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Tag Archives: Speech Delay
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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A Reflection on Gratitude
Lately I’ve been feeling tremendously grateful for the many amazing people and programs in my and my daughter’s lives. People and programs such as: Barb (reading tutor/educational consultant/mentor/friend); Melissa and Jennifer (sitters extraordinaire); Bella, Audrina, Jonah, and the other kids … Continue reading
Turning the Corner
Recently it feels that my daughter and I have turned a corner, crossed some invisible line. Partly this is due to Katie’s placement at Open Mind School (OMS) and partly due to our use of the rapid prompting method (RPM). … Continue reading
The Myth of “Just Words”
Hate. American chose hate. I am still grappling with this outcome, still feel as if one day I will wake from a bad dream. Except this isn’t a dream. Donald Trump has just been inaugurated so our collective nightmare won’t … Continue reading
Posted in Autism, My Life
Tagged Acceptance, Anger, Autism, Bullying, Donald Trump, Equality, Fear, Hate, Inclusion, Just Words, Lies, Love, Lying, Media, Parenting, Special Needs, Speech Delay, Transitions, Unplanned Life, Words
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An Uncertain 2017
It’s been a grueling two months. First there was the election and it’s aftermath. An acquaintance called it similar to a pandemic: sudden, shocking, and widespread. It’s the best description I’ve heard so far, although I’d prefer an element of … Continue reading
School Update #1
Four weeks ago, my daughter started at Open Mind School. So far, it’s been terrific, and every day I am more convinced that I made the correct decision when I placed Katie there. Here’s the message that I received after … Continue reading
What’s the Problem?
Sometimes I wonder, is the problem me? Other parents have special education horror stories, but no one has twisted tales of terror like mine and my daughter’s. Am I a bad parent? A poor advocate? But no, I have moved … Continue reading
A Trip to the Park
I wrote awhile back about the downside of Facebook, and how sometimes—not always, just sometimes—I get sad when I think of all the things I probably will never be able to post about. Then my unplanned life zigs when I … Continue reading
Posted in Autism, My Life
Tagged Acceptance, Autism, Belonging, Expectations, Gratitude, Parenting, Single Parent, Sorrow, Special Needs, Speech Delay, Unplanned Life
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A Life of Quiet Desperation
For years, my brother Tom lived a life of quiet desperation. I saw it and recognized it in myself, recognized what I had seen years earlier in my father’s father. I think Mom saw it too, must have at least … Continue reading
Posted in Autism, My Life
Tagged Acceptance, Authenticity, Autism, Divorce, Family, Happiness, Marriage, Parenting, Quiet Desperation, Remarriage, Settling, Social skills, Speech Delay, Unplanned Life
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Summer School Surprise
Summer school. What can I say about summer school? In a word: amazing. I’m serious. After three agonizing months of what can only be described as a horrible in-home “school” experience, summer school has blown my mind. Quite possibly, it … Continue reading
