When we relocated last year we were blessed to find an autism behavior specialist who agreed to work with Rachel. At first, though, I was nervous. The therapy discipline in…
Jennifer Dyer
Jennifer Dyer has an M.S. in Communications Disorders, which served her well in her professional career as a speech-language pathologist. Never did she imagine that her education and career were God’s way of preparing her to be a mom to her own daughter with autism. Today, she enjoys reaching out to other families who face similar diagnoses. As a cancer survivor, carpet-cleaning veteran, and originator of the “Messy House Ministry,” Jennifer feels blessed to share joy, peace, and humor with others facing life’s challenges. She and her IT genius husband Brandon have been married since 1998.
Great SEX-pectations
When I was newly engaged (and long before that), I expected sex would be the easy part of marriage. Expectations cause so much trouble, don’t they? I wonder if I’m…
School is Coming
Mid August. I can’t believe another summer has come and gone. Instead of the “What are we going to do today?” question, we are about to plunge into “What else…
Summer Haircuts, Cutting Remarks, and a Mom’s Scissored Heart
If your child has any sort of sensory issues, you probably shuddered when you saw “haircut.” You know how hard that is. For Rachel, with severe autism, apraxia, and a…
Fourth of July, Big Gatherings, and Autism
Another holiday filled with family, noise, and chaos looms ahead. While it can be fun, for Rachel and her autism it can also be problematic. We often don’t get invited…
Summer + Autism = ?
My heart pounds. I’m having trouble breathing. My hands and arms are numb. The room spins. Am I having a heart attack? No, although I think so at first. No,…
Dads: What Are They Good For? Everything!
Fathers are the rudder of the family. They are an integral part of setting the direction and goals of a family unit and keeping the family on course. Do you…
How do You Define Courage?
Recently I asked some friends, “What is something courageous you have done today?” I received some interesting answers. My favorite was from a mother of young ones: “I got out…
Sticky Sunday and Putting Away my Grumpy Face
“This past Sunday was brought to you by autism.” That’s what my forehead should say. Sunday. That word used to evoke scenes of friends and church, long lunches, napping on…
Autism, Spirituality, and a Search for Answers
“We create what we experience.” How does the above karma-ish quote make you feel, especially if you have a special needs child? In my case, it makes me feel empty,…