While I was studying for my undergrad I was in a sorority. This sorority, about a year before I graduated, changed their philanthropy, and started supporting Autism Speaks. Before this moment I knew NOTHING of the organization. Really, until my daughter’s diagnosis I never really thought much of it. So, I do understand the many …
Common Comorbid Conditions with Autism
Autism has very specific traits. Many of the misconceptions around Autism have to do a lot with misunderstanding about what are Autistic traits and what are traits of comorbid conditions. That are many different conditions that are often comorbid (simultaneously present). Misunderstandings like the one I heard recently where a man was explaining that someone …
Disability is Not a Bad Word; We Don’t Need Euphemisms to Sugar Coat Disability.
Person first language is taught in most health profession programs. That is why doctors, teachers, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, will likely call your child or yourself a “child WITH autism.” This movement began in 1974, seeking to empower individuals by placing an emphasis on their individuality and personhood over their disability. Since this time …
Common Misconceptions About Autism
Before becoming a mother, I admittedly did not know a lot about Autism. When I thought about Autism, I pictured the very stereotypical blunt, robotic, routine driven individual. I did not understand how many of these are misconceptions about Autism. As my oldest daughter was creeping up on her second birthday it was suggested by …
We Don’t Need Awareness, We Need Acceptance
National Autism Awareness Month: We Don’t Need Awareness, We Need Acceptance. Many of you, whether or not you have anyone close to you who is autistic, have heard of Autism Awareness Month in April. Really, however, we do not need to be aware of Autism. So many are aware of Autism. What is needed is …
12 Children’s Books About Mental Health
There are many different situations kids go through that can be hard to understand. Emotions, anxiety, depression, behavioral and learning challenges, all creep into their everyday lives. There are many different ways to help your children work through these situations. Books are a wonderful way to teach your children about mental health. Don’t Feed the …
13 Non-Candy Easter Basket Ideas
Easter is just around the corner yet again and if you’re like me, you like to try and limit the excessive candy intake of my children. I don’t say never, they can have candy, and they do, but I prefer when holidays come like Easter and Halloween that they don’t gorge themselves into sugar comas. …
39 Life Skills Every Child Should Know Before They Turn 18
There are so many things as a parent that we are responsible for teaching our kids, life skills should be on the top of that list. It is on us when our children graduate from high school not knowing basic life skills. I’ve seen arguments a lot lately about the public-school system and things they …
Easter Crafts, Activities and More
I love Easter and since having kids I’ve grown to love it even more. I’m looking forward to every year doing different fun activities and crafts with my kids. Here are some great Easter crafts, activities and more. Books Easter Books to Share as a Family Reading to your kids is so very important. Reading …
40 Things I Want To Teach My Daughter
My daughter was my first child. The one that made me a mom. Before becoming a mother I had all kinds of fantastic ideas about what my child will be like. Obviously, since then, I’ve learned how truly individual each child is. She is an amazing, unique, independent individual. As she grows there still are …