Yesterday was an emotional day for the autism community in our country. Actually, I should say communities; we are not a united bunch by any means, with a myriad of issues dividing us. But that’s for another post. Yesterday there was a congressional hearing on autism – the first one in a decade – and…
Congressional Hearing on Autism: My Son is Not a Burden
Autism and iPads slideshow: Inspiring young people to make a difference
This Wednesday my young son’s school will be holding a jog-a-thon fundraiser, with 25% of proceeds going towards the purchase of iPads for children with autism. As the head of the parent organization that’s spearheading the fundraiser, I wanted to reach out to the kids at this tiny private school in the heart of Orange…
Elmo Puppeteer Leaves Sesame Street: “A” is for Allegedly Having Sex with a Minor
Kevin Clash, the famous voice behind Sesame Street’s Elmo, America’s favorite furry red monster, has taken a leave of absence from his puppeteer duties effective immediately after allegations he had an intimate relationship several years ago with a then 16-year-old-boy continue to plague him. If the allegations are true – which Clash vehemently denies –…
In Honor of Veterans Day: The Veteran I Almost Knew
I was just a child when I first noticed him, marching up and down my city streets, saluting cars as they drove by. Sometimes he wore a black suit, dark sunglasses. Usually though, he wore his uniform, pressed to perfection, and I could see the creases from the corner of my eye. His breast was…
Going Viral Can Be Good or Bad, Depending Who You Talk To
Trying to explain to my Polish mother that my recent blog post – Presidential Election: “A Sad and Tragic Day for Our Nation” – has gone viral has been a bit challenging to say the least: “Mama, you know that post I wrote the day after the elections? The one about counting our blessings because…
Presidential Election: “Sad and Tragic Day for Our Nation”
After hearing that President Barack Obama had just been reelected to a second four-year-term as our nation’s president I turned to my laptop and watched as Facebook suddenly became a blur of emotions, with months of political discourse coming to a head and clashing in a sea of insults and joyous celebration. For perspective, I…
High School Hero Helps Protect Special Needs Girl from Bullies
Carson Jones is a senior at Queen Creek High School in Arizona. He’s got good looks. Lots of friends And he’s the star quarterback of his undefeated football team. Chy Johnson is a freshman at the same high school. She has special needs. She’s spent the greater part of her life as a flashing target…