Tag Archives: Behavioral Issues

Pot or Not?
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After I conducted my research on the various medications used to treat (or not treat) autism, I asked our Regional Center case manager for her opinion. We were sitting at my kitchen table, having our annual meeting to discuss my … Continue reading

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Medicate or Not?
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Somehow in my long journey dealing with autism, I became comfortable with the concept of treating my daughter like a guinea pig of sorts. Comfortable might not be the correct word. I’ve accepted that neither Katie nor I have any … Continue reading

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More Cha…cha…changes, Part 2
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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

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More Cha…cha…changes, Part 1
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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

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

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

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

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Transportation Woes, Part 6
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My daughter Katie was quiet and subdued for the next two days. She slept on and off, which was odd given she wasn’t sick. If I needed further reason to fire the taxi company, they were a no show Tuesday … Continue reading

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Transportation Woes, Part 5
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As promised, Officer S waited with the parked cab until Melissa arrived. My daughter was still locked in the back of the taxi. Katie was lying face down on the back seat, head pressed against the door. Officer S said … Continue reading

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Transportation Woes, Part 4
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I will never know exactly what happened on the drive home from Open Mind School’s new location in Menlo Park. I know the driver, Mari, showed up 30 minutes late with a window taped shut. It took 45 minutes for … Continue reading

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