autismspectrumdisorder Category
Big Transitions: My Top 5 Tips
Posted on May 14, 2019 2 Comments
(A Big Change) A few months ago, the adult decision was made to sell our home. Brian (former husband, confidante + co-parent) and I made this decision together. At the forefront of our decision making was: what would be best for our family, and especially for our 12 year old daughter, Arizona. Here’s a fact: […]
Autism Awareness for Jack & Jill
Posted on May 2, 2019 Leave a Comment
(Telling our story) To close out this year’s Autism Awareness Month, Arizona and I did our very first tandem presentation + interactive discussion this past Saturday for Jack & Jill families (Los Angeles Chapter). A girlfriend of mine, who is chapter chair, started talking to me over a year ago about how amazing it would […]
World Autism Awareness Month: April 2019
Posted on April 3, 2019 2 Comments
(This girl loves a GOOD SWING) I love the awareness that the month of April brings to my lovely existence in AUTISM-LAND! It is certainly my BIG PURPOSE on this earth; an on-going quest to educate others (and myself), advocate for more resources / support / understanding, share resources / ideas / stories / experiences, […]
Self-Regulation & Movement
Posted on March 5, 2019 Leave a Comment
(Our make-shift obstacle course on the way to school!) In life in general but especially in the autism world, self-regulation is an important practice for adjusting and controlling emotions, behaviors and attention as it relates to change, transition, sensory overload and new and / or unexpected situations. I have learned so much by watching my […]
FAPE: Free And Appropriate Public Education
Posted on January 24, 2019 Leave a Comment
(Walking to public school!) In light of the recent public school teacher strike here in Los Angeles, I felt a renewed sense of gratitude for the resources and support Arizona has received as a student with disabilities. Years ago, as I was trying to navigate and understand how best my child’s educational needs would be met, […]
2019: A New Beginning
Posted on January 1, 2019 2 Comments
(Me and my girl wishing you an abundance of JOY and PURPOSE in 2019 and beyond!) I have been a long-time fan of a fresh start (and any opportunity to start anew, really). It could be moving into a new home, a different school experience for my child and even opening the pages of a […]
An Open Letter to Marriott: FOOD ALLERGY AWARENESS
Posted on December 27, 2018 6 Comments
(The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort & Villas, December 2018) Dear Marriott, My family and I were excited to check in to the Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort & Villas this 2018 winter holiday season. We heard amazing feedback and read great reviews about the property and looked forward to our stay. Mind you, our daughter, who […]
Giving Back: A Cheerful Helpers Event
Posted on December 12, 2018 Leave a Comment
(Cheerful Helpers Alumni Association Presents: A Read-a-Long / Sing-A-Long!) I know I talk about Cheerful Helpers Child & Family Study Center, A LOT. Perhaps it’s because we are still super involved with the school even though Arizona graduated 4 years ago. Maybe it’s because I still feel so supported by the community, and that […]
Launching in 2019: An Online Course for Special Needs Families
Posted on November 27, 2018 Leave a Comment
(Coming soon: 2019!) I am so ecstatic to announce the upcoming launch of my first online course: Life Management for Special Needs Families. This course will take families like mine on a 4-week journey in finding joy and balance in their lives. Even in our life’s work of advocating for and supporting our children […]
Cheerful Helpers Child & Family Study Center: An Alumni Tribute
Posted on November 18, 2018 1 Comment
(A visit to Cheerful Helpers Child & Study Center post-graduation) Every November, a group of alumni parents (and some older adult students who graduated years ago) come together for an “Alumni Night” with the current student families and staff. Alumni families have an opportunity to speak about their experiences at Cheerful Helpers and beyond; giving […]
