on went Bruno Bloody Mars full blast (No offence Bruno) and he remained there in till we left to attend my nieces first birthday party ( Bruno Mars album came too) Once at the party he avoided me big style and with that I decided that the conversation will have to be had another day.

The day after Little man had the day of as the library had closed due to health and safety reasons (angry protest happening outside) So with this I went in for the kill and attempted the school conversation! Again this wasn’t a great success. However this time he didn’t run but instead informed me that his “NEVER EVER, EVER, EVER” going to school again” From now on he will be learning in the library with James Monday to Friday, 9:30 am till 2:30 p.m. and that is final.

I guess that told me!

I will just have to keep trying while praying that when a school placement does come along it’s the one we want or a fantastically understanding one in its place!

LAPTOP FOR G

Little man is over the moon as daddy got him his very own laptop for his bedroom. His used laptops and pc’s before but his never had his own.

I’m hoping he will learn alot  from using a laptop through we have to be careful as his a little to clever at times. His been searching the net for pictures of buses today. His already printed them out and added them to his safe box. He loves seeing the different buses from around the world’ His forever calling me to come and have a look.

We also got him mobile broadband on pay as you go. He knows that getting up early and getting to school on time is a must if he wants his pocket money in order to top up and use the net. He seems pretty keen but for how long  i don’t  know . If it works well i will let you all know.  Alice also got a treat from daddy:) she got a lovely little Sony hand held DVDplayer’ it’s so cute. She loves to get away from  stuff now and then (frighting with G) and she loves everything puppy dog  so she got some film’s that were full of  cute little doggies. So that’s the kids happy.

But I’m pleased to inform you all about my new toy:):) BIG SMILES. I got a new Macbook air. So I’m going to be doing some fab photo editing and new blog features so watch this space.