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.
The Cruel Double-Standard Behind Autism and Access
Recently, The Washington Post published my opinion piece My Son Has Autism. He Deserves Separate Sensory-Friendly Opportunities which focused on why sensory-friendly (SF) opportunities should be the law of the land. The swift rise of vitriol alerted me to ways in which message being misconstrued on many sides, even by select parents who themselves have […]
Continue readingThe Amazing Ways Nature Helped Me Reconnect With My Son
I have always been at odds with the world. I had my first counselor at age 15. My first breakdown in my mid- to late-twenties. Then again 10 years later. At the age of 36, I had a baby with my long-term partner. I was not prepared for the vast confusion a birth precipitates. The […]
Continue readingMom Shares What Life Is Like for an Autism Sibling
My girl is 15. She is curious. She has always loved to learn. Always asked questions. She is interested in life. She is a reader. She is a gymnast and a musician. She has a red belt in karate. She’s never been afraid to try things. Or maybe she has, but it doesn’t stop her. […]
Continue readingNeurodiversity, You’re Forgetting Someone Important
What Is Neurodiversity? Neurodiversity, short for neurological diversity, is the idea that diversity in human behavior and thought is the result of normal variability. The implication of neurodiversity is that people who are neurologically different from most of the population, such as individuals with autism, should be celebrated, not ignored or taught to be “normal.” […]
Continue readingUnderstanding Autism: I See You Now
He gazed at me through unblinking, dark marbles of rage. The eyes were cold, but his face was red hot …a volcano! Memories of a volcano ripping through the earth’s crust crept into the corner of my mind, as the rest of my brain struggled to understand what was happening. Mum once told me that […]
Continue readingPoetry Corner: Every Day
Every day is different with you Who I will meet; I really can’t say I walk towards your bedroom door Wondering what boy I will see today. Sometimes you greet me with a smile Sometimes you don’t look at all Sometimes you give a hug Other times you don’t see me at all. On the […]
Continue readingHow Netflix’s Atypical Raises Awareness On The Different
Netflix released Season Two of Atypical in September 2018, and soon there will be Season Three. I really hope this TV series will continue for many more seasons. I have been following it since the first season and I believe that there are social dimensions that should not be absorbed by the comical element of […]
Continue readingWhat Role Can Faith Play in Your Autism Journey?
Have you ever wondered what role faith plays in your autism journey? As a Christian, I can only speak from that perspective, but I am aware that other faiths may have insights on this topic as well. Our faith in God gives us hope in what otherwise would seem like a hopeless situation. Faith gives […]
Continue readingGender Identity: The Least of My Concerns
Last week I overheard my 5th grader, Olivia talking with her friend about not being a “girly-girl.” She asked if her friend noticed. Her friend said “yes.” Then Olivia asked her if she cared. So I asked myself, did I notice that Olivia wasn’t a “girly-girl?” Did I care? If your child is expressing a […]
Continue readingFour Things Constantly in the Back of My Mind…and I Wish You’d Ask About Them
1. Give Credit Where Credit is Due I have a seven-year-old boy who can recite the alphabet backward faster than some can forwards. He can name the planets and dwarf planets in order of their distance from the sun. He will tell you how many sides are on a pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, […]
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