Autism's (sometimes) Super Momma

    I have always joked that I am OCD not in a clean freak way and not in a turn the handle 20 times before I leave kind of way. But I do get severe anxiety about changes in routine. When I had my c-section with Alden members of my family got a 5 page outline of what would happen every hour the day before, during and after. I'm a list maker and calendar keeper. I have 4 calendars that I'm constantly updating. I think we all have our little quirks. These quirks are what we attributed some of Aldens actions early on to. "Oh he's just quirky, bound to happen between all of mine and Brandon's quirks"     In the early days, even before his autism diagnosis, Alden had outbursts usually from being over overstimulated. He would flop on the floor screaming and crying and sometimes he would even get aggressive throwing things or hitting the people or object closest to him. As we have worked on his sensory needs we have seen these outbursts more now when he is frustrate

    Confession: I know little to nothing about respite care. So I thought documenting my learning experience may be helpful for those who may also eventually use this service. Before pursuing further information, I knew that respite care was a service available to families with special needs. Basically a state paid babysitter. Now all parents of young children need a babysitter from time to time. Maybe for the elusive date night with my hubby, a girl could dream right. Despite the annoyance of trying to find a babysitter available and having to pay for their service above and beyond the expense of whatever your plans may be; special needs families have the added burden of finding a babysitter uniquely qualified to deal with whatever the special need may be. Also because of the need for higher qualification comes extra cost.     I wont get into the numbers, but if you ever get bored you can find sufficient research on how the stress of raising a child with special needs can effect your

    I will humbly admit I can't tell you how old Jude was the first time he said "I love you". Many of his firsts and milestones were taken for granted as they were just expected. This is something Alden has taught our family; never take any of those things for granted. There are some parents who will never hear their child's sweet voice, never see a first step, never feel their child's little arms wrapped around their neck in a tight loving embrace. EVERY new thing is celebrated no matter how seemingly small.     Because of this appreciation for every new thing, we have found ourselves celebrating things our child does that other parents would punish their child for. For example, the first time Alden through a full on toddler temper tantrum we were ECSTATIC! This was the first time we saw a 'typical' display of frustration rather than an expression of discomfort/pain caused by his sensory processing disorder. It was the first peak at a developing persona

    I think all parents can relate to the headaches and chaos that lead up to Christmas. Christmas parties, programs, shopping, baking, eating, decorating, wrapping...the list goes on and on! All this creates an environment where kids can't possibly function without stepping on an already frayed mommy nerve.      We make a conscious effort everyday leading up to Christmas to slow down and reflect on the reason for the season. But I would be lying to say it's all jingle bells and mistletoe at my house for the holidays. See on top of all the stuff I mentioned above we have melt downs over changed routines. This year that included tackling the Christmas tree. To be fair, trees are supposed to be outside. Anxiety over family gatherings with lots of people in little spaces. Tummy trouble because despite the delicious holiday feast present at every gathering, Alden will live on cookies and dinner rolls. Sensory issues stopping him from tearing through wrapping paper and finally,