Autism
Autism, Intelligence, Target, and Little Kid Stares
Autism and Intelligence Conversation on July 19, 2018Jake and I had a nice discussion today (via letterboard and RPM) when I started asking him about the book we've been reading called "Out of My Mind." The story is about a girl who can't walk or talk fluently and...
Not Sure
Not SureJake's 1st poem written at RPM camp with Amy Brennan Not sure of this lineReally silly not to rhyme the wordsLots of many worries in my mindSo not sure today Jake McClintick has been learning to communicate using a letterboard since age 18. Learning the...
Killer Baby Powder vs. Immaculate Vaccines? (Product Safety Logic Fail)
I had a not so itty bitty disagreement with a nurse practitioner at Children’s Hospital. My husband and I made an appointment with our youngest adult son in attendance to go over his prescribed medications used to manage his intermittent explosive disorder....
Back To School Book GiveAway
You could win both these books: I'll be giving away 4 sets of both books for the next 2 weeks. No strings attached, I pay shipping. Sign Says NO is a fantastic book for discussing the benefits of rules and limits. "NO" is part of life, and it is important for...
WANTED: Hope in Action Throughout the Special Needs Community
Parents of a child who has special needs will almost surely hear at one time or another, “Now you know your child will never [fill in blank.]” These gloom and doom forecasts are meant to be helpful, I know. They are meant to prepare us for REALITY. I used to get...
A Fun “Make the Sound” Game for Preverbal Individuals with Special Needs
Persuading a child on the severe end of the autism spectrum to engage in verbal exchanges can be quite a challenge, and I’ve found that ENJOYMENT works better than anything else. I’m super grateful for the Dr. Seuss classic Mr.Brown Can Moo, Can You? My son, Jake,...
My Kid is Smearing Feces! HELP!
The Challenge When you are saying these words, what you want most desperately is for someone, ANYONE, to help you figure out how to get your kid to stop smearing poo. Stop touching it, playing in it, smearing it, eating it, and so forth – how can I get my child to...
Shift Your Focus During a Tantrum: God Spoke to Me
Full version of this story entitled "Overcoming my 'Autism'" is published in When God Spoke To Me by DavidPaul Doyle It was a beautiful day as I cheerily loaded my kids in the car to take my youngest son, Jake, to Occupational Therapy. He eagerly climbed his...
3 Rip Current Rescue Tips That Could Save a Life
Having gone on family vacations to various beaches since I was a small child, I’ve never been afraid of swimming in the ocean. Even when the waves were big or rough, I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of trying to ride them to shore. I’ve become a bit more chicken,...
Prevent Holiday Meltdowns for You and Your Child
Holiday gatherings have led to some of the most humongous meltdowns we’ve experienced with my youngest son Jake, who is diagnosed on the severe end of the autism spectrum. I can’t say I haven’t joined him a time or two either! Once the tears have cleared and the...