Mary and Max, Support Group and Sebastien's Paintings

Dear everyone:

As I am going through alot of challenges with Sebastien in his adolescent phase, I am conserving my energy and thus not writing a new article... as yet. This email blast will still highlight the following:

1. Mary and Max:This incredible movie features an extraordinary friendship between a man with Asperger's Syndrome and a young girl conducted through correspondence. It gives tremendous insights into the struggles of this man and his difficulties with coping with mainstream society, in spite of his intellect and efforts.

This movie will only be showing in Singapore at the Picture House (Orchard Cineleisure) until April 13th. Don't miss it.

2. Support Group for Caregivers of children with autism: I am dedicating the last Sunday of every month to a support group for caregivers of children with autism (7:30 - 9 p.m.). Caregiving can feel like such an isolated journey that caregivers need to come together in a supportive space where they can share with others what they have learnt or what they are going through. There will be some light refreshments. Participants can also bring stuff if they like. There are no obligations or membership requirements.

For this month, the meeting will be held on Sunday, April 24th, 7:30 p.m.- 9 p.m.

Please RSVP me with the number of people coming by Thursday (April 21st) and contact information (mobile number and email). If I do not have at least 3 participants (including myself), I will cancel the meeting.

I am happy to host the meeting (Orchard; address will be given to those who have confirmed their participation), though I am open to us having rotating locations...

3. Sebastien's challenging phase of adolescence has a silver lining: he is producing more diverse paintings. Check them out at this public link (you don't have to be a Facebook member to see them):
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=350116&id=720254922&l=8020e60a5e

4. Highlights of my Website:

Books: http://www.awakeningminds.sg/books.html: my published books on autism, manic depression and a storywriting template and workbook.

Workshops (My proposed topics): http://www.awakeningminds.sg/workshops.html: my self-formulated workshops covering autism, caregiving, educational strategies, behavioural management and creative writing.

http://www.awakeningminds.sg/mental_wellness_workshops.html: my workshops on mental wellness and caregiving.

Workshops conducted: http://www.awakeningminds.sg/past_events.html: a comprehensive listing of all talks and workshops I have conducted.

Consultations: http://www.awakeningminds.sg/consultations.html, http://www.awakeningminds.sg/mental_wellness_consultations.html: my private, home-based consultations for families and institutions.

Learning Materials: http://www.awakeningminds.sg/learning_materials.html: Learning materials designed for children with learning difficulties.

Articles: http://www.awakeningminds.sg/articles.html: Articles on autism, special needs, mental wellness and parenting by me, as well as articles featuring me and Sebastien, written by journalists.

Please feel free to share this email with others who may be interested.

Regards,

Kah Ying