When Kids In My Son’s Class Were More Accepting of His ‘Differences’ Than the Parents
Recently there was a school event in my son’s general education classroom. I wasn’t planning to go, because I’d have to rush there from a doctor’s appointment. And, to be honest, it’s sometimes hard to go because the difference between my son and his peers is a reminder of Evan’s daily challenges. My plans changed when Evan asked if I could come to his party. I couldn’t say no. Well, actually I did say no (because I wasn’t sure if I could get there on time and I didn’t want h
Anti-Vaxxers are Officially to Blame for the Rise in 2 Preventable Diseases
The recent rise in the U.S. of vaccine-preventable diseases has been largely blamed on those who refuse to vaccinate their children. Previous analyses have linked anti-vaxxers to certain outbreaks — like last year’s Disneyland measles outbreak — but there was still some controversy over the connection. Now a new review funded by the National Institutes of Health has found a correlation between vaccine refusal and the rise of measles and whooping cough (also known as pertussis
How to Help Anxious Kids when Bad Things Happen
I sometimes wish I could take my children and live in a bubble -- immune to the violence, hatred and tragedies our world experiences. But although living in a bubble is tempting, we would also miss out on the wonderful sounds, smells and laughter this world can bring. And such is life. As adults, we can usually put these tragedies into perspective -- but if you have an anxious child, this might be a major challenge. There are children who already imagine all the what ifs life
There is No 'Better' or 'Worse' When It's Your Child
It goes something like this: "I feel so helpless. Johnny now has to have surgery and he was just starting to make some progress in therapy and at school." You clearly have concerns, legitimate concerns, over medical or developmental or educational challenges for your child. But then it continues, "I mean, I know it's nothing as bad as what you're going through and what your son has had to face..." (She's talking about my son with the rare, terminal, degenerative disease calle
Adele Invites Fan with Autism to Sing with Her because She's Adele
[Video available to view at the link below.] Adele's duet with this fan set fire to our hearts. A video from a concertgoer, which was shared on YouTube, shows 12-year-old Emily Tammam, who has autism, on stage with Adele at Manchester Arena earlier this month. The artist invited Emily to sing "Someone Like You" with her and duet was equal parts heartwarming and incredible. Watch as Emily, whose favorite singer just happens to be Adele, delicately starts of singing the hit son
4 Ways to Help Special Needs Kids with Transitions
My son is very anxious. I think even if he hadn't been born with autism this would have been the case, as his family tree is ripe with worriers, shall we say. All that aside, over the years I've learned that change is hard for him, harder than for most kids. He needs a little more time to process things than other children due to some sensory processing issues very conducive with autism, and transitioning from one activity to another has been challenging for him. He, and his
12 Ways My Son with Autism is Both Similar and Different from Other Teenagers
My son Tommy has autism. He's 14. I've noticed that he's "different" from a lot of other kids his age, but there are also plenty of similarities as well. 1. Teenagers have a smell about them. Whether it's body odor or too much cologne, some sort of scent is usually wafting from their bodies. 2. I don't have to worry about my son sneaking out at night. He's really big on rules. If I told him to be in bed by 10 p.m., he'll be back from 10 p.m. 3. His moods can be all over the p
Please Help -- Parents of Special Kids Need Special Care Too
Part of loving your child is making time for yourself. If you're a parent or caregiver of a child with autism, or one with complex special needs, you deserve a world of thanks. Special needs parenting can be incredibly challenging, and this is why the topic of parent self-care is so very important. I believe that the more caring and loving you are to yourself, the more energy you have to be caring and loving to your child. It is too easy as a parent to completely neglect your
3 Responses for People who Think my Son with Autism Shouldn't Go Out
When you read articles about autism on the Internet, sooner or later (likely sooner) you'll come across some common opinions in the comments section. They go something like this: "Why don't you just keep your child at home?" "Here's an idea: Your husband could stay home with the kids while you go grocery shopping alone!" "People are paying for a meal. They don't need to be interrupted by your unruly child who can't handle the restaurant." "If your kid doesn't do well on airpl