What Is It? In an autism household, I get a lot of practice dealing with perseveration. What's that, you ask? Here's the verdict from Mr. Webster: perseveration: "continuation of something (as repetition of a word) usually to an exceptional degree or beyond a desired point". That can look like the endless buttoning and unbuttoning a shirt, repeating a word over and over, requiring an activity … [Read more...]
Mom, Be Brave!
Scared Some days I'm just scared. I want to be brave. After all, don't the scriptures command, 'Be strong and courageous!'?? In my head, that makes sense. God will take care of me, of my son, right? I don't take my son out much. A few nerve wrecking moments running up Boston road and naked in a public park ... my resources had been depleted for all time. Plus, I can't wrap my arms around him … [Read more...]
Changing Faith with Autism and the Invisible God
What does it mean to have faith on this parenting journey? September will mark 16 years since autism came into our lives. J was 22 months old. In the very early days, faith meant trusting God for healing. People prayed and encouraged and gave us timelines for God's miracle. "By 6 he will be healed!" they said. I knew to treat that with caution, since they had also told me he would sleep … [Read more...]