People have always welcomed my family to swim at their home. I admit I declined many invites and finally people stopped asking us. It was my own fault. I wasn’t sure how Syd would behave, if she would kick and scream when it was time to leave, or would she share the pool toys? Also, … More There’s No Drowning On Summer Vacation
When I heard Kodi’s mom say that music saved his life I began to cry. I thought to myself what will save Sydney’s life? Will it be cheerleading, track, her love of flowers or drama? By now we have all seen or heard about the talented Kodi Lee, a 22 year old man living with … More Music Saved His Life
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 wonder if me sharing our autism journey made a difference. Is someone now aware of the signs of autism? Does someone understand the need for sensory friendly events? Will someone smile at a parent trying to comfort their child during a meltdown? Will you embrace the child with a disability that is in your … More Have I Taught You Anything?
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
It will be six years since my divorce. A lot has changed for our family in six years. The fear of “what if” hasn’t gone away. My story didn’t end like a fairy tale but I still love my story and can’t wait for the plot twist and the ending. Being an autism mom is … More Single Mom Confession
I grew up believing that broken crayons didn’t color. I was the kid that would have a panic attack when my pencil broke in school. I was taught that broken was not good enough. It wasn’t until I was much older that I realized beautiful things happen once you’ve been broken. I was broken making … More I’ve Been Broken
Our family celebrates small victories like when we made it through a shopping trip at Target. Or the time we stayed for an entire church service on Christmas Eve. Then there was the time we flew on a plane and Sydney didn’t yell, “We’re all gonna die!” Baby steps and small victories that’s what we … More Tequila And Family Photos
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
