Alex Bean, Boy Wonder

Whether he's fighting off scary creatures or flying off to save the day, Alex Bean is a little boy who won't let his disability stand in the way! Available at Lulu.com Alex Bean, Boy Wonder (ISBN 978-1-329-70141-0).

Autism Panel:Spotlight on Autism

We are very excited about our first panel presentation to discuss autism in the home, school, and community. My Life My Autism was created for this very purpose...to bring autism into the forefront by opening up dialogue about how it impacts the person with the diagnosis as well as their loved ones.

This is only the beginning!

Know Your Child's Developmental Milestones

Knowing your child's appropriate developmental stages is important. Although many children met their milestones at different times, there is still a window of opportunity in which they should exhibit certain behaviors. For example, if your child is not crawling by the time he or she is 9 -12 months, there may very well be some underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Like many parents, I was initially hesitant about drawing attention to my children's issues. I was adamant that what they were experiencing was the result of not being around other children, not attending a daycare where they could socialize and develop appropriate communication skills as well as social behaviors. I feared what I would hear if I spoke up during our visits to the pediatrician.

Autism does not go away. Ignoring an issue because of fear or a genuine belief that it's "something else" keeps our children from getting the attention that they need the most. Even if your pediatrician determines that there is no need for concern, it's always better to err on the side of caution. While my children are doing fairly well, I truly believe that early diagnosis could have provided them with a stronger foundation,  especially once they entered public school.

Remember, talk candidly with your pediatrician if you have concerns about your child's development. Doing what is in your child's best interest is far greater than being paralyzed your fears.

Early Diagnosis & Autism: The Early Bird Initiative

We need to spread the word. Early diagnosis of autism is critical if we want to ensure the best outcomes for our children. Many families are hesitant to have their children diagnosed for various reasons, mostly out of fear. But a diagnosis is not the end of the world. It is the beginning of a new journey filled with ups and downs, just like anything else. The most important thing is that you teach your child the value of those things that make us different. Teach them that they are DIFFERENT, not LESS!

Speak Up, Speak Out

Sometimes we have to stand up and be a voice for those who can't speak for themselves. It's easy to walk by and pretend you don't see something wrong but the true measure of a person's character comes when he or she takes a stand, even if it means standing alone.

Fighting for our children sometimes means we stand alone against society, against schools,  against whatever it is that's creating a barrier to their success and well being.

Children need to know that we have their backs no matter what. Not only does this teache them loyalty, it teaches them resilience and self-advocacy too.

Parent 2 Parent

Being the parent of a child with a disability, there are a few things that you should know: No one can do what you do as a parent. No one will ever love your children, defend your children or cry for your children the way that you do.

Even in moments of self-doubt (and there will be plenty!), know that you were CHOSEN to be the parent of an amazing child. Like me, you worry about your children's present as well as their future. You're ready to fight for your children's needs, their happiness at all costs...even if it means you're perceived as "difficult." Trust your instincts when it comes to what is in your child's best interest, even if others around you do not agree.

From one parent 2 another, you are awesome...you are strong...you are my hero!

Single Parenting Children with Special Needs

Please check out my guest blog at www.themogulmommies.com in the Health & Wellness section.

Changing Our Perspectives: Parenting Children with Disabilities

The stories shared about parents of children with disabilities are often grim, heartbreaking, sorrowful and a dozen other negative adjectives. True, life can be difficult when a child has special needs but it can also be extremely rewarding. We need to share more of our positive stories so that other parents know that it's going to be okay. There is light at the end of the tunnel even if we don't always see it. 

When I tell people that both of my sons have autism, I usually hear the same sympathetic phrase uttered: "Oh I'm so sorry. " I used to smile politely, knowing that they meant well but one day I realized that I was contributing to negative perceptions by not responding.

So now when people say how sorry they are that my sons have autism, I tell them "There's nothing to be sorry about." I share with them how amazingly well my kids are doing and how proud I am of their accomplishments.

Even if my boys have setbacks or bad days, so do "typically" developing kids. It's a normal part of childhood. I want people to walk away with a sense that having a child with a disability is NOT a tragedy.

#children #disabilities #parenting #perspective

Spoiling or Accommodating?

Are we accommodating our children who have special needs or are we merely spoiling them? I don't have a clear answer for this. All I know is that I do what I have to do in order to get through the day. If my son is having a tantrum/meltdown in public and I can calm him quickly by getting him a drink or snack or whatever--sorry, but I'm doing it! It may not be the best solution but the alternatives are far more disruptive.

Of course there have been plenty of times when I haven't given in/accommodated his behavior but no one wants to give credit for progress. They'd rather point their finger in disapproval. All I know is if there's a better way, I am always open for SUGGESTIONS. Until them, call it what you want...

Calming a Child with Autism: Parenting 101

I needed this advice yesterday! My son had a complete meltdown in school because he had lost points for talking in class. Being a teacher myself,  I try to support the expectations for behavior and consequences that my children's teachers have developed for their classroom.

What I learned from this article is that maybe my own expectations were a little too much for my son. His meltdown likely stemmed from his anticipation of losing TV time or having an earlier bedtime at home because he lost those points. I wish there was a parenting handbook for children with autism because (a) it would be a best seller and (b) it would make life so much easier!

I absolutely realize my mistake of not aligning my expectations with the needs and nature of my son. Will I continue to make mistakes on this journey?  Yes! But this was definitely a lesson LEARNED!

Tomi Tells About His Day

Download at www.mystorybook.com/books/94361

Tomi Tells

I have truly enjoyed being able to start writing creatively again. My skills are a little rusty but I am determined to use whatever means available to continue to bring disability awareness into the mainstream.

Children with disabilities are not much different than their peers; they have the same feelings, needs and thoughts as anyone else. In fact, I often say it's becoming harder to tell the kids with disabilities from those without disabilities.

My goal as a mom, educator, advocate, writer and speaker is to create a new perspective of our children--one that is different from the one created by the media. I am doing it not only for my children, but all children who happily live their lives with and without a label attached.

Alex Bean, Boy Wonder

Alex Bean is a little boy who does not let his disability stand in the way of his work as a superhero. Like my previous characters, I created Alex as a way of raising awareness about disabilities and supporting acceptance of individuals who are different, not less.

Check out Alex and his world of super-heroism @ https:// www.mystorybook.com/books/90972.

Sensory Hotspots