Posts Tagged ‘Autism diagnosis’
When Time Seems to Stand Still
I went for a walk tonight with my dogs. Like I try to do every night. It’s my sanity after long days. As I was walking I took note of four house being built down the road from mine. So much change. I let myself think about the house we moved into just a month ago and how I plan to live here the rest of my life. No joke. I’ve told Jamie he will have to carry my dead body out of here. I let myself think about our…
Read MoreI Can’t Dwell On The Fears
It was no surprise to me. I mean, I didn’t even cry. Maybe I even zoned out a little bit. I heard him say, “What we are looking at is Autism Spectrum Disorder.” In my mind I was still thinking about why in the world playing with a baby is an important part of these assessments. He went onto say, “I am writing his prescription for 10 hours of TSS and 3 hours of BSC weekly.” I mean my son has never even played with a baby doll. Why would…
Read MoreTo the Parents of Children with Autism
We write this blog and share our story, not to get sympathy from others, but to educate others on what autism is, how different it can look from one person to the next and to offer support to others who are walking the same road. We don’t write it to complain about our life, but to celebrate life and our sons. The support for others is a big reason why we do this. To all the autism moms and dads out there: We see you, we know your struggles and…
Read MoreThe Moment It Hits You
Today, the girls and I made plans to enjoy a nice lunch outside at the Old Mill with Jack while Cam and Daddy went for haircuts. In addition to The Old Mill being my daughter Olivia’s favorite place on earth, we thought Jack would enjoy watching and feeding the ducks while we ate. I prepared as I normally do – with toys I know Jack loves, water, snacks, my phone at easy access in case I needed to put on a show, etc – the works. We are used to…
Read MoreEven On Your Worst Mom Day…
Sometimes when I look at my son, it’s like he is not even there. The happy, sweet boy that we are learning to connect with is missing from behind his bright blue eyes. He’s completely lost. As a parent, trying to manage a meltdown from a child on the autism spectrum is incredibly difficult. But to actually experience that meltdown? I can’t even imagine. Wilson’s sensory reactions and how much his developing system can handle can be so unpredictable. His ability to understand and follow instructions has improved, but when…
Read MoreFriend, I Understand You May be Scared
It’s the end of the school year and administrators are sitting with teachers working to create the best classes for the coming year. I understand it’s not an easy task. This year, I sit on the other side of the table as the parent who understands that my autistic child may be placed in your class. I have even heard that a few of my ‘friends’ have requested that their children not be in my child’s class. I want you to know, I understand. Really. I do. Friend, I remember…
Read MoreThe Wonderful World of Denial-Land and How I Escaped
“I’m going to say something during the appointment” my husband said on the way to our daughter’s one-year pediatrician check up. “Why? It’s nothing. Seriously. Why even bring it up?” I said in a strong tone but really was begging him not to take our new, adorable, happy, drama-free family down a path I knew we were already on. Let’s go back one year prior to when our newest daughter was about to be born. We were holding our breath waiting to see her because after our anatomy scan at…
Read MoreMy Son Always Pointed
Last night Cooper requested that I sit on the front porch with him. Which I gladly agreed too. It’s not often that my little Energizer Bunny asks me to sit with him. As he meticulously lined up his treasures around us he noticed the trucks and bulldozers that were working in the field behind our house. He immediately squealed in delight, pointed, and turned my cheek. He was in awe. And felt that I should be just as excited as he was. He climbed up on my lap and snuggled…
Read MoreShielding My Autistic Son from Cruelty
My name is Amy and I live with my husband and son in Michigan. Our son Travis has severe autism with limited verbal ability. Travis is 11 and is very active! He is the center of the universe, and if you were unaware of this, he will use his super powers to convince you otherwise. Yesterday, we took him bowling. He was having so much fun. When he is excited and happy he squeals joyfully, and kind of side walks, very energetically. This is very typical behavior for him. It…
Read MoreLooking Past Autism
Funny how in 2005, the word hope became the name of our beautiful baby girl. The simple 4-letter word was selected by my husband. He thought “we hope she sleeps,” after our first-born son loved to dance the night fandango and keep us up throughout his 18-month existence prior to his sister being born. Hope back then was based on the fact we were both working parents and how would we survive on very little sleep and get through our days? Four children later and the word dope has many…
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