meltdowns

Halloween and Special Needs: How to Make it Fun for Every Child

Halloween and Special Needs: How to Make it Fun for Every Child

Halloween is a fun time of year for many children, but it can be a really difficult time for some, including many children with additional/special needs. For them it can be a confusing, anxiety-inducing, or even utterly terrifying time. But it doesn’t have to be like that. If we stop for a moment to think about the things they might find hard and how to put things in place to help them, children with special needs can safely join in the fun, too.

Elmo Is Not Your Friend

Elmo Is Not Your Friend

One day I saw a young man who looked to be in his late 20's in a grocery store, holding several Elmo stuffed animals. I first thought, "Boy he really likes Elmo!" Then I thought of my Charlie. A lightbulb went off that day.

Dear Exhausted, Wrung-out and Frazzled Mom

Dear Exhausted, Wrung-out and Frazzled Mom

As a husband and a father, I implore you to take time for self-care now. Don’t wait until it is too late. Your family and your child need you there for the long term. Please take that time, even if it is only five minutes a day.

Remove the Rescue Vest and Let God be God

Remove the Rescue Vest and Let God be God

When my son was diagnosed with autism more than thirty years ago, I put on my yellow rescue vest, and rarely take it off. I’ve discovered that my work as rescuer has bled over into the rest of my life. I need to let go of the myth that I have the power to rescue or change anyone but myself. God is inviting me to take off the yellow rescue vest and let God be God!