IEP etiquette is to bring bagels, muffins or snacks to the IEP team. This is like a peace offering showing you are all on the same side. Food at an IEP meeting reminds me of The Last Supper. Food is the last thing on my mind. I wish I could have asked Sydney’s IEP team … More Jesus Is Better Than Bagels
When I heard the word Autism, Dr. Chugani wasn’t telling me anything that I didn’t already know. When he hugged me and sent me on my way that’s really when I heard the word Autism. I didn’t mind the label because now Sydney would actually get the help she needed. I had no idea what … More The Diagnosis
I may have played the race card once or twice. It wasn’t what you think. I didn’t use my blackness to get admitted into school, ask for special treatment or to scream racism. It was when I was with friends and they wanted to rent a plane for skydiving and I had to remind them … More Playing The Autism Card
They say weeping maybe endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. This was autism in our home last night. We had an amazing week, and a busy week. We did more this week than we have done in six months. I should have known I pushed her to her limits, but she … More This Is Autism
Special needs parents I see you! I see the pain in your eyes because I’ve been there and some days I’m still where you are now. Here are some things that I don’t want you to do. Don’t apologize for your child’s disability. Don’t feel sorry for your child. Don’t push people away. Don’t hide … More The Do’s and Don’ts of Special Needs Parenting
I’ve canceled the appointment to discuss my estate planning three times. All three times I had valid reasons like I was tired, I didn’t have a sitter and I didn’t want to go. Last week I was reminded of how tomorrow isn’t promised and I need to make a plan and be prepared. I know … More The Future’s So Bright
For so long we waited for that smile to come back and the light in your eyes to twinkle again. For a brief time we lost you and during that time you never smiled. You communicated by screaming, and other aggressive behaviors. I probably wouldn’t smile either if I couldn’t process language and communicate. Or … More Whenever I See You Smile
No, Sydney doesn’t look autistic and you don’t look crazy, yet here we are. If I had a dollar for every time I heard that line, I might be able to be a stay at home mom. Sydney doesn’t look autistic and autism doesn’t have a look. Now autism parents, we have a look let … More She Doesn’t Look Autistic
I was going to title this blog Female Condom or Let’s Talk About Sex but chickened out. This is a follow up to my first blog about autism and puberty. Those two words really shouldn’t go together but they do. I can remember coming back from our dream trip to Disney on Monday evening, my … More I Think You Know Where This Is Going
She wouldn’t look at me or answer when I called her. She drifted away from our family. Her communication was screaming, hitting, biting, throwing objects and grunting. I was told to put her in a group home at four years old. I was told that we lost her and we should move on with our … More 1 in 59
