Google’s Valentine
Filed Under (Inspiration, Joy, Play) by Estee on 14-02-2012
I’m sure you’ve all seen the Google Valentine co-animated by Michael Lipman. The boy keeps trying to win the girl’s heart with things. In the end he does simply by sharing in the same activity with her.
It reminded me of how to engage with our autistic children this day and every day. Sometimes when our children engage in “self-stimulatory behaviour,” we don’t view it as functional so we don’t engage in it ourselves. Without making a big deal of it, try to do it quietly. The less words I use and the more I am with Adam, the more he can be with me. I am always taken aback at out loudly people talk to autistic children in particular, and how often we ask kids to mimic our “normal” behaviour. We need to take time to engage in the activities that make them happy. We also need to do it in order to see the value of our children as autistic people.
It’s cute. Enjoy it, and have a great Valentines Day, every day, with those you love.
ESTÉE KLAR
