New Resource for Parents of Children with Autism

Looking for a great place to connect with other parents of children with autism? I was recently introduced to the My Autism Team community and so far it's been great! I really feel like I have found a place where people like me can discuss our day or experiences without judgment. None of us have all of the answer, which is the epitome of parenthood...but at least we can support each other along the way. I encourage you to check it out,,,sign up is free. There are no sales pitches, solicitations to do research or any of the "extras." Connect at www.myautismteam.com.

Also, please check out my website at www.mylifemyautism.com...

Have an AWESOME weekend!
#raisingautismawareness  #supportingautismacceptance

Mommy Confession

I have to admit that I still have bad days...my oldest son was diagnosed with autism over three years ago but there's no "getting use to it." You simply take it one day at a time on little sleep, a whole lot of uncertainty and hope that you have enough energy to make it through the day. I resist the urge to ask "why me?" but, instead ask for the wisdom and insight to be the best mom that I can be.

With that being said, this weekend was particularly rough when, after an eye exam, I was bluntly told that my son was basically blind without glasses.

Thankfully corrective lenses are working for him, otherwise he could be declared legally blind. I really felt like someone had punched me in the stomach and I had a small breakdown that lasted for much of the weekend. The hardest thing in life has got to be the knowledge that you, as a parent, can't always make everything okay. Some things are well beyond your control and you learn to accept your limitations.

But my hope remains the same...that throughout the course of this journey as a mom, that I'm doing something right even when there's so much wrong...

Cultural Responsive & Special Education

Very proud and excited to be presenting with my friend and colleague, Dr. Sharita Crossen,  at the North Carolina Council of Exceptional Children Conference in Pinehurst,  NC on January 28.

Tantrums vs. Meltdowns

I was totally intrigued when I first learned that tantrums and meltdowns were completely different. Like so many parents of children with autism, I absorb as much as I can about behaviors, strategies, sensory issues and the like. But now when I look at articles stating matter-of-factly the differences between tantrums and meltdowns, the thought came to my mind: Does it really matter?

When my son is screaming at the top of his lungs at Walmart or taking the first available object off the shelf at Target and throwing it onto the floor like a madman, knowing the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown really doesn't mean a whole lot to me. At that very moment,  I just want my kid to be happy again or at least calm enough to all of me to finish my grocery shopping (wishful thinking, of course).

The differences between tantrums and meltdowns are very eye-opening...but this #autismmom just wants to make it through the day! 

#justathought #longday

Invisible Disabilities: Why Can't People Understand?

It amazes me when people tell me, matter-of-factly,  that my children do not look disabled. I actually had an intense conversation with a friend where he blatantly told me that there was nothing wrong with my sons and if he was in a relationship with me, I would not be saying that my children have autism. He went on to point out that when he was a child, his mother told him that he could be anything he wanted to be. He was implying that a)I was somehow a bad mother for saying my children have autism and b) children with autism cannot also be successful.

The sad part about all of this is that it isn't uncommon for people to make these types of comments when a disability dies not manifest itself in a physical way. Saying little Johnny doesn't look disabled doesn't change the facts. Furthermore, it's insulting to a parent to make such statements.

I,  for one, have nothing to gain by saying my children have autism. I am not receiving any disability benefits ( but if I was, so what?) nor am I exhalted to some higher level of being. The fact is, all disabilities are not visible. People should be more respectful and practice more compassion when talking to others about their child's state of being. I never associate autism with anything negative nor do I want it to define who my children are as human beings.

We live in a society that still has a long way to go when it comes to disability awareness and acceptance...and I intend to remain on the frontlines when it comes to raising awareness.

Raising Autism Awareness

Check out this video at https://youtu.be/rguyTZeeQv8 where children talk about their experiences with autism. Promoting awareness and acceptance of autism requires distributing information by way of individuals' experiences. First-hand accounts offer authentic hard-to-ignore facts that are often ignored in media depictions or second-hand observations.

Happy Holidays!

Hopefully this time of the year brings reflection as we transition into 2016. What did we learn? What could we have done differently? What made us the happiest? I don't believe in resolutions, but I do believe in goals.

My goals for this New Year are to be the best mom that I can be, take better care of myself, do more yoga, eat healthier and focus more on the positive rather than the negative (maybe even get another tattoo).

May your holidays be filled with inner peace, may you find happiness and may you prosper in the coming year!