Posts Tagged ‘Minnesota’
When your Search for Answers Brings Sadness
Hey friends. First, a huge thank you to everyone that emailed, commented and messaged me after my sad post a few nights ago. I read every word. Second, here is the video I know many of you have been waiting for. A few days ago we took our son Cooper for an appointment at the Mayo Clinic. This was the first of eight appointments over the next couple of months. It’s a big deal in our world. I finally found a doctor that will look at Cooper’s whole case….not just…
Read MoreSigns to Bring Awareness to the Invisible Disability
Last April, Cooper and I were playing at an inclusive playground in our town. The park was developed by a family of a little girl with Cerebral Palsy. It was the one place that I felt comfortable bringing Cooper alone. With inclusive playgrounds, the objective is to include everyone. They are thoughtfully designed to provide a safe place where children of all abilities can play together, and are developmentally appropriate for children with and without disabilities. Just as the name suggests, inclusive playgrounds have another mission that goes beyond the physical accommodations and specialized equipment.…
Read MoreWhat’s In Your Christmas Tree?
My son Cooper loves our Christmas Tree. He will stare at it, study it, and even examine it. Cooper is a visual stimmer so the combination of the colors and textures soothes him. He also loves the tree for other reasons. He can help decorate it….daily. The tree is his go to place to put objects. Throughout the entire Christmas Season, I dig his shoes, books, plates, sippy cups, movies and family photos out of the tree. He also likes to hoard objects behind the tree itself…specifically objects he does…
Read MoreFour Pieces of Advice from the Mother of an Autistic Child
I’m often asked what bits of advice would I give to parents of newly diagnosed children. Or, what would I say to my younger self to make the autism journey easier. That question always makes me think. What would I say? It’s hard because I feel that so much of it we just have to go through. It’s almost a right of passage and a journey of self discovery. These are the four things I wish I could’ve told my younger self about relationships, behaviors, hope and challenging my child.…
Read MoreI’m Thankful For You: My Best Friend
(Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Gina Schaal and is part of Cooper’s, ‘I’m Thankful For You’ Campaign.) This November I would like to recognize and give a huge thank you to my best friend, Sanna Jensen. She is not only my friend but my son’s Personal Care Attendant (PCA) and lifesaver for our family! First, some background about my family. I live in Minnesota with my husband, Dan, my two sons, a cat and a dog! My oldest son, Carter is currently 13 and is nonverbal. As an…
Read MoreI Will Sit With You In The Dark
“When you can’t look on the bright side, I will sit with you in the dark.” Alice in Wonderland Hearing that your child has autism, or any neurological disorder, is so unbelievably scary. Maybe you knew deep down. Or maybe you were oblivious. It honestly doesn’t matter because in an instant everything is different. Same kid…different future. Different path. And not just for your kiddo. But for your whole family. For me I felt like a label was tattooed on my son’s forehead. And ultimately mine. I thought the label…
Read MoreWhen Your Child’s Disability Consumes You
A reader asked me yesterday…’My son has autism and I’m not depressed. I know that. But I feel like his disability is consuming me. Help me please. Why is this happening? I don’t even recognize myself anymore.’ I reread her message over and over again. I related to her with every fiber of my being. At 34 I have been on the Autism journey for almost five years now. I work. I have two kids. I have friends and family. I have a full, busy life as most would say.…
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