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,…
Special Needs
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,…
My Child or Loved One was Diagnosed … Now What?
The other night I walked into my autism support group meeting and saw a new couple sitting at the table. They were hunched over and looked as if they been…
Autism Therapy, Consequences, and Mom Hanging Tough
A few weeks ago we started a new therapy program for Rachel. Our new therapist is trained in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), and we became acquainted with her through church….
Holidays and Stress: Refusing to Let Busyness Steal My Joy
The holidays are coming… Does that phrase cause little tinkling bells of joy to ring in your ears? Or do sinister trombones of doom jolt your brain into pieces? I…
Handling Conflict with Special Education Personnel
“Other parents with autistic children manage to do this all the time, so why can’t you?” The above statement, made by a person in charge of my daughter’s special education…
Special Needs Love
“Mommy, why did you even adopt me? Why did I have to be born with these pwoblems?” The little voice from the backseat was heavy with tears as we drove the last…
Autism and the Pumpkin Patch and the Park (aka, Why Friends are Awesome)
The other day, Rachel and my other daughter had a day off of school, so I had the brilliant idea to take them to a pumpkin patch. I envisioned pictures…
How I Communicate With My Autistic Daughter
Yesterday I had a realization. I’ve thought this many times before, but this last time, it stuck with me for some reason. My autistic daughter needs a different communication style…