Embracing the Spectrum

I am the single mother to a beautiful, funny, social, spirited and self-directed 10-year-old boy. Tristan is an AAC user who is non-speaking, autistic, has sensory processing disorder, and anxiety. He is also the most sensory-seeking person I have ever encountered! We are a very active family and this is our journey. Welcome!

Our Sensory Apartment

Before (2016) & After (2021)

Sensory & Grant Webinars

Creating a Sensory Space at Home Slides PDFDownload

Financing a Sensory Space at Home Slides PDFDownload

April is National Autism Acceptance Month (2021 post)

April 2 is International Autism Awareness Day and the whole month of April is Autism Acceptance and Education month (or really should be). You are 10 years old now, Tristan. I’m loving each step I’m taking with you on this journey called life. I love how close we are as a family, how intentional and deliberate you are, your strong sense of self, your ability to empathize with others, your sensory thinking, your sense of humor, your pure unadulterated joy, your attention to detail, your near photographic memory, your strong visible emotions, how accepting you are of everyone, how you give the best hugs, how much you love science and talking about zip lining, and how your unique perspective and loving spirit both intrigue and sustain me. I’m glad you chose me to by your mom. I will never stop loving and supporting you. I will be in your corner through every fight. It wasn’t the end of the world learning about your diagnosis – it was just the beginning of a different world.

April is National Autism Acceptance Month (2020 post)

It’s been quite the journey with you since you were first diagnosed almost 5 years ago.

I love how determined and intentioned you are. I appreciate how socially aware you are. I love your strong sense of self, your multi-modal ability to communicate and get your point across, your sensory thinking, your incredible empathy, your silly feet jokes and wonderful pranks, your pure unadulterated joy, your keen attention to detail, your near photographic memory, your strong visible emotions, how accepting you are of everyone, your complete honesty, how you don’t follow “social rules”, how you give the best hugs, and how your unique perspective and loving spirit both intrigue and sustain me. I’m glad you chose me to be your mom. I will never stop loving and supporting you. I will be in your corner through every fight.

It wasn’t the end of the world learning about your diagnosis – it was just the beginning of a different world. ❤️

I support my son. I will fight for him to be accepted. I will fight for him to have opportunities. I will advocate even when it’s hard. I am not responsible for others’ judgment. My child on the spectrum is perfect the way he is. My child on the spectrum is not broken. My child on the spectrum is not a burden. And when people think “non-speaking means non-intelligent,” I will tell them to fuck off with a smile on my face.

If you REALLY want to help spread true acceptance and understanding, ask about autism and support autism policies that help individuals with autism and their families.