Posts Tagged ‘Autism diagnosis’
Thank You for Learning About Autism
I want to say the hugest, most heartfelt thank you to each and everyone of you who has supported me and my family on this journey. I know that so many of you have fallen in love with Cooper and our story. Sawyer, Harbor and Wynnie too. And of course Jamie. 8 years ago I sat on my couch in Duluth, MN and I created a blog. I named it Finding Cooper’s Voice. And I truly had no intention of anyone every reading it. I poured my heart out to…
Read MoreSomething “Wrong”
I often get asked when did I realize you were Autistic, and you are almost always with me when it happens. This is how the question is normally worded – “When did you notice something wrong?” I am usually more polite than this, because asking questions leads to understanding. I want to encourage others’ understanding, but I need you to know the uncensored answer to this recurring question. To be honest, I didn’t notice anything “wrong”. I was too busy snuggling you and thinking your happy flapping was adorable. I…
Read MoreThe Big Reveal is Tomorrow!
Tomorrow is the day! Finally! The big reveal of my book cover. I am so excited for you all to see it. Cooper and I will go live right here (time TBD) to reveal it. He is going to be so excited. He adores photos of our family. So much so that he carries them, sleeps with them, and loves them until they are worn thin. The photo we chose for the cover is one of his absolute favorites. This photo came in a close close second and was almost…
Read MorePreorder Forever Boy Today
Four more days until the cover of my book, Forever Boy, is revealed! It is available on Amazon now though for preorder! This photo is one of the runner ups for the cover. It’s one of my favorite pictures of my boy and me. Someone asked me what the book is about and how it will differ from my blog. When you have a child diagnosed with something, anything, your world changes in an instant. It gets smaller for one. Suddenly, you feel like you are the only person on…
Read MoreLet Them Show Us the Way
When you have a child diagnosed with autism, at some point you will be told all the things they may never do or achieve. Whether it’s from a friend of a friend, a medical professional, an educator, the internet, or an evaluation where you spend hours filling in little bubbles next to questions that cut you like a knife. The limits will be placed. I wish it didn’t happen. I wish instead we were told about how yes, it will be different, and yes there may be parts of development…
Read MoreA Letter to Parents on Diagnosis Day
Maybe you’re just hearing the news that your child is on the autism spectrum. Or that they might be. Maybe you’re in the process of having your child evaluated. Or maybe you’re holding back from seeking a diagnosis because you’re scared. Scared of the label. Scared of hearing it out loud. Scared of the idea of forever. I understand. Every single emotion you’re feeling. But I want to show you something…. You see the photo below? This was never “supposed” to happen. My child has a friend. A friend in…
Read MoreA Life Meant Just for Us
A few days ago, I was watching a fellow special needs mom story on Instagram. Like most day’s she was giving a real insight on what it’s like to raise multiple kiddos on the Autism spectrum. She was asked what would be her advice to the parent of a child who was recently diagnosed. What she said next about grief was not what I was expecting, but it stuck with me. She said, if we are being truly honest with ourselves, we are not grieving the life our child may…
Read MoreI Wish I Could Have Told You
I think about you sometimes mama. 28 years old. You just had your first baby. You named him Cooper months before he was born. You painted his nursery blue. You went to birthing classes and read What To Expect When You Are Expecting. Your husband bought him a baseball glove and bat. And a Minnesota Wild jersey. You were both so ready for him. I can see you going to the hospital. So excited. So scared. I can see you holding him in your arms for the first time. You…
Read MoreThis Time Was Different, But Not Really
I have a terrible memory, but I remember that day like it was yesterday. I was a 23-year-old single mom. I was recently divorced, working 3 jobs, and had absolutely no idea what I was doing. With one look, anyone would have seen that I was ready to break at any moment. The doctor could see it too, I could tell. I could tell by the way she tip-toed around the subject, like she just knew I needed a bit of hand holding. I could tell by the way she…
Read MoreOur Family was Complete
My son was born on July 31st, 2015 along with his twin sister Aria. They were perfect and they were mine! It was one of the happiest days of my life. I waited so long to become a mother. Me and my husband had many losses until this pregnancy. I had never felt such joy and happiness. The feeling was incredible. I never realized I could love a person this much until this day. I couldn’t help but think of our future and how bright it would be with these…
Read More