Blog
Endless Game of Charades: Trying Nonverbal Strategies
The minute we become parents, we instinctually set high expectations and timelines for our children’s development and future. When they take their first steps, we are eager for them to run. When they learn to put on their own clothes, we are ready for them to tackle tying shoes. When they use the toilet for…
Autoimmune and Gastrointestinal Disorders Are Part of Our Autism Journey
From as far back as I can recall, Skyler has experienced digestion issues, painful eczema, skin tearing and severe constipation, which was repeatedly dismissed by ‘experts’ as “just a part of autism” and we were given band-aid treatment options. Throughout the last 6-8 months, we’ve added horrible acne, significant weight loss and increased aggression to…
What Is Wrong?
I pride myself on writing honestly about my life – the good, bad and the nasty. As much as I aim to find the silver lining in all situations, sometimes with autism, it’s buried under many, many levels of HARD and refuses to reveal itself! For the past three months, each day of parenting my…
Can We Really Have It All?
It’s tough to admit, but mom guilt is an unfair reality of parenting. I’m certain that I inflict much of it upon myself along with self-doubt and countless “I’m sorry” replies for situations I shouldn’t be apologizing for. Spending the better part of my adulthood trying to be everything for everyone is a tough cross to…
Socializing and Isolation – The Struggle is Real
While I intend no disrespect for the meaning behind the Memorial Day holiday, the thought of any long, holiday weekend or break from our routine always gives me a bit of anxiety. Unlike most of the world, who likely use the bonus day off work to relax and unwind with friends and family, many autism…
What I Wouldn’t Give to Peek Inside Your Mind
I’ve been smacked across the face, shoved, had my hair pulled, laundered urine-soaked sheets and scrubbed floors covered in the breakfast that was back handed to the floor the minute it was placed on the table … and it is only 6:30 am. This is the direct result of autism, anxiety and a complete lack of…
Celebrating Motherhood
The Mother’s Day holiday is one of my favorite days of the year. I genuinely enjoy celebrating being the mother of two incredible kids more than my birthday, Christmas and Valentine’s Day combined. Like many little girls who played house with their dolls as children, I often depicted the ‘perfect’ mother as I imagined her…
How Do You Do It?
I’m often asked by friends and acquaintances, “How do you do it all?” This statement usually comes after someone has observed me when I’m out and about with my two kids in tow, likely trying to redirect Skyler from reaching out to pull someone’s beautiful, long hair or smacking the arm of a passerby. What…
Teetering on The Emotional Edge
Saturday was a difficult day. Actually, if I’m being truly honest, most weekends have been challenging for as long as I can remember. Instead of enjoying our earned ‘down time’ as most adults do – running errands, spending quality time with friends or relaxing, our 48-hour break from the work week is not a break…
The Damage of Timelines
Although it has been 16 years, I have never forgotten a single detail of my son’s autism diagnosis. The sterile exam room overwhelmed my senses. Waves of peroxide and latex stung my nose. Unwelcoming, stark white walls irritated my eyes. The click of the neurologist’s pen as he scribbled down notes, void of any emotion,…
Autism Siblings – The Unsung Heroes
In a world in which siblings are typically our first playmates and our best friends, my daughter Kendall was destined for a different childhood from what most kids experience. Having a brother with severe, non-verbal autism has forced her to grow up, in many ways, alone. Kendall and Skyler unconsciously switched roles many years ago,…
A Letter To My Son… As He Turns Eighteen
Beginning on Skyler’s first birthday, I started a tradition of writing a letter to him highlighting his likes, dislikes, achievements, funny moments, family adventures, playmates, and favorite television shows. In addition, I take a photo of him wearing a necktie as a way of charting his growth. My vision when creating and continuing this annual…
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