Posts Tagged ‘anxiety’
I Want You To Make Me Go Away Mommy
Today, I picked up my five year old son with autism from preschool, screaming, hyperventilating, and distraught. His one and only best friend decided he didn’t want to play with Jackson today. He’d found other friends he’d rather play legos with. That amazing friend is so wonderfully typical. Jackson didn’t understand the simplicity and normality of his sweet friend’s behavior. You see, my sweet, friendly, lover of life and all people in it, son, enjoys being around ALL children. But he will forever be the person to truly appreciate and…
Read MoreMy Son, In the Moments You are Still
This morning I watched you sleeping. On a mattress. On the floor. Next to my bed. You were still. There was no sound. No silly songs blaring. No grunts or squeals coming from you. Just breathing. You were not moving. Your arms were not flapping. You were not running or rolling. You looked like an angel. Your body and mind were content. Seeing you still and peaceful Cooper is the most beautiful thing ever. The fact that you are near us at night is very new in our world too.…
Read MoreLiving With a Child Who Has Anxiety
New Video! I know, it’s been a while. I want to talk about living with a child who has anxiety, rigidity and unsafe behaviors. What that feels like for the parents. And how it controls everything. Imagine having a person in your home who’s hyper focused on unsafe behaviors. Who doesn’t understand social norms. Who can’t hit reset when you tell them to stop. Their behaviors are relentless. They don’t take a break. They are hyper-focused. They want to escape from your home. If you turn your back for a…
Read MoreMy Most Important Lesson: Be Kind to Yourself
Everyday I struggle. I am used to accomplishing things, crossing things off my list, working everyday, juggling the 3 boys and their activities, homework, dinner and all the things. I am still learning to accept our new normal- my new normal. The days are very long and there is lots of time with William. The journey itself has been long. After a year and a half of testing, therapies, day treatment and hospitalization my sweet 11 year old now has an ASD diagnosis from Fraser, along with Anxiety and ADHD…
Read MoreI’m Thankful For You: My Son’s Teacher
(Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Jenn Wilson and is part of Cooper’s, ‘I’m Thankful For You’ Campaign.) This November I would like to thank my son’s teacher, Ms. Bastedo. My son, Jaret, is currently 10 years old and in the fifth grade. He has Autism, ADHD, anxiety and Apraxia. He is in a special education class primarily geared towards kids on the autism spectrum. His class consists of children in fourth through sixth grade. When I saw your video today, I knew I had to email you because…
Read MoreThe Dreaded Question: ‘Do You Medicate Your Son With Autism?’
I hate this question. I hate it so much that even typing the sentence ‘do you medicate your son‘ gives me anxiety. It’s not that I mind sharing the answer with you. I am an open book. I also firmly believe that as parents we can help our children even more by speaking opening and honestly about what’s working and what’s not. I remember years ago when Cooper was first diagnosed I just wanted someone to tell me what to do. Tell me the best course of action to help…
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