Posts Tagged ‘autism’
Is HE Going to be in our Class?
Today we had “Back to School Night” and I was nervous all week thinking about it. Every year when my oldest has a new teacher, I hope and pray that they are kind, understanding, and teach the other students about inclusion and things that make us different…and that its okay. We walked up to the list for 2nd grade, I ran my finger down the list to find his name, and we proceeded down the hall to her room. Max was making loud noises, he held my hand, he has…
Read MoreAutism has no Cure…But Luckily, Ignorance Does
I’ve been on this journey with my boys for 18 years now and after a while, you just get sick of hearing yourself complain. I’m sick of being the Debbie Downer when someone asks how our weekend was. No one wants to hang with “doom and gloom chick”. Much like Autism doesn’t just “go away” at 10, the misunderstandings and judgment doesn’t either. I am a mother of two young men on the spectrum. One of which is 17 years old, with Severe Autism. He is somewhat verbal but unable…
Read MoreYou Have a Really Nice Family
My step-mom died recently. Of cancer. The really bad one. Although I know there are no good versions of cancer. Pancreatic. The survival rate is almost zero. I learned that after I googled. No one would say it out loud. It ate her alive right before our eyes. She went from a larger-than-life, loud, happy, busy woman to a shell. To a 67 year old woman in a nursing home bed. 14 months is all it took. 14 months to eat someone alive. Sawyer recently asked me why it did…
Read MoreLooking into the Future
We chatted today. I was the mom next to you in the neurologists office with the two redheaded girls. Even if my girls weren’t loud and imposing in small spaces, I’m sure you would still remember us. I saw you watching them as you nervously waited for your appointment. And after seeing your beautiful little girl, I’m pretty sure we share more than a love of Wawa frozen cappuccinos. As your little lady sat on the floor with her kindle, I’m guessing I saw more than most moms would in this…
Read MoreLetting Go of the Shame of Autism
I remember it like it was yesterday. It will be 30 years this month that I experienced rejection for the very first time in my life. I was beginning my grade 9 school year. After a summer being away from home, I was nervous to come back to school for some reason. I tried to comfort myself by saying, ‘Wendy, don’t be silly, you have been best friends with these girls for 4 years, everything is going to be fine. You are in the popular group. Everything will be great.’…
Read MoreTo my Fellow Target Shopper
“You are a little too big to be sitting in there don’t you think?” So said the elderly woman at Target, with a chuckle and a wink, to my Isla as she sat with her knees grazing her chest in the shopping cart. I was tired. My body, my spirit, tired. The summer has been so long. I had zero make-up on but I had brushed my teeth, put a cap on to hide my unkept hair and managed sufficient deodorant swipes so I was totally winning the day in…
Read MoreQualifying for Free Incontinence Supplies
I wish I could sugar coat it, but raising a child with Autism comes with quite a few unique struggles to face. But there are unique joys as well, so let that be the light at the end of the tunnel as you and your child keep chugging along through emotional, financial, and physical challenges, especially when incontinence is also involved. Saving With Autism And Incontinence Supplies Autism and incontinence are connected due to a variety of reasons. Some children may experience learning disabilities that delay toilet training or may…
Read MoreTo the Parents Who Don’t Understand, Just Ask…
Last year about this time I posted a blog about inclusion. See, I am not a strong proponent either way as I feel everyone should be included to the best of their ability no matter what their extra needs or disabilities. Certainly, a child with disabilities should not bring trauma to your own typical child but reality is, my own children have had more struggles with typical children than they ever have with a child with extra needs and actually have learned more from them than their typical peers. That…
Read MoreNo Autism, Just Love
“Today has been tough. Aubrey has told me all day long, “I don’t want a brother.” Multiple times, and always very serious and sad. I asked her why she felt that way and she said, “Because he just cries too much.” I froze. Aside from wanting to tell her that she does the same and yet we still keep her around, I decided to give her grace instead. I tried to explain to her why her brother gets upset sometimes, and has a hard time staying calm, and that it’s…
Read MoreSorry for the Delay, I’ve been Sad
I looked down at my cell phone this morning. 37 unread text messages. 37. Dear God. Thousands of unread emails and Facebook messages. Have I been on vacation? No. Taking a social media/world time out? I wish. Nope. It’s been a long couple of weeks. My baby isn’t sleeping. And by isn’t sleeping I don’t mean waking up once a night. I mean waking up 3-5 times a night. And then I got hit with a cold. That happens when I get over tired. My body literally shuts down. It’s…
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