Written on
April 9, 2010 by
Laura
If you are the parent of a child with autism, you have no doubt been getting a lot of well meaning phone calls from family and friends today. “Hi, turn on CNN quick! They’re doing story on autism.” “Did you watch the Today Show today? There was a girl on with her mother. She was…
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Written on
April 2, 2010 by
Laura
April, as you know, is Autism Awareness Month, and I’ve read two that have just been released. Check them out! The Autism Mom’s Survival Guide (for Dads, too!): Creating a Balanced and Happy Life While Raising a Child with Autism Susan Senator This book is a great addition to the “autism parent’s” bookshelf. It’s kind…
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Written on
March 26, 2010 by
Laura
I was at the grocery store the other day and saw Christie, an acquaintance whose son had died in an auto accident a few years ago . I hesitated before going up to her to say hello. Should I mention her son, or should I just make small talk? What would she prefer? I did…
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Written on
March 19, 2010 by
Laura
Once upon a time, a long time ago, I joined a support group for mothers of young children with developmental disabilities. I’d never been the support group type, but figured I needed all the help I could get. The meeting, led by a kind and Kleenex toting family therapist, was held in the gymnasium of…
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Written on
March 12, 2010 by
Laura
Last week I shared that I was anxious about how Matthew would behave at my dad’s 80th birthday party bash. Want to know how it went? Take a look at these photos for some clues: IT WAS SO GREAT!!! Thank you for the good vibes you sent our way. xoxo LAURA Have you read my…
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Written on
March 5, 2010 by
Laura
My dad’s 80th birthday party is this Saturday, and 50 family members and friends are convening in Carmel, California for the big event. As many of you know, big family events can be nightmarish with a child with autism–too many people, too much stimulation, and a lot explaining. “Oh, I’m sorry. He has a thing…
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Written on
February 26, 2010 by
Laura
For the first time in a week I had time to read my email, and it threw me into a tizzy. “Will you help with the fundraiser?” “Will you be at the meeting?” “You signed up to bring 400 cookies to play practice tomorrow.Will you please have the cookies divided into 40 portion size baggies.”…
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Written on
February 19, 2010 by
Laura
I think it’s hard for people to understand the heartbreak that parents of children with special needs live with every day. This post is part two of A FRIENDSHIP STORY that illustrates how on good friend saved the day on Super Bowl Sunday. ** WHEN WE LEFT OFF LAST WEEK Matthew was trying to find…
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Written on
February 12, 2010 by
Laura
Matthew has lived in the Camphill Community near Santa Cruz for a year now, and he comes home for a weekend each month to take part in “Reachin’ Out”, a social gathering for teens and young adults with special needs that is held at our church. When I pick him up that first Friday of…
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Written on
February 5, 2010 by
Laura
My yellow labrador Callie likes me, but she doesn’t love me. She’ll cuddle with anyone in the family but me, and it really bothers me. We think it’s because I am the one who puts drops and ointment in her right ear when a recurring infection starts bothering her. My husband, Peter, suggested that she…
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