Posts by webmaster@protectpress.net
Growth and Autism
Every once in a while, I look at my tiny human, a piece of my heart that walks this earth, and I think ‘you’re growing’. It usually hits me in the morning. That divine window of time before sleep has fully left her eyes, energy of the day yet to take hold. There’s something captivating about that sudden realization that change happens faster than you can blink. Obviously, she’s going to grow. It’s what kids do. But logic is irrelevant when you’ve waded through six years of global development delays…
Read MoreI Hope My Autistic Son Finds True Friendships
As he sat on the buddy bench for a rest, my heart broke a little. I imagined him sitting here by himself, yearning for a friend. Someone who understands and accepts him. Someone other than his Mom, Dad, brother and sisters. I find it hard to build and maintain friendships and relationships. I can’t imagine how hard it is for someone who has difficulty communicating. But, I know he will find his way and learn to build and forge friendships, the Stalen way. It takes someone special to see beyond…
Read MoreShe Didn’t Know What Autism Would Bring
I wish I could tell you that the Mom in the picture was wise and ready for whatever came her way. But, she was young and naive and just getting her feet under her after the birth of her first child. Things weren’t going as they were supposed to and behind the smile, she was struggling like never before. Struggling to understand what she was doing wrong and why her baby wasn’t sleeping, eating and was doing so many repetitive things. She had read all the books and taken the…
Read MoreI Was Judgmental of Another Mom
Today, I was judgmental. Today I was jealous. Today my heart ached. As we battled through a specialist check up, I had to watch the anxiety build in my daughter. Silent but strong. Fear and irritation consumed her, followed closely by terror, as we progressed from appointment to lab work. The transition led to tears. Then the flapping, stomping body. Then the yells… I’m sure we looked like quite the scene. One melting down kid in one arm, another bewildered kid on the other, mom sweating, flustered, and weighed down…
Read MoreWhat Families Like Mine Wish You Knew
Today I want to share with you a story, it’s the story of families like ours. It’s the story of those of us that are living a life with a family member who has complex needs. Today, I want to give you a peek behind the curtain so that, if you don’t live this life, you can maybe understand it a little better. Please know that every family like ours needs understanding, it can be a lonely road we walk. We often find comfort from the people that have similar…
Read MoreTelling the Story of a Boy with Autism
When I walked into the store, you were standing in the produce section near the fruit. The first thing I noticed about you was your jacket. I love that color blue, and it looked nice with your dark hair. I walked past you, and I almost tripped over an empty basket someone had left in the middle of the aisle. I glanced over my shoulder and I smiled. I rolled my eyes a little. “Who would leave their basket like this?” You looked up from your bag of apples, and…
Read MoreA Letter To The Mom With A Newly Diagnosed Child
Dear Mama, I know you’re probably feeling every single emotion flooding through your body right now… And I wish that I was there to wrap my arms around you and give you the big loving hug you so desperately need. I may not physically be there with you, but please know that I am here…along with an army of fierce mamas who have been exactly where you are. I’ve been on this journey for almost 9 years now and there are a few things I’ve learned along the way. Many…
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