Is hurricane Harvey or Irma causing upset in your own life? Or in the lives of those you care about? If you are an Autism Spectrum or Special Needs family, significant weather events like these are disruptive in ways that may not coincide with what we see on TV. One area of concern is the overwhelming anxiety many living life …
Back to School Reminders for Aspie Families
Today’s post is a bit brief and to the point. After all, the beginning of the school year crams our schedules like no other time of year, doesn’t it? Here are a few simple reminders as your Aspie family switches from summer schedule to the school schedule. Cheers! Regardless if you are homeschooling, private schooling or public schooling (what my …
Going to Southeast Psych March 4th!
Southeast Psych is a really awesome Aspie haven. Just walk in there, look around and you’ll know you are surrounded by people who “get” Aspies. I’m honored to be a guest there this Saturday, March 4, 2017 at one of their Aspie Parent Support Groups. I’ll talk a bit about what’s been going on with us, but I am especially …
Social Media Policy
Today’s post is short and…dull. (Updated as of 09.18.2017) For any of you who follow me, if asked, you can answer in a heartbeat that Twitter is my modus operandi for social media. Here’s a quick note on how I view and use it and other social media platforms, FAQ style: Is this (Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, FB, etc.) your personal …
Pause the Pink; Try on Red
Several years back, there was an episode of Seinfeld called, “The Sponge,” where the infamous and eccentric Kramer enters a walk for a popular cause but refuses to wear a ribbon. Despite pledging his loyalty to this cause, uproar ensues and he is physically assaulted. Just because he won’t wear a ribbon. For a cause he truly believes in. Fast …
How to Help Your Teen Pick a College by Julie Clark
Just as winter finally gives way to spring, scores of high school students will receive their final acceptance notices. Many will have a choice of schools to attend, and most will have until sometime in May to make that decision final. It can be a nerve-wracking time for most of these teens, as college is anything but a small decision …
Jess, Josh and the Old Lady – Flash Fiction by Julie Clark
Somehow, the sun found its way through the brittle blinds, prying my eyes open. My husband absentmindedly hit the snooze button for the third time, oblivious to the new reality that awaited us both. Quickly scrolling through my Twitter feed, last night’s news had morphed into today’s nightmare. “What time did you go to bed last night?” he yawned, stretching, …
My Own Flavor of Thankfulness 2016
As I write this, it’s Thanksgiving Eve in my country; a time to stop, reflect and dig deep for something to be thankful for. As parents of special needs children, we truly have much to be thankful for. Sure, our concept of “normal” does not reflect what our surrounding culture deems “typical,” but that doesn’t make our experience any less, …
Willow Creek, A Ghost Story by Julie Clark
Willow Creek fruitlessly brushed a clump of auburn hair away from her face. There wasn’t much daylight left, and her broken headband was making this excursion a bit more challenging. Maw and Paw would be expecting her back at the house within the hour, cleaned up and ready to eat. Just a few more minutes. I know it’s here somewhere. …
In Defense of Introverts
Several years ago I went to my first (and last!) high school reunion. Now I can say I’ve “been there, done that,” and my husband can brag that he was “arm candy.” Before the event, we met up with a few old friends and I told them how nervous I was about what people would think of me. My high …