Posts by Amanda DeLuca
Honoring the Challenges of Parenting a Child with Autism
Two years ago we were in the fight of our life. I remember sobbing on the floor of our playroom because I understood for the first time in Jackson’s life how it was safer for some children to live away from home. I was terrified. Heartbroken. And scared to death we would never make it through as a family of four. And two years later we are finally letting out the huge breath we’ve been holding for two years. We can finally breathe again. I am sharing the truth with…
Read MoreAutism Diagnosis: 5 Life-Changing Lessons
The day I learned autism was now a part of our journey seems like a lifetime ago. No one in our family or immediate circle of friends had a child on the spectrum, and it wasn’t something we were familiar with. I had a flawless pregnancy. All I could think about was taking baby bump photos, rocking him to sleep, never missing a bedtime story, and making my own baby food. Nowhere did I think I would have a baby who didn’t sleep, one who struggled to eat, didn’t babble,…
Read MorePlease Don’t Stare at My Autistic Son
I’ve been quiet today, no social media posts, spending time observing my son, I took a walk in silence this morning instead of with my AirPods in. Yesterday evening my son Jackson, who was diagnosed at age two with level two autism spectrum disorder, had a really difficult time in the grocery store. He yelled at us in protest, he hit us and the shopping cart, he had behaviors that you wouldn’t expect from an almost nine year old boy that is nearly five feet tall. We’ve learned to remain…
Read More5 Things to Offer a Special Needs Mom Who’s Struggling
You see the posts, you hear the stories, but you don’t always know how to help….. You don’t have a child with special needs, but your friend or a family member does. You want to do something, but are unsure of where to start. Here are five ideas that have been life-changing for me. Remind her that she’s doing a great job. When she’s in the toughest times she’s doubting herself, she’s wondering if it’s her fault, if she will ever make it through. Reach out, remind her how amazing…
Read MoreTwenty-Two Lessons From Autism in 2022
This was without a doubt the most challenging year for our family. This was the year we had to call in help to look at safety, support for aggression, goodbye to all medications because none were working. But we also learned the most lessons, came out stronger, and have a better foundation for raising a son with autism. Here are twenty one lessons autism has taught us this past year: 1. In their own time, in their own way. 2. People are curious and want to understand how to help,…
Read MoreParents, Own Your Role at the IEP Table
I can’t even begin to count the number of times someone has said to me “I’m just mom, I don’t know my rights at the IEP meetings.” It’s time for that to change! I want you to own your seat at the IEP table as a parent. YOU are the only team member who is never going to change, you are the expert on your child, you are just as important as everyone else in that meeting. Let’s own your role as being a P.A.R.E.N.T: P- Head into every meeting…
Read MoreA List of the Things I Wish for My Autistic Son
A list of the things I wish for you, I hope you have big dreams my sweet boy. I will be here to make them happen with you. We will chase them, and work for them, and celebrate every moment and success. I know that your life is going to be the greatest adventure I couldn’t have even imagined. Bravery my brilliant boy. I hope that one day you realize how much you inspire others. How many of us you have taught about the true meaning of bravery. I want…
Read MoreReady for Forever
This morning I thought about forever, as we woke up before the sun, and hurried to get ready to go find trains. This is what we do. When you first find out you’re going to become a parent you think about raising a child, sending them off to college, and watching them get married and start a family of their own. I’m not saying he won’t ever do any of these things, but I’m also saying we aren’t promised he will either. The day you find out you’re not just…
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