It’s that time of year where kids are excitedly making their Christmas lists (and checking them way more than twice). We can guarantee their biggest wishes can be granted on the shelves of a local Chicago toy store. Shop your neighborhood go-to or venture farther out to discover a new-to-you gem—just don’t forget to stop for a steaming cup of hot cocoa while you’re at it! Or, maybe even a favorite hot dog stand for a super-speedy lunch on the go? Just trust us: you’re going to need sustenance when you start shopping these independently owned toy stores throughout Chicago this season.

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1. Toys et Cetera

Learning and play intertwine at this shop, which is located in the historic neighborhood of Hyde Park. The owners seek out good craftsmanship and clever toy inventors, and the store is big on safe, eco-friendly fun that's also educational and developmentally and culturally sensitive. They've been going strong since 1976, so they have their finger on the pulse of what kids like. 

1502 E. 55th St.
Hyde Park
Online: toysetcetera.com

 

2. Play

This hot spot is full of fun and educational finds, and it has a sweet nostalgic twist. Owner Ann Kienzle has worked in the toy biz for eons and stays on top of the latest innovations. She has a passion for the importance of play in a child's life and has created a well-designed space that inspires awe in all who step into one of Play's four shops, located in Logan Square, Lincoln Park, Andersonville, and the West Loop, its newest storefront.

Various locations throughout Chicago
Online: playtoysandbooks.com

3. Berwyn’s Toys & Trains

Have a wannabe conductor on your hands? This specialty shop is worth the trip. Follow the glowing neon sign to a train lover's dream that has everything from collectibles to Thomas merchandise. Its specialty is O-Gauge electric engines, which were popular in the mid-1900s, from makers like Lionel and Mike's Train House. There's a separate toy room that has LEGO sets, Playmobils, and slot cars.

7025 Ogden Ave.
Berwyn
Online: berwynstoytrains.com

4. Building Blocks Toy Store

Saying this old-fashioned toy store is packed to the brim isn't an exaggeration. Its three locations fill every nook with play-rich, high-quality toys and books. Owner Katherine Nguyen is passionate about supporting small, local companies, so you'll find everything from developmental playthings for babies to science kits that grandparents can't keep their hands off of. Building Blocks is also known for its deep selection of Thomas, Brio, and Chuggington trains, but you'll also discover lesser-known finds. 

3306 N Lincoln Ave.
Lakeview

2071 N Clybourn Ave.
Lincoln Park

2130 W Division St.
Wicker Park
Online: buildinblockstoys.com

5. Geppetto’s Toy Box

Like Pinocchio, children will want no strings to hold them down at this Oak Park treasure. Cut your little ones loose to explore art kits, building blocks, puzzles, developmental diversions, and lots more. The owners of Geppetto's stand behind "slow toys"—back-to-basics playthings that children need time to explore and grow from. To that end, you won't see (or hear!) a lot of flashes, beeps, or electronic brouhaha on the shelves.

730 Lake St.
Oak Park
Online: geppettostoybox.com

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6. Timeless Toys

This Lincoln Square mainstay is what we think Santa's workshop looks like—toys, toys, and more toys everywhere. Also: a big air of whimsy. This sweet shop in the heart of the neighborhood's shopping district has been around since 1993 and is known for championing educational play. Go for games, puzzles, puppets, trikes, dolls, outdoor games, books, and just about anything else your little tinkerer's heart desires. 

4749 N. Lincoln Ave.
Lincoln Square
Online: timelesstoyschicago.com

7. Oakridge Hobbies & Toys

This mom-and-pop creation offers more than 250,000 products via their online store, but they have the best-of-the-best on display in their Lemont showroom. You'll find a sampling of hobby, craft, gift, toy and home & garden decor products offered on their website. They're also well stocked in Tonie figurines for those obsessed with the storytelling device.

15800 New Ave.
Lemont
Online: oakridgestores.com

 

 

 

May 29, 2019 will be a day I remember forever. We had to get up extra early due to river flooding and the possibility of the highway closing. We were afraid we would have to take back roads to get to Children’s for Graham’s Autism Evaluation. Luckily the highway was open so our traveling was very easy.

We arrived super early at the clinic. We sat in the car and watched movies and listened to music waiting for time to go check-in. My feelings were everywhere, I thought I was prepared for what the outcome would be. I mean I was the one who pushed to get Graham tested. For me to get that “official” diagnosis. To have it official for those who doubted my mother instinct. For those who I felt were questioning me or interrogating me. To have it official so I could tell them to shut up. I didn’t think of it as once we had a diagnosis, my son would be “labeled” for life.

We enter the clinic to check in then waited till they called us back. I hear “Graham Mills” and my heart started pounding. They took his measurements, then we followed them to a room with toys and a chair where they would perform his evaluation. He clung to me, terrified. It took so much for them to get the slightest interaction out of him. We were asked question after question. They also looked at his Speech, Occupational, Physical, and Developmental evaluations from his developmental preschool.

As they finished we were taken to an exam room while they calculated the evaluation. We sat and we waited and waited until the psychologist and speech pathologist finally reappeared. Confirming what my maternal instinct was telling me. My son was in fact autistic. They handed us a stack full of handouts. I sat there trying to understand everything they were giving us. I wondered what level he fell on the spectrum? I had heard of levels 1, 2, and 3. What level was my son? They seemed so confused when I asked that question. The only thing they could tell me was the test shows he is severely autistic and is considered nonverbal. They then left the room and we waited for our Developmental Pediatrician to come and speak with us. When she entered the room she handed us even more pamphlets. Also suggesting we sign him up for ABA therapy. It was then time to leave.

As we got to the car all I could do was sit and cry, saying “I wasn’t crazy”. So many family members who we reached out to for support but instead were asked question after question. Asking us why we thought he was autistic or what does the doctor see that leads them to believe he’s on the spectrum.

I then wondered would my child ever become verbal? Would I ever get to hear “I love you mommy”? I was a mess and just ready to get home. I wanted to process everything in the privacy of my own home.

Finally home and as we get inside I thought ok now time to call family and update on what we were informed. But every phone call it was like I was hearing it for the first time, my son was just diagnosed with autism. I then tried to read through the pamphlets given to us full of “resources” to see what else I needed to do. After that, I was done! I put everything away and just cuddled my son.

The next day I got up and started registering for all the websites we were given to “help” us. Requesting the free materials they had to send us. I then called about ABA therapy. They explained he would be put on a waitlist and we would have to wait for a spot to open. It usually takes six months or longer. Once a spot opened they would send a therapist to our house 20-30 hours a week. This would be in addition to attending school Monday through Friday. He was only two! My mind started thinking, when would he just get to be a kid?! When would we have family time just us three? So we decided not to apply for ABA therapy. We just continued with all the services we were already receiving for the time being, taking one day at a time.

This post originally appeared on Guiding Graham’s Way.

I'm a wife and a mom. I have a three year old son. I spend my time advocating for special needs children, bringing awareness and acceptance to all. My son was diagnosed with severe autism at age two. He is my life. 

Lovevery is on nearly every mom-to-be’s baby registry. The stage-based play essential subscription box offers timeless toys perfect for every age (and let’s face it, is adorable).

Now, you don’t have to subscribe to grab the brand’s signature products: just head to Target! Starting today, Lovevery is dropping a new lineup of Playthings exclusively for Target and it’s just as fabulous as shopping from the OG site.


The new collection of Lovevery Playthings is already available in the baby aisle and includes classics like The Play Gym and The Block Set, in addition to Target-only items for children zero to 18 months. The collaboration makes access to the company’s developmental products easier than ever.

Each new product is available for under $25 and comes with access to a Digital Play Guide, expert tutorials, play ideas, activities, developmental tips and stage-based emails. You can shop all the products at participating Target stores and at Target.com. Certain products will only be available in-store, so don’t miss the baby aisle on your next Target run.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Target

 

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Baby’s coos and babbles aren’t just cute: turns out that new research from the University of Würzburg shows just how quickly babies develop vocalization or speech patterns.

Even though your newborn can’t talk, in the first six months of life they’re well on their way to developing lifelong speech skills. According to this new study, during baby’s first half-year, the complexity of their speech melody (also known as prosody) is growing more and more complex.

photo: Cleyder Duque via Pexels

Kathleen Wermke, Professor at the Würzburg University Hospital at the Department of Orthodontics and Head of the Center for Pre-speech Development and Developmental Disorders, explained the research, “Every language is characterized by specific musical elements, which we call prosody.” Wermke continued, “We have found a clear developmental pattern towards more complexity.”

Researchers analyzed more than 67,000 sounds made by 277 babies in their first six months. These sounds included cry vocalizations, cooing, and babbling. The study found that the complexity the melodies in both cry and non-cry vocalizations increased from birth through six months.

There was a brief regression found around ages four to five months. Wermke explained, “During this time, infants expand their repertoire of vocalic utterances to include new components that interact with the overall melodic contour, namely vowel- and consonant-like elements.” The researcher went on to add, “This new developmental period evidently causes a temporary ‘regression’ in melody development to establish vocal development on a higher hierarchical level. Thereafter, the infant begins to intentionally imitate intonation patterns of the surrounding language(s) in consonant-vowel syllable sequences in babbling.”

How can the results of this research help your baby? The new vocal developmental model may contribute to the growing body of communication knowledge and could help scientists to create new therapies for children at risk for some types of language disorders.

—Erica Loop

 

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Ever since video games first came out, parents have been given dire warnings about the effects of letting kids play them. There have been claims that they negatively impact child development and can increase violent behavior.

But is this really true? It depends on the game. While it’s true that your 5-year-old probably shouldn’t be playing Call of Duty, there are lots of kid-appropriate options that can actually be beneficial. Many modern video games designed for kids have a great deal of educational potential and can help children gain new skills.

Now that they’ve been around for a while, we know a lot more about why video games are so attractive to kids and about the potential they have for positive learning, development, and creativity. Here’s why some video games can be a great addition to any child’s learning plan.

The Developmental Benefits of Gaming

There are some great developmental benefits that go along with educational video games. Children can learn how to problem-solve in order to advance within some games while others allow them to express and build their creativity. Many of these games also offer strong and relatable characters who can help children develop important social skills.

The key to unlocking these developmental benefits is to choose your child’s games carefully and to stay involved in their experience. Don’t just choose games for their entertainment value, choose games that will teach kids educational content or help them build their skills and confidence.

Don’t just leave them alone at the computer for hours. To really get the developmental benefits out of the games, ask questions about what they’re doing and praise their effort. Another good interactive option is to play exercise-based video games together to boost mood and brain function and to build the foundations for lifelong fitness as a family.

Video Game Therapy for Kids

While research indicates that letting children play violent video games probably isn’t a good idea, other studies show that there are lots of opportunities for interactive games in helping children not just to develop, but to support their mental health needs as well. Some psychologists are beginning to see the benefits of using video games as a therapy tool. “Gamification,” (using the rules of games for practical applications) they claim, has the potential to help promote well-being and address mental health problems in young people.

The researchers dive into four main benefits that modern video games can provide: cognitive, motivational, emotional, and social. Using video games appropriately in therapy could be a great way to engage kids and cater to their specific needs.

While they acknowledge that there is still more research that needs to be done and more in terms of game design to create appropriate therapy tools, it shows promise. Many mental health professionals are very excited about the emerging use of gamification in counseling.

Video Game Therapy for Children with Learning Disabilities

It can be a challenge to engage with children who have learning disabilities or struggle with social and emotional skills. Some children have communication issues or struggle with basic learning concepts. For these children, sitting down and studying more isn’t always the right option.

Video games can be a great way to engage kids with learning disabilities. These activities are fun and exciting enough to encourage interactive learning and present information in a new way. Children who struggle to retain information might learn better through a game that’s designed for their disability, such as Fast ForWord, which is made specifically to help children with dyslexia learn language and reading skills.

VR Will Change the Way We Teach

During the pandemic, many students found out what it was like to learn virtually. Although we hope students will be able to continue in-person learning now that the pandemic is waning, we might continue to use virtual tools to enhance and change the way we teach children.

VR (virtual reality) is a tool that could really make a difference in students’ lives, especially when paired with video games that help children develop skills and cognitive abilities. Games with VR capabilities have come a long way in the last few years and could be merged with these interactive, educational games designed for kids to enhance interactivity and improve distance learning.

We’ve come a long way from the days when “experts” believed that video games would be society’s downfall. We know better now, and a more balanced view of video games is helping kids learn, grow, and thrive.

Sarah Daren has been a consultant for startups in industries including health and wellness, wearable technology, and education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life, including her position as a yoga instructor and raising her children. Sarah enjoys watching baseball and reading on the beach. 

Photo: Victoria Rosenberg

I’ve thought about writing this out a thousand times.

And I’ve tried to, just about as often. Writing is how I process and share. Over the past few years, reading the stories and experiences of others, whether through blog posts or Instagram captions, has changed my life. I know that sounds dramatic, but so be it. 

At first, in the early days after my son’s diagnosis, I couldn’t write and share because it would make it too real. It wasn’t the endless assessments and specialist appointments and forms to fill out, but seeing my own words, my own experience written out—it was too much. I also struggled with the fact that this is my son’s story. I am a supporting cast member, one who will never be able to understand his daily struggles, the amount of work and effort required to do what others consider simple daily tasks. That this is his story to share when, hopefully, he is one day able to. Who am I to broadcast his diagnosis and daily life to the world?

Who am I? I’m his Mom. His advocate. His haven. The second I saw the positive on the pregnancy test. The first ultrasound where this little bean on the screen was floating around. The first flutter. The first second after the doctor placed him on my chest in the delivery room and I didn’t know what else to say but to introduce myself as his Mommy and tell him how much I absolutely love him. Twenty months later, I sat in the developmental pediatrician’s office, listening to her relay what I had been trying to bring to the attention of everyone for months. Then she spoke the words that confirmed everything I already knew. The first (and likely last) time I hated being proven right.

I told myself over and over again that just because he now had the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder nothing changed. He was still the exact same amazing little boy that he was seconds before the doctor had said the words out loud. We stepped outside and the sky was still blue, people continued along their day and other than the fact that the questions in my heart now had answers and the doubt was replaced by fear, life continued on. Four and a half years later and I’ve remained a spectator to the stories of others. I devour blog posts and articles, Instagram accounts dedicated to the lives of other families going through similar journeys to ours and anything I can find. I crave community and the ability to say, “us too!” but never put myself out there.

Recently in the middle of meltdowns or IEP meetings or while consulting with therapists, when I feel like no one else understands, I’ve come to discover it’s because of me. How could anyone else ever understand us when I don’t share? When I don’t offer my story or my experiences? I’ve only been more than happy to sit back and benefit from those brave families who do share. So while this is his story and I will never, ever even attempt to speak for him, my brave and incredible son, who I am so in awe of every single day, and what it means to be him, it’s also a part of my story.

This is for those Moms who just received their child’s diagnosis and aren’t ready to open up but desperately need to know they aren’t the only ones in the world with this new journey ahead of them. I’m adding my voice to the ring and to let you know you aren’t alone. While our children have endless people entering their lives now in the form of specialists, therapists, teachers, doctors and more, and while the spotlight is rightfully shone on them as they begin to navigate their way through supports and programs with you by their side, the need for a community for us—the caregivers, parents, and siblings—is just as important.

Whether you find that community in your neighborhood, on Instagram or through posts like this one, find it and hold on to it. I won’t end this with one of the trillion things people always feel compelled to say upon learning of a diagnosis, I won’t even say I understand because my son’s Autism is not your child’s Autism. All I’ll say is that you’re not alone because sometimes that’s really all we need to hear. 

This post originally appeared on Itsy Bitsy Balebusta.
Victoria Rosenberg
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I usually go by Mommy, but you can call me Victoria! I have two sons and a daughter and spend my days navigating the adventures of motherhood! With a focus on special needs, I hope to help those who feel alone or overwhelmed, find their village!

Many toddlers have speech delays. But sometimes, a speech delay is a symptom of something bigger—like autism.

Back in the late 1990s when my first-born son, Lucas, was diagnosed with autism, the rate was 1 in 500. Today autism is diagnosed in approximately 1 in 50 children. And 1 in every 6 children in the US is diagnosed with a developmental disorder including autism, ADHD, speech disorders, and learning disabilities.

Symptoms of these developmental disorders can look similar in very young children. So if you’re concerned about delays in a toddler, you are not alone.

Lucas started showing signs of autism shortly after his first birthday and was eventually diagnosed with autism the day before he turned three in 1999.  Since then, I transformed from a confused parent to a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, online course creator, and best-selling author of two books including my latest: Turn Autism Around:  An Action Guide for Parents of Young Children with Early Signs of Autism.

While I can’t diagnose autism, I have extensive training and experience in looking for early signs of autism versus “just” a speech delay in young children. And no matter what the diagnosis is or might be in the future, there is a lot you can do starting today to help catch your child up as much as possible.

Here are some skills and deficits to consider when trying to determine if it might be autism:

Speech Delays
Children with speech delays and those who have a diagnosis of autism have delays with expressive language or talking. For babies, they may not babble and reach their arms up to indicate they want to be held. By 12 or 18 months of age, toddlers might not use words or they might label numbers and letters but not say more functional words such as mama or juice. And for preschoolers, they may not talk in two-and three-word phrases and eventually in sentences.

Receptive Language Delays
Children who are delayed with talking can also be delayed with understanding language or have a receptive language delay. If a child isn’t talking as much as is expected but also doesn’t follow simple directions to touch their head or get their shoes, it’s probably a mixed expressive-receptive language delay which is more concerning to professionals who diagnose autism.

Pointing
I never realized how important pointing was, but it’s a critical gesture. By about 18 months of age, children should be pointing with their index finger for things that they want like juice or a toy and also pointing to get your attention to look in the sky, for example, when an airplane flies overhead.

Play & Imitation 
In addition to looking at pointing and language skills, it’s also important to assess play and imitation skills. Does your child play with a variety of toys or is he focused on one object or toy? Is your child’s play repetitive? For instance, does your child spend a long time stacking blocks, spinning things, or lining up objects over and over? And finally, since young children learn language and play skills through imitation, we need to assess imitation skills. If these imitation skills are delayed or absent, this could be a sign of autism.

The Good News
Regardless if your child is delayed only in expressive language or if he is already diagnosed with severe autism, you as a parent can learn to detect and treat delays and help your child to catch up as much as possible.

In my book, I share the 4-step child-friendly system I’ve developed over the last two decades based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis and Verbal Behavior. My goal is to empower parents to learn proven strategies to help their children talk or talk more, decrease tantrums and improve sleep, eating, and potty training. You can also use the strategies in the book to teach pointing, imitation, play, and social skills.

Now that you know the early warning signs of autism and you also know that a roadmap is available, it’s time to start turning things around for your child. There’s no need to wait, worry, or panic. You have the power to change the trajectory of your child’s life, starting today!

 

Dr. Mary Barbera is a mom to a son with autism and is also a behavior analyst and best-selling author.  In her latest book, Turn Autism Around, Mary teaches parents how to use simple but proven strategies to increase language and decrease tantrums in children with autism or speech delays.

You’re used to dishing out snacks to feed those hungry bellies, but what if those snacks also fed and helped develop your kiddo’s mind at the same time? Cerebelly does just that. They are the first children’s food brand on the market that leverages developmental neuroscience to offer products with brain-supporting nutrients. We’re obsessed with their Smart Bars released last Ocotber and veggie-first pouches, and are eagerly awaiting their newest product: smoothie-inspired pouches. Read on to discover why savvy parents are excited about this new product.

Cerebelly is teaming up once again with Peppa Pig and this time they’re offering smoothie-inspired flavors for their newest product release. The brand tells us that like their original collection, this new product will also be veggie-first (versus fruit-first) to ensure kids are getting all superior ingredients in a delicious and naturally sweet way.

The veggie-first smoothie-inspired pouches will come in three new flavors: celery apple kiwi, purple carrot blueberry and sweet potato peach. Sip them straight from the pouch or serve on a spoon (we personally love mixing the original flavors with greek yogurt for breakfast).

As busy parents, we adore Cerebelly. While we’re not pediatric nutritionists, we’ve tried a lot of different kids snacks and found that Cerebelly’s pouches and smart bars have some of the lowest amounts of sugar we’ve seen. And, they’re delicious to boot (yes, we’ve tried them ourselves!).

We love that their pouches are veggie-first and that the ingredients are specifically tailored to your child’s development. When you sign onto the Cerebelly site, you’ll take a short quiz that asks what milestones your child has reached and then they’ll provide suggestions about what flavor combos are best for your kid at that moment in her brain development. They’re all about providing the right nutrients at the right time.

Find the new collection on cerebelly.com or at Whole Foods markets starting February 16, 2021. Cerebelly will donate 20% of each product run to Baby2Baby.

 

—Erin Lem

photos: Cerebelly

 

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I heard it once said that those of us with special needs children suffer a loss. But when we first hear about our child’s diagnosis, it often at times, stays festered up inside. Keeping us full of denial and not wanting to believe it is true. We aren’t physically suffering a loss. We suffer the loss of a dream we had. We have missed expectations and missed experiences. 

This is not how it was supposed to be. When bringing a child into our family we imagine what their first day of school will look like. Not, will my son ever speak? By this I mean will he be able to verbally communicate what is going on? You look forward to picking your child up on the first day of school and asking them how their day went. For the past few years of my son attending a developmental preschool, that is a question I have been unable to ask him. I have to rely on his classroom teacher to write it down. I have to rely on his therapists to tell me what they worked on in therapy and how well he did or what issues they had. This is not what it looked liked as I dreamed about my child’s future during pregnancy.

You look forward to activities you can do as a family. If we don’t learn to accept that we are suffering a loss and integrate it into our lives, we will just continue to get knocked down over and over. 

Forget about date nights with your significant other because your life turns into revolving around your child. At least for my family, it has. Or worse yet, trying to visit another family or attend holiday celebrations. It’s hard, as much as we try to explain to our family what our son can and cannot handle, they just don’t understand. Is it their fault? Sometimes I feel yes, but then sometimes I remember they don’t live the life I do. They don’t see it on a daily basis to understand what we try to explain. Still, though, more often than not, it saddens me. 

What about a simple trip to the store? Up till a few weeks ago, we hadn’t been to a store as a family in months. The experiences of taking your child to the store to get a toy? I can count on one hand how many times we have been able to attempt this. Most end with my husband taking our son out to the car while I get what is needed.

I feel like, in a way, we don’t just try to meet our child’s needs but also end up trying to meet their wants. 

I grieve the fact that playdates are not something that will probably happen. I joined a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group where we live, trying to socialize. Make fellow mom friends and allowing Graham social interaction with other kids. Unfortunately, it was not anything like what I imagined. I attended one play date which consisted of me chasing Graham around. I didn’t get to interact much with the other moms and it broke my heart to see my son not socialize with other children. All he wanted to do was run. 

Our family outings are rare unless it’s for a doctor’s appointment and then we try to make a day of it. The only day of the week where my husband doesn’t have to go to work, Graham doesn’t go to school, or have therapy is Sundays. I grieve the loss of just our family time, just us three. I struggled with deciding to put Graham in so much therapy at such a young age. I mean who doesn’t want their child to have time to just be a kid? 

We started early intervention services at 18 months old. He started going to a developmental preschool Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. He receives speech, occupational, and for a year he received physical therapy. But when we started having more issues with his behavior from the frustration of not being able to communicate, we had to look into additional therapy. So we applied for home ABA therapy and after a 6-month wait, we now do 20 hrs a week of that as well. 

Did I ever imagine grieving over things lost with raising an autistic son? Of course not, I imagined a life full of outings, conversations, and family gatherings. We don’t just stop or give up. But things look different for us.

This post originally appeared on Guiding Graham’s Way.

I'm a wife and a mom. I have a three year old son. I spend my time advocating for special needs children, bringing awareness and acceptance to all. My son was diagnosed with severe autism at age two. He is my life.