When Sydney was six balancing autism and epilepsy was challenging. Sydney would need sensory breaks. One day I told her to go to Australia. She gave me a funny look. I guided her to a spot in the living room. I told her that Australia was a safe place and everything is always … More The Story Behind Australia
This is the hardest post for me to share. Children with Autism have sensory and behavior issues. Sydney was beginning to use words in isolation and sign language to communicate. But the frustration of not being able to fully communicate resulted in aggressive behaviors. She would throw objects, kick, scream etc. Due to her delay … More My Secret
Sydney was nonverbal from age 2 to about 4 1/2. It was devastating for us not to hear her say our names or say hello. She stopped responding to her name and wouldn’t make eye contact. I lost a lot of friends after her diagnosis. Syd would be the only one not invited to … More The Beginning
Dear Harrison, Now I understand why you love U of M so much. It is because you said that it saved our family. Sydney was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 4. I found a wonderful team of doctors at Mott Children’s Hospital. We were able to meet with neurology, developmental pediatricians, social workers, psychiatrists … More Autism Siblings
It was September 24, 2007. I remember sitting in the office waiting for Dr. Chugani to confirm what I had already known for two years. The sun was shining that day and I remember the look on Dr. Chugani’s face and nurse Sue so clearly. The way he looked me in the eyes and told … More September 24, 2007
This is the face that wakes me up at 3:00 am each morning. This picture was actually taken at 3:oo am in the morning. On a positive note, 99% of the time she is happy and ready to start her day. Last week there were two nights that she woke up at 1:30 am and … More If You’re Sleepy And You Know It Raise Your Hand
It was the first day of Spring. We had just left my parent’s house. Harrison had a big project due the next day and Sydney asked to go to the park. I asked Harrison if he wanted to go home first. But he said it was fine. He would work on his report under the … More It Wasn’t Syd This Time
Mornings in Copher’s Community are always eventful. Lately no tears. Harrison is not a morning person. So he is usually walking around like the Walking Dead. Sydney is all animation. She’s happy and singing and ready to start her day. Yesterday she was going to see Beauty and The Beast. She was so excited to … More I Am Rosa Parks
I know you have heard me talk about my post it notes that I use for my pep talk moments. Well, one day I was doing some reading and I wrote a few scriptures down on post it notes. I am not at a pro at The Bible. I still used the index to find … More She Stole My Scriptures
On Saturday I had the pleasure of hosting an impromptu party. The party was also a fundraiser for Sydney’s Super Squad Autism Walk Team. I must admit there was a hidden agenda. I wanted to talk with these women and use them as my focus group. I shared with them the idea behind A … More Wisdom And Wine
A Woman's Work - Brooke Basically Blogging 