Posts Tagged ‘special needs parent’
Twenty-Two Lessons From Autism in 2022
This was without a doubt the most challenging year for our family. This was the year we had to call in help to look at safety, support for aggression, goodbye to all medications because none were working. But we also learned the most lessons, came out stronger, and have a better foundation for raising a son with autism. Here are twenty one lessons autism has taught us this past year: 1. In their own time, in their own way. 2. People are curious and want to understand how to help,…
Read MoreMy One of a Kind Boy
This kid I tell ya. He’s my one of a kind boy. He brings me a container of ice cream for breakfast. He finds a highlighter and colors on my computer and feels no worry when showing me his beautiful artwork. He puts things in the toilet. He is always happy. Always smiling. And always mischievous. He’s curious. Like take the couch apart curious. He gives out hugs and kisses nonstop. He adores his siblings. And wants to grow up so badly. He wants to be big like Soy. (His…
Read MoreThat’s Autism
Here is what I will tell you. We just went to a Christmas light show. One that you walk through with music and people and wind off the lake and the smells of campfire. It was amazing. And our family was there. We did it. See, our son Cooper wanted to go so bad. He asked us to go. We wrote it on the calendar. He was excited for all 37 sleeps as we waited to go. And as the day approached. And the night before. The morning of. The…
Read MoreWhite Knuckle Parenting
I don’t want to be the mom who says no all the time. Or don’t do that. Or get down. Stop throwing. Why are you wet? Is that marker? What’s in your mouth? But with this kid, this exasperating, adorable, super smart kid, it comes down to keeping him alive. That’s my standard right now. He climbs everything. Slides. Counters. He gets to the highest point and gets a twinkle in his eye and says…’mama, I jump!’ And my heart goes into my throat and I’m suddenly talking him off…
Read MoreOur Girl is on the Mend
So many of you have asked for a Wynnie update. She is on the mend. Yesterday was a tough day but Children’s Minnesota did an amazing job. The care was exceptional as usual. Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our…
Read MoreJoin Miracle League!
Cooper had a strong finish to the first half of his miracle league baseball season! He got on base 100% of the time. Gave hundreds of high fives. Threw the ball to his coach. Ran the bases. And enjoyed himself! And I got to watch as he played. Which sounds so simple. But for parents with kids like Cooper, kids who need more, we often feel more like teachers, nurses, and therapists than moms and dads. So tonight, for the first time, I got to wear my mom hat instead…
Read MoreBeyond Measure
Like so many special needs parents, I’ve spent countless hours filling out paperwork and rating scales about my child. I know all too well what it feels like to anxiously wait in doctor offices, therapy lobbies, and conference rooms…to go over the results of various assessments, listening to the numbers that describe my son. I’ve left meetings, only to replay the conversations in my head, trying to stay positive and put the scores behind me. The numbers and scores for my son, Charlie, are always associated with significant delays and…
Read MoreA Beautiful Night for Baseball
It was a beautiful night for some baseball! Week number two and I’m still blown away by this kid’s progress. Batting, fielding, base running, hugging, and giving high fives. All on point! And to bed immediately when we got home. Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just…
Read MoreAn Amazing Gift
See that man on the left there? He stopped by our home today to do business with Cooper’s dad. When he walked in…Cooper gasped. And pointed. And waved. Now knowing my sweet boy, I know that he will continue to wave until said person waves back. Sometimes, people don’t notice him because he is unable to speak. Or they are busy. Or they get uncomfortable by the bigger ten year old boy waving so intently. I’ve seen it all. So, I often gently say…‘this is Cooper and he is autistic.…
Read MoreI See You Mama, But Do You See Me?
Dear mama with normal children, “Normal? What is normal?” you might be asking. “Is that even politically correct?” Honestly, I’m not sure because I’m tired. And I don’t spend my free time on political jargon. And I definitely don’t sleep well. And most of my waking hours, I’m caring for someone else or finding resources that will hopefully make our life a little bit easier someday. Someday…a day that feels more and more like a unicorn lately. You see, I’m a special needs mama to a 16-year-old son. And no,…
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