Thank you, Asperger’s
In 2016, this former newspaper columnist learned he has Asperger’s. Big picture, I’m okay with it. Oh, I often wonder what it would be like to live 24 hours as a social gadfly. Have a bunch of friends. Go to parties. Be voted Most Popular. To not bite my fingernails until they bleed. To not […]
Continue readingThe Amazing Ways My Kids With ASD Have Shaped Me As a Mom
I am the mother of four amazing children ages 21, 12, 10, and 10; three boys with one girl right in the middle. Each one has their individual strengths and weaknesses. With each of my children, I have gone through a learning phase as a parent. With my oldest, I was a new mom. So […]
Continue readingThe Therapeutic Connection With ASD – How to Know When It’s a Good Fit!
As a parent of someone on the spectrum (child, teen, adult), you are likely familiar with the process of navigating a variety of services. In my office, parents of older kids frequently recall specific therapists along their journeys who were game changers. These therapists saw inner strengths and potential in their children that had otherwise […]
Continue readingGrowing Up With Autism
Back in June 2013 I wrote about my son, who was on the verge of getting a diagnosis of being on the autism spectrum. At the time, I wanted to write about him before I got the diagnosis because I needed to remind myself that my son is not his diagnosis. I was afraid that […]
Continue reading5 Myths About Girls With Asperger’s and Social Groups
Think you know about girls on the autism spectrum? Well, think again. Here are five myths you may have heard about that need to be reconsidered when we think about girls who have been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome (AS), “mild autism,” or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) level 1. This information comes from original research done […]
Continue readingFun and Affordable Sensory Play Ideas for Kids With Special Needs
Sensory play is important for the development of all children—and that’s even truer for children on the autism spectrum who might have sensory integration issues. Whether it’s climbing a tree, squishing Play-Doh through their fingers, blowing bubbles, or burying their feet in the sand, sensory play stimulates the senses and helps children discover and understand […]
Continue readingHow to Use Music As a Tool to Gain Attention With Autism
It is Thursday. I am about to meet a new child on the autism spectrum. My goal is to teach basic music skills and use these skills to build confidence, improve fine motor movement and prompt timely responses. To achieve this, I must capture the child’s attention. Brain function researchers have applied various definitions to […]
Continue readingFor Better or Worse: How to Overcome the Effects of Autism on Marriage
My marriage almost ended. The daily stress and energy expended to advocate for and raise my active and unusual child on the autism spectrum led to complete exhaustion and meltdown. There was simply nothing left for anyone else, including my spouse. Hyper-focus on my son’s well-being, coupled with differences between my partner and me in […]
Continue readingMeet Richie Smith – A Remarkable Man With Big Ambitions
Richie Smith is a managing director of Awesometistic, a unique autism training business. Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at 33 years old, Richie’s goal is to generate autism understanding and acceptance wherever he goes. Can you share with me what life was like growing up without an official autism diagnosis? Growing up without a diagnosis […]
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 […]
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