When a child suddenly loses control and starts crying, yelling, or throwing things, it can be hard to tell if they are having a meltdown or a tantrum. Both look similar on the surface, but they come from very different places and need different responses. Knowing how to spot the difference can help you respond in a way that supports your child’s emotional needs and keeps the situation from escalating. I’ve spent a lot of time learning how to recognize these behaviors and stay

School drop-offs and pick-ups can be some of the most challenging moments for parents of neurodivergent children. Many of these kids experience school refusal or strong resistance to going to school. As a parent, you want to respect your child’s feelings and autonomy, but you also worry about setting a pattern where skipping school becomes the default. Mental health days are important, but we need to balance honoring those with encouraging consistent attendance. In this post,

When my son was first diagnosed with autism, I believed that obtaining an Individualized Education Program (IEP) would be straightforward. I hear people saying schools "hand out IEPs like candy." Unfortunately, my experience showed me that the process is far more complex. I want to share what I learned about what an IEP is, how eligibility is determined, and the steps involved in requesting evaluations and meetings. I also want to explain my regrets and how we continue to adv

If you have ever faced rejection from a school for yourself, you know how painful it can be. Now imagine hearing that your 7-year-old son, who learns and experiences the world differently, has been denied admission to schools that might have been a good fit. That pain goes beyond anything I expected. As a family, we find ourselves at a crossroads, trying to decide the best path forward for my son’s education and well-being. Mainstream public school is not an option for him. S

If you are a parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you probably know how repetitive requests can test your patience. Whether it is the same show and episode on repeat, a favorite song playing nonstop during a 45-minute drive, or a toy making the same noise over and over, these patterns can feel overwhelming. Yet, understanding why children with ASD engage in these behaviors and finding ways to cope can transform frustration into moments of connection and joy.

Finding what truly excites a neurodivergent child can change everything. When a child connects deeply with an interest, it opens doors to growth, joy, and confidence. This post explores how identifying and supporting these interests can help neurodivergent kids thrive, using real-life examples to inspire and guide caregivers and educators. Understanding the Power of Interests Neurodivergent children often experience the world differently. Their unique ways of thinking and fee

Sleep challenges affect many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research shows that 50% to 80% of children with ASD experience some form of sleep disorder, ranging from difficulty falling asleep to breathing problems during sleep. Last week, my oldest son, who has ASD, underwent an overnight sleep study in La Crosse. The experience and results opened my eyes to how sleep disorders can impact children with autism and what steps families can take to improve their chi

Parenting a child with special needs is a journey unlike any other. It demands constant attention, quick thinking, and a level of alertness that can feel exhausting. If you’ve ever been told you’re “overprotective” or “too stressed,” you might be experiencing something called hypervigilance. I’m not a helicopter parent—I’m a para 24/7/365. I am always watching, always trying to stay two steps ahead of my kids. This is not a choice; it’s a necessity. Let me share what hypervig

Parenting a child on the autism spectrum brings unique challenges that can put pressure on any marriage. Studies show that couples raising children with special needs, including neurodivergent kids, face higher risks of divorce compared to the general population. While exact percentages vary, research suggests that nearly 30 to 40 percent of marriages involving children with disabilities end in separation, often due to the intense stress and differing approaches to parenting.

Genetic testing can feel like a complex and sometimes overwhelming topic, especially when it comes to neurodivergence. But understanding what genetic testing involves, why it might be helpful, and how the process works can make a big difference. In this post, I want to share our experience with genetic testing, explain why a neurodivergent person might consider it, and highlight the benefits and practical steps involved. What Is Genetic Testing? Genetic testing examines a per

Getting picky eaters to try new foods can feel like an uphill battle. In our house, one of my kids would happily eat popcorn or Goldfish crackers all day if I let her. Over time, I discovered a simple tool that helps make grocery shopping less stressful and encourages her to explore new foods: the choice board shopping list. This approach has transformed how we shop and eat, and I want to share how it works and why it might help your family too. What Is a Choice Board and Why

When I find myself using a lint roller on my Ford Explorer’s carpet, I never expect to be battling horse hairs. Yet, here I am, trying to remove those stubborn strands that cling like no other. This odd situation reminds me of Carl the Collector on PBS. I am lucky enough to have my own Carl the Collector living right in my home. Who Is Carl the Collector? Carl the Collector is an animated series that follows the everyday adventures of Carl, a warm-hearted autistic raccoon who

Family photo days often come with a mix of excitement and stress. We imagine everyone smiling perfectly, standing still, and capturing a moment that will last forever. But sometimes, reality doesn’t match those expectations. Recently, during a family photo session, my oldest child was very uncooperative. He didn’t want to stop playing outside or smile for photos he didn’t care about. That moment reminded me how important it is to prepare better for events that break from our

Finding time for yourself when you have a family can feel impossible. I know this firsthand. After my self-diagnosis of autism, I realized how crucial it is to lean into my natural "type A" skills to create balance. I learned that carving out time for myself is not selfish—it’s necessary. It helps me regulate my nervous system, manage triggers, and show up as the best version of myself for my family. In this post, I want to share practical strategies that have worked for me,

When I first encountered Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), I was aware of its controversial history. ABA has been criticized for promoting ableism—the discrimination or social prejudice against people with disabilities—and encouraging autistic individuals to mask their natural behaviors to fit into a neurotypical world. This masking often leads to stress and loss of authentic self-expression. Yet, as understanding evolves, so do practices. I am fully behind the ABA clinic supp

Advocating for a child with a diagnosis like autism can be one of the most challenging journeys a parent faces, especially when family members question or dismiss the reality of that diagnosis. I never imagined I would have to defend my child's needs within my own family. From older relatives insisting I was overreacting to others who misunderstood autism as only the most severe form, the struggle to be heard and believed has been real. Yet, standing firm in advocacy has made

Watching my daughter take the stage this past weekend was nothing short of magical. It was a moment that felt like a light shining at the end of a long tunnel. Her journey with dance began when she was just three years old, a time filled with challenges that tested our patience and hope. Today, I want to share that story—not just to celebrate her progress, but to offer encouragement to parents of neurodivergent children who might be wondering if the struggle is worth it. Earl

Traveling with neurodivergent children can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with unique challenges. As a parent, I know how frustrating it feels when your child becomes dysregulated in an unfamiliar place. The stress can quickly take over what should be an exciting family trip. Over time, I’ve learned that careful planning and thoughtful preparation make all the difference. Here are practical travel tips that have helped my family enjoy smoother adventures while m

Raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often means facing challenges that many parents don’t experience. One of the most exhausting and constant struggles for me has been managing my kids’ incredible ability to escape. From extra locks on doors to alarms and special car seat attachments, I’ve had to create layers of safety measures just to keep them secure. For a long time, I thought this was normal parenting until I spoke with neurotypical parents and realized

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) affects how the brain interprets sensory information from the environment. For parents like me, whose three children have been diagnosed with this condition, understanding SPD is crucial. It often feels like a starting point, a label that opens the door to discovering deeper neurological differences. If you notice your child reacting strongly to sounds, lights, tastes, or smells, this post will help you recognize the signs, learn ways to supp