Goal For The Green

Yesterday was an 80 degree day here in western Washington. We had many things to accomplish at the worm farm, where I work. Work starts at 8A.M. The workers arrive on the Access Bus, ready to start the day. They work a four hour shift. There are five adults, two young men and three young women, all in their 20’s or 30’s. Most of them are Autistic, and in this group they all speak.

We have three 4×30 foot bins that the clients help feed and maintain. The end result is a master gardener’s delight. The product is 100% organic certified vermicompost. A moist, rich soil amendment for both indoor and outdoor plants.

The plan for the day was to feed the worms, bag some product, pick a couple pounds of worms for a customer, and chop some more after market vegetables. Most of the time they do pretty good at staying on task, but yesterday they were just plain silly. They love music, so we have to have the radio on…the oldies station. We got the worms fed in about forty -five minutes. Each bucket is about 20 lbs of vegetable slop mixed with shredded newspaper. It is spread evenly in each bin. On top of that, goes used coffee grounds from coffee stands, and then a light layer of more shredded newspaper.

After the main project of feeding the worms, was done they wanted to work outside. So, they had their works stations with buckets, shovels, chairs and spinach that they needed to chop. Then that song “Shake Your Booty” came on the radio. They all got up and started shaking their booties and laughing. Then when it was over,one of th guys said in a high pitched voice “Chicken dance–Chicken dance.” Well, they all got a big surprise when Christa (my co-worker) and I, came outside doing the funky chicken! It was pretty funny…they were laughing and laughing. It’s amazing sometimes, how it doesn’t take much to amuse them or make their day sparkle and shine. They are all very scheduled and as is typical of autism, they don’t adapt well to change in their routine. All that aside, we do cut loose once in awhile and have fun, even at work.

It always amazes me how most of them usually always wear a smile. They could have so much more to complain about than they do. With autism though, many can not convey their feelings or emotions. For some they don’t feel physical pain and are unable to tell you where they hurt, or if they hurt. For me, I don’t know if I could cope with what they have to on a regular daily basis. That is why I feel they have as much reason and purpose in life as the rest of us do. They just have to try so much harder to have some kind of “normal.” They really do want to be “normal” just like everyone else. I feel like the lucky one, to give them a six hour slice of my day. Most of the time it’s not like work. Besides, it helps me be both thankful and grateful for the blessings in my life.

With the odds being one in every 150 children, chances are you know someone who has a child with Autism.  It is a brain disorder that affects communication and social interaction and causes repetitive and restricted behavior. It usually shows up before a child is three. Affected children can be anywhere on the spectrum from not speaking at all, to being obsessive-compulsive, chattering repetatively on one topic.

All children with Autism have one thing in common.  Their daily life is a struggle for themselves, their families and anyone who has contact with them. They have to overcome speech difficulties, physical challenges and social issues.

There is no single cause or factor for the recent rise in autism, and there is no cure.  However, it is alarming how dramatically it has increased since the 80’s.  It’s everywhere now.

As adults, few live independently. They live with family or in supported group homes. Some are successful  and work in community sheltered work shops.  Whether autism is a condition or a disorder, that one in 150 with autism may be someone close to you.

Hi there….  How do you like the new look and theme?  I have been thinking for a while about how to integrate my day job ( Independent provider/job coach for an autistic client) into the blog. I got lucky and joined Whole-hog-blogs. It’s one of the better choices I’ve made, ladybug included.

You will be getting the same “green” type articles and information here, but also help and information in the area of disabilities (not just developmental) ones. I have devoted the last twenty years of my life to working with  the devlopmentally disabled population.  Most of that time was spent working in Special Education, within the school system. Now, I work independendantly through the state. I am my own contractor. The work, to me is not like work, just a slice out of my day. That is not to say that it doesn’t have it’s challenges.  For me, it is a very rewarding place to be in my life. It is my belief that if you take the “dis” out of a dissability and focus on the ability, you get better results. Most people in this population are more able than is often recognized. It also helps to have some fun and throw in some humor along the way. Come on back anytime, as we explore ways to work toward a better tomorrow.