My friend Mitch Leppicello, LICSW, has 30 years of experience with autistic kids and their families. He's here to share some tips for managing the transition to summer.
I know, this is the weirdest title ever but I promise it'll make sense. I've been an autism parent for almost two decades and I know how easy it can be to lose hope, especially when things are really challenging. We all need reminders from time to time and that's okay. encourage you all to find a memory that can act as a touchstone. When things get rough, you can focus on that memory and it will help keep you moving forward. These memories can be anything and it doesn't have to make sense to anyone else. We all have something like this in our lives, and mine is scrambled eggs. I know that sounds a bit odd but let me explain. You all know my oldest son, Gavin. If…
As the title states, the coolest thing happened today. I've been talking about Gavin's ever-growing level of independence, and today marked a big first for him. Gavin gets his IVIG Infusion supplies delivered every month. He organizes them into kits and even does the infusions on his own. I have almost zero involvement in the process anymore. He's doing incredibly well, and I'm proud of him. The only part of this process that he didn't do was sign for the delivery, fill out the paperwork, and mail it back to the hospital. That's always been my job. It's been my job until now, that is. When his delivery arrived yesterday, I asked him if he wanted to do the paperwork. He has to sign his name, date it, and stick…
Recently, I've begun to wonder if I might have ADHD. I'm 43 years old and never once thought that to be the case. There is ADHD in my family, and both the younger boys carry that diagnosis, as does their mom. I've watched them over the years and seen how ADHD impacts their lives. I've not seen any of those struggles in myself. I'm not very impulsive and certainly not hyperactive. A few weeks ago, I read an article about other ways ADHD can present, especially in adults. Forgetfulness, failing to follow through, struggling to focus on the task at hand, and being easily distracted, among other things. I don't forget important things, but little things seem to slip through the cracks, which seems weird. I struggle with focus. That's…
My kids are absolutely amazing. I love them completely and without condition. They've all come such a long way and I couldn't be prouder of them. That doesn't mean we are without our challenges. As the only neurotypical person in my house, I can sometimes feel like an outsider. The irony there is that many autistic people, including my kids, can feel like outsiders everywhere else. That hasn't escaped me and it provides me some insight into what my kids might go through outside of our home. I sometimes have a difficult time understanding what's going on with my kids. I might feel like something is wrong because I misinterpret their nonverbal queues. I can read other neurotypical people like a book but slap in a bit of neurodiversity and…
Parenting serves up an array of daily challenges for us all. However, parents of children on the spectrum - or who need extra support for other reasons - may encounter more than most. On a brighter note, though, help is available. But you must be the one to reach out for it. Image - Pixabay CC0 License Here are some of the best outlets to look for that support. Education and social development All kids deserve a good education. As the parent of an autistic child, the thought of sending them to a new environment can be daunting. After all, it will mean leaving your child. However, the benefits of preschool for toddlers are clear. Crucially, establishing this sense of routine can be very rewarding for children with additional needs.…
No parent wants to think about what will happen when they are no longer around. However, the idea of leaving their child without care can be a scary thought. This is especially true for parents with special needs children, who often require extra care and attention from those around them. So, with that, here are ways to ease your concerns as a caregiver by providing the best possible care for your child with special needs, now. Image Credit Love is the First Form of Care If you do not love your child, they will know. Children who feel loved and cared for are more likely to be open with their feelings and ask questions when something is bothering them. Love has a powerful effect on a developing brain in children…
You’ve probably heard this phrase. You’ve even said it to people around you. You cannot pour from an empty cup. But what does it mean? Why do people say that to you? If you’re running around in life like a headless chicken trying to get everything done, the chances are that you are spending more time looking after everyone else and filling their cups rather than filling your own. The more you give of yourself, the less you have and one day, you’re wondering why you’re so exhausted and nothing feels “finished” - it’s because you have nothing left to give to anyone, and there's also no sips left for you. Here’s where we say that it’s okay to be selfish sometimes. It’s absolutely fine that you should want things…