Guest Post
The Beauty in a Sibling
Because of our son Jack’s autism and sensory issues, one of the most difficult tasks for him is spending time at doctor’s appointments. When we bring him, he has severe anxiety; accompanied by lots of tears, screaming, tantrums and sometimes self-injurious behavior. It is heart breaking. Now, this may sound crazy…but because of this, in addition to all of his own appointments, I make sure to bring Jack to all of his siblings visits as well. You’re probably thinking WHY?! Right? Well, I do this in hopes to desensitize Jack…
Read MoreA Crystal Ball
Most parents would enjoy looking through a crystal ball to see what their child’s future looks like. What will your child’s life look like in 10 years? 15? Their wedding? The day your first grandchild is born? And finally how your children are doing when you are no longer around. You don’t want to wish the days away, but getting a peak would be so fun! Maybe 10 years from now they will be turning 18. Will they be heading off to college? trade school? getting a full time job?…
Read MoreBattling Anxiety and Depression When Birthday’s Come
I think it is very safe to say that most parents of children with autism are battling anxiety or depression…or a bit of both, depending on the day. How couldn’t we? From the time our children were tiny and specialists noticed they were ‘different’, we have been fighting every day of our lives. Fighting for them to receive the therapies they need. Fighting to have them included in this world. Fighting to teach them all they need to know so that hopefully…one day…they ‘might’ catch up. And this is where…
Read MoreI Will Never Be the Same
Yesterday, I couldn’t get out of bed. I barely willed myself to do the dishes. I can’t explain why. Nothing had really “happened.” There wasn’t some explosive meltdown or feelings of inadequacy. I just got scared. So scared. I remember when I was a child and I would wake up from a bad dream and find myself in between my parents, completely safe and free or fear. Now I find myself in my son’s bed, my body curled next to his, never wanting to let go, knowing every morning I…
Read MoreThank You to our “Graycare” Team
Fall is always a rough time of year for me emotionally and mentally. I know it, I prepare for it, gear up for it and let the chips fall where they may. This year fall has been exceptionally challenging because my son started kindergarten in a new school. His autism and anxiety demand routine. To say this transition has been hard is an understatement. Not to mention that only 6 weeks into the school year his new school has asked us to find a different placement for him (that’s a…
Read MoreTips for Engaging with my Child during the Holidays
Prior to my son’s diagnosis I knew nothing about autism. Zero. So, I understand completely that most people have no idea how to approach or connect with an autistic child. If autism wasn’t thrown in front of me like a speeding bus, I would be completely oblivious. But it was, and I now have a bus load of experiences that have left me yearning for a world where people take more time to get to know the children in their lives who have disabilities. Most people are friendly. They say…
Read MoreI am a Different Person Since my Son’s Diagnosis
I am sorry I do not return your texts or phone calls. I am sorry I have to cancel last minute or do not make plans as I’ve promised. I’m sorry I am not the same person. Since my son’s diagnosis and his other medical issues, I am not the same person. I have noticed I have lost my spunk. My life is so chaotic. I feel my life is consisted of being on the phone with insurance or doctors. I am traveling to different therapies, five days a week.…
Read MorePlease See The Whole Picture
I share a lot of our struggle. I need it to be seen. It cannot be the part of autism that gets ignored to make others more comfortable. And I feel like so much of severe autism gets minimized. It has to have a voice! I don’t just want people to be aware or accept, I want you to be a voice, an advocate and see the whole picture. You have to see the dark, because it is there whether you want to see it or not. However, with that…
Read MoreNo Child Left Behind
It is November and the first progress reports have been sent home and parent-teacher conferences have happened. My son Caleb is adjusting well to 5 days a week of Pre-K. His speech has improved, we are using sentences with 3-4 words and answering some ‘yes and no’ questions without prompts. I am definitely seeing the growth from last year. His teachers and I both agree that we have to continue working on independence. He sticks to them like glue and gets jealous of the younger kids. At home, he sticks…
Read MoreParents, I have a Plea from the Bottom of my Heart
To explain, this week there were two incidents that tore me up inside. I met a beautiful little 4 year old who I found out is in my daughter Evangeline’s class at school. When I asked if she knew Evie, she said with wide eyes ‘Yes! Evie just cries all the time!’ She was a sweet thing and meant no harm, but it hurt hearing that as her description of my daughter. Then, I was told by her caregiver that when they were leaving school this week, another classmate pointed…
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