Harper was diagnosed with Autism at age two and we were told by doctors and therapists that keeping a routine would be best to help her learn and succeed. That routine has become so important to Harper. She has a memory like a trap and it’s not just the daily routine that she craves but also the annual routines. It is fall and when the leaves start to change and the weather starts to get cooler she knows it is time for the pumpkin farm. It has been part of…
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One of the biggest fears I have as our eight year old son, Sully, gets older is that people will look into his big green eyes and think that he is violent and that they should be afraid of him. Take a moment and think how that would feel as a parent. You see our son has severe ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and High Functioning Autism. Have we feared he may harm himself or others in our family not meaning to? As much as it…
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About two weeks ago, we were driving home from somewhere, and Benson realized that his birthday is quickly approaching. His first question was, “Where should I have my party?” I answered by asking where did he think would be a good place for a party? He thought on it and suggested a local trampoline park and and then suggested that it be a Minecraft party. I tentatively said ok. Then I started doing the thing every autism parent knows all too well…the strategizing, the figuring out how to adapt or…
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The past couple of days have been tough ones. A triple dose of my daughter Casadee’s struggles with socializing and anxiety. We had planned a dinner date with her ‘boyfriend’ and his family so we could give Manny his birthday gift. Casadee had been looking forward to it and talking about it for days. We know plans with Casadee don’t always work out because of her social anxiety, so we are playing it cool and not saying much about it. Little reminders here and there. We’ve learned you can’t spring…
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It’s that time of the year again, friends. And I’ve got a lot of feelings. This Halloween, please acknowledge and keep in mind that not all individuals will “look the part” that you’ve dreamt up, fall under the imaginary age bar that you’ve set, or ask verbally for their treat. They’re not lazy. They’re not ”spoiled”. They’re not ”ungrateful. They may be overstimulated. They may have sensory issues. They may not communicate with words. Eye contact may turn them inside out. They may be learning how this holiday will look…
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With Halloween coming up there has been a lot of debate about trick or treating. I have seen a lot of really positive posts making people aware of all different styles of communication and different expectations for trick or treaters. There have also been a lot of negative posts regarding age. I just want to point out how difficult these special occasions are for children with special needs and their parents. It doesn’t matter where you fall on the spectrum or whether there are other types of special needs. There…
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As Halloween quickly approaches and you prepare for trick-or-treating with your children, there is one staple item you need for the night — something for them to collect all of the candy! If you are like me, you have taken the quick and easy option: the standard $1 orange pumpkin pail from a big box store. But have you noticed these traditional Halloween pails are now available in some new colors? These colors are the center of great debate in the disability community. You see, each new color supports a…
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Each day I am a little bit stronger. After the drive home from diagnosis day. I am a little bit stronger. After crying all night long about a different future. I am a little bit stronger. After each and every meltdown my child has. I am a little bit stronger. After each appointment where I am told you have once again not met a milestone. I am a little bit stronger. After another Diagnosis. Autism, Apraxia and ADHD! I am a little bit stronger. After being told you would be…
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There are many challenges when a little one can’t speak. Is she sick or tired or just having a rough day or week? What is she thinking or feeling right now? I know there’s more inside, but how do I reach her? How? Will she play and interact with me? Or is she just content flitting to and fro like a bee? Then I think of things that need no words, She knows I’m Mom, and I know I’m hers. I’ll be there for her, To advocate, teach and pray.…
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Measurement – it’s a natural human instinct. We measure time, distance, capacity, success, and achievement. Many forms of measurement I understand; time and distance for example facilitate civilizations’ successful functioning. There are however some forms of measurement that lack the same definition and purpose. Parents worldwide often over analyze a measurement: the measurement of milestones. From the moment you become a parent other, often well intentioned, people question you with regards to your child’s development. Your email inbox highlights notifications of what abilities your growing baby should have. Mothers’ groups…
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