This year has been challenging for people across the globe. But, there have been silver linings, especially for my son on the autism spectrum.Continue reading Silver Lining in 2020
What Really Matters at the End of the Day
Some days need a real and raw description and this was one of those days. However, despite the challenges, at the end of the day, I am grateful for what really matters.Continue reading What Really Matters at the End of the Day
Catching COVID-19: Our Family’s Story
As quickly as you make a plan, living in a world amid a global pandemic means that plan can come to a screech halt without warning. That is precisely what happened to our family yesterday when our 5-year-old son with Autism Spectrum Disorder tested positive for COVID-19.Continue reading Catching COVID-19: Our Family’s Story
Education 2020: School Choice Amid a Global Pandemic
Educational choice for children has historically been a fairly easy decision for families. But families of children with disabilities, who already faced tough choices, amid a global pandemic the decisions are even tougher.Continue reading Education 2020: School Choice Amid a Global Pandemic
Mourning the Loss of Someone You Never Met, But Should Have
Today my sweet mother tragically lost a dear friend that, as a result of COVID-19, I never had the chance to meet. I wrote this to help to heal us both. His death reminded me that isolation may reduce the spread of COVID-19, but there are also consequences to that isolation. For me, that meant never getting the chance to meet someone who was so important to my mother.Continue reading Mourning the Loss of Someone You Never Met, But Should Have
To My Family and Friends on My 50th Birthday: A Letter of Optimism and Hope
Amy shares a letter she wrote to her family and friends while celebrating her 50th birthday during the pandemic and her optimism for the future.Continue reading To My Family and Friends on My 50th Birthday: A Letter of Optimism and Hope
Podcast 28: Helping a Child With Autism Tolerate Wearing a Face Mask
In this episode, Amy shares the program her son’s behavior therapy team developed to help him tolerate wearing a face mask.Continue reading Podcast 28: Helping a Child With Autism Tolerate Wearing a Face Mask
Teach a Child With ASD To Wear a FAce Mask
Even children with Autism can be taught to wear a face mask amidst living with a pandemic.Continue reading Teach a Child With ASD To Wear a FAce Mask
Caregivers of Children With Autism: Self-Care During the Pandemic
As a mother of a child on the autism spectrum, I’ve learned that self-care must be a high priority. Early on in my special needs parenting journey, I realized that if I didn’t fill my needs first, I couldn’t fill the significant needs of my son. In my book “It Takes a Village: Get YourContinue reading Caregivers of Children With Autism: Self-Care During the Pandemic
Podcast 27: Hitting the Pause Button
In this episode, Amy shares why she is temporarily hitting the pause button on her blog and podcast. She also offers tips and suggestions for how you can also hit the pause button on what may be impacting your ability in filling the needs of your child while also protecting your mental health during this unique and challenging time. Continue reading Podcast 27: Hitting the Pause Button
Mom School: When You Must Become the Teacher & the Therapist
Amy shares how she has adapted her daily schedule as she now finds herself in the role of her ASD preschool son’s home-school teacher and ABA therapist.Continue reading Mom School: When You Must Become the Teacher & the Therapist
Autism and Saliva Obsession
Children with autism can be obsessed with saliva. I break down why and what to do about it.Continue reading Autism and Saliva Obsession