Thankfully, my friend Christine came to the rescue with this post idea! Not only does Christine have a terminally ill step son, she also has an autistic daughter. Check out her awesome blog at the Cupcake Bandits (after this post, obviously!) Dear Cheryl: If I could tell you some things that I have learned in…
Category Archives: Conditions and Diseases
The Potty Training Buzz
Potty training is the most common topic of conversation for ALL mothers!
Gourmet baby from the getgo…
Do you cook seperate for someone in the family? Do they have special dietary restrictions or needs? My son has a dairy allergy. I say an allergy because it appears that if we avoid it all together we have a sweeter life. We’ve never had an official test, but doctor’s have said why test you…
Remembering An Inspiration
Today is the start of Autism Awareness Month so I thought it is fitting to see this inspirational young man. Many of you may have seen this video of Eric Duquette before but I think it is worth watching again (and again and again) especially when the pressures and demands of parenting a special needs…
Irony and Autism
You know what’s awesome? When your kid does something LEAST expected. For example, when Luke was 3 and was having some behavioral issues in preschool? He kicked a kid for wearing a red shirt because RED FOOD IS EVIL and then months later, red was suddenly his favorite color. Hmmm. How about them apples? And…
Let’s Get Real
I’m a realist. Because of that, I sometimes get frustrated when it comes to raising a child with Down syndrome. I want to know what is realistic and my questions are usually met with, “Don’t put limits on your child. She can do anything she wants.” Well, yes, and no. I mean, yes, if we…
Awake
You’ve already heard that April is Autism Awareness month. I’ve been thinking about it a lot recently… Thanks to my affiliation with 5 Minutes for Special Needs I was asked to review a documentary called Loving Lampposts. It is a beautiful movie, and it is due out on DVD yesterday. You can read my extensive…
Are Autism Adocates Doing It Right?
Is it possible that many parents NOT involved with Autism know that April is Autism Awareness? Do the circles run so wide as to pass ramblings of projects, awareness, the push for understanding and acceptance for those living with Autism or the discontent with influential sources’ lack of attention to the month trickle into groups…
At last! There is HOPE.
“There is hope for your child.” “And for your family.” Before you throw your computer across the room, bear with me for a moment. Because I’ve oft wanted to throw the computer (or throw up…) when people band-aided my heartbreak with platitudes over the years. So I understand. But today, after another hours-long appointment with…
The Worth of a Soul: The Story of Kirill
According to a judge in Russia, a little boy with Down syndrome is better off in an institution than with a family wanting nothing more but to love and cherish him. In other words, that extra chromosome to this judge is worthy of only one thing. A death sentence. My friend Veronica holds dual citizenship…