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Author Archives: Gina

Gina St. Aubin is a mother of 3, one diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, PDD-NOS, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Landau-Kleffner Syndrome (a rare epileptic disorder causing verbal aphasia) . A former Victim's Advocate turned advocate for those with intellectual and physical challenges, Gina believes being a 'Special Parent' means to discover, embrace, educate, advocate, encourage, treasure and laugh.

Pregnancy and The Gift of Advice?

Written on November 10, 2011 by Gina

3 Comments

Advice. We give it without thinking about it…unless it’s a touchy or emotionally charged subject, then every now and again we might stop for at least a moment and think about what advice we might dispense. Then there are some situations where advice is a given even if it isn’t wanted or needed. Pregnancy for…

in Day In And Day Out

- 3 Comments

Our Children Will Grow Up: What Happens When A Vulnerable Population Becomes Even More Vulnerable?

Written on October 20, 2011 by Gina

8 Comments

At the end of our lives, we again become vulnerable. Charged to those with hands we hope are gentle, hearts we hope are warm. Family we wish…if all goes well. But what about our children? So many times we are focused on the now, as we should be, as we need to be…with the future…

in Family Life, Health Care

- 8 Comments

What to Do With Stolen Moments in a Continuing Crisis

Written on October 6, 2011 by Gina

0 Comments

Our family floats upon a cloud that delivers us from one crisis to another, sometimes playing bumper cars with the these crisis’ making them all blend into an amazing storm. I’m currently taking Certified Nursing Assistant classes for 5 hours per night (5 pm to 10pm) four nights a week for four weeks…not to mention…

in Day In And Day Out, Family Life, Stress Relief

- 0 Comments

Getting Included in the Mainstream Classroom Despite SPD

Written on September 29, 2011 by Gina

4 Comments

Every school year proves to be different than the one before; this year is no different. This year though has proven to hold an interesting change; J’s teacher wants him. Now, that simple statement is convoluted and confusion. I’m sure some of you might be saying ,”of course J’s teacher wants him” or “does that…

in Asperger's Syndrome, Autism Spectrum, Education, Sensory Processing Dysfunction

- 4 Comments

Surviving “Too Many Balls In The Air”

Written on September 6, 2011 by Gina

3 Comments

The holiday has passed, the change of season seems to be upon us – something I am nothing short of thankful for. It’s this time of the year I get energized, my mood is much happier, the bounce is added to my step. If this morning is any indication, it’s a good thing it is….

in Day In And Day Out, Epilepsy, Stress Relief

- 3 Comments

Would You Change the Birth Order of Your Children? Typical vs. Special

Written on August 30, 2011 by Gina

24 Comments

We’ve had the conversation a number of times…well, long ago. It comes up every now and again, when we reflect on where we are and from where we came…where it all began. The question is one I pose to you. Because I wonder if another has thought of this, if it matters in the end…not…

in Family Life, Typical Siblings

- 24 Comments

Waiting for Treatment

Written on August 23, 2011 by Gina

3 Comments

I want to write to you to tell you all the positives that can come from special needs, or rather, what we learn and how we grow as individuals raising children with special needs. I want to give inspiration rather than sorrow, the promise of a rainbow after the clouds. But I can’t. Not because…

in Epilepsy, Health Care, Medications and Treatment Options

- 3 Comments

Not All Diagnosis’ Fit in the Same Box

Written on August 9, 2011 by Gina

4 Comments

The problem with diagnosis is…. It puts people, individuals with likes and dislikes, quirks, needs, abilities and disabilities in a box. Cutting out their very individuality that makes one person differ so entirely from another. The differences between them no longer seen. In essence treating one person with an ability within a diagnosis the same…

in Epilepsy, Medications and Treatment Options, Raising Awareness

- 4 Comments

Connection – A Different Perspective

Written on July 19, 2011 by Gina

4 Comments

Connection with another is the most natural occurrence in a human life. From the instant a child is born, we talk about ways to connect, laying upon his mother’s bosom for skin to skin contact, for the mother-to-child bond that is so crucial. When we’re sad or elated, even going about the normal routine of…

in Asperger's Syndrome, Autism Spectrum, Day In And Day Out, Developmentally Delayed, PDD, Sensory Processing Dysfunction

- 4 Comments

I Know the Answer…Yet, I Ask Anyway

Written on July 12, 2011 by Gina

2 Comments

“Out of curiosity, how does his version of ESES (J’s form of epilepsy) compare to other kids you’ve seen with it?” This is my question to the neuropsychologist in the neurology department – designated specifically for epilepsy patients – that we met with yesterday. I don’t know why I ask these questions. We have our…

in Autism Spectrum, Epilepsy, PDD

- 2 Comments