This week, I was able to connect with two different mothers who have children with special needs. Although our children’s disabilities are different from one another, we made many connections as parents. We talked about our children’s strengths, weaknesses, activities that are available to our children, IEPs, navigating the system, etc... But what resonated most was the struggles that we all face while raising a child with special needs. Both of these women are amazing, loving, and intelligent mothers. They have both learned the importance of personally advocating for their children. Whether this advocacy takes the form of asking the school district to provide more services, navigating their healthcare to pay for medical services or equipment, or speaking out about the challenges they face on a daily basis, these women expend a lot of energy advocating for their special needs children. These women also talk about the challenges that … [Read more...]

I talked to a father the other day whose child is 21 years old and on the autism spectrum. This father told me about the many challenges that they have already faced as a family and the challenges that might lie ahead. But the part of our conversation that resonated most was the importance of connections and community, both for the child and for the family. So here I was a few Tuesday's ago out on a trial bike ride with Kayla when we ran into a family I had come to know several years ago. I told them what I was doing and they willingly offered me their deluxe Chariot bike trailer/jogger for the race. I took them up on their offer and picked up the Chariot. This all happened because of a connection. But this is more than a simple connection. Megan and Tyler Barnes run Crossfit Threshold in South Burlington. Crossfit is an intense exercise program that has taken off nationally and internationally. You might think that Crossfit is only … [Read more...]

Over 20 years ago, I was hired to help a grandmother watch her grandchildren during the summer.  She played tennis, ran, was an avid gardener, sang at her community church, and, four days of the week, she took care of five of her grandchildren, all of whom were under the age of 5. Needless to say, she had the day scheduled down to the minute, and her grandchildren knew what to expect at every moment. I learned a tremendous amount during that summer. I learned how structure, routine, and consistency were vital in children’s lives. I learned how to appreciate the outdoors: whether going for walks, tending to the garden, or playing games, children thrive in the outdoors. But what I gained most from that experience was an understanding of the love that she had for her husband, her children, and her grandchildren. I learned the importance of family. This inspirational woman always spoke so highly of her children, grandchildren, and … [Read more...]

As many people are aware, children who are on the autism spectrum are generally very sensitive to loud noise and commotion.  For the average child, going to a movie, a hockey game, music class, or a restaurant is not a problem.  But for some autistic children, these excursions can be very problematic.  Kayla is one such child. She is very sensitive to noise, commotion, and crowds.  To help her out, we purchased headphones for her to wear. We didn’t purchase the “typical” headphones for Kayla that many children on the autism spectrum wear.  Kayla already stands out a bit with her quirky mannerisms and her leg braces; big headphones would surely make her stand out even more.  So four years ago, we purchased two sets of Beats by Dre: the Solo and Studio.  She wears the Solo Beats in everyday situations: to school, on the bus, at restaurants, and out in public as needed.  She wears the larger Studio Beats at noisier locations: to … [Read more...]