I am a big fan of Common Sense Media. I have always found it to be an incredibly useful tool when deciding which family movie to choose. Truth be told, I also use it to read the synopsis of a film I'm too much of a wimp to actually watch. (One word: It.) Commonsense Media is wonderful at providing realistic reviews of movies and other media. Though my kids my groan when they see me researching …
COVID-19
Keep Kids Happy? Keep Kids Safe? One Parent’s Struggle
I am a Mom. Just an average every day Mom. I have things I think I do pretty darn well and I have things that I have definitely dropped the ball on. That said, I am happy, and I think my kids are happy, and I am elated with the young men I’ve helped to shape. You’ve probably heard it yourself. Parents will say, “I just want my kids to be happy.” Deep down we want them to find love and be …
Some Autistic People Can’t Tolerate Face Masks
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in sweeping changes to the way we live. While all of this takes considerable adjustment, change is especially challenging for individuals with autism. One challenge involves the use of face masks. For a multitude of reasons, wearing a face mask can be particularly difficult for an individual with neurology that makes them more sensitive to touch and texture. …
Scenes From a Quarantine
So much has changed in just a few short weeks. I now share an office with a sixth grader. We work well together but tensions run higher when my other coworkers, two ravenous high schoolers, stop by our water cooler. A home gym has sprung up in my basement. Grocery shopping feels like an episode of Mission Impossible. I buy food in bulk and food is consumed in bulk. Speed puzzle races are …
Seeing People Wearing Masks
I had a couple of requests for a story about seeing other people wear masks out in public. I had been thinking about writing one because I live in Wisconsin and while many people are wearing masks in stores, not everyone is. Even as an adult, it felt kind of strange and startling to see people wearing masks. I'm SURE that our kids are feeling the same way. Once we talk about …
What Will They Call This?
Since all of this COVID-19 stuff has started, I have been wondering what “all this” will be called in the history books. Even as I am experiencing it, I am thinking about how this unprecedented time will be remembered, about how future generations will learn about the Coronavirus and its impact on our world. Will it be as simple as the “COVID-19 global pandemic,” or will the name …
Consistency During a Lockdown
These times are unprecedented. Many of us are just going day-to-day making sure we brush our teeth. That’s okay. One day at a time has never had more meaning. I’ve heard from a few parents whose children receive speech or occupational therapy. They are distraught because they know how important consistency is, but they are following the rules and staying home to stay safe. They are asking …
How to Cope with Disrupted Family Routines During COVID-19
Autism Speaks shares some helpful advice for dealing with the sudden and drastic change in routines that our households are currently experiencing. These changes are especially challenging for children who have autism. Visual daily schedules, increased physical activity, organized family fun. These are just a few ways to return routine to these very disrupted days. If you have a special needs …
Five Steps to Get Started in Telepractice
During this time of physical distancing, in-person speech therapy is not an option. Fortunately, the American Speech-Language Hearing Association offers the following recommendations for establishing tele-therapy with speech therapy patients. For the complete article, please visit ASHA.org Over the last few weeks, many schools and clinics nationwide—well, really worldwide—have been shutting …