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Autism: 8 tips to help you survive the holidays
The year was 1991. Matthew, who had yet to receive a formal diagnosis of autism, was 4, and Andy was 2. My husband and I dressed them matching reindeer sweaters and took them to the company holiday...
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Autism: How to help someone who doesn’t ask for help
The question that I am asked most frequently goes something like this: “My grandson Joey is three years old and he’s not talking and he doesn’t sleep. My daughter in law has had to pick him up from...
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5 ways for autism parents to combat loneliness
A few days before the birth of my first child, Matthew,I was browsing at the book store looking so huge that I made my fellow shoppers nervous. “You must be so excited.” commented a nice grandmotherly...
View ArticleAutism, parenting, and feeling judged
I saw a woman at the gym today that I *really* wanted to avoid. I used to see her a lot when Matthew was small. It seemed she was always there when he was bolting away from me at the grocery store, the...
View ArticleAutism FAQ: How do I talk to my son/daughter about sex? a story with tips
The morning of May 22, 2006, I set my alarm for 4 a.m. I wanted to be the first one to wish Matthew a happy birthday. He was in a college program at Camphill Soltane near Philadelphia. Matthew...
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Remembering “before” autism
Do you remember the days before your child’s autism diagnosis? This is my story. When I read it, I don’t think “Oh, how sad, little did I know.” Instead, I think “Gosh, I miss my mom.” An excerpt from...
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The Messenger
Do you remember the person that gave you the news? In this story, and excerpt from A Regular Guy: Growing Up with Autism, I share my reaction to mine: Wanting to leave no stone unturned, I followed the...
View ArticleLightening Up
News Flash! Being the parent of a child with autism can be stressful! You know what I’m talking about. Sometimes you just need to lighten up. My story… Matthew started making signs when he was 13. When...
View ArticleYou know it’s really love when…
I tiptoed into the kitchen a little after 6am to grab a quick breakfast before waking Matthew. He’d been home for a week long summer break, and would be heading back to Camphill California near Santa...
View ArticleAutism, disabilities, and talking about sex and sexuality
Did I get your attention? If you are the parent of a child/teen/adult with a developmental disability, you probably: a) Cringe at the thought of trying to explain things in a comprehensible way b)...
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