Well, summer's here, so David and his physics colleagues are busier than ever at the lab. As always, I'm nearby to assist David with keeping on schedule, taking stretching breaks, lunch time, etc. I'm so glad that David is able to do science as he always dreamed.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Summer Work
The Autism Spectrum ranges from "Level 1" (requiring some support) through "Level 3" (requiring very substantial support). My son, David M. Nisson, PhD, is at "Level 2" (requiring substantial support). He dreamed of earning college degrees in Experimental Physics, but only wealthy "Twice Exceptional" students could afford this. It's against my religious values to ignore "Talents", so, with my support, David went on to complete a Ph.D. at UC Davis Physics and contribute to the all-important world of scientific research. This blog serves both as a reference for the increasing numbers of parents following in my footsteps, and a warning that in addition to advocating for academic accommodations and arranging behavior programs, parents must also spend time studying medical issues that seem minor during childhood, and to
participate now in the reform efforts of crucial national agencies like SSA and HUD, and those of your city, county and state government to protect your sons' or daughters' futures.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
First Flight Recap
On July 20, 2010, I posted David's and my plan of attack to assure him an anxiety-reduced first flight. Some aspects of the plan we stuck with; others we abandoned. Here is what we did:
1. We visited the Sacramento Airport (SMF) and watched planes land and take off.
2. This was followed by reading about, and discussing, the physics and mechanics of air travel.
3. David practiced flight simulation online.
4. David then rode in a flight simulator at the Aerospace Museum of California, which replicates the experience of bad turbulence. (I rode in it too. It was fun!)
5. We phoned our nearby general aviation airport and arranged for a pilot to simply taxi David around in his Cessna, without actually taking off. The pilot was wonderful; he dispelled David's anxiety by calmly explaining the significance of sounds and flashing lights as they arose.
6. We purchased Sony Sound Isolating Headphones from Best Buy. These worked fine.
7. We made David's first flight just a little commuter trip from SFO to SMF, totaling a mere twenty minutes in the air, not including taxi.
8. We paid extra for the quick check-in through security.
9. When we made our reservations by phone, we INFORMED THE AIRLINE about David's autism, for which they were grateful.
We then did the same when we arrived at security. At the word "autism", TSA provided us our own security agent to accompany David and me through security, double checking that we had not absentmindedly left keys in our pockets, or water in our carry on baggage. How much of this was standard for autistic flyers, and how much was because I'd paid the extra fee, I don't know.
Finally, when we checked in at the airline itself (United Express), we double-checked that the flight crew had been informed of a disabled person's presence. All staff were friendly, and had David and I board before the "neuro-typical" passengers, so as to reduce the emotional stress that bumping elbows, etc, can create.
10. We got to the airport in plenty of time to use the restroom right before boarding, and to enjoy watching the tarmac dramas.
This plan worked for us. "Take what you want, and leave the rest". ~Peace and all good~
1. We visited the Sacramento Airport (SMF) and watched planes land and take off.
2. This was followed by reading about, and discussing, the physics and mechanics of air travel.
3. David practiced flight simulation online.
4. David then rode in a flight simulator at the Aerospace Museum of California, which replicates the experience of bad turbulence. (I rode in it too. It was fun!)
5. We phoned our nearby general aviation airport and arranged for a pilot to simply taxi David around in his Cessna, without actually taking off. The pilot was wonderful; he dispelled David's anxiety by calmly explaining the significance of sounds and flashing lights as they arose.
6. We purchased Sony Sound Isolating Headphones from Best Buy. These worked fine.
7. We made David's first flight just a little commuter trip from SFO to SMF, totaling a mere twenty minutes in the air, not including taxi.
8. We paid extra for the quick check-in through security.
9. When we made our reservations by phone, we INFORMED THE AIRLINE about David's autism, for which they were grateful.
We then did the same when we arrived at security. At the word "autism", TSA provided us our own security agent to accompany David and me through security, double checking that we had not absentmindedly left keys in our pockets, or water in our carry on baggage. How much of this was standard for autistic flyers, and how much was because I'd paid the extra fee, I don't know.
Finally, when we checked in at the airline itself (United Express), we double-checked that the flight crew had been informed of a disabled person's presence. All staff were friendly, and had David and I board before the "neuro-typical" passengers, so as to reduce the emotional stress that bumping elbows, etc, can create.
10. We got to the airport in plenty of time to use the restroom right before boarding, and to enjoy watching the tarmac dramas.
This plan worked for us. "Take what you want, and leave the rest". ~Peace and all good~
The Autism Spectrum ranges from "Level 1" (requiring some support) through "Level 3" (requiring very substantial support). My son, David M. Nisson, PhD, is at "Level 2" (requiring substantial support). He dreamed of earning college degrees in Experimental Physics, but only wealthy "Twice Exceptional" students could afford this. It's against my religious values to ignore "Talents", so, with my support, David went on to complete a Ph.D. at UC Davis Physics and contribute to the all-important world of scientific research. This blog serves both as a reference for the increasing numbers of parents following in my footsteps, and a warning that in addition to advocating for academic accommodations and arranging behavior programs, parents must also spend time studying medical issues that seem minor during childhood, and to
participate now in the reform efforts of crucial national agencies like SSA and HUD, and those of your city, county and state government to protect your sons' or daughters' futures.
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