Archive for July 2020
A Better Place
I read what you said, how special-needs kids should be kept at home instead of going back to school this fall. “Let’s just keep these kids at home and when this passes they can come back to school. Do you really think they’ll be any different after a year of staying home with their parents?” After that you used a very ugly r-word but I am not going to repeat that quote because honestly, what’s the point? It only makes me feel angry, and raw, and defeated. I don’t usually…
Read MoreWhat I Wish I Knew When I First Started Out…
What I wish I knew when I first started out on this path… Early intervention can never hurt your child, it can only help. If your child is just a late talker, great – a little speech can never hurt. Get the evaluation. Pediatricians plays down your concerns, but your instincts are screaming at you. Get the evaluation. Family and friends are gently giving you cues, but you are in denial and yes angry. Get the evaluation. You are afraid of your child being officially labeled, except they are being…
Read MoreA Different Life is Not a Less Life
A Colorado Kindergarten teacher allegedly said the following on social media: I’m so tired of hearing about special needs children…They were re****** before COVID and they’ll still be re****** after…Do you really think they will be any different after staying a year at home with their parents…Sorry, you f***** got pregnant and had a re****** kid. Your problem not mine. And yes, I’m a f****** teacher. Of course, this is despicable. The school board is moving towards dismissing him. Still, special needs parents are posting the story. Why? Because it…
Read MoreIn the Chaos, Don’t Forget About Special Needs Children
Mommas, that fear you’re feeling right now. That fear of the unknown and not knowing what is going to happen to your school-aged child. Of not knowing what is best or the right answer. Of not knowing how programs and best-laid plans are going to play out. That awful sinking feeling of dread. That feeling is the feeling most special need parents feel every year at the IEP meeting and every start of every new school year. That feeling is constant for special need parents. In addition, that feeling of…
Read MoreOur Life Before Autism
Every night you fall asleep wrapped up in your favorite teddy bear. Tonight, was no different. You snuggled into the bear that is larger than you, wrapped yourself in blankets, and awaited your bedtime stories. We read 3 bedtime stories every night. You usually push for more, but tonight you were fast asleep before I even finished the second book. You do not fall asleep during the stories a lot, but when you do it is always my favorite. I stay a few extra minutes to soak in every ounce…
Read MoreA Letter to My Younger Self
“Dear Amy, I know you’re feeling pretty bad right now. The other kids make fun of you a lot, and you don’t know why. You’re trying really hard to be friends with them–doing all of the things you think they want you to do, and it’s just not working. But there is one thing you should know: It’s not your fault. Other people might say that, and you won’t be able to listen to them; but I am hoping that you will if it’s coming from me. It’s not your fault. Say it over…
Read MoreLet There Be a Sister
One green, green day, the Lord looked upon the world. He admired his sons and his daughters. He smiled at all of the wonderful animals, and he gazed tenderly at each new baby. The round blue earth, with all of its people and puppies and flowers and trees, seemed complete. But the Lord was not so sure. He thought about it for a while, and then he said to himself, I am not done yet. I need someone who is a little different. Let there be a boy, he said,…
Read More‘No’, the most complicated word in the English language
NO. One of the smallest words in the English language with the most power. Such a small word. Sometimes it’s the first word you learn. As an adult, it’s easy, short, authoritarian. Many times you don’t even have to explain it. When I became a mom, I knew this word would become important. I knew it would be challenged by young minds. I knew as my kids became teenagers, it would become even more important. I never really gave it much thought, never really paid attention to the power and disappointment…
Read MoreThe Many Emotions of Covid
Like most of you, since Covid 19 struck, I feel like I have been underground these past few months. I have been consumed and somewhat distraught by the many issues plaguing our society. Too much clutter in my brain has prevented me from digging into my autism mom heart and sharing. Fear not…I think I have found something meaningful (I hope) to write about. If you enjoy my blogs I thank you for your patience. If you don’t…well then you don’t. I cycled through many emotions during the beginning of…
Read MoreWho Would I Be?
Who would I be without him? I ask myself this question every once in a while. I don’t ask it often, because that could turn into a slippery slope, if you will. Hi. My name is Carrie. My husband Joe and I have five kids. Our second son, Jack, has autism. He has had it since the very day he was born. He is sixteen now. Without autism, I would be carefree. Maybe even spontaneous. Naïve. Unkind. Judgmental. I might know what it’s like to sleep past 5:45 am. That’s…
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