Special Needs Parenting
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Discover the Reasons for the #Activate4Autism Movement
Chances are someone in your community or social network is on the autism spectrum. You may not be aware of the challenges they face. Most grow up with a sense of shame because they’ve been stereotyped, judged as strange, and often bullied for being different. If you have a loved one with autism, you know how important it is that we help the public gain a deeper understanding of the autism experience. At Geek Club Books, we make it our mission to engage and educate the public about autism—to replace stereotypes and fears with curiosity and wonder. We launched an #Activate4Autism movement that brings together voice actors who are in…
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Netflix’s ATYPICAL original series shows the humanness in all of us
Atypical is a coming of age story that follows Sam (played by Keir Gilchrist), an 18-year-old on the autistic spectrum as he searches for love and independence. While Sam is on his funny yet emotional journey of self-discovery, the rest of his family must grapple with change in their own lives as they all struggle with the central theme: what does it really mean to be normal? Jennifer Jason Leigh stars as his mother, Elsa, who is on her own journey of self-discovery. Michael Rapaport plays his father, Doug. Brigette Lundy-Paine (Margot vs Lily, The Glass Castle) plays Sam’s sister Casey and Amy Okuda (How to Get Away with Murder)…
- Awareness, Books, Entertainment, Kids, Love, Movies, Parenting, Project Kindness, Special Needs Parenting, Uncategorized
It’s No “Wonder” Why We #ChooseKind
We are so excited as a family to see “Wonder” coming to the big screen this November. My daughter read the book last year and fell in love with it and connected as well with it. She talked about “Wonder” from the time she started until she put it down – and it’s continued on. She even commented on several occasions that they should: “make it a movie”. And voila! Now it’s come to fruition. I’m writing this as a prod to go and see it when it comes out; although before that happens I highly recommend if you haven’t (or even if you have) to read the book [or…
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The Littlest Inventor Author Takes On Autism ‘Acceptance’
Mandi Mathis was introduced to the world of autism while running through the grocery store at a full sprint with her youngest son, Sawyer, tucked under her arm like a football while he was screaming at the top of his lungs. What she didn’t know then was that he was experiencing sensory overload. Mandi is a practicing attorney so research, planning, and advocating come natural to her. Soon after her son received a diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome and Sensory Processing Disorder, Mandi became a champion for those on the autism spectrum. She says that teaching Sawyer how to comfort, calm and advocate for himself is one of her greatest accomplishments. She captured her son’s story in,…
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PBS KIDS + Austism Awareness Month
April is Autism Awareness Month and in an effort to promote awareness, acceptance and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder, PBS KIDS will be airing special shows featuring autistic characters throughout the month. I love that they are introducing Julia, a new friend to Sesame Street fans! PBS also has great online resources for parents and teachers to learn more. The full list of Autism-focused episodes airing in April can be found below. The PBS Parents website has articles from doctors, disability experts and special education teachers on everything from identifying autism to educational needs, creating inclusive environments for autistic children and more. Lastly, PBS Learning Media has…
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Being a Mom (What it Means to Me)
Trying to put into words what being a mom is – to me. It’s hard. I can’t explain it. It’s like a combination of feelings, words, hope, happiness, sometimes sadness and/or grief, being scared or nervous, anticipation, wonderment and awe, as if every feeling I’ve ever experienced is multiplied times a thousand and it leaves me at a loss for words. It’s not simple … yet it is. When I look at my two kids I can instantly see them as if they were just placed into my arms. I can see them or imagine them when they’re graduating or getting married or having children of their own. It’s rewarding…