Now I’m back to thinking about setting up a foundation\/writing a guide. What would be the most helpful, what is the most needed? Here is my list:<\/p>\n
1) A resource that gives parents a few clear paths to follow, at every<\/span> stage of development, for their atypically developing child (without being arrogant-pricklike). Diagnosis, school planning, IEP negotiating, middle school planning, resources for having fun, transition, vocational, independence-training, adulthood. A guide that gives parents a meaningful structure to explain to them the stage they are entering, a platform to cling to.<\/p>\n 2) A foundation that awards grants to families who need help with some aspect of family life. Grants to aid families in Siege Mode (when they are in crisis related to autism), grants to aid independence, grants for therapy for family members.<\/p>\n 3) A foundation that awards grants to families trying to have fun, in the midst of crisis. Doesn’t have to be autism-related.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>that is not billed as “therapeutic” or “pragmatic” or does the standard van-to-bowling-alley (not that there’s anything wrong with that). You see where this is leading? A place for kids to be kids, especially girls. My belief is that disabled girls are probably steered away from feminine fun, and that they sorely miss that stuff. Do they learn how to feel beautiful, do they ever feel empowered from within or without? That is what I could teach them, through bellydance and perhaps some personal shopping and make-up lessons. Makeovers! Ever since I saw Cinderella, my very first movie, and she transformed, bibitty-bobitty-boo, into a princess, I have been enthralled with the power of the makeover.