It’s one of the hardest things I’ve had to learn as an autism parent. Where Ryan is concerned, my natural instincts tend towards over-protective. The thing I’ve had to learn is my interceding to make sure his needs are met doesn’t do him any good. I’m not saying over-protective doesn’t have his place. I would […]
Read more "Letting Him Be"Autism has taught me many lessons. It has forced me to think critically about all aspects of my parenting style. It has led me to always have a plan — and to always be ready to change it. But more than anything, it has taught me to appreciate small moments and little victories. It has […]
Read more "Pass the Telescope"I have a number of ideas for posts swimming in my head, but I’ve had a hard time trying to crystallize into words what we’ve seen the last several months. Change. Progress. Self-awareness. Self-advocacy. Giving words to emotions. Yes, hormones. All at a speed that makes it difficult to process. Some of that is the […]
Read more "Progress, In a Picture"Sometimes when you’re in the thick of the day-to-day, you fail to notice significant changes that are happening right in front of you. Most of this NHL season, Ryan had a routine. After finishing his homework and eating dinner, he would head to the basement to watch hockey, by himself. He said he preferred it […]
Read more "The Progress Is All Around Us"At 13, Ryan has yet to develop much in the way of material desires. Don’t get me wrong — he loves his iPad and his computer, and he’d be livid if we didn’t have the cable package that includes the NHL Network and all the out-of-town games. He goes to close to 20 NHL games […]
Read more "For the Love of Air Jordans"
Pucks and Puzzle Pieces 