Au You

Be careful what you say and how you say it. Remember that not everyone is in the same place in their acceptance at the same time and also that their perspective may be different than yours due to diverse life experiences. Be kind and listen to their perspective and ask questions. Don't shut them down when they speak up. In order to create a better future for autistic people we need a safe space for all to have their chance to share without fear. Parents choose your words carefully when describing your journey and listen to Self-Advocates and be curious and don't judge. Self- advocates be supportive of your neurodivergent community as everyone's journey is as unique as each of you. To put it simply be kind and use a lens of love when listening and talking about or to those who differ than you. Please.
XO
Kathleen

It's April! Happy Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation Day! To all of you who I have been so blessed to have become an integral part of my life...i think you're awesome, beautiful, adorable, spicy, kind, funny, deep, thoughtful, intelligent and overall amazing people. Keep singing your song, dancing your dance, building your structures, drawing your world, climbing your trees, loving what you love. You are changing the world for the better. You are teaching neurotypicals so much about themselves. You have the power to change the world for the better. Keep being you! I support and love you! You have been my greatest teachers and therapists. My best friends and my family. I now see the world through your eyes and I am grateful. Always here for you and cheering you on! Never give up!!
Love Kathleen

43 new items by Kathleen Rooney

Gentle guide to parents

If you believe s/he can, s/he will believe s/he can. See her/him with a diverse yet compassionate lens, not a problem lens. Help her/him feel safe, accepted, and competent in everything you do with her/him. S/he will continue to teach you about yourself. Listen and be kind to yourself. Development is not a race. S/he has her/his whole life ahead of her/him. S/he will do things when it makes sense to her/him. Figure out how it makes sense to her/ him. Your love for each other is obvious. Let love be your guide.

Au You!
The name suggests, accept yourself.
Au are the first two letters in Autism. Au is, coincidentally, the property for gold on the Periodic Table. And gold (Au) in the autism community represents acceptance.
You! You are of highest importance. 'You' includes everyone who is impacted by ASD: whether you’re a family member, community member, service provider, or the person with autism. You are an integral piece in the equation.
The logo and name reflect my deeply empathetic and wholistic approach to autism.

I've been contemplating on how best to use this platform to improve the lives of Autistic individuals that have taught me so much. When I was supposed to be their teacher I found that they were my best teachers. When I was supposed to be their therapist and life coach I received the best life lessons and felt the most cared for. I am ready to share what I have learned over the past 30 years.
Stay tuned.

I've always been shy to dress in costume. At the same time I am always quite willing to be very silly in order to engage a child or person on the Spectrum. Here are some highlight special day costumes on Zoom because of Covid.
Please share some silly moments that you have engaged in to motivate or engage your child.