“Quiet hands, Andrew.” “Andrew, quiet hands.” I can’t count how many times those words passed through my lips the first few years after Andrew’s autism diagnosis. The people with the official paperwork attached to official clipboards told me it was the right thing to do. It will help him fit in. Flapping is an inappropriate…
It was one of those mornings: too much to do in too little time, and I found myself feeling slightly annoyed as I joined the back of a long line at my local overcrowded Starbucks. Extra foam. No whip. Triple shot. Not too hot. Not too cold. Nonfat. 2%. Soy. Every single order seemed more…
He hasn’t heard the words yet but I have. “I feel so sorry for him,” they’ve said, right to my face, their tones casual, as if they’ve just announced their coffee is stale instead of making unsolicited assertions about the well-being of my youngest son Ian. He hasn’t seen the pity in their eyes, too…
Our family had a photo session last Saturday and thanks to our amazingly talented and patient photographer – Melody Calvert – we ended up with a a bunch of pictures where we’re all looking at the camera. At the same time!! Taking great pictures of a special needs family can be challenging but Melody truly…
So one of the most amazing things about raising our special needs son Andrew is the joy he finds in the things most of us overlook or take for granted. His laughter and unfiltered happiness is absolutely contagious and we can never seem to get enough of his smile. Tonight he discovered the fort that…
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…
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…