Posts Tagged ‘autism parenting’
A Lesson We All Need to Learn
I’m at this point in my life, silly as it may sound, where I try to figure out the lesson when things happen. What did I learn from this? How can I do better next time? Can I help in anyway? And so on. This morning I woke up to an adult woman making fun of my son’s haircut. Which is strange. I mean, she’s an adult. A mother. She can type and speak. My son is ten. The comment didn’t need to be shared. It was not necessary. What…
Read MoreComplicated Beauty
One of the things I’ve learned as I’ve aged is that there is more than one way to look at something. Most things are complicated. Intricate I guess. They aren’t simple. I’ve even learned that my heart and mind can feel differently too. As if at odds with each other. I just took my oldest and youngest sons to the park. Our park. The one place where we can move comfortably without fear of judgement of the boy who moves and communicates and thinks differently. It’s our favorite place. On…
Read MoreThe Special Mother
Did you ever wonder how mothers of disabled children were chosen? Somehow I visualize God hovering over the earth selecting his instruments of propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger. “This one gets a daughter. The Patron saint will be Cecelia” “This one gets twins. The Patron saint will be Matthew” “This one gets a son. The Patron saint…..give her Gerard. He’s used to profanity” Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles. “Give her…
Read MoreUnlocking Your Voice
My Dearest Daughter Sloane, Last night I had a dream about you. I had a dream that I went to your room to wake you up, and you sat up in your bed, and you said to me in the sweetest voice, “Mom, I have so much to tell you, and I don’t know how this is happening.” I woke up out of breath, and I don’t remember anything else. You’ve had a hard few days. Your struggles have been heavy. I’ve needed to know so many things only you…
Read MoreTo The Heroes Who Love Our Children
Along this journey of navigating autism you send the largest part of your heart out into the world and pray that they are loved and cared for. You also meet some of the most amazing heroes disguised as teachers and para-professionals. You see the blonde standing in the back? That’s our “Miss Kaci” and never have I felt such gratitude or such an instant connection for someone who was a complete stranger to us less than a year ago. To those who love our children despite challenging behavior. Who meet…
Read MoreDads, The Glue That Holds Us Together
I don’t post a lot about my husband, Steve. Today I want to talk about him because he is my rock. He is very much involved in everything we do for Henry. All of the decisions we make are equal. He went to all the doctor appointments and he’s around for most of Henry’s home therapy sessions. The day Henry was diagnosed, Steve was at the appointment with me. We knew the diagnosis was coming and we were able to console each other on the drive home. When we got…
Read MoreThis is Fine
You know that meme…the one with the dog drinking coffee at the kitchen table while the house is on fire and the caption reads…’THIS IS FINE.’ That’s my life right now. I don’t complain. I truly, truly don’t. But right now, I’ve lost control of the ship. And the ship is sinking. And also on fire. I’ve been alone with my boys for over a week now. My husband is quarantining after being gone for a few days and it’s been really hard. Three boys. Three schedules. A full time…
Read MoreSuicide is 3X More Likely for those on the Autism Spectrum
Why does Autism awareness and acceptance really matter? There are many reasons, but let’s talk about one of the most important reasons… SUICIDE. Suicide is three times more likely for those on the Autism spectrum studies say. They say Autistics are more likely to have anxiety and depression which obviously leads to suicide. However, I think it’s important to discuss some other factors that weigh heavily into why Autistics have anxiety and depression beyond just Autism. You may be surprised to understand that the villain in this suicide story is…
Read MoreI Wonder
My son, I wonder if you will always reach for my hand when we are walking. I wonder if you will always be precious and innocent. I wonder if you will always gasp at birds and at squirrels. I wonder if you will always point to airplanes. And wave to strangers. And bark when puppies walk by. I wonder if you will always run up to a mud puddle with such joy and excitement and then look back to get my attention before you jump in. I wonder if we…
Read MoreSilence and Sunshine
My son, This morning was one of those great mornings. You and I, sitting side-by-side, taking in the morning in our own familiar way. You on the couch surrounded by 7 fleece blankets and treasures. Me, right next to you in the recliner, feet up, drinking coffee. The news was going on about something or another but I couldn’t really hear it over the music blaring from your iPad. You were dancing to it. Every few seconds you would pick up my arm and move it with yours to the…
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