It was a relatively easy, but somewhat mind-numbing task to accommodate the child’s fixed preferences at her place setting. We don’t have quite enough “matching” flatware pieces to make it to the next dishwasher run. We tend to run out of teaspoons and case knives before plates and bowls. Over the years of combining two…
Category Archives: Advocacy
Book Review: House Rules by Jodi Picoult
Most people just don’t get it right. When they write for us, about us, or to us. When it comes to others’ view of our lives in families with special needs, I’ve never seen anyone show it like it really is.* The lack of realism, empathy (and appropriate gallows humor) is partly why I’m writing…
The Anonymous Note, Part 2 And Those Kids Who Inspire Special Needs Moms
When my daughter Zoe was a toddler, she didn’t spend her days spreading out her toys and playing on our cool tile floor , or toddling around clutching her favorite doll with sticky juice hands like her big sister Olivia did. Instead, Zoe preferred to cuddle for comfort. Her speech didn’t develop until late so…
US Autism & Asperger Association World Conference
US Autism & Asperger Association (USAAA) will live stream the annual USAAA World Conference for the second straight year on USAAA TV. The broadcast will begin Thursday evening, 7 pm PST, October 27, 2011 and continue through Sunday, October 30, 2011. Over thirty of the world’s leading Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) experts will discuss evidence-based…
Romanticizing Adoption and Special Needs
It’s tough being an adoptive parent. And a parent of special needs kids. I’m both. And today reminded me of one of the most frustrating aspects of our situation: other people romanticizing it. Sitting on a counselor’s couch at a residential treatment facility where one of our girls has been for 6 weeks, life doesn’t…
Spina Bifida Awareness Month
Every day in the United States, an average of 8 births are affected by Spina Bifida or a similar birth defect of the brain and spine. Spina Bifida remains the most commonly occurring complex birth defect in this country. The root cause of Spina Bifida is unknown and the effects for each person are different….
Our Children Will Grow Up: What Happens When A Vulnerable Population Becomes Even More Vulnerable?
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…
Special Exposure Wednesday – Julianna
Meet Princess Julianna, or more accurately Pixie Princess Julianna. Don’t let the angelic face fool you, the girl can hold her own against two brothers. Get to know her in her mom’s own words. Share what you managed to capture this week. Please spread the comment love around. *This is part of a month long…
Special Exposure Wednesday – Big Blueberry Eyes
The first thing I noticed about Kayla is her big blueberry eyes. She has the biggest, bluest eyes I have ever seen. When she smiles, they just seem to light up. The fact that she has Down Syndrome just seems so secondary to who she is. Get to know Kayla more in her mom’s own…
Thrive with Autism – Tips for Those Looking to Understand
Andrea Richardson and Andrea Warner are two teachers who want to help parents Thrive With Autism. We love these tips from www.ThrivingWithAutism.com that they are sharing; both for parents, and for the community who is trying to understand Autism. Have you ever been in a store, movie theatre, or, yes… even an elevator, and your…