‘There was none of this autism stuff back when I was in school.’ I hear some version of that statement often. It typically comes from someone older than me, and most often, not from a cruel place. More of a place of curiosity. I do my best to educate. I explained to them that not that long ago, kids like my son were kept in different parts of the school. And before that, placed in institutions. It’s true. Most people don’t want to believe it though. I’ve educated myself on…
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,…
The other day I found myself with a group of mothers. We all had kids roughly the same ages. We chatted about the craziness of raising kids right now. We laughed. We vented. We did what mothers do. Then we bragged about our amazing kids. One mentioned her son getting straight A’s this year. And practicing for his driver’s test. Another spoke of her child going on a missionary trip and how great that will look on her college application. We chatted about sports and the things four year olds…
My boy attended his first middle school dance last night. The statement alone evokes a slew of emotions, undoubtedly steeped in years of questions surrounding whether or not participating in milestone events such as these would be possible for Leo who is on the autism spectrum. Yesterday evening, I laid out a pair of khaki pants, and a polo, hoping they’d be sufficient for the occasion. I’d asked Leo’s teacher what the kids usually wear to these functions, my own middle school days seemingly a lifetime ago… Leo giggled excitedly…
Did you know there are different types of helper dogs? Three to be exact and they all serve a different purpose. Emotional Support Animal (ESA), Therapy Dog and Service Animal. Let me help you understand them, because it’s important to know how to use the right terms. Did you know that an Emotional Support Animal or ESA for short does not have public access rights? Yep, it’s true. Although some people will argue about this, the fact is simple, they don’t have the right to be in public and actually…
My Husband. I love him with all my heart. Every fiber of my being. I have loved Him since I was 16 years old. I don’t really know anything else. And to be honest, sometimes I don’t even like him. We don’t see eye to eye on many things. We fight a lot. He doesn’t think the things I think are important matter. At all. And frankly, it irritates me that he can’t pretend to go along. He will humor me, but still, not happily. This was going to be…
My daughter is twelve and on the autism spectrum. Some of the hardest things for kiddos on the spectrum for my daughter anyway, are lines and noise and too many people. In years past that has been a recipe for disaster. Last night, I took my daughter to Glow with her bestie and mom and it was the first time we were able to walk through due to Covid restrictions over the past couple years. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but last night blew away any expectations I could’ve…
‘My son had never been invited to a birthday party before. I hope you know how much this means to us.’ Yesterday, we had a birthday party for our son Cooper. And we invited his friends. The kids we have met along the way. The ones who don’t necessarily talk or play sports or fit in the norm. Our kids. The colorful kids. At one point, a mama said to me…’we might not make it into the party room. He might not go.’ My response…‘that’s ok. You never have to…
6 Things I Never Need To Hear Again As A Mom To A Child With A Disability: 1. Have you tried… For some reason people who have never have had the experience love to tell parents of children with disabilities how to get their kid to sleep, eat, behave, etc. For the record, I’ve tried anything and everything you can think of and some things you probably can’t. 2. My neighbor, sister, second cousin twice removed had _______ and now is a doctor, lawyer, ruler of the world. Excellent. Glad…
Last night was one of those really special nights. Our family, along with 20 or so other families, spent an evening with Santa. Some kids lined up chairs. Another watched an old 1950’s train docu-series on YouTube. One young man used his speech device to ask Santa for a horse. Another young man wore noise canceling headphones the entire time. Some kids sat near Santa. Some led him around by the hand. Others just waved. One little girl was dressed up in a tutu. Others in Jammie’s. My son wore…
