Posts Tagged ‘autism and nonverbal’
Today I Will Trust
I get so scared sending him anywhere alone. But I have to trust. I have to trust in good and kind and grace. I have to trust that people will know the yellow haired boys name is Cooper because he won’t be able to say it under pressure. I have to trust that they will ask him if he wants a drink of water because he won’t think to ask. I have to trust that they will wipe his mouth after he eats and adjust his waistband after he goes…
Read MoreA Brave Day
Let me tell you about a boy. A boy who at ten years old shows more bravery than most adults I know. But his bravery looks different so most overlook it. He has very few words. Not much for conversation. But his eyes…they tell a story. If you listen to him. Patiently. If you don’t rush him. And wait. He will tell you. If you don’t talk over him. Or speak for him. He will tell you how he hears things louder than you. And smells the faintest smells. And…
Read MoreA Boy Who is Doing His Best
This beautiful boy is nonverbal. He has severe autism and a handful of other diagnoses as well. He jumps, flaps and twirls when he’s excited. He lays down on the floor and rolls when he’s upset. He lives for dinosaurs, jumping on the trampoline, baseball and popsicles. He knows exactly what he wants and when he wants it. He just doesn’t always have the tools to express his wants and needs. Zeke hears and understands every single thing that is said to him and about him. He understands when his…
Read MoreJust See Him
People ask me all the time how they can help. Kind people. Loving people. Strangers. Friends. Family. People on this page. I speak about that out of control feeling that happens when my son starts struggling. When his big feelings about waiting or sitting overwhelm him. Or when the noise is too much and the lights are too bright or he smells something in the air that you and I can’t make out. Maybe we are in line at the grocery store. Or at a park. Or in the paper…
Read MorePictures in My Mind
When you become a parent, and probably even before, you imagine your child’s life. You imagine your own. You have this picture in your head of what it will look like. Scenarios. Highs. Successes. Wins. The beautiful moments. That’s normal. As humans we do that. We daydream. We imagine. When something challenges those images it can be hard. Like really hard. What you thought would be is not. I’m here to tell you that once you step off the path of what you pictured and into the unknown, your life…
Read MoreA Beautiful Night for Baseball
It was a beautiful night for some baseball! Week number two and I’m still blown away by this kid’s progress. Batting, fielding, base running, hugging, and giving high fives. All on point! And to bed immediately when we got home. 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…
Read MoreAsk About Anxiety
My sweet boy, This morning we had some alone time. You peeked around the staircase at 5 am and when you saw me open one eye you smiled and waved. Down you came. Slowly. I’ve often commented how you walk like a little old man most of the time. Cautiously. Studying every step before you take it. I know when it’s you because of the pauses. I can hear you coming. When you got near me I held my hand out to you like I always do and you placed…
Read MoreMy Greatest Gift to This World
My Son, I’ve been awake a lot the last 3 weeks and that has given me a lot of time to think. You wouldn’t believe the clarity that comes at 4 am. I’ve decided that when my time is done, and someone is writing up the story of my life, and listing my greatest accomplishments, I want them to list you first. You. The yellow haired boy who made me a mother. The boy who overcame. The boy who persevered. The boy who conquered. The boy who gives the gift…
Read MoreMiracle League Baseball
One of the best things we ever did for our family was join Miracle League Baseball. We met so many amazing kids and families like ours. We got outside. We found people who understood our challenges. We became part of a team. And so much more. Moms and dads always tell me that they don’t think their child will actually play. And my answer is always…that doesn’t matter. It’s so fun just to be apart of something. There is no score. Or pressure. Just lots of cheering. And tonight, during…
Read MoreDon’t Think of Me and My Autistic Son with Sadness
I may never be in the stands cheering as my son skates down the ice with the puck. But, I feel the same pride, every time I watch him make progress and acquire skills. My son Stalen is autistic. He was diagnosed when he was 21 months old. He is 6 and non-speaking. Every time he says a new word or tries a new food, it is like the last minute of the third period, the game is tied and he’s on a break away, headed down the ice at…
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