Things that I’m thankful for this week

Being held captive in bed in the morning for extra hugs by my autistic son because we are both tired. Being asked for hugs before bed by my neuro-typical son. Being able to pass on positive messages about autism. My husband making me cups of tea in the morning. My crazy dog and all theContinue reading “Things that I’m thankful for this week”

It has been a long week…

It has been a long week for everyone in our house. Both my sons are super-excited about Christmas, but my autistic son is also struggling a little bit with the changes this holiday season brings. On top of that, we are heading abroad to see family for the holiday (we have not seen most ofContinue reading “It has been a long week…”

Why we should say ‘autistic person’ and not ‘person with autism’.

We are traveling for the first time on an airplane since the COVID-19 lockdowns this Christmas. I’m a little nervous about the flight and the possible long lines we may encounter in the airport. I’m sure my son is going to be super excited and I find that long lines, lack of sleep and airportsContinue reading “Why we should say ‘autistic person’ and not ‘person with autism’.”

Things that were NOT on my list to do today….

Re-decorate the Christmas tree so that the dog can no longer steal the decorations. Untangle my necklaces because they were being used by Santa as presents! (Did you know that a Tiffany & Co. bag makes a great Santa sack- according to my son?) Having to find earplugs as my son’s new favorite song isContinue reading “Things that were NOT on my list to do today….”

Our puppy Bailey and our autistic child.

We got a dog because my son was terrified of them; whenever we went out and he saw a dog, he would run to either my husband, his older brother or me to be picked up. He would cry, shout and show general distress at being near them. My husband and I have always wantedContinue reading “Our puppy Bailey and our autistic child.”

Our Christmas tree is up

So the tree is up. Both my sons requested that the tree went up today. So my husband set the tree up this morning (we have a pre-light fake tree as I don’t need anything else to clean up in my house) and we started decorating it this afternoon. My autistic son helped. He foundContinue reading “Our Christmas tree is up”

Sensory overload and a mother’s guilt.

He loves being outside; he loves the beach and the forests. He loves playgrounds and water-related activities. He loves the Natural History Museum and the zoo. He loves rollercoaster rides, day trips and ball games. But sometimes all the stimulation around him gets a little too much and he has learnt to resort to coveringContinue reading “Sensory overload and a mother’s guilt.”

Halloween

In 7 Halloweens, this was the first time my son has been happy to wear a costume. We have brought him multiple costumes in the past- the latest superhero, his favorite Paw Patrol character etc. We got excited when he picked out a firefighter outfit and then were disappointed when it remained in the HalloweenContinue reading “Halloween”

Is someone trying to tell me it’s time for Christmas???

So, I came down stairs to this scene the other night… My son told me these are Christmas stockings for Santa (they kind of looked like dirty socks from the washing basket to me)! So I could have either fought him over the display of ‘stockings’ for the next couple of weeks or do this…Continue reading “Is someone trying to tell me it’s time for Christmas???”