Posts Tagged ‘son’
Dear Mama: A Journey of Love and Growth
Dear Mama, I know you’re scared. I was too. I know this is not what you imagined for your baby. It is okay to be sad and to grieve for the loss of the life you imagined. Let the tears fall, do not try to stop them. You need to feel the loss, the heartbreak, the pain. I know you want to know why. Why is this happening to your beautiful child, your family? This will haunt you in the beginning. Please try not to compare your child to other…
Read More5 Reasons Why We Should Never Force Eye Contact From Autistic People
Growing up on the autism spectrum, eye contact was challenging. Often it felt like an internal pressure from sensory stimulation. As a professional speaker who now gives talks with companies as part of professional development, I often mention getting rid of the interview process because of challenges like this. Instead, I recommend companies do a 1-day job trial to show what autistic employees may be capable of forgoing this challenge. Here are 5 reasons why we should never make autistic people force eye contact: It can be distracting. The structure was…
Read MoreFour Years and Counting: Embracing the Adventures of Our Autism Journey
Our autism journey officially began four years ago as of today. Adventure is another word that comes to mind. The evaluation will forever be burned in my memory. I don’t think a parent could ever forget it despite knowing the diagnosis going into the evaluation. Still, we choose to focus on my son Gage’s progress, accomplishments, and his ability to tackle the world despite his “limitations”. I also want to acknowledge the trials the rest of my family faces because their feelings are valid. Immediate family, extended family, chosen family,…
Read MoreThe Beauty of a Single Word
I decided to take a much needed nap yesterday while my two youngest napped. You know that old saying…sleep when the baby sleeps? Well those babies are 2 and 4 and they are double trouble. Between them and the new puppy and early morning wake ups…I’m exhausted. Anyhow, I slept for 2 glorious hours. And I woke up to the most beautiful sound. One I had never heard before. One I had only dreamed about. ‘M-O-M?’ (Said slow. Each syllable pronounced as if he had to think about each one…
Read MoreAutism Victories: The Joy of the Little Things
Two weeks ago my autistic son went to his younger brother’s baseball game for the first time. He stayed 15 minutes. A few nights after that he went for the whole two hour game. A few nights after that we brought our youngest daughter with us. And then most recently, Spider-Man (our 4 year old) came too. Which, if you add it all up, means all six of us were at a baseball game together. It was not effortless. Not by any means. It was work. I don’t think me…
Read MoreA Touch of Kindness: The Story of a Lost Stuffed Chicken and Restored Faith
Sometimes it feels like the world is against us. A constant fight for what my son Lucas needs and deserves. And then there are times I’m reminded that’s not always true and our faith is restored. We experienced an amazing act this week and it may sound so silly to some. But it was absolutely everything, especially to this sweet boy. Lucas has a worn out and well loved stuffed chicken. Many in Lucas’ world know how special she is to him. A gift, almost 8 years ago, from Lucas’…
Read MoreFinding Shared Understanding: Care for the Caregiver Retreat 2023
A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Care for the Caregiver Retreat in Minnesota, put on by the More Than a Project and Finding Cooper’s Voice. It’s hard to put into words the sense of camaraderie and love I experienced during that time. When my son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder three and a half years ago, I withdrew into myself. Even before the diagnosis, our family had become isolated. Going out in public became a challenge as I couldn’t bear the judgmental stares…
Read MoreA Simple Card, an Unforgettable Gift: The Impact of Inclusion and Support
There is a memory I often share about Mother’s Day. In fact I think it’s even in my book. It impacted me so deeply. So much so that I’m still talking about it 10 years later. My son Cooper is the one who first made me a mom. Today he is 12 years old. He has a diagnosis of severe nonverbal autism. I like to tell the moms and dads of newly diagnosed children that it takes time. Every part. Acceptance. Understanding. Advocacy. It all takes time. Ten years ago,…
Read MoreTwo Brothers Side-By-Side
I’m raising two boys side-by-side. There is barely two years between them. When I found out I was pregnant with my second son all those years ago…I had plans. Big ones. Visions. Expectations. Best friends. Teammates. When the oldest was diagnosed with severe nonverbal autism it all changed. Ever so slightly at first. Than greatly over time. They didn’t play together. They didn’t even acknowledge each other. But time…it has a way of healing and growing. Understanding comes. Loyalty. Love. Devotion. And advocacy. Tonight I watched the one with no…
Read MoreBelieving in Progress: A Brother’s Love
Tonight my older son Cooper and I went to his 10-year-old brother’s baseball game. We were armed with a blanket, a chair, an iPad, hotspot, snacks, a drink, and talk of a visit to the fire station this Saturday. And belief in a boy with autism. Belief in progress and hard work. See he is 12 years old. He doesn’t care much for sports. But he sure loves his brother. He stayed for 1 hour and 45 minutes. I saw almost every inning. I saw my son catch. I saw…
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