Category Archives for "Personal Narrative"
Articles written by people affected by autism (mom, dad, grandparent, sibling) or someone who is on the spectrum sharing personal accounts, happy moments, fears, etc.
All For You
When you were born, I didn’t know you or how much you’d change my life but knew I loved you. It was natural for things to be different, hard, and challenging but all was still beautiful because it was you. You grew, and I grew with you. Together, we sprouted a bond that fed off […]
Continue readingMarshmallows…It’s What’s for Breakfast
The other day a friend of mine was talking to me in detail about the entirely “non-processed and made from scratch” breakfast that she had prepared for her children. I nodded pleasantly, giving her kudos. She then went on to ask the question that I was dreading… “So, what did you feed your daughter today?” […]
Continue readingPoetry Corner: Shh to You And Shh to Me
As I walk down the street, the sound is unusual, and why it’s there, it is unclear. I hold my mother’s hand with fear. I need it to shush. The noise of the drill is loud and overwhelming. It’s too much for me, just like the neighbor’s dog, who sometimes is howling… Shh. I need […]
Continue readingShopping With Special Needs: The Need for Understanding
He did great today. He really did, and so did I. Even with the “minor” setback in the self-checkout lane and the unwelcome placement of the DVD display. Let me take you grocery shopping. I promise you, it will be nothing like you have ever experienced in your life. And it’s true, nothing is exaggerated, […]
Continue readingOne Summer Day in a Class for Elementary Students with Autism
“Good work, Josiah, you are all done! Lets check your schedule.” Josiah smiles brightly and hurries to his schedule knowing swimming is next. As he and Miss Leaky walk through the quietly bustling classroom, a small voice calls out “Miss Leaky, swimming?” “Yes Augustus, first work then swimming, hurry up and finish your work.” Augustus […]
Continue readingMotherhood – A Reflection of My Younger Self
“I just want him to talk.” I heard these words recently from a parent in one of my schools, a young mom whose four-year-old son attends an Early Childhood Education program. I see her often as she drops off and picks up her son. In her eyes, I catch a glimpse of my younger self—scared, tormented by doubts, […]
Continue readingDeveloping Life Skills With Autism-One Pizza Order at a Time
Friday night was pizza night. This tradition began when Dylan was in middle school and the increased social pressures and new academic pressures conspired to totally “unglue” him. By Friday, he was an exhausted wreck, and frankly, so was I. Middle school is difficult for most children. It was close to unbearable for Dylan. It […]
Continue readingWhat My Brother With Autism Taught Me About Special Needs
When I was 10, my two-year-old brother was diagnosed on the autism spectrum. He was nonverbal for much of his early life, unable to read or communicate effectively. He struggled to exhibit and mimic behavior that was expected of him from society, and would often find himself striking his head because of overstimulation from the […]
Continue readingRowan Found Her Voice—I Found a Better Way
Twenty-five years ago I gave birth to the most amazing little girl in the history of the world. She was perfect in every way, and we were crazy in love with her. But Rowan didn’t want to be touched or held. No child ever comes with a user’s guide, but in Rowan’s case, it was […]
Continue readingTake the Time To Understand Us Kids With Autism
To me, a child with autism is a child who thinks differently. There are terms and labels used to categorize us, but I just say our brain works in a different way. Knowing that we are different is a good thing. It’s even better to accept it and know that it’s okay to be different. […]
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