Posts Tagged ‘Special Needs’
Don’t Take Your Child’s Speech For Granted
My Eva. She’s a talker this one. Unlike her mama, in that regard. My social butterfly, who craves conversation, and connection, and whose charisma and charm emanates across settings. Her curiosity lends itself to question upon question spanning topics far and wide. Her love of learning is palpable and soars through that sweet high pitched quizzical tone she conveys to me in repeated fashion… But why, mommy? Oh, really? Why?? A few days ago, I found myself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of questions and commentary pouring from my girl.…
Read MoreAs School Starts Teach Your Kids to Be Kind
Before your kids go back to school… Talk to them about being kind. Being a friend. Be generous. Being a kind human. Because… Back when I was only 10 years ago old a new school opened up in my hometown, and I was transferred there for my last two years in elementary school. I had just gotten glasses, and did not know anyone at my new school. I was what many kids would call a geek. The kids at this school came from a nicer part of town where they…
Read MoreWe Will Not Silence Our Autistic Son
We will not silence him. It is so hard for some people to realize that Kyle is not defined by his diagnosis. That’s not all that he is. It’s only a small part of him. He really doesn’t make any more noise than other children. Just because his noises aren’t concrete words that doesn’t make him noisy. He has his own way of communicating with us. It doesn’t make it bad or wrong. He is working on making his sounds something someone can understand. Who says how he talks is…
Read MoreI Hope My Autistic Son Finds True Friendships
As he sat on the buddy bench for a rest, my heart broke a little. I imagined him sitting here by himself, yearning for a friend. Someone who understands and accepts him. Someone other than his Mom, Dad, brother and sisters. I find it hard to build and maintain friendships and relationships. I can’t imagine how hard it is for someone who has difficulty communicating. But, I know he will find his way and learn to build and forge friendships, the Stalen way. It takes someone special to see beyond…
Read MoreWill I Ever Grow Out Of Autism, Or Will Society Allow Me To Grow?
Sometimes I wondered if I would ever get better or outgrow autism as I grew older. I really knew I could never outgrow autism, especially when I got older. However, the older you get the more you realize you know how to deal with stuff better without having an anxiety rush. It’s more about the acceptance. When you get older you know things will change as our body is always changing. Like, when I was younger, I ate meat. Now as an adult I hardly do. No idea why,…
Read MoreA Letter to Special Needs Parents
Dear Special Needs Parent, I See You I see all the nights you FINALLY get your child to sleep, to then wake an hour later for the rest of the day. I see all the miles on your car from driving to and from therapies every day. I see the bags under your eyes from the pure exhaustion you feel. I see the forced smiles when you see other children your child’s age progressing at a much faster rate, while your child struggles. I Hear You I hear the soft…
Read MoreThe Isolation of Autism
There were a lot of things I did not know when my daughter was diagnosed with Autism, but what was most surprising to me was the isolation. I guess the easiest way to explain it is to remember how much you hated isolation during the pandemic. That was our everyday life. Isolation did not happen immediately. It was overtime and yet it seemed to happen overnight. We went from playdates to therapy and that set us apart. We were no longer carefree. We were thrust into a world neither of…
Read MoreMarriage With Autism
Marriage with autism. It’s hard, it’s beautiful, it’s an adventure. When you see another couple of a special needs child you ask them how they are, and most say “we are great.” You see beautiful pictures on Facebook, but that isn’t always the reality. I think it’s a topic that isn’t talked about often. Marriage is a challenge for any couple. You have two people living together who are opposites most of the time, so naturally they are going to argue. Throw a special needs child in the mix and…
Read MoreI Wondered Why Autism
Earlier in my journey I would often wonder why. Why my daughter, our family? It seemed unjust, unfair, why did this happen to her? It didn’t make sense, when I looked around I saw other families and their children and everything looked different from ours. Easy, simple, typical We were anything but. We were loud, chaotic, and everything was challenging. I searched for a reason, for something that could explain it. There wasn’t an answer. This was the life she was given, the life we were all given. I didn’t…
Read MoreTo The New Mama at Therapy
To the new Mama, I met you today as I was taking Lexi to therapy. It was your son’s first day. I could tell right away that you were overwhelmed. Nervous about your son. Wondering how it went. Praying he didn’t have anxiety the whole time. Hoping you made the right decision. Your emotions overwhelmed me with compassion. I wanted to hug you…I DID hug you and later I apologized for invading your space. You told me briefly about your story. Your long road to diagnosis. How you waited so…
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