What I Wish You Knew About Parenting a Non-verbal Autistic Child

What I Wish You Knew About Parenting a Non-verbal Autistic Child

Parenting is not easy, that much is true. Add in the additional challenges of parenting an autistic child, and you may be stretched to your limits. But there are a few things that I would love for you to know about parenting a nonverbal autistic child. Our story is just one of many. There are ups and downs, there are good times and there are some pretty crappy times. Nothing could have ever prepared me for this. But I wouldn’t change a thing. My Reality as a Parent of an Autistic Child If there’s anything that we can all agree on, it’s this: parenting is tough. We weren’t given manuals and sure, there might be books. But no amount of reading will ever fully prepare you…

Where to Find Almost Everything For Family Caregiving

Where to Find Almost Everything For Family Caregiving

As the parent and primary caregiver of a non-verbal autistic child, there are many hats that I wear. First and foremost, of course, I am her mom. But I am also her advocate, her voice when necessary, and her caregiver. I will wear these hats for the rest of her adult life. And I embrace the challenges and roles that come along with it. As her primary caregiver, it also means making the most of her SSI money each month. We are a one-income family still and even when I am able to contribute more to the household; we still need to be mindful about our monthly expenses. Things can definitely add up quickly, so that means looking for every opportunity possible to make the…

Treatment Options for Children with Autism

Treatment Options for Children with Autism

Perhaps one of the more overwhelming things after receiving Sweet B’s diagnosis, was figuring out the best possible ways to help her. At the time, she was already receiving special education services, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy at home. But, it was also evident that she needed more support. As her mom, of course, I felt that I was more than qualified to help her in whatever way possible but I also realized that I was limited in my abilities. That’s not to say that I couldn’t have learned or that I couldn’t have prepared the type of environment that she needed. But what she needed was also beyond my own ability to provide. So it was at that time that I started…