Latest in: Autism
May 15, 2017
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Since this blog launched, I have always referred to Sam as "Sam, the Anti-Preemie". I am thinking of changing his name to "Sam, the Pre-Existing Condition". When Sam decided to make his early entry …
I have debated writing about my battle with my local school district publicly. What if someone reads this and all my hard work goes down the drain due to someone's bruised ego. But then …
Want to know what overwhelmed looks like... well... it looks like me. Since Sam's IEP, I have done what I do best - educate myself. I have read the full IDEA statute. I have …
I knew it was coming. Every three years, children with an IEP in the Oakland Unified School District have a major review of eligibility. Besides, Sam will be entering kindergarten (holy shit!) in the …
Last night, in a discussion with a friend, I was told I needed to stop treating Sam like he is different. Now, I can't stop thinking about this. Sam has been different since the …
When Sam graduated from the NICU, we were lucky. Aside from our pediatrician, Sam only had one specialist, a retinoligist That didn't last long. Pretty soon we added in the developmental playgroup (which came …
This morning was magical. No seriously. Magical. I was in the kitchen getting breakfast made when I first hear it. It was faint and in the distance. Then it got louder. Giggling. Lots of …
Potty training is something many parents fear. Hundreds, if not thousands, of books are dedicated to helping ease the transition from diaper to potty. There are even "How To" videos on the subject. There …
Dangerous territory... I know. I may offend some of you. I may not. But I feel I have to put this out there. I am approaching this topic as the parent to a vaccinated …
Everyone always focuses on the negatives of an autism diagnosis. Myself included. So today I figure I will focus on the positives of an autism diagnosis. Autism is not a fatal diagnosis. Yes it …
Tomorrow is Sam's first ever birthday party... with friends... from his school. I was hesitant to throw him a party, unsure if other kids would come. I was nervous that if I invited his …
So, you think it is time to potty train your son. Great! But, before we start, I have to ask, why are you sure he is ready? Here are a few typical answers you …
The past few weeks have been filled with a number of amazing stories on autism. Stories that were insulting, inspiring, and infuriating. I know that I may be in the minority because I do …
Some days, I forget about how Sam's Autism (and former preemie status) has impacted Irene. She has had to give up a lot for her little brother. More than most of us. And more …
Sadly, no. I am not talking about the mythical creature all parents have heard tales of that sleeps for hours at a time - uninterrupted. Sadly, the slumber I am talking about is more …
Yikes. I knew I had not written in a while, but it never occurred to me it had been four months. I guess it is fair to say life around here has been hectic …
Back in December, I wrote about my joy at Sam's PDD-NOS diagnosis. I was relieved that he was not diagnosed with Autism, but his own odditites, some of which were autistic in nature and …
The book
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