Need to get a student to become more familiar with a communication device? Institute daily rituals. For instance, have the student provide a “fact of the day” each morning.

This website is dedicated to promoting inclusive schooling and exploring positive ways of supporting students with autism and other disabilities. Most of my work involves collaborating with schools to create environments, lessons, and experiences that are inclusive, respectful, and accessible for all learners.

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Day 28: Finding a Different Kind of Normal: Misadventures with Asperger Syndrome Paperback

Posted on April 28, 2014 in Autism

Finding a Different Kind of Normal coverJeanette Purkis spent her early life baffled and often extremely frustrated about how different she was from others. She was acutely aware that she found things difficult that others did not. These feelings led to a life that became dark and frightening. Purkis finds herself addicted to drugs and a prison inmate before turning her life around, gaining coping skills and strategies, and beginning to understand her diagnosis.

Finding a Different Kind of Normal is a unique autobiography because Purkis lands in so many severe situations. Therefore, it is not an easy read, but it might be very helpful for someone feeling down and looking for inspiration, because this sometimes-tragic story moves from despair to hope. As one Amazon reviewer said, “It proves that no matter how big a hole you get yourself in to or how desperate things may seem, there is always a way forward.”

** Idea for using this book: Read and then watch this Jeanette’s TEDx talk on Disability, Resilience and Achieving the Supposedly Impossible.

Comments

  1. From Jeanette Purkis on 29 Apr 2014

    Thanks for reviewing my Autie-biography :)

  2. From Paula Kluth on 29 Apr 2014

    Thank YOU, Jeanette- I really enjoyed your story…and your TED talk too!