When autism diagnosis hits, parents often find themselves in uncharted territory. Irisa Leverette, warrior mom to Darius, felt hopeless and uncertain about her son’s future. In our podcast, Irisa shares her journey of navigating denial and questioning, ‘why our child?’ Start here: be patient with yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek support.
Families thrive when daily routines offer balance and flexibility. To keep your child’s summer days organized, try using the Lil Planner – Visual Schedule app, a free tool that helps create a visual representation of activities and appointments.
When summer camp searches return no results, it’s easy to feel defeated. For families like ours, finding inclusive camps for kids with disabilities is an ongoing challenge. Some summer camps may claim to be ‘inclusive,’ but upon further review, they’re often not prepared for children with higher support needs.
Calming the senses, one room at a time. For autistic children, a sensory-friendly home can be a safe haven, reducing overwhelm and promoting calm. In the living room, try swapping harsh overhead lighting for table lamps or strings of fairy lights, and adding soft throw blankets to encourage cozy snuggling.
Starting small can give your child a big boost in building confidence and independence. Try breaking down daily tasks, like laying the table or packing a snack, into manageable steps. You can also create a visual checklist with pictures or symbols to make it easier for them to understand what’s expected.
Coasting through anxiety, one bridge at a time. Imagine the Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys, its turquoise waters and sunlit skies a calming balm for your frazzled nerves. Find a quiet moment, take a deep breath, and let the serenity wash over you.
Turn your home into a beach day road trip adventure, even without leaving the house. Get excited, just like you would on a real road trip.
When a child loses a sibling, their grief can be misunderstood. But with gentle guidance, they can find comfort. Try listening with your heart, even when you don’t have all the answers. Maintain comforting routines and offer steady reassurance, like Sarah Mayfield recommends in her book ‘This Sure Thing.
Traveling with a child who has a disability that you can’t always see can feel lonely and stressful. But one simple symbol is making a big difference – the Sunflower Lanyard. This discreet signal helps families communicate their extra needs, making outings and travel more inclusive and less overwhelming.
After a child loses a sibling, their grief can feel overwhelming. Grieving can look different, and it’s sometimes unintentionally overlooked. By listening more than fixing and offering steady reassurance, you help your child process their loss and feel emotionally secure.
