Posts Tagged ‘Autism diagnosis’
Autism: Different Yet Acceptance
We are a family that lives autism. My son Cody is 22 and has autism with speech delays. Everyday is the same day as before. It’s like being on rewind over and over and over. It’s a place I never knew existed. This place that seems so far away yet it’s our life — our reality. As I sit here reflecting and repeating words back to my son as he says them (something that needs to be done for him to move on) I realize I’m in the same place…
Read MoreAs a Sibling to a Brother With a Disability
One day, a friend asked me “what is the hardest part of being a sibling to a brother with a disability?” Without hesitation I quickly answered, living in fear. Still to this day, even at 38 years old, I have the same exact fear as I did in my sunflower decorated room when I was eight. What happens to my brother if something happens to my parents? This is my deepest fear, one that comes with so many factors. But I don’t really talk about it. Like… I fear that…
Read MoreSawyer’s Strength
This morning I drove my middle son Sawyer to school. He typically rides the bus but he wanted to donate a handful of toys to the toy drive his school was holding so I drove him. ‘The toys go to Children’s Hospital mom.’ He was adamant about bringing presents. As we drove he asked me a zillion questions. As a mom, I’ve learned that some of the best conversations happen in the car. After asking me about multiplying 8’s and 9’s and something he saw on YouTube, he said, ‘mama,…
Read MoreThe Most Memorable Moments of Our Lives
I’ve learned as I’ve aged that the biggest, most memorable moments of our lives, are often the ones we least expect. Of course a wedding, the birth of our babies, an anniversary, are the best. But other ones sneak in. When you least expect them. A solo car ride with your son. A walk with your aging parent. Staying up way too late drinking wine with your husband. Coffee with a friend. Or when your first born watches his first ever movie, start to finish, with your family on movie…
Read MoreThis Autism Life
When it comes to parenting a child with a disability, there are parts that we as parents share. But there are some parts that we don’t talk about. Respect. Dignity. Maybe because we don’t think to share it. Or because maybe no one will believe us. Or it’s just our norm. This morning I found myself doing something that me and my husband do daily with our son Cooper. We don’t talk about it anymore, unless there is something of note. He is 11 years old and has a diagnosis…
Read MoreThe Question I Get Asked as a Special Needs Mom
The number one question I get asked is, do you want more kids? It’s a very tricky subject. It’s something that I struggle with daily if I’m being honest, something I’ve intensely prayed about. I’ve always loved the idea of a bunch of kids running around. Ever since I was a little girl I wanted six kids. I wanted to adopt two and birth four. I didn’t grow up wanting to be a foster parent. Actually, that desire didn’t come until much later in life. But God opened that door…
Read MoreThe Long Game of Parenting
Often, to me, it feels like raising children can be likened to playing a long game. Solid parenting seems to be an exhausting process of doing “all the right things” and then having hope that we will see the fruits of our many labored years down the road. Sure, there are hints along the path that we’re heading in the right direction. Although, it will be decades before we really know if all of the encouragement, guiding, talking, showing, loving and repeating things ad nauseam (“hands are not for hitting!”)…
Read MoreMy Biggest Fears For My Autistic Son
Dear Sully, I hope you get to experience what it’s like to have a true friend. I hope you get to experience what it’s like to fall in love and be loved in return unconditionally. I hope we get to attend your wedding someday and be those proud parents of the groom. I hope we get to stand in the hospital room and hold our beautiful grandbabies who have a huge heart and are extremely intelligent just like you. I hope you get to experience what it’s like to live…
Read MoreAutism After 40: “Where Did That Come From?”
Dad here. Big Dude is a perpetual three-year-old but many times we see him mature and show a different side of himself that makes Mom and me scratch our heads and ask rhetorically, “Where did that come from?” One such ritual is Big Dude’s insistence that I am fully dressed for the day from the moment we greet each other. Big Dude picks out my shirt. There are several that are his favorites. He chooses my trousers, shoes, and socks. If I am standing he will often push me gently…
Read More5 Key Things Autism Siblings Wish Parents Did Differently
5 Key Things Autism Siblings Wish Parents Did Differently. Note: Autism siblings in this article refer to: – neurotypical siblings, autistic siblings, neurodivergent siblings AND those that are undiagnosed but “treated” as neurotypical In 2016 I hit my rock bottom. Even though I lived in my dream city, London, I was completely burned out. My own mother didn’t recognize me, I was battling with sudden panic attacks, anxiety and depression. Little I knew it was a blessing in disguise. This was a pivotal moment for me to start diving deep…
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