Like many of you, I’ve been consumed by the news of the shooting death of an unarmed man with intellectual disabilites at a Southern California Costco last Friday evening . Salvador Sanchez, the off- duty officer who shot and killed 32-year-old Kenneth French and critically injured his parents is claiming through his attorney he acted…
Costco Shooting Tragedy: We are all Kenneth French’s Parents
Most Annoying Award Given to Student with Autism Realizes Special Needs Parents Worst Fears
These actions are especially cruel during this bittersweet time of year, when so many families like mine are confronted with daily reminders that our children’s developmental trajectories and future opportunities do not align with those of their typical peers,
Hi. I’m Back. Are You Still There?
Hi. It’s been a while. I mean, I’ve shown up here and there over the years, caused a ruckus when it was necessary, shared a few updates about Andrew and our family. But my time on this site has been sparse. And while I’ve missed it, it’s been a long time since I’ve felt authentic…
Why We Stopped In-Home Therapy for Our Son with Autism
No one knocked on our door yesterday. Every once in a while, I’d stare at it, consumed by its silence, wondering in the stillness of the afternoon if we had done the right thing. For fourteen years, except for weekends, holidays, and the occasional sick day, a therapist has been in our home. Five days…
Autism Awareness Day at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
I’m so excited to announce that Autism Awareness Day at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium on Monday, April 2nd, is shaping up to be a wonderful event for special needs families. While my relationship with the aquarium started off on the wrong foot, I’ve since been cultivating a wonderful partnership with Ed Mastro, the Director of Cabrillo,…
Cabrillo Aquarium Apologized. And Wants to Make Things Right.
If you’re reading this blog post, chances are you’ve read this one, got super fired up, and now you’re here for an update. First of all, I want to thank everyone who supported Andrew and our family. Many of you took the time to make phone calls to the aquarium, send messages via social media,…
My Son with Special Needs Was Kicked Out of an Aquarium Today
UPDATE: There is a wonderful update to this story, so once you’re done reading this and you’re all fired up, head over here to hear about the aquarium’s response. My son was kicked out of an aquarium today. My non-verbal son with special needs – who was with his class and support staff on a…