Remnants of Autism: Language Still Weakness

Cameron!

I started home schooling Cam last week.  Part time.  He's in honors classes in math and science, so I'm not pulling him out of those classes.  I am starting with a few classes, specifically English.

Why?  In the local junior high, the class is actually called Language Arts.  AND it's a joke. Cameron was enrolled in ANOTHER English class to improve his LANGUAGE ARTS grade because Cameron doesn't write well. Does that make sense?

 I emailed the teacher a few times to ask why she is not teaching grammar and writing.  Her answers were not direct.  I met with the teacher, and her responses were "commercials".  They really seemed to be well rehearsed lines from the salesman who sold the district on the new Language Arts program that has been "tested throughout the nation and parents are thrilled with the subject matter."  Well, not this parent. 

Although Cameron was "UN"diagnosed with autism last year, any language-based subject is a weakness for Cameron.  So far, he's responding very well to home instruction, but he's a typical pre-teen. He is spunky and spirited.  He is curious, always needing input.

Cameron admits to being lazy, but when focused, he blasts through a ton of info.  He's quick to grasp the concepts.  I definitely have to stay 2-3 (or more) steps ahead.

Autism or not, this kid will challenge me more than I'll challenge him!

Autism and Music: Part IV The Rewards

Mike and I playing Alpine Snowfall

One of my favorite parts of school was missing class.  In grade school and high school I played for the choir.  Whenever we had field trips or extra practices, I thoroughly enjoyed missing my regular classes--thanks to being able to play the piano.

I also liked getting paid.  When I was 11 or 12, I played for my first wedding and funeral.  The organists didn't show up, and I volunteered (or was volunteered via my dad) to fill in.  I was surprised to get $25.  That was a lot of money back then.  It sure beat babysitting too!

Another great moment was when my oldest son, Mike, and I played a duet.  It was called Alpine Snowfall.  We played it many times that year--many recitals as well as for our own enjoyment.  Mike was 16.  I never thought I'd hear him ask me to practice WITH him.  We had a blast!

When Mike was 21, he thanked me for pushing him on the piano.  He is now 28 and owns his own piano.  He plays for his daughter.  That is success!

Nick before performing at a band concert

My other boys may not admit it, but they have experienced some great rewards due to their music and piano background.  ALL of them have played a second instrument.  Some of them play even a third or more.  Instruments include violin, trumpet, clarinet, sax, and several percussion instruments.

Stuart has pursued music to the collegiate level.  He earned a few scholarships.    Ryan has taught piano to several little kids over the summer.  Nick is in his sixth year in band in the school.  Cameron just finished two years of trumpet lessons.

There have been so many benefits of music and piano for my boys.  I love taking them to concerts.  Over the summer we enjoyed a concert tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John.  The boys were thoroughly entertained.  A concert we recently attended was by a male pianist/composer, but his music was very different than rock.  His music was classical.  All the boys liked it.  Nick insisted that I buy two CDs.  I asked, "Why?"  He simply replied, "I don't want to share."

I hope that my sons will continue to play throughout their lives.  There is no end to what music can do. 

Autism and Music: Another Door Opens - Part III

Nick age 2

Most people will not let their youngsters near that costly piece of furniture.  Not me.  My boys were encouraged to play my digital or grand piano at a very young age.  I wasn't so keen on all of them playing at once, so I purchased other keyboards or bells.

At a young age, most children have a natural sense of rhythm and are drawn to music.  To keep my boys interested in playing the piano, I knew I had to keep music fun.  I thought of what I liked and enjoyed from my own teachers, and I incorporated those techniques in my own teaching method.  If I thought of something that I didn't like from my former teachers, I didn't use it with my own students, especially my own boys.

Michael age 14

The first thing I don't do is insist that the lesson always be at the piano.  A typical lesson is 30 minutes, and sitting that long for some kids is painful.  When I see a student squirm, we get up.  Rhythm can be taught away from the keyboard, so we focus on rhythm.  I stomp the rhythm on the floor, and my student imitates.  Or I might get a drum to beat, and then offer the drum to my student to copy.  This is just one example of trying to keep the musical experience enjoyable.

Ryan age 3

This worked well for my boys too.  Movement for them was important.  I didn't know my boys had autism when they were so young, but reflecting back, movement helped them integrate into our world.  Ryan and Cameron were spinners.  They could spin for hours if I let them.  I later learned this was a way for them to relieve stress.

Now the boys are older, and the protests abound.  "I'd rather finish my computer game," anyone of them might say.  One time Ryan said he had to finish his chores before he could play the piano.  Well, not much has changed.  I thought of excuses too, but my parents simply said, "Piano, now."

To minimize the conflict, I let the boys pick music that appeals to them.  Movie themes, by far, are the most requested.  Musical selections from Pirates of the Caribbean, Lord of the Rings, or any John Williams tune are the most sought after.  Of course, songs on the radio also inspire my sons.  However, the more advanced they get, the more traditional or classical the music pieces become.  Mozart and Beethoven are never far out of reach.

When they have learned a piece, they have such a sense of accomplishment.  The self discipline required balances out this "instant-gratification" culture of ours. 

Part IV:  the rewards.