Posts Tagged ‘apraxia’
I Can’t Turn Off The Worry
In my recent viral video, backlash came over several topics. One that surprised me the most was the anger over me describing how having an autistic child has affected my mental health. How the worry over his safety and his future has changed everything. I had no idea that would anger people. It’s a normal conversation topic whenever I get together with other moms who have children with special needs. We talk about the stress, anxiety, migraines, ulcers. We complain about how our sleep is affected. Our sanity. We joke…
Read MoreChronic Medical Struggles in Nonverbal Children (Video)
Hey all, here is the update on Cooper’s ear infections, Cat Scan, and most recent request for ‘help’ and a ‘doctor.’ So many of my wonderful followers have been asking for an update and it makes me so happy to know that people care about Cooper. I used to think if I could just get him communicating I’d be able to help him. I was wrong. Now that he communicates we still can’t help him. I’m chasing doctors, demanding tests, advocating, researching, going slightly crazy, all while my kid melts…
Read MoreComing Face to Face with Normal
A few weeks ago I found myself at an event with lots of adults and kids. But not just any kids. Seven year old kids. Specifically, seven year old boys. Boys that are the exact same age as my son. My son’s peers. I should have felt right at home. I am a mom. I know boys. My son is seven. Except, I felt like these boys and their moms were speaking another language. I don’t know anything about seven year old boys. Not really. My son may be seven.…
Read MoreMy ‘Ah-Ha’ Autism Moment
On my drive to work this morning, I was considering different topics for my February writing challenge topic and I landed on the ‘ah-ha’ autism moment. You know the one? The exact moment you realize that your child really does have autism. And it’s really serious. And you can’t hide it anymore. And your child is different than their peers and siblings. For me this wasn’t the moment our doctor first mentioned early intervention or even when he was diagnosed with autism. Yes, those moments were hard and stung. But,…
Read MoreWill My Autistic Son Understand When I am Gone?
I went to a funeral yesterday. It seems as I get older, and my family gets older, I am attending more and more funerals. I guess that’s the nature of growing older. Thankfully, if there can be a thankfully, they are funerals for beautiful souls that have lived long, wonderful lives. So, more of a celebration of life I guess. My Son As I sat there yesterday, I looked around and saw many faces I knew and many I didn’t. Ages ranged from babies to nineties. I found myself staring…
Read MoreI Often Wonder if My Son Is Lonely
Good morning! We are having a much needed snow day in Minnesota. It’s nice to slow down once in a while. I haven’t had a relaxing morning with Cooper in months. It has been pretty busy around here lately. We are the early risers while Sawyer and dad sleep. We sit together. I watch the news and drink coffee. Cooper gathers his favorite things and a blanket. This mornings favorites include a picture of Dad, a coaster, Thomas DVD case, Thomas picture, a yellow magnetic block (so good for visually…
Read MoreIdentifying Pain in Nonverbal Children on the Spectrum
I have a Super Cooper update. He’s been ‘off’ for a few days. Protesting school, quick to meltdown, not communicating. When this happens with my nonverbal child I know something is probably wrong. As Cooper’s mom, I’ve learned that when behaviors change in a child on the spectrum, finding the reasons why can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. They can’t verbally tell you something hurts or feels weird. Nor can they always process it. In my son’s case, he shows us pain with increased or…
Read MoreSigns to Bring Awareness to the Invisible Disability
Last April, Cooper and I were playing at an inclusive playground in our town. The park was developed by a family of a little girl with Cerebral Palsy. It was the one place that I felt comfortable bringing Cooper alone. With inclusive playgrounds, the objective is to include everyone. They are thoughtfully designed to provide a safe place where children of all abilities can play together, and are developmentally appropriate for children with and without disabilities. Just as the name suggests, inclusive playgrounds have another mission that goes beyond the physical accommodations and specialized equipment.…
Read MoreJanuary Guest Blogging Writing Challenge
Hi all! Thank you to everyone that submitted an ‘I am Thankful’ post in November and December. As we turn to the 2018 I’d like to change up the blogging topic! Every year on Sawyer’s birthday I write him a letter. I started when he was two. You can see last year’s letter below. Over the years I’ve started writing letters to the people that have played a role in our autism journey. Friends, family, strangers, even Cooper. Some times I thank them. Some times I apologize. And every time…
Read MoreDoes Parenting A Child With Special Needs Get Easier As They Age?
Have you ever wondered that? I used to all the time. I would be at a particularly low point in our Autism journey and I would ask that question to my mom or a friend or a doctor. And no one would tell me the truth. I just needed to hear if it was going to get easier or get harder. I needed an honest answer. The problem was I was asking the wrong people. I’m not surprised I get asked this question every day by parents of newly diagnosed…
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