The Autism Spirit: Pathways to Connection through the Heart

For parents and caregivers of those on the autism spectrum and related disorders:

Meet me at the EMARC Family Center in Reading, MA on Monday, September 26th at 7:00 PM!

The autism community is flooded with information about the science and behavioral aspects of this prevalent disorder but there’s something missing.  The Autism Spirit fills the gap and brings a new aspect to a deeper, more loving connection with the autistic person in your life.

In this presentation, you’ll learn:

• ·               Why it’s important to have a deeper connection with your loved one
• ·               Easy ways to understand what’s behind autistic behaviors
• ·               How to create pathways for communication that go beyond verbal or written words
• ·               The most important thing that your child with autism is here to teach YOU!

You’ll leave with practical tools that you can implement right away!

Tickets are $20 prepaid online at www.LeaMHill.com/Events or $25 at the door. 

*The Autism Spirit is open to those of all spiritual and religious practices and beliefs.  The information presented is in no way meant to be a substitute for traditional therapies and treatment for autism. The information provided does not constitute legal, psychological, medical, business, or financial advice. The attendee assumes responsibility for all of his/her own choices and/or actions.

Exciting New Things Happening

Gosh, it's been so long since I've posted a blog but I'm happy to be getting back to it now.  The last few months have been astonishingly life changing but in many good ways.  

First of all, the most exciting news is that The Society of Sylphs is complete and being reviewed by publishers.  I'll let you all know as soon as I get a pub date as I'm planning a big party and lots of promotional events!

Other news is that I've been getting involved with some amazing autism advocacy programs such as Autism Tomorrow, which is a handbook for parents of autistic children to help their child get ready for adult living.  It includes important topics such as career, living arrangements, and dating.  

And if you're in the vicinity of Bristol, Connecticut, please join me at Sheriden Woods Health Care Center on Sunday, Dec. 5th at 2pm for my talk about autism and the spiritual work that I do.  I'm excited to have the opportunity to combine both my passion for autism advocacy and my spiritual work all in one presenation.

Hope to see you soon!

Lea

The Spirit of Autism

Hi Everyone,

I normally don't use this blog to post the links to my radio show, The Spirit Connection, but I had to make an exception in this case for all my Sylph Society friends.

I've received so much positive feedback from my interview with William Stillman, who spoke about the spirit of autism and "Demystifying Autism from the Inside Out", that I'm posting the link here so you can listen to the show.  It will be on the main page until March 23rd and after that, can be found in the Archives listing.  

As you know, the main character in my young adult fantasy novel is a non-verbal autistic boy, so you can probably tell how passionate I am about this subject in the interview!

The Spirit of Autism on

The Spirit Connection

Lea M. Hill interviews William Stillman 

http://webtalkradio.net/shows/the-spirit-connection/ 

Feel free to respond to this blog post with your thoughts about the show. 

I look forward to hearing from you!

Living in Limbo

I feel like I’ve been living in limbo for the past several weeks.  I can feel changes coming, but don’t know when or from where they’ll approach.  It’s a strange feeling and, being the highly organized planner that I am, not a comfortable one. 

I’m seeing clues come to me from a variety of directions, but not sure which ones are most important for me to spend time and/or money on. 

One thing that’s come together recently is my new radio show called, The Spirit Connection, on WebTalkRadio.net.  I love the experience of interviewing fascinating guests who can offer easy, practical advice for people looking to expand their spiritual connection. 

I have lots of ideas as to where The Spirit Connection can take me, but also want to continue promoting the Sylph Society site as well.  I have a strong desire to continue my work with people on the autism spectrum and to fulfill my role as an autism advocate.  There are so many things I can do, but just need to find the right outlet(s) for them.

I’m hoping that soon Spirit will nudge me in the direction (or directions) that I need to take to move forward.  Until then, I’ll continue living in joy while waiting to be launched out of limbo.

Happy New Year and best wishes to all!

Inspiration at the Autism Support Center Annual Picnic

This weekend I attended the North Shore ARC's Autism Support Center Annual Picnic in Danvers, MA. 

There was a balloon artist, bubble machine, bouncy house, face painting, and lots of good food.  I met some wonderful people who showed their true passion for children with their excitement and never-ending smiles.

I was looking to talk to some of the kids for inspiration for my fantasy novel.  What I expected was to get the inspiration from the kids, but it actually came from one of the parents of a child with autism. 

Every time I asked Sam (not his real name) a question, his mother answered for him!  I wondered if it was because she was impatient or didn't think he could answer it.  Either way, one thing I've learned about autism is that it makes it harder to process language and therefore we must wait longer than usual to get a response. 

That little interchange gave me a lot of food for thought about how I want to have Eddie, the nonverbal autistic boy in my book, relate to adults. 

It was yet another reminder to me that people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Aspergers, and other special needs have a lot to say if we would only listen.