David has had a happy and successful year so far. He's done well in his classes, and looks forward to spending the summer devoted full-time to research.
He's progressing well in his preparation for flying. Last week, we visited Mr. Dick Tak at Sacramento's Executive Airport, who allowed us to taxi with him in his Cessna. Dave was perfectly fine. So, it's time, folks! The next step is flying. Here we go!
In the meantime, I'm still reading while David is in class or the laboratory. Recent reads have included Michon Mackedon's well-researched and highly entertaining Bombast: Spinning Atoms in the Desert. Also Freeman Walker by David Allen Cates. I've done some writing, too.
#30 (Champagen 6/8/20)
Monday, April 11, 2011
New Directions
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.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Lifeskill update-- flying
A lot of autistic people have a difficult time growing accustomed to flight travel, so I've designed a program to help David ease into it. We're starting by just watching planes land and take off at the local airport, and having David study statistics, so that he can see how much safer flying is than driving.
Next, we'll get into a small Cessna at a local airport.
_______________________________________________________
(#31 in "Champagne")
Next, we'll get into a small Cessna at a local airport.
_______________________________________________________
(#31 in "Champagne")
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.
23rd Birthday!
Happy twenty-third birthday to Dave! David's birthday coincides with Saint Patrick's Day, but this year we had to celebrate on a different day because March 17 fell right in the middle of Dave's final exams.In the photos above, you can see David at Old Spaghetti Factory with friends Diane and Greg (lower photo). In the top photo, you can see a very close close-up of Dave's face, and then from left to right are Maddy, Tim, Ed, Norman, Graciela and Brandon. A fine feast and happiness were shared by all that evening. Peace...
(#32 in "Champagne")
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, January 26, 2011
Sunshine!
Hasn't it been nice recently? Here's a photo of Dave with Pleasants Ridge behind him, in the nearby Coast Range Mountains. We love hiking, so Northern California is the perfect home for us!
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.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Lab
Well, the holidays sure passed quickly, didn't they. Happy New Year.
So now, David has time in his schedule to get serious about his laboratory work. This is tricky, because David's autism makes him a different sort of scientist to work with than the other group members. While he can focus quite well on math, physics troubleshooting, data analysis, and writing, he has trouble focusing on verbally-delivered information. Fortunately, the members of his research group are open-minded and welcoming toward David. I'm sure we'll work things out.
So now, David has time in his schedule to get serious about his laboratory work. This is tricky, because David's autism makes him a different sort of scientist to work with than the other group members. While he can focus quite well on math, physics troubleshooting, data analysis, and writing, he has trouble focusing on verbally-delivered information. Fortunately, the members of his research group are open-minded and welcoming toward David. I'm sure we'll work things out.
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, November 3, 2010
November
Hi All,
Where did October go so quickly?! Dave and I hope you're doing great. He's really enjoying his graduate-level courses, and looks forward to finding time to get back to laboratory work.
David has chosen a thesis for his Ph.D. How exciting!
We have much to be thankful for this holiday season.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Where did October go so quickly?! Dave and I hope you're doing great. He's really enjoying his graduate-level courses, and looks forward to finding time to get back to laboratory work.
David has chosen a thesis for his Ph.D. How exciting!
We have much to be thankful for this holiday season.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Crepes
While we mostly remain on a low-budget, homemade-food diet, I sometimes treat myself to letting someone else cook. When on-campus, this normally means "La Crepe", an authentic Alsatian mini-bistro that serves crepes exclusively. Michel and his crew have magically reproduced crepes exactly as my Grand-mere from Alsatian culture made hers. And, like my dear grand-mere, they don't keep the recipes a secret. Here's Michel's website if you want to cook a crepe at home:
http://crepeinstitute.com/
This last Friday Dave and I had lunch at Michel's bistro, and were happily joined by one of David's physics classmates, Francesca, who like David, has chosen to continue on at UCD in their fine graduate program after graduating here this last June. She graduated with honors and all have high hopes for her. Also, while Dave passed the first half of the Preliminary Exam (yay!), Francesca told us Friday that she passed the whole thing with her very first try! Kuddos, Francesca! We enjoyed our crepes and our conversation, and all had "un merveilleux temps".
http://crepeinstitute.com/
This last Friday Dave and I had lunch at Michel's bistro, and were happily joined by one of David's physics classmates, Francesca, who like David, has chosen to continue on at UCD in their fine graduate program after graduating here this last June. She graduated with honors and all have high hopes for her. Also, while Dave passed the first half of the Preliminary Exam (yay!), Francesca told us Friday that she passed the whole thing with her very first try! Kuddos, Francesca! We enjoyed our crepes and our conversation, and all had "un merveilleux temps".
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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