Emma and I are giving an hour-long presentation tomorrow at the ICare4Autism Conference. We have been discussing our presentation and while I would be most comfortable writing everything out and basically reading from index cards, Emma has proposed that we do a much looser, more fluid type of presentation, one where I introduce us and then she will type some thoughts about the topic she chose, My Body Does not Obey My Mind, I will respond, she will type something else and on it goes, ending with questions from the audience.
Emma wrote, “How about making this presentation more meaningful by having me talk and then writing an answer to a question and showing them what we mean when we use the words “body/mind disconnect”?
I asked her if she was okay if I brought up the topic of stimming too. Emma wrote, “Maybe we start with something less controversial like nice questions about the weather.”
I said, “You mean I ask you a question about the weather and then wait for you to give a spoken answer? And then after you’ve said something, you will type an answer to show the difference in real-time?”
Emma replied, “You ask me a simple question like – How do you like the weather today? – because talkers like that sort of thing.”
So to practice, I said to her, “What do you think of the weather today?” Emma said, “Pool!”
“So that’s a good example, right?” I asked.
Emma then typed, “Beautiful blue skies with whispering air that rustling leaves answer.”
I said, “That is such a perfect example of what you’ve been talking about. What else?”
“Vanity will be put aside so that others may learn,” Emma wrote.
When I suggested I write what I would say in response, Emma wrote, “How about you talk about how my talking voice confused you and made you think what I said was my intention?”
I told Emma this way of presenting is nerve-wracking for me, but that I think it will make for a far more compelling and powerful presentation. She then typed, “You can lean on me.” I told her I will be practicing mindfulness and breathing to relax. Emma wrote, “Good work, Mommy. I will be right next to you lending support.”
I’m counting on it, Emma. I’m counting on it.