The Essential Guide to Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers (A Non-Scary Checklist for Parents)
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The Essential Guide to Early Signs of Autism in Toddlers (A Non-Scary Checklist for Parents)

ByKori
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Understanding Early Autism Signs That little flutter in your heart. The one that’s a mix of wonder and worry as you watch your toddler play. You’re noticing little quirks, things that make you pause. Maybe it’s the way they intensely focus on the spinning wheel of a toy car, or perhaps they don’t turn around when you call their name. And then, the Google search begins. If you’ve landed here, take a deep breath. You’re in a safe space. My name is Kori, and this corner of the internet is a place for gentle guidance, practical support, and zero judgment. You’re worried, and that worry comes from a place of deep love for your child. That makes you a wonderful parent. This guide is not…

Autism Speaks (and Jenny McCarthy) Do Not Speak for Me and My Family
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Autism Speaks (and Jenny McCarthy) Do Not Speak for Me and My Family

ByKori
10 Comments

Autism speaks is a bit of a controversy in the autism community. But why is that? And why, are we as parents, not as aware of this? Surely an organization such as autism speaks would act in the best interest of those on the autism spectrum, right? That is what I had believed as well but, I cannot and will not support them. This is why I don’t support autism speaks and I would encourage you to look deeper. Find out the truth and then make a decision.  Autism Speaks Doesn’t Speak for Me April, in the United States, marks the beginning of Autism Awareness month. World Autism Day is April 2nd. However, I would kindly ask you to not include me or my daughter. Rather…

This is What Autism Mom Depression Looks Like
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This is What Autism Mom Depression Looks Like

ByKori
8 Comments

I’m not perfect. I have a slew of mental health issues. Most days I can manage. But there was a time in my life that I hit rock bottom.  Depression in neurodivergent moms is more common than you may realize. And, in fact, it wasn’t until I realized my own neurodivergence as an autistic and ADHD adult, just how prone I was to autism mom depression. And you never know when one of those moms is right next door. Sometimes we are just too overwhelmed to take that first step and reach out. Sometimes we are drowning in the every day chaos of our lives. Sometimes we are so overwhelmed with life that we just can’t take a minute to step back. I know because…

10 Commonly Believed Myths About Autism Spectrum Disorder

10 Commonly Believed Myths About Autism Spectrum Disorder

ByKori
7 Comments

Autism acceptance begins with autism awareness, right? One thing that I know I can do as a parent of an autistic child, is to address this. So, let’s get started with 10 common myths about Autism Spectrum Disorder. While it hasn’t happened in quite some time, there were definitely days where we would get a barrage of stares and dirty looks when we would go anywhere with Sweet B. There were times that I didn’t want to go out in public because of this but then I realized- this was my chance and my opportunity to educate and hopefully bring awareness and acceptance for my daughter. 10 Common Myths About Autism Spectrum Disorder Myth #1: All individuals with autism are the same False. Autism is…

How to Face the Uncertain Future as a Special Needs Parent

How to Face the Uncertain Future as a Special Needs Parent

ByKori
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There are many things in life that I can face with confidence. In fact, I don’t have many overwhelming fears or phobias. Maybe the same as a few others. I’m not a big fan of heights, open spaces, or large crowds. Other things I don’t mind quite so much. Slugs will send me running in the opposite direction. But there is one thing that scares me more than slugs, heights, large crowds, and open spaces combined. It’s the uncertainty of my autistic daughter’s future. It’s enough to keep me up at night. And it’s one of the few things in life that I cannot predict or control. But now, with thanks to Bloomwell for sponsoring this conversation, I can at least have some peace of…

A meltdown is common place when it comes to raising an autistic child. Here are 5 calming strategies for meltdowns to try.
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5 Tried and True Autism Meltdown Strategies

ByKori
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As a parent of an autistic individual, meltdowns are something that we deal with. These calming strategies for autism meltdowns are ones that we have used time and time again in our household. It’s just part of life, you get used to it and develop autism meltdown strategies to help. These calming strategies have helped our family in the past and I hope that they will help your family as well. Eventually, who knows, you may even get to a point where you’re prepared enough that you can intervene with a meltdown before it becomes full blown. It’s all about timing and getting to know your child’s needs. With Sweet B there are certain things that just work and here are 5 calming strategies for…