November is one of my favorite months (besides June because that’s my birthday!). November is a month I have chosen the last several years to use for reflection and gratitude. It is the month of Thanksgiving after all! Over the years I have done many things during November. One of which is to write (yes, hand write and mail) a card every day to someone I am thankful for. Other years I do a …
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No, My Son Isn’t Rude. He’s Autistic, and We’re All Doing the Best We Can.
Midway through American Airlines Flight 101 from Heathrow to JFK, shortly after our microwaved meatball dinners were tossed out like frisbees, the flight attendant asked my son Ian if he wanted another beverage. He intently played his Tetris game on the backseat video console without replying or glancing her way. Missing most of that exchange, I looked over in time to hear the flight attendant …
To Parents of Children With Autism Who Worry About the Future
Dear Parents of Children with Autism, You are true warriors. You’re the most determined individuals on Earth. You’re tired. You’re probably in need of a shower because you haven’t been able to leave your child’s side for even a few minutes. You may be running around trying to balance work and meeting your other family needs. Yet you’re here, pushing through each day giving your child with …
Is Your Website Accessible to Children with Special Needs?
Roughly 34.2 million people in the United States have a functional limitation; this number encompasses children as well. It’s easy to take for granted the little things we can easily do everyday, like accessing the internet. Online access has become a staple in children’s education, and for those who have more difficulty, it can not only hinder their learning, but also make them feel alienated …
My Love / Hate Relationship with IEPs
I usually don’t start a post with a disclaimer but please accept this one time. This post is based on my personal experience as a mom and is also based on the way things were run in the city of Cleveland, Ohio 15 years ago… so read it with all that in mind! I was going through a purging phase recently. Decided it was time to go through the boxes that hadn’t been touched since moving six years …
Catching Waves For Well-Being
Surf therapy programs often focus on children with autism or anxiety, or groups like veterans or cancer survivors. Evidence indicates that surfing has a positive effect on mindfulness in addition to its physical benefits. Learn more about surf therapy and a California-based surf therapy nonprofit that focuses on children with neurological disabilities in this recent New York Times article. …
Remembering How Mel Tillis Overcame Stuttering To Be A Country Music Star
Did you enjoy watching Ken Burns' latest documentary, "Country Music" on PBS? I can't say that I'm a big country music fan, but I truly enjoyed learning the way that history, culture, and geography have woven together over time to produce what we now know as country music. I liked learning the stories of Johnny Cash, Elvis, and the Carter Family, but I was particularly interested to learn that …
Orange Effect Launches FUND60 Campaign
There are so many Joshuas. Since sharing with people our story, the journey of Joshua who at age three did not talk with words, but only with grunts and gestures, who is now a senior in high school at a regular education school, I have heard many stories from other families with similar experiences. It tears me apart when they share their struggles and warms my heart when they share their …
5 Reasons Why Speech & Language Therapy is Crucial for a Non-Verbal Child
I recently had a conversation with a caseworker regarding individuals who are non-verbal. I asked her if any of the clients in the program receive speech and language services and she responded “Why would someone who is nonverbal need speech and language therapy? They can’t talk!” I explained to her what augmentative and alternative communication is and how important speech and language …
Rolling Out the Welcome Mat for Travelers with Autism
Travel just became a bit easier for many families. A growing number of theme parks, hotels and special attractions are introducing autism training and sensory guides, providing resources in times of need, and assuring families they won’t be judged. Learn more in this recent New York Times article. …
You Always Stop to Smell the Roses – A Lesson Learned from My Autistic Son
We were at Cedar Point recently. If you’re not familiar, it’s a roller coaster park in Sandusky, Ohio, about an hour from our home in Cleveland. My husband grew up in the town so it’s a part of his life. We have had season passes every year I can remember. When the boys were small we lived at Camp Snoopy inside Cedar Point. As they grew, we were able to try the many bigger rides they had to …
Just One of the Many Benefits of Technology for Speech Therapy
I don’t think it is true for everyone, but for me I am always a little extra proud when things originate in my home town. I’m just a huge Cleveland fan. So when I heard that Cleveland Hearing and Speech, whom Orange Effect Foundation has partnered with for several years to provide summer camp for kids with speech disorders, was the only area provider of Opti- Speech, I was pretty darn …
