I’m at a birthday party with Max at a friend’s home. It’s really crowded and Max is darting around, uneasily. I’m trotting behind him in case he loses it but keeping a safe distance because I don’t want to baby him. As I follow Max, I notice a few moms staring at him as he…
Autism:Enduring big family events
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…
Never is not in our vocabulary
One of my newer co-workers came into my office yesterday and saw pictures of my children. He asked about them, and being the Mom that I am, I went on and on. He’s probably sorry he asked. However, one comment he made really threw me for a loop. He said in reference to Ashley, “It’s…
Special Exposure Wednesday.
Here we are saying goodbye to Summer. The weather is already starting to turn and we are preparing ourselves for the Winter to come but I will remember this season just gone as one of the best ever for our family and one of the healthiest. Got something to share? Why don’t you join in…
Spread the Word to End the Word
I know I’m preaching to the choir here, but I think this campaign rocks. What about you? Have you taken the pledge? Because together we CAN make a difference. So don’t forget to ask your friends and family members to take the pledge too. Remind them the hurt this word causes. Ask them to join…
How do you stop your kids from wigging out?
Sunday night, we went out to dinner with friends. We tried a local hamburger joint we’d never been to before. I was worried about how Max would deal. He does OK in familiar restaurants, but as I’ve mentioned he gets unnerved in new places. We got there. Max tried to run out. We decided to…
Keeping your eye on the ball
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.”…
Isolating
Being a parent of a child, or children, with a disability can be an isolating experience. Friends who used to invite you out for a movie or dinner no longer call. New friends are few and far between, and those people who do join your circle of acquaintances usually have a child with a disability…
Special Exposure Wednesday.
In our house, dress ups regularly include ‘cannulas’, ‘bandages’ and hospital type play. Here is Noah with a sore head, a broken leg and a bandage over his canulated arm. He looks too well to be hospitalised, wouldn’t you say? Got something to share? Why don’t you join in this Special Exposure Wednesday. Please remember your…
A Reader Question: Finger Chewing
I received an email from Angela who has a 5 year old cousin with Down syndrome. Angela refers to her cousin as ‘amazing and her whole world. ‘ Angela says that her cousin recently started chewing on his fingers to the point that they bleed. She’s wondering if anyone else has experienced this with one…