Tag Archives: Autism

Once Again We Visit the Library
avatar

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 , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Letting Go of Practicality
avatar

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 , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

More Cha…cha…changes, Part 2
avatar

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 , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

More Cha…cha…changes, Part 1
avatar

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 , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Trust the Process, Part 2
avatar

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 , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Trust the Process, Part 1
avatar

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 , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dating Daze, Part 2
avatar

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 , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

This Is Why I Don’t Get Out Much, Part 3
avatar

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 , , , , | 1 Comment

This Is Why I Don’t Get Out Much, Part 2
avatar

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 , , , , | 1 Comment

This Is Why I Don’t Get Out Much, Part 1
avatar

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 , , , , , | 2 Comments