On The Vaccine Question

I know this is a hot topic for some of us, but since I haven't mentioned it yet, I figured now was as good a time as any to place it on the table.

Soothing the Gut, pt 1

Parents of spectrum children will know that stomach problems are a common issue in our little ones. My older son experienced problems with his bowels soon after birth, and with the younger one, it started one day when he was 18 months old and still breastfeeding, and it didn't stop.

Should You Explain The Diagnosis To Your Child?

I sometimes wonder whether I should give my children an official-sounding explanation of their diagnoses, or if we should treat their symptoms as simple personality differences. As far as we're concerned here at home, everyone is just being unique and relating in each one's own way. My older son is no different after his diagnosis than he was before his diagnosis, neither is the younger one.

Caring For Your Autistic Child

I don't necessarily agree with many of the ideas presented in the following article, specifically the ones that discuss the impact autism has on the family.

Some Days Can Be Overwhelming...

... but we are resilient. We press through them.

Autism is not an easy diagnosis. The symptoms are sometimes not easy to manage. But we still press on.

The past two days have been stressful. My younger spectrum child was in a state of agitation the first day, and that agitation evolved into full blown crisis on the second day when he met his assigned pediatrician for the first time.

Checking In With Ourselves About Our Parenting

Parenting skills are important in any family. For spectrum families, vigilance is even more important.

Revisiting Happiness With Chalk

Seeing my child use a writing instrument properly for the first time set me to work on a simple home improvement project that (I hope) will enhance his communication skills.

Paper Mache For My Paper Shredder

I used to cry when he devoured my books and magazines. I've now learned how to manage this trait.

When he started shredding, I thought it was a phase that all young children go through. Little babies love to play with boxes and paper, often displaying a special brand of delight when opening neatly wrapped presents.

My child ignored the boxes and went directly for the paper.

Random Moments of Happiness

Today I took my son to see his new nutritionist for the first time. I had no idea how he would behave (his experience with autism can be filled with spontaneity and unexpected surprises). As is common with my child, he was curious, spirited, and self assured. As soon as he walked through the door, he was off to make contact with everyone in the office, explore his surroundings, and generally assert himself.

Yes, I Love My Autistic Child

I love my autistic child.

Yes, every day is stressful for me.

No, I do not hold his symptoms against him.

Yes, sometimes I feel like there is no hope.

No, I will not give up on him.

Yes, he is difficult to handle.

No, I do not hide him from the world.

Yes, my heart breaks every time he destroys things.

No, I don't stop hugging him.

This is simply my baby.

I believe he has a bright future ahead of him.

I will not stop working to teach him and guide him into the great person he is destined to become.

I love my autistic child.