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Counting the Grapes

Written on March 8, 2012 by Kimberly

Well, when you’re child pulls your hair, kicks, screams, and starts throwing things because things aren’t just the way they want them; when you have no idea what’s going on with your child and they don’t have the words to tell you; when you generally feel out of control and have learned a few things that seem to help a little here and there…you do strange things like count the grapes. I think I offered the girl some of the other fruit.

in Autism Spectrum, Day In And Day Out, Dealing With Public Perceptions, Family Life, Laughing Through The Tears, PDD

- 1 Comment

Too Much to Ask?

Written on March 1, 2012 by Kimberly

3 Comments

I had a meeting today with various members of our support team at school. I was trying to understand more about what is going on with the child’s writing, and basically learned nothing. “She’s doing fine. Yes, we acknowledge the struggle that writing, and indeed any expression of language is for her, but she’s meeting…

in Advocacy, Autism Spectrum, Communication, Dysgraphia, Education, Individual Educational Plans, PDD

- 3 Comments

Bite-Sized Homework

Written on February 22, 2012 by Kimberly

2 Comments

We’ve had our ups and downs with homework this year. Most weeks the child’s homework is a sweet routine of math drills and spelling practice. Since she thrives on routine more than even she would care to admit, this has been overall very good. Most days she can do her homework with minimal mom input,…

in Autism Spectrum, Conditions and Diseases, Education, Learning Disabilities, PDD, Skill Development

- 2 Comments

Daffodils at Night

Written on February 16, 2012 by Kimberly

1 Comment

I made a tour of every store I could think of that might have potted daffodils. The kind you buy as a hostess gift for Easter brunch…or whatever…but this was even a little late for that. Two nurseries, the drug store, and three grocery stores later I finally found a little pot of miniature daffodils. I wasn’t sure they were quite what she was after.

in Autism Spectrum, Day In And Day Out, Family Life, PDD

- 1 Comment

Magical Moment

Written on February 8, 2012 by Kimberly

2 Comments

I never would have walked away from her and sat in the shade to talk with another mom at that age. I would have been hovering over her and wondering where all the other parents were, anyway. Then I think of where she is now with her skills and another wave of relief washes over me. I can be one of the parents sitting over in the shade, still watchful, but more at ease.

in Autism Spectrum, Day In And Day Out, PDD, Social Skills, Typical Siblings

- 2 Comments

The Social Pendulum

Written on February 2, 2012 by Kimberly

8 Comments

All of these subtle social skills that seem to just fall into place for other children. So many ideas and concepts that I hadn’t even thought about before, and now have to figure out how to teach them to someone to whom they really just don’t make sense. First we’re explaining this side and then we’re explaining the other, and back and forth we go

in Autism Spectrum, Communication, Day In And Day Out, PDD, Social Skills

- 8 Comments

World Changer

Written on January 25, 2012 by Kimberly

10 Comments

All of those letters, primary diagnosis, possible co-morbid conditions, what does it all mean? This form to fill out, those contacts to call, these questions to ask, those books to read. This meeting to have, those services to request. It was back to school special parenting style.

in Autism Spectrum, Day In And Day Out, Family Life, PDD

- 10 Comments

Getting a Grip

Written on January 18, 2012 by Kimberly

2 Comments

I probably should know better than to write a post late at night when I’m barely still awake and most of my thoughts are trending toward a rather negative vein. However, if I procrastinate (again) I’ll be posting late (again) and I’m tired of that trend, too. Just be aware there will be no sugar-coating….

in Autism Spectrum, Day In And Day Out, Learning Disabilities, PDD, Typical Siblings

- 2 Comments

I Brake for School Bells

Written on January 11, 2012 by Kimberly

4 Comments

Somehow I had the mistaken impression that the child would be happy to return to school. We had a pretty good break (stomach flus aside) and she had asked when she would get to go to school again. GET to go. I thought that was a good sign. Uh…no.

in Autism Spectrum, Day In And Day Out, Education, Laughing Through The Tears, PDD

- 4 Comments

Christmas Chaos and Peer Advocacy

Written on December 28, 2011 by Kimberly

0 Comments

I had my first guest post over at my personal blog last week. It is the story of a good friend who did some peer-advocacy for her son who is in first grade and has autism.

in Advocacy, Autism Spectrum, Education, Raising Awareness

- 0 Comments

Author Archives: Kimberly