Re-invigorated

The last couple of years I have been afraid I'm hitting that burn-out stage that everyone talks about. I still love my job, I still love my kiddos, but the paperwork and bureaucracy aspects of the job have started getting to me. I have neglected my blog (this one and, to an extent, my classroom one) and some of the more creative and enjoyable things related to my job and been doing just what has to be done (which, granted, in my over-achieving case is arguably quite a bit more than the bare minimum for most people but still makes me feel a little like a slacker).
This weekend I attended the Autism Society of America national conference in Pittsburgh and am feeling excited about work again - genuine excitement! More than that, I've been re-inspired to be an active member of the autism community and share - which means a renewed commitment to blogging here. Hold me accountable!! I'm at the airport, right now, about to board the flight home, but wanted to at least take the time to write a quick note putting my commitment into writing. I will be back to blog about the conference, things I learned about at the conference, new ideas I have, and share more about what I already do. I was reminded this weekend that I do have a lot of valuable knowledge, information, resources, and ideas that I should share with others. By no means am I an expert (is there such thing as an autism expert? not in my opinion!) and I have plenty left to learn!
Topics I plan to write about in the near future include

  • a recap of the conference 
  • collaborating with other professionals (OT/PT/SLP)
  • parent/teacher communication and partnership
  • technology and its use in the classroom (assistive tech and regular tech)
  • classroom logistics - scheduling, lesson planning, data collection, etc.
  • I'm finishing up my dissertation so I can share LOTS about the research in stereotypy ... but that will have to be later because I have had just about all of that I can take for now :-) 
Not sure if I have any "regular" visitors left since it has been so long since I blogged, but if anyone is still here - what topics would YOU like to see addressed?

5 Responses to "Re-invigorated"

Ekinnaj Jay (visit their site)

I wish I could have gone to this conference so I am looking forward to reading your recap. I have been a sped teacher for a few years and have always had students with Autism in my classes. This fall, I will be starting a brand new self contained autism program in my middle school. I have started a blog of my own to document the process but life has gotten in the way of consistent posting. As for content for your blog, all the topics you mentioned sound good, but I would also love to read about curriculum, paraprofessional issues: communication, their roles, training, etc, behavior management, etc. Anything would be great, really! Again, welcome back to blog land !

Jannike Johnsen
Johnsen Www.anautismconnection.blogspot.com

Sue COTA/L (visit their site)

Welcome back! I am a new reader, having just found your site on Pinterest. It looks like I picked a good time! I am a COTA/L, and also work with kids with ASD in the schools. I can certainly relate to what a drain all the paperwork and meetings can be on your creativity! I am looking forward to keeping up with your blog.

Unknown (visit their site)

I'm a new reader also and I look forward to looking around your archives!

Amy's Blog (visit their site)

I am a new reader. I have been a special ed teacher for 11 years and have only worked with 2 autistic students. This upcoming year I will begin a new position in a self-contained 8:1:1 program for students with autism at the middle school level.

Monica (visit their site)

So glad that you are looking to do more blogging as I always enjoy reading what you write.