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Alwow Special user Los Angeles 544 Posts |
I was approached recently by some of the staff at my job about potentially doing a monthly web show on magic for kids on the autistic spectrum.
The initial thought process behind the show is magic requires several skills which children on the spectrum struggle with such as motor, social, executive functions (the ability to plan ahead, learn and remember details, manage time and attention) adaptive skills, etc. On the show I would perform two effects, one I wouldn't explain and then another more simple effect that I would provide a tutorial for. So I'm wondering what your thoughts of this type of concept would be. Primarily do you think this would be an issue for the magic community since this would fall along the lines of an "exposure" show or would this be supported? I envision I would likely shoot many of the episodes we some of the basic, i.e. How to hold a deck and some of the classic self working effects most of us learned at the beginning of our magic journey. Thoughts?
"Everything I show you is the truth... And the truth is the loveliest of lies"
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Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
Check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT4MCaWQuaY
Doug Sheer and his wife have been heavily involved in Autism. You probably can get your questions answered completely with these two.
Dennis Michael
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magicgettogether Special user Michigan 556 Posts |
I personally do not care for this idea.
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magicgettogether Special user Michigan 556 Posts |
I should point out I say that from a perspective of a family affected by autism. I know many of you do not understand what autism is or how it affects children - I have been involved with this on a daily basis for ten years and still do not understand a fraction of it. I understand that some of you might want to help, but do not know how. Here are some tips that are just my opinion and please note I do not refer these to anyone in particular, just suggestions/opinions in general (a decade ago I could not even spell autism and would have no idea how to deal with a family with an autistic child. Not saying I know more than anyone else but these are items my family would have appreciated over the last decade.)
Want to help? Invite the family with an autistic child for events like you would other neighbors (you know the family, just down the street). Say to them, if you ever need a break or want to catch a movie we would be happy to watch little _____ for you. That means alot, not that they would ever take you up on it but the fact that someone offers would mean alot. Want to help? Say "hi" to the child and family when they walk by, don't turn your head and pretend you don't see them. Want to help? Don't segregate the child from other children at an event. Have the children interact together. The goals of my family and the education system is to have the child mainstreamed into society. Not isolated from society. I have found other children learn tolerance faster than many adults. Want to help? If an autistic child is having a melt down don't turn your head and whisper under you breath, ask the child and family if there is anything you can do to help. And (in my opinion) certainly don't make a website where you expose magic for the sake of autistic children. that's insulting to the parents and family who are just as capable of showing their child a magic trick as any parents or family are. Would you create a website to show an autistic child how to swing a bat and play baseball? Just my opinion |
scottyocean Regular user 110 Posts |
I was performing last night at a tavern. The owner asked me to open for a band. I did 25 minutes on stage. Sadly there is a kid with autism in the audience........ I am an adults magician, I had no idea how to handle him. He started getting aggitated in the audience but his parents wouldnt have him leave. I could not get him to help out nor be quiet. eh.
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