Children on the autism spectrum usually fall in one of two camps when it comes to their feelings about crowds: crowds are either an audience or a plague. For Jesse, crowds are an audience. He loves to mug, and show off, and recite what he knows about things of no interest to the listener. For Noah, crowds are a plague. This makes it a challenge to plan a wedding when both boys are also a part … [Read more...]
It Might Not Be As Bad As You Think
The past school year has been a difficult one. Our family moved from our home in Maryland of six years to a new home in Kentucky when my husband, Kyle, accepted a new worship pastor position at a church in a small town. We tearfully bid goodbye to the church we had come to love so dearly, many of whom held the same status in our eyes as our own blood family. Our kids had to part ways with their … [Read more...]
Rescue from a Sea of Stress
This is a story of rescue from a sea of stress... As so often happens, the Scripture readings in today’s daily devotional don’t just speak to my heart, they SHOUT OUT LOUD. From Psalm 88: “I am overwhelmed with troubles…” My husband Wally and I have known for a few weeks that our 31-year-old son’s day program is closing its doors next March. Day programs that fit Joel’s unique … [Read more...]
I Wasn’t Given a Mom Manual
I remember being in high school and I had to take a health class. You know the one where you had to carry around an egg for a week to see if you can take care of a baby. One class, I remember had to carry a doll baby that cried every time you put it down. That was brutal to watch my friends do that. Well, you just read about all the training I had to be a mother. Yes, that is right, I had … [Read more...]
When the Disability’s Not So “Bad”
I feel guilty about a very strange thing. Not about something I’ve done, but about something I was given. Today, I want to hold my hand up and shield people from paying attention to this part of my life; here, in this particular community of parents who struggle daily with special needs, and never-ending vigilance. A few codes in our neurologist’s office indicate I’ve every right to be among you … [Read more...]
When God Gives You More Than You Can Handle
“God never gives you more than you can handle.” I see people type that around the Internet. I hear them say it to others. It’s plastered on t-shirts and notepads. As a special needs parent, I don’t believe it. You see, I’ve faced a lot I can’t handle over the last eight years. On my own, I can’t handle Aspergers syndrome/high-functioning autism, whatever you want to call it. On my own I can’t … [Read more...]