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Autism and a Rough Week

I am still a firm believer that whoever decided we need to change the clocks twice a year need to live with a person with autism for a week after their decision and see just how much it […]

Autism and Awesome Surprises

This has been an up and down week. I ended up in a boot for an injury from a few months ago, Casey had a really rough evening a few nights ago, today was supposed to be the baby […]

Autism and Self – Care

Those of you who read last week’s post know what the last month or so has been like for our family. And in the middle of our grief, self-care has become even more important – and the […]

Autism and Grief

A few weeks ago, I got a call that no parent or grandparent wants to get. The baby that we had been dreaming for and talking about for six months had passed away. Rob hadn’t fully gotten the […]

Autism and Fun at the Fair

Finally! The day Casey has been waiting for for two years! They got to go to our county fair Friday and ride till they dropped. She was so upset last year when the fair was […]

Autism and Changing Medications

Casey and Rob both got glowing comments from their doctor last week. He was so happy with their progress and loved that when he walked in the room, Casey looked up and said, […]

What I Wish I had Known as a New Autism Mom

Later this week, I’ll be taking Casey and Rob to their annual neurology appointment. I just realized that I have been making this trip – two hours from home – for […]

Autism and Another First Time

I’ve always told other autism parents to brag about their kids – brag about every small step they take! Who cares if it takes them a little longer to master something? The point […]

Autism and Letting Go of Expectations

The title may throw you off a little. Before anyone thinks I’ve lost my mind and am letting Casey and Rob run the house, the expectations I’m talking about are the ones […]

Autism and Going Back to School

Mandy wasn’t always happy about going back to school, but for the most part, Casey and Rob were. Rob wasn’t happy when he had to go for two years without his sisters, but he […]

Do Your Kids with Autism Talk?

Most of the time, when someone learns Casey and Rob have autism, this is one of the first questions I am asked and when I say, yes, they can talk, I am told how lucky I am. I’m […]

The Difficult Dance of Parenting Autism and Typical Children

Being a parent isn’t easy. Besides the typical day to day care, you are also responsible for helping your children grow into loving, kind, […]

Autism and the Art of Taking a Trip

Casey has been asking for months to go to a water park beside the zoo and I kept telling her no. Honestly, the park is big, it’s open and it’s terrifying to think about […]

Celebrating the Little, Big Steps in Autism

It’s been a week of so many little, big steps for Casey and Rob. I say “little, big” because to most people, these steps forward are not a big deal. To an autism […]

Autism and Abstract Thinking

Look at the picture with this post.  What is it?  A dog?  A puppy?  An animal?  A pet? Blue? (That’s her name. 😊)  Any of those guesses are right.

Have you ever noticed how many […]

Autism and the Importance of Self-Care

If you’ve ever been on a plane, one of the first things you hear is if the oxygen masks come down, put yours on first – you can’t help anyone if you don’t take care of […]

Autism, OCD and Irritation

Casey has been on edge this week. While I have seen her beautiful smile and twinkling eyes often, I’ve also seen the irritable side of her. The one that OCD (obsessive compulsive […]