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<p>I cautiously called and inquired.</p>
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string(338) "When Jack was first diagnosed, and we still felt like the world was ending, my husband was devastated. Not because of the diagnosis, but because of what Jack may not ever be able to do—play football, or baseball, or any of those “guy” things. Personally, I believe that deep down, there’s this innate thing that..."
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string(3910) "<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p>When Jack was first diagnosed, and we still felt like the world was ending, my husband was devastated. Not because of the diagnosis, but because of what Jack may not ever be able to do—play football, or baseball, or any of those “guy” things. Personally, I believe that deep down, there’s this innate thing that guys have–I think they daydream of dirt and sweat and the smell of sweaty socks.</p>
<p>Last week, I discovered that my local (well, it’s not in my town, but the next town over) recreation department has special needs sports–dancing, cheerleading, swimming, and baseball.</p>
<p>My heart nearly stopped dead.</p>
<p>I cautiously called and inquired.</p>
<p>I listened. I cried. Tears of absolute joy.</p>
<p>Tuesday, Jack had his first special needs swimming lesson. He was less than thrilled, but the instructor was amazing. He gets one on one instruction from someone who truly cares about him…not his disability.</p>
<p>Do you have sports for special needs in your area? Do you love it? If you aren’t already involved, do you want me to help you find something in your area?</p>
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string(15) "My Social Story"
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string(31) "Wed, 16 May 2012 21:00:47 +0000"
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string(129) "Autism SpectrumDay In And Day OutFamily LifePDDTypical Siblingsautism spectrumlanguage delaysocial storiesspecial needs parenting"
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string(301) "I am a big believer in social stories. I think they are probably one of the most underutilized tools for all children. My theory is because they require a fair bit of customized attention to detail for the recipient they are eschewed as being too labor intensive. We tend to like things that can be..."
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string(6501) "<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p>I am a big believer in <a title="Social Stories by Carol Gray" href="http://www.thegraycenter.org/social-stories">social stories</a>. I think they are probably one of the most underutilized tools for all children. My theory is because they require a fair bit of customized attention to detail for the recipient they are eschewed as being too labor intensive. We tend to like things that can be reused like hand-me-down clothing. In other words we’re kind of lazy.</p>
<p>I first learned about social stories before the child was officially diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. We were in that scary middle ground when we knew there was a lot more to learn but we had no idea what we were really facing. Many of you have been there. The child was becoming quite aggressive to her peers during this time and we were grasping at straws (literally – she had an obsession with straws, but I digress) to figure out how to help her learn to be kind. One of the things we figured out was a trigger was that she didn’t like celebrating other kids’ birthdays at preschool. She wanted it to be her birthday. Having just learned about social stories I decided to write one about how to celebrate other kids’ birthdays. Long story short – it worked! That trigger was taken care of…of course there were lots of others, and some that we’re still trying to figure out.</p>
<p>Anyway, the other day I was thinking that I need to write a social story for myself. I think I mentioned last week that I’ve been having a harder time, lately, with staying calm when faced with the child’s behavior at home. If social stories work for her then they should work for me, too, right? Here goes:</p>
<blockquote><p><span style="color: #339966;">My name is Mama.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">I live in a house with three noisy and messy children. I am their Mama. I can be a good example to them of how to be calm and kind even when I am angry.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">When I am in a hurry and they do not want to help, I can use my words to ask them nicely. If they will not listen I can count down from five and then kindly help them do what I’m asking them to do. When they start to help me I can say, “Thank You!”</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">When I am in a hurry and they DO want to help, but I don’t want them to, I can use my words to ask them to find something else to do. I can think of something that I DO want them to do to be helpful. When they help me in a way I want them to I can say, “Good work! You’re awesome!”<br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">When the oldest child is talking to me and is pretty much using the words “pretty much” every other word I can pretty much try not to notice and pretty much be a kind and pretty much patient mama and pretty much just listen to the words that aren’t “pretty much.”</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">When there is too much work to do and I am feeling overwhelmed and one of the children comes and needs something even more from me, I can be glad that they are learning to tell me what they need. I can take a deep breath and be happy that I can do things that make them happy. I can remember that there is always too much work but that my children will not always be children.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">I want my children to be happy, and I am the best person to show them how to be happy.</span></p></blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;">Now to read it over and over until it sinks in and begins to change my behavior.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>What would a page from your social story look like?</em></p>
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string(301) "I am a big believer in social stories. I think they are probably one of the most underutilized tools for all children. My theory is because they require a fair bit of customized attention to detail for the recipient they are eschewed as being too labor intensive. We tend to like things that can be..."
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string(6501) "<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p>I am a big believer in <a title="Social Stories by Carol Gray" href="http://www.thegraycenter.org/social-stories">social stories</a>. I think they are probably one of the most underutilized tools for all children. My theory is because they require a fair bit of customized attention to detail for the recipient they are eschewed as being too labor intensive. We tend to like things that can be reused like hand-me-down clothing. In other words we’re kind of lazy.</p>
<p>I first learned about social stories before the child was officially diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. We were in that scary middle ground when we knew there was a lot more to learn but we had no idea what we were really facing. Many of you have been there. The child was becoming quite aggressive to her peers during this time and we were grasping at straws (literally – she had an obsession with straws, but I digress) to figure out how to help her learn to be kind. One of the things we figured out was a trigger was that she didn’t like celebrating other kids’ birthdays at preschool. She wanted it to be her birthday. Having just learned about social stories I decided to write one about how to celebrate other kids’ birthdays. Long story short – it worked! That trigger was taken care of…of course there were lots of others, and some that we’re still trying to figure out.</p>
<p>Anyway, the other day I was thinking that I need to write a social story for myself. I think I mentioned last week that I’ve been having a harder time, lately, with staying calm when faced with the child’s behavior at home. If social stories work for her then they should work for me, too, right? Here goes:</p>
<blockquote><p><span style="color: #339966;">My name is Mama.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">I live in a house with three noisy and messy children. I am their Mama. I can be a good example to them of how to be calm and kind even when I am angry.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">When I am in a hurry and they do not want to help, I can use my words to ask them nicely. If they will not listen I can count down from five and then kindly help them do what I’m asking them to do. When they start to help me I can say, “Thank You!”</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">When I am in a hurry and they DO want to help, but I don’t want them to, I can use my words to ask them to find something else to do. I can think of something that I DO want them to do to be helpful. When they help me in a way I want them to I can say, “Good work! You’re awesome!”<br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">When the oldest child is talking to me and is pretty much using the words “pretty much” every other word I can pretty much try not to notice and pretty much be a kind and pretty much patient mama and pretty much just listen to the words that aren’t “pretty much.”</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">When there is too much work to do and I am feeling overwhelmed and one of the children comes and needs something even more from me, I can be glad that they are learning to tell me what they need. I can take a deep breath and be happy that I can do things that make them happy. I can remember that there is always too much work but that my children will not always be children.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">I want my children to be happy, and I am the best person to show them how to be happy.</span></p></blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;">Now to read it over and over until it sinks in and begins to change my behavior.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>What would a page from your social story look like?</em></p>
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string(31) "Sun, 13 May 2012 23:49:44 +0000"
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string(332) "I am about 12 years into motherhood now.. and like lots of Mom’s I know, I still don’t feel like I’m getting it right. Mothering kids with medical issues takes a purposeful amount of focus and attention, the kind that sometimes prevents you from being that cool ” chill” kind of mom..yet still I try..."
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string(5639) "<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p><a href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/12905/good-enough-mom/zoe-3/" rel="attachment wp-att-12909"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12909" title="zoe" src="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/zoe2-192x250.jpg" alt="" width="192" height="250" /></a>I am about 12 years into motherhood now.. and like lots of Mom’s I know, I still don’t feel like I’m getting it right. Mothering kids with medical issues takes a purposeful amount of focus and attention, the kind that sometimes prevents you from being that cool ” chill” kind of mom..yet still I try , and every day I learn.</p>
<p>I have learned that sometimes rolling off the bed as a result of a tickle fight is the kind of good clean fun that all kids need, low muscle tone or not. <span id="more-12905"></span></p>
<p>I have learned that a smiling , happy faced kid, that got that ” 5 more minutes!” in the pool she desperately wanted can help you dismiss and not obsess over-the flushed color of her fatigued face.</p>
<p>I have learned that your sad, crying kid- can break your heart at any age- whether a sick toddler unable to tell you what’s wrong or a frustrated, overtired 10 year old that just can’t verbalize every feeling she feels.</p>
<p>I have learned that your child can inspire you in the every day.. that if a kid who has to work so hard to accomplish the easiest task ( go to school with an overflowing backpack of medicine, snacks, toileting aids, technology super tools, a walker , a power wheelchair and a full time aide) is able to end her day proclaiming <em>” I love my life!”</em> than what do <em>we</em> have to really complain about anyway? Happiness <em>is</em> what you make it.</p>
<p>I have learned that parenting never gets easier, it just changes all the time.</p>
<p>When my youngest daughter Zoe, was 3, I was worried she would never walk, never speak- or learn what she needed to know. I was new at being a special needs kind of mom.</p>
<p>Now, Zoe is almost 10, and I still worry about the way she walks, the way she speaks- and how she learns. I am experienced at being her Mom, but in the back of my head , still think like I am her therapist.</p>
<p>I have learned that when O sometimes cries to me, feeling sad about the extra attention her sister receives, or whatever else I might have done to hurt her feelings- that it is okay to admit that I am not perfect and that I have failed, and that to hold her tight will make things amazingly better.</p>
<p>I have learned that at bedtime, when Zoe curls up against my chest, awkwardly propping her head against me.. that it’s okay not to reach for a pillow to support her tired muscles, that it’s okay to just let her be- and pull her into me.</p>
<p>That just holding her in my arms is .. good enough.</p>
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string(332) "I am about 12 years into motherhood now.. and like lots of Mom’s I know, I still don’t feel like I’m getting it right. Mothering kids with medical issues takes a purposeful amount of focus and attention, the kind that sometimes prevents you from being that cool ” chill” kind of mom..yet still I try..."
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<p>I have learned that sometimes rolling off the bed as a result of a tickle fight is the kind of good clean fun that all kids need, low muscle tone or not. <span id="more-12905"></span></p>
<p>I have learned that a smiling , happy faced kid, that got that ” 5 more minutes!” in the pool she desperately wanted can help you dismiss and not obsess over-the flushed color of her fatigued face.</p>
<p>I have learned that your sad, crying kid- can break your heart at any age- whether a sick toddler unable to tell you what’s wrong or a frustrated, overtired 10 year old that just can’t verbalize every feeling she feels.</p>
<p>I have learned that your child can inspire you in the every day.. that if a kid who has to work so hard to accomplish the easiest task ( go to school with an overflowing backpack of medicine, snacks, toileting aids, technology super tools, a walker , a power wheelchair and a full time aide) is able to end her day proclaiming <em>” I love my life!”</em> than what do <em>we</em> have to really complain about anyway? Happiness <em>is</em> what you make it.</p>
<p>I have learned that parenting never gets easier, it just changes all the time.</p>
<p>When my youngest daughter Zoe, was 3, I was worried she would never walk, never speak- or learn what she needed to know. I was new at being a special needs kind of mom.</p>
<p>Now, Zoe is almost 10, and I still worry about the way she walks, the way she speaks- and how she learns. I am experienced at being her Mom, but in the back of my head , still think like I am her therapist.</p>
<p>I have learned that when O sometimes cries to me, feeling sad about the extra attention her sister receives, or whatever else I might have done to hurt her feelings- that it is okay to admit that I am not perfect and that I have failed, and that to hold her tight will make things amazingly better.</p>
<p>I have learned that at bedtime, when Zoe curls up against my chest, awkwardly propping her head against me.. that it’s okay not to reach for a pillow to support her tired muscles, that it’s okay to just let her be- and pull her into me.</p>
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string(350) "“It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” ~Pablo Picasso Welcome to Magic Marker Monday! If you haven’t heard about Magic Marker Monday yet, click here and then hurry right back…     Hope your Mother’s Day was filled with love and all things wonderful… Happy..."
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<p align="center"><em>“<strong>It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”</strong></em></p>
<p align="center"><strong><em>~Pablo Picasso</em></strong></p>
<p>Welcome to <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong>! If you haven’t heard about <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong> yet, <a title="Welcome To Magic Marker Monday" href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/58/magic-marker-monday/" target="_blank">click here</a> and then hurry right back…</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><img src="http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt62/xqtz7984/5MF/mday0512b.jpg" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center">Hope your Mother’s Day was filled with love and all things wonderful…</p>
<p align="center">Happy Mother’s Day everyone!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii305/childslife/Avatars/siggy2copy.png" alt="S2" /></p>
<p align="center"><em>What has your little artist been up to? Link up and share!</em></p>
<p align="center"><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=144895" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
<p>Want the <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong> button code? <a title="Link To Us" href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/link-to-us/" target="_blank">Click Here!</a></p>
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string(350) "“It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” ~Pablo Picasso Welcome to Magic Marker Monday! If you haven’t heard about Magic Marker Monday yet, click here and then hurry right back…     Hope your Mother’s Day was filled with love and all things wonderful… Happy..."
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<p align="center"><em>“<strong>It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”</strong></em></p>
<p align="center"><strong><em>~Pablo Picasso</em></strong></p>
<p>Welcome to <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong>! If you haven’t heard about <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong> yet, <a title="Welcome To Magic Marker Monday" href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/58/magic-marker-monday/" target="_blank">click here</a> and then hurry right back…</p>
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<p align="center"><img src="http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt62/xqtz7984/5MF/mday0512b.jpg" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center">Hope your Mother’s Day was filled with love and all things wonderful…</p>
<p align="center">Happy Mother’s Day everyone!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii305/childslife/Avatars/siggy2copy.png" alt="S2" /></p>
<p align="center"><em>What has your little artist been up to? Link up and share!</em></p>
<p align="center"><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=144895" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
<p>Want the <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong> button code? <a title="Link To Us" href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/link-to-us/" target="_blank">Click Here!</a></p>
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string(49) "What a Special Needs Mom wants for Mother’s Day"
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string(299) "This week, I’ve read lots of blog posts and memes about Mother’s Day. Some of them are pretty dead on accurate, and others hurt my heart. Lots of them are about what mother’s really want for Mother’s Day—things like for children to close the doors, pick up socks, and so on. So as I was..."
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<p>This week, I’ve read lots of blog posts and memes about Mother’s Day. Some of them are pretty dead on accurate, and others hurt my heart. Lots of them are about what mother’s really want for Mother’s Day—things like for children to close the doors, pick up socks, and so on.</p>
<p>So as I was sitting here pondering how superficial many of these things were, I started to think about what I would want for Mother’s Day.</p>
<p>(Now, everyone will know my secrets)</p>
<ol>
<li>Health care perks! While I’m lucky enough to have a fairly good rapport with our doctors and specialists, I’d really like to have a punch card. You know, like the stores do. After the 5<sup>th</sup> trip in a month, your visit is free!</li>
<li>A normal sleep-wake cycle. I’ve become this person who survives on 4 hours of sleep per night, but who can’t watch a movie without passing out within the first 3 minutes. I’m not a very fun date.</li>
<li>Speaking of dates—I would love to have dates with my husband more than once every 4 years (which is our current record). I hear they are fun. Apparently, some people, date like once a week. To me, this sounds excessive.</li>
<li>Crispy, Hot French fries. I know this sounds odd, but this is how it works in my world. Ready? I’m up all night with the kid who can’t breathe well. I call the doctor first thing when they open to be told that there are no appointments for the day. However, I can show up and wait to be seen as a walk-in (I’m supposed to be humbled by their grace?) Pack children in car. Wait for 3 hours to be seen, while the sick child coughs enough to throw up 47 times. When the doctor arrives, she is in a panic and sends us to the hospital for a chest x-ray. Wait another 2 hours to be seen. After completion, I, the guilt-ridden mother realize that I have neglected to feed the oldest child, who is looking like she may pass out from low blood sugar at any given moment. I, with the speed and agility of an Olympian, throw one sick child in a car seat, buckle him in, and throw the wheelchair in the trunk (much like a javelin). I speed to the nearest fast food joint, and purchase food. While the oldest child eats as if she has never seen food, I drive home. As I pull in the driveway, the sick child coughs and pukes all over my car. Forgetting that I’m starving, and that I have crispy, hot French fries waiting, I clean the mess, the child, and myself. Only then do I realize I may never eat crispy, hot French fries again.</li>
<li>Stock in Lysol. See above.</li>
<li>DME support. Wouldn’t it be awesome to call and ask for a new wheelchair (since the one being currently used is being outgrown) and not be told that it may take up to 6 months for them to get one to you? That’s like telling a fish to swim in sand because you need to make sure you can find water. Or something like that.</li>
<li>The Whole World to Get Glasses. I think that may be the only way to cure the major problem I have with going out in public. It’s <em>clearly</em> very difficult for people to see me pushing Jack around in a bright blue wheelchair. Just the other day, I was trying to enter a door, and some middle aged, over-cologned, business jerk walked right in front of me, opened the door, and walked in–without holding it for us. So, he just let the door slam right on me and Jack. Please, World, look…think…do good things! For crying out loud, your Mother taught you better than that!</li>
<li>Compassion. I’ve been trying to do this myself more, so I’m imploring you to do the same. When you see a mom who is having a hard time with her child (or pushing a wheelchair), smile at her. Say hello. That moment of “Oh, honey, I SO get it” means more than anything.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>On Mother’s Day, know that my hat is off to YOU. I know the work is hard and the hours are long—but someone very special loves you, and that is worth it all.</p>
<p> </p>
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<p>This week, I’ve read lots of blog posts and memes about Mother’s Day. Some of them are pretty dead on accurate, and others hurt my heart. Lots of them are about what mother’s really want for Mother’s Day—things like for children to close the doors, pick up socks, and so on.</p>
<p>So as I was sitting here pondering how superficial many of these things were, I started to think about what I would want for Mother’s Day.</p>
<p>(Now, everyone will know my secrets)</p>
<ol>
<li>Health care perks! While I’m lucky enough to have a fairly good rapport with our doctors and specialists, I’d really like to have a punch card. You know, like the stores do. After the 5<sup>th</sup> trip in a month, your visit is free!</li>
<li>A normal sleep-wake cycle. I’ve become this person who survives on 4 hours of sleep per night, but who can’t watch a movie without passing out within the first 3 minutes. I’m not a very fun date.</li>
<li>Speaking of dates—I would love to have dates with my husband more than once every 4 years (which is our current record). I hear they are fun. Apparently, some people, date like once a week. To me, this sounds excessive.</li>
<li>Crispy, Hot French fries. I know this sounds odd, but this is how it works in my world. Ready? I’m up all night with the kid who can’t breathe well. I call the doctor first thing when they open to be told that there are no appointments for the day. However, I can show up and wait to be seen as a walk-in (I’m supposed to be humbled by their grace?) Pack children in car. Wait for 3 hours to be seen, while the sick child coughs enough to throw up 47 times. When the doctor arrives, she is in a panic and sends us to the hospital for a chest x-ray. Wait another 2 hours to be seen. After completion, I, the guilt-ridden mother realize that I have neglected to feed the oldest child, who is looking like she may pass out from low blood sugar at any given moment. I, with the speed and agility of an Olympian, throw one sick child in a car seat, buckle him in, and throw the wheelchair in the trunk (much like a javelin). I speed to the nearest fast food joint, and purchase food. While the oldest child eats as if she has never seen food, I drive home. As I pull in the driveway, the sick child coughs and pukes all over my car. Forgetting that I’m starving, and that I have crispy, hot French fries waiting, I clean the mess, the child, and myself. Only then do I realize I may never eat crispy, hot French fries again.</li>
<li>Stock in Lysol. See above.</li>
<li>DME support. Wouldn’t it be awesome to call and ask for a new wheelchair (since the one being currently used is being outgrown) and not be told that it may take up to 6 months for them to get one to you? That’s like telling a fish to swim in sand because you need to make sure you can find water. Or something like that.</li>
<li>The Whole World to Get Glasses. I think that may be the only way to cure the major problem I have with going out in public. It’s <em>clearly</em> very difficult for people to see me pushing Jack around in a bright blue wheelchair. Just the other day, I was trying to enter a door, and some middle aged, over-cologned, business jerk walked right in front of me, opened the door, and walked in–without holding it for us. So, he just let the door slam right on me and Jack. Please, World, look…think…do good things! For crying out loud, your Mother taught you better than that!</li>
<li>Compassion. I’ve been trying to do this myself more, so I’m imploring you to do the same. When you see a mom who is having a hard time with her child (or pushing a wheelchair), smile at her. Say hello. That moment of “Oh, honey, I SO get it” means more than anything.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>On Mother’s Day, know that my hat is off to YOU. I know the work is hard and the hours are long—but someone very special loves you, and that is worth it all.</p>
<p> </p>
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string(143) "What's awesome is that it used to be a struggle to get her to eat just about anything. Picture tomato-based stew tossed willfully to the floor "
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string(4661) "<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><div id="attachment_12884" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 260px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-12884" title="Love Note from the child" src="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DSC079221-250x187.jpg" alt="Dear mom you are the best cook in the world you cook good things to eat Love" width="250" height="187" /><p class="wp-caption-text">My early Mother's Day present from the child</p></div>
<p> </p>
<p>I feel like I haven’t been doing that great a job for the child lately. She has regressed a bit in her behavior at home, and my reaction has not been what I want it to be. Instead of figuring out a way to support her better I’ve been regressing myself…back to my old ways of getting frustrated and losing my temper. I need to get a grip, and soon.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The other day we were hanging out in our home office while the twins took an oh so increasingly rare nap. I was pounding away on work. She was taking her after school, pre-homework break. Many times she prefers to be out in the yard on one of our swings scoring vestibular input and working off pent up social angst. Imagine my surprise when she handed me this sweet little note…</p>
<blockquote><p>Dear mom you are the best cook in the world you cook good things to eat Love…</p></blockquote>
<p>Actually cooking hasn’t been tops on my priority list lately either, but evidently it is suiting her just fine. What’s awesome is that it used to be a struggle to get her to eat just about anything. Picture tomato-based stew tossed willfully to the floor and you’ll have an accurate image of our dinner dynamics…and now I am deemed the best cook in the world. What’s double awesome is writing is still quite a little chore for her, but she decided this was important enough to put it in writing.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I sure hope she’ll remember the good parts most.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>I feel like I haven’t been doing that great a job for the child lately. She has regressed a bit in her behavior at home, and my reaction has not been what I want it to be. Instead of figuring out a way to support her better I’ve been regressing myself…back to my old ways of getting frustrated and losing my temper. I need to get a grip, and soon.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The other day we were hanging out in our home office while the twins took an oh so increasingly rare nap. I was pounding away on work. She was taking her after school, pre-homework break. Many times she prefers to be out in the yard on one of our swings scoring vestibular input and working off pent up social angst. Imagine my surprise when she handed me this sweet little note…</p>
<blockquote><p>Dear mom you are the best cook in the world you cook good things to eat Love…</p></blockquote>
<p>Actually cooking hasn’t been tops on my priority list lately either, but evidently it is suiting her just fine. What’s awesome is that it used to be a struggle to get her to eat just about anything. Picture tomato-based stew tossed willfully to the floor and you’ll have an accurate image of our dinner dynamics…and now I am deemed the best cook in the world. What’s double awesome is writing is still quite a little chore for her, but she decided this was important enough to put it in writing.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I sure hope she’ll remember the good parts most.</p>
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<p>Share what you managed to capture this week. Please spread the comment love around. Thank you.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/category/special-exposure-wednesday/"><img title="specialexposurewednesday" src="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/specialexposurewednesday.jpg" alt="special needs wordless wednesday" width="286" height="255" /></a></p>
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string(57) "Thriving with Autism – An Infographic Worth Looking At."
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string(279) "Autism is on the rise. It’s all over the news, in every book and magazine I read, it is essentially, my life. With a son on the spectrum, it’s even more imperative for me to see WHY it’s on the rise. What can we do to help combat this, or is it simply on the..."
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<p>Autism is on the rise. It’s all over the news, in every book and magazine I read, it is essentially, my life. With a son on the spectrum, it’s even more imperative for me to see WHY it’s on the rise. What can we do to help combat this, or is it simply on the rise because of the added research and case studies that are out there “catching” it more?</p>
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<p>40% of kids with Autism have been bullied at school. This kills me. It is one of the things that I worry about the most with my autistic son and he’s only 4, yet has already experienced this to some degree. My oldest boy used to have a friend, a best friend, who would often come over to play. One day my son stopped inviting him over and I asked what was up. He would make excuses until finally one day he said, “He called Brady stupid and retarded and those things aren’t true so I stopped wanting him around my baby brother.” </p>
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<p>The site <a href="http://www.thrivingwithautism.com/" target="_blank">Thriving with Autism</a> helps families like my own. To read up on the latest news, studies, see products that can help and just chat with others going through the same situations. It’s amazing having all of this knowledge and support right at my finger tips. </p>
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<p>The website <a href="http://www.thrivingwithautism.com/" target="_blank">Thriving with Autism</a> put together this amazing infographic. I’m a visual person, so it definitely helps to “see” what’s going on, vs. reading countless studies. </p>
<p>40% of kids with Autism have been bullied at school. This kills me. It is one of the things that I worry about the most with my autistic son and he’s only 4, yet has already experienced this to some degree. My oldest boy used to have a friend, a best friend, who would often come over to play. One day my son stopped inviting him over and I asked what was up. He would make excuses until finally one day he said, “He called Brady stupid and retarded and those things aren’t true so I stopped wanting him around my baby brother.” </p>
<p>I cannot even begin to tell you how much my heart ached for Brady and how much it swelled for my oldest. To take a stand against a friend like that. Just warmed my heart to know I’m not fighting this battle alone. My family is right there with me. </p>
<p>The site <a href="http://www.thrivingwithautism.com/" target="_blank">Thriving with Autism</a> helps families like my own. To read up on the latest news, studies, see products that can help and just chat with others going through the same situations. It’s amazing having all of this knowledge and support right at my finger tips. </p>
<p>Even if you don’t have a child with Autism, I encourage you to check out the site. Chances are, you know of a family dealing with Autism and the more we all can learn about this rising condition, the more we can help society to stop singling those kids out to be bullied. </p>
<p><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.5minutesforspecialneeds.com%2F12871%2Fthriving-autism-infographic-worth-looking-at%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thrivingwithautism.com%2Fimages%2FAutismfinal.gif&description=Powerful%20Infographic%20on%20%23Autism" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.thrivingwithautism.com/images/Autismfinal.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://www.thrivingwithautism.com/images/Autismfinal.gif" title="Thriving with Autism Infographic" class="alignnone" width="500" height="5088" /></a><br />
<script type="text/javascript" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></p>
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["title"]=>
string(34) "Magic Marker Monday — Art Hug…"
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string(31) "Mon, 07 May 2012 02:43:05 +0000"
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string(325) "“It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” ~Pablo Picasso Welcome to Magic Marker Monday! If you haven’t heard about Magic Marker Monday yet, click here and then hurry right back…     At the end of a very, very long day… I found this little..."
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<p align="center"><em>“<strong>It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”</strong></em></p>
<p align="center"><strong><em>~Pablo Picasso</em></strong></p>
<p>Welcome to <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong>! If you haven’t heard about <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong> yet, <a title="Welcome To Magic Marker Monday" href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/58/magic-marker-monday/" target="_blank">click here</a> and then hurry right back…</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><img src="http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt62/xqtz7984/5MF/mm0512e2.jpg" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>At the end of a very, very long day…</p>
<p>I found this little treasure stuck to the fridge with a heart-shaped magnet.</p>
<p>Sometimes crayons equal hugs.</p>
<p>Any hugs on your fridge this week?</p>
<p align="center">
<p> </p>
<p><img src="http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii305/childslife/Avatars/siggy2copy.png" alt="S2" /></p>
<p align="center"><em>What has your little artist been up to? Link up and share!</em></p>
<p align="center"><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=144021" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
<p>Want the <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong> button code? <a title="Link To Us" href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/link-to-us/" target="_blank">Click Here!</a></p>
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<p align="center"><em>“<strong>It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”</strong></em></p>
<p align="center"><strong><em>~Pablo Picasso</em></strong></p>
<p>Welcome to <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong>! If you haven’t heard about <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong> yet, <a title="Welcome To Magic Marker Monday" href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/58/magic-marker-monday/" target="_blank">click here</a> and then hurry right back…</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><img src="http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt62/xqtz7984/5MF/mm0512e2.jpg" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>At the end of a very, very long day…</p>
<p>I found this little treasure stuck to the fridge with a heart-shaped magnet.</p>
<p>Sometimes crayons equal hugs.</p>
<p>Any hugs on your fridge this week?</p>
<p align="center">
<p> </p>
<p><img src="http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii305/childslife/Avatars/siggy2copy.png" alt="S2" /></p>
<p align="center"><em>What has your little artist been up to? Link up and share!</em></p>
<p align="center"><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=144021" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
<p>Want the <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong> button code? <a title="Link To Us" href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/link-to-us/" target="_blank">Click Here!</a></p>
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[9]=>
array(14) {
["title"]=>
string(18) "How to Save a Life"
["link"]=>
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string(31) "Fri, 04 May 2012 17:00:49 +0000"
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["category"]=>
string(88) "AdoptionAsk the ParentsCerebral PalsyHealth Carebronchopulmonary dysplasiahospiitallungs"
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["description"]=>
string(390) "“And I would have stayed up with you all night…” (The Fray) Funny…my nights are filled with constant coughing. Wet washcloths to the forehead. Pulse oximetry. Puking of mucus. Pedialyte. Medication. Pillows.     My little dude is not doing so hot. His lungs aren’t doing their job very well. There’s Lysol, medications, inhalers, nebulizers,..."
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string(3949) "<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p>“And I would have stayed up with you all night…” (The Fray)</p>
<p>Funny…my nights are filled with constant coughing.</p>
<p>Wet washcloths to the forehead.</p>
<p>Pulse oximetry.</p>
<p>Puking of mucus.</p>
<p>Pedialyte.</p>
<p>Medication.</p>
<p>Pillows.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>My little dude is not doing so hot.</p>
<p>His lungs aren’t doing their job very well.</p>
<p>There’s Lysol, medications, inhalers, nebulizers, steroids, antibiotics… and yet, it’s not all working too well.</p>
<p>When you read this, I am not sure if we’ll be home or at the hospital.</p>
<p>I don’t want to be at the hospital… it scares me.</p>
<p>I don’t want him to go in with one thing and contract something else.</p>
<p>I don’t want to feel like I can’t take care of him.</p>
<p>I don’t want to fight with nurses who treat me like a nobody.</p>
<p>I don’t want to even think that I might lose my child.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This week.</p>
<p>The love.</p>
<p>The conversations.</p>
<p>The hope.</p>
<p>The tears.</p>
<p>The struggle.</p>
<p>The cuddle.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What do you do when you really don’t know how to save a life?</p>
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<p>Funny…my nights are filled with constant coughing.</p>
<p>Wet washcloths to the forehead.</p>
<p>Pulse oximetry.</p>
<p>Puking of mucus.</p>
<p>Pedialyte.</p>
<p>Medication.</p>
<p>Pillows.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>My little dude is not doing so hot.</p>
<p>His lungs aren’t doing their job very well.</p>
<p>There’s Lysol, medications, inhalers, nebulizers, steroids, antibiotics… and yet, it’s not all working too well.</p>
<p>When you read this, I am not sure if we’ll be home or at the hospital.</p>
<p>I don’t want to be at the hospital… it scares me.</p>
<p>I don’t want him to go in with one thing and contract something else.</p>
<p>I don’t want to feel like I can’t take care of him.</p>
<p>I don’t want to fight with nurses who treat me like a nobody.</p>
<p>I don’t want to even think that I might lose my child.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This week.</p>
<p>The love.</p>
<p>The conversations.</p>
<p>The hope.</p>
<p>The tears.</p>
<p>The struggle.</p>
<p>The cuddle.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What do you do when you really don’t know how to save a life?</p>
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string(338) "When Jack was first diagnosed, and we still felt like the world was ending, my husband was devastated. Not because of the diagnosis, but because of what Jack may not ever be able to do—play football, or baseball, or any of those “guy” things. Personally, I believe that deep down, there’s this innate thing that..."
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<p>Last week, I discovered that my local (well, it’s not in my town, but the next town over) recreation department has special needs sports–dancing, cheerleading, swimming, and baseball.</p>
<p>My heart nearly stopped dead.</p>
<p>I cautiously called and inquired.</p>
<p>I listened. I cried. Tears of absolute joy.</p>
<p>Tuesday, Jack had his first special needs swimming lesson. He was less than thrilled, but the instructor was amazing. He gets one on one instruction from someone who truly cares about him…not his disability.</p>
<p>Do you have sports for special needs in your area? Do you love it? If you aren’t already involved, do you want me to help you find something in your area?</p>
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<p> </p>
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<p>Last week, I discovered that my local (well, it’s not in my town, but the next town over) recreation department has special needs sports–dancing, cheerleading, swimming, and baseball.</p>
<p>My heart nearly stopped dead.</p>
<p>I cautiously called and inquired.</p>
<p>I listened. I cried. Tears of absolute joy.</p>
<p>Tuesday, Jack had his first special needs swimming lesson. He was less than thrilled, but the instructor was amazing. He gets one on one instruction from someone who truly cares about him…not his disability.</p>
<p>Do you have sports for special needs in your area? Do you love it? If you aren’t already involved, do you want me to help you find something in your area?</p>
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["description"]=>
string(301) "I am a big believer in social stories. I think they are probably one of the most underutilized tools for all children. My theory is because they require a fair bit of customized attention to detail for the recipient they are eschewed as being too labor intensive. We tend to like things that can be..."
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string(6501) "<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p>I am a big believer in <a title="Social Stories by Carol Gray" href="http://www.thegraycenter.org/social-stories">social stories</a>. I think they are probably one of the most underutilized tools for all children. My theory is because they require a fair bit of customized attention to detail for the recipient they are eschewed as being too labor intensive. We tend to like things that can be reused like hand-me-down clothing. In other words we’re kind of lazy.</p>
<p>I first learned about social stories before the child was officially diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. We were in that scary middle ground when we knew there was a lot more to learn but we had no idea what we were really facing. Many of you have been there. The child was becoming quite aggressive to her peers during this time and we were grasping at straws (literally – she had an obsession with straws, but I digress) to figure out how to help her learn to be kind. One of the things we figured out was a trigger was that she didn’t like celebrating other kids’ birthdays at preschool. She wanted it to be her birthday. Having just learned about social stories I decided to write one about how to celebrate other kids’ birthdays. Long story short – it worked! That trigger was taken care of…of course there were lots of others, and some that we’re still trying to figure out.</p>
<p>Anyway, the other day I was thinking that I need to write a social story for myself. I think I mentioned last week that I’ve been having a harder time, lately, with staying calm when faced with the child’s behavior at home. If social stories work for her then they should work for me, too, right? Here goes:</p>
<blockquote><p><span style="color: #339966;">My name is Mama.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">I live in a house with three noisy and messy children. I am their Mama. I can be a good example to them of how to be calm and kind even when I am angry.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">When I am in a hurry and they do not want to help, I can use my words to ask them nicely. If they will not listen I can count down from five and then kindly help them do what I’m asking them to do. When they start to help me I can say, “Thank You!”</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">When I am in a hurry and they DO want to help, but I don’t want them to, I can use my words to ask them to find something else to do. I can think of something that I DO want them to do to be helpful. When they help me in a way I want them to I can say, “Good work! You’re awesome!”<br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">When the oldest child is talking to me and is pretty much using the words “pretty much” every other word I can pretty much try not to notice and pretty much be a kind and pretty much patient mama and pretty much just listen to the words that aren’t “pretty much.”</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">When there is too much work to do and I am feeling overwhelmed and one of the children comes and needs something even more from me, I can be glad that they are learning to tell me what they need. I can take a deep breath and be happy that I can do things that make them happy. I can remember that there is always too much work but that my children will not always be children.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">I want my children to be happy, and I am the best person to show them how to be happy.</span></p></blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;">Now to read it over and over until it sinks in and begins to change my behavior.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>What would a page from your social story look like?</em></p>
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string(301) "I am a big believer in social stories. I think they are probably one of the most underutilized tools for all children. My theory is because they require a fair bit of customized attention to detail for the recipient they are eschewed as being too labor intensive. We tend to like things that can be..."
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string(6501) "<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p>I am a big believer in <a title="Social Stories by Carol Gray" href="http://www.thegraycenter.org/social-stories">social stories</a>. I think they are probably one of the most underutilized tools for all children. My theory is because they require a fair bit of customized attention to detail for the recipient they are eschewed as being too labor intensive. We tend to like things that can be reused like hand-me-down clothing. In other words we’re kind of lazy.</p>
<p>I first learned about social stories before the child was officially diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. We were in that scary middle ground when we knew there was a lot more to learn but we had no idea what we were really facing. Many of you have been there. The child was becoming quite aggressive to her peers during this time and we were grasping at straws (literally – she had an obsession with straws, but I digress) to figure out how to help her learn to be kind. One of the things we figured out was a trigger was that she didn’t like celebrating other kids’ birthdays at preschool. She wanted it to be her birthday. Having just learned about social stories I decided to write one about how to celebrate other kids’ birthdays. Long story short – it worked! That trigger was taken care of…of course there were lots of others, and some that we’re still trying to figure out.</p>
<p>Anyway, the other day I was thinking that I need to write a social story for myself. I think I mentioned last week that I’ve been having a harder time, lately, with staying calm when faced with the child’s behavior at home. If social stories work for her then they should work for me, too, right? Here goes:</p>
<blockquote><p><span style="color: #339966;">My name is Mama.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">I live in a house with three noisy and messy children. I am their Mama. I can be a good example to them of how to be calm and kind even when I am angry.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">When I am in a hurry and they do not want to help, I can use my words to ask them nicely. If they will not listen I can count down from five and then kindly help them do what I’m asking them to do. When they start to help me I can say, “Thank You!”</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">When I am in a hurry and they DO want to help, but I don’t want them to, I can use my words to ask them to find something else to do. I can think of something that I DO want them to do to be helpful. When they help me in a way I want them to I can say, “Good work! You’re awesome!”<br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">When the oldest child is talking to me and is pretty much using the words “pretty much” every other word I can pretty much try not to notice and pretty much be a kind and pretty much patient mama and pretty much just listen to the words that aren’t “pretty much.”</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">When there is too much work to do and I am feeling overwhelmed and one of the children comes and needs something even more from me, I can be glad that they are learning to tell me what they need. I can take a deep breath and be happy that I can do things that make them happy. I can remember that there is always too much work but that my children will not always be children.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #339966;">I want my children to be happy, and I am the best person to show them how to be happy.</span></p></blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;">Now to read it over and over until it sinks in and begins to change my behavior.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>What would a page from your social story look like?</em></p>
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["title"]=>
string(26) "The ” Good Enough” Mom"
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string(31) "Sun, 13 May 2012 23:49:44 +0000"
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string(18) "Day In And Day Out"
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string(332) "I am about 12 years into motherhood now.. and like lots of Mom’s I know, I still don’t feel like I’m getting it right. Mothering kids with medical issues takes a purposeful amount of focus and attention, the kind that sometimes prevents you from being that cool ” chill” kind of mom..yet still I try..."
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string(5639) "<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p><a href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/12905/good-enough-mom/zoe-3/" rel="attachment wp-att-12909"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12909" title="zoe" src="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/zoe2-192x250.jpg" alt="" width="192" height="250" /></a>I am about 12 years into motherhood now.. and like lots of Mom’s I know, I still don’t feel like I’m getting it right. Mothering kids with medical issues takes a purposeful amount of focus and attention, the kind that sometimes prevents you from being that cool ” chill” kind of mom..yet still I try , and every day I learn.</p>
<p>I have learned that sometimes rolling off the bed as a result of a tickle fight is the kind of good clean fun that all kids need, low muscle tone or not. <span id="more-12905"></span></p>
<p>I have learned that a smiling , happy faced kid, that got that ” 5 more minutes!” in the pool she desperately wanted can help you dismiss and not obsess over-the flushed color of her fatigued face.</p>
<p>I have learned that your sad, crying kid- can break your heart at any age- whether a sick toddler unable to tell you what’s wrong or a frustrated, overtired 10 year old that just can’t verbalize every feeling she feels.</p>
<p>I have learned that your child can inspire you in the every day.. that if a kid who has to work so hard to accomplish the easiest task ( go to school with an overflowing backpack of medicine, snacks, toileting aids, technology super tools, a walker , a power wheelchair and a full time aide) is able to end her day proclaiming <em>” I love my life!”</em> than what do <em>we</em> have to really complain about anyway? Happiness <em>is</em> what you make it.</p>
<p>I have learned that parenting never gets easier, it just changes all the time.</p>
<p>When my youngest daughter Zoe, was 3, I was worried she would never walk, never speak- or learn what she needed to know. I was new at being a special needs kind of mom.</p>
<p>Now, Zoe is almost 10, and I still worry about the way she walks, the way she speaks- and how she learns. I am experienced at being her Mom, but in the back of my head , still think like I am her therapist.</p>
<p>I have learned that when O sometimes cries to me, feeling sad about the extra attention her sister receives, or whatever else I might have done to hurt her feelings- that it is okay to admit that I am not perfect and that I have failed, and that to hold her tight will make things amazingly better.</p>
<p>I have learned that at bedtime, when Zoe curls up against my chest, awkwardly propping her head against me.. that it’s okay not to reach for a pillow to support her tired muscles, that it’s okay to just let her be- and pull her into me.</p>
<p>That just holding her in my arms is .. good enough.</p>
<p> </p>
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string(332) "I am about 12 years into motherhood now.. and like lots of Mom’s I know, I still don’t feel like I’m getting it right. Mothering kids with medical issues takes a purposeful amount of focus and attention, the kind that sometimes prevents you from being that cool ” chill” kind of mom..yet still I try..."
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string(5639) "<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p><a href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/12905/good-enough-mom/zoe-3/" rel="attachment wp-att-12909"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12909" title="zoe" src="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/zoe2-192x250.jpg" alt="" width="192" height="250" /></a>I am about 12 years into motherhood now.. and like lots of Mom’s I know, I still don’t feel like I’m getting it right. Mothering kids with medical issues takes a purposeful amount of focus and attention, the kind that sometimes prevents you from being that cool ” chill” kind of mom..yet still I try , and every day I learn.</p>
<p>I have learned that sometimes rolling off the bed as a result of a tickle fight is the kind of good clean fun that all kids need, low muscle tone or not. <span id="more-12905"></span></p>
<p>I have learned that a smiling , happy faced kid, that got that ” 5 more minutes!” in the pool she desperately wanted can help you dismiss and not obsess over-the flushed color of her fatigued face.</p>
<p>I have learned that your sad, crying kid- can break your heart at any age- whether a sick toddler unable to tell you what’s wrong or a frustrated, overtired 10 year old that just can’t verbalize every feeling she feels.</p>
<p>I have learned that your child can inspire you in the every day.. that if a kid who has to work so hard to accomplish the easiest task ( go to school with an overflowing backpack of medicine, snacks, toileting aids, technology super tools, a walker , a power wheelchair and a full time aide) is able to end her day proclaiming <em>” I love my life!”</em> than what do <em>we</em> have to really complain about anyway? Happiness <em>is</em> what you make it.</p>
<p>I have learned that parenting never gets easier, it just changes all the time.</p>
<p>When my youngest daughter Zoe, was 3, I was worried she would never walk, never speak- or learn what she needed to know. I was new at being a special needs kind of mom.</p>
<p>Now, Zoe is almost 10, and I still worry about the way she walks, the way she speaks- and how she learns. I am experienced at being her Mom, but in the back of my head , still think like I am her therapist.</p>
<p>I have learned that when O sometimes cries to me, feeling sad about the extra attention her sister receives, or whatever else I might have done to hurt her feelings- that it is okay to admit that I am not perfect and that I have failed, and that to hold her tight will make things amazingly better.</p>
<p>I have learned that at bedtime, when Zoe curls up against my chest, awkwardly propping her head against me.. that it’s okay not to reach for a pillow to support her tired muscles, that it’s okay to just let her be- and pull her into me.</p>
<p>That just holding her in my arms is .. good enough.</p>
<p> </p>
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["title"]=>
string(48) "Magic Marker Monday — Mother’s Day Wishes…"
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string(31) "Sun, 13 May 2012 23:00:08 +0000"
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string(59) "Magic Marker MondayWeekly Featuresart by special needs kids"
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["description"]=>
string(350) "“It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” ~Pablo Picasso Welcome to Magic Marker Monday! If you haven’t heard about Magic Marker Monday yet, click here and then hurry right back…     Hope your Mother’s Day was filled with love and all things wonderful… Happy..."
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<p align="center"><em>“<strong>It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”</strong></em></p>
<p align="center"><strong><em>~Pablo Picasso</em></strong></p>
<p>Welcome to <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong>! If you haven’t heard about <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong> yet, <a title="Welcome To Magic Marker Monday" href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/58/magic-marker-monday/" target="_blank">click here</a> and then hurry right back…</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><img src="http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt62/xqtz7984/5MF/mday0512b.jpg" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center">Hope your Mother’s Day was filled with love and all things wonderful…</p>
<p align="center">Happy Mother’s Day everyone!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii305/childslife/Avatars/siggy2copy.png" alt="S2" /></p>
<p align="center"><em>What has your little artist been up to? Link up and share!</em></p>
<p align="center"><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=144895" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
<p>Want the <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong> button code? <a title="Link To Us" href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/link-to-us/" target="_blank">Click Here!</a></p>
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string(350) "“It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” ~Pablo Picasso Welcome to Magic Marker Monday! If you haven’t heard about Magic Marker Monday yet, click here and then hurry right back…     Hope your Mother’s Day was filled with love and all things wonderful… Happy..."
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<p align="center"><em>“<strong>It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”</strong></em></p>
<p align="center"><strong><em>~Pablo Picasso</em></strong></p>
<p>Welcome to <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong>! If you haven’t heard about <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong> yet, <a title="Welcome To Magic Marker Monday" href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/58/magic-marker-monday/" target="_blank">click here</a> and then hurry right back…</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><img src="http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt62/xqtz7984/5MF/mday0512b.jpg" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center">Hope your Mother’s Day was filled with love and all things wonderful…</p>
<p align="center">Happy Mother’s Day everyone!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii305/childslife/Avatars/siggy2copy.png" alt="S2" /></p>
<p align="center"><em>What has your little artist been up to? Link up and share!</em></p>
<p align="center"><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=144895" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
<p>Want the <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong> button code? <a title="Link To Us" href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/link-to-us/" target="_blank">Click Here!</a></p>
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string(299) "This week, I’ve read lots of blog posts and memes about Mother’s Day. Some of them are pretty dead on accurate, and others hurt my heart. Lots of them are about what mother’s really want for Mother’s Day—things like for children to close the doors, pick up socks, and so on. So as I was..."
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<p>This week, I’ve read lots of blog posts and memes about Mother’s Day. Some of them are pretty dead on accurate, and others hurt my heart. Lots of them are about what mother’s really want for Mother’s Day—things like for children to close the doors, pick up socks, and so on.</p>
<p>So as I was sitting here pondering how superficial many of these things were, I started to think about what I would want for Mother’s Day.</p>
<p>(Now, everyone will know my secrets)</p>
<ol>
<li>Health care perks! While I’m lucky enough to have a fairly good rapport with our doctors and specialists, I’d really like to have a punch card. You know, like the stores do. After the 5<sup>th</sup> trip in a month, your visit is free!</li>
<li>A normal sleep-wake cycle. I’ve become this person who survives on 4 hours of sleep per night, but who can’t watch a movie without passing out within the first 3 minutes. I’m not a very fun date.</li>
<li>Speaking of dates—I would love to have dates with my husband more than once every 4 years (which is our current record). I hear they are fun. Apparently, some people, date like once a week. To me, this sounds excessive.</li>
<li>Crispy, Hot French fries. I know this sounds odd, but this is how it works in my world. Ready? I’m up all night with the kid who can’t breathe well. I call the doctor first thing when they open to be told that there are no appointments for the day. However, I can show up and wait to be seen as a walk-in (I’m supposed to be humbled by their grace?) Pack children in car. Wait for 3 hours to be seen, while the sick child coughs enough to throw up 47 times. When the doctor arrives, she is in a panic and sends us to the hospital for a chest x-ray. Wait another 2 hours to be seen. After completion, I, the guilt-ridden mother realize that I have neglected to feed the oldest child, who is looking like she may pass out from low blood sugar at any given moment. I, with the speed and agility of an Olympian, throw one sick child in a car seat, buckle him in, and throw the wheelchair in the trunk (much like a javelin). I speed to the nearest fast food joint, and purchase food. While the oldest child eats as if she has never seen food, I drive home. As I pull in the driveway, the sick child coughs and pukes all over my car. Forgetting that I’m starving, and that I have crispy, hot French fries waiting, I clean the mess, the child, and myself. Only then do I realize I may never eat crispy, hot French fries again.</li>
<li>Stock in Lysol. See above.</li>
<li>DME support. Wouldn’t it be awesome to call and ask for a new wheelchair (since the one being currently used is being outgrown) and not be told that it may take up to 6 months for them to get one to you? That’s like telling a fish to swim in sand because you need to make sure you can find water. Or something like that.</li>
<li>The Whole World to Get Glasses. I think that may be the only way to cure the major problem I have with going out in public. It’s <em>clearly</em> very difficult for people to see me pushing Jack around in a bright blue wheelchair. Just the other day, I was trying to enter a door, and some middle aged, over-cologned, business jerk walked right in front of me, opened the door, and walked in–without holding it for us. So, he just let the door slam right on me and Jack. Please, World, look…think…do good things! For crying out loud, your Mother taught you better than that!</li>
<li>Compassion. I’ve been trying to do this myself more, so I’m imploring you to do the same. When you see a mom who is having a hard time with her child (or pushing a wheelchair), smile at her. Say hello. That moment of “Oh, honey, I SO get it” means more than anything.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>On Mother’s Day, know that my hat is off to YOU. I know the work is hard and the hours are long—but someone very special loves you, and that is worth it all.</p>
<p> </p>
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<p>This week, I’ve read lots of blog posts and memes about Mother’s Day. Some of them are pretty dead on accurate, and others hurt my heart. Lots of them are about what mother’s really want for Mother’s Day—things like for children to close the doors, pick up socks, and so on.</p>
<p>So as I was sitting here pondering how superficial many of these things were, I started to think about what I would want for Mother’s Day.</p>
<p>(Now, everyone will know my secrets)</p>
<ol>
<li>Health care perks! While I’m lucky enough to have a fairly good rapport with our doctors and specialists, I’d really like to have a punch card. You know, like the stores do. After the 5<sup>th</sup> trip in a month, your visit is free!</li>
<li>A normal sleep-wake cycle. I’ve become this person who survives on 4 hours of sleep per night, but who can’t watch a movie without passing out within the first 3 minutes. I’m not a very fun date.</li>
<li>Speaking of dates—I would love to have dates with my husband more than once every 4 years (which is our current record). I hear they are fun. Apparently, some people, date like once a week. To me, this sounds excessive.</li>
<li>Crispy, Hot French fries. I know this sounds odd, but this is how it works in my world. Ready? I’m up all night with the kid who can’t breathe well. I call the doctor first thing when they open to be told that there are no appointments for the day. However, I can show up and wait to be seen as a walk-in (I’m supposed to be humbled by their grace?) Pack children in car. Wait for 3 hours to be seen, while the sick child coughs enough to throw up 47 times. When the doctor arrives, she is in a panic and sends us to the hospital for a chest x-ray. Wait another 2 hours to be seen. After completion, I, the guilt-ridden mother realize that I have neglected to feed the oldest child, who is looking like she may pass out from low blood sugar at any given moment. I, with the speed and agility of an Olympian, throw one sick child in a car seat, buckle him in, and throw the wheelchair in the trunk (much like a javelin). I speed to the nearest fast food joint, and purchase food. While the oldest child eats as if she has never seen food, I drive home. As I pull in the driveway, the sick child coughs and pukes all over my car. Forgetting that I’m starving, and that I have crispy, hot French fries waiting, I clean the mess, the child, and myself. Only then do I realize I may never eat crispy, hot French fries again.</li>
<li>Stock in Lysol. See above.</li>
<li>DME support. Wouldn’t it be awesome to call and ask for a new wheelchair (since the one being currently used is being outgrown) and not be told that it may take up to 6 months for them to get one to you? That’s like telling a fish to swim in sand because you need to make sure you can find water. Or something like that.</li>
<li>The Whole World to Get Glasses. I think that may be the only way to cure the major problem I have with going out in public. It’s <em>clearly</em> very difficult for people to see me pushing Jack around in a bright blue wheelchair. Just the other day, I was trying to enter a door, and some middle aged, over-cologned, business jerk walked right in front of me, opened the door, and walked in–without holding it for us. So, he just let the door slam right on me and Jack. Please, World, look…think…do good things! For crying out loud, your Mother taught you better than that!</li>
<li>Compassion. I’ve been trying to do this myself more, so I’m imploring you to do the same. When you see a mom who is having a hard time with her child (or pushing a wheelchair), smile at her. Say hello. That moment of “Oh, honey, I SO get it” means more than anything.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>On Mother’s Day, know that my hat is off to YOU. I know the work is hard and the hours are long—but someone very special loves you, and that is worth it all.</p>
<p> </p>
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array(14) {
["title"]=>
string(11) "Mommy Boost"
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string(31) "Wed, 09 May 2012 21:00:48 +0000"
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string(143) "What's awesome is that it used to be a struggle to get her to eat just about anything. Picture tomato-based stew tossed willfully to the floor "
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<p> </p>
<p>I feel like I haven’t been doing that great a job for the child lately. She has regressed a bit in her behavior at home, and my reaction has not been what I want it to be. Instead of figuring out a way to support her better I’ve been regressing myself…back to my old ways of getting frustrated and losing my temper. I need to get a grip, and soon.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The other day we were hanging out in our home office while the twins took an oh so increasingly rare nap. I was pounding away on work. She was taking her after school, pre-homework break. Many times she prefers to be out in the yard on one of our swings scoring vestibular input and working off pent up social angst. Imagine my surprise when she handed me this sweet little note…</p>
<blockquote><p>Dear mom you are the best cook in the world you cook good things to eat Love…</p></blockquote>
<p>Actually cooking hasn’t been tops on my priority list lately either, but evidently it is suiting her just fine. What’s awesome is that it used to be a struggle to get her to eat just about anything. Picture tomato-based stew tossed willfully to the floor and you’ll have an accurate image of our dinner dynamics…and now I am deemed the best cook in the world. What’s double awesome is writing is still quite a little chore for her, but she decided this was important enough to put it in writing.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I sure hope she’ll remember the good parts most.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>I feel like I haven’t been doing that great a job for the child lately. She has regressed a bit in her behavior at home, and my reaction has not been what I want it to be. Instead of figuring out a way to support her better I’ve been regressing myself…back to my old ways of getting frustrated and losing my temper. I need to get a grip, and soon.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The other day we were hanging out in our home office while the twins took an oh so increasingly rare nap. I was pounding away on work. She was taking her after school, pre-homework break. Many times she prefers to be out in the yard on one of our swings scoring vestibular input and working off pent up social angst. Imagine my surprise when she handed me this sweet little note…</p>
<blockquote><p>Dear mom you are the best cook in the world you cook good things to eat Love…</p></blockquote>
<p>Actually cooking hasn’t been tops on my priority list lately either, but evidently it is suiting her just fine. What’s awesome is that it used to be a struggle to get her to eat just about anything. Picture tomato-based stew tossed willfully to the floor and you’ll have an accurate image of our dinner dynamics…and now I am deemed the best cook in the world. What’s double awesome is writing is still quite a little chore for her, but she decided this was important enough to put it in writing.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I sure hope she’ll remember the good parts most.</p>
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[6]=>
array(14) {
["title"]=>
string(38) "Special Exposure Wednesday – Popcorn"
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["pubdate"]=>
string(31) "Wed, 09 May 2012 15:43:40 +0000"
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<p><a href="http://www.justwriting.net"><img src="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/PICT0062-550x412.jpg" alt="" title="PICT0062" width="550" height="412" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-12893" /></a></p>
<p>Share what you managed to capture this week. Please spread the comment love around. Thank you.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/category/special-exposure-wednesday/"><img title="specialexposurewednesday" src="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/specialexposurewednesday.jpg" alt="special needs wordless wednesday" width="286" height="255" /></a></p>
<p>Sorry, can’t get the linky to work. Please leave your links in the comments, thanks!</p>
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<p>Share what you managed to capture this week. Please spread the comment love around. Thank you.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/category/special-exposure-wednesday/"><img title="specialexposurewednesday" src="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/specialexposurewednesday.jpg" alt="special needs wordless wednesday" width="286" height="255" /></a></p>
<p>Sorry, can’t get the linky to work. Please leave your links in the comments, thanks!</p>
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["title"]=>
string(57) "Thriving with Autism – An Infographic Worth Looking At."
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string(31) "Mon, 07 May 2012 18:39:11 +0000"
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string(38) "Autism SpectrumConditions and Diseases"
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["description"]=>
string(279) "Autism is on the rise. It’s all over the news, in every book and magazine I read, it is essentially, my life. With a son on the spectrum, it’s even more imperative for me to see WHY it’s on the rise. What can we do to help combat this, or is it simply on the..."
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<p>Autism is on the rise. It’s all over the news, in every book and magazine I read, it is essentially, my life. With a son on the spectrum, it’s even more imperative for me to see WHY it’s on the rise. What can we do to help combat this, or is it simply on the rise because of the added research and case studies that are out there “catching” it more?</p>
<p>The website <a href="http://www.thrivingwithautism.com/" target="_blank">Thriving with Autism</a> put together this amazing infographic. I’m a visual person, so it definitely helps to “see” what’s going on, vs. reading countless studies. </p>
<p>40% of kids with Autism have been bullied at school. This kills me. It is one of the things that I worry about the most with my autistic son and he’s only 4, yet has already experienced this to some degree. My oldest boy used to have a friend, a best friend, who would often come over to play. One day my son stopped inviting him over and I asked what was up. He would make excuses until finally one day he said, “He called Brady stupid and retarded and those things aren’t true so I stopped wanting him around my baby brother.” </p>
<p>I cannot even begin to tell you how much my heart ached for Brady and how much it swelled for my oldest. To take a stand against a friend like that. Just warmed my heart to know I’m not fighting this battle alone. My family is right there with me. </p>
<p>The site <a href="http://www.thrivingwithautism.com/" target="_blank">Thriving with Autism</a> helps families like my own. To read up on the latest news, studies, see products that can help and just chat with others going through the same situations. It’s amazing having all of this knowledge and support right at my finger tips. </p>
<p>Even if you don’t have a child with Autism, I encourage you to check out the site. Chances are, you know of a family dealing with Autism and the more we all can learn about this rising condition, the more we can help society to stop singling those kids out to be bullied. </p>
<p><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.5minutesforspecialneeds.com%2F12871%2Fthriving-autism-infographic-worth-looking-at%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thrivingwithautism.com%2Fimages%2FAutismfinal.gif&description=Powerful%20Infographic%20on%20%23Autism" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.thrivingwithautism.com/images/Autismfinal.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://www.thrivingwithautism.com/images/Autismfinal.gif" title="Thriving with Autism Infographic" class="alignnone" width="500" height="5088" /></a><br />
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string(279) "Autism is on the rise. It’s all over the news, in every book and magazine I read, it is essentially, my life. With a son on the spectrum, it’s even more imperative for me to see WHY it’s on the rise. What can we do to help combat this, or is it simply on the..."
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<p>Autism is on the rise. It’s all over the news, in every book and magazine I read, it is essentially, my life. With a son on the spectrum, it’s even more imperative for me to see WHY it’s on the rise. What can we do to help combat this, or is it simply on the rise because of the added research and case studies that are out there “catching” it more?</p>
<p>The website <a href="http://www.thrivingwithautism.com/" target="_blank">Thriving with Autism</a> put together this amazing infographic. I’m a visual person, so it definitely helps to “see” what’s going on, vs. reading countless studies. </p>
<p>40% of kids with Autism have been bullied at school. This kills me. It is one of the things that I worry about the most with my autistic son and he’s only 4, yet has already experienced this to some degree. My oldest boy used to have a friend, a best friend, who would often come over to play. One day my son stopped inviting him over and I asked what was up. He would make excuses until finally one day he said, “He called Brady stupid and retarded and those things aren’t true so I stopped wanting him around my baby brother.” </p>
<p>I cannot even begin to tell you how much my heart ached for Brady and how much it swelled for my oldest. To take a stand against a friend like that. Just warmed my heart to know I’m not fighting this battle alone. My family is right there with me. </p>
<p>The site <a href="http://www.thrivingwithautism.com/" target="_blank">Thriving with Autism</a> helps families like my own. To read up on the latest news, studies, see products that can help and just chat with others going through the same situations. It’s amazing having all of this knowledge and support right at my finger tips. </p>
<p>Even if you don’t have a child with Autism, I encourage you to check out the site. Chances are, you know of a family dealing with Autism and the more we all can learn about this rising condition, the more we can help society to stop singling those kids out to be bullied. </p>
<p><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.5minutesforspecialneeds.com%2F12871%2Fthriving-autism-infographic-worth-looking-at%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thrivingwithautism.com%2Fimages%2FAutismfinal.gif&description=Powerful%20Infographic%20on%20%23Autism" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></p>
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array(14) {
["title"]=>
string(34) "Magic Marker Monday — Art Hug…"
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["comments"]=>
string(83) "http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/12832/magic-marker-monday-draft-11/#comments"
["pubdate"]=>
string(31) "Mon, 07 May 2012 02:43:05 +0000"
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string(8) "Michelle"
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["category"]=>
string(59) "Magic Marker MondayWeekly Featuresart by special needs kids"
["guid"]=>
string(47) "http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/?p=12832"
["description"]=>
string(325) "“It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” ~Pablo Picasso Welcome to Magic Marker Monday! If you haven’t heard about Magic Marker Monday yet, click here and then hurry right back…     At the end of a very, very long day… I found this little..."
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string(4324) "<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p align="center"><img src="http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii305/childslife/Avatars/magic_marker.jpg" alt="MMM" /></p>
<p align="center"><em>“<strong>It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”</strong></em></p>
<p align="center"><strong><em>~Pablo Picasso</em></strong></p>
<p>Welcome to <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong>! If you haven’t heard about <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong> yet, <a title="Welcome To Magic Marker Monday" href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/58/magic-marker-monday/" target="_blank">click here</a> and then hurry right back…</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><img src="http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt62/xqtz7984/5MF/mm0512e2.jpg" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>At the end of a very, very long day…</p>
<p>I found this little treasure stuck to the fridge with a heart-shaped magnet.</p>
<p>Sometimes crayons equal hugs.</p>
<p>Any hugs on your fridge this week?</p>
<p align="center">
<p> </p>
<p><img src="http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii305/childslife/Avatars/siggy2copy.png" alt="S2" /></p>
<p align="center"><em>What has your little artist been up to? Link up and share!</em></p>
<p align="center"><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=144021" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
<p>Want the <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong> button code? <a title="Link To Us" href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/link-to-us/" target="_blank">Click Here!</a></p>
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string(325) "“It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” ~Pablo Picasso Welcome to Magic Marker Monday! If you haven’t heard about Magic Marker Monday yet, click here and then hurry right back…     At the end of a very, very long day… I found this little..."
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<p align="center"><em>“<strong>It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”</strong></em></p>
<p align="center"><strong><em>~Pablo Picasso</em></strong></p>
<p>Welcome to <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong>! If you haven’t heard about <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong> yet, <a title="Welcome To Magic Marker Monday" href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/58/magic-marker-monday/" target="_blank">click here</a> and then hurry right back…</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><img src="http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt62/xqtz7984/5MF/mm0512e2.jpg" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>At the end of a very, very long day…</p>
<p>I found this little treasure stuck to the fridge with a heart-shaped magnet.</p>
<p>Sometimes crayons equal hugs.</p>
<p>Any hugs on your fridge this week?</p>
<p align="center">
<p> </p>
<p><img src="http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii305/childslife/Avatars/siggy2copy.png" alt="S2" /></p>
<p align="center"><em>What has your little artist been up to? Link up and share!</em></p>
<p align="center"><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=144021" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
<p>Want the <strong>Magic Marker Monday</strong> button code? <a title="Link To Us" href="http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/link-to-us/" target="_blank">Click Here!</a></p>
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string(390) "“And I would have stayed up with you all night…” (The Fray) Funny…my nights are filled with constant coughing. Wet washcloths to the forehead. Pulse oximetry. Puking of mucus. Pedialyte. Medication. Pillows.     My little dude is not doing so hot. His lungs aren’t doing their job very well. There’s Lysol, medications, inhalers, nebulizers,..."
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<p>Funny…my nights are filled with constant coughing.</p>
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<p>Pulse oximetry.</p>
<p>Puking of mucus.</p>
<p>Pedialyte.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>My little dude is not doing so hot.</p>
<p>His lungs aren’t doing their job very well.</p>
<p>There’s Lysol, medications, inhalers, nebulizers, steroids, antibiotics… and yet, it’s not all working too well.</p>
<p>When you read this, I am not sure if we’ll be home or at the hospital.</p>
<p>I don’t want to be at the hospital… it scares me.</p>
<p>I don’t want him to go in with one thing and contract something else.</p>
<p>I don’t want to feel like I can’t take care of him.</p>
<p>I don’t want to fight with nurses who treat me like a nobody.</p>
<p>I don’t want to even think that I might lose my child.</p>
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<p>This week.</p>
<p>The love.</p>
<p>The conversations.</p>
<p>The hope.</p>
<p>The tears.</p>
<p>The struggle.</p>
<p>The cuddle.</p>
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<p>What do you do when you really don’t know how to save a life?</p>
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<p>Pulse oximetry.</p>
<p>Puking of mucus.</p>
<p>Pedialyte.</p>
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<p>My little dude is not doing so hot.</p>
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<p>I don’t want to fight with nurses who treat me like a nobody.</p>
<p>I don’t want to even think that I might lose my child.</p>
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<p>This week.</p>
<p>The love.</p>
<p>The conversations.</p>
<p>The hope.</p>
<p>The tears.</p>
<p>The struggle.</p>
<p>The cuddle.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What do you do when you really don’t know how to save a life?</p>
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string(3676) "<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p>When Jack was first diagnosed, and we still felt like the world was ending, my husband was devastated. Not because of the diagnosis, but because of what Jack may not ever be able to do—play football, or baseball, or any of those “guy” things. Personally, I believe that deep down, there’s this innate thing that guys have–I think they daydream of dirt and sweat and the smell of sweaty socks.</p>
<p>Last week, I discovered that my local (well, it’s not in my town, but the next town over) recreation department has special needs sports–dancing, cheerleading, swimming, and baseball.</p>
<p>My heart nearly stopped dead.</p>
<p>I cautiously called and inquired.</p>
<p>I listened. I cried. Tears of absolute joy.</p>
<p>Tuesday, Jack had his first special needs swimming lesson. He was less than thrilled, but the instructor was amazing. He gets one on one instruction from someone who truly cares about him…not his disability.</p>
<p>Do you have sports for special needs in your area? Do you love it? If you aren’t already involved, do you want me to help you find something in your area?</p>
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