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You Are Allowed to Feel This Way: A Message to Parents of Kids with Disabilities

Parenting is hard, period. But parenting a child with disabilities? It’s a whole other level. I’ve been on this journey for 23 years, raising three autistic kids, two with ADHD, and my oldest with fragile health. I’ve seen it all—exhaustion, frustration, anger, sadness, joy, loneliness, and everything in between. If no one has told you this today: it’s okay to feel all those things. You are allowed to be exhausted. You’re allowed to be frustrated, angry, or even jealous of families who seem to have it easier. You’re allowed to want to run away and join the circus—trust me, I’ve considered it many times over the years. It doesn’t make you a bad parent. It doesn’t make your child a bad kid. It just means you’re human. Give Yourself Permission…

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December 15, 2024

Mightier / My thoughts / Reviews

Mightier Review 2024: Helping Kids with Autism and ADHD Manage Meltdowns

Discover how Mightier, developed by Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, uses biofeedback to help kids with autism and ADHD manage meltdowns and improve emotional self-regulation. Through fun, engaging games, Mightier teaches children to recognize and control their emotions, providing invaluable skills that benefit them throughout life. Learn about the science behind Mightier, our personal success story, and how you can save 10% with the code theautismdad22.

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June 19, 2024

My thoughts

My Self-Care Journey: Managing Pain, Fighting Burnout, and Prioritizing My Health

Today was a big day for me. I finally went to see a spinal surgeon for a consult about my back—something I probably should have done a long time ago. For those who don’t know, I’ve been living with a major back injury for the last 25 years. It’s something I’ve carried with me since my time as a fire/medic, and I’ve been living in pain ever since, doing my best to avoid surgery. But lately, things have been getting harder. The pain has been worse, I’ve been struggling with burnout, and I’ve regained some of the weight I had worked so hard to lose. Kelly and the boys have been encouraging me to get checked out and figure out my options. Kelly reminded me—again—that self-care isn’t just something I…

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February 28, 2025

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Seasonal Home Maintenance: What You Need to Know for a Healthy Living Space

Maintaining a healthy living space plays a critical role in leading a quality lifestyle. At each change of the season, different components of your house may be at a higher or lower risk of suffering from functional or structural damage. The best way to keep your house in optimal condition is by conducting regular seasonal home maintenance. Seasonal home maintenance involves reasonable and achievable tasks that will keep your house safe, increase its value, and lower the costs of expensive renovations or repairs. Seasonal Pest Control: Keeping Your Home Critter-Free In each season – Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter – there are different things to consider for maintenance at home. For example, in Spring, most people focus on cleanup and revival after the Winter. Services like Riverside pest control become…

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February 26, 2025

My thoughts

You’re Not a Bad Parent: Frustration is Normal

To all the parents out there feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders: you are not alone. We all have moments where we feel like running away and joining the circus. But remember, you are strong, you are capable, and you are making a difference in your child's life.

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January 9, 2025

5 Things / Autism / Autism 101 / My thoughts

5 Early Signs Your Child May Need an Autism Evaluation

As parents, we spend so much time observing and nurturing our kids, hoping to give them the best foundation in life. It’s normal to wonder if what we’re noticing is just a phase or something more. If you’ve ever felt that little nudge in your gut telling you that something feels “off,” you’re not alone. That feeling doesn’t mean anything is wrong—it simply means you care deeply and are tuned into your child’s development. Today, I want to share some early signs that might indicate it’s time to consider an autism evaluation. This isn’t about labeling your child or jumping to conclusions; it’s about understanding their unique needs and getting support as early as possible. 1. Delayed or Absent Speech Development Every child develops at their own pace, but there…

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December 27, 2024

My thoughts / Reviews

Bark Phone Review: A Game-Changer for Families!

I’m genuinely excited to share my thoughts on the Bark Phone—a remarkable innovation that would have made a world of difference for families like mine when my kids were younger. As a proud dad of three incredible autistic kids, I know how hard it is to find technology that fosters independence while keeping kids safe. The Bark Phone isn’t just a smartphone; it’s a thoughtfully designed safety net that empowers parents and equips kids with the tools they need to navigate the digital world responsibly.

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December 6, 2024

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Effortless Dad Style: Staying Cool, Comfortable, and Ready for Anything

Becoming a dad is one of life’s greatest adventures. From chasing after little ones to juggling work, errands, and playdates, fatherhood keeps you on your toes. But just because life is hectic doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. Modern dads are redefining what it means to dress for the occasion—whether that’s a day at the park, a casual brunch, or a last-minute meeting. With the right wardrobe staples and a focus on functionality, you can look good and feel great no matter what the day throws at you. The Power of Comfortable Basics One key to nailing dad style is investing in clothing that feels as good as it looks. Relaxed yet refined, oversized joggers for men are a wardrobe essential for dads on the go. They strike…

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November 27, 2024

How to Care for an Elderly Loved One with Autism

Caring for an elderly person with autism comes with unique challenges and considerations. Compassionate and effective strategies are essential to ensuring their well-being and quality of life. If you’re the primary caregiver of an autistic elderly loved one, this article can help you discover care solutions to empower your senior adult. Understanding Autism in Older Adults To provide quality care for your aging loved one, you must clearly understand autism and its impact on the elderly. Autism varies per individual, and as the severity increases, so should the level of care. Since autism is an incurable lifelong condition, it can significantly progress over time, especially if left unaddressed during early childhood. Learn the differences in symptoms and diagnosis of autistic senior adults compared to their younger counterparts. Autistic older adults often…

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November 17, 2024