Posts Tagged ‘inclusion’
Why Autism is Not My Excuse
“ Oh but that’s OK for him. He has autism.” I had to blink a few times because I wasn’t quite sure if I heard her correctly. This kind and gentle grandmother standing next to me was actually blaming my sons poor behavior on his autism. What is this OK? Is this really how people viewed children with autism? That every single thing they do- say- think- act- is BECAUSE of their diagnosis? We were both standing at the doorway watching through the Window dance class. It’s a class filled…
Read MoreWe’re Having Fun and We’re Doing It Together
Hear me out… This phrase is our family’s unofficial motto. When you live with severe autism you work so hard every day to make even incremental progress. When you’re at the end of your short rope and sweating from the preparation and execution of the simplest task to enjoy a teensy slice of normal, you can hardly believe it all came together for one shining moment. An autism diagnosis is like having the wind knocked out of you. You know you’re likely to take a deep breath again, but when?…
Read MoreThe Woman in the I-Hop Parking Lot
My son Colt is 6 years old with severe non-verbal autism. He is the youngest of 3 boys. It is not easy for all of us to go out together as a family. Going to the movies with Colt is just out of the question. He would rock in his seat and vocalize loudly (if he even stayed in his seat). Bowling? No way, I can just imagine chasing him through the lanes while dodging bowling balls. Going anywhere that is crowded and loud is a huge gamble and takes…
Read MoreExposing him to the Outside World
I went to the bank today. A mundane errand to most…but never to me. In fact, when I have time, I make it a point to get out of my car and go inside the establishment. I do this for two reasons. One: I like to get my steps in where I can, and I also like to encourage my kids to do the same. Two: My son Dawson LOVES the bank. As soon as we walk in, he goes straight for the chairs. You know those fancy ones they…
Read MoreThe World Deserves to Know Him
We have always been very diligent in letting our son interact with the world. At 19, he is 6’3” and 230lbs. If he were the same boy as he was at 6 or 12, he could not be living with us. We could not handle him at this size. It’s been scary, difficult, unpredictable and emotionally hard. Time consuming and physically demanding at times. But with a neurotypical daughter who is an avid athlete, we knew he had to be acclimated to her world and the world. As much as…
Read MoreDear Friends and Family, It’s Been a While
Dear Friends & Family, A few months ago, I felt a small cyst in my right breast and still haven’t been able to see a doctor. This brought on a harsh reality for me as a mother of a child with special needs: I don’t have time to be sick, to go to my own appointments, or to die. I never thought about that until today. I don’t have time to get depressed or get my own therapy. I’m so busy holding it together for my daughter that it has…
Read MoreIncluding the ‘Different’ Kids
Below is a snippet of a recent conversation with Bubba Man on the way home from picking him up from a class trip to an amusement park: “Hey, Buddy. Did you have fun today?” “Yep.” “What rides did you go on?” (he literally told me all 11 rides, in order, and spared no detail). “That’s awesome! Who did you ride with?” “Oh, I rode by myself.” “Really? Well, who did you eat lunch with?” “I ate alone.” “Hmm. Well, who did you sit with on the bus?” “I sat alone.”…
Read MoreWhen You Feel Like You Don’t Belong in Society Anymore
There have been many “hardest” autism moments, and the truth is, when I think it can’t get harder, there is always a next time that makes it harder. I hope that makes sense. There have been many “best moments” too, but let’s talk about the hard times, because we currently just had a horrible moment. The first hardest autism moment came before I even knew he had autism. We had just dropped Dad off for a year long deployment at the airport. I wouldn’t have even attempted the store, but…
Read MoreEverything I Learned in Life I Learned in Kindergarten
This past week my son Brayden was child of the week. I had an opportunity to go into his classroom and talk with the class about Autism. We talked about Brayden and how he loves to swim, jump on trampolines, play in the sand, and swing just like they do. We talked about ways that we all cope if we are frightened, scared, or sad, and what that may look like for Brayden. The kids had an opportunity to try on his ear phones, weighted vest, blanket, and body sock.…
Read MoreIt Wasn’t Just About Autism
This was our view while we waited for fireworks on Independence Day. It was a lovely sight with the flag hanging in the street and kids laughing and playing together. Some were doing cartwheels. Some were playing catch. Some were shooting hoops. They were all ages from toddler to teenager. It felt like summer. It felt like freedom. It felt like community. Until it didn’t. My son is 7. He’s sweet and funny. He’s creative. He loves peanut butter and books and Lego person heads. He has beautiful blue eyes.…
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