I was blessed to receive a review copy of the book Beyond the Diagnosis: The Path to Thriving as a Special Needs Parent by Amy Mattson. Amy is a fellow special needs blogger whom I’ve known for quite some time via the internet, and I knew that her book would be a blessing. This book exceeded by expectations.
Our son Ezra – who is now eight years old – has been quite the enigma, hasn’t he? If you are new to our family’s blog – or perhaps visiting via Pinterest or some other social media platform, I highly recommend reading our son’s story in detail, as this post really builds on what I’ve … [Read more…]
Ezra received his first set of K’Nex from his grandparents for Christmas 2016, when he was six years old. They went over really great. Not. While he was generally intrigued by them, the first time he tried to work with them ended in severe frustration. Thus, the K’Nex box sat on the mantle of the … [Read more…]
In honor of Mother’s Day, I asked special needs moms on my Special Needs Survival page to share with me pictures of their kids as well as their thoughts about Mother’s Day, in relation to special needs parenting. I loved what they had to say about what Mother’s Day means to them. I hope that … [Read more…]
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… But you know that’s not always the case. For kiddos that thrive on routines, face behavioral challenges, get overwhelmed quickly, need special diets, and more, facing the holiday season can fill a special needs parent with dread. (Secret: You are not alone!) That’s why it’s so great that … [Read more…]
I’m a week away from being done with my music appreciation class. I have found this class to be highly enjoyable and enlightening. The book has covered the lives of many of the most well-known composers throughout music history. One thing that has been incredibly thought-provoking to me in studying the lives of these men … [Read more…]
Social skills and communication skills can be hard for any child to master. Children with special needs especially struggle in these areas. Recently I was looking on Amazon for CDs that address these skills that Ezra could enjoy listening to. I contacted the producers of these CDs, and they have so very graciously sent me review … [Read more…]
3 #Ausome Apps for Children with Autism
Special needs parents are like a pitcher of water. We keep pouring out our energy for our children, the household, work and everything else. It’s no surprise that eventually there’s none left. We are left empty and we have nothing left to give to our children either. We need to find ways to fill ourselves back up with energy, joy and happiness so we can be full of wonderful things to give to pour out to our children.
Comparing my life to friends with neuro typical kids was killing me with seeing everything that T couldn’t do, while comparing my life to those with greater challenges made me feel like I couldn’t ask for help, because my life was easy compared to theirs. I had to stop all of it to be able to embrace our own journey.
Life is complicated, and my hard is just that – my hard – just as your hard is your hard. No comparison necessary.