How to Build a Support Network as a Special Needs Parent

How to Build a Support Network as a Special Needs Parent

Parenting an autistic child can be difficult, there’s no way around that. But, it doesn’t always have to be that way. Especially when you build a support network as a special needs parent.  But what if you have no support network? Then what can you do? I know it may sound almost impossible, especially with everything else that you face on a daily basis, but it is so important. Perhaps now more than ever. You need a support network. Even if it means building one yourself. What is special needs parent isolation? Parenting is tough. This gig does not come with a manual and even if it did, there is no one-size fits all guide to parenting. Add in parenting a child with special needs and…

Why Routines and Schedules are Important for Autistic Children
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Why Routines and Schedules are Important for Autistic Children

A little bit of structure is beneficial for anyone, I think. But when it comes to individuals with autism, I would argue that there is a need for routine and consistency. That’s why we’re talking about the importance of routine for autism in this post. Beyond that, we’re going to talk about how to establish routine and structure in small steps so that it becomes habit. This is important, not only for your child, but also for you so you can create a functional environment that works for your child and not against them. Why You Need Routine for Your Autistic Child There’s nothing wrong with a little structure and predictability in life. Personally, I prefer having a schedule or at least some sort of established…

Coping Skills for Parents of Special Needs Kids

Coping Skills for Parents of Special Needs Kids

Parental stress is a very real thing. To help against it, we need to develop coping skills like the ones suggested in this post. From one parent to another, here are essential coping skills for parents of special needs kids. I’ve been on the journey of special needs parenting since my son was an infant. He was born three months premature and with that early birth came a few health complications. A few years later, my daughter would be diagnosed with autism as a toddler. I won’t lie and say that this has always been easy. I’m not perfect and over time, I’ve had to develop coping skills. So today I’m talking about coping as a special needs parent. This is something that I’ve touched on…

What Are the Benefits of Habilitation for Autistic Teens?

What Are the Benefits of Habilitation for Autistic Teens?

As your child with autism becomes a teenager with autism, in the United States, services will begin to open up that you may not have had access to before. It’s just another confusing step on this overall autism parenting journey. These services are called habilitation services. But just what are they? And are they really beneficial? I believe that absolutely yes, habilitation services are beneficial for autism when delivered in the right context and setting. What is habilitation for autism? For the next part of Autism A to Z, I’m bringing to you something that many won’t have to deal with until their child with autism is an adult with autism. For me, personally, this is something that I am already looking into (waiting lists…

Who Will Take Care of My Autistic Child When I’m Gone?

Who Will Take Care of My Autistic Child When I’m Gone?

For parents of autistic children, we may often ask ourselves: What will happen to my autistic child when I die? This is something that I ask myself, almost daily. It may seem like a harsh reality and I won’t lie to you and say that I’m completely at ease about this. I’m not. I do know that I can start planning and that I can do whatever I can to help her. And here’s just one thing that I’m doing to help prepare for her future. How to Plan for Future Care of Your Autistic Child As the parent of an autistic child, you take on many roles. You become their biggest champion, their biggest cheerleader, and sometimes you become their voice. You will more…

Why We Need Autism Acceptance and Not Just Autism Awareness

Why We Need Autism Acceptance and Not Just Autism Awareness

In 2015, I endeavored to write a series of posts called Autism A to Z.  One of those posts was written about autism acceptance. This post was created out of a frustration around autism awareness month and autism awareness day. I wondered- why. Why are we limiting this to just awareness? Why are people stopping at just creating awareness? I wish and strive for autism acceptance. Now more than ever. Beyond autism awareness and instead autism acceptance. Why is Autism Acceptance Important? April is Autism Awareness Month. But I want it to be so much more than just awareness. I wish for autism acceptance and understanding.  But how do we get to a point of autism acceptance and understanding? By continuing to raise awareness, by educating,…