Is this where to write a question? Well here goes. You mentioned a couple of things relating to John Henry's care. First a couple of months ago or more you expressed a bit of exasperation that a school, that I gathered was in the Greater Nashville area had pretty much failed to answer your needs for John Henry's schooling/care. Next you mentioned 2 or 3 weeks ago about a last family outing before John Henry had to head back to school and I think you said in New York. I am guessing then that the local school didn't cut it. Would I be correct? It would seem that the answer is self evident but I don't want to assume. Thank you❤
You have a way of communicating that is exceptional.
Your voice is unbelievably powerful. In addition to that, you have a wonderful, loving and compassionate persona. Thank you for all of that. God bless!
You've spoken a great deal about how writing has been healing for you in your memoir "Blood" and your new book "I Dream He Talks to Me." I've taken some courses in Narrative Medicine, which combines the study of art and literature to enhance listening and observation skills. It's used in medicine to expand the view of patients to encompass more than just taking medical histories. I would like to hear your thoughts about your experiences regarding communication with the medical community, and how this might be incorporated into the field of autism for children and parents. Thank you.
When we lived in Nashville 30 years ago, it took so many pediatricians and child psych doctors to get our son a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder and *NOT* just that I was an “anxious mom.” Schools weren’t much help, either - to get a decent IEP you practically had to be a lawyer and spend half your time fighting. Has your experience with John Henry been better (I hope)? Do you have any websites or agencies that you have found helpful? A parent-run ListServ (ancient interweb!) saved me.
(I imagine you might cover this in your book - I’ve pre-ordered it and send love & strength to you & John Henry.)
My son was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when he was 5 years old. He had devised a complex scheme where he put my purse and some candy for.food at the front door. He was.trying to set a.dtick on fire to start a fire in his toys which he had piled up in his playroom. Thankfully I woke up from our (?) Sunday afternoon nap
I was.really freaked out and spoke with his Dr. who told me to take him to a hospital in Dallas (I was in school at University of North Texas living I n Denton) So I did. To this day I. don't know if thatwas the right move. Anyway, when they released my sweet boy he was releasedje was reduced to a drooling unresponsive child
I immediately got in touch with MHMRA and told them if they didn't help me get him off of those drugs, I would do it myself. Of course they agreed
That was the beginning of a life of therapy, drugs, special education and ended when he overdosed when he was 24.
How did you deal with all of the professional folks who told you how to deal with your son?
Just pre-ordered 5 Hardcover copies of "I Dream He Talks to Me". Three for each of my daughters, one for the Mrs. and I. And one for my sister who is a Special Needs teacher at the Public School District for our area. When my boys get a little older I will make sure they have copies as well. I gave copies of "Blood" as gifts when that came out. I don't know how to say this without sounding trite but Thank you for the music, the words and the thoughts you have shared, and continue to share, with all of us.
How do your spiritual and artistic practices inform your parenting? Please talk about balancing your mom/personal intuition with the advice of the medical and educational communities. In my daily practices I am working on trusting my myself and the knowing that comes through meditation. I struggle with the need for outside validation. Thank you! I am looking forward to listening to you later today. 💫❤️🙏
As a parent who feels he’s always fallen short, but did his best, I ask the following: Where in the world do you find the strength, the patience, the ability to still have such a multi faceted and creative personal life and career, take such love and care in your home and with so many friends and still devote your life to John Henry like you do? Quite honestly, how many hours are there in a day in your world? 36? 48? Where does all this wisdom and fortitude, bravery and love come from? And of course, so much beauty inside and out? Why can’t more people be just a little more like you? JB
When I think of you, it comes to mind that God only gives us as much as we can handle. He must think you are a brilliant vessel to teach us things about life, love and strength. I appreciate how brave you are to bare your soul. I’ve learned ever so much. Thank you Allison!
I have my ticket and wouldn’t miss it. I’ll have to work on a question!
How do you prepare yourself to write what is not always easy to talk about?
Is this where to write a question? Well here goes. You mentioned a couple of things relating to John Henry's care. First a couple of months ago or more you expressed a bit of exasperation that a school, that I gathered was in the Greater Nashville area had pretty much failed to answer your needs for John Henry's schooling/care. Next you mentioned 2 or 3 weeks ago about a last family outing before John Henry had to head back to school and I think you said in New York. I am guessing then that the local school didn't cut it. Would I be correct? It would seem that the answer is self evident but I don't want to assume. Thank you❤
You have a way of communicating that is exceptional.
Your voice is unbelievably powerful. In addition to that, you have a wonderful, loving and compassionate persona. Thank you for all of that. God bless!
You've spoken a great deal about how writing has been healing for you in your memoir "Blood" and your new book "I Dream He Talks to Me." I've taken some courses in Narrative Medicine, which combines the study of art and literature to enhance listening and observation skills. It's used in medicine to expand the view of patients to encompass more than just taking medical histories. I would like to hear your thoughts about your experiences regarding communication with the medical community, and how this might be incorporated into the field of autism for children and parents. Thank you.
What does a typical day of school look like for John Henry?
When we lived in Nashville 30 years ago, it took so many pediatricians and child psych doctors to get our son a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder and *NOT* just that I was an “anxious mom.” Schools weren’t much help, either - to get a decent IEP you practically had to be a lawyer and spend half your time fighting. Has your experience with John Henry been better (I hope)? Do you have any websites or agencies that you have found helpful? A parent-run ListServ (ancient interweb!) saved me.
(I imagine you might cover this in your book - I’ve pre-ordered it and send love & strength to you & John Henry.)
Is your son able to learn academic subjects? How does he communicate non verbally?
What guidance would you offer a parent of a child newly diagnosed with Autism ?
I have been unable to buy my ticket. After I choose price, nothing happens. I can’t complete payment. I do have questions to add later.
Hello Sweet Allison,
My son was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when he was 5 years old. He had devised a complex scheme where he put my purse and some candy for.food at the front door. He was.trying to set a.dtick on fire to start a fire in his toys which he had piled up in his playroom. Thankfully I woke up from our (?) Sunday afternoon nap
I was.really freaked out and spoke with his Dr. who told me to take him to a hospital in Dallas (I was in school at University of North Texas living I n Denton) So I did. To this day I. don't know if thatwas the right move. Anyway, when they released my sweet boy he was releasedje was reduced to a drooling unresponsive child
I immediately got in touch with MHMRA and told them if they didn't help me get him off of those drugs, I would do it myself. Of course they agreed
That was the beginning of a life of therapy, drugs, special education and ended when he overdosed when he was 24.
How did you deal with all of the professional folks who told you how to deal with your son?
Love to you and your sweet s on and husband,
Janet Bell
Just pre-ordered 5 Hardcover copies of "I Dream He Talks to Me". Three for each of my daughters, one for the Mrs. and I. And one for my sister who is a Special Needs teacher at the Public School District for our area. When my boys get a little older I will make sure they have copies as well. I gave copies of "Blood" as gifts when that came out. I don't know how to say this without sounding trite but Thank you for the music, the words and the thoughts you have shared, and continue to share, with all of us.
Sincerely,
Greg, Megan and the rest of the Halka Family :)
How do your spiritual and artistic practices inform your parenting? Please talk about balancing your mom/personal intuition with the advice of the medical and educational communities. In my daily practices I am working on trusting my myself and the knowing that comes through meditation. I struggle with the need for outside validation. Thank you! I am looking forward to listening to you later today. 💫❤️🙏
As a parent who feels he’s always fallen short, but did his best, I ask the following: Where in the world do you find the strength, the patience, the ability to still have such a multi faceted and creative personal life and career, take such love and care in your home and with so many friends and still devote your life to John Henry like you do? Quite honestly, how many hours are there in a day in your world? 36? 48? Where does all this wisdom and fortitude, bravery and love come from? And of course, so much beauty inside and out? Why can’t more people be just a little more like you? JB
When I think of you, it comes to mind that God only gives us as much as we can handle. He must think you are a brilliant vessel to teach us things about life, love and strength. I appreciate how brave you are to bare your soul. I’ve learned ever so much. Thank you Allison!