Why do you have to have #Autism to advocate?

Why is it that so many people in the Autism Community feel that you have no right to advocate and raise awareness for Autism if you aren't Autistic yourself? I'm sorry but this is something I find incredibly frustrating and short sighted.  Not to mention counterproductive. I would never presume to be a voice for anyone else but my own family.  My number one priority is to advocate for my own kids until they have a voice of their own.  When my children are this young, I feel that it's my responsibility to help educate the world about my kids, while I work to educate my kids about the world.  When they are ready to speak for themselves, I'll stand with them in support. I absolutely agree that the Autistic…

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#Autism: Finding Help and Support

One of the toughest and most helpless feelings when it comes to special needs parenting is the feeling of isolation. It's so easy to feel that way because it can be so incredibly difficult to find any type of support.  All too often parents get discouraged because of a lack of support.  Let's just be honest, there aren't too many things that are more difficult than special needs parenting.  Having said that, sometimes you have to turn to the Internet to make connections and find moral support. Unfortunately, there aren't a great many places to go.  There is a a lot of bullying that takes place online and that really tends to scare people off and who can blame them. This is precisely why I created the My Autism Help…

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Kuts 4 Kids: #Autism Friendly Haircuts

Whenever I come across a business that works very well with the Autism community, I like to shine the spotlight on them because quite frankly, they deserve it. Kuts 4 Kids is the latest to receive this recognition for working well with my kids on the Autism spectrum. As many of you are aware of, taking a child with Autism to get a haircut is very often a traumatic experience for all involved. When it comes to the Lost and Tired family, our experience with haircuts is hit or miss.  Sometimes the boys do really, really well. Others times, especially with Emmett in particular, we struggle and very often won't even make it out of the car. We have been going to Kuts 4 Kids for a few years now…

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What is it about haircuts?

I feel that there is always something to be positive but not at the expense of being realistic. In my opinion, dealing with reality is absolutely crucial, especially when it comes to raising special needs kids.  There is a very fine line between being positive and approaching a situation in a realistic manner. As silly as it sounds, Lizze and I are getting ready to approach a situation that many parents of Autistic kids would avoid like the plague. Can you guess what that is? That's right, haircuts. There are so many other things in the world my boys would rather do than get their hair cut.  To be completely honest, there are a million  and on things that I would rather do than take them get their hair cut.…

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How do you unwind after a day full of #Autism?

There are days where we experience Autism in full force.  On these days, the boys are likely having a ton of difficulty with things.  They may be overstimulated or struggling with more sensory issues than normal. Part of what's so overwhelming for us as parents is the screaming and inability to really help them through what they are experiencing. These are the days where I may have to remake breakfast, lunch and dinner, several times because someone is refusing to eat because something is wrong with their chicken nuggets. Lizze and I refer to these days as a day full of Autism. We don't mean it in a bad way.  It's just one of those days when the boys will experience more of the outward symptoms and are much more…

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Today’s #Autism Victory: Letting Mommy and Daddy get out

I already posted this picture on the Lost and Tired community page on Facebook but I wanted to share the victory with all of you as well.  Lizze and I went walking this afternoon.  I talked about that earlier. What I neglected to mention, was where the kids were at the time.  Well, the boys were hanging out with my Mom for a little while yesterday, so Lizze and I could get away and get Fit4Autism.  :-) That was honestly a victory, in and of itself.  However, the main reason I'm celebrating is because the boys actually got along and even built this little town out of blocks.  They worked together and had a great time.  Anytime there's no bloodshed, that is a victory as far as I'm concerned.  :-)…

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#Autism Awareness Month Suggestions: Take care of yourself

As parents, we play a vital role in the life of our children. As special needs parents, that even more true. The reality is that in some cases, our kids will need us for as long as we can physically be here. One of my worst fears is the day that I'm no longer here to take care of my kids.  One of the things I'm doing instead of allowing that fear to take over is embrace it. I embrace that fear and let it drive me to take better care of myself.  I use that fear to motivate me into making better life decisions.  It's so incredibly easy to get lost in the everyday life of special needs parenting.  We do and do for our kids, often times at…

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An #Autism Plea

I came across this today and really connected with this Mother.  What a fantastic message. Please help share her voice by watching and sharing her brief but touching video.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCuCGYlveNU This site is managed via WordPress for Android, courtesy of the @SamsungMobileUS Galaxy Note 2 by @Tmobile. Please forgive any typos as autocorrect HATES me. ;-) Check out my #Autism Awareness Store to find really cool and unique #Autism Awareness Clothing and Accessories, designed by me. ;-) For more ways to help the Lost and Tired family, please visit Help the Lost and Tired Family.

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