Street smarts are a vital tool for all children, but especially so for those with neurological differences like autism. Every time I read a headline about a kid disappearing, my heart hurts because maybe some of these tragic events could have been avoided with more awareness and education.
I feel for Suzanne and Bob Wright, the heads of Autism Speaks. I really do. Like so many of us, this thing called autism came along and blindsided their family. But unlike many of us, it seems they've chosen to view their grandson's diagnosis as nothing short of a curse.
It's that time of year again—bells are jingling and everyone's supposed to be jolly. But if you're a parent of a child with special needs like autism and sensory processing disorder, the approaching holidays are enough to make you want to hide under the nearest table until the New Year.
How will my child cope with the big turkey dinner and all those family gatherings?
Ever since they brought autism to the front page (literally) with their awareness project, I've been smitten. Few major media players have deigned to talk openly about what individuals and families affected by autism experience every day, so I laud the Star for boldly going where no paper had gone before.
There are lots of stories floating around out there. You may have read about autism being touted as "the new ADHD"—over-diagnosed and curable. But as your mama probably told you, be careful what you read.
When you think about it, Halloween is a pretty messed up occasion. All year long we drill it into our kids not to accept gifts or candy from strangers—except for that one solitary night when we actively encourage it!
But dressing up and collecting vats of junk food is a rite of passage for children, and those with special needs should be no exception. With a little advance prep, Halloween doesn't have to be a nightmare on Elm (or whatever street you happen live at).
Have you seen the latest superhero to join the ranks of comic book greats? Sure, like all superheroes, he has extraordinary powers, such as a "mathematical mind, artistic gift and an abundance of compassion." And like all superheroes, saving the world from heinous villains is all in a day's work.
