When our daughter, Payton, came to us, she was young, but she was completely broken. Naive people have said to us, “It’s a good thing she was so young when she came to you, she won’t be affected by what happened.” That’s the generally held consensus isn’t it? If a child is removed from…
Read Morecontradicting the norm: autism on the playground
My favorite vacation spot is Ouray, CO, and I’m lucky because it’s only two hours away. It’s dubbed “Little Switzerland” and has gorgeous majestic mountains surrounding the small valley town. I absolutely love the views and slow atmosphere in this quaint town. When my husband, Justin, and I go on our weekend getaways once a year,…
Read Moreattachment in adoption & foster care: the first things we need to know
This is a post I originally wrote in April 2013. Many of you are new here, so I thought I would bring back some of the basics in the following weeks. Hope you enjoy. ************* In Chris Cleave’s novel Little Bee, he writes Little Bee’s thoughts, “Take it from me, a scar does not form on…
Read Morewhat if my special needs child lives with me forever?
I love the site, Not Alone. You can understand why just by the name alone (Ha!). Sometimes when we’re riding the special needs bus we feel alone. We feel no one else really gets us, our child, or our family. This is one great site that supports parents who feel such. Todays post is on…
Read Morewhat’s next? a look at life after bonding takes place
As a parent of adopted kids I found myself wondering far too much, why? Why did my kids have to endure so much so early in life? Why do they have to overcome so much? I’ve realized these aren’t the questions that will bring about healing and restoration. The question I began asking is, what will my…
Read MoreI have Autism and the world treats me different
I have Autism, and the world treats me differently. If your child has Autism, you know what I’m talking about. The stares, questioning looks, noses stuck so far in the air you’d think they were preparing for a dental exam, questions, comments, avoidance, accusations, recommendations, and rarely, smiles. There are a variety of ways others…
Read Moretherapeutic parents need breaks, but balance is key (adoption & foster care)
Being a therapeutic parent is hard. It’s wearing. It’s tiring. It’s work. All. The. Time. It’s benefits in the end are rewarding beyond compare, but when you’re in the day to day it can be draining. Although my husband and I have come out of the most difficult parts of therapeutic parenting with our daughter,…
Read Morewhy Ready or Not: a 30-Day Discovery for Families Growing through Foster Care & Adoption – is worth your time
Pam Parish beat me to it! She’s published a book, one that every prospective and current foster or adoptive parent should read. I discovered Pam Parish through and adoption group on Facebook. I went to her website and found so much helpful information, supporting parents of foster and adoptive children who’ve been through trauma. I…
Read Morewhat to communicate with your child’s teacher: Autism in the classroom
School is starting soon. I think I just heard YIPEEES!!! from several of you. 🙂 Autism parents might be a tad more excited than the average parent for their child to go back to school after summer break, as that routine and consistency can make a night and day difference for our children. I don’t…
Read More6 tips on taking an Autistic child on vacation
Autism + vacation = more stress than staying home. Well, sometimes. We met family in Ouray, CO this past weekend. We had a great time, but preparations were a forethought to make it so. When you have a child with Autism, it’s especially important to plan your vacation. Be sure to read through all of the…
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lovin' adoptin' & autism 