This Is My Autism: Stages of Emotion
Autism. I used to not be able to say this word out loud without my heart sinking just a little. It made me sad (still does sometimes) and angry (still does sometimes). You see I have a son with autism.
This Is My Autism: Carrying It All
Autism often comes with a laundry list of medical issues that interfere with development and weigh our kids down. One day could be perfect with the next day a complete disaster. I root for the good days, but we’ve had our fair share of disasters, like this day from a few years ago:
This Is My Autism: Survival Mode – Forever
Someone I know who recently had a baby posted on social media about how overwhelmed she is. She said that she was in “Survival Mode.” She’s totally right, but I had to laugh a little. Because we autism parents are constantly in Survival Mode. But Autism Survival Mode is forever.
This Is My Autism: The Cost of Recovery
This was the moment I lost it. We have been fighting now for almost five years – sacrificing everything (literally) in order to help my daughter recover and heal. My daughter’s health has done a 360! I started crying happy tears, thinking about how far she had come…
This Weird World: You Might Just Be An Autism Mom If…
Here’s the deal – we KNOW we’re weird. It’s the price we pay to help our kids, so we don’t care. But this life is a lot easier if you can laugh! So, you might just be an autism mom if …
This Is My Autism: Brain Inflammation & Immune Dysfunction
The whitewashing of autism comes not only in the delusional declaration that it has always been here, but also the claim that the autistic brain is simply wired differently. There is a growing body of science that is much more grim and sobering.
This Is My Autism: The “Gift” Of Being Fearless
Next time I share that my son has “autism” and someone asks, “Oh, so what is his gift?” (Think Rainman and how everyone assumes that every “autistic” has an incredible ability that somehow overshadows that fact and makes it magically ok that they are severely affected by that “autism”…), I can answer that his is being fearless.
Happy Siblings Day In Honor of Autism Super Siblings
Today is National Siblings Day, a day created to honor brothers and sisters. Like last year, I’m taking this day to honor Christopher’s brother and sister, and all of the autism super siblings! Christopher has severe autism, and his brother and sister are...
Great Expectations In The Secret World Of Autism
It’s World Autism Day, so let’s talk about the World of Autism. The real one – the secret world of autism that not many people see. As an autism parent, this is the world I live in. I feel it necessary to shine that bright blue light on the secret world of autism.
Dealing With The Shit In Your Life
Are you finding it difficult to move forward with all the shit in your life? Join the club! We are all constantly dealing with shit. But we can still move forward and thrive and have the best year (and life) ever!
I Am Thankful: Happy Thanksgiving, Autism-Style
Thanksgiving is a time of both gratitude and indulgence, just like every holiday. That’s American-style. While most Americans will celebrate by gathering with family, watching football and parades, and eating all the food, autism families might not have that...
Autism on TV: A Parent’s Perspective
I asked my husband if he wanted to watch The Good Doctor, ABC’s new show about Dr. Shaun Murphy, who has autism and savant syndrome. According to the ABC website, though he is “unable to personally connect with those around him, Shaun uses his extraordinary medical...
Happy Father’s Day Autism Dads: We Really Do Love You
Happy Father’s Day to all dads, but especially to autism dads. You work hard, and autism parenting is tough. You feel the pain and disappointment too. You face the challenges and feel the helplessness as much as (and sometimes more so) than autism moms. But you...
Celebrate Healthy with 10 Yummy Paleo Birthday Cakes
This past weekend was Christopher’s 10th birthday. I’ve written before about how his birthday makes me a little sad, but I’m drained enough already. So, this year I just wanted to wish my first baby a Happy Birthday and celebrate and write about...
Happy Mother’s Day To All The Amazing Autism Mamas
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, but especially to autism moms. Because your Mother’s Day isn’t a typical Mother’s Day (just like each day for you isn’t a typical day). I know you might not be getting flowers and romantic love notes....Welcome!
My autism journey has changed the way I live and care for my family. I am passionate about nontoxic products, natural remedies, grain-free nutrition, essential oils, and healing the symptoms known as autism. This is a space for anyone aspiring toward cleaner, healthier living.
XO Joanna
