Kean University Autism Speech
I had a terrific time today, delivering one of the speeches at a major autism conference in New Jersey. It was held at Kean University, and had well over a thousand people in attendance. The title of the conference was “Autism: Putting the Pieces Together" I spoke as a parent of an autistic child, and was tremendously gratified by the warm welcome and attention I received from the audience. And Kean U. was even nice enough to videotape it and give me a DVD!
So my speech will be my post tonight. I hope you get something out of it, whether you’re in the “autism community” or not. In the middle of the speech, I show a clip from the documentary directed by my wife, Lauren, called “Autism Every Day.” Then I come back and talk some more, because let’s face it, that’s what I do. I’d love to hear your thoughts and responses in the comments section. Speech can be viewed after the jump.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the organization Autism Speaks.
CLICK HERE for more information on "Autism Every Day" and to see a 13-minute version of the film.
CLICK HERE to watch a 7-minute version of the powerful film "Autism Every Day"
Once again, my thanks to Kean University for sponsoring this important event. And, of course, my thanks to the many autism professionals, scientists, teachers, and fellow parents in attendance, who are working so hard to bring this devastating epidemic to an end, while at the same time taking loving care of all of our children who have already been diagnosed.
One final note.. I mention in the speech my response to the comments made about autism by radio talk show host Michael Savage last summer. It was actually the post that launched this blog. Here’s a link if you want to check it out.
POSTSCRIPT: I felt I needed to add a couple of extra points to what I said in the speech, specifically about the intractable, hard-to-improve aspects of Liam's inappropriate behaviors. Except for the instances I cite-- stomach problems, confusion from loud noises, etc.-- Liam's behavior is really very good: he's quiet, non-self-injurious, and quickly redirectable. This is mostly due to the first rate teaching he gets at his excellent school, as well as from his home teachers and his loving caregivers at the house. When I said Liam is on the same place on the spectrum as the other youngsters in "Autism Every Day," I was specifically referring to him being non-verbal, and currently, at least, in need of round-the-clock attention.
What I should have added is that I can't even imagine the situation we would be in if it wasn't for the thousands of hours of intensive work his incredibly talented teachers have done with Liam. Is it still difficult many times? Yes. But that difficulty would be exponentially greater if not for all the hard work from Liam's school and teachers. They've made it possible for my wife and I to even consider taking Liam with us in public, and travelling with him. They are the heroes in his life.
Comments: 25
Hello Mr. Watkins,
I was at the Kean University Workshop and I have to say that having you speak at the end of it was brilliant. Reason being that you made it personal. I work in the Union school system as a paraprofessional with pre-school children with disabilities. Some of the children are on the Autistic Spectrum and others are not. I have friends whose children have Autism and hearing you speak brought it all home. I hope that your son will regain back the word "Dad" so you can hear it again. I also hope that someday someone will find the reason why Autism exists.
Thank you for sharing something that is so personal to so many and trying to raise awareness.
Mr. Watkins: I attended the Autism Conference today and they definately saved the best for last. I came to the Conference as a parent of a 14 year old son with Autism. And of everything I learned today from the "professionals" It was your speech that really touched me. Hearing a father, a celebrity father, with the same problems and fears and hopes that I have. And your wife's video, so touching. I would love to see the whole thing. I mean that was me up on that screen. I really just want to say thank you to you and your wife for all you do to shine a new light on Autism.
I attended the Autism Conference at Kean University today. I wanted to thank you for sharing your personal experiences with all of us in attendance!!! I had to see this blog! haha Best of Luck!!
Mr. Savage,
I want to thank you for sharing your experiences with us today. I attended the conference and found your presentation to be profoundly eye opening, heart warming and incredibly inspirational. Best to you and your family.
Mr.Watkins: Just wanted to express thanks for your valuable insights you have provided on Autism . I am a proud mom of a 13y.o male autistic child. I was one of those moved to the point that I had tears in my eyes. You definitely were inspiring, as well as providing me with continual faith to continue to fight for my son. Definitely a day well spent. My sincere Thanks!!!!!!
Mr.Watkins :Thank you so much for the time taken to warm our hearts, and for sharing your story as well as your valuable insights on the Autism Spectrum subject. My wife and I have been to numerous Autism conferences and programs due to our son's autistic condition, and I must say this conference held today really touched our hearts. We both shed tears at the end of your presentation. It was sad , yet very promising and hopeful. Again, thank you so much for your time and inspiration. God Bless you and your family. My sincere Thanks !!!!
Mr. Watkins,
Thank you so much for being part of the Autism Conference at Kean University. Your honest, heartwarming accounts of having a child with Autism evoked such emotion. In terms of awareness, it is so important to equate human lives to the diagnosis of Autism, not enough people are educated enough to understand what it really means to live it every day. With the work that you, your wife and many others are doing to raise awareness, as well as funding, we will begin to put the pieces together. As you mentioned in part of your speech, it's one day at a time. I have to say that as a mother of a 2 year old that does not have Autism, I appreciate the words that she is able to communicate to me even more now, especially the word "mommy". Again, thank you so much for sharing your family story with us, and thanks to the many families living with Autism that have done the same. God bless you and your family. Continue to celebrate Liam's victories, because I am sure there are many every day.
Dear Mr. Watkins,
I attended the conference today. I am an SLP working with children on the spectrum. I was moved by your honesty about the challenges you, your wife and all your children face.
Hi,
I also was in attendance at the Kean University lecture, and was very moved by your speech. It was a rare balance of grace, humor and raw emotion. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and for all the wonderful work you & your wife do for the autism community. Liam is indeed lucky to have such special parents.
Hi,
I also was in attendance at the Kean University lecture, and was very moved by your speech. It was a rare balance of grace, humor and raw emotion. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and for all the wonderful work you & your wife do for the autism community. Liam is indeed lucky to have such special parents.
Hi,
I also was in attendance at the Kean University lecture, and was very moved by your speech. It was a rare balance of grace, humor and raw emotion. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and for all the wonderful work you & your wife do for the autism community. Liam is indeed lucky to have such special parents.
I just wanted to thank you for your words at the Keane Conference. As a mom of three boys and two of them are twins I could definitely relate to you. I also have a 6 year old who is considered 'moderate to severe'. I have seen the Autism Everyday video many, many times and I am always extremely moved by it. I have been searching for the full film but have been unsuccessful. Where can I get a copy (preferrably DVD) of the entire film??
Mr. Watkins -
I too attended the Autism Conference at Keane University. I have a 5 year old son with an ASD diagnosis and have attended many similar conferences and seminars over the past 2 years since his being diagnosed. Although I found most of the Keane conference to have repetitive information, your speech literally brought me to tears (yes, and I sobbed during most of it as it really hit home for me). To have someone of such well known status stand before us with such vulnerability really was quite moving as well as inspirational. I truly admired your honesty & sincerity. Thank you so much for sharing your story with all of us!! PS. One of the questions asked at the end of your talk was if your wife, Lauren had any plans to do a follow-up to her video. I believe many would be interested in seeing how those families are doing and seeing what changes have taken place if any . . . just something to consider :-)
Dear Jim,
Your speech was heartfelt, real & truthful. My husband & I were touched by your words (you were speaking our language..aka Autism).
I’m writing to you today out of pure frustration and great sadness.
It’s been only a few months…and my sweet 7 year old son, Michael Angelo has just gotten kicked out of his Autism Program at his elementary school this week located at The Heights Elementary School in Roslyn, NY. I spent a lot of time & money just to get him into a good Autism program in Roslyn back in May 08’. My husband & I are feeling very hopeless right now.
The Roslyn School District stated that they had a “GREAT” Autism Program (in a self-contained classroom) w/ a 1-on-1 aide, behavioral consultant and push-in speech therapist every day. Initially, Roslyn SD eagerly accepted Michael into their Autism program after a thorough review of his IEP paperwork & an observation at his previous school. Now, it’s November 08' and he's been white flagged ~given up on. He must find another school quickly to attend ..otherwise he's a losing valuable window of learning time (most schools have waiting lists). I’ve finally given up the costly fight to keep him at Roslyn..I'm trying to move forward.
Unfortunately, when Michael is annoyed when a demand is placed on him …he exhibits aggressive behaviors which is his “task avoidant” behavior…part of his Autism condition. His teacher & 1-on1 aide are not able to redirect Michael appropriately w/ any behavioral interventions. Therefore, every week the school calls and requests my husband to come & pick up Michael from school & bring him home. When there are ½ days due to teacher conferences…my son is asked to stay at home. When there is a field trip…my son is asked by the School principal to “stay at home” and not come to school. Bottom line..my son is Not Able to ATTEND SCHOOL..& therefore missing out on the help he so desperately needs.. therefore I turn to you for guidance.
I know first hand the incredible anguish experienced by parents of a child w/ Autism …trying so desperately to help your child …but being forsaken by the outside world. No help...no assistance seems to be within reach…it’s incredibly hard to navigate the Autism maze. The school district personnel …are just clock punchers…that really don’t give a damn about the child. I need help …a contact…something. There is no Autism Hotline for me to call….maybe "Autism Speaks" should establish an AUTISM HOTLINE..for parents like me who are in need help for their child w/ Autism. Personally, I have a hard time accessing information about programs that might help my son.
I would like to find a school that works with an Autistic child’s BEHAVIORS first & foremost on Long Island, NY. I live in Massapequa, NY (Nassau County) & need either a private / or boces center-based facility. My in-district Massapequa School District will pay for any type of (out–of –district)NY State approved school as long as Michael does NOT attend there school. Can you please provide some good Special Ed school references? Having a difficult time finding help w/ Michael's behaviors which...I might add are a symptom of his Autism condition. It's sad that my son is getting kicked out of school because he has AUTISM... I believe this is damaging to the child.
In addition, I would like to inquire about any Respite programs on Long Island to engage him over the weekend would be helpful too. Especially, hard are the holidays like upcoming Thanksgiving week (as he'll be home from school all week).
At home he’ll regress substantially since there’s a less structured environment than school. Basically, he's stuck in the house…which bores him considerably. He’s an only child with limited access to the community so he needs a restricted environment. Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Right now…I don’t know where else to turn to. Below is my email contact information.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter. I feel you will understand my plight better than anyone.
Regards,
Patty
pmmangel@optonline.net
Dear Mr. Jim Watkins,
I attended the autism conference at Kean. I am also a special education teacher and I have worked at the Kean University Campus School for ten years servicing children on the spectrum. Unfortunately, this is our last year at the campus school. The school has been in existence for over 30 years but unfortunately President Farahi is closing us down. He is not only displacing three very dedicated teachers but he is also displacing the students that attend the Campus School. We have truly enjoyed working at the University and are very saddened by the end of such a positive experience.
I truly enjoyed listening to you at the conference. You are an amazing speaker and a truly remarkable father. Little Liam is truly fortunate to have you and your wife as his parents.
Regards,
Patty
thepdukes@yahoo.com
Hi Jim,
I did not get to attend the conference at Kean University. I did however tune in to the blog to hear you speak again. The first time I heard you was at the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Garden Academy in 2006 in West Orange, NJ. Once again you were very inspiring and kept it very real for parents of children on the autism spectrum.
I have a copy of the media coverage at the Garden Academy ribbon cutting and tune in every now and then to see the coverage WB shot that day as it included our little boy Colin who is a student at Garden Academy. Colin is now 6 years old and continues to be one or our greatest challenges and joys.
Thanks to you and Lauren for your continuing work within the autism community.
Best,
Marianne & Gerry Lynn
I am a teacher of children with special needs and I attended the Kean University workshop on Autism and thought that your speech was heartfelt and inspiring.
Hi Mr. Watkins,
Like everyone else I want to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to come speak to us. I really appreciate you sharing your personal experience with us. I am the mother of a 5 yr old girl with a ASD and I would watch you on the news everynight and often wonder how you stayed so strong. You always look like you have everything under control. Everytime I talk about it I break down and cry (I was the one in the front row crying through your entire speech) so when I would see you on tv I would wish I was as strong as you. To hear your personal story and to know that you have hard days too helped me tremendously. I don't look at my tears as a weakness anymore. You helped me more than you will ever know. Thank you.
Sandra... you comments have touched me more than you could ever know. But you could do better than wishing you were as strong as me. Just realize that you are, most likely, exactly as strong as my wife, Lauren, who.. while I'm talking away before all these groups, acting like I'm the great strong one who can cope with all that this damned autism...what could be the word?... anxiety... that the only reason I can do that is that she, not me, was the one who got up at 5 AM to get Liam off to school, and then met with the Medicaid rep to try and figure out why we weren't paid for that major dental procedure... to then stopping by his school to touch base with his teachers about his overall progress... to then being lunch mom with the students and the teachers who do such a wonderful job with my two, typical sons, Luke and Jamie.
One of the biggest rounds of spontaneous applause I heard at Kean was when I simply said the moms flat out do all the work.
but enough.. thanks for writing. never think you're alone in this journey. Jim
Dear Mr. Watkins,
I attended the conference at Kean and loved your seminar. Thank you for that. So when I heard this story, you were the one that came to mind.
I teach children with autism in Lacey Township, NJ. I have a first grade student that has been quite successful in controling his behaviors and spends about half his day with typical peers and half of his day with me. A big part of his success is the support from the family. I am very proud of him, but the story I want to tell you is about his older brother, who is also on the spectrum. I never had the pleasure of teaching this child, but through his family have learned that he was pretty much just like his younger brother. I first met his brother when I attended a parent meeting that our district put together and Josh was the guest speaker. At that time, he was in sixth grade and was asked to speak about his disorder and I can tell you he had every parent in the audience in tears. He had a question and answer session at the end and did a wonderful job answering the questions. He has been in several school plays, holding major roles, and has done a fabulous job. Yesterday was our Holiday Celebration and his mom shared with me that this young man had been nominated "Most Likely to be Famous" by his eighth grade peers. AMAZING!!! I just wanted to pass along this feel-good story to you.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Maureen Romanowski
Mr. Watkins,
Thank you so much for your inspirational lecture at Kean University. I have been teaching special education students for 8 years now. Listening to your story gave great perspective to a home life snapshot of a parent with an autistic child. I thank you for sharing your story with us. Every teacher who works with autistic children should watch your video clips.
I would love a full length copy of Autism Everyday to celebrate Special Education week at my school and show the video to the teachers. We have an increase in Autistic children in our public school and I feel there needs to be more focus among the regular education teachers in acceptance and tolerance of even mildly autistic students. Please email me with any information if I could obtain a full length DVD.
Thanks again !
BEHIND THE JACKPOT; Divide And Conquer: Movie composition Titans
Dear Jim,
I know I am coming to you late on this, but I wanted to thank for you coming to Kean University to speak about a topic that not many people know much about, others than the one's with Autistic children. I am a graduate of Kean, but attended the program while finishing up my senior year as a Psychology major. The seminar was very informative, heartfelt, full of emotions, and well-detailed. It was also nice to see you interact with the students, parents, teachers, and others because it shows your outgoing, funny, loving, and caring side; aside from being the news anchor on the tv screen.
I have a one-year old cousin that was diagnosed with suspicion of Autism and the different panel sessions offered in-depth information and programs/services offered throughout the state for aid, therapy, and state assistance. Your speech was inspiring and I enjoyed the video your wife directed,"Autism Every Day". Shocking and real at the same time, I plan on specializing in Autism in my graduate school starting in the fall 2009 out-of-state. Thank you for your inspiration and it was a pleasure to meet you.
Dear Mr. Watkins:
I had a situation happen to me during a flight from Orlando back to New Jersey. After a few wonderful days in Florida, my mother, son and I were forced from boarding our plane when my daughter who has autism had a tantrum just before boarding.
I know this has happened to other parents not only on planes but also in movie theaters, bowling alleys, special events, etc.
I would like to create a bill for parents so that employees in all areas have mandatory training to assist parents when these situations occur.
What do you think the concensus would be for such a bill? I would hope that many parents would be on board (no pun intended) for such a bill.
Dear Mr. Watkins:
I had a situation happen to me during a flight from Orlando back to New Jersey. After a few wonderful days in Florida, my mother, son and I were forced from boarding our plane when my daughter who has autism had a tantrum just before boarding.
I know this has happened to other parents not only on planes but also in movie theaters, bowling alleys, special events, etc.
I would like to create a bill for parents so that employees in all areas have mandatory training to assist parents when these situations occur.
What do you think the concensus would be for such a bill? I would hope that many parents would be on board (no pun intended) for such a bill.