Family Fun Friday…

Today should be called…

Myth Busters!

Not only about autism but also home education.

No autistic children do not have trouble maintaining friendships…with the right people…those with compassion and willing to accept #neurodiversity. In fact, they make amazing friends because they are devoted, compassionate themselves, and get this they actually mean what they say and say what they mean.

No home educated children are NOT locked away in closets. That is abuse…and just as many or more of those kids go to your schools. Home ed kids are out and about. Doing things. Having opportunities that schools don’t have the time to give them because of national curriculum designed to help them past a ‘standardized’ test. We are working on a non-standardized test too. It’s called…LIFE! They mix and learn to relate to people of all ages and in all situations. That is true socialization…not being locked in a room with the same people all their own age.

No ‘bullying’ is NOT acceptable. It is not ‘just the way things are’ as we were told by her school. And my autistic daughter does not need to ‘grow a thicker skin’. But true inclusion takes work. Not just throwing neurotypical and neurodivergent children together, ignore the differences, and hope for the best. You have to work at joint understanding. You have to proactively educate them about acceptance. And you nip it in the bud…quickly and soundly. In those circumstances, inclusions works! For everyone…neurodivergent, neurotypical and parents.

I could go on and on with this list…and probably will in the future. But I have work to do before we head off on our very full day.

Tater Man if he is around.

Then Home Ed Sports Day with our friends.

Then Family Fun Friday at the LC2…including climbing, adventure play, swimming and boardrider (surfing).

Maybe even Joe’s ice cream.

If that is not even socialization, then we are bringing our friends home for a bit. We usually have Meow-Meow, but this week Pineapple’s Mom has an end of year party at work so it is going to be Pineapple and Cookie Monster Jr.

That is a full day for anyone. But PanKwake will be in her glory…she loves her Fridays. I do too.