is love enough? (adoption/foster)

Pam Parish, a woman who writes insightful words over at http://www.pamparish.com,  asked for input on the “love is not enough” idea in a Facebook adoption group. I had quite a lot to say about the subject since I’d heard Nancy Thomas speak on “Love is Not Enough.” I had disagreed with Nancy to a point,…

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6+ ways to help your child when they can’t communicate (Autism/special needs)

How do people; therapists, family, teachers, and friends view our child who is nonverbal? Do they truly understand our child? How does our child feel when they can’t communicate what they desire or need? Can you imagine the frustration of not being able to tell someone you’re hot, hungry, want to go to a certain restaurant,…

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keep it simple: simple language = understanding (adoption/foster)

Do you have a young child who doesn’t obey when you ask her to do something? Does your child smile at your from the top of the table when you’ve asked him to get down? Do you have a newly (within the last year) foster or adopted child who is older but doesn’t do what…

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we are what we eat: food and its effects on Autism

*Please be sure to read the note at the end regarding the words “managing” Autism before making any assumptions about my stand on this issue. Heck, just go read the note no matter what, it’s a point we all need to consider. Katherine Reid of Unblind My Mind says, “We are what we eat, but…

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4 reasons why the foster system is STILL failing

Society is failing foster children in so many ways. There are numerous reasons, but for today I will only touch on four. I’m discouraged that in 2014 children in the United States still languish in foster care. This is greatly due to society in general, it shows in the comments made about children who need…

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April – National Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Below is a infographic you can share with others via Facebook, Twitter, or any way you choose.   Below is the video ReMoved (only 12 minutes long). It’s a must watch for everyone really, not just foster parents, those interested in adoption, and child advocates. I love what…

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more perspectives on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – Autism

In my post My Thoughts on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), I said I would share more opinions on ABA from professionals, a very successful mother of an Autistic boy, and adults on the spectrum. So here’s the follow-up post I promised, albeit late because of a sickness that I can’t seem to overcome. In that…

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radio interview – Adoption Perspectives

Hello all! Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve popped my head in. Reason being (okay there are lots of reasons, but aren’t there always?) I’ve been SICK! Really down in the dumps, hit by a mega-ton bulldozer, sick. Plus the kiddos had one more week of spring break than I thought, meaning they had…

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my thoughts on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – Autism

*The opinions expressed in this post are solely mine and based on our experience. When the words “Your child has Autism” are spoken, most parents begin searching for ways to help their child. The psychologist offers advice, doctors suggest medication and therapy, friends refer to characters in movies or geniuses, other Autism parents recommend solutions…

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6 things you shouldn’t say to, or in front of, your foster/adopted child

You can listen to a recording of this post, just scroll to the bottom of this post. Sometimes it’s common sense and sometimes it’s not. Despite that common sense we’ve all supposedly been given, I’ve heard some terrible things said in front of, and to, children. Guidance has also been disposed by some professionals that…

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