What am I? And, maybe more importantly. where am I headed? I frequently ask myself these questions. It’s been almost a year since my book was published, so I guess that mean’s I’m an author. When I meet someone who asks me about myself, I still don’t find it easy to say, “I’m an author.” … Continue reading Author, Writer, or Listener?
Autism Awareness
Even During a Pandemic, Autism Does Not Go Away.
Photos by Amy at Piece of Our Heart Project What if you are a very special teenager with autism who organizes a yearly drive to give back to the developmental center that diagnosed you? What if you look forward to this drive every April for Autism Awareness month and along comes a pandemic that puts … Continue reading Even During a Pandemic, Autism Does Not Go Away.
On Fathers of Children with Special Needs
Father’s Day is a day to honor those men in our lives who have raised us, nurtured us, guided us. Being a father, or a mother, is not always an easy task. Fathering a child with special needs might be even more challenging. Here’s a special tribute to fathers of children with special needs. In … Continue reading On Fathers of Children with Special Needs
Mimi and George During COVID-19
Mimi was one of the people I called when I was “reaching out” to people during the stay at home orders. I've actually called her twice during the last three months. The first time was to check on how she and George were doing. The second time was to ask her permission to post her … Continue reading Mimi and George During COVID-19
Seasons of Life – Mimi and George
Seasons of Life - Peony After the bee incident, Mimi took George to the children’s hospital where he underwent testing for a full week. At the end of the week she met with a neurologist, who diagnosed George with “childhood neurosis.” Mom questioned the doctor about autism and was told that he would not put … Continue reading Seasons of Life – Mimi and George
Special Ed Teacher – 1973
What was the coursework like in the early 1970’s for young people studying to become special education teachers? This was around the time that Mimi began searching for answers about George. It was during this time period that I studied to become a special education teacher. Mimi and I never met back then. George never … Continue reading Special Ed Teacher – 1973
Mimi and George: A Story of Autism – Part 2
This is the second of an ongoing series of posts. The first part can be found here. Mimi could only rely on herself in raising her two boys in the early 1970’s. Her young son George would not receive the autism diagnosis for many years. George could read and tell her how to get someplace, … Continue reading Mimi and George: A Story of Autism – Part 2
Mimi and George: A Story of Autism – Part 1
The year was 1965 and it was a chaotic time in their lives. Mimi was seven months pregnant when she and John moved from their small apartment to a house that would provide the extra space that would be needed after the birth of their second child. The November move brought with it the necessity … Continue reading Mimi and George: A Story of Autism – Part 1
Autism Awareness Day 2020
Sneek Peek - Chapter 1 For Autism Awareness Day, I am sharing the introductory narrative to Chapter 1 in my book, Conversations About Autism. The first chapter is titled Autism Awareness: What do families want you to know? ------------------------------------------------------------ Autism awareness first requires a little understanding about what autism actually is. Awareness, however, involves so … Continue reading Autism Awareness Day 2020
The Boy in the Woman’s Restroom
Most women have probably walked into a public restroom at some point and seen a mother with a little boy. In today’s world, it is probably not safe to send a young boy alone into the men’s restroom. What if the boy that mother had in tow were fourteen? What if an older teen boy … Continue reading The Boy in the Woman’s Restroom
Conversations About Autism 