It may seem a little strange to be writing about a summer family vacation in springtime, but I promised I’d share the details of our Universal Studios experience. I feel I need to follow through, and my personality simply won’t allow me to write about anything else until this vacation blog is complete! Continue reading “Our Family Vacation – Part 3: Universal Studios & Aquatica”
Author Archives: Amanda
Our Family Vacation – Part 2: The Happiest Place on Earth
Sorry for the delay with Part 2 of our family vacation but life has been busy.
If anyone has additional tips specific to Disney please share in the comments below:
Our Family Vacation – Part 1: Up, Up (wait, wait, wait) and Away
We recently returned from a lovely vacation, and I thought I would share some of our experiences that made it such a memorable trip.
Two Worlds, One Family
In January I took a day trip to Carbonear for a basketball tournament with my older son, Lincoln. The next day, I took Tyson to an Exceptional Connections NL event and one of the moms asked me about the basketball tournament. It was at that moment that I thought about how different my life isContinue reading “Two Worlds, One Family”
A Reflection
Holidays and special occasions can be particularly hard for neurodiverse families (and don’t get me started on birthday parties). They are an “in your face, up close and personal” reminder of your family’s struggles and how you are different from the everyday, neurotypical families. Let’s take Christmas as an example. Let’s be honest autismContinue reading “A Reflection”
The C Word
I have debated writing about this, but you know me, I tend to just put it all out there, so here goes. You may have clicked on this post to figure out exactly what the ‘C word’ is or maybe you are a loyal follower and tend to read whatever I dribble on about. EitherContinue reading “The C Word”
Restrictive, Repetitive Behaviours, Electronics and Skittles
For many years, our focus with Tyson has been increasing his communication by any and all means possible. Generally, I have not given a whole lot of thought to Tyson’s repetitive behaviours as they are very much a part of Tyson’s being. They are part of what makes him the boy we adore and striveContinue reading “Restrictive, Repetitive Behaviours, Electronics and Skittles”
Dear Santa
Thank you for the presents you brought me last year. This year I would like …. What Dear Santa letter does not start like that? Followed by a short (or long) list of all the treasures they hope Santa will bring. Tyson has never written a letter to Santa. In fact, for many years TysonContinue reading “Dear Santa”
Trick or Treat
Trick or Treat
Halloween can be tricky (no pun intended) for some families with extra challenges – it was for ours. Have a read for steps we have taken to help Tyson enjoy Halloween.
The Big Ten
Can I start by saying that for many years I hated birthday parties? I hated throwing Tyson a party. But I hated going to birthday parties even more. Birthday parties have been like seeing the world, our world, through a microscopic – an up close and detailed comparison of neurotypical children doing neurotypical things andContinue reading “The Big Ten”
A Letter to Special Needs Parents (Before the Start of the School Year)
Before Tyson entered Kindergarten I had so many worries. I was afraid that he would be lonely and forgotten, that the other kids in his class would make fun of him or at the very least, ignore him. I was afraid that no one would hear his ‘silent voice’ or that he would be tooContinue reading “A Letter to Special Needs Parents (Before the Start of the School Year)”
A Summer of Good-byes
Last week we said farewell to our beloved speech-language pathologist (S-LP). We have had numerous S-LPs over the years as Tyson has been in speech therapy since he has been 18 months old and they have all provided Tyson and me with a valuable skillset. But there was something unique about Tyson’s connection with Ms.Continue reading “A Summer of Good-byes”
Tyson & the ER
When Tyson was very little, while walking up the stairs, he slipped and split open his chin and required stitches. That event, before Tyson turned two, shaped all future visits to the Janeway Children’s Hospital emergency department. In my mind, I can still picture him wrapped in a white sheet from the neck down asContinue reading “Tyson & the ER”
When Life Gives You Lemons
I don’t know about you, but my life philosophy has always been when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I tend to focus my thoughts on all the positives in my life and lately, there have been a lot of great things. Tyson is doing great in school and more importantly, is happy to goContinue reading “When Life Gives You Lemons”
Inclusion
Inclusion is defined as the practice of equal access to opportunities and resources. But in everyday life what does it look like? Is simply having a child with exceptionalities present in a setting with typical peers inclusion? No. Not unless there are supports in place for the child to thrive in that setting. It’s surprising,Continue reading “Inclusion”
The Nonverbal Part of Autism
In my opinion, one of the most challenging aspects of autism for both the child and the parent is the deficits in communication. These deficits can take many forms and can range from mild to severe. For some individuals, it may mean little to no verbal communication. For others, communication may mostly be in theContinue reading “The Nonverbal Part of Autism”
Spread A Little Kindness
February is the month of love. Stores are filled with red hearts, chocolates, and oversized teddy bears professing their love. There is Valentine’s Day and Pink Shirt Day. Let’s not forget it’s heart month and congenital heart defect awareness week in early February. February = love = ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ So on that theme, atContinue reading “Spread A Little Kindness”
Christmas, the COVID-19 Vaccine & Autism
The week leading up to Christmas Day is my favourite time in the entire year. Yes, it’s hectic with the decorating, shopping, wrapping, and cleaning but the excitement in a house when children are waiting for Santa is magical. We started our Christmas week in a very unusual way this year but it was trulyContinue reading “Christmas, the COVID-19 Vaccine & Autism”
Surviving Christmas (Tips for Autistic Families)
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! (Can you even read this sentence without singing it?!) Neighbourhoods lit up like the Hallmark movies. Mailboxes filled with Christmas greetings. Trees covered in ornaments passed down over the years. Beautifully decorated homes smelling of Mr. Clean and homemade fruit cake. (Well, maybe I’m pushing on theContinue reading “Surviving Christmas (Tips for Autistic Families)”
He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother
Lincoln loved Tyson from the moment he was born and has always been proud of his big brother role. When you think of brothers, especially like my two boys who are close in age, you probably think of days filled with playing in the dirt, ramping around on the floor, watching movies curled up onContinue reading “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”
More Than The Words 