Bullying: Let's Find a Way to Stop It.

It's what we fear for our children: bullies. The world is no kinder than it was when we were children; I'm sure we can all remember the bullies of our childhood, even if we were never a target.

The stories of children who have been bullied continue unabated, a steady trickle in the news for the most sensational or tragic of the cases, but most stories are untold, unheard, silent. Children suffer, and parents ache as they fight the school districts to take their child's story seriously. How many of us simply pull our children from the schools, bring them home and teach them ourselves? I know that the complete inadequacy of the school systems to properly educate and protect my bright boy led to my bringing him home to educate him, and I watch my girls like a hawk to see how they're doing at school (so far there's been no bullying of them, although there have been the occasional tiffs that kids have).

Emily at A Life Less Ordinary? makes a call to action, to do something about bullying. Let's. Let's put our heads together as community members, parents and individuals, many of us undoubtedly at some point bullied, and work together to say no more to tolerance of the cruel actions of bullies.

If you are interested..

I just participated in a survey for a study being done by Columbia University. They were interested in hearing about my experience in getting my children diagnosed. Who it was that helped us. What we had to do, the services we were offered. It was a straightforward questionnaire with a section in which I could write our story down. They are looking for other parents to share their experiences. If you are interested, you can go to the site from here  and read all about it.  It is completely anonymous.  I hope that you will take the time to participate. Thanks.

New Blogs

We've added several new blogs this week, and we hope you'll look around and see if you spot some new faces, maybe drop by and say hi. :-)

Have you seen this site?

Cambridge Autism Concern: 

"CAC asks you to write politely to those involved to let them know you are aware and concerned about the situation. You can also publicise Peter's plight via social networks and blogs.

The authority responsible for Peter's care is:

Cambridgeshire Learning Disabilities Partnership

Telephone:0345 045 5221

Fax: 01223 475985

Practice Manager

Polly.Somersham@cambridgeshire.gov.uk"

I hope you'll take the time to look at the site and perhaps write a short note to the practice manager asking for help for "Peter."

The Directory Continues to Grow!

190 Parent Blogs

6 Blogs Relating to Disabilities

90 Blogs by Autistic Individuals

50 Hodge Podge of Autism-Related Blogs

3 Disability-Related Blogs (professional)

10 Personal Blogs Related to Disability

6 Networks/Forums

2 Blogs Seeking Submissions

4 New to Autism Recommended Sites

3 Blog Directories/Aggregates

The family member blogs is more than double the blogs by individuals on the spectrum (and other folks with disabilities). I'd really like to see there be more balance; we have so much to learn from folks who have walked similar paths that our children will walk. 

If you know of any blogs by folks on the spectrum that I'm missing, please send me the links so I can add them.

And remember, this is an inclusive directory with multiple points of views represented! :-)

Thanks,

Kim

Five minutes..the next step in community building..

Hi, I hope everyone is enjoying their weekends.  The school year has started (finally!) and I find myself almost overcome with joy. It was a long summer. I am looking forward to having a bit more time to write and read all the wonderful blogs on this directory. There are so many!  If either Kim or myself have not been by to greet you-give us time..we'll get there. If anyone knows of a blog or writes one that has not been included, please let us know. We'll be happy to add you.

I think that we as a community of bloggers are ready for a next step. So I am writing people to ask for a donation. A donation of five minutes of their time. Look through the directory and pick a blog at random.  One that you have never been to-and simply stop by and leave a comment..say hi, introduce yourself.You don't have to comment on the post..or even agree with it. This is about community building.  Lets make our community stronger...lets get to know our neighbors. Thanks.