Dear Friends,
I want to share with you a wonderful festival that is occurring in Omaha, Nebraska during the month of April, 2022. Called Common Senses (www.commonsensesfestival.com), it will consist of Installations, lectures/discussions and live performances - some of which parents, professionals and individuals on the autism spectrum can participate in regardless of where you are geographically.
One installation, Common Voices, provides the opportunity for individuals to share their stories as they relate to either parenting, support services or being a person on the autism spectrum. Stories are a powerful way to connect with others and build those bridges that celebrate our common humanity. Curated by my son, Adam Larsen, please consider taking a few minutes to participate by sharing your unique experience with others in this meaningful way.
Directions for how to record and share your story are given on the Common Senses website, under the Common Voices section. Thank you for participating.
A few questions to consider when presenting. As a parent or professional:
What insights can you share regarding your experience with this individual.
What has worked?
What has not worked?
Greatest challenges. Greatest joys. Hopes for the future.
As a person on the autism spectrum:
What are you interested in?
What are you really good at doing?
What is really hard for you to do?
Can you describe how you see the world?
Do some sounds bother you?
What tastes good or bad to you?
What feels good or bad to you?
What smells good or bad to you?
What does it mean to have friends?
When you feel really bad, what helps you feel good again?
What does a really good day look like?
As an adult on the spectrum:
What special interests do you have?
Do you have a job? If not, what are your prospects for getting a job?
What have you done to adapt to a neurotypical world?
Do you have a support system in place?
What might be some causes for a meltdown? And if a meltdown occurs, how do you recover?
What advice do you have for neurotypicals when they enter the world of autism?
These are suggested starting points for talks. There are several samples on the Common Senses website. Please keep the talks to a maximum of five minutes.
I appreciate your willingness to participate and I am sure we will all benefit from the individual experience that you share!
Thank You, Ron Larsen, Centering on Children
P.S. Adam is also putting together a 360 degree immersive video installation entitled, A Worms Eye View. Check it out on the Common Senses website. We are working to make this a traveling show so if it’s not possible to go to Omaha, perhaps it will come closer to you in the near future!
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