To the Anxiety that Makes Life Extremely Hard for My Daughter with Autism
To my daughter's Anxiety, It’s been a while since you and I fell out. Today you made me angry even though I wasn’t your target. You see my daughter is 6 and has autism. It makes her day to day life extremely hard at times as she attempts to navigate the world and find her place. It’s not helpful when you come along and add to the mounting stress she already feels. I know you often tag along with your friend, autism; you seem to be closely connected. We had a lovely playdate a
Six Ways My Son's Autism has Changed Me
The other day I was talking to a complete stranger at my son’s summer camp’s bus stop. We chatted like old friends meeting after years. There is something that bonds us all together…the experiences, the pain, the joy and the lessons. There is so much to share. We finally parted, promising a lunch date along with some spa time...knowing well, it was easier said than done. On my way back, I thought… I was never the kind of person to just approach someone and start talking. I pr
He isn't Rain Man, he's Superman; Getting Beyond the Stigma of Autism
I wish I had a dime for every time someone told me my son does not look autistic. No, really, I would have a pretty hefty bank account. I have heard it from strangers, friends and family. I have actually heard more than once that I am lucky he does not act as autistic as some children with autism. To some, this may seem like a compliment, but for me, I know too many amazing little people on the spectrum to think negatively when I hear the word autistic. I see countless videos
To the Parent whose Kid was Empty-Handed at the Awards Ceremony
I saw you over there from my seat in the back row. We stuck it out, you and I—two tedious hours of an elementary school awards ceremony to acknowledge all the hard work and effort throughout the year. Two hours of seemingly endless list of names called out, a few over and over and over again. I saw you clapping for each and every one of those children, even when the same name was called out for the 17th time. I saw you offering congratulatory smiles to the parents tripping ov
To My Youngest, the Sibling of a Special Needs Child: This is What I Need You to Know
My little peanut, Today is your 4th birthday, Sawyer. How can that be? I look at you running and jumping with your friends, and it’s hard for me not to cry. You are amazing. I am so proud to be your mom. I need you to know that. I want to tell you a few things. I know you won't understand them now, and that's okay. But someday, when Mom is old and gray, I want you to read this letter. I want you to know I am so unbelievably thankful that you are my son and Cooper's brother. Y
5 Ways to Create Quality Time with Your Kids when You Have No Time
Finding quality time to bond and reconnect with your kids can be a challenge, especially if you’re a busy and working parent. There are bills to take care of and you have to make sure that money keeps coming in so you can give your kids a roof over their heads and food for their little stomachs. Yes, it can be quite hard but here’s the thing: It doesn’t have to be long but time spent with them has to be quality. And if you can’t find the time, know you can always make time fo
Mom Creates Hilariously Honest Guide to Cleaning
[View the full Cleaning Chart image at the link provided below.] Fed up with unrealistic "clean house" guides on Pinterest, a Utah mom of three created one that more accurately reflects parents' housekeeping struggles. Blogger Meredith Ethington posted "A Real Mom's Guide to a Clean House" -- a foolproof cleaning method that involves steps like "soak dishes in soapy water so it appears you're going to clean them," "look under couch cushions for lost food," "pick up all the st
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Life as a Puzzle
I knew that becoming a parent meant juggling a number of different roles. I am the mom, the planner. The guiding light. I am the ouch-y healer and the bedtime snuggler. I am the confidence booster and the ultimate cheerleader. And because my son is a puzzle; I am also the puzzle master. When my son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at 2 years old, we began unlocking the complex puzzle that is his brain. We did not know what to do with the pieces. We did not know whe
Making the World a Kinder Place for our Children with Special Needs
I’m often taken back when I hear people relaying stories of negative experiences they’ve had with those in the general working community whether it be a waiter, mechanic, store clerk, cashier or perhaps even a volunteer. Many stories end with making fun of the person for making mistakes or angry with them for not moving fast enough. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorder and other communication disorders have trouble holding jobs because, alt
Autism & Cold Weather Dangers: Teen Needs Help Transitioning to Winter
Every year, cold weather brings two big challenges for our teen, who has autism: the transition to heavier clothes and understanding the danger of cold weather. When he sees snow, he wants to run outside. Advice? Editor's note: The following information is not meant to diagnose or treat and should not take the place of personal consultation, as appropriate, with a qualified healthcare professional and/or behavioral therapist. The cold weather sure came on quickly in many part