With busy schedules, weekly appointments, and never ending to-do lists, sometimes if feels like we’re going a hundred miles a minute but getting nowhere. It’s even harder to see progress when it can be so slow going. In our world of Autism Spectrum disabilities, even the tiniest changes can be a really big deal. So … Continue reading There’s No Accomplishment Too Small
Last week I wrote about the emotional side of being a special needs mom. In the beginning, when dealing with therapies and appointments and paperwork, we were just in survival mode and Simon was our only focus. We didn’t have time or energy to explain what was going on in our lives. After we got … Continue reading Explaining Autism (Part 2)
I love my son and couldn’t care less how the rest of the world views Autism. Also....this statement is not totally truthful. I do care, a lot, what people think of my son. How other people view Autism affects how he is treated, so it’s very important that I do my best to explain his … Continue reading Explaining Autism (Part 1)
Most clinical resources agree there are standard red flags of early spectrum disorders. According to the these references, these are some of the most common indicators: Does not respond to their name by 12 months of age Not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months Uses few … Continue reading Early Signs of Autism
When your child has thrown themselves on the floor screaming and making an Oscar worthy scene in the middle of the grocery store, what is a Mama to do? Honestly, most days I just want to lay down on the floor and join ‘em. For parents of children on the spectrum, identifying whether the situation … Continue reading Meltdown vs. Tantrum
Last year we took my son to the Bronx Zoo and learned the animals weren’t the main attraction. He was always excited about trips to the zoo but when we got there he would yell “All Done” when we tried to stop and look at the animals. We decided to follow his lead and learned … Continue reading Removing My Expectation of Experience
Wow! look at that unruly child hitting and the parents doing nothing. I bet they spank and hit at home. Well, where did he learn it from? That child needs some serious discipline. These are actual thoughts I’ve had seeing toddlers hitting and smacking other people. And now I’m sick to my stomach because my … Continue reading Hitting – He Didn’t Learn It From Me
In the heat of the moment, when those “terrible two’s” begin to take hold of your child for the first time, it can be really hard to recognize what is actually happening versus what it “feels” like is happening. But that outburst may not be coming from a place of disrespect or disobedience; it’s an … Continue reading “Time Out” For Self-Regulation, Not Punishment
My son is not a fan of other kids. When we go to the park he likes watching the other kids run around, but he doesn’t want to play with them. And that’s okay. We’re working on helping him have fun in a social settings without getting upset at the chaos, noise, and unpredictability of … Continue reading Kindness At The Park.
Mamas, we’ve all heard it before. The concerns of friends and family that we’re running ourselves too thin. The suggestions of how to adjust our lives to get that much needed rest. And with each comment of care I can simultaneously laugh and scream. “You need to make time for you.” “Sleep when the baby … Continue reading Why “Self Care” Is A Bunch Of Bull For Special Needs Moms
riellygrey 