Guest Post
A Boy Who is Doing His Best
This beautiful boy is nonverbal. He has severe autism and a handful of other diagnoses as well. He jumps, flaps and twirls when he’s excited. He lays down on the floor and rolls when he’s upset. He lives for dinosaurs, jumping on the trampoline, baseball and popsicles. He knows exactly what he wants and when he wants it. He just doesn’t always have the tools to express his wants and needs. Zeke hears and understands every single thing that is said to him and about him. He understands when his…
Read MoreHow Visual Schedules Overcome the Challenge of Change
Many people argue that change is important for growth. But that doesn’t mean that it isn’t hard. Throw in having autism, and we’re in a whole new ball park. For kids with autism, there is almost nothing more difficult than change. Ironically, change is pretty much the only thing we can count on in life. So how do we empower kids with autism to face something so consistent, so important, yet so difficult– with confidence? Stick with me, and hopefully you’ll take away a tip or two. Why is Change…
Read MoreI Loved You Before I Even Knew You
On December 9th at approximately 3:42 pm on a Wednesday, you came onto this earth. And since then, my life has ever changed. You might wonder why I’m only writing to you and not Collin. Well, in my heart, I know the past year has been a struggle for you and our family. Sometimes I think we get so caught up in life’s daily to do’s and your brother’s needs that I know you feel forgotten. But this is a letter to you to let you know I do not…
Read MoreFive 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. 1. Remind her that she’s doing a great job. When she’s in the toughest times she’s doubting her self, she’s wondering if it’s her fault, if she will ever make it through. Reach out, remind her…
Read More‘The Reason I Jump’ Film Gives a Platform to Discuss Nonverbal Autism
Have you watched this film yet? When I heard that they were turning the best-selling book ‘The Reason I Jump’ into a full-length documentary film I was SO excited. For those who haven’t read the book, yet, it was written in 2007 from the perspective of a nonspeaking 13-year-old boy, Naoki Higashida. The book was later translated to English which made it rise in popularity even further! I gave it a read after seeing Jon Stewart mention it when he was the host of The Daily Show. The 82-minute documentary…
Read MoreYou are Our Hero
Young love, there’s nothing like it. You live in this bubble of hope. You make plans for the future and wonder about what your life together will bring. You dream about where you will live, how many children you will have, what vacations you will take. You look forward to a happy life together. Especially being so young and naive you are not imagining all the heartbreak and loss you will have to go through. It’s a part of life and how you cope and support each other as a couple…
Read MoreDon’t Think of Me and My Autistic Son with Sadness
I may never be in the stands cheering as my son skates down the ice with the puck. But, I feel the same pride, every time I watch him make progress and acquire skills. My son Stalen is autistic. He was diagnosed when he was 21 months old. He is 6 and non-speaking. Every time he says a new word or tries a new food, it is like the last minute of the third period, the game is tied and he’s on a break away, headed down the ice at…
Read MoreI am Human
“Can you tell me why you’re crying?” Andy asked softly, his face wrought with concern. “I’m just upset about Leo’s session this morning,” I began. This particular remote learning session, intensely challenging for my boy, and in turn, for me, as I attempted to navigate the resulting behaviors. “I’ve been thinking about it all day,” I explained..“Wondering what I could have done to prevent his upset, or at least minimize it before it escalated…” Andy listened calmly. Pausing for a moment before responding.. “It’s okay to be upset about this…
Read MoreMy Fears are Different
Parents have many fears for their children as they grow up…but as a special needs mother, my fears are so different than most. It’s difficult to put into words. So here I go…. It’s hard not to have tears roll down your face at night when everyone is asleep..when you look at your child so perfect, who is sound asleep, just thinking how much you love them. You lay there and think about everything. You can’t turn off your thoughts and fears. It’s hard to relax and take a deep…
Read MoreA Life Meant Just for Us
A few days ago, I was watching a fellow special needs mom story on Instagram. Like most day’s she was giving a real insight on what it’s like to raise multiple kiddos on the Autism spectrum. She was asked what would be her advice to the parent of a child who was recently diagnosed. What she said next about grief was not what I was expecting, but it stuck with me. She said, if we are being truly honest with ourselves, we are not grieving the life our child may…
Read More