Posts Tagged ‘back to school’
“I Am That Mom”: Navigating Back-To-School for Her Child With Disabilities
I am totally THAT mom. Each year when I send my daughter off to her first day of school, it hurts. Like physically, in my gut, hurts. My breathing feels shallow. My heart seems to skip beats. My cheeks are hot and tingly. Waves of nausea pass through my belly like the ocean when a storm is near. Each year on that first day I feel sick with worry because I am here, and she is there. I know my daughter is not going out into the world alone when…
Read MoreFive Tips Special Needs Moms Need for Back-to-School
Dear Special Needs Mommas, As the school year begins, I want to offer words of encouragement and motivation. Your role as advocates and supporters is crucial. Embrace the first weeks with optimism, knowing that you have the power to shape your child’s educational journey. Trust your instincts, collaborate with educators, and remember, you are never alone. From my experience as a former special education teacher and a caretaker to an adult with autism, these are my “go to” tips for you to survive the first week of school. You will…
Read MoreBeyond Expectations: A Heartwarming Journey of Inclusion From Public School
My son Logan has been in public school since the beginning of his autism diagnosis. Something I wasn’t always sure of doing with a special needs child. Because the truth is that sending your nonverbal child to public school is terrifying. I’ve read the stories. I’ve seen the news. I feared for sending my beautiful boy to a place that may not protect him. It weighed so heavily on me. I was so afraid he wouldn’t be understood. That they wouldn’t be compassionate or patient with him. That they wouldn’t…
Read MoreBack to School Plan for Special Education Students: Expert Tips and Strategies
If you are the parent to a child who receives special education services, have you started to prepare their back to school transition plan? My son will be entering third grade in just a few short weeks! Every day we talk about the first day of school, the number on the calendar, seeing his friends again for recess and his favorite: gym class! Heading back to school is a huge transition for our kids. Some are off to new buildings, some have new teams, some are eager to go back…
Read MoreIf You Pray For My Autistic Son
My husband pulled himself out of bed yesterday morning, quietly pulled his Sunday best from the closet, and went to church while the little man and I slept. We haven’t been to church together since the beginning of our marriage. We haven’t been to church as a family in years. And though I’m proud of him for making that decision for himself on such a random Sunday morning, I am simultaneously conflicted in my emotions. I’m glad he went, if that’s what his heart yearned for yesterday.…
Read MoreChalk Moon
I see my child running left to right. With an adult like animal chasing after her–one that once was human–strung by an invisible rope–sweating Big, fat drops of sweat born in a long day of keeping up– To my daughter’s erratic steps. The chime and play of the entire school on the blacktop is a world entirely unbeknownst to me—a mirage– I see my child in the wood chips–curiously untamed, naked screaming like a distraught fawn bare shaky on her legs spitting angst at everyone– And the principal hovering–a…
Read MoreA Match is Made
A week ago, my younger son started playing soccer. My daughter took him to his first practice because I was sick. As I perused the pictures she sent me, it was obvious how much he enjoyed playing. My daughter barely saw him the entire hour he played because he was running around so much. He was having a blast with his new buddy. This soccer program is a program for children with special needs. My younger son has ADHD. His ADHD causes him to have a difficult time paying attention…
Read MoreIt Felt Like I Would Never Get Over My Son’s Autism
“When are you going to get over this?” My husband calmly asked, as I laid in our bed yet again crying. I can’t remember what event involving our son preceded it; Another evaluation, an elopement, an awkward moment at a family gathering or school, maybe it was another long meltdown. Whichever it was, I was now lying in bed quietly crying and venting to him about all of it. Pure heartbreak and fear. After his question, I knew he immediately regretted asking it, not only because it sounded so harsh,…
Read MoreI Cried For All Special Needs Parents
Yesterday, I cried. That’s right, this strong, brave mother who everyone thinks has the answers, cried big ugly crocodile tears. Everything I thought I was doing right was questioned. I went home after yet another meeting for Kyle and went straight to my room, sat on the edge of my bed, kicked off my boots, fell backward, and had myself a good cry. I cried until my eyeliner was streaking across my face. I cried until my eyes were puffy and my head hurt so bad I could barely see…
Read MoreTell Them About Kids Like My Son
Dear Parents, It’s that time again- the beginning of a new school year. After the last couple years, I think we’re all ready to get back to some semblance of normal. Most of us prepare children in the usual ways. Open house, new backpacks, clean lunch boxes, lots of forms signed and last minute sneakers. I need you to do something else, too. Will you talk to your children about who may be in their classroom? Tell them about the little people who are squares navigating a very round world.…
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