What are their strengths? How do they sparkle?
This week I had the opportunity to think of the day Henry went to Perry Harrison for his kindergarten assessment. (I’ve written about this before.) Despit...
Category: Education
When they don’t want to trick-or-treat
You may have noticed I’m in favor of empowering the disenfranchised and remembering the forgotten, even for something as trivial as Halloween. I encourage...
How to trick-or-treat with autism
If your children with autism or sensory processing disorder WANT to participate in Halloween activities, there is no reason why they can’t. Yes, really. Y...
Letting Go On the First Day of School
This is the photo Henry chose for his first day of 1st grade. Goofy smile. Not looking at the camera. Next to a freshly painted fire hydrant. It’s not wha...
He’s not on the same timetable, but he’s growing too.
Because the days of acute stress are over, I can be lulled into thinking we’re a typical family. I can forget Henry’s brain is different than most. ...
Shades of autism
Try to imagine every possible shade of purple. Lilac, periwinkle, eggplant, indigo, plum, heliotrope, lavender, orchid, mauve. Imagine every hue in the Crayola ...
Why do we need Autism Acceptance Month?
Autism Acceptance Month* is here. Since you’re reading this, you may feel as if this celebration isn’t needed. You’re aware. You accept. Doesn...
How to Take a Child with Autism to Disney
Visiting Walt Disney World is a non-negotiable rite of passage of many American families. Parents dream of giving their children the magical experience of The H...
The Autism Mom Toolkit: The Binder
If your child has a diagnosis of any kind, you’ll soon find yourself drowning in paperwork. Our fourth tool in the Autism Mom Toolkit, The Binder, is stri...
The Autism Mom Toolkit: The Go Bag
If you have a child, you need a Go Bag. If you have a special needs child, it’s non-negotiable. What is it? A tote full of everything you need to “g...