Elliot speaks by pointing to letters

Elliot's new blog site

2009-07-11T13:47:00.001-07:00

We recently (7/10/09) switched to a new blog site.

Elliot's new blog site can be viewed by following the link below:

Elliot's new blog site

G's talk

2009-07-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to text, pictures, and videos from G's talk about our family's experience with school, having a child with a disability (autism) to educate undergraduate students at Edgewood College 4/7/09

G's talk

15 minute segment of "60 Minutes" about Soma 2003

2009-05-07T17:40:00.001-07:00

60 Minutes on autism
Video sent by ir8chick

Segment on autism, featuring Tito, Dov, Soma, Jon and Portia.

Elliot with Soma - private video

2009-05-07T17:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a 4 1/2 minute video of Elliot working with Soma 3/13/09

Video of Elliot with Soma:
At HALO's request, the following in on a private blog -- to view Elliot working with Soma, we need to give you access - send an email request to us at hgeesbennett@pol.net

Elliot with Soma

April 13-17, 2009 - Austin, TX

2009-05-02T17:34:00.001-07:00

Soma would always have Elliot warm up with academic lessons in history or science or write a story before asking him our many open ended questions we wanted to ask him.

1st story

A girl was very tired. So she went to do her nails. There she picked up some habit of biting her nails.
She came home and could not stop biting her nails. She bit her finger nails and then her toe nails.
Next, when they were gone, she began to bite off others’ nails. She couldn’t stop.
She was taken to a doctor. She had not been still at the doctor’s place, too. She bit his finger and toe nails till she was done. No one could stop her. The doctor was stunned. He was not sure what to do and gave her some sleeping pills. He was not sure what to do as she slept for two minutes.
Finally, she went to a dentist. He pulled out her teeth after she chewed his nails.

2nd story

A fish wanted to surf. It needed a board. So, it pushed a surfer down and got his board. He was not good at surfing but, he was not used to breathing air. He went back to the water.

Re: running and track, stress and stress about the future

Gzzz Josh Estep wants to know how do you feel about pushing
zzzzzyourself hard during races – sometimes to the point where
zzzzz it hurts a little – he says you have more in you and you
zzzzzcould go faster. We are though interested in your running
zzzz the rest of your life for health and enjoyment.

E zzzI don’t want competition.

GzzzDo you really want to wear your sunglasses when you run?

E zzzIt is habit. (Soma suggests he likes it and we should let him.)

G zzzHow about wearing a baseball hat?

E zzzIt looks good.

G zzzIs there anything you dislike about running or track?

E zzzNo, I like it.

G zzzWhat do you like about running?

Ezzz It is something I don’t stress about.

Gzzz Do you want to run in a race at track meets?

Ezzz Oh yes, just to enjoy.

Gzzz You chose coming to Austin this week over 2 track meets.
zzzzzAre you bummed you missed 2 track meets?

Ezzz Oh no, I want to be in group session.

Gzzz What do you stress about?

Ezzz When it comes to behaving certain way.

Szzz Maybe he has more to say.

EzzzTaking tests, future thoughts.

Gzzz Are you stressed about the future?

Ezzz Yes.

Gzzz Like what?

Ezzz How will it look like when I am older.

Soma reassured El that it is good to think about the future.
Even some children, who are typical, don’t think about the future.
They may get involved in different kinds of relationships or
activities. In Austin, they are planning a community garden,
activities and more publications so there will be good activities to do.

Ezzz When can I work weekends?
zzzzz(meaning, he would like to come to work with Soma not just
zzzzzduring the week when the clinic is open.)

Gzzz This is from Erin, “Sorry El, this is about feelings. Do you get
zzzzzfrustrated when you can’t say things you want or think?”

Ezzz When I am stuck in one thought I am frustrated.

Gzzz Can we do anything to help or do anything to help you help
zzzzzyourself?

Ezzz I think running helps.

Gzzz How many miles do you want to run? It’s 3 miles to Picnic
zzzzzPoint, 5 miles to the Union and you usually do 8 in track?

Ezzz Does Tito run? (Soma’s 20 year old son with autism who
zzzzzhas written 3 books)

Soma explains that Tito is not currently into running.

Ezzz It is good to run for I can feel my mind resting.

Gzzz So, do you mind running 3, 5 or 8 miles or different amounts?
zzzzzI won’t have you run more than 8.

EzzzzNo, I don’t mind.

Gzzz Do you want a summer job? If you do, which one?

Ezzz Running coach.

Gzzz Do you want your ipod or not want your ipod when running?

Ezzz Want it.

Gzzz What songs? Does it matter?

EzzzzNo, I think I like them all.

Re: school, academics, learning

GzzzDo you want lessons in painting or you just want to paint on
zzzzzyour own?

Ezzz I think a lesson will help.

Gzzz Are you still interested in painting?

Ezzz I think I want to try.

Gzzz What would be ideal for you – or kids like you. Homeschool?
zzzzzA school with just Soma and students like you?
zzzzzBeing in your neighborhood school with all different kinds of
zzzzzkids? Some combination?

Ezzz I don’t know but, I learn best with few children.

Gzz zClarify or talk more about Mom going to school with you.
zzzzzI think you would really like to go independently but,
zzzzzif you need someone with you. Has it been OK that I go to
zzzzzschool with you or embarrassing?

Ezzz It is not a good idea you coming because I am big.

Gzzz How is it with Matt?

Ezzz It is better.

Gzzz How about with Josh Estep?

Ezzz Not a bad idea.

Gzzz How about Amanda?

EzzzzCould it be a man?

GzzzzWhat did you think of the channel 27 sports news about you?
zzzzzzGood, OK or embarrassing?

Ezzz It did not matter. I am not a media person.

Gzzz Do you want to go to prom with Sami and one of her friends?

Ezzz I can go and if it becomes noisy, I can come back.

GzzzIf I can’t get Josh or Matt to go more to school with you or,
zzzzzif they are sick, do you want to stay home or do you want
zzzzzme to go to school with you?

Ezzz OK. You can come but, try to look professional
zzzzand not mom.

Gzzz Can you give me an example?

EzzzzDon’t be emotional.

Gzzz Can you give me an example when I was emotional?
zzzzzI don’t want to dwell too much into this but,
zzzzzI really want to understand so I can do it right.

Ezz IIf I am trying to be a student, treat me like one.
zzzzNot a son.

Gzzz El, when you go up to people in the hall or the library (at
zzzzz school) - and you say, “can I ask your name?” - and then
zzzzz you say hi to them - do you really want to do that or is it
zzzzza stim? Should I let you do it? It is very friendly.

Ezzz It is a way to ease my mind from scare of people.

Gzzz Are you scared of people?

Ezzz Sensitive.

Soma explained that Elliot is sensitive, more sensitive and this
desensitizes him.

Gzzz Do you want to wear a cap and gown and go through West
zzzzzgraduation at the Kohl Center Saturday June 13th? Erin never
zzzzzdid. You won’t get a diploma. They would give you a
zzzzzcertificate. Erin wanted me to tell you that you could take a
zzzzztest someday and get a GED but, you don’t have to. She didn’t.
zzzzzWould it be humiliating because they would just be giving
zzzzzyou a certificate?

Ezzz I don’t have any idea how it will help me.

Gzzz El, have you thought about it yet – do you think you want to
zzzzzdo the graduation ceremony at the Kohl Center?

Ezzz I can tell you tomorrow.

GzzzIs there a message you would want to give your class?

Ezzz Take life as it comes.

Gzzz Do you want to have an open house party like Erin did –
zzzzzcelebrating finishing high school? She didn’t graduate either –
zzzzzshe partial homeschooled.

Ezzz I don’t know how chaotic that will be.

Gzzz It would be a little chaotic.
zzzzzWould you want a few people or not have a party at all?

Ezzz Let’s have few.

Gzzz El, have you thought about it yet – do you think you want to
zzzzzdo the graduation ceremony at the Kohl Center?

Ezzz I can go I think.

Gzzz Did you like going to classes with Erin at UCSD this Spring
zzzzzBreak?

Ez zz Yes, but I don’t know how it will be everyday.

Gzzz This fall, I was thinking you could take one class at UW,
zzzzzbig bands class. Josh Estep would go with you. Maybe in the
zzzzzspring, you could take the marathon training class, not that
zzzzzyou would run a marathon right now. The most they run in
zzzzzpractice is 8 miles. Or, do you want to take a class that is
zzzzzmore academic? Or, we just read to you at home, do
zzzzzShakespeare with Richard and come to Austin?

Ezzz Do Shakespeare.

Gz zzDo you want to do the big bands class and marathon training
zzzzzclass?

EzzzzI can try.

Gzzz Would you like to choose different classes?

E zzzI am bad to choose.

Gzzz Erin had a question. To learn, do you prefer to be read to,
zzzzz watch videos, listen to books on tape or listen to lectures?

Ezzz If the speaker has a good voice, I like it.

Gzzz What kind of voice?

EzzzHard to describe.

Gzzz How was it doing ABA all those years? a waste of time?
zzzzzkind of degrading?

Ezzz No, it was OK. We knew no better.

Gzzz Are we reading to you too much?

Ezzz Sometimes. One day can have three pages at a time.

Soma suggested to read three pages and take a break.

Gzzz What is your favorite book so far (that we have read to you)?
zzzzzThe Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, The Giver, Bo Ryan’s book,
zzzzzThe Little Prince, Sideways Stories from Wayside School,
zzzzzHarry Potter?

Ezzz Little Prince.

Gzzz Why?

Ezzz Compassionate.

Gzzz Do you want to take piano lessons?

Ezzz Yes.

Gzzz Do you want to have an open house party like Erin did –
zzzzzcelebrating finishing high school? You know she did not
zzzzzgraduate either – she partial homeschooled.

Ezzz Let’s do it outside house. In a cafe.

Gzzz Do you think you could read a book to yourself or it’s really
zzzzzbetter if other people read to you and why?

Ezzz It is better if others read. My eyes can lose
zzzzthe right word.

Gzzz Do you think if we helped you with a bookmark or follow with
zzzzzyour finger?

Ezzz I want to hear it.

Gzzz Sami listens to a lot of books on tape. Do you think that would
zzzzz be good or you’d get distracted?

Ezzz Distracted.

Gzzz What did you think of my talk?

Ezzz I think it was good. It was clear.

Here is a link to text, pictures, and videos from G's talk about our family's experience with school, having a child with a disability (autism) to education undergraduate students at Edgewood College 4/7/09

G's talk

Re: communicating

Gzzz Erin was wondering, is it hard for you to make a choice when
zzzzzwe ask you verbally? Would it work better or be more
zzzzzcomfortable if we asked you a different way?

Ezzz Written choice is better.

Gzzz Can you tell me why it is easier for you to point to letters
zzzzzto make sentences with Soma than it is with me?

Ezzz She is transparent.

Gzzz Why is it easier to point with your finger than talk with your
zzzzz mouth?

Ezzz I don’t know.

Szzz (referring to the letter board) Maybe this gives you more time
zzzzzto organize your thoughts.

Ezzz Yes.

Gzzz Erin wants to know – when you’re around new people, Erin
zzzzzwould like something to say. She doesn’t have to. But, she
zzzzz would like to let them know how you communicate. Is there
zzzzz something you would like us to say to people so they know
zzzzzwhere you are coming from and something that would make
zzzzz you feel more comfortable in the conversation?

Ezzz I don’t know how she will show.

Gzzz You were verbally saying “slide” at the park.
zzzzzDid you really want to slide?

Ezzz Yes.

Soma said how Tito can’t resist swings.

Gzzz El, I was wondering, when you want to say something and
zzzzzyour mouth won’t say it, can you describe that?

Ezzz Einstein doesn’t want to talk.

Gzzz What does that mean? Can you say a little more? Or, maybe
zzzzz you don’t want to.

Ezzz E-I-N

Szzz No, we are not going to talk about Einstein.

Ezzz I don’t want to tell.

Gzzz When you said it was easier with Soma than it is with me, you
zzzzz said Soma was transparent. Can you say more about that or
zzzzzyou don’t want to?

Ezzz I can see through my thoughts.

Gzzz Can you say more?

Ezzz It must be something only I can see.

Gzzz You have said for years, “Office Depot. Black and white
zzzzzsicker.” What do you mean by this?

Ezzz No, it is my sound stim.

Gzzz Is there something you want to say to Dad?

Ezzz I wish he could be here.

Gzzz Why do you wish Dad was here?

Ezzz It feels good with my showing off when all are
zzzzwatching.

Gzzz What can we trust from your verbal expressions?
zzzzzLike, you said, “slide, slide” - you did want to.
zzzzzBut, sometimes, does your mouth say things you don’t mean?

Ezzz Yes.

Soma says to present him with written choices.

Gzzz When you said Soma was transparent – about your thoughts
zzzzz– it is easy with her, I was wondering, do you kind of mean
zzzzz that she can kind of read your mind and help predict when
zzzzzyou start to spell? She is excellent at predicting.

Ezzz It is good to see transparent people. It is like a mirror
zzzzfeelings. It is like seeing my own image in a clear way.

G zzzWhy do you say “eeeee”?

Ezzz It happens. It is not intentional.

Re: trips, sporting events

Gzzz A question about the written choice though is – when we’re
zzzzzhere with Soma, you say you only want to go to 1 or 2
zzzzz sporting events or you don’t want to go too much. But, every
zzzzztime we give you a written choice at home,you want to go all
zzzzzthe time. I don’t understand. Do you really want to go all the
zzzz ztime when we give you a choice or you only pick it because
zzzzz it’s on your schedule?

Ezzz It is not possible from Austin.

Soma explains that it is far away from Austin, to do those activities
but, in Madison, it is possible.

Ezzz Yes.

Gzzz Meaning, in Austin, you wouldn’t choose those things but,
zzzzzwhen you are in Madison, you would?

Ezzz Yes.

Gzzz Our plan is to try to come more permanently to Austin but,
zzzzzwe have to wait 2 years for Sami to finish high school.

Ezzz It is good to be here.

Gzzz Do you want to go to CO July 5-7 with Dad for a Bennett get
zzzzz together?

Ezzz Yes, I can go. I like going with Dad.

Gzzz Do you really want to go to surf camp in San Diego this
zzzzzsummer? Or, a Bob Dylan concert in San Francisco or San
zzzzzDiego?

Ezzz ‘Can go to both.

Gzzz Every time Dad goes to Petersburg to visit do you want to go
zzzzz or just sometimes?

Ezzz Some games, not all.

Gzzz How would you rank these – where would you most like to
zzzzzvisit? San Diego, San Francisco, HI, St. Louis, Denver, Austin,
zzzzz Petersburg or Marseilles or stay home?

Ezzz All are cool places.

Gzzz Do you want to go to Darren and Lisa’s wedding in Chicago
zzzzzthis New Year’s Eve with Dad? Sami and I will stay home.
zzzzzNot sure about Erin.

Ezzz Why can’t we all go? It will be a big igathering.

Gzzz It is chaotic for Sami. She doesn’t like traveling.
zzzzzUnfortunately for me, I have kind of had a problem with the
zzzzzBennett family – it just hasn’t worked out for us – but, I
zzzzzwould go except I will stay home with Sami.

Ezzz Will it be chaotic?

Gzzz Yeah, it will be a little chaotic. But, it will be in a hotel.
zzzzzYou will have your room and you can come and go.
zzzzzYou will go to the church and it will also be like a New Year’s
zzzzz Eve party. Do you think you want to go?

Ezzz OK, I can try.

Gzzz I will make it as less chaotic as I can for you.

Gzzz Do you want Surfer’s Healing for just a 1/2 day in San Diego
zzzzzor do you want surf camp for a whole week? And, they stay in
zzzzz a tent on the beach, do you want that or a hotel?

Ezzz Hotel is good. Week can be long but, it will not hurt.

Gzzz Do you want Dad to go to surf camp with you or Mom or it
zzzzz doesn’t matter?

Ezz zBoth.

Gzzz What outdoor sports do you like?

Ezzz Soccer or football.

Gzzz Sami wanted to know, when a game is not on TV and you get
zzzzz frustrated that you can’t watch it – what should we do?

Ezzz It is not her problem. I need to be patient.

Gzzz Why are you so upset when a hockey game it tied 0 to 0?

Ezzz I don’t like number zero.

GzzzWhy are you upset whenever it is tied, eg. 2 to 2

EzzzWhat’s the use of playing if no one wins.

Gzzz Do you want to water ski this summer?

Ezzz Yes, with all of you.

Gzzz Did you really want to jump over that ramp water skiing,
zzzzzor was that pretty silly I let you do that?

Ezzz It was fun.

Gzzz Do you like snow skiing?

E zzz Yes.

Gzzz On Saturday, when we get back, do you want to go to the UW
zzzzzfootball spring scrimmage with Dad?

EzzzIs it tiring to fly back?

Gzzz We get back Friday and the game is Saturday. Do you want
zzzzzto relax or go to the game?

Ezzz Go to the game.

Gzzz We went to one West baseball game. Do you want to go to
zzzzz more?

Ezzz I am good with them. (Soma clarified that he would like to
zzzzzgo to more.)

I showed El the UW and Illinois ’09 football schedules. Soma asks
him to circle which games he wanted to go to. He basically circled
them all.

Gzzz Do you want to go to all those games?

Ezzz Yes.

Gzzz Do you want to see a San Diego Chargers game or Green Bay
zzzzz Packers game this fall? Do you want to go to a Chicago Bulls
zzzzzor Chicago Blackhawks etc. etc.

Ezzz Yes.

G explained to Soma and Elliot that we have an issue about going
to all of these games. When we are at home and we give Elliot a
choice, he always chooses to go. When we first came to Austin,
Elliot said “one or two a month”, “I get stressed”.

Ezzz I can change my mind.

S zzzWhat do you want to do? We can do some creative writing
zzzzzsurrounding your games.

It is not the games I watch.
It is being there I like.
Everyone around keeps his focus on the field
and, it becomes very exciting to be a part of it.
I like to shout when others shout.
I like to jump when others jump.
It is good to be excited.

Ezzz How about you?

Soma explains that in her recent reading about the brain, the brain
(as a society, the brain) is changing. It wants more stimulation and
distraction. Soma states that she does not need that. She gets
visually tired after being at the mall.

E zzzIt is a habit.

Misc. questions

Gzzz Erin is curious – how do you feel about food.
zzzzzDo you want to try new foods?

Ezzz No. I am happy with what I eat.

Gzzz Why do you like going to Marge’s so much?
zzzzzIs it just a habit or something you really like?

Ezzz Habit. I am a boy of habits.

Gzzz So, is it good to keep going or would you like me to break you
zzzzzof some habits – or is this a good habit to keep doing?

Ezzz Don’t want to break it.

Gzzz Is their something you want to say to me?

Ezzz Can you take me to see a nails place?

Gzzz Why are you interested in nails?

Ezzz Fingers are so interesting. So are the toes.

Gzzz Is there something you would like to say to Erin?

Ezzz I am proud of her.

Gzzz Why are you proud of her?

Ezzz What she is.

Gzzz Is there something you want to say to Sami?

Ezzz She is so gentle with everyone.

Gzzz Cindy at West High School wants to know what you think of
zzzzz her. If it’s private, I don’t have to tell her.

Ezzz Her face is nice.

Gzzz Why do you pick a character for people? Is it just fun?
zzzzzeg. Mom/Ellen (from Mary Poppins)

Ezzz Fun.

Gzzz Why do you like Mary Poppins so much – or just an old habit
zzzzz that you love?

Ezzz Habit.

Gzzz The first time we were in Austin, you were going to bed and
zzzzz you said, “bye Mary Poppins”. Was that just acting out a
zzzzzscene from a movie or did it have any meaning?

Ezzz Movie but, I don’t remember.

Gzzz Do you like acting out scenes from movies – you’re really
zzzzzgood. Or, is it just fun like “I Have a Golden Ticket”?

Ezzz Fun.

Gzzz Would you like to cook?

Ezzz That is good.

G zzz How about household chores?

E zzz Not yet.

Gzzz How about shower yourself? (He’ll never turn the water off.)

E zzz Does Tito shower?

Soma answers.

Gzzz El, you probably want to do a shower yourself?

Ezzz Yes, I can try.

Gzzz Was it fun or not fun hanging out with Nick last night?
zzzzz(Nick – 14 year old with autism from Middleton, WI
zzzzzwho is presently living in Austin, TX who sees Soma
zzzzzand was at group with Elliot 4/14/09)

Ezzz It was great!

Gzzz Do we have to keep ordering DVDs and videos that you
zzzzzalready have? How about replacing them only if they are
zzzzzbroke?

Ezzz No, the usual ones. I get stressed with new ones.

GzzzDo you like acting/drama?

Ezzz I like to stim with dialogues.

G zzzDo you like acting?

E zzz I like to watch.

Gzzz Do you like dancing to “I have a Golden Ticket”?

E zzz I like it.

Gzzz What is your favorite song?

E zzzIt depends.

Gzzz What did you think of the autism documentaries we went to
zzzzzsee in Madison last Saturday?

Ezzz Depressing.

G zzzSo did I.

Gzzz What kind of clothes do you like to wear?

E zzz Popular clothes.

Gzzz What kind of shoes? Tennis shoes, sandals?

E zzz Doesn’t matter. Anything.

Gzzz What kind of jackets?

Ezzz Jackets are good. They are heavy.

Gzzz Heavy as warm or heavy?

Ezzz Heavy.

G zzzHow about the bracelets that you wear –is it habit or you
zzzzz really like it?

E zzzI like Soma’s bracelets – metal.

G zzz Do you like to wear your bracelets or is it a habit or a stim?

E zzz It feels good.

Gzzz I assume you like your watch?

E zzzYes.

G zzzWhat is your favorite song?

Ezzz In Texas, I like country.

G zzz Are you bored at home?

E zzzNo.

GzzzWhy do you call Paul and Arnie “Uncle Paul” and “Uncle
zzzzzArnie”?

Ezzz It suites their names.

G zzzDo we really have to trick-or-treat this Halloween or are you
zzzzz getting too old – or we really need to keep going?

Ezzz No, I am done.

Group session 4/14/09

Only Elliot and Nick (14 years old from Middleton, WI!) were able
to make group so, the session was rather informal.

Soma:zzzWhat should we talk about?

Elliot:zzzHow about Wisconsin?

Nick:zzz I think economy.

Soma talks about a group from New York who are doing a fund
raiser for HALO. She says that if it goes well, maybe they can have
a fund raiser in Austin.

Elliot:zzzzIt is crowded.

Nick:zzzzzI can have something big here.

Elliot:zzz It is good to plan something.

Nick:zzzz Yes, fun event.

Soma talks about (I can’t remember and I don’t have the DVD of
this session. I only have my notes. I didn’t write down everything
Soma said.)

Elliot:zzz I think you should not pay too much.

Nick:zzzzI don’t like adult events.

Soma

Elliot: zzzToday’s economy will change.

Soma talks about some HALO parents going to the capital today.

Nick:zzzz I could meet senators.

Soma

Elliot: zzz It is good to go to a professional.

Nick: zzzz I bring some good ideas. Why can’t you write in the
zzzzzzzzzzforum? (on the HALO website)

Soma says that it would be good to have a short DVD about HALO
to give to representatives at the fund raiser.

Elliot:zzz It is good to have subtitles.

Soma

Nick:zzzz It will be good to have some cards.

Soma says she would like to have HALO coffee mugs and other
HALO items to sell.

Elliot: zzz A big coffee mug.

Nick:zzzz Maybe hat. (HALO hat)

Soma asks what color HALO t-shirts they should sell.

Elliot:zzz Green.

Soma asks what kind of green?

Elliot:zzz Olive.

Nick: zzzzIt is good to have blue shirts.

Soma asked what kind of blue?

Nick: zzzz Sky blue.

Elliot:zzz I am thinking of a better plan.
zzzzzzzzzHow about Christmas cards?

Soma says that they could put kids’ faces from HALO on the card.

Nick: zzzz A group of faces.

Soma:zzz What will you do the rest of the day today?

Elliot: zzz I may relax in my room.

Nick: zzzz I don’t mind going for a walk.

Elliot:zzz I think I don’t mind walking.

Nick:zzzz Maybe watch the news.

Soma talks about the latest news. She talks about how Obama
says he will take care of everything – everyone likes that.

Elliot: zzz I like his confidence.

Soma suggests to read bbc.com.

Elliot:zzz It is good to be informed.

Nick:zzzz How was the snow this year?

Elliot: zzzIt was bad but, it is now spring.

Soma talks about something (I don’t remember)

Nick:zzzz It’s an experiment clinic.

Elliot: zzzI’m scared too many interventions.

Nick: zzzzI don’t like busy therapy centers.

Elliot: zzz Done.

Group session 4/17/09:

Soma: zzzWhat do you want to talk about?

Alex:zzzzzStimulus package.

Hank:zzz Heard it in the news.

Elliot:zzz I don’t like political news.

Mason:zz It can help autism.

Alex:zzzzzIt has many draw backs.

Hank: zzzNext topic numbers.

Matt:zzz I think in numbers (Matt has been playing with a large
zzzzzzzzzplastic number “5” toy and a large plastic number “6”
zzzzzzzzztoy .)

Elliot: zzzIt is good to see numbers in front to think.

Mason:zz I don’t enjoy numbers.

Alex:zzzzzWhen I see numbers, I think of calculation.

Hank:zzzPeople are like numbers.

Matt:zzzI always assign numbers to people.

Elliot:zzzNext topic girls.

Mason: zzGirls think I am cool.

Alex:zzzzz I don’t think you have autism Mason, that’s why.

Mason can talk some but, he spells much more elaborately than he
speaks. Soma explains that there are all different kinds of autism.
Some can talk, some can talk some and, some have difficulty
talking at all.

Hank:zzz I try to be happy without thinking about them.

Matt:zzz It is not easy to not think about them.

Elliot: zzzGirls like me but, not seriously.

Mason:zz I don’t think they will tell you.

Soma agrees – they may not say.

Alex: zzzzzMost girls I like don’t have autism.

Soma says it is OK to like typical girls.

Hank:zzz I make up girls around me.

Matt:zzz It is easy that way to do.

Elliot:zzz I like to tell them something but, I can’t.

Mason:zz I am good with them.

Soma: zzz We have some who are confident -some not confident -
zzzzzzzzzzsome not sure.

Alex: zzzzzI am looking at a different future for me.

Hank:zzz It is easy to think about totally.

Matt: zzzI am hoping to work as a thinker.

Elliot:zzz I want to play for a team.

Mason:zz I am working to be an artist.

Alex: zzzzz If I have a choice, I could be a pastor.

Hank:zzz I don’t want to not be anything.

Friday, March 13, 2009 - Austin, TX

2009-03-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

Session 1

Elliot: When I was nine I thought I was not smart
zzzzzz because my sisters did not go to
zzzzzz Special Ed programs like me.
zzzzzz I did badly in my IQ tests.
zzzzz zI knew my family loved me, but I was embarrassed
zzzzzz to be part of them.
zzzzzz Today I don’t believe in IQ tests.
zzzzz zIt makes boys like me feel foolish.

zzzzz zWhen I was still young I thought I would never grow big.
zzzzzz I never realized that I actually was growing up.
zzzzzz No one told me how to grow up.
zzzzzz I did grow up, and today I know I will grow up further.
zzzzzz I don’t know how that will feel
zzzzzz but, I am trying to feel positive.

(Prior to Elliot spelling the above out, when Soma asked him what he wanted to talk about at the beginning of the session, he spelled “poem,” so she had gone over the following poem by Vachel Lindsay:
Old Euclid drew a circle
On a sand beach long ago.
He bounded it and enclosed it
With angles thus and so.
His set of solemn greybeards
Nodded and argued much
Of arc and circumference
Diameter and such.
A silent child stood by them
From morning till noon
Because they drew such charming
Pictures of the moon.
She asked him questions about it as she went along, for example, she asked him “do you know what solemn means?” and Elliot said, “I think serious.” After going over the poem, Soma said depending on our age, we view things differently, and asked Elliot for 2 examples of how he viewed things differently when he was a child compared to now. )

At the end of the first session:

Elliot: z Dad and I go back in the evening.

Elliot: z Are we having group today?

Soma: z Yes, we are. Mason and Cody will be there.

Elliot: z Matt?

Soma: z Matt will not be there. But I will tell him
z i z i z i when he comes next time
zzzzzz z that you remembered him.

Elliot: z i Hank?

Soma: z iYes Hank will be there.

Session 2:

Soma: z i What do you want to talk about today?

El: z i z i zHow about Spring Break?

zzzzzz z z I hope Spring Break is rain-free.

z i z i z i z (It was raining that day in Austin)

Soma: z i Yeah, I think they said it would be better on Sunday.

zzzzzzz z iBut I don't know about at your place.

El: z i z i zIt would be nice if we could all go to the beach.

zzzzzzzz (Elliot's mouth is saying "Whole Foods, get soy sauce"
z i z i z i z while his finger is pointing to letters spelling
z i z i z i z these words in italics)

zzzzzzz z iI am tired of cold weather.

zzzzzzz z iI want to escape to the sunshine.

zzzzzzz z iI love San Francisco.

zzzzzzz z iIt has a big ocean to watch.

Soma: z i I used to go to the Bay area a lot
z i z i z i z when I lived in California.

El: z i z i zI don't mind parking problems.

Soma: z i Oh, yes, San Francisco has parking problems.

El: z i z i zMost of my time during Spring Break

z i z i z i z can be spent on painting.

zzzzzzz z iI wish I were an artist.

Soma: z i What do you think you and Dad can do together?

El: z i z i zRunning.

zzzzzzz z iHim driving us around.

zzzzzzz z iHim watching football with me.

Soma: z i What would you like to do with Mom?

El: z i z i zHer reading to me.

zzzzzzz z iAnd hearing her talk on the phone.

zzzzzzz z iI have a question.

zzzzzzz z iWas there a party?

Soma: z i Yes, a send-off party for Caitlyn. She is training Trish
zzzzzzz z iwho will start working and then Caitlyn is leaving.
zzzzzzz z iThe party was for her.

El: z i z i zIs she going?

Soma: z i Yes, she is going to another job, with a larger company.
zzzzzzz z It is a good job for her. She will make more money.
zzzzzzz z iSo she is leaving, and Trish will be working here.

El: z i z i zI don't like changes.

Soma: z i There are certain changes we need to accept,
z i z i z i z whether we like it or not.
zzzzzzz z iNew people come, and might bring something new
z i z i z i z and that can be good.

El: z i z i zIt is hard to adjust.

Soma then let Hal ask questions for the last few minutes.

H: z i z i z I know we have talked about sporting events and
z i z i z i z there are a lot we go to; and I want to talk to you
z i z i z i z about how many you want to go to.

El: z i z i z Not too many.

zzzzzzz z i Sometimes I want alone time.

H: z i z i z Would you like 1 or 2 a week, 1 a month, 1 a season,
z i z i z i z or what would be good?

El: z i z i z One a month or two a month.

H: z i z i z iPut in order what you would want to do:
zzzzzzz z i Go to sporting events, play golf, run, read, travel.

El: z i z i z Run

zzzzzzz z i Travel

zzzzzzz z i Read

zzzzzzz z i The other 2 depends upon the mood.

H: z i z i z Is there something else you would like to do?

El: z i z i z I can paint.

Group Session:

Soma: z i Cody, what are we going to talk about?

Cody: z i I am Cody. I like mysteries.

Hank: z i I am Hank. I like bowling.

El: z i z i zI am Elliot. I like poetry.

Mason: z I am Mason. I like art.

Cody: z i I like sculpture.

Hank: z i I wish I knew that.

El: z i z i Sometimes I like dancing.

Mason: zDancing is very interesting.

Cody: z i Most of my time is spent in thinking.

Hank: z i I am scared to think.

El: z i z i I am not scared to think.

Mason: zWhy are you scared to think?

Cody: z i It is nice to know - tell us.

Hank: z i It makes me stressed.

El: z i z i zI become stressed too, but not scared of it.

Mason: z I get stressed when I see others stressed.

Cody: z i When I am stressed my eyes close.

Hank: z i I begin to scream.

El: z i z i zI think you can try ipod.

Mason: z That's why I draw.

Cody: z i What will you do for Spring Break?

Hank: z i Horse riding.

El: z i z i zI asked to take me to the beach.

Mason: z Probably skiing. (His mom said they told him they
z i z i z i z probably cannot go skiing)

Cody: z i You can come to my house.

Hank: z i Can you draw my face?

El: z i z i zI am sure he can.

Mason: z I can't make good eye contact, so faces are hard.

Cody: z i It is funny. I don't make good eye contact too.

Hank: z i No one has ever drawn me.

El: z i z i zI will bring my camera next time.

Mason: z I like animals and I draw them.

Cody: z i I wish you heard my animal story today.

Hank: z i I made some great stories.

El: z i z i zI wish I lived here.

Mason: z See you a week after.

Group Session - Feb. 27, 2009

2009-03-01T15:48:00.000-08:00

(all different boys than 2/24/09)

Elliot---- I am so glad to be in group.

boy 1----I think I am too tired this Friday.

boy 2----(his first time ever at group) I am not tired at all.

Elliot---- Do you go to same school?

boy 1----I am homeschooled. (his mom laughs – he’s a character –

-------------------------------he does go to school)

boy 2----I like homeschool.

Elliot----Can we discuss some topic?

boy 1----Child psychology ( He wants to be a child psychologist

----------------------------and this is all he likes to talk about.)

boy 2----C-I- (Soma says”no” and has him start pointing again)

----------C-H-I-L-D-R-E-N are precious.

Elliot----It’s adults that cause the problems.

boy 1----Children can be too sensitive.

boy 2----I am more sensitive now.

Elliot----I don’t know when I was really sensitive.

boy 1----In the past one year I am more sensitive.

boy 2----I think I realize N-O-S-E- (Soma says

z i z i z i z “doesn’t make sense”-and has him spell again)

z i z i z i z N-O-W who I am.

Elliot---- Can we talk about something funny?

Soma----Yes – it is becoming heavy.

Boy 1---- I have gas.

boy 2----Did you bring it out?

Elliot----I don’t think we can dismiss our body needs.

boy 1----I can talk about economy.

boy 2----It is bad now.

Elliot----It is going to improve.

boy 1----What about housing value?

boy 2----My D-B- (Soma says “D-B doesn’t make sense.”)

----------D-A-D’-S- a builder.

Elliot----I think it’s all about planning well.

boy 1----It’s going to affect jobs, too.

boy 2---- I don’t L-I-K-D- (Soma says “D doesn’t make sense.”)

----------L-I-K-E- jobs. I like business.

----------( His mom said his dad is self employed.

----------He has worked a lot with his dad and likes it.)

Elliot---- I like outdoor sports.

boy 1----I like learning martial art.

Soma----( Laughs and says “It is fighting and not art.

----------Here (US) they call it art but, it is fighting!" )

boy 2---- Mostly boating and horses.

Elliot----Austin has good business.

Soma----Yes, it is a university town. It doesn’t have a lot of

--------- industry.

boy 1----It’s a hip city.

boy 2----I began to like group.

Elliot----It feels good to communicate.

boy 1---- I am glad HALO is here.

boy 2----It G-I-F-T- (Soma says “do it again – fast, fast.”

---------Soma does her rapid prompting to keep them focused –

---------to keep their brain activity on the left side – the reasoning

---------part of the brain. Where it is very hard for them to be

---------because of the under connectivity in their brain. But,

---------through her RPM, "Rapid Prompting Method," she helps

---------them make connections.)

---------It was nice to be here.

Elliot----(Looks at the clock) I have to catch a flight now.

boy 1---- Safe trip.

Group Session - Feb. 24, 2009

2009-03-01T14:37:00.000-08:00

---
1st boy------ I am not saying a word.

Elliot-------- It’s nice weather in Austin.

3rd boy------It’s good to hide.

4th boy------ Let’s start a topic.

Elliot-------- Last time we did a play.

5th boy------ A king

1st boy------ A queen

3rd boy------ A prince

4th boy------ A seven legged horse

Elliot--------- A visitor to palace

King---------- My horse is useless.

Visitor (El)--- It is a special horse.

Queen-------- Let’s ask him to run backwards.

Prince-------- I can amputate his extra legs.

Horse--------- I just kicked the Prince.

King---------- I can’t sell my horse.

Visitor (El)-- You can auction it.

Queen------- I find it gentle.

Prince-------- I just “amputed” three legs.

Horse-------- My legs grew back.

King--------- It’s worth a million.

Visitor (El)--- I can’t believe my eyes.

Queen------- All’s well that ends well.

next topic

3rd boy----------- New play.

Soma------------- What will you be?

3rd boy----------- W’s (4th boy) shadow.

4th boy----------- D’s (3rd boy) school teacher.

5th boy----------- W’s test paper.

Elliot-------------- A Special Ed. director

1st boy------------ D’s shadow.

W’s shadow-------- I just scared W’s teacher.

D’s school teacher-- D’s receptive language is bad.

W’s test paper------ W is noncompliant to do his test.

Sp. Ed. director (El)- How are the IEP goals?

D’s shadow---------- I have a feeling D is really moving.

W’s shadow--------- So why isn’t W answering?

D’s school teacher--- I don’t take test seriously.

Soma decides this play is very complicated and changes the topic.

Soma--- Everyone has a message for the world.

---------If you had to change the world, how would you change it?

5th boy -- Organize the economy.

Elliot-- - Escape to Mars.

1st boy--- Fly to Russia.

3rd boy-- Take the world – destroy it.

4th boy- - Sleep my time.

Friday, January 30, 2009 - Austin, TX

2009-02-17T15:11:00.000-08:00

This is what Elliot wrote Friday 1/30/09 - in Austin, TX (again)

(He wrote the following story after Gaylene taught him about the war in Gaza and Soma taught him about the possibility of another ice age.)

There was a war between two countries.
They were fighting over some small matter.
They never seemed to stop.
One day a meteor from space dropped on Earth.
These two countries were destroyed.
No one saw the big picture.

He also talked (spelled) to Soma:

I like the trees that don't have leaves. So pretty.

I usually like patterns.

Can I ask a question? Is it good to think about sad end of the earth?

Only the sad ends are real ends.

Yes, I find sad ends worrying.

We don't see big picture.

Is God cruel?

I don't like to think that big.

Who is making noise? (a girl waiting next to see Soma)

from group:

1st boy:-- I am not mad at my teacher.

Elliot:---- It is nice to be mad once in a while.

3rd boy:-- Usually I get mad when I am confused.

4th boy:-- At least now I am peaceful.

1st boy:--- I try to run fast when I am mad.

Elliot:---- It is hard for me to show my anger.

3rd boy:-- I give it some thought before reacting.

4th boy:-- I don’t think it is a great topic.

so, they write a play. first they pick characters:

1st boy:-- Robot from future

Elliot:---- King from past

3rd boy:-- Musician from now

4th boy:-- A ghost

Robot:--- Place is Mars.

the dialog:

Robot:--- Who do I sense?

King (El) :-- Where am I?

Musician:-- That is a cool robot.

Ghost:------ Don’t think they saw me.

Robot:------ I find that king overdressed.

King (El):-- Why is that man wearing tin?

Musician:-- This place is cool.

Ghost:-- (left to sharpen his pencil)

Robot:----- My batteries are low now.

King (El):-- His voice is strange.

Musician:-- Cool – so cool.

Ghost:----- Maybe he came near me.

Robot:----- Blurry.

new play – first choose characters:

Elliot:----- Mammoth ( boy 3 had been drawing pictures of
----------------------------mammoths and dinosaurs)
3rd boy:-- Dinosaur

4th boy:-- clone scientist

1st boy:--- observer from space

Mammoth (El):-- How come there is a man here?

Dinosaur:-------- He made five of me.

Clone scientist:-- I am trying to make a dinosaur army.

Observer from space:-- What is this scientist up to?

Mammoth (El):--- He just finished Mammoth army.

Dinosaur:---------- No – he wants us to fight.

Clone scientist:--- Now they are extinct.

Soma with Elliot - Thurs. Dec 11th, 2008

2008-12-18T16:08:00.001-08:00

S “What we’ll do—the first 15 minutes—we’ll do a lesson. What should we talk about?”

(S gives stencil board to E)

E “Leaving today.”

S “Yes, leaving today. I know that. It’s good. Now, you are going to go back. And, you are going to take your DVD (of these sessions). So... leaving today. Now, let’s warm up. Warm up doing a lesson. What should we talk about? Should we do some history, science or geography or, a poem? “

E “Poem.”

(S explained the poem Silver. She talked about poems in general. S asked questions and E answered correctly.)

SILVER

Slowly silently now the moon

Walks the night in the silver shoon

This way and that she peers and sees

Silver fruits upon silver trees

One by one the casements catch

Her beams beneath thatch

Crouched in his kennel like a log

With paws of silver sleeps the dog

A harvest mouse goes scampering by

With silver claws and silver eyes

And movelen fish in the water gleam

With silver reeds in a silver stream

G “Do you like to go places or stay home?”

E “Go places.”

G “Do you like to go to a lot of sporting events or not many?”

E “Not too many.”

G “Do you like to go to sporting events and games?”

E “Sometimes.”

G “Do you like to run?”

E “You asked me yesterday.”

G “I asked you yesterday who you liked to run with, but I wanted to clarify, do you like to run.”

E “Yes.”

G “Do you like Princeton Club?”

E “Yes.”

G “What do you really want to do?”

E “Haven’t thought.”

G “Tell me about your seizures.”

E “I feel sick before.”

G “Do you like to go to YSP?” (Young Shakespeare Players)

E “Yes.”

G “What makes you sad?”

E “I try not to be sad.”

G “What makes you mad?”

E “When I feel confused.”

G “When are you confused?”

E “Just happens sometimes.”

G “Do you want to go to Marseilles, Ottawa and Petersburg the weekend after Christmas.”

E “I can visit.”

G “What is your favorite sport?”

E “Hockey.”

G “What is your favorite team?”

E “St. Louis Blues.”

G “Do you want to go Jan 31st to St. Louis to see the Blues.”

E “Yes.”

G “Do you like music?”

E “Yes. I like slow songs.”

G “Can you tell me a song you like?”

E “No.”

G “What do you think of Erin?”

E “Kind and smart.”

G “What do you think of Sami?”

E “Smart and kind.”

G “What do you think of Dad?”

E “My best friend.”

G “What do you think of Mom?”

E “Best mom.”

G: “What do you think of Matt the therapist?”

E “Tries hard.”

G “What do you think of JoLynn?”

E “Good.”

G “Do you like Raphael?”

E “Yes.”

G “Do you like surfing?”

E “You asked.”

G “I know I asked you the other day if you wanted to go to Hawaii and if you liked surfing, and you said ‘I like beaches’, but I wanted to clarify. I assume you like surfing.”

E “Yes.”

G “Why do you video talk?”

E “Happens.”

G “Why do you jump up and down and squeal.”

E “Stim.” (self stimulatory behavior)

G “Why do you touch my face?”

E “To find the temperature.”

G “Why do you like dark skin - touch dark skin?”

E “They feel warm.”

G “This is personal. You don’t have to answer it. I respect that. But, did you have a crush on Meera?”

E “What’s the use?”

G “Do you ever cry?”

E “Anyone cries.”

G “Is it better to live in San Francisco, St. Louis, or Madison?”

E “All are good.”

G “Where do you want to go to college.”

E “Anywhere.”

G “Do you have little seizures now?”

E “No.”

G “Have you had any since we increased your dose.”

E “No.”

G “What do you think of life?”

E “Cool.”

G “What do you think about autism?”

E “Not so bad.”

G “What do you think about death?”

E “I don’t think.”

G “What did you mean when you asked Soma why she was different?”

E “It is easy.” (to communicate with her)

LAST SESSION

G “I know I asked you who you like to run with and if you liked to run, and you said Dad but, do you mind running with me?”

E “No.”

G “Do you like to run to the Union or Picnic Point or somewhere else?”

E “Doesn’t matter.”

G “What should I do when you video talk?”

E “Nothing. It relaxes me.”

G “Should I let you do it in a crowd, wherever we are?”

E “Yes.”

G “Do you really like sports videos or are they a stim?”

E “They move fast. I like them.”

G “Do you really like Disney movies, Sesame Street or, are they a stim?”

E “I like them.” (Soma said he can watch these, but transition to watching Nova)

G “I know I asked you why you touch my face and you said temperature. I was touching your face because I thought you were sick. But, why do you touch my face-when you touch your face to my face, my cheek to your cheek and press?”

E “Not sure”

G Should I let you do it?

E “If you don’t mind.”

G I know you like to watch sports. Do you like to play sports?

E “Sometimes”

G Which sports? Or, just any sports?

E “Hockey”

G “Is buying college items like T-shirts, footballs, sweatpants, bracelets – do you like it or is it a stim?”

E “I like them.”

G “Sometimes is your video talk meaningful, associational type language?”

E “Not at all.”

G “What do you think of Rolo?”

E “Nothing.”

G “What do you think of Kyle?”

E “How many questions are you asking? I don’t like to talk about feelings. It is not easy to talk about feelings.”

(S explains that the area of the brain that deals with feelings is the most difficult for Elliot.)

G “I was going to ask you what you thought about Corvonn, Greg Valaskey, Ketan and Soma. I want to ask you why you don’t like to talk about feelings but, maybe I should stop. Do you want to pick what to talk about, El?”

E “It is nice weather. I like the trees here.”

S “Yes, there are deciduous trees here.”

E “It is a happy place.”

S “Yes. Austin is a cheerful place. Do you want to talk about Christmas?”

(Then S explains that when Jesus was born, the calendar had 360 days. Christmas then occurred earlier and earlier until it was Christmas in the summer. They then realized that the year had 365 days vs. 360 days. So, Christmas was celebrated 5 days before the new year. She explains that the Eastern Orthodox church celebrates Christmas not 5 days before the new year but, 5 days after – on Jan. 6th. So if you are in Greece, or other counties that are Eastern Orthodox, they celebrate Christmas on Jan. 6th.)

S “So, what do you have to say?”

E “It must be a problem.”

S “And, then it was a big confusion. At that time it really was a problem.”

(Then S explains that the ancient Aztecs from Mexico had the most accurate calendar with 365 days. The rest of the world followed a lunar calendar vs. a solar calendar.)

E “Do Indians have a calendar?”

S “Yes. Our calendar – we use different months. And, it starts in summer – the 14th of April.”

(S explains that Jan. is not their new year but, they celebrate two new years. Their new year and the world calendar.)

E “It is not the same.”

S “We didn’t have a global culture.”

(S explains that it used to be that different countries had splinter civilizations with their own cultures and customs. Now we have, among other things, the internet. The world is globalizing and there is more of a cultural diffusion.)

S “So, what do you think? Is it better or worse?”

E “Better.”

S “Yes, because of the communication gap, there are misunderstandings and problems. The more globalization there is, it will be nice. There will be better communication. The world will realize there are many points of view.”

E “I like globalizing.”

S “It is good to globalize and think in a global way. Then we’ll have a better, broader out look of life.”

E “Do you follow religion?”

S “It is good to follow religion. It teaches us God, how to keep safe and keep the world safe. It’s good to have a guiding principle.”

Soma with Elliot -- Wed. Dec 10, 2008

2008-12-10T17:12:00.000-08:00

S = Soma

E = Elliot

G = Gaylene (E’s mom)

SESSION 1

S talked about history in Africa, in 1830’s:

Doctor David Livingston from Scotland wanted to learn about Africa

(G did not pay attention very well to this lecture because she was busy preparing questions)

S talked about waterfalls, journals, and maps, and American Journalist Henry Stanley.

Doctor died, buried in Scotland, but cut out his heart and buried it in Africa because he said his heart belonged to Africa.

S asked questions & E answered them correctly.

G said “What do you want me to stop doing?”

E spelled, “I like everything you do.”

G said “Do you want to keep going to Marge’s?”

E spelled “It is good to go.”

G said “What can we tell friends and family? Your conversations with Soma?”

E spelled “I don’t mind sharing.”

G said “Do you want to go to Hawaii this summer? Do you like surfing?”

E spelled “I like beaches.”

G said “Who do you like to run with?”

E spelled “I like it with Dad.”

G said “Where do you want to go for Spring Break?”

E spelled “Be here.” (meaning Austin, Texas)

G said “Do you like to run far or short.”

E verbalized “Far” but he pointed and spelled “Short”

S said the pointing is more reliable.

G: “What do you want your schedule to be like when we go home?”

E: “I don’t have any idea.”

G: “Who are your favorite friends.”

E: “I have all friends, but Will” (B1 from Group Session) “was funny.”

G “Do you want a special hockey team?”

E: “Yes, why not?”

G: “What do you want to name the team?”

E “The Pokers.”

G “What do you want to do this summer?”

E “Maybe swim.”

G “Do you want to keep doing swim lessons with Sue?”

E “Yes.”

G “Do you want to do West Track?”

E “I can try.”

G “What do you want for Christmas?

E “Books”

G “Which books?”

E “What do you want.”

G “How do you want your hair? Long or short?”

E “This is cool.”

G “Do you like your bed?” (loft bed) “Or do you want a different one?”

E “Cool.” (implying that his current bed is okay)

SESSION 2

S told E to write a story.

ELLIOT’S STORY

E: This scientist found this amazing tree in Africa.

This tree had all kinds of fruits growing on it.

His friends back in Denver did not believe him.

In Africa, in those days, no one had e-mail access. It was not easy to send pictures.

The scientist lost his camera. Finally the scientist drew a picture of this tree.

When he returned to Denver, he showed the drawing. Everyone smiled at him.

The scientist died a crazy man.

(S: “You can spell ‘The end’ when you’re finished.”)

E: This is over.

G: “Why do you want to call the hockey team the WI Pokers?”

E: “It is ticklish.”

G: “Did you like being on the West football team? Was it good? Embarrassing?”

E: “I don’t care.”

G “Did you like Cross Country?”

E “Yes.”

G “Do you want to keep running with Josh?”

E “I don’t mind.”

G “Where do you want to live?”

E “I haven’t thought.”

G “Do you like being included at West, all the other schools? Was it good? Embarrassing?”

E “OK.”

G “Do you like Weight Training class?”

E “I like it.”

G “Do you like Spanish class?”

E “Not really.”

G “Do you like Pottery?”

E “Not really.”

G “Do you like Team Sports?”

E “Yes. Any sport is good.”

Soma with Elliot and Group Session -- Tues. Dec 9, 2008

2008-12-10T17:08:00.000-08:00

S = Soma

E = Elliot

S taught E long division

E understood.

S explained geography

E said verbally “I was just beginning to get used to you.” (this is from a movie, stimming)

S said “What?” made E point w/ finger to spell

E spelled “I wish to learn about the mountains.”

S talked about mountains, E answered questions correctly

S talked about solid, liquid, and gas

and E answered questions correctly

G said (did not write) “Dad wants to know, what do you want to tell us?”

E spelled “Dad Hi. I am happy to come here.”

G said “Sami wants to know if you have a question.”

E spelled “I have to think about it.”

G said “Do you want to go back to West High school next week, or stay home, or what do you want to do?”

E spelled “I don’t know.”

G said “Do you still want to do ABA?”

E spelled “I don’t think they will change.”

G said “What do you want me to do?”

E spelled “Read to me more.”

G said “Read what?”

E spelled “Anything.”

GROUP MEETING, 5 BOYS, including E

Boys go around table, always spelling

Soma always talks out loud.

Boy 1: “I’m sitting and buying stuff for Christmas.”

B2: “Most of my shopping will start next year.”

E: “I am Elliot. I am from Wisconsin.”

B4: “I am Zach. I am from New Jersey.”

B5: “Sorry, guys, I can’t stop my noise.” (stimming and banging head.)

B1: “Let’s begin a story.”

S said: “Everyone says a line.”

B2: “There was this bipolar guy.”

E: “He had a magic picture.”

B4: “This picture moved.”

B5: “He involved his time in stimming.”

B1: “He also had a machine that turned pictures to real things.”

B2: “His bipolarity made him think they were real.”

E: “What is bipolar?” (S explained)

B4: “I am not bipolar.”

S said: “Next topic.”

B5: “Many voices are in this place.” (all the boys were making stimming noises.)

S said: “Yes, we are getting used to each other.”

B1: “Play” (he meant, he wants them to write a play now.)

S: “Okay, everyone pick a character.”

B1: “An autism expert.”

B2: “Psychiatrist.”

E: “Teacher.”

S: “What kind?”

E: “Special Ed.”

B4: “Student.”

B1 (An autism expert): “What does his IEP say?”

B2 (Psychiatrist): “I diagnosed him.”

B5: (comes back in the room after being upset and stimming) “Student” (he’s Student #2)

E (Special Ed Teacher): “I am taking a test today.”

B4 (Student): “I never answer my questions.”

B5 (Student #2): “Neither do I”

B1 (An autism expert): “I have to ask a speech therapist to administer.”

B2 (Psychiatrist): “I diagnosed the speech therapist bipolar.”

S: “We are stimming on bipolar.”

E (Special Ed Teacher): “I can’t see any progress.”

B4: “We did a good job.”

B5: “Mostly, we do great jobs.”

S: “Now what?”

B1: “Dead cats.” (That’s the new topic)

S: “Dead cats are...”

B2: “...never bipolar.”

S: “Dead cats’...”

E: “...are always dead.”

S: “Dead cats’...”

B4: “...stink like dead.”

S: “Dead cats’...”

B5: “...can’t see rats.”

S: “Dead cats’...”

B1: “...turn into ghost cats.”

S: “No bipolar. Dead cats’...”

B2: “...not bipolar cats.”

E: “This was so funny.”

B4: “Yes, this was in two poles.”

B1: “See you next week.”

B2: “And in two poles.”

Soma with Elliot -- Mon. Dec 8, 2008

2008-12-10T17:06:00.001-08:00

Soma (S) started with: Paper, pencil and tape on table

Later S got out stencil card

S wrote with pencil , “The sky is blue, b-l-u-e, or green, g-r-e-e-n?”

With the pencil Elliot (E) touched blue

S wrote & said, “The sun shines in the sky, s-h-i-n-e-s”

S covered the paper, and said (verbally only) “What shines in the sky?”

E touched sun with the pencil

S wrote and said: “The sun gives us light and heat.

The sun is a star that is closest to the earth.”

S covered with a paper

S said “What does the sun give us?:

E pointed to letters on the stencil card to spell “light,” S said “and” and he spelled “heat”

S verbally said; “This is science. What do you want to talk about, science or people?”

S tore up a paper, and wrote “people” on one and “science” on the other.

E pointed to “people” with pencil.

S wrote and said:

“There are many types of people. In Africa there is a tribe called PYGMIES. Pygmies live in the rainforests of Africa.”

S said “Now where do the pygmies live?”

E spelled “They live in the rainforests of Africa.”

S wrote and said: “Rainforests are in the central part of Africa. These forests are so thick that very little sunlight enters the forest.” S then verbally explained, e.g., “the leaves block the light.”

S wrote and said: “The forest floor is dark and damp.” she covered it up

S asked verbally: “What is the forest floor?”

E spelled “dark and damp”

S wrote and said: “Nothing grows on the forest floor. So pygmies have to hunt. Pygmies hunt elephants and okapis.”

S covered up the paper & asked: “What do they hunt?”

E spelled “elephants,” she said “and,” and he said “okapis”

S wrote and said “Pygmies hunt using bows and arrows.”

S covered up, said “What do they hunt with?”

E spelled “bows and arrows”

S wrote and said: “Pygmies are small built people. Their heights are no more than 5 feet. Pygmies are very shy. They do not like to be seen by the rest of the people.

“Pygmies live in huts made of leaves and branches. Pygmies build their huts on a raised platform because the ground is wet and marshy. The country where pygmies live is called Congo. The government of Congo is worried about the decreasing number of elephants. So they are asking the pygmies to settle down and farm. But the pygmies prefer to live in the wild forests of Congo away from the rest of the world.”

S wrote and said: “Learning about ancient tribes = Anthropology”

S verbally said: “The lesson is over. Now tell me, how would you remember this lesson?”

E spelled: “Pygmies live in rainforests of Africa.”

S said: “What else?”
E spelled: “They hunt elephants and okapis.”

S said: “what else?”

E spelled: “They are shy.”

S said: “what else?”

E spelled: “They live in huts made of leaves and branches.”

S said: “okay, and what is this study of people called?”

E spelled: “Anthropology.”

S said: “Now that’s Anthropology. Science is studying things in your environment. Tell me some things in your environment that are in this room.”

E spelled: “camera. papers. chairs.”

S said: “Now tell me, in the park: what is in the environment in the park.”

E spelled: “grass, swings”

AFTERNOON:

S wrote out whole Twinkle star poem in 1806 by Jane Taylor:

The Star

TWINKLE, twinkle, little star,

How I wonder what you are !

Up above the world so high,

Like a diamond in the sky.

When the blazing sun is gone,

When he nothing shines upon,

Then you show your little light,

Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.

Then the trav'ller in the dark,

Thanks you for your tiny spark,

He could not see which way to go,

If you did not twinkle so.

In the dark blue sky you keep,

And often thro' my curtains peep,

For you never shut your eye,

Till the sun is in the sky.

'Tis your bright and tiny spark,

Lights the trav'ller in the dark :

Tho' I know not what you are,

Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

S wrote & read it & verbally explain each line.

S asked questions as she explained.

at the end...

S said “In America, they teach only the first 4 lines of the poem. I don’t understand that. Do you want to say anything?”

E spelled: “I wish I heard the whole poem before.”

S explained that in poems words rhyme.

S said “What rhymes with bright?”

S wrote & said “bright”

E spelled “right”

S wrote and said “dark, spark”

S said “What rhymes with spark?”

E spelled “mark”

S wrote and said “go, so”

S said “what rhymes with go and so?”

E spelled “no”

S explained they don’t need to be spelled the same just have same sound, S wrote “low”

S wrote “eye, sky”

S said “what rhymes with eye and sky?”

E spelled “high”

S said “do you want to ask me anything?”

E spelled “Is this a school?”

S said “No. This is a clinic. This is tutoring. I don’t like schools. They waste too much time on IEPs... something about Big IEP goals. Do you want to say anything?”

E spelled: “I don’t like big IEP goals.”

S said “Okay, your lesson is done. Go see the city. There is a university, lake, and paddle boat and park. ...more things... Do you want to say anything?”

E spelled “Is it pretty?”

S said “Yes...Do you want to ask me anything else?”

E spelled, “Now is it good to ask you something?”

S said “Yes.”

E spelled, “Why are you different?”

S said “Because I’m from India ...more about that...” (we think he meant why could she communicate with him)

Introduction

2008-12-10T17:05:00.001-08:00

Elliot is now able to speak his thoughts by pointing to letters.

He taught himself to read beginning at age two, but we could never get him to use letters to communicate his thoughts until now. Elliot is currently (Dec 10th, 2008) with his mom in Austin, Texas at HALO clinic (www.halo-soma.org). Soma, who runs the clinic, is using the Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) with Elliot. This method has been effective with all those with autism she has worked with.

The following entries are descriptions of Elliot's sessions with Soma and one special group session. The things Elliot says are in bold.