Posts Tagged ‘autism’
Smiles on the Other Side
There were tantrums, There were fears. There were meltdowns. There were tears. There were hard times We just had to get through, But on the other side—smiles Just look at you! The blessing of seeing Grandparents, Traveling and out of routine. Can be hard at times for you, But it’s so worth it, we believe. Each day is a gift, For that we are thankful, The hard and the good, The painful and the beautiful. There’s so much to be grateful for Each and every minute. Each day has plenty…
Read MoreA Mother-Daughter Journey through Autism, ADHD, and More
Two years ago, before we understood all that we do now, we were making our way through a very difficult time with our daughter. She was self-harming, and as it is for all families supporting children who have this disposition, we were frantic to help. She was just plain as day, telling me her problem and the solution as though to say, “I am thirsty and am getting a juice box about it.” She said, “Mom, this is where I put the nail so that my bad brains could come…
Read MoreAdvocating for Vulnerable Voices
When you don’t have a child with a disability, you don’t think too much about it. Until your life is touched by it, you think about it differently; it’s personal. Of course, everyone knows there are individuals with disabilities, but it’s not directly affecting your life. There is not much you can do anyway. That is where you are wrong. We need to stand and advocate for everyone, especially those who are vulnerable. We have come a long way in the way we treat and think about those with disabilities.…
Read MoreAutism and Nutrition: “They Will Eat When They’re Hungry”
Oh vey, if it only were that easy. Has anyone made a comment when you were trying to feed your child and said, “Oh, don’t worry so much. They’ll eat when they’re hungry?” I can relate to this all too well. Growing up, I was obsessed with bologna sandwiches. Nothing else would compare to the positive feeling I’d get whenever I’d be presented with another bologna sandwich. It wouldn’t matter if it was breakfast, lunch or dinner. That easily became one of my norms around the time I was diagnosed with autism at 4. This is a common…
Read MoreSupporting Friends and Family Through a Diagnosis
What do I say to friends and family? The awkwardness of the parent’s thinking: “How are they going to respond, what am I going to say back, etc.” Kind deeds go a long way with someone going through a rough time. Has a friend or family member just received a diagnosis for them or their child? The Friends and Family Friday blog has been in the works for a very long time. The intention behind this is to help educate because knowledge is power. There are some tough times when…
Read MoreThe Sun on Her Face and the Wind on Her Back
My daughter is 15 years old. She is autistic, has sensory processing disorder, and anxiety. She spends much of her day trying to calm both her mind and her body. There are very few things that are able to regulate both of those things simultaneously. A long walk in nature on a sunny, breezy day is just what she needs to achieve inner peace, even if only for a short time. With the sun on her face and the wind on her back, she walks down the street while humming…
Read MoreA Good Enough Mom
I never want to come across as having it all together. Because the honest truth is, I do not. No one is doing it all. And if they claim to, then they are either lying, have a lot of help, or forgot how hard it is raising tiny humans. I don’t share too often the tough parts. I’m a sensitive person and always have been. I don’t like to be criticized or challenged. Sure, I’ve grown a lot in this role of special needs parenting. But I’m a people-pleaser by…
Read MoreCapturing Memories: A Journey Before and After Autism Diagnosis
Pictures, pictures, and more pictures. I’ve been taking them since my parents gifted me my first camera on my ninth birthday. This was before smartphones and the frenzy of capturing every moment took hold. I love it. Sometimes, after the exhausting bedtime routine, I lie in bed and gaze at pictures of my kids. Yes, the same kids I am constantly with. The ones I just prayed would fall asleep, granting me some alone time. Suddenly, in the quiet and darkness of my room, I miss them. When I look…
Read MoreAutism Stereotypes: Insights from a Parent’s Perspective
As parents raising children on the autism spectrum, we’re no strangers to the stereotypes and misconceptions that surround autism. Unfortunately, these stereotypes often support the stigmas and misunderstandings, and even get in the way of our children’s access to the support and opportunities they need and deserve. Today I want to share some of the most common misconceptions about autism and discuss how we can challenge these stereotypes to encourage greater acceptance and understanding. One of the most common misconceptions is the belief that all individuals with autism are the…
Read MoreThis Isn’t the Autism I Imagined
When my son was diagnosed ten years ago, I knew nothing of the diagnosis. Not a thing. I researched of course. I found Rain Man. And dark grainy videos on YouTube of individuals on the spectrum struggling. I wondered where my son would land. The savant side? The hard to watch side from those videos? Or somewhere in between? As time went on Hollywood brought us the The Big Bang Theory and The Good Doctor. Eventually other shows too. Our autism looked nothing like those shows. I worried and I…
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