Check out my latest article on how James has struggled and learned to deal with his sensory issues surrounding music: http://www.nymetroparents.com/article/music-lessons-child-autism-sensory-processing-disorder
ADMISSIONS
How To Help Your Special Needs Child Fly Solo
Stressed about getting onto the plane (click on the article for happier times).
Please excuse the lack of writing lately, it’s back-from-vacation and back-to-school time! Which means, of course, that I have quite a bit to share with you if I could just find the time.
In the meantime, please check out my latest article on childmind.org, about how we prepared and sent James on a cross-country flight. Alone.
Monday Minute: James Has A Cell Phone And Knows How To Use It (Kind Of)
This summer, we bought James his first cell phone in anticipation of him walking alone to high school (just across the street) this Fall. He seemed to get the hang of it fairly quickly, and has developed a strong preference for texting versus actually talking. And as you all know, it’s sometimes hard to gauge emotions through a text…
Today I pulled into the loading zone at Lowe’s to pick up an already-paid-for order, and noticed that Ian and Donovan had both fallen asleep. I made a snap decision. “James, stay with the boys for just a second,” I said, turning on my flashers. “I just need to wheel the cart out and load the van, but text me if either of them wake up or if there is any kind of emergency and I’ll be out in a split second.”
“Sure thing Mom,” replied James. He slipped his phone out of his pocket, starting up Minecraft.
“No Minecraft,” I said firmly. “Texting only, in case I need to get a hold of you.” And with that, I hustled inside.
About 30 steps later, as I was standing first in line at customer service, I got my first text. “Sorry,” I said to the cashier. “I just have to check this in case it’s the kids. I left the car running…” I looked down. Continue reading
Monday Minute: Are You Sure You Missed This?
Due to popular demand, I have decided not to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Though The Foorce may be left behind in NYC, Mondays and Monday Minutes are definitely still happening here in Texas. And with more kids than ever before, I figure more kids = more Monday Minutes, because everything’s bigger in Texas, right?
And yes, I know it’s not a Monday – let’s not get picky here.
——-
Ian (runs in, pointing to his chest): Mooommmmm, Adam drew a spot on me! Continue reading
I’ll Admit It: Something’s Wrong Here
I thought it would be fun to start a “search and find” series. I was inspired while taking a shot of Margaret and Adam playing Pictionary nicely together on the couch this morning. At second glance, I spotted something that didn’t quite look right in my photo and thought to myself, I wonder how many other people would notice this. Can you find it? 
The Central Park Zoo 