Let’s talk a bit about expectations and learning to be flexible. About understanding tradition and about being okay with modifying that to create your own new traditions. About living life in the moment rather than in the past. The other day, I opened Facebook and it gave me a bunch of memories all about all […]
Tag: special needs community
There’s no right way to be social..
A common misconception of people with Autism is that they are anti-social. It isn’t that they do not want to be social or that they hate everyone. I think the issue actually lies in either their inability to communicate properly or in the other person’s inability to accept their differences. People have a hard time relating […]
Manual not included..
Although Autism has been around for a long time, the treatment is still being figured out. Autism is not something they can determine in the womb, allowing parents time to plan ahead. It springs up on you. You may go years with an inner battle of “maybe he is just delayed” or “maybe he will […]
Siblings Prove Inclusion Works…
I have been blessed with two amazing step-daughters. I couldn’t have asked for more caring, compassionate and welcoming girls. A year after our wedding, we welcomed Z and I was blown away by these girls and their love for their brother. I know it couldn’t have been easy to have these two major changes occur […]
What is his special skill?
“What is his special skill?!?” asks a perfect stranger with delight in their eyes upon hearing Z has Autism. Yes, this happens. A lot… Think about it.. Who is the first person you think about when you hear the word Autism? Rain Man? Temple Grandin? Surfer Clay Marzo? Albert Einstein? Do you think about the […]
Find your Tribe..
I’m going to come right out and say it… Autism is a lonely road. Sure we talk about our “tribe” and we do have support but there are many days where we feel the difference. We feel the loneliness. We feel the heartache.. And you won’t hear us talk about that because our focus is […]
Bending the Social Norm..
How many of you have heard that those with Autism are “anti-social” or that they lack empathy? Isn’t that what we have heard on the news? Well, this is actually far from the truth. Those with Autism are often seen as anti-social due to the fact that they have a very hard time reading social […]
No one told me a caretaker works this hard..
Let’s talk about the definition of “caretaker.” You are responsible for giving another person the best care possible despite their shortcomings. You are responsible for giving that person their “best life.” All of that sounds great and easy. But let’s break this down for how exactly the day goes. It is extremely taxing both physically […]
There’s a Foodie in all of us..
Raise your hand if you love food. Come on, don’t be shy. Food is many things. It can bring people together and make you feel better on a bad day. It can cure many ailments and the simple smell can make you feel “at home”. Well, Z is right there with you on all that. […]
Things I’ve Learned…
Just as Z has grown and progressed, so have I. It’s important to assess where you are at throughout your life and celebrate it. Embrace who you have become at all stages in your life. When I think back to pre-diagnosis and the couple of years following the diagnosis I feel sorry for the girl […]
Tilted Axis 