Posts Tagged ‘autism acceptance’
Everyone’s Accepting of Autism—Until They’re Not
Everyone’s accepting of autism until you see my boy on the floor, mid-meltdown, and blame my parenting. The whispers and the stares as you walked past were not unnoticed, but my child needed me more than you needed my reaction. Everyone’s accepting of autism until his stimming doesn’t quite fit in your little box and you feel like he’s too old to behave that way. Everyone’s accepting of autism until you get annoyed that we cannot attend an event because it is not suited for our special needs child. Everyone’s…
Read MoreA Moment That Stayed With Me: Motherhood and Autism
There’s a small moment from years ago that has always stuck with me. Even now, it makes me feel sad and a little guilty. But I also think it perfectly captures where I was in my journey through motherhood at the time. My husband and I had taken our kids—our son, about five, and our daughter, around two—to a playground. I never did outings like this alone because my son, who is autistic, would elope (run off) often. The second he took off, someone had to be ready to chase…
Read MoreAdvocating for Autism Employment Worldwide
I advocate for autism employment worldwide because autistic adults deserve a chance to succeed just like anyone else. Growing up autistic, I wasn’t sure what my future would look like when employed. I knew I had vital interests in sports and theater, but I didn’t know if some of my challenges, such as the inability to read body language, needing breaks at times due to long periods of social interaction, or inconsistent eye contact, would be accepted in a workplace setting. I went from a Sports Management degree at Seton…
Read MoreAutism and Nutrition: “They Will Eat When They’re Hungry”
Oh vey, if it only were that easy. Has anyone made a comment when you were trying to feed your child and said, “Oh, don’t worry so much. They’ll eat when they’re hungry?” I can relate to this all too well. Growing up, I was obsessed with bologna sandwiches. Nothing else would compare to the positive feeling I’d get whenever I’d be presented with another bologna sandwich. It wouldn’t matter if it was breakfast, lunch or dinner. That easily became one of my norms around the time I was diagnosed with autism at 4. This is a common…
Read MoreIf You Pray For My Autistic Son
My husband pulled himself out of bed yesterday morning, quietly pulled his Sunday best from the closet, and went to church while the little man and I slept. We haven’t been to church together since the beginning of our marriage. We haven’t been to church as a family in years. And though I’m proud of him for making that decision for himself on such a random Sunday morning, I am simultaneously conflicted in my emotions. I’m glad he went, if that’s what his heart yearned for yesterday.…
Read MoreChalk Moon
I see my child running left to right. With an adult like animal chasing after her–one that once was human–strung by an invisible rope–sweating Big, fat drops of sweat born in a long day of keeping up– To my daughter’s erratic steps. The chime and play of the entire school on the blacktop is a world entirely unbeknownst to me—a mirage– I see my child in the wood chips–curiously untamed, naked screaming like a distraught fawn bare shaky on her legs spitting angst at everyone– And the principal hovering–a…
Read MoreA Match is Made
A week ago, my younger son started playing soccer. My daughter took him to his first practice because I was sick. As I perused the pictures she sent me, it was obvious how much he enjoyed playing. My daughter barely saw him the entire hour he played because he was running around so much. He was having a blast with his new buddy. This soccer program is a program for children with special needs. My younger son has ADHD. His ADHD causes him to have a difficult time paying attention…
Read MoreIt Felt Like I Would Never Get Over My Son’s Autism
“When are you going to get over this?” My husband calmly asked, as I laid in our bed yet again crying. I can’t remember what event involving our son preceded it; Another evaluation, an elopement, an awkward moment at a family gathering or school, maybe it was another long meltdown. Whichever it was, I was now lying in bed quietly crying and venting to him about all of it. Pure heartbreak and fear. After his question, I knew he immediately regretted asking it, not only because it sounded so harsh,…
Read MoreI Cried For All Special Needs Parents
Yesterday, I cried. That’s right, this strong, brave mother who everyone thinks has the answers, cried big ugly crocodile tears. Everything I thought I was doing right was questioned. I went home after yet another meeting for Kyle and went straight to my room, sat on the edge of my bed, kicked off my boots, fell backward, and had myself a good cry. I cried until my eyeliner was streaking across my face. I cried until my eyes were puffy and my head hurt so bad I could barely see…
Read MoreTell Them About Kids Like My Son
Dear Parents, It’s that time again- the beginning of a new school year. After the last couple years, I think we’re all ready to get back to some semblance of normal. Most of us prepare children in the usual ways. Open house, new backpacks, clean lunch boxes, lots of forms signed and last minute sneakers. I need you to do something else, too. Will you talk to your children about who may be in their classroom? Tell them about the little people who are squares navigating a very round world.…
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