Thursday, October 22, 2009

Short & Sweet

M just came over to me as I was sitting at my desk. He handed me the Madagascar (or 'Casecar' as he calls it) dvd, looked me in the eye and said, 'thank you.'

Trust me...this is HUGE.

And of course, I had to oblige him because he actually brought something to me (which never happens), and then even asked me for it in the best way he knew how.

This movie makes him wicked anxious. He's buzzing around the room making sounds and then coming back to his spot in front of the tv. By the time we get to the end he will be bouncing a good three feet off of the ottoman. And when it's over...well, there will be a meltdown.

But he asked for it, so who the hell cares?!!!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Grab A Tissue

It has been a blessing to have met and connected with so many other parents of children with special needs via the Internet. One such friend, Valerie in Australia, wrote the lyrics and put together the montage for the video below.

I admit to doing some of my not-so-pretty sobbing while watching this. Even as a parent of a child with autism, sometimes I am not as empathetic as I should be to M. It is a very difficult thing to try and understand how something as seemingly benign as the wind, or too much noise could send someone into a complete tailspin; but this is what it is like for many people with autism.

I love you, M, and I promise to do better by you; to understand you, to help ease your fears, and to make you feel safe and secure.

Friday, October 9, 2009

O Blogosphere, How Small Thou Art

Today I toured another (yes, quite expensive) private autism school. I got total warm fuzzies at this place and really liked what I saw. It gave me another burst of energy to get 'er done once and for all. The other half and I need to have a sincere come to Jesus about all of this. (again)

But the best part of my meeting today? Toward the end of it, the director was talking about how parents of kids with autism have to adapt to this craziness in the public school world (essentially) and realize this is the new norm. I chuckled and said, 'I actually have a blog called This Is My New Normal.' The teacher sitting next to me said, 'Oh my gosh, that's you? I've read your blog!' We all got a good laugh out of that one and I half-seriously asked if I needed to start censoring myself. I suspect that I am safe with this teacher, though. And, S, if you are reading...it was a pleasure meeting you. Thank you for making me feel less insecure in my thoughts that M's current setting sucks the big one :)

Monday, October 5, 2009

Hopeful Parents!

I'm contributing--however little I may be doing it--at Hopeful Parents today.
Come on over and browse around a bit. There are some really amazing, touching writers over there.

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