Unapologetically Embracing Autism

  As an autism parent and advocate, I've learned that the journey with autism is far from a straight path. It's a winding road filled with ups and downs, triumphs and challenges. Today, I want to talk about something that's been on my mind lately: textbook answers to autism and why they don't always apply to everyone. When we first start this journey, many of us turn to books, articles, and "experts" for guidance. We're looking for a roadmap, a set of instructions that will help us navigate this new terrain. And while these resources can be incredibly valuable, they often fall short in capturing the full spectrum of the autism experience. You see, autism is as diverse as the individuals it affects. What works for one person may not work for another. The strategies that help my child might be ineffective for yours. And that's okay. In fact, it's more than okay – it's beautiful. I've learned to embrace the uniqueness of our journey. Some days...

  As we approach the end of     September, which is Self-Care Awareness Month, I find myself reflecting on my journey as a parent of an autistic child. One of the most crucial lessons I've learned is the absolute necessity of self-care - not as a luxury, but as an essential part of being the best parent I can be. For many of us raising children with autism or other special healthcare needs, the instinct to do everything ourselves is strong. We often feel that no one else can truly understand or meet our child's needs the way we can. This feeling can be intensified if we've had negative experiences in the past that have shaken our trust in others. But here's the truth I've come to understand: trying to do it all alone is a fast track to burnout. I've been there - on the verge of mental and emotional breakdowns, simply because I was attempting to shoulder every responsibility, every challenge, by myself. Learning to "tag out" - to step back and allow oth...

  What Next?!? Navigating my child's autism journey In a previous blog post, I shared our family's journey from Cortland's autism diagnosis to acceptance. Today, I want to talk about what comes next. As a mom in South Carolina with a 10-year-old son on the autism spectrum, I've learned that this journey is ongoing, full of new challenges and triumphs. When my son Cortland was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3, my world shifted. I found myself asking, "What next?" over and over. Now, seven years into this journey, I want to share some insights that might help other parents facing a similar path, especially here in South Carolina. The Initial Shock That diagnosis day is etched in my memory. Autism? A word that would become a central part of our lives. As I held my little boy's hand, leaving the doctor's office, I felt a whirlwind of emotions – fear, confusion, and an overwhelming sense of "What do we do now?" In those early days, I felt los...

It's funny how life can change in an instant. One minute, you're planning playdates and swapping stories about sleepless nights with other new moms. The next, you're googling "autism symptoms in toddlers" at 2 AM, your heart racing as you recognize your child in every bullet point. That was me, eight years ago, when my son was just two years old and I first suspected he might be on the spectrum. I remember thinking, naively, that this journey would bring us closer to our friends and family. After all, isn't that what people say? "We're here for you." "Let me know if you need anything." But as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, I quickly learned a harsh truth: "I'll be there for you" often translates to "find someone else to do it." The Great Disappearing Act It started slowly. The invitations to birthday parties became less frequent. The playdates were canceled more often than not. At first, I...