How to explain the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center Twin Towers to an 8-year-old with Asperger’s Syndrome is something that has been on my mind for several weeks. I knew that they would be discussing the events, to some extent, in school and Ethan would likely hear his peers talking about it otherwise, too. Comprehending such atrocities is challenging for adults, so I have been very anxious about how this would affect my sweet, smart, impressionable young son with Autism.
Unless he specifically brought up the topic, I chose to wait until the 10th Anniversary to discuss the historical events with Ethan. I didn’t want to inadvertently instill a sense of dread or anxiety in him by bringing it up before he was ready or “needed” to know more. We purposefully didn’t expose Ethan to news footage with videos of the fateful day a decade ago; Ethan has such a visual memory (like so many other individuals with Autism); I have great concern about these images haunting him. As I waited and planned my talking points in my head, I wondered how he would react…

During the big Autism One conference last week in Chicago, an announcement was made regarding the launch of a new American political push – The Canary Party.
The tagline: “Sick and tired of…being sick and tired. We have had enough. It is time to end the corruption that is destroying the health of Americans.”
I was in the room during the announcement and can tell you that there was a visceral buzz of excitement. And throughout the remainder of the conference, the momentum continued to build as attendees purchased yellow “Canary” t-shirts, bags, bumper stickers and other various items.
What is The Canary Party?
You can read more at the website, but as an overview, The Canary Party is “a group of citizens disturbed by the increasingly failing health of those in our society.” Their position is that it is “time to stop asking the medical establishment to pay attention to the epidemic of illness, and demand that they do, or replace them” with professionals who will.

The Christmas tree is such a meaningful symbol during the holiday season and creates so many special traditions and memories between family and friends. What do we do when our curious children become adventurous and want to explore what may not be the safest “toy” for them? Here are a couple ideas to promote a safe, kid-friendly tree this holiday season:
-Child-friendly ornaments: You can find safe, yet beautiful ornaments made from soft or smooth and non-breakable materials such as cotton and plastic. You want ornaments that can be handled, rolled, thrown, dropped, squeezed, stepped on and placed in the mouth! If you have sentimental ornaments that you still want to enjoy, display them somewhere within the house that is completely out of reach or behind a locked cabinet or case. You could also loan them to a close family member or friend. The family member or friend can decorate their tree with your special ornaments and when you visit, there they are for you to enjoy.

Beep Beep Beep.
Security Breached.
Mason has never been what many autism parents refer to as “a runner”. He tends to keep close to Rashele and I most of the time. As of late though, he’s had a growing curiosity with the flowers he and his siblings recently planted in the pots that reside on our front porch. His desire to water and observe them daily is a requirement.
Much to our dismay we recently discovered that Mason can now unlock both deadbolts on our front door and make a getaway.

Check this out! Here is a tent that zips over a twin bed to help ensure safety at night...looks cool!
Go to
www.myreadysetbloom.com and find the nickel bed tent.

Throughout our life we all create safe places where we can go and get ourselves reorganized when our world is shaken or turned upside down. Sometimes these places are imaginary (what we call a “happy place”) and sometimes they are physical places such as our bedroom or any other place that has certain characteristics (quiet or loud, dark or bright, small or big – whatever works for each and every one of us).

We are moving in 23 days. After a year of searching, we found a home that will work for my family. Every home considered for the past 12 months has had to pass a rigorous test to be considered, and the one we are buying comes the closest to meeting every requirement.