When Alec was first diagnosed, I became obsessed with finding out everything I could about autism. I researched every autism theory, every therapy and spent every waking minute on the phone or online with other parents trying to create the best possible plan for Alec’s care. If someone told me that they were providing their child with a therapy that Matt and I could not afford, I was desperate … [Read more...]
Cowbells and Barricades
My first mistake? Driving my Honda Fit around the barricade that blocked the residential road in my neighborhood. My second mistake? Inadvertently driving into the middle of an international bicycle race that had apparently been scheduled that weekend. Of course, I didn’t realize what I’d done until a pace car for the race (followed by hundreds of speeding cyclists) rounded the empty street … [Read more...]
When You Realize You Need Closure
It's not been a typical elementary school era with my oldest. But then, you probably understand that. You're here. We braved kindergarten, making friends, navigating the cafeteria, and learning to read. We managed her first psychiatrist appointment, diagnosis of bipolar w/ADHD on top of her RAD, and discovered this thing called an IEP meeting. Since second grade we've requested, evaluated, and … [Read more...]
YOU WERE CHOSEN
Colossians 2:12 And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Did you know you were chosen? Did you know God picked you out specifically to be your child’s parent? Did you know God chose you to receive Eternal Life, Everlasting Life? Did you know God sacrificed his own son for you to live … [Read more...]
Why Did God Give Me a Child with a Special Need?
Yesterday I was stumped when a reader asked me this question … causing me to pray for a response to one of the most difficult, baffling questions a parent of a special needs kid can ever face. Have you ever asked God this question?: Why, God, did you give me a child with a special need? First let me say that I wouldn't begin to tell you that I know the mystery of God's limitless wisdom. But I … [Read more...]
Those Who Have Come Before You
We are all on a journey. A journey with our child who has a disability. I know when we first received Charlie’s autism diagnosis we scrambled to learn what this autism thing really was. We searched ways of how to help him. We searched how others were coping. I think books are great, articles are awesome, and conferences are amazing but I think the greatest thing I have found is finding others that … [Read more...]