Knit with me! (Plus some life stuff, personal stories ... and an appearance by Bowie.)
Вставка
- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- Knit with me! Want to know what life is like at our house? It’s Autism Acceptance Month and I have some stories to share (plus an appearance by Bowie), so let’s hang out and chat.
Past episodes with Bowie
• Vlogmas 2023 - Day 10 ...
• Vlogmas 2023 - Day 17 ...
Barefoot Autism Challenge
/ barefootautismchallenge
My friend Tyler Leech / Understanding Autism
• Understanding Autism -...
Temple Grandin’s TED Talk
www.ted.com/ta...
Temple Grandin / Educating Different Kinds of Minds / TEDxCSU (this one is really great)
• Educating Different Ki...
Temple Grandin / The Autistic Brain
• Temple Grandin: "The A...
BOOKS
Visual Thinking
www.amazon.com...
The Autistic Brain
www.amazon.com...
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures
www.amazon.com...
More books
www.amazon.com...
MOVIE
Temple Grandin movie / Amazon Prime video
www.amazon.com...
Temple Grandin movie / HBO Max
www.hbo.com/mo...
www.templegran...
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
uppbeat.io/t/r...
License code: JK3QOA1UR8C0G4W7
Thanks for sharing! I am an Iowa State grad, creator (knit, crochet, sew and other), occupational therapist, wife and mom to three adult kids. Our oldest was diagnosed with autism at a young age. He will be 30 on April 22 (Earth Day Birthday) of this month. I can relate to your journey, especially “what does the future look like”. I had a great awareness of autism because of my career, but seeing it in my own son was very difficult. I had to mourn my image of what I thought my son’s future looked like and accept who he was going to be. I remember wondering if he was going to experience all the things- college, job, independence, significant other, etc. It is hard to sit in those thoughts by yourself. That is why it is so important for you to share and for me to share, so the specialness of our kids and their unique abilities can be identified to fill the gaps in our world where we need out of the box thinkers and doers- only they can fill these gaps because of how they see the world. Your son is one of those people and my son is one of those people. We are so lucky. I could go on, but it’s already a lot. I will share that my quirky Earth Day boy with autism is doing it. He’s happy! He also worked very hard through those early years and advocated for himself to get into advanced classes ( sometimes communication challenges can mask cognition abilities) He is a U of Notre Dame grad, software engineer, boyfriend, artist, actor, martial artist, one day homeowner(he and his girlfriend are looking), etc.- who he wants to be!
Hi - thanks so much for your kind and inspirational words! Love that you're at ISU grad, mom, therapist and crafter of all kinds. (And yes, we really are so lucky.) I'm so happy your son is doing all the things, has a list of great personal successes and wow - graduated from U of Notre Dame. So inspiring - I absolutely love hearing stories like his! Thanks so much for taking the time to share. ❤️
So beautiful Jen❤ Thanks for sharing Bowie’s personal story. The cashier recognized in your son as someone like himself, hence, the reason he removed the tag. There are so many of us with invisible disabilities that if we would bestow patience and kindness first, we would recognize people who are the same but different in many ways.
so true - I really think he did! you are totally right ... patience and kindness and understanding go so far (and we can all help each other and make our world a more beautiful place.) thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! ❤️ they mean a lot.
Jen, yes, you are a fabulous story teller! You’ve done an amazing job of sharing your journey! I’ve worked in special education for many years, including a lot of time as an early intervention specialist. I’ve been with families going through this exact same thing. I want you to know how fortunate your little guy is to be a part of your family! ❤
ha - thank you! I get nervous talking about this, but then I remember that sharing can be a good thing and our differences often bring us together. thank you so much for sharing about what you do (and for your important work! you are making such a big difference in these kids' lives.) and thanks for your kinds words - they mean a lot. ❤️
I was holding on (barely) until Square Root Day. And then the tears flooded in. Thank you for sharing your beautiful family’s story. 🥰
Me too! On the treadmill tearing up!
aww, sorry but thanks for watching! ❤️
Awww, thank you so much for your kind words (and for watching.) It means a lot! ❤️
Thanks Bowie for telling us about all the cool things you are doing! And thanks Jen for sharing your experiences as a mom of a child with an autistic brain . It was heartwarming and so interesting! Learning about different people's experiences and realities has this magical way of making us feel connected to one another in our beautiful, diverse humanity doesn't it?
Thank you so much for your kind words! I think we all have a lot to learn from each other, and it feels good to connect no matter how different or similar our lives may be. Definitely beautiful. Thanks. ❤️
OMG, Temple Grandin--"Tell them that he's NOT taking algebra...algebra is a waste of time for minds like his." !!! This was such a good story on so many levels. :) My "little" cousin, now 6'4" and in his mid-30s, has autism. He was raised in New Jersey, which was on the cutting edge of diagnosis and therapies in the '90s, and got great services even though it was so early in autism awarness that most people still thought you were saying "artistic," and would not understand what painting and drawing had to do with the behaviors they were seeing. When I was a teenager and young adult, we'd hang out (and help his speech) by immersing in his special interest--singing along to Disney soundtracks, **on vinyl*** (thanks to eBay!) while doing the choreography from the movie. Such Good Times. Thank you for sharing your beautiful, special, fun, talented, sweet, lovely family.
When she said that about algebra, I'm sure my jaw actually dropped. Wow, speechless. Love that you shared about your cousin ... it's so interesting to hear stories like this, and what it was like in the 90s. I'm so glad he got cutting edge help/services back then. (lol, artistic.) it's so sweet that you helped him by singing Disney songs (on vinyl!!) ... I so relate to that and wow, so beautiful! Thank you so, so much for sharing. ❤️ It means a lot.
Thank you for sharing your important and moving personal experiences with autism in your own family. I wish you could have seen our faces while we were listening to you, our smiles and nods and encouragements and tears! Please knit and tell more stories anytime. Not just in April❤️
awww, thank you so much!! that means the world, seriously. even though it sometimes feels weird or awkward to share, I know that when I do this, it reaches the right people (because that's happened to me so many times.) thank you so much for your kind words, and yes - this gives me the courage to keep sharing. ❤️
Thank you so much for sharing! I enjoyed it and learned a lot too- and as much as I loved all of your stories, the best part, OF COURSE, was seeing your Sweet Boy at the end 🥰🥰🥰… Thanks for joining in Bowie 🐢🐢🐢!!!!!
awww, thank you so much! he is a super sweet kid, for real. thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! it means a lot. ❤️
You’re an incredible human being and such a great mom. I am inspired in every single episode and cheering you on from here. 💛
aww, thank you so much - appreciate your kind words! ❤️
Bowie is ADORABLE !
awww, thanks! he's super sweet.
Thanks for sharing Bodie’s story. How incredibly inspiring.
You àrea a great mom and human. I Don’t have a Child with autism but ive Spent 50 years teaching in special ed and have taught a FEW. This rediculous computer keeps adding stuff to my typing! Anyway, I loved hearing about your special day and your achievements with your whole family around this special kid. Bravo and carry on 🎉
aww, thank you so much for your kind words! we so appreciate people/teachers like you ... you're making a huge difference in so many lives! ❤️
What a wonderful sharing
thank you so much! ❤️
I enjoyed listening to your story. We never know how someone will impact our life. We should never judge based an how they act, look or carry themselves, we need to take the time to understand and know the person. We all want the same things in life and achieve them in different ways.
all true, thank you! ❤️
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. Square Root Day is indeed a special day. ❤️❤️
it really is - thank you so much for your kind words! ❤️
Thanks for sharing your story - very inspirational. Definitely resonates as my nephew is on the Spectrum. Love that you have had such wonderful people along the way that have made such a positive impact on your family. Bowie is adorable and I loved seeing him again.
Thank you so much for sharing (and glad you could relate a bit.) Thanks for watching!
Thanks for sharing your story. Autism awareness is so important. We are all Special. ❤
Visual Thinking changed my life. Temple Grandin changed my life.
YES! such a great book. (and we ARE all special!) thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! ❤️ it means a lot.
Oh my goodness! Thank you for sharing. I've not had to deal with autism with my children, but found the story of your journey very interesting. Definitely, I am going to purchase Temple's, Visual Thinking. Watching Bowie at the end, put a huge smile on my face. I love that he wants to be a scientist. Our son is an Eco scientist.
thank you so much for watching! I love that your son is an eco scientist. (Bowie loves robotics and building things and science ... art too. I can't wait to see what he will do next.) so happy the Temple book sounds interesting to you and thanks for your kind words! ❤️ they mean a lot.
Amazing story…Thanks for sharing!❤
Thank you so much for sharing your story and best of all sharing the amazing Bowie with us ❤❤❤
thank you so much for taking the time to watch! (he's such a sweet kid!) ❤️
Thank you for sharing, it helps me understand more. Bowie is lucky to have such a great family
thank you for watching! (and for your kind words.) ❤️
Thank you so much for a nice, interesting and inspiring episode💖 Thanx for sharing Jen🙌
thanks so much for watching! ❤️
What an amazing video, not that’s it’s not normally 🤦♀️ but thank you for sharing absolutely fascinating xxxx
thanks so much for watching!
Thank you for sharing your stories! ❤
thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! ❤️
Thank you so much for sharing! I'm AUDHD and I can relate so much to what you shared. I thought I might be autistic 19 years ago but was told I could talk and I am brilliant with words. So it was missed. I started doing PCA work for a friend of mine. Her son was 2 at the time and had just gotten diagnosed. I read through the big binder one of my first days over there. It was a lightbulb moment, and it lead to my diagnosis in 2020. The kid I took care of had a whole playlist of movies we watched every day. I started caring for him in 2017, Lego Movie was also on that playlist and we watched it every single day. So much love to you and your family!
And I love that she told you to have Bowie take geometry instead of algebra. Geometry I was able to understand, I almost failed algebra and took it twice.
I was the same way!
Thank YOU for sharing - it's so interesting to see so many adults that are getting diagnosed in recent years. (I think I might have been missed as well ... I didn't really talk in kindergarten, they kept checking my hearing, held me back a year ... but my academic work was okay and my parents thought I was just quiet and 'shy.' I could read and play the piano by ear so it seemed like all was well!) Love that you have a Lego movie connection, and glad you found some answers. Thank you for sharing some of your story! ❤️
Thanks!
Aww, thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️
I dont understand Autism and what has happened in the brain brain. I have 3 severely Autistic relatives who have a focus on different but specific subjects that is genius and then the social skills aren't there. It seems that they have genius that takes up all thinking. You sound so much like my best friend. Im a visual learner, I see without looking. Ive purchased Visual Learning. Thank you
hope you enjoy the book - it's an eye opener!
I learned so much from this episode! I’m grateful you shared your journey so far, and marvel at how fortunate your adorable Bowie is to grow up in such a wonderful family. Thank you, thank you, for teaching us about the wonderful neurodivergence that is autism. ❤
thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! ❤️ it means a lot.
What a beautiful video! I am a longtime reader of Temple Grandin's work and find her so brilliant and inspiring for all of us. Thanks for sharing such an intimate snapshot of your family.
wonderful - she's just the best, one of a kind for sure! thanks so much for watching and for your kind words. ❤️
Thanks for sharing your story. I am so amazed at how you deal with what must be a very challenging situation. Cudos to you dear Jen.❤
thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! ❤️
Thank you for sharing your story!! Bowie is AMAZING!!!! You have such a BEAUTIFUL family!!!
thanks so much for your kind words! ❤️ (thank you.)
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
😂❤ I just really loved this. Thank you for sharing all these beautiful stories! I have a big close knit extended family.....we cover the neurodivergent spectrum in a rainbow of different brains. Life is colorful!
love that - so awesome! thank you so much for your kind words! ❤️
Thank you so much for telling us about your Special Day in your own voice, Jen!!! You are a very Special and lovely human to advocate so clearly here. You make me feel like I actually know you and your very sweet family. Temple Grandin in real life must have been AMAZING!! I find the ways of autistic thinking very fascinating and, in particular, Bowie truly is Special!!
Aww, Susan - thank you so much! (I feel like I know you too and you are so kind to watch and leave these lovely words.) Temple was incredible, and yes - Bowie is the best. Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! ❤️ It means a lot, every time.
Thanks so much for a great podcast. You did an amazing job explaining your family. Bowie at the end made me cry happy tears. "Like and Subscribe!! "I always take away something from your podcasts, this one was very special, truly thank you.
Thank you so much! He's so great, seriously. Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words. ❤️
Jen, This was a beautiful episode. Thanks for being so vulnerable and sharing your beautiful journey. You are a great story teller-your chill and calm vibe is my jam.
In the early 90’s, I worked at a home program for The Groden Center in Providence, RI. It was one of the first home program to help families with children with Autism in RI. It was something I fell into and it was one of the most beautiful, challenging and best experiences of my life.
Bowie is amazing and super cool! Can’t wait to see and hear more about his journey. 🩷🫶🏻
thank you so much for watching and sharing your experience working with kids and families with autism! such important work - we have so many people like you who have helped us along the way! thanks so much for your kind words. (I always feel kind of dumb telling stories, but it works out somehow.) ♥️
Awe, he's so adorable. Keep up the good work!!! Thanks for sharing. A friend of mine so nineteen is autistic. She homeschool him, He's quite intelligent. His knowledge is more than an adult. She's teaching him to drive now. She too worked with him very young, Thanks for sharing.
thank you for sharing! sometimes these kids are geniuses and their minds are just amazing. thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! ❤️ it means a lot.
This was really heartwarming. You definitely brought on the tears. One of the things I love about UA-cam is that you get to hear about the lives and experiences of people different than you. One of the best educational and empathy building social platforms out there (if the viewer is open, of course). Thank you for sharing! I'll def be adding Visual Thinking to my TBR list.
aww, thank you so much for watching - it means a lot! sometimes the internet is a magical place and brings us together. (sometimes!) thanks again for your kind words and hope you like the Temple G. book! ❤️
Special episode today :) Thank you Jen for sharing your stories and family and life, for raising awareness, being vulnerable and human.
Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words - it means a lot! ❤️ I think there's a lot we can all learn from each other.
Thank you for sharing Jen. I just ordered the books that you recommended from the library. Happy knitting!
that is awesome!! I hope you enjoy them. thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! ❤️ it means a lot.
Thank you for sharing your family's story. You are right. It will be ok. We have a few people in our family who struggled with learning differences. They got help and coping strategies and thrived. Bowie is so talented and lovely and will do amazing things!
Thank you so much - I love hearing stories like this! Our differences make us beautiful. It will definitely be okay, and there are more resources now than ever before. Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! ❤️ It means a lot.
We had similar experience, and worried that our oldest may not be able to work. Some of his teachers suggested that he may have been on the spectrum. He does have ADD, always had an IEP we were concerned that he might have difficulties in working and do well in the workplace. He worked full time at Home Depot on the night shift and was a supervisor for a while until they reorganized their staff. He is now in the Army active duty. He was the most improved soldier in his AIT school. He is now doing very well living on his own in Washington State. We weren’t sure if he would ever achieve any of this. So like you said they will do well as they can.
That's awesome to hear that he's accomplished so much - no one can predict the future! But it's so great when they surprise us each step of the way. ❤️
Jen, thank you for sharing yours and Bowie's journey. I agree that Temple Grandin is amazing.
Thanks Bowie!!! ❤
thank you so much for watching! ❤️ (and yes, Temple is amazing ... Bowie too!)
This is a great episode, Jen..because it is real. For me, it was a bit like walking down memory lane, as I'm mom to a child on the spectrum. He is a young adult now and his world is beautiful. My big takeaway of those early years is that while I was devoting so much learning, respecting, and understanding how he sees the world, I was in part learning about my own. It's a big world out there and room for everyone. Keep being you!!
thank you so much! I think we all have a lot we can learn from each other, and that's what makes the world a beautiful place. thank you so much for sharing about your son! I love hearing stories like this (the ups and downs, and all of it.) you're so right ... it's a big world with room for everyone. I'm writing that one down ... so good. thank you, thank you! ❤️
Wow, that was super interesting.Thank you for sharing your experience, I love the target experience so wonderful how that one exchange made such a difference to your day.
Beautiful story ❤
thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! ❤️ it means a lot.
Jen, thank you for sharing your family story. Your story telling skills are great. You and Bo have done an amazing job raising 2 beautiful children. Hi Bowie, you are one very talented young man. ♥
aww, thank you so much for your kind words! ❤️ we are a pretty lucky little family - I wouldn't change a thing.
Omg. When I met my late husband he was the first person I met that could see what we would build. I thought everyone could see a project start to finish just in their mind. I didn’t know we were special 😅😊❤
so, so cool - brilliant minds!
Thank you for sharing part of what makes you even more amazing. Loved the story! P.S. loved the kitten in the corner!
thank you so much for your kind words! (and yes, I love my kitty companion ... always nearby for support.) thank you so much for watching! ❤️ it means a lot.
Wow, what an absolutely beautiful story! Thank you so much. I immediately went and found the books at the library. You truly have done something wonderful by sharing all this information in your own lovely way.
that's wonderful - thank you for taking the time to watch, learn more (and find books!) ❤️ you're awesome, thanks.
Thank you for sharing! You are such a cool person with a beautiful family! Love your Podcast!💕
thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! ❤️ it means a lot.
Thank you for sharing your story! It's so important to speak about experiences - highs and lows - so other people know they aren't alone. Thank you again!
so true - we all need to hear these things sometimes! it's great to learn about others and our differences are what makes this world a beautiful place. ❤️
Hi Jen, thanks for sharing. I love this format. Most people have stuff and i believe it lessens the burdens for others when people share - almost like knowing others have things going on makes it easier to carry your own. :)
thank you - I totally agree! feeling alone in whatever you're going through is tough. even if we aren't all going through the same things, sharing and listening and understanding goes a long way. (thank you for your kind words!) ❤️
Thanks for sharing your family's journey. Very inspiring.
thank you so much for your kind words! ❤️
Whar a special and vulnerable video. Thank you so much for this window into your family's journey!
thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! ❤️ it means a lot.
Such a beautiful story. You are and continue to be the voice for Bowie and others. Thanks for sharing 🌹
thank you so much for watching, and for your kind words! I think we all have a lot to learn from each other and that's what makes our world beautiful. ❤️
Dang it girl! Thank you for sharing once again. We are all together in this journey! O you just now said that…. See❤?
awww, thank you so much - your kind words mean a lot! ❤️ we are definitely all together in this journey. the journey of life. (for real!)
So enjoyed you sharing your stories. Bowie is blessed to have such an awesome family. Bowie is a cutie!
thank you so much - he is the sweetest!
Thank you for being so open and willing to share. It was very moving and enlightening.
thank you so much for your kind words! ❤️
Thanks for Sharing your story its inspiring and beautiful. Have a great week x
thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! ❤️ hope you're having a great week too!
This is a beautiful episode. Thank you for sharing such a special part of your life and your heart.
Thank you so much! ❤️
Jen, listening to your story with Bowie reminds me of what we went through with my brother ❤ thank you for sharing your story. ❤
awww, love you guys and loved hearing more about your brother and your awesome family. thanks so much for sharing! ❤️
Thank you for sharing your family story with us. Your son is so sweet. ☺️
thank you so much! (he is super sweet.) ❤️
Omgosh. Way to wrap it up Bowie. Good job buddy!❤🎉
haha, he's the best at that! ❤️
So beautiful!!-- made me tear up... and what a sweetie pie he is!!
aww thanks - he is super sweet! ❤️
That was beautiful ! Thank you for sharing
Thank you so much for watching!
Great episode from an amazing mom. I had tears in my eyes several times. Thank you for sharing your experiences. It always amazes me the things special needs students are drawn to. I have not watched the Lego movie- that speech is so inspirational. Bose did a great job with all the details at the end. I would love to hear more from him about his interests. Maybe he can be a regular closer for the podcast. ❤ to you all.
Edit Bode not Bose.
Thank you so much for your kind words! Yes, I find his interests fascinating, and they're changing all the time. I am sure he'll make an appearance again soon ... he had an idea to do a segment called 'Bowie Geigley Reads' instead of 'Jen Geigley Knits." ❤️ Cutie.
Thanks for sharing your family’s story. My kids are 6 years apart (girl, then boy, like yours) and they are also very close. I think it has to do with them being farther apart in age so they never had to compete with each other for anything. They’re adults now and they’re still best friends. When my son was a toddler he was nonverbal and had terrible tantrums. When he was about 3 we had a speech evaluation and the person said, “he’s fine… he’ll talk when he really has something to say. And when he did start talking he’s never been quiet since. When he was about 6 he was diagnosed with severe ADHD, and a major deficit with executive functions and a severe short term memory deficit. Also with a near-genius IQ, So all throughout his school years it was difficult explaining to educators over and over why he needed so much help with organization and planning and day to day functioning if he was so smart. It was frustrating. He’s now a senior in college where he’s getting a BFA in acting. He also enjoys costume design. Also? Tell Bowie that I live in a town called Bowie, in Maryland, but around here we pronounce it “Boo-wee.” In order for my iPhone dictation to spell my town name correctly, though, I have to say it like the way your son’s name is pronounced, which I assume must be in honor of David Bowie? Anyway, thanks for the chat.
Thank you so much for your stories and kind words! Yes, I think the sibling age difference is a good thing in our family. I love that your kids are still besties! So fascinating about your son's diagnoses ... I'm sure that was challenging with such a high IQ but other difficulties, and school expectations, etc. I love that he's in college pursuing acting!! (Thank you for sharing all of this.) Bowie just signed up last night for the Penguin Project here in Des Moines, which is a theater group at our local Playhouse and I think he's going to love it. And OH MY GOSH - I will tell him you live in Bowie, MD! Wow, that is too cool. He will look it up right away. Yes, his name is like David Bowie but actually named after my husband, who goes by Bo now. (They're both actually named Bowen, but Bowie is the nickname that just kind of naturally occured with both of them.)
@@JenGeigleyKnits FYI Bowie, MD is about halfway between Washington, DC, and Annapolis. (And, only about 40 minutes from the Howard County Fairgrounds, which is the site of the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. Unless, of course, it’s actually festival weekend, in which case you can double that on account of about the last mile of the trip being bogged down with Yarnies.)
@@wheeltrish awesome!
Excellent, thank you!
thanks so much for watching!
Thank you . I love Temple.
me too!! thanks for watching! ❤️
A lovely video, thank you. xx
thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! ❤️ it means a lot.
Enjoyed your U tube today - So good!
thank you so much for watching!
It resonated Jen. 😘
awwww Cindi - thank you! ❤️
Jen, Every word of this Video is PURE MAGIC!!!!
My son is 22 now, and I am just realizing that his Words that he has spoken about this are just hitting me now.....
aww thanks (and oh wow!) ❤️
@@JenGeigleyKnits yah dude its weird, like He doesnt want to label himself, and I have supported him by allowing his support from me to be how he wants it, rather than what I think it "should be" as a Parent, and it has Worked Out! He is beginning to Thrive More and More each day!!! 🤩💪🏻
@@JenGeigleyKnits i kept having to stop the video and cry for a bit and start the video again, it was wild! Thank you Sooo Much for this! I feel like we are Friends, even tho I dont know you! Its been amazing watching your videos! 🥰🫶🏻🙏🏻
@@KiSaralise that is great!
@@JenGeigleyKnits also how do I email you pics of my Noctuidae? Is there a contact on your website? I am not on SM.
Me sobbing at your sharing so much personal stuff in this vid and the amazing Target cashier on 4-4-16 omg 🙏🥹🧩
Awww, sorry but thank you so much for your kind words! Happy tears. ❤️