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Tag Archives: Autism
Once Again We Visit the Library
April, as many of you know, is Autism Awareness Month and also National Poetry Month. These are both subjects that I am passionate about. So last fall, Paul, the person in charge of adult programming at the Livermore Library, and … Continue reading
Posted in Autism, My Life
Tagged April, Autism, Autism Awareness, Libraries, National Library Week, National Poetry Month, Parenting, Poetry, Speech Delay, Unplanned Life, Writing Life
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Letting Go of Practicality
One of the coolest things about Christopher, my new boyfriend, is that he never tells me to think smaller or be more—dare I say it—practical. He calmly nods and says, “Yes, you can do that.” So when I told him … Continue reading
Posted in My Life
Tagged Advocacy, Authenticity, Autism, Dating, Letting Go, Memoir, Poetry, Practicality, Unplanned Life
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More Cha…cha…changes, Part 2
After an 18-month lapse in services and an autistic child in the throes of puberty, I was eager for a fresh start, behaviorally speaking. But my struggle to re-secure applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy for my daughter, Katie, hadn’t exactly … Continue reading
Posted in Autism, My Life
Tagged ABA, Advocacy, Anxiety, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Autism, Behavioral Issues, Rapid Prompting Method, RPM, Social skills, Unplanned Life
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More Cha…cha…changes, Part 1
While Christopher and I were settling into our new relationship, I had a tough decision to make. After fighting for 18 months to secure applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy for my daughter, Katie, I was now struggling with how to … Continue reading
Posted in Autism, My Life
Tagged ABA, Advocacy, Anxiety, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Autism, Behavioral Issues, Puberty, Sensory Integration, Social skills, Unplanned Life
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Trust the Process, Part 2
After walking the labyrinth, I grabbed some hot chocolate and stood in the peaceful courtyard, talking to friends. They all commented on how beautifully my daughter had waited. For whatever reason, Katie has always loved attending the labyrinth ceremony. Tonight … Continue reading
Posted in Autism, My Life
Tagged Acceptance, Authenticity, Autism, Dating, First Date, Labyrinth, Letting Go, Single Parent, Trust, Unplanned Life
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Trust the Process, Part 1
By early December 2017, I had decided to let Raymond, the man I thought I’d waited for all these years, go. But letting go is never easy. Yes, I was miserable. Yes, I hadn’t seen him in over four months, … Continue reading
Posted in Autism, My Life
Tagged Acceptance, Authenticity, Autism, Change, Dating, Labyrinth, Online Dating, Settling, Single Parent, Soulmate, Trust, Unplanned Life
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Dating Daze, Part 2
After I sent Raymond my bold email, I didn’t hear back for two days. I worried that maybe I’d been too forward. But then I received a message: Ha! Okay. What are doing later this week? We were both free … Continue reading
Posted in Autism, My Life
Tagged Acceptance, Authenticity, Autism, Dating, Disappointment, Online Dating, Self-Worth, Single Parent, Unplanned Life
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This Is Why I Don’t Get Out Much, Part 3
In a panic, I called everyone I knew in the area. No one was home. I called Nate back and he insisted that I call my parents. “My parents? No way.” “You have to. I need help.” They can’t really … Continue reading
Posted in Autism, My Life
Tagged Autism, Behavioral Issues, Single Parent, UC Davis, Unplanned Life
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This Is Why I Don’t Get Out Much, Part 2
After the incident in the shower, Jennifer, my respite sitter, struggled to keep things under control. But my daughter was in a rage fueled by anger, puberty, sensory dysregulation, or a combination of all three. Katie kicked the mirrored closet … Continue reading
Posted in Autism, My Life
Tagged Autism, Behavioral Issues, Single Parent, UC Davis, Unplanned Life
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This Is Why I Don’t Get Out Much, Part 1
Speaking of gratitude, I am beyond grateful that the University of California saw fit to introduce me to five of the most amazing friends a gal could have. We met in Sereno Hall at U.C. Davis (UCD) in the fall of … Continue reading
Posted in My Life
Tagged Autism, Behavioral Issues, Single Parent, Truckee, UC Davis, Unplanned Life
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