Posts Tagged ‘Autism Awareness’
Bucket List
Have I told you all that I made a bucket list for our family? For 9 1/2 years we were mostly homebound. And in those 9 years we worked on things like safety, waiting, sitting, standing and communicating. The progress felt painfully slow at times. But his hard work, ours too, is starting to pay off. Last week we visited a zoo! The week before that it was a pool. Today, it was an aquarium. A real aquarium with sharks and sea turtles and string rays. The place was deserted…
Read MoreDear Stranger
Dear Stranger, You have been going to the same coffee shop as my son for a few weeks now. In fact, you have tried to engage and make conversation with him. Two days ago, you found out the reason why he doesn’t answer you, the reason why he struggles to make eye contact with you and the reason he eats the same thing, day in and day out. He has autism and has limited verbal abilities. You were told this information so you didn’t think he was being rude…
Read MoreStates Look to Put Label on Driver’s License for Autism
My son Johnny was almost five years old when he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. That was almost one year ago. Although we were told by experts they were unsure, I could have pushed to have him diagnosed sooner. To be completely honest, I think I was afraid of the label. I did not want people to hear he was autistic and assume so many preconceived ideas about him. I did not want them to expect the worst from him, or love him less. I worried teachers would dislike…
Read MoreBecoming the Mom I Silently Judged
There’s a story I’ve been wanting to tell for awhile, but it’s hidden in shame. The shame is a silent one, as most are. We often hide our dark thoughts because shining a light on them would mean shining a light on all the things we silently do or say or think that reminds us that as humans we are flawed. That’s the thing about shame, in our minds it outweighs our goodness. Even when the scales tip in favor of our goodness, the bricks of judgement and self righteousness…
Read MoreAre You Aware?
Autism awareness needs to change. People need to understand what awareness is all about. It’s NOT looking at a kid who has autism and treating them like they’re neurotypical. It’s NOT saying, “oh, I’m sure that’s hard for any kid” when a parent says what they’re struggling with. You seeing my daughter’s autism and ignoring it is NOT awareness and acceptance. Be aware of the differences. Be aware of the struggles. We know you see the meltdowns and the rigid routine. We know you see that she’s not quite like…
Read MoreBoth of My Children Are Normal
“Is your daughter normal?” the nurse asked. “So far she’s developing typically,” I replied, The conversation moved on but I couldn’t shake the word “normal.” The word swirled around my head and gave me a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Normal. Compared to what? I looked down at Everett, my autistic two year old, watching Daniel Tiger on his kindle , wondering if he’d heard and then wondering if he understood. If he did, how did it make him feel? As a physician assistant, and medically speaking,…
Read MoreAdaptive Costumes are Changing Halloween for the Special Needs Community
“And what does Whitman want to be this year for Halloween?!” I usually roll my eyes as the words hang in the air. In his almost seven years of life my son Whitman has never really cared for Halloween. It isn’t from a lack of trying on our part. Every year we get numerous costumes. We attempt. We battle. What should be this amazingly fun time in your childhood is just stress and tears, more from me than anyone. I have tried to throw expectation out the window but I’m…
Read MoreLearn to Bend
My daughter is about to be 12. In 19 short days she will be in her last preteen year. She is beautiful, smart, lives in her own world that we proudly insert ourselves in everyday and she also has autism. Severe, non-verbal, complicated autism. And this world we live in is not designed for her. We have to make constant alterations to the environment around us to make it tolerable for my girl and her needs. But unfortunately the environment and the people in it, don’t always want to bend.…
Read MoreThis Is Autism
It’s different. It’s difficult. It’s beautiful It’s gut wrenching. It’s time. It’s heart. It’s patience. It’s anxiety. It’s depression. It’s love. It’s overwhelming. It’s grace. It’s tears. It’s joy. It’s appreciation. It’s lonely. It’s surprising. It’s constant. We set out on this journey six years ago (officially)…should have been sooner but doctors drag their feet. Obtaining a diagnosis requires you to spit fire until someone gets sick of you banging their door down. The therapy is prescribed but the centers won’t take you until the child is three because otherwise…
Read MoreTo the Woman Who Stayed
To the woman who stayed… A week or so ago I found myself in a pretty tough situation out in the community. We were at an orchard with our family and friends. My son Cooper decided he was done. He was done with the apples and the tractors and the noise and sounds. And walking. Which is fine. He had done amazing. Except we were a mile away from the exit. His decision came out of nowhere. And we were stuck. My sweet misunderstood boy is 9 years old. Almost…
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