Alex Barton

"was fortunate. My father was in the Navy which meant that we never had to endure any one school for very long, as there was always another posting hanging in the wings to bring relief. The crunch came with boarding school where my education was stabilized from 11 until I was 18. Like many marginalized children, not in the ‘in crowd,’ I made it to adulthood relatively unscathed. That was all back in the bad old days when people were more narrow minded, ancient history. These days people are more enlightened, open minded and accepting of differences great and small. We enjoy an 'inclusive' mentality and marginalize the judgmental tendencies.

Other people are far less fortunate than me. Their experiences defy comprehension.

Today I learned of a young man who was ostracized publicly, his name is "Alex Barton." This little chap is definitely small but he is neither round nor freckled. He looks perfect. He is perfect. He is the perfect fit for his loving family. Sadly, he is not a perfect fit for some of his peers, primarily his teacher who orchestrated his ousting and planted stigma in the young minds of many. I learn that other "autistic people" have had similar experiences. Many others are flabbergasted at such behaviour.

Strangely, or rather coincidentally, a pal sent me this quote yesterday:-

"Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me." Mathew 25:33-40.

Another chum sent me this e-mail. She is no longer small and round, and I grew up to be much bigger than I ever imagined.

Tequila and Salt


This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read it every day.

You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.
11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

So...........

If you are a loving friend, send this to everyone, including the one that sent it to you.
If you get it back, then they really do love you. If life hands you Lemons, skip the lemonade,
ask for Tequila and Salt and call me over!

Best wishes from me and mine to all the Bartons.

Here are another couple of links to blogs of a more erudite nature on the same subject.

"Left Brain Right Brain"

and

"Action for Autism."

Many thanks to "Bev" for pointing us all in the right direction and to "Niks Mom" as we all gather together.

Alex might benefit from going to "Adam's" school, where inclusion is a positive goal that many more of our children should enjoy.

"Drive mom Crazy" also gives as an adults perspective.

"Abfh" posts on this today too, as well as providing a very handy telephone number "here" in case you're not the writing type.

Here are some more jolly good links that we may be able to pass around the blogosphere:-



http://whittereronautism.com/2008/05/alex-barton/
http://leftbrainrightbrain.co.uk/?p=834
http://actionforautism.co.uk/2008/05/24/alex-is-cool/
http://aspergersquare8.blogspot.com/2008/05/not-special-support-alex-barton.html
http://maternal-instincts.blogspot.com/2008/05/alex-barton-deserves-better.html
http://joyofautism.blogspot.com/2008/05/autistic-kindergarten-student-gets.html
http://drivemomcrazy.com/?p=379
http://autisticbfh.blogspot.com/2008/05/st-lucie-county-schools-vote-wendy.html
http://lastcrazyhorn.wordpress.com/2008/05/25/the-golden-rule/
http://www.cogitamusblog.com/2008/05/someone-explain.html
http://www.drumsnwhistles.com/2008/05/25/voting-the-autistic-kid-off-the-island/
http://stopthinkautism.blogspot.com/2008/05/im-not-special.html
http://www.alongthespectrum.com/2008/05/and-a-new-goat/
http://qw88nb88.wordpress.com/2008/05/25/mend-the-link/
http://www.foggyrock.com/Blog/ViewAllBlogReplies/274
http://thediaperheads-kellyfamily.blogspot.com/2008/05/make-stand-this-is-maddening.html
http://memoirsofachaoticmommy.blogspot.com/2008/05/this-makes-me-so-angry.html
http://joeyandymom.blogspot.com/2008/05/alex-barton.html
http://rettdevil.blogspot.com/2008/05/yes-alex-you-are-special-good-kind.html
http://asansouthwestohio.blogspot.com/2008/05/autistic-student-abused-in-st-lucie.html
http://livsjourney.blogspot.com/2008/05/kindergarden-reality-shows.html
http://bigwhitehat.com/?p=420
http://ballastexistenz.autistics.org/?p=538
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/in_support_of_alex_barton__family.htm
http://beingammey.wordpress.com/2008/05/25/this-is-wrong/
http://www.cre8buzz.com/anthill/?p=519
http://autisticnation.typepad.com/thinking_in_metaphors/
http://wolfsden.wordpress.com/2008/05/25/5-year-old-voted-out-of-class/
http://jonathanturley.org/2008/05/25/teacher-accused-of-public-humiliation-of-five-year-old-autistic-child/
http://golyndon.wordpress.com/2008/05/24/teacher-lets-morningside-students-vote-out-classmate-5/
http://retiredwaif.com/2008/05/25/democracy-in-action/
http://adsoofmelk.wordpress.com/2008/05/25/very-bad-socialization/
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/255136
http://disstud.blogspot.com/2008/05/hang-in-there-alex-barton-and-your.html

Or you could pop along to my jolly good pal "Last Crazy Horn" as see her sterling work in situ at "Odd One Out."

P.s. We've been battling asthma over here with the boys, so I've not been as vigilant as I should have been. If we've missed you out drop me an e-mail / leave a comment / post a link.

"Here" is a link explaining why some people choose to "homeschool" from "Mrs.C."