One of the issues I see in the #Autism community is that instead of standing together as one, cohesive unit, we allow ourselves to be fragmented by our differences.
Personally, I find this to be heartbreaking. This can lead to unpleasant things and takes our focus off of what truly matters the most, our children.
I thought it would be nice if we introduce ourselves to each other and share a bit about our personal stories. I feel that when we get to know each other on a more personal level and see how much we all have in common, we will see that we aren’t that different after all.
Please, if your comfortable, introduce yourself in the comments below.
Feel free to tell us as much or as little as you would like. This is a great way to focus on what makes us teammates instead of enemies. 🙂
My name is Carl Young. I am a 40 year old father of five kids, three of whom have some type of special need, all of whom have some form of Autism. My bride and I have been married for 18 years. Our oldest is going off to college this weekend, and I blog about our lives at http://www.whynotfathers.com. I am a stay at home dad. Currently on disability due to Lupus, fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, vertigo and light sensitivity. Life is good. I have been following @lostandtired for nearly a year. seems like Rob and I have so many things in common with our lives.
@Carlyoung If you folks haven't met @Carlyoung yet, head over to his blog and say hello. I've known Carl for quite awhile and can say that he is one of the people in my life that I find truly inspiring.
This is a fantastic father and a good friend. He's always got great advice and does a great job of sharing his story. 🙂
My name is Jennifer and I am a 33 yr old stay at home mom of 4 children. My oldest is 11 daughter has sensory issues. My second daughter is 9 and has been diagnosed with aspergers. My third daughter is 6 and has high anxiety and possible aspergers but differently then my aspie. Then my son who is 4 has articulation issues. My husband and I have been married for 12 years and we live in Arizona and yes it is HOT! We moved here from southern California 8 years ago to run away from our family who liked to control our lives. We became Christians about 4 years ago when we realized something was missing from our lives and God was the answer. We are highly involved in our church's children's ministry. I have started volunteering in our special needs ministry. Our church is the only church that had one for years and now they are using their results to teach other church's how to do it. I just completed my Bachelors in social science with an education concentration but am trying hard not to work full time but still paying my student loans. I deal with PMDD (Nasty premenstral issues) and depression so I am on meds for that which makes me a better mommy. Our marriage hasn't always been easy but we work at it every day. I found this blog at the recommendation of a friend. We have no idea where to go for services and finances don't permit much therapy even with the insurance coverage. I have been told by the school speech pathologist that our 9 yr old doesn't seem aspie but rather gifted child. I disagree after doing some research! We also have 9 animals (3 small dogs, 3 cats, a rabbit, and 2 rats) My husband and I also exhibit many of the signs of Aspergers but in different ways and he was diagnosed with adhd as child.
@JenniferWhynott Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad we have met. Hang in there, we're all here to help 🙂
My name's Jessica and I'm a 21 yr old girl with HFA. I've had a special interest in autism for years but I also live it day to day, and I enjoy reading about other people's lives who are affected by it too. I try to offer advice from an inside view when I can, knowing that I've been there and dealt with a lot of the same issues that you guys are just now experiencing. I'm also going for a career in Occupational therapy, to help with autistic children. I love how honest your blog is, and I love seeing the things you guys do to help your kids.
Thank you so much for sharing. I always benefit from your insight. 🙂
My name is Erica and I have been reading your blog for a couple months now. I have a son who will be 3 in October and was recently diagnosed with PDD-NOS. I have to say that your honestly is comforting. You make me want to blog. We recently moved from a apartment to a house and we are struggling with keeping our home safe for our son. I look to your blog all the time and it is comforting to me to know that there are others of us out there. Rolling pennies to pay for bills and trying to do what is best for our children. It is good to know we are not alone, but certainly "lost and tired."
@EricaChampney Thank you so much for that compliment. I have always felt it was better to be real with people. You are most definitely NOT alone.