Posts Tagged ‘ASD’
A Lasting Impact
I am looking at you, my son, after introducing you to the bomb squad guy at a historic bombsite. He was our supervisor during our traffic works. I see you talking with the guy, posing as a tough boy, hands in your pockets, asking things about the history and World War 2. I dwindle back to years ago, when you were three years old and my Aunt called to tell me you appeared to be deaf unless she yelled “fries”. I see you looking at fragments of bombs with not…
Read MoreIt Starts With Us
I get a lot of emails. And messages. Even more comments. And many are from mamas of newly diagnosed kids. They typically come at 2 am. Or during a much needed nap time. When the exhaustion has creeped in. And the worry. When the word autism becomes a reality. They tell me their story. They ask questions. They ask me to tell them it will be okay. And they ask me me how I got to be so brave. Because they want to be brave too. They want to be…
Read MoreThe Parenting Bar
I was a less than great mom last night. I had all four kids alone, from newborn to toddler to an emotional 8 year old to Cooper and it was a lot to handle. There was a lot of screaming. There was water play when there wasn’t supposed to be water play. And then wet clothes on the floor. And sand. I yelled. I don’t usually yell. But I did.There was talking back. And throwing. So much throwing. There was ‘mommy will you play with me.’ And a lot of…
Read MoreYou Don’t Grow Out of Autism
You don’t grow out of autism. It’s not some phase a person is going through. Autism doesn’t end at 18. Regardless of the stories you may have read on the Internet or social media accounts, it is incredibly uncommon for a child who is accurately diagnosed as autistic to become an adult who is no longer autistic. So those ridiculous theories of how to “cure autism”…not only is that dehumanizing, its false. Autistic children may build some strong skills and overcome some challenges that may make their autism less obvious.…
Read MoreA Place Where We Don’t Have to Apologize
Good morning from our last day at camp! It’s hard for me to even put into words how much this weekend meant to me. A place where my son could try all the activities alongside his brothers without pressure or judgement. A place where we haven’t had to apologize once. A place where everyone understands. And no one cares. I can’t wait to share more video with you today. Because my son, the one who adores watching other kids play and try, but rarely joins, went down a zip line!…
Read MoreHe Did It!
He did it! He did it! He did it! I think horse therapy is in our future?! Up next is zip lining! The boys are having so much fun. I have to say the best thing about this place is the relaxed vibe. No pressure. No lines. No judgment. The number one reason why we can’t go places is the crowds. So remove that and success is inevitable! Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges…
Read MoreGood Morning From Camp!
Good morning from camp! We are just getting started! Everyone slept. Mostly. And everyone ate pancakes and sausage. Mostly. And everyone is having fun! Horses and laser tag are up first. Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome…
Read MoreA Camp for Autism Families
We are packed to the gills and headed to a family camp for children with autism. We. Are. So. Excited! We are also a little bit nervous because this is really brave for us. We don’t usually do things this adventurous. Two sleeps away. In a cabin. With itineraries. And activities. And people. But I also hear that there are no apologies at this camp. That little people can have hard moments and no one will stare or judge and moms and dads can breathe easy. And siblings can make…
Read MoreOur Girl is on the Mend
So many of you have asked for a Wynnie update. She is on the mend. Yesterday was a tough day but Children’s Minnesota did an amazing job. The care was exceptional as usual. Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our…
Read MoreWhat a Difference a Covid Year Makes
An old friend called me this weekend to check on our family. The discussion turned to the past. When Emily was a toddler, she was easily overstimulated by sounds or crowds. We were having dinner at their home and at some point Emily “lost it”. She was crying and inconsolable. The only thing that worked was to drive her around and play a Wiggles CD in my car until she calmed down. I missed most of that evening. A few weeks later Emily got upset when I was covering a…
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