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Autism, Big Steps, Little Steps and Happy New Year

Happy New Year! I realize I’m about a week late wishing that for all of you, but the last several weeks, have been busy and fun and full of family time. […]

Autism, Holidays and Growing a Thick Skin

At our last autism support group meeting, one topic that came up was how to deal with the comments – the stares – the outright rudeness of some people when our […]

Autism and Making New Christmas Traditions

So many wonderful Christmas traditions involve large, loud gatherings or crowds at stores. When you have someone with autism, those are definitely not places you […]

Autism and the Wild and Wonderful Holiday Season

The holiday season is full of so many fun and amazing events, but for those of us with a special needs family member, it might not be the kind of excitement you […]

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 […]