Posts Tagged ‘Brothers’
Learning to Acknowledge his Brothers
A glimpse inside our world…Most kids learn by observing others. They watch and learn. Or it’s instinctual. Kids just ‘pick’ up skills. We don’t have to teach them everything. We don’t have to think about every single possible skill that we do as humans and figure out a way to teach them. In our autism world, every single skill has to be taught. We’ve even had to teach Cooper how to learn. How to try. How to play. How to sit. How to care. Skills that are easy for most…
Read MoreBecoming Brothers
We have two boys – just 15 months apart. Usually when I tell someone this, I get comments like how lucky – they will be BEST friends. Do they get along? Do they fight a lot? I bet they keep you busy. Well, the last of these statements is certainly true but the others – I never thought it was possible but I think maybe we’re getting there. They are now 12 and 10. Our younger son has pretty severe/ nonverbal autism and his big brother is as “typical” as…
Read MoreEmbracing their Differences
I have two absolutely amazing little boys. One is 7 and one is 5. They are both blonde. They are both happy. They are both silly. I gave birth to them both. They are two years apart. And that is where their similarities end. My boys are like night and day. Personalities, likes, dislikes, fears, hopes, dreams, etc. All different. And that’s okay to say out loud. I’m not afraid of differences. Not anymore. In the beginning yes. I’m human. And differences can be scary. But time helped all that.…
Read MoreFinding Comfort with Two on the Spectrum
To my amazing little boys, Oh my beautiful boys. Where do I even begin? You both are loving, sweet, crazy, energetic, sensitive, hardworking, and special. I know you live a life that is harder than it should be. Every day when you wake up, you face challenges that I can’t even begin to understand. I’m sure if I understood everything you face between your sensory issues, lack of communication options, and constant need for routine, I would be impressed that you even make it out of bed some days to…
Read MoreA Letter to My Two Boys
To my boys, It’s December. When I was a little boy I remember December being absolutely magical as it’s the month that houses both Christmas and my birthday. I recall the days leading up to the festivities, being excited and feeling the building anticipation. The snow on the ground, the Christmas decorations and potential school closings would add to the sense of wonder that surrounded the whole season. “Would I get to shovel snow in the morning?” That was seriously a question I would think on the regular. If that…
Read MoreAutism and the Effects on Siblings
I have two sons, Cooper is seven and Sawyer is four. They are both blonde, adorable, strong-willed, and funny. They are both obsessed with their mama. They are loud. They are both snugglers. They have been brothers since Cooper was almost two. And yet, it wasn’t until recently that they even began acknowledging each other. Yes, it broke my heart for years. There are days when it still does. I can almost picture what my life would be like if my boys were able to play each other. If I…
Read MoreMama, Will I Ever be an Uncle?
Grief is not linear my friends. I know that better than anyone. One day you are fine and the next you are not. That’s just how it goes I guess. But lately, I have reached a place where I am okay with my son’s autism. I’ve done the crying thing. I’ve done the heartache and worry. I’ve done the desperation. I’ve come full circle. I’m in an amazing place. My son is thriving. He is farther along than I ever thought he would be. At age seven he is communicating…
Read MoreI’m Thankful For You: The Co-Founder of Agapi
(Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Morgan Ayala and is part of Cooper’s, ‘I’m Thankful For You’ Campaign.) This December I would like to honor and thank Nina, the co-founder of Agapi Behavioral Consultants. Agapi was established in 2015 and their primary clinic is located in Greenville, South Carolina. Their mission is to provide a fun and educational centered environment for children with developmental delays. While also providing an environment which motivates and rewards their team of therapists. I have two boys, both with ASD. Dominic is five and…
Read MoreBaby Book Guilt
I am a very sentimental person. Always have been always will. (Sorry hubs, not going to change!) I take way too many pictures and keep way to many souvenirs. I am a sucker for mushy lovey dovey stuff. So, I have been feeling like a real slacker lately because I am way behind on Sawyer’s baby book. My boys are growing up so fast. Heck, I am even behind on developing pictures. And this is so not me. I’d like to blame it on the fact that I have two extremely active kids,…
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