Dear Parents, It’s that time again- the beginning of a new school year. After the last couple years, I think we’re all ready to get back to some semblance of normal. Most of us prepare children in the usual ways. Open house, new backpacks, clean lunch boxes, lots of forms signed and last minute sneakers. I need you to do something else, too. Will you talk to your children about who may be in their classroom? Tell them about the little people who are squares navigating a very round world.…
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Recently, we were asked to start an initiative at my work. We were told to call one family each day to share a positive thing about their student. I’m a teacher who works in a school that services families of all backgrounds. Many of these families are of a low socioeconomic background. A vast number of these families have a child with a disability. They often do not hear words of encouragement. It’s not something they are used to hearing. It has been my pleasure to make these calls to…
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“What are you going to do when she is older?” I have been getting asked this question a lot lately, and to be honest with you, this is what I battle with every day. All day, every day, these are the constant questions on my mind: What? How? When? Where? Why? I am constantly trying to come up with all the answers to all the things for my daughter Jessa. For instance: Sippy Cup Keeping her clothes on when we have visitors Wearing Princess Dress-Up Costumes as Clothes Puberty Prom…
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It’s the same routine every night. We read a story, brush her teeth, then settle into the old wooden rocking chair. I rock us back and forth. Back and forth. For however long it takes, I sit in that rocking chair, holding her tucked under her favorite gray blanket, waiting for her to drift off to sleep. I am not sure how many times I go back and forth in that chair, but on those tough nights where she fights sleep, it feels like millions. I…
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A list of the things I wish for you, I hope you have big dreams my sweet boy. I will be here to make them happen with you. We will chase them, and work for them, and celebrate every moment and success. I know that your life is going to be the greatest adventure I couldn’t have even imagined. Bravery my brilliant boy. I hope that one day you realize how much you inspire others. How many of us you have taught about the true meaning of bravery. I want…
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Dear Para, You are valued. We know you show up every day not because the pay is great but because you truly enjoy your job. Please know you are valued. We know the time and dedication you put into our child each and every day. Your efforts will never go unnoticed from us because you are valued. We see the love and respect you show to our child. You always see them as a person and not as another job responsibility. You are valued. You follow the IEP. You offer…
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What does it truly mean to fill your life with advocacy? As parents of autistic children, we spend hours upon hours advocating for our children. I often think of it as two sides of a brick wall. On one side, you have all the people you sit across from in different settings. On the other side, you are standing holding the hand of your child. In this brick wall, one brick is missing. Through the hole, you try to use your words to explain a mountain of concepts you wish…
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Every once in a while, I look at my tiny human, a piece of my heart that walks this earth, and I think ‘you’re growing’. It usually hits me in the morning. That divine window of time before sleep has fully left her eyes, energy of the day yet to take hold. There’s something captivating about that sudden realization that change happens faster than you can blink. Obviously, she’s going to grow. It’s what kids do. But logic is irrelevant when you’ve waded through six years of global development delays…
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Five years. It seems unbelievable it’s been that long. After a four month wait we made our way down to Minneapolis. It was one of those weird days in August that was cool and dreary. We were early of course. I don’t like feeling rushed. The place we were going was close to the fair grounds. The “Great Minnesota Get Together” had just started and I didn’t want to be late. We had waited too long for this appointment. I remember driving by wishing it was Sunday. The day we planned to attend…
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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.…
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