Unapologetically Embracing Autism

There's a particular kind of exhaustion that special needs parents understand—one that goes beyond physical tiredness or occasional stress. It's the bone-deep weariness that comes from being perpetually on alert, constantly advocating, and endlessly problem-solving. It's called burnout, and it's something we need to talk about more openly in the autism and special needs community. As a mother of a 10-year-old on the autism spectrum, I've lost myself several times to burnout. The journey has taught me that acknowledging this struggle isn't weakness—it's an essential part of sustainable caregiving. What Special Needs Parent Burnout Really Feels Like Burnout isn't just being tired. It's the gradual erosion of your reserves until you find yourself running on empty, day after day. It's waking up already exhausted, feeling disconnected from yourself and others, and struggling to find joy in things that once brought you happiness. For me, burnout manife...

When my son Cortland, now 10 and approaching his 11th birthday in June, started showing significant changes in his behavior. His tone of voice shifted, his frustration threshold lowered, and he seemed more aggressive than usual. As an autism parent, my first instinct was to wonder: Is this related to his autism? Is this just defiance? Or could this be puberty? The truth is, puberty in autistic children can look quite different than what parents might expect, and it's often misinterpreted as behavioral regression or increased autism symptoms. Today, I want to share what I've learned about this critical transition period and how we can better support our children through it. Puberty and Autism: The Hidden Connection Research shows that children with autism often experience the physical aspects of puberty at similar ages to neurotypical peers. However, the way they process and react to these changes can be dramatically different. For autistic children, puberty isn't just about...

When my son Cortland was diagnosed with autism at age three, I made a promise – not just to him, but to myself. I promised that I would be his voice, his advocate, and his unwavering support system. Now, seven years later, that promise has evolved into a calling that shapes every aspect of our lives. The truth about autism advocacy is that it can't wait for someone else to take the lead. It can't wait for government policies to catch up, for healthcare systems to adapt, or for society to become more understanding. Our children need voices now, and as parents, we are uniquely positioned to be those voices. I've learned that being an advocate isn't just about attending IEP meetings or scheduling therapy appointments. It's about being present in every moment, ready to educate, explain, and stand firm when necessary. It's about recognizing that while we have amazing support teams – teachers, therapists, healthcare providers – we, as parents, are the ones who must co...

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! I am absolutely DONE with celebrities turning autism into their latest fashion accessory while our families get dragged through the mud every single day! Let me paint you a picture of this ridiculous double standard: When my child has a meltdown in public because the lights are too bright or the sounds are too overwhelming, what do we get? Judgmental stares. Eye rolls. "Can't you control your kid?" "You're just making excuses." "Bad parenting." But the moment a celebrity drops an "autism diagnosis" to explain away their awful behavior? Suddenly everyone's an autism expert with their "Oh, that explains everything!" and "We need to be more understanding!" WHERE WAS THAT UNDERSTANDING when my child was struggling in the grocery store? Where was your compassion when we were fighting for accommodations at school? Where was your acceptance when we were being kicked out of restaurants because my child wa...