Child Just Diagnosed With Autism? A Calm Guide to the First Few Months
Just received an autism diagnosis for your child? Here are gentle, practical next steps for services, school support, and looking after yourself.
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The Workplace Vs. Being a Special Needs Parent (and some other things that are irking me)
Yes, yes, I haven’t been blogging here for most of 2022. I have my reasons, and they’re just some of those pesky things that are currently irking me. The Online Autism Community One word. Toxic. It was my hope, in starting this blog, to start an online community for autistics and their family members. For…
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Family | Health | Lifestyle | Mental Health | Parenting
I Am A Patient Parent
My kids benefit when I have a calm demeanor. I do my best to manage my emotions. I slow down and take deep breaths. I try to make rational decisions. I often speak softly and firmly. I use discipline as a tool for teaching rather than punishment. Triggers I identify my triggers and I observe…
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10 Fun Activities To Do With Your Kids During The Winter Months
The winter months can prove to be a dreary time if you’re the type of parent that enjoys spending time out in the sun with your kids. However, with a little creative thinking, you can make memories and have a fabulous time during the winter months too. Bundle up and enjoy some outdoor fun with…
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What Is Red Instead, And Why It Matters
Back in January 2009, when we started our autism journey, I had no clue about the issues concerning the organization Autism Speaks. It wasn’t until I joined many online support groups, and even Twitter, that I learned about the issues concerning this organization. In April 2009, I blissfully sailed through National Autism Awareness Month and…
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Goals For January 2022
My goals for January 2022 are somewhat lowkey. After the last two years, I’m kind of hoping 2022 doesn’t even notice me and my family, at all. So, if you don’t mind, I’m just going to jump right on in with what I would like to achieve while I have this whole new year, new…
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Family | household | Lifestyle | Mental Health | Parenting
A Parent’s Guide To Calming Household Chaos
Considering how much noise, mess, and time pressures kids create, you’d think they actually thrive on disorder. However, too much chaos can affect their physical and emotional development. Numerous studies have found that children growing up in chaotic households tend to have lower grades, less self-control, and poorer health. Contributing factors include excess noise, lack…
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Autism | Health | Mental Health | News
1 In 44 Kids Has Autism According To The CDC
The CDC recently announced that 1 in 44 children are being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States. These new numbers come from a study based on data from 2018. Previous statistics were 1 in 54 children being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2016. Autism numbers have been…
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What Happens When My Autistic Son Isn’t Cute Anymore
“Jason… you’re not cute anymore, so just stop it!” My eldest to my youngest, almost every damn day of the week. I knew this day would come, and I have been dreading it. And when I say dreading, I really mean desperately trying not to think about it. Ignorance has been bliss, and I have…
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4 Ways To Deal With A Critical Family Without Sacrificing Your Sanity
Special Needs and Criticism From Family Members Aren’t families fun? :::insert sarcastic tone and eyeroll::: If you have a child with special needs chances are you have dealt with some type of criticism from one, or multiple, members of your family. How do you handle their negative comments and/or backhanded compliments and slights? It is…
