Unapologetically Embracing Autism

  As I prepare to gather with my family this Thanksgiving, my heart is with those in our autism community who will be celebrating differently today. To the parents who made the difficult but loving decision to stay home because it's what their child needs – I see you. Your choice isn't about isolation; it's about love, understanding, and putting your child's wellbeing first. Too often, we hear phrases like "but it's family" or "just try to make it work," from those who don't understand that for many autistic individuals, the sensory overload of a traditional family gathering isn't just uncomfortable – it can be truly overwhelming. The loud conversations, unexpected touches, unfamiliar smells, changes in routine, and social expectations can transform what should be a joyful celebration into an exhausting ordeal. To my fellow family members everywhere: It's time we expanded our understanding of inclusion. If you have relatives who aren...

  The Beginning of Our Story Life has a way of surprising us with its most precious gifts when we least expect them. After experiencing the heartbreak of a miscarriage in April 2013, I never thought I would have children. But in October 2013, just weeks before my 40th birthday, I received news that would change my life forever: I was pregnant with my son, Cortland. The Night That Changed Everything The journey began with celebration. On November 7th, I enjoyed dinner with friends, and that Sunday, November 10th, I gathered with family at my mother's house. What started as a peaceful evening watching The Kardashians quickly turned into a night of terror when I experienced a severe hemorrhage that threatened both my life and my unborn child's. Fighting for Life At the emergency room, the medical team ran tests and performed ultrasounds. They were so concerned about the possibility of another miscarriage that they wouldn't let me hear the heartbeat, even though it was there. T...

  Being an autism mom is like joining a club you never applied for, but one that can offer the most incredible support system imaginable. At least, that's what it should be. Unfortunately, I've noticed a troubling trend in our community that we need to address head-on: bullying among autism moms. Let's get real for a minute. It's already challenging enough: - Navigating your child's diagnosis - Dealing with a society that often misunderstands autism - Fighting for services and support - Managing daily challenges that others might never understand - Finding your footing in this unexpected journey The last thing any of us needs is judgment, ridicule, or bullying from the very people who should understand our struggles the most. Here's the truth: No two autism journeys are identical. Your child isn't my child. My circumstances aren't your circumstances. Some of us are single parents. Some of us work multiple jobs. Some of us have multiple children on the sp...