Thankful for it all

I will be thankful because my parents taught me early that there is always something to be thankful for. I will be thankful because the alternative doesn’t serve me—or my boys. Gratitude is what makes the hardest moments less painful and somehow more meaningful.

Be the CHANGE you want to see

I have two neurodiverse sons. Their lived experiences and differences are as unique as them. They both have neurological differences and I believe they are both on the spectrum. Nico is my oldest and he is what I would consider “classically” autistic. I say that because most people nowadays can recognize he’s autistic based on … Continue reading Be the CHANGE you want to see →

Laughter is the best medicine

Anyone with autistic children understands the lengths we go to sometimes (or every single time) just to get a decent picture of them. I am intimately familiar with the struggle because it is a true labor of love to get my two boys to smile at a camera, especially my Nico. This is actually one … Continue reading Laughter is the best medicine →

The Most Deserving

I'm currently on my work trip and will be gone for the next two days, so my anxiety is at an all-time high. Nico doesn't do well typically when I'm gone, so I have to do a lot of prepping in the days leading up to my trips. This includes filling out the "mommy away, … Continue reading The Most Deserving →

Another Adventure Awaits

I’ve been thinking a lot about caregiving recently. It’s something that I feel like I have been doing in one way or another for as long as I can remember, and it’s given me a great sense of purpose my whole life. In the simplest sense, I started early with caregiving. Growing up, I took … Continue reading Another Adventure Awaits →

With Open Arms

I love taking Nico to the trampoline park. He finds so much joy in jumping. He always has. He got his first trampoline when he was 2 years old, shortly after his diagnosis, and he used that tramp every single day until he outgrew it. I learned early on in his autism diagnosis that he … Continue reading With Open Arms →

Landslide

I’m sitting on a plane heading to Indianapolis for a family graduation and my boys are sound asleep. Could it be because we woke up at 530am, or possibly because I slipped a little dose of melatonin in their juice…can’t be sure (tongue and cheek moment), but I am calm for the first time since … Continue reading Landslide →

Somewhere in the Middle

“One thing I always want to make sure people know about children and adults with autism is that they are tremendously empathetic and affectionate. They feel things very deeply. And although autism may present itself in ways that demonstrate disinterest or apathy, do not be fooled…autistic individuals see you, hear you, and feel you more than you will ever realize.”

Show Up

I traveled home recently for a significant family funeral. It was not the ideal setting to be able to reconnect with family and friends who I had not seen in years, but it was a true silver lining in the midst of such sadness. I traveled alone which was hard because I would’ve loved my … Continue reading Show Up →

Pivot

This week I had a gut check. I was brought back to reality. I was told my son is not making gains academically and it has come time to consider a new educational path for him. I wasn’t shocked and knew it was coming, but what has become the most soul-sucking is the fact that … Continue reading Pivot →