An Unexpected Birthday Blessing

An Unexpected Birthday Blessing

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Liam turned nineteen this month. Wow! Looking back, you can truly see how hard he has worked to get where he is today. He planned his whole birthday out this year. He wanted to eat pizza at a restaurant, get a specific cake, and have his step-dad sing Happy Birthday...
My Top 4 Tips When Traveling by Plane

My Top 4 Tips When Traveling by Plane

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I am never sure exactly how things will go, what will happen, or if we will successfully get to where we need to go when we fly. But over the years, I’ve gained some tools to give me confidence that, most of the time, we will be successful — even if I am...
Tears of Joy…and Pain

Tears of Joy…and Pain

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This was a happy, yet melancholy, day from about a month ago. We met my sister, her hubby, and my nephew (who is one month older than Liam) at Northern Arizona University. My nephew is a freshman there this semester. He is an only child and his parents live in...
Setting Intentions and Living with HOPE!

Setting Intentions and Living with HOPE!

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My son, Liam, is 18. He has autism and intellectual disability. I am his permanent guardian. He struggles with both receptive and expressive language. When he was originally diagnosed he was considered what we now call ASD Level 3 (requiring very substantial support)....
A Huge WIN… 15 years in the Making!

A Huge WIN… 15 years in the Making!

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This is a “win” 15 years in the making!! My son (18 with ASD/ID) has always refused to eat vegetables other than potatoes. He has always preferred meat pizza, burgers, plain pastas, chicken tenders and chicken/beef soft tacos. When he started high school, he was...