Unapologetically Embracing Autism

Can we talk about that feeling? You know the one – when you're scrolling through social media or sitting in a support group, and another mom shares their child's latest milestone. Your heart swells with happiness for them, but there's also that tiny pinch inside that whispers, "I can't relate." I've been there, and I know so many of you have too. My journey with my son Cortland has taught me so much about accepting and embracing the unique timeline that comes with autism. Those moments when other parents would share their joy about first words, completed potty training, or successful school transitions – while beautiful celebrations for them – sometimes left me feeling isolated in our own path. But here's the thing I want every autism mama to know deep in their heart: your child's journey is perfectly, beautifully their own. Through my experiences with Cortland, I've learned that placing my faith in God and trusting in His timing has brought me...

  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...

There's something I need to get off my chest today, and I won't apologize for the rawness of these words. In a world that often misunderstands our children, our struggles, and our triumphs, we don't have time for petty competitions or meaningless drama. We're too busy being warriors, advocates, and the fierce protectors our children need us to be. To those who cast judgment from the sidelines, who whisper their unsolicited advice in grocery store aisles, or who claim they "know what's best" – I invite you to walk a mile in our shoes. Better yet, try running a marathon in them, because that's what every day feels like for many of us. We're navigating therapies, managing meltdowns, celebrating the smallest victories, and fighting battles that most people never see. But here's the beautiful truth I've discovered along this journey: we don't need to compete with each other. Our children's achievements aren't meant to be measured aga...

  When my child was diagnosed with autism, I thought I knew exactly where I'd find my support system. Family, lifelong friends, the people who had been there through thick and thin – surely they would be my pillars of strength during this new chapter of our lives. But life has a funny way of surprising you, doesn't it? Don't get me wrong, my loved ones tried. They offered hugs, reassurances, and well-meaning advice. But as I navigated the complex world of autism, I realized something was missing. There was a gap between their support and what I truly needed – a gap I didn't even know existed until I stumbled upon an unexpected community. Enter the autism moms These women – warriors, really – became the community I never knew I needed. They're not the friends I grew up with or the family members I've known all my life. They're strangers turned sisters, united by a shared journey that only we truly understand. With these moms, there's no need for explanati...

  In our household, we don't do the "eat what I fix or go hungry" routine. We embrace neurodiversity, and that means embracing different eating habits too. My autistic son has his own unique relationship with food, and you know what? That's perfectly okay. And yes, regardless of what I say, I have to have McDonald's money at the ready - because sometimes, that's just what works. The Reality of Autism and Food For many autistic individuals, food isn't just about taste—it's about texture, smell, color, and even the way it's arranged on the plate. Sensory sensitivities can make certain foods genuinely unpleasant or even intolerable. This isn't pickiness; it's a fundamental aspect of how their brains process sensory information. The crunch of a raw vegetable might be overwhelmingly loud to them. The smell of certain spices could be nauseating. The sight of different foods touching on a plate might trigger anxiety. These aren't preferences -...