It is difficult at times to take a breath and say it could be so much worse but truly it can.  There are so many others that would wish for what we had but there are times it is easy to step into self pity.  Wishing and hoping for something more instead of embracing what we have and what...
When Vince was around six years old, we were having a conversation with him about what he wanted to be when he grew up.  He wasn't able to tell us what occupation he wanted to be however he quickly said he wanted to be a daddy.  We told him we thought that was wonderful and asked him what type...
Coming to grips with your child having a diagnosis is a process. The biggest hurdle for me was understanding that he did not have the "big, red, shiny, bow."  I use this example many times when talking with teachers, parents, friends, and family members.  I am the first to admit my child is the most amazing and exceptional child...

Adventures of Isabella

Isabella (Izzy) is Dominic's therapy dog.  At times, I wonder if she is more a therapy dog for me or Vincent.  She has been a wonderful addition however the past nine months have not been easy.  It has been quite the adventure. We received Izzy in December 2016 and we immediately fell in love with her.  She quickly minimized Dominic's...
No matter if you have a child with special needs or a "typical" child, we all dread a meltdown.  Especially when they are full blown and in public or around people that don't quite understand what is happening.  Below are tips on how to support a friend or family member during the time their child is having a meltdown. ...
Dear Teacher We Love, We know you realize how important you are to our family but we are not sure you will ever truly know.  You were the first teacher to see our son the way we do.  At times, you see him even better than us.  You have this unconditional love for him and refuse to give up.  You...
Our son has become very smart and manipulative at baseball games.  When his brother has a baseball game, we always pack Dominic a snack bag.  This typically will be his lunch or dinner since the games are usually around those times.  He is very routine on this and he enjoys watching his brother play as long as he has...
A dear friend of mine was talking to me about an upcoming doctor's appointment for her son who has autism.  She was taking him to a new doctor and she was telling me about some of the steps she follows when she sees a new doctor for her son.  Below are a few tips she gave and some that...
Our first visit to Disney we decided to go to the Visa Cardholder Photo Meet and Greet in Epcot.  It was our first time visiting and we were still new to some of the aspects to the parks and protocols.  When we first made it to the line, we noticed that there was no way Dominic would be able...
The holidays are the season of giving and family but at times can also cause stress and mourning.   Through the years, there were times we mourned the fact of what the holidays should look like in the eyes of everyone else.  At times, we forced normalcy in the life that is quite frankly not that.  It maybe our normal...