Posts Tagged ‘severe autism’
Building Your Special Needs Mom Tribe
How do you build your mom tribe? What a question right? Making friends after 30 feels impossible. And then add in a child with special needs and it feels even more impossible. You can’t leave your house. You are perceptually exhausted. No one you know has a child with special needs. It feels like you can’t relate to anyone anymore. I get it. Take a listen as I discuss why it is hard to find friendships and maintain them when you have a child with special needs and how I…
Read MoreThe Moment My World Stood Still
It was a Sunday night. I had locked myself in the guest room with my mac book. I had had this feeling gnawing at me that something was not right with Sander. He was 2 years and 4 months old. I was a first time mother. I sat staring at the blank space in “dr” google. I thought back on my conversations that I had been having with friends, family members and acquaintances. Talking to my Mom on Christmas, “But Mom, why does Sander only like the wrapping paper and…
Read MoreMy Best Advice? Prioritize Time With Your Partner
Last week Jamie and I were sitting on the couch after a particularly long day. We had finally got the boys in their beds and had just sat down to watch television. Although, neither of us had the energy to turn it on quite yet. Finally, quiet. Our home is never quiet. Suddenly, Cooper burst out of his bedroom, buck naked, dancing to his Kindle. He twirled. Shouted. Laughed. At one point he realized that he was barefoot and marveled at the feel of the carpet on his feet. I’m…
Read More10 Truths I Know About My Son’s Autism and Sleep
The number one question I am most commonly asked is…does your autistic son sleep? And if he does, give us your secrets. The questions pour into my inbox during all hours of the night. I’ll look at the time stamp and see 3 and 4 am. I’ll read the words of desperate parents wondering if they are going to survive the sleep deprivation. The answer is yes. He sleeps now. But he didn’t for nearly six years. And, most importantly, I understand. Sleep deprivation or irregular sleep is really hard.…
Read MoreYou Got A Friend In Me
Exactly one year after we received our oldest son’s diagnosis of autism, the four of us are on our way to celebrate a cousin’s birthday. It’s a children’s birthday party, and I’m terrified. Weeks before I had tried to insist to the mother that the dates that were picked wouldn’t work for us, but I was just trying to shield my child. Now here we are, parked in front of their house. I’m always anxious when we stray from our routine, or should I say from Zachary’s routine. As a…
Read MoreWhen Your Home Isn’t Your Safe Space
I am a home body. I always have been. I love being in the comfort of my home and it’s definitely my first choice when it comes to weekend plans. And I guess in a way, that’s a good thing, because Cooper’s autism brings a high level of isolation. Some could say I even settled into the isolation faster than my spouse. He is a social butterfly. Just like our other son. Lately though, the stress of being home is catching up with me. And it’s not just the isolation…
Read MoreMy ‘Ah-Ha’ Autism Moment
On my drive to work this morning, I was considering different topics for my February writing challenge topic and I landed on the ‘ah-ha’ autism moment. You know the one? The exact moment you realize that your child really does have autism. And it’s really serious. And you can’t hide it anymore. And your child is different than their peers and siblings. For me this wasn’t the moment our doctor first mentioned early intervention or even when he was diagnosed with autism. Yes, those moments were hard and stung. But,…
Read MoreQuestions About My Autistic Son’s Future
I’ve been on this thinking, planning and talking about the future kick. I get like this every so often. I have periods where I think about the future and prepare with energy and urgency. And then I’ll have periods where I refuse to even think about Cooper growing up. I have to block it out. It’s simply too much. Lately though, I’ve been really curious about the future. The sadness and fear have taken a back seat to my general curiosity about severe autism in adults. What does it look…
Read MoreThe Secret World of Autism
I am often asked to write about autism. Especially in preparation for Autism Awareness Month. Prior to my son’s diagnosis, I never knew this month even existed. That’s how it typically goes I guess. People don’t pay attention until it’s their life. I get it. That was me pre-autism. Now, my whole world is an Autism Awareness Month. When I am asked to write about autism I struggle with finding the right words. Autism makes up a million different stories of hope, love, adversity, struggles and beauty. How do I…
Read MoreMy Son, You Are So Much More Than Autism
Oh, my little pumpkin, what a strange, crazy, exhausting ride this autism thing has been. How did this happen? You were my surprise baby in every way! It was a struggle to get pregnant with your brother. We tried for two years then with the help of fertility pills I finally got pregnant. My doctor told me if I ever wanted to get pregnant it would have to be very planned because I would have to be on fertility pills. I don’t ovulate. Sixteen years later at age 41…SURPRISE! I…
Read More