This is a post in the weekly Autism Hopes series by Lisa Quinones-Fontanez, a mom who blogs over at AutismWonderland.
In April 2012 Ellen (Blogger Extraordinaire of To The Max and Love That Max) asked me to write a guest post for Autism Awareness Month. It was such a huge honor for me and I was so grateful that she gave me the space to share my story. So a few months later when she asked if I would contribute weekly, it was a no brainer!
It’s been a year since the first post in the Autism Hopes series and to celebrate, I thought a round up of greatest hits would be fun. Thank you so much for reading, for reaching out, for asking questions and for sharing your journey with me here. I look forward to another wonderful year.
And so, in no particular order, here are my favorite 12 posts in the Autism Hopes series:
What To Say To An Autism Parent. Have a friend with an autistic child and not sure what to say or how to act? This is the post for you!
6 Things I Wish I Knew When My Son Was Diagnosed With Autism. Whenever I talk to a new autism mom I am reminded of all those feelings I felt when I first heard the words: your son has autism. I offer words of comfort and advice but I still hear the uncertainty in their voice. Because no matter what I say, I know that only time will ease their concerns. There are so many things that I know now, that I wish I knew then.
No Need To Be Sorry And Other Things You Should Not Say To An Autism Parent. Whenever I tell people about Norrin, the usual response is “I’m sorry.” While I understand why they say it and that they mean no harm, it still hurts.
How To Be Friends With An Autism Parent. We all need friends but a special needs parent really needs a good friend. Just like people don’t know what to say, some don’t know what we need. This post may give you some insight on how to support your friend.
How Video Games Helped My Son With Autism. Too much screen time? Not enough screen time? This is a debate that may never end. But if you’re okay with screen time, here’s how video games have helped Norrin.
5 Tips To Organize Your Child With Special Needs Room. I don’t know about you, but I have therapists in and out of our home constantly. An organized room makes a big difference!
My Moment Of Autism Awareness. Norrin is my only child and autism is all that I know. Sometimes it’s easy for me to take it for granted. And every once in a while, I am reminded.
Potty Training Your Kid With Autism. Because potty training a kid who couldn’t speak or have the motor coordination to clap, point, wave can be…difficult (among other things). Just like everything else, potty training needs to be taken step by step. So if you’re thinking of potty training your kid with autism, this is the post for you.
For Kids With Autism, It’s All About Consistency, Schedules, and Routines. Our ABA therapist made us an awesome schedule and it really makes a difference.
The Moment I Lost Hope For My Special Needs Son And How I Got It Back. Being an autism mom is tough and it’s easy to lose sight of the possibilities. And sometimes, you need to look to the people in your life in order to see progress and regain hope.
Safety Measures to Take When Out and About with your Special Needs Kid. Is your kid a runner, a bolter or dasher? My kid sure is. This is what I do to keep my kid safe when we’re out and about.
Five Years After An Autism Diagnosis (part 1 & 2). Earlier this year marked five years of autism – more than half of Norrin’s life. If you don’t read any other post on this list (obviously I’m hoping you’ll read them all), read these two – especially if your child has been recently diagnosed. Acceptance is a process, it doesn’t happen over night. That’s what this two-part post is about.