Uncategorized – More Than The Words

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”

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep

It’s 11:00 on a school night and Tyson is still awake. It’s going to be one of those nights when sleep doesn’t come easy. I hate those nights. I absolutely love my sleep and I am quite crusty (that my word for contrary) without it. I don’t need much, a good 6 hours works forContinue reading “Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep”

Gratitude

I was recently reading a friend’s blog about her gratitude practice and it reminded me of when I use to keep a gratitude journal. It has been years since I actually wrote in a journal however in my head, I always have lists of things I am grateful for in my life. Sometimes it isContinue reading “Gratitude”

Just Say Hi!

As we head into a new school year, I wanted to reshare something I wrote last year at the beginning of the school year. It has been a very common experience for us, as an autism family and I’m sure for many other families that are a little different like ours. When Tyson and IContinue reading “Just Say Hi!”

When It’s Not Autism

I don’t know about you, parents, but do you find now that your child has an autism diagnosis, whatever medical issue arises is attributed to autism? Tyson has had acid reflux since about 8 weeks old. It is chronic and persistent. When he was younger, he was medicated for it many times but it neverContinue reading “When It’s Not Autism”

What’s on the Menu?

Chicken nuggets Goldfish (original) McDonald’s fries Chicken nuggets KFC popcorn chicken Mary Brown’s taters Brookside Blueberry and açai dark chocolate Home style restaurant fries (Swiss Chalet, Ziggy’s, Ches’s) Cheesies Ketchup (does ketchup count as a food!?!?) Did I mention chicken nuggets? Jane’s chicken nuggets, to be specific. That’s the list. The complete list of theContinue reading “What’s on the Menu?”