What is a developmental disability?

Welcome to another day of Autism A to Z. Today I want to talk about developmental disabilities because that’s what autism is. So what is a developmental disability? We’ll talk about the general definition as well as talk about a few developmental disabilities in addition to autism. When it comes to autism specifically, usually the terminology is lifelong developmental disability. That is also the case with other developmental disabilities. As defined by NIMH, a developmental disability is: Developmental disabilities are severe, long-term problems. They may be physical, such as blindness. They may affect mental ability, such as learning disorders. Or the problem can be both physical and mental, such as Down syndrome. The problems are usually life-long, and can affect everyday living. Often there is…

Ditch the Junk Challenge Wrap Up

Can you believe that we’re at the end of the Ditch the Junk challenge? Easter is on Sunday which marks the end of Lent. I regret that I do not have my follow up workbook ready as promised but I will have that on Friday for Freebie Friday. However, just because the challenge is over, that doesn’t mean that I’m going to stop working on my focus areas. I’ll continue to talk about decluttering, organization, destressing, and healthier eating regularly here. And even if you’re just finding this post now? No worries! The Ditch the Junk challenge can be started at any time. The point is to take 6 weeks or 40 days (whichever you’d prefer) to work on focus areas. For this challenge, I…

Autism means so many different things to so many different people. This is what autism means to my family.

What is Autism?

As you know, autism is very much a part of our lives. It’s been an immediate part of my life since Sweet B’s diagnosis. But prior to her diagnosis, I was mostly unaware as to what autism really is. If you had asked me what the early signs of autism were? I didn’t have a clue. Now it’s different but back then? I was clueless. I had a vague idea.. mostly from watching Rain Man but beyond that? I was clueless. After her diagnosis, I gave myself a crash course and started to learn as much as I could. And of course with the internet, now it’s easier to answer the question: What is Autism? And it’s also easier to find out what it is…

Candy Free Easter Basket Ideas

We don’t do baskets for the older two or Squeaker, just yet, but we do make Easter baskets for T & J. This year, however, I want to try and stay away from the candy. I realize, of course, that candy is sometimes the most important part- but, it doesn’t have to be. Plus, we still have a chocolate Easter bunny from last year sitting in the cabinet. So is candy necessary for the basket? Not always. That’s why I’m offering up a few candy free Easter basket ideas based around themes. Candy Free Easter Basket Ideas for Kids Theme: Frozen With Frozen Fever released in 2015, and Olaf’s Frozen Adventure released in 2017, and the announcement of Frozen 2, it’s no wonder that Frozen…

50+ Easter Recipes

With Easter coming up next weekend, here are 50+ family friendly Easter recipes for you to try. Normally I try to split these up between desserts and well, non-desserts but they’re all together this time. Hopefully you find something you like! Traditionally, we have ham on Easter though I certainly wouldn’t mind having lamb one of these years. There are quite a few egg based recipes in case you’re wondering what to do with all of those hard boiled eggs. And, speaking of leftovers, there are also a few recipes based on what you might have leftover from your Easter dinner (namely ham). Chilli Egg Casserole from Sunny Simple Life Maple Glazed Ham from Divine Lifestyle 45 Ways to Use Easter Leftovers from Living on a…

Easter Gift Idea: Jesus Sees Us

I received a complimentary product to facilitate this post, but this did not sway or influence this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% honest and mine alone. For Squeaker, I want holidays to be a blend of culture (worldview), faith, and fun. This especially holds true with important Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter. But finding appropriate toys and books can sometimes be difficult. Or at least toys that I think she’ll enjoy that aren’t too tacky or not very child friendly. With Easter especially, I want to use this time to teach her more about Jesus and our Christian faith. I want to look for items that will both build up her faith, not only for Easter but all year. That’s why I’m…