Unapologetically Embracing Autism

Words have power. They shape perceptions, influence behaviors, and can either build bridges or create barriers in our communities. Today, I want to address a word that continues to persist in casual conversation despite its deeply harmful impact – particularly on individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. As the mother of a child on the autism spectrum, I've witnessed firsthand how casual insensitivity can leave lasting wounds. Recently, I've noticed an increasing tendency for people – even those close to us – to use the r-word in everyday conversation, sometimes even in the presence of my son. This experience has prompted me to speak up about why this word needs to be permanently retired from our vocabulary. Understanding the Historical Context The r-word began as a medical term but evolved into a slur used to demean and belittle people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. What many people don't realize is that this word carries generatio...

As the mother of a child with autism, I've learned that silence serves no one. Today, I'm choosing to speak openly about our journey – not just the triumphs, but the very real challenges we face when support systems break down. My son Cortland was diagnosed with autism at age 3, after being prescreened at 2. For eight years now, I've navigated the complex world of therapy appointments, insurance battles, and the constant advocacy that comes with being a special needs parent. Through these years, I've seen both the best and worst of our healthcare system. I've been blessed to work with dedicated professionals who have shown up consistently for my child, rain or shine. These therapists and care providers have become our lifeline – attending every scheduled session (barring illness), making crucial referrals, and supporting our family through each challenge. They've demonstrated what true dedication to special needs children looks like. But recently, we've expe...

As a mother of an amazing child with autism, I've learned that our journey often takes unexpected turns. Today, I want to share a new chapter in our story – one that I know might resonate with many families in our community. My son, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3, has been a toe walker for several years. For those unfamiliar with toe walking, it's a common trait among children on the autism spectrum, where children walk on their tiptoes instead of placing their whole foot on the ground. While toe walking itself isn't always a concern, in our case, it has led to some physical challenges we need to address. Why We're Starting Serial Casting After years of persistent toe walking, we've noticed changes in my son's feet. His arches have fallen, leading to flat feet, and his tendons have become increasingly tight. As any parent would, I've worried about the long-term effects this might have on his mobility and comfort. Our pediatric orthopedic surgeon rece...

  As a mother of an autistic child and an advocate for autism acceptance, I've witnessed firsthand how the misunderstanding between tantrums and meltdowns impacts our children. This isn't just about terminology—it's about fundamentally understanding and supporting autistic experiences. Let me share what I've learned on this journey, both from my personal experience and from listening to autistic voices in our community. The Critical Difference: Understanding Both Sides Tantrums: A Behavioral Response Tantrums, which many children experience, are characterized as: * Goal-directed behavior (they want something specific) * Something that can be influenced by parenting strategies * Situations that typically resolve once the desire is met or denied * Part of normal childhood development * Episodes where children maintain some level of control * Interactions that often involve checking adults' reactions Meltdowns: A Neurological Event What my child experiences during a me...