Tips to Revitalize and Strengthen Your Marriage

The challenges of parenting a child with special needs can put a strain on relationships. Here are a few ideas that could help revitalize your marriage or partnership. “So what are you buying John for your anniversary?” my girlfriend Jean asked me. “It depends on which John you’re talking about because I think I married

__CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default Palette","value":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"val":"rgb(19, 114, 211)","hsl":{"h":210,"s":0.83,"l":0.45,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"val":"rgb(19, 114, 211)","hsl":{"h":210,"s":0.83,"l":0.45,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__
Continue reading

in Autism Parenting Advice by Deanna Picon, BA

Beaches Turks and Caicos: Paradise for Special Needs Families

One wouldn’t think you need superior negotiating skills to plan a family vacation, but that’s the case when dealing with my husband. I suggest beautiful vacation destinations, with hotels that offer childcare services, only to hear “No way!” And why is that? Because Lorenzo, our non-verbal, young adult son has autism and according to Tony,

__CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default Palette","value":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"val":"rgb(19, 114, 211)","hsl":{"h":210,"s":0.83,"l":0.45,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"val":"rgb(19, 114, 211)","hsl":{"h":210,"s":0.83,"l":0.45,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__
Continue reading

in Autism Parenting Advice by Deanna Picon, BA

Welcome To The Special Needs Parent Club

The other day, I was reading a People Magazine article about actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus and her battle with breast cancer. Fortunately, she’s in recovery and getting back to her normal life. But what struck me most about her article were these comments: “I can’t say it’s a club I ever really wanted to be a

__CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default Palette","value":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"val":"rgb(19, 114, 211)","hsl":{"h":210,"s":0.83,"l":0.45,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"val":"rgb(19, 114, 211)","hsl":{"h":210,"s":0.83,"l":0.45,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__
Continue reading

in Autism Advocacy by Deanna Picon, BA

8 Valentine’s Day Wishes For Special Needs Families

It’s the end of the evening and you’re packing your child’s book bag for the next school day, when you notice a medium-sized piece of red construction paper at the bottom of the bag.  As you reach down and pull the paper out, a smile crosses your face because of what you find—a little, heart-shaped

__CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default Palette","value":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"val":"rgb(19, 114, 211)","hsl":{"h":210,"s":0.83,"l":0.45,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"val":"rgb(19, 114, 211)","hsl":{"h":210,"s":0.83,"l":0.45,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__
Continue reading

in Autism Parenting Advice by Deanna Picon, BA

Seven Heartfelt Father’s Day Gifts For Special Needs Dads

Happy Father’s Day! I’m writing this letter to let you know how much I appreciate you and the important role you play in my life. There’s no greeting card that could possibly tell you how much you mean to me. Fathering a special needs child requires inner strength, patience and extraordinary love for one’s son

__CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default Palette","value":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"val":"rgb(19, 114, 211)","hsl":{"h":210,"s":0.83,"l":0.45,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"val":"rgb(19, 114, 211)","hsl":{"h":210,"s":0.83,"l":0.45,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__
Continue reading

in Autism Parenting Advice by Deanna Picon, BA

4 Ways To Cheer Your Special Needs Child’s Graduation

The party goods, decorations, and refreshments are in the basement.  The customized cake has been ordered.  The invitations for your special needs child’s high school graduation party are in the mail.  And in a few weeks, family and friends will join you to celebrate this wonderful and joyous occasion. Now there’s only one thing left

__CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default Palette","value":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"val":"rgb(19, 114, 211)","hsl":{"h":210,"s":0.83,"l":0.45,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"val":"rgb(19, 114, 211)","hsl":{"h":210,"s":0.83,"l":0.45,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__
Continue reading

in Autism Parenting Advice by Deanna Picon, BA

3 Ways to Revitalize Your Marriage After Having A Special Needs Child

Remember your first few Valentine’s days with your spouse? Maybe you went on a special date, got each other gifts, or did something wild and crazy. Maybe you just sat together and shared quality time. [thrive_leads id=’26488′] Now add the years.  Add the kid(s) you’ve had, the bills you’ve gained, the pets and the house.

__CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default Palette","value":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"val":"rgb(19, 114, 211)","hsl":{"h":210,"s":0.83,"l":0.45,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"50ce5":{"val":"rgb(19, 114, 211)","hsl":{"h":210,"s":0.83,"l":0.45,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__
Continue reading

in Autism Parenting Advice by Deanna Picon, BA