And you don’t always have to write about Adam. I’m sure you have a million things to say that can open many peoples’ eyes and hearts.

I have observed, in my 2 1/2 years of blogging, that blogs are ever-changing and evolving. Some bloggers change the degree of anonymity with which they are posting, others stop blogging altogether, some blog less frequently.

The main reason I no longer blog as frequently is because I am so busy with my children. However, I have also felt the instinct to exercise caution in my posting. It is very discouraging to see how those who accept autism and have a forum to share it with many are subject to nastiness and ridicule.

I think you’ve both made spot-on statements that we write, paint CREATE because we inherently need to share with one another. The history of story-telling is long and important. We build our humanity by sharing in this way with one another.

What makes a good work of art, though? That is yet another question. It may even be important when talking about areas of social justice. I believe art plays a huge role in changing attitudes, which is why we are working hard to find a way that TAAProject site can be used by the public to self-promote their work (while being moderated of course). Stay tuned for that. I’ve been working on that in the background these days and it’s been more difficult than I thought it would be to set up.

Anyway, I hope the discussion continues as it is a fascinating one.

I know that disability can be seen as another factor here, but my conclusion is that there is no fundamental difference between a parenting blog about a kid with blond hair, or black hair, or a passion for tennis or autism. I don’t think particular attributes should make children any more or less suitable as blogging subjects.

So I guess I would take my lead from books and blogs and magazine articles about parenting and kids in general. It does seem that this is largely a question of personal choice, which takes into consideration the views of all the family members.

Hopefully, if you do stop blogging about Adam, you will continue to blog about your own story. It’s nice to know that the road is shared.

When we first started in “autism-land” a little over 7 yrs ago I wouldn’t read any of the family stories out there. I found them depressing and did nothing to meet our needs.

I wanted books that gave ideas. The first of these for us was Karyn Serrousi’s book. No, by no means did with think Bio Med was a “cure”, nor were we planning on chasing down DAN Dr’s, but getting rid of dairy was relatively easy and to finally get rid of the diahhrea and nightly terrors/mares was a HUGE milestone for us. It helped, gave us breathing room and we moved on from there.

Once ABA was out of our house I had severe burn-out and a friend talked me into starting a blog and she did too. It helped, it helped a lot. And as you said, initially I could post what was going on, then I had readers, then I had to go back and delete a lot of those early posts and….. after 18mths (and 18mths already since I had it), I had to let it go. It was hard, very hard to let it go, which is why I was over on Trusera for a short time… I still needed… something.

I have read a lot of autism related books in the last couple of years, probably b/c I’m now comfortable with the diagnosis and what it means for us. Family journey’s to homeschooling ideas (b/c we do extra at home) to The Miller Method. I don’t read them looking for a cure. I read them now to be informed of what’s out there. When someone says “did you hear about”, I know what they are talking about and have had a chance to form an opinion and why on it. I also have yet to read a journey that I felt exploited someone’s child. Most have been written with great care.

Writing is very personal. I would think about what you hope to accomplish by your writing. As you said over the years your goals personally/professionally have changed. Are you writing for your or the world at large?? One you only need a paper and pencil… the other a more public medium. What do you hope to accomplish by that writing??

Gotta go.

Estee says: I don’t think I’m debating the issue of “appropriateness,” and the topic for ethical debate is not within the realm of simply “my opinion.” I too am a writer and have written much on our family journey with Adam. I do so in the sense I have written about here. However, the topic is a worthy one and worthy of considering perhaps why we write, how we write and if out point of view, even when “positive” is not still effected by an exploitative view of both children and of disability.

I am not saying not to write — a writer must do what they must. That is the writing compulsion. However I consider that the responsibility of the writer is to also consider the consequences, no matter how important the story is, or how much it helps others or needs to be told.

One of the reason’s I closed the blog was b/c my “therapy” had to be editted. So, it was back to paper I went.

I have read some of the family memoirs and watched other’s slam them. Mom NOS didn’t like Strange Son b/c Portia admitted that her son’s autism upset her and Mom-NOS wanted more about the child than about Tito and CAN. Sharon was rude to “The Horse Boy’s” Mother on her blog The Family Voyage. A book she’s never read.

I think both of those families should be commended and thanked for telling their stories, whether you think they are “appropriate” or not. Those who have issues with these journies, IMO Mom-NOS, Sharon and anyone else, should write their own.

Journey’s are personal, some can post their deepest thoughts, dreams and leave them out for exposure and other’s cannot. The question becomes what do you hope to gain by telling your story. Financial, to just being part of the “clique” so you don’t feel alone, are all valid reasons IMO to do so. Is there legislation you wished changed??

If you are only writing for yourself and your son, then maybe it’s time to move on.

I’ve added to that epic, it’s up to 42pgs now. A lot is stuff that’s gone on via the Autism hub and autism land in general. Stuff I wanted to sort out in my head and doesn’t fit my journal writing. Dh asked me if I was writing a book and the more I think about it, the more my answer is “No”. It’s for me, for me to sort out my own thoughts and… one day for the boys.