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Advice on Advice

As a people, we are full of opinions. Varying opinions are a necessary and integral part of what makes us human. But what happens when these opinions are given and intrude on our family or loved ones? We’ve all experienced those moments when someone gives us an unsolicited opinion about our children, or how we should raise our children. These opinions, though often coming from a place of well meaning, are hard to swallow.

Thursday, July 30, 2015 | 3 minutes Read

It matters

It matters. In this house, regardless of the “it,” the need, want, etc. is considered valid and we make every attempt to find “it” and make it so. Too often in life we hear, “It doesn’t matter!” or “Why does it matter?” Those two little letters, i-t, make up the most abused pronoun in history. The truth of the matter is that the universally vague “it” does matter…the reason why “it” matters is much less important than the fact that “it” does.

Friday, July 18, 2014 | 5 minutes Read

Change Is Hard

Change is hard. Very few people really like change. Most of us are perfectly content moving on day to day with no major disruptions. Sure, we like an occasional surprise visit…a new dish at supper…maybe even a new outfit from the department store….but, a large change? No way, no how, no sir! People on the autism spectrum absolutely typically change. Little disruptions in schedules wreak havoc on their busy minds. Major changes (and sometimes little things no one else would notice) can simply start a complete and total shutdown.

Saturday, May 18, 2013 | 4 minutes Read

You Are Our Glue

“You are our glue.” The words resonated with me unlike any words had before. Glue?! I have to be glue? No pressure, I’m just the substance whose sole purpose is to make things that would normally not go together stick together for all of eternity. Of course, it was a compliment. My family was acknowledging that without me things would simply not be as cohesive. The words were never intended to weigh heavily on my mind.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012 | 4 minutes Read

Summer Survival

Yes! Summertime! I can hear the excited cries of students and teachers everywhere…the hard work has paid off and now it is time to revel in the unstructured laziness of a warm summer. Most of us love the thought of lackadaisical days followed by late nights. However, for many young and differently challenged children (and adults!) the thought of a lazy summer is both overwhelming and frightening! Sure, we all enjoy the occasional day of unplanned excitement, but for Autism Spectrum families, the newness of the routine is a recipe for tantrums, melts downs, and fear of the unknown.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012 | 10 minutes Read

Siblings

Siblings, as I see it, are both the biggest curse and largest blessing that one person can every hope to have. Seriously. I mean, think about it. For a first born: there you are minding your own business, soaking in all the love, affection, and attention your parents can possibly dole out and then, BAM! Suddenly, there is a small, loud, often stinky creature that sucks all the energy and attention out of good ole mom and dad.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 | 4 minutes Read

Love Essay

Ah, love. The four letter word that evokes that special combination of fear and excitement in nearly all human beings. Love has been immortalized through the use of cute sayings, guilt, and longing…but what is this “love?” When do we first really feel its splendor and hellacious grip. Can we really define love, or can its meaning be as varied as the greeting card isle during February? I was sure I was in love as a high school.

Saturday, January 14, 2012 | 5 minutes Read

Ah Christmas

Ah Christmas, that magical time of year when everyone puts aside their differences and coexist in perfect harmony. Decorations are lovingly placed in just the right spot…food taste better, smiles are brighter, and the serenity of the whole scene rivals that of the nativity crèche itself. That is unless, of course, you live in the real world. In that case, your home is cluttered with gifts, the tree doesn’t quite fit, one light is always burned out, your cookies are smoldering in the oven, and you’ve asked yourself at least six times if the children really need to be out of the school a full two weeks.

Monday, January 2, 2012 | 8 minutes Read

Meeting Matthew

I don’t believe in growing up, at least not entirely. However, there are moments in each person’s life, when it becomes necessary to be an adult. For some, those moments come entirely too soon…for others much too late. For me, adulthood slapped me in the face one afternoon in May of 2004. For the first time in my life I truly understood what it meant to experience life altering fear, true love, and endless hope.

Monday, July 18, 2011 | 6 minutes Read