Autism Around Alberta – June 2018 Edition
Traveling with Eric
Kitty Parlby
This spring our family of four went for a long-overdue vacation. Eric had been asking for YEARS to go back to Orlando. We went when he was around twelve years old; now he is twenty-one and a solid 6 foot guy. I clearly remember the challenges of the flight and the trip back then, and was not sure what to expect now that he is much older.
To start with, we picked the first two weeks of May to travel, when our older son Adam finished his term at university. In this way we succeeded in avoiding the most crowded times at attractions in Orlando. I did a lot of travel prep with Eric, including watching YouTube videos of attractions and rides, looking at photos of where we’d be staying, checking the weather in Orlando, and including him in packing for the trip.
In my preteen years, my family discussed putting me on Prozac, but I went un-medicated through my teens and twenties. There was never any hard “no” to the use of medication; it just never happened, and I didn’t try to bring it up again. I did get aid from counsellors and support groups, but at the same time, I didn’t actually start to think differently about myself. There was never any conscious decision, but I gradually decided not to act as if I had Asperger’s. I decided that it would have no impact on my day-to-day life, or require other interventions.
If you are a new Autism Alberta member and an Autism Around Alberta subscriber, welcome. If you are already a member and subscriber, you will notice we have a new look. It was inspired by an easier way to put each issue together. We hope you will like the new look and that it will be easier than ever to enjoy Autism Around Alberta.
Minister Sabir with families of Albertans with disabilities and advocates speaking to the introduction of Bill 5: Act to Strengthen Financial Security for Persons with Disabilities.
Conor, my son on the spectrum, has a younger brother named Shea, age 5. I write so much about Conor that this time I wanted to write something about his brother and how autism has impacted him. I dedicate this article to all the amazing siblings out there – you are not only a brother or sister, but also an advocate, therapy assistant, friend, and so much more to our ASD children!
loves to play, and he brings Conor ‘out of himself’, because he won’t take no for an answer! It has been amazing to watch that bond and friendship grow. He loves to watch Conor’s basketball games, and now Conor is happy to watch him play hockey. They encourage and motivate each other, and Shea is a great role model for Conor.
It’s here – it’s autism awareness month! I really like the idea of sharing information and stories with the world around us; not just the elating and rewarding parts, but also the challenges and struggles. Because I do speaking, training and consulting on autism, I get more chances than most to do this. But any individual or family highly affected by autism can help others learn more, and I’m going to discuss some ways you can do that. Not everyone chooses to share; it’s a very individual choice. But for our family, it’s a year-round, everyday thing.
It is with great excitement and pride that I am taking on the role as President of Autism Society Alberta (ASA). I would like to thank our outgoing President, Deborah Barrett, for her dynamic leadership. Deborah has helped develop many great initiatives like Who Will Take Care of Our Kids, Autism Around Alberta, and Autism Alberta Alliance. Her leadership has also seen our organization become more financially viable. I hope we can continue to build on these initiatives, and to develop our strategic direction as our organization changes.
