Holiday tips help me every year, because the holiday time can hit us out of the blue. One minute it is summertime, and the next we are seeing Christmas trees. I see it every year. I know I feel a wash of anxiety as I think of the holidays, mostly from all the things that […]
Special Needs Family Vacation: Flexibility & Small Wins
This was our best special needs family vacation yet—proof that flexibility, preparation, and tiny wins can add up to big confidence. If your family is planning a special needs vacation, these ideas may help. Just before I sat down to write this blog, I was on the phone with two of the people who are […]
Accepting Change and Embracing Growth Together: When Your Child’s Interests Shift
Quick answer: Special needs interest shifts can be normal for a child with special needs to love something for a season, then like it less later. It can be normal for a child with special needs to love something for a season, then like it less later. I try to reframe it as growth, keep […]
Transition from School to Summer: A Parent’s Perspective
Quick answer: To navigate the transition from school to summer, talk with the school team about summer focus areas, share the plan with private therapists, schedule therapies early, tuck “work” into everyday moments, and keep notes so fall planning and IEP updates are easier. My beautiful Elizabeth is 26 years old, soon to be 27. […]
Avoiding Backsliding: The Active Effort of Practicing Good Habits
Quick answer: When routines change, even strong skills can “backslide.” Practicing good habits helps us most. I STOP, pause my cues, and remember Elizabeth can do it and knows she can. Practicing good habits has been on my mind a lot lately. I am about 4 months out from the fall that broke my leg. […]