Monthly Archives: March 2011

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…

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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…

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Special Exposure Wednesday: Drink Up!

The best way to enjoy a drink? Tap your fingers to it, 😉 Grab the Special Exposure Wednesday button for your post! <a href=”http://www.specialneeds.5minutesformom.com/category/special-exposure-wednesday/”><img title=”specialexposurewednesday” src=”http://www.specialneeds.5minutesformom.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/specialexposurewednesday.jpg” alt=”special needs wordless wednesday” width=”286″ height=”255″ /></a> Share what you’ve been up to. Please leave a comment after linking and spread the comment love around.

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And What About GOD?

People with cognitive impairment struggle to understand concepts. So how can we explain to them the ultimate concept … GOD? If spirituality is important to your family, helping your child understand God can be a life-long challenge.

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Break on Through, To the Other Side

Lately, as much as I love this writing gig, I’m lost as to what to write about. I set about asking my wonderful facebook friends what they thought I should write about. Thankfully, 2 of my friends came to my rescue. (Do you have anything you’d like me to post about?! Let me know!) So,…

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My breath caught in stunned surprise…

It was almost 6 am and I was helping Olivia, my pretty typical ten-year old, review for her Science test. I say pretty typical, because O has a mitochondrial disorder just like her more affected younger sister. O doesn’t use a walker or wheelchair, instead she runs until she is tired. She spins, she walks, she sits…

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It’s Official

After 5 years, innumberable doctor’s, therapist’s and specialist’s appointments, blood tests, x-rays, MRIs and on and on, Precious is no longer “developmentally delayed with a suspected developmental disability” but is officially developmentally disabled (aka ‘MR’) and we have the psychologist’s report to prove it. I wasn’t surprised when I heard the results, but I cried…

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