"Let's Talk About Autism" Radio Capicu Blog Talk Radio Recap

Last month while at Hispanicize, I met George "Urban Jibaro" Torres, founder of Sofrito Media Group.  Both Boricuas from New York, we immediately clicked - we even knew some of the same people.  So when George asked me if I was interested in participating on his Blog Talk Radio Show - Radio Capicu, "Let's Talk About Autism" - I didn't even hesitate.


Even if that meant taking a break from the Top Blogueras Retreat.  Connecting with the Latino community about autism was the very purpose of this blog.  


Today I had the chance to listen to the show.  And it was incredibly moving for me.  Listening to the other parents share their stories.  Also on the show was Veronica Vasquez-Jackson and Stuart Chaifetz. 


The show really made me think.  It sparked some topics for blog posts.  It made me realize that Latinos want to talk about autism - they just need the opportunity to do so.   


You can listen to the show by clicking the link below and/or it can be downloaded to your iTunes for Free.  That's how I listened to it.

 

Listen to internet radio with Radio Capicu on Blog Talk Radio

Here are some links that I talked about while on the show: 

Part 200 (Student with Disabilities) and Part 201 (Procedural Safeguards for Students with Disabilities Subject to Discipline) -- This has been extremely helpful; it is a PDF of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. (I found the link here.)  The document is long (about 200 pgs) but it's important to look through.  It goes through Due Process Procedures and the Board of Education Responsibilities and Definitions. I've noted sections in letters to CPSE administrators.  Let them know that you know the law. Please note there is a  disclaimer: These Rules of the Regents and Regulations of the Commissioner of Education ("regulations") are unofficial, and are presented for general informational purposes as a public service. 

Queens Parent Support Group - http://www.qcpac.org/

For more local resources please visit my NYC Resources page. But please keep checking back - I have LOTS of updating to do.  

April may have been Autism Awareness Month, but for us it's Autism Awareness every day.  Thank you Radio Capicu for helping spread awareness and for allowing your listeners to share their stories.

I'm Going to Miami!! #Hispz12

How could I not? 

On Wednesday morning, I'll be on a plane heading to Miami.  I haven't been to Miami in more than a decade.  I haven't been on a plane solo since I became a mom.  I'm only going for three days, but it will the longest I've been away from The Husband and The Boy.  I'm sort of freaking out.  And like any other mom leaving her family, I am feeling the smallest twinge of guilt.

I'm not going to Miami to lounge on the beach or hang at Wet Willie's.  I'm going to Hispanicize.  My very first blog/media conference.     

Back in January when Chantilly asked if I would be interested in speaking on a panel she was moderating, I immediately accepted.  The panel is Blogging for a Cause and I'll be with 2 other amazing blog writers - Laura & Eliana.  I have spent the last year reading their blogs and I am so excited to meet them.

To be asked to speak at this conference is such an honor for me.  To be able to talk about autism during Autism Awareness Month to a prodominantly Latino audience.  To meet other Latino blog writers also writing about autism.  I still cannot believe it.  When I started this blog a year and a half ago as a class assignment I had no idea people would even read it.  I had no idea what kind of impact it would have.  Or the opportunities that would come out of this.  All I wanted was a place to share my thoughts and in return I've gotten so much more.  

I cannot wait to tell you all about it when I return!

And in my absence, I'll be featuring 3 guest posts.  So be sure to stop by :D 

~~~~~~
Meet the Moderator & Panelists of Blogging for a Cause: 

Moderator:
Chantilly Pantino is a blogger who wears many hats. You can learn more about her at www.BiculturalMom.com.      

Panelists:
Laura Tellado is a young woman with Spina Bifida.  Her blog is called Holdin' Out for a Hero.  But I believe she is a hero to many. 

Eliana Tardio is the mother of 2 beautiful children with Down Syndrome.  You can learn about this Warrior Mami at www.ElianaTardio.com 

Who else will be speaking at Hispanicize?  Click HERE & find out.

I didn't win the mega millions, so I'll be back in the office tomorrow.

Truth is - I didn't even play.  Not even in the office pool.   

I never play lotto.  I don't buy scratch offs.  I don't like to make bets.  And I hate casinos.  Now I'm a gal of quite a few vices.  Gambling just isn't one of them.

Which is a shame, considering everything that's going on with The Boy.

Lately, I've been feeling like the stakes are at an all time high.  And my poker face could use some work.

It's been exhausting.  And March has been a long month.  31 days and nights of waiting, wondering, worrying.

I don't know why, but the month of April seems promising.  It's also Autism Awareness Month and there are so many wonderful events taking place this month.  I'm guest posting on some amazing websites this month.  I am speaking on a panel at the Hispanicize conference in 11 days - in MIAMI!  I'm speaking on another panel in NYC later this month.  I have a few great book reviews in draft and even an interview with a warrior mom/fabulous plus size model.  They are all good distractions.  

And today - the first day of April has been a productive day.  With all of my March Madness I've neglected my little home.  Only doing the barest of bare minimum.  But today I cleaned, uncluttered, went food shopping, cooked, did laundry, ironed (!!!!!), put clothes away and looky here - now I'm writing a post. 
 
Looking around, I have a sense of satisfaction of accomplishment.  Because I know my hard work today, will pay off.

That is what I want for The Boy.  March was a month of time consuming work.  A month of running back and forth.  I want it to pay off.  I hope I haven't gambled it all away.  We cannot afford to lose everything.

Unlike the 3 lucky winner of the mega million I will resume my life on Monday.  I will go into the office; my bread and butter work and get busy.   I don't really want to.  But I'm not a gambler.   I just need to keep believing that hard work pays off.           

    

TGIF

Hands down, no doubt about it - my least favorite phrase is "TGIF."  I especially hate hearing it at 8:48 am when I'm just getting into work.  Before my 2nd cup of coffee.  Because my feeling is - I don't want to hear TGIF at 8:48 in the morning.  I want to hear it/say it at 5:10 pm - when I'm walking in my apartment door.  After I've kicked off my shoes, peeled off my clothes and scrubbed the subway soot off my hands.  But today, I'm going to go against the grain and say scream: 

TGIF!

Because even though, I was off on Monday and out sick yesterday.  This week has dragged.  And I'm looking forward to not having to wake up at 5 am.  Not rushing to make the school bus or train.

*

On Monday, I took The Boy for the second appointment of his re-evaluation.  We have three more appointments to go...I'm not questioning the diagnosis.  I am 100% certain The Boy is autistic.  I just wish I had more of an idea of where he stands.  

And walking into these evals, they always ask the same question - cautiously.  "What are you looking for with this evaluation?"  And that's my cue to assure them, "I know The Boy is autistic..."  But the evals alone, is a other whole blog post.  It's coming.

*

This week, Hispanicize, announced some of the speakers for the 2012 Blog Conference in Miami.  And...I'm one of them!  I was pretty shocked to be asked.  I mean, I've never been to a blog conference before.  And to be asked to speak on the panel - Blogging for a Cause: How Latino Bloggers Are Using Social Media To Channel A Good Cause - with 3 other amazing Latina bloggers?  I am speechless.  Because I'm still new to this blog world.  I'm still figuring all of this out.  And becuase, quite honestly, I have a hard time considering myself a real blogger. 

*

Last June, I wrote this post: The Weight of Autism.  Well, I got on the Wii once again this week and you know what?  I've gained weight.  I'm not surprised, really.  I've been really stressed.  And I'm down to one pair of jeans that fit comfortably.  Thank goodness for leggings and elastic waistbands.  But I know I need to do something about it.  I need to take better care of myself.  For The Boy.  

*

But The Boy has a new way of making my day.  Lately, he's been saying "Mommy is cute and orange." And I think to myself: damn, he has me confused with freaking Snooki. And the sad part is, I WISH I had her tan. Well...sort of. Nah. Not really.   I don't know he picked up this phrase.   And it was sweet of him, holding my face.  Looking into my eyes and saying "Mommy is cute and orange."  It made me feel special...


Until I heard him say it in the parking lot of the Bay Plaza shopping center.  About a woman who was certainly cute but definitely not orange.

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