Each time I go through the process of working with Michael’s team to write an Individualized Education Program (IEP), I get a little bit better at it. Maybe by the time he graduates from high school, I’ll have it down! Thankfully, there are a lot of great resources out there to help parents learn how…
Category Archives: Advocacy
Tropic Blunder: The Protests Continue
I just read that Newsweek is proclaiming Tropic Thunder the best comedy of the year and that the OCregister gave this movie an “A”. Ebay has auctions for THOSE shirts. You can report this item by going to the bottom of the page and clicking on “report this item” then click on “prohibited or banned…
Once Upon A Time There Was A Retard….
Such is the tag line to a new, big budget, R-rated summer movie opening today. “Tropic Thunder” is a comedy produced by DreamWorks/Paramount, and directed and written by Ben Stiller, who also stars in the movie. The plot includes a group of pampered actors, lost in the jungle while making a war movie. Tugg Speedman,…
“Eat Healthy Foods”
One of my main goals as a parent of children with disabilities is to help my children become effective self-advocates. Maizie, ten years old and diagnosed with a rare chromosome disorder, Autism and Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome, is well on her way to becoming a great self-advocate. Maizie joins us today for an interview. Thank you,…
Never Letting Go Of Hope
The most intriguing session on the agenda at the autism conference I attended this week was titled “Yes, Your Child Is Autistic, But Who Are You?” It was presented by Eustacia Cutler, and if that name is not familiar to you, you may have heard of her daughter, Temple Grandin (well-known in the areas of…
Try This Tuesday #3: Using Videos as Instructional Tools
When my son was younger, I often felt guilty about letting him watch children’s television and videos, especially since I kept hearing about the negative effects of too much screen time. I was amazed, however, by his ability to virtually memorize entire DVDs as well as by the amount of detail he could remember. At…
This Just In
Parker and I give two big thumbs UP for the University of Michigan’s bicycle program. Did you know that just 10% of kids with Down syndrome learn to ride a bike. And I didn’t know that autistic children have similar issues when facing this challenge. You can read the entire article at Freep.com Then you…
The Quirk Factor – An Interview with Melissa
Today’s blogger interview is with a Mom whose site, The Quirk Factor, I visit daily. Even though her son’s disability is very different than the disabilities of my children, her struggles to ensure his rights and well-being are the same as mine – and most likely the same as yours. Tell me a little about…
A Dog’s Life
I watched a news piece the other day about a very special place called the Rolling Dog Ranch. The Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary in Montana rescues and shelters disabled animals. Every animal who arrives at the sanctuary gets another chance to have a safe and loving home. Residents include blind dogs, blind horses, deaf…
A Letter To Our Occupational Therapist
Dear OT, My son absolutely can and does reach across midline, on a regular basis, spontaneously during regular play. Oh. You need proof, eh? Here is Parker bearing weight on his left hand while crossing his midline with his right hand to correctly place the puzzle piece. And the reverse: And, yes, my son can…