Everyone always focuses on the negatives of an autism diagnosis. Myself included. So today I figure I will focus on the positives of an autism diagnosis. Autism is not a fatal diagnosis. Yes it does mean a very difficult road ahead but at the end of that difficult road is life. My child will … [Read more...] about Advantages of Autism
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We Survived Our Extended Hospitalization
The idea was simple enough. Well, as simple as a hospitalization and surgical procedure on a 4 year old could be. But this is Sam. And he has never - ever - done anything simple. After speaking with the hospital admissions team, we decided to admit Sam at 11:30 am. This would allow him a few … [Read more...] about We Survived Our Extended Hospitalization
It must be about the poop
I know - Sam's birthday came and went without my usual post talking about the emotional stress leading up to his birthday and the joy of the actual celebration. I wish I had a better reason for not writing, but I don't. i just didn't. What can I say. I was sad and emotional up until his … [Read more...] about It must be about the poop
Acceptance
Tomorrow is Sam's first ever birthday party... with friends... from his school. I was hesitant to throw him a party, unsure if other kids would come. I was nervous that if I invited his class, they would all find excuses not to attend the party. Sam's therapist pushed me. She told me Sam was … [Read more...] about Acceptance
The Chicken’s Way Out
Did anyone notice? That is what I kept asking myself after hitting publish on my last post. The opening line was so obvious: After 7 months of single parenting, But, since I hadn't told a lot of people, I wasn't sure if anyone would really notice... or realize what I had just said. This was … [Read more...] about The Chicken’s Way Out
Of Lice and Poop
After 7 months of single parenting, I really thought I had a handle on things. We were a well-oiled machine. We were eating better. There was less fighting in the house. We were on-time to everything. Kids were happy. I was happy. Then, in one evening, my façade came crashing down in a pile … [Read more...] about Of Lice and Poop
Potty Training the Autistic Child
So, you think it is time to potty train your son. Great! But, before we start, I have to ask, why are you sure he is ready? Here are a few typical answers you might get: "Well- he keeps hiding in a corner when he poops, and every time he pees, he grabs at his diaper." "He asked is he could … [Read more...] about Potty Training the Autistic Child
Why is asking for help so hard?
You would think, with all I have been through, that by now I would be an expert at asking people for help. Or at least accepting help when it is offered to me. The reality is, I am terrible at both. I hate leaning on people. I hate needing help. I feel guilty every time I accept help. This … [Read more...] about Why is asking for help so hard?
Stop trying to “cure” my son
The past few weeks have been filled with a number of amazing stories on autism. Stories that were insulting, inspiring, and infuriating. I know that I may be in the minority because I do not sit and wonder why my son has autism. I am confident I know why. Sam was born at 24 weeks. That means the … [Read more...] about Stop trying to “cure” my son
Sometimes in the background
Some days, I forget about how Sam's Autism (and former preemie status) has impacted Irene. She has had to give up a lot for her little brother. More than most of us. And more often than not, she has done this quietly and without complaint. Because of the maturity that Irene has shown, I sometimes … [Read more...] about Sometimes in the background
Waking from a long slumber
Sadly, no. I am not talking about the mythical creature all parents have heard tales of that sleeps for hours at a time - uninterrupted. Sadly, the slumber I am talking about is more metaphorical than actual. I have come to the realization that I have been sleepwalking through the past five years … [Read more...] about Waking from a long slumber
Have I really been gone for 4 months?
Yikes. I knew I had not written in a while, but it never occurred to me it had been four months. I guess it is fair to say life around here has been hectic at best and manic at worst. Much has been going on since I last wrote - it is actually hard to know where to start. I guess the best place is … [Read more...] about Have I really been gone for 4 months?
Facing my new reality
Back in December, I wrote about my joy at Sam's PDD-NOS diagnosis. I was relieved that he was not diagnosed with Autism, but his own odditites, some of which were autistic in nature and some that were not. Since that diagnosis, I have done everything I could to help Sam achieve "normalcy". The … [Read more...] about Facing my new reality
You Have Come A Long Way Baby
Then you were only 1 lbs 12 ozs. Now you are 31 lbs. Then your heart had a leaky valve. Now, a tiny clip has done its job and your heart is perfect - and you are learning the art of shaving. Then you needed a machine to help you breathe. Now, your lungs can carry you through a … [Read more...] about You Have Come A Long Way Baby
Uncertainty
In terms of micro-preemies, I have had it pretty easy. Sam was big for his gestational age. Yes, you read that right. One pound twelve ounces is considered big. His time in the NICU was pretty uneventful… at least after he had his PDA ligation and began peeing regularly. Yes, we were there … [Read more...] about Uncertainty
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