ML Interest Tag: spectrum

8 Fun Facts About Kids Born in April You Might Not Know

by Kipp Jarecke-Cheng

People born in April are either Aries or Taurus

For those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, April is a happy month of beginnings: the start of springtime and the restarting of the zodiac cycle, which begins with Aries. For those with an April birthday, longer days and the renewal of seasons have imbued April babies with bubbly personalities and positive outlooks. Here are some other fun facts (like what’s April’s birthstone) and traits of people born in April, the fourth of the year.

They’re born in the middle of the pack

April babies are usually neither the youngest nor the oldest students in their class, neatly fitting in the middle of the school calendar. A study from the University of Exeter found that first-time moms were more likely to attempt to plan their delivery dates for the spring. 

Aries are natural-born leaders

If you know someone born under the sign of Aries, (March 21 – April 19) you’ll know that thanks to their ambitious and tenacious natures, people born in April tend to be leaders. They can be innately stubborn and bossy—a potent combination (when used right) that can lead to people born in April to achieving their goals.

April’s birthstone is one the rarest of all—the diamond

When worn, the diamond is thought to increase the wearer’s inner strength. One of the hardest materials on the planet, April’s birthstone is also the symbol of eternal love and is one of the most popular gems to give as a gift. In the middle ages, the diamond was thought to have healing powers.

Your BFF is probably born in April

Passionate and caring, those born in under the sign of Taurus (April 20 – May 20) are steadfast, making loyal and generous friends. But be forewarned: April babies can be chatterboxes who love attention and can sometimes want to hog the spotlight.

People born in April can be emotional

Aries babies are known to be passionate, fiery, and impatient, which means they tend to wear their emotions on their sleeves. The good news is, this makes them wonderful friends because they bring all that passion to every relationship in life.

April babies are fearless risk-takers

Aries is the most fearless sign of them all. This means there’s a good chance your baby born in April will be enthusiastic about everything they do and be unafraid of taking risks. That’s great news if you’re a parent who doesn’t like to stay still because April babies are feisty and possess seemingly boundless energy.

People born in April are hard workers and love routine

Those who are born under the sign of Taurus tend to be hard workers—they’re not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get the job done, already. They’re also a huge fan of consistency, so don’t be surprised if your April baby thrives on a routine (aka, don’t EVER skip the nap).

They share their birthday month with these celebrities born in April

Plenty of famous people have April birthdays, including Michael Fassbender, Pedro Pascal, Robert Downey Jr., Natasha Lyonne, Pharrell Williams, Elle Fanning, Samira Wiley, Chance the Rapper, Jennifer Garner, and Tim Curry. Notable (fictional) characters born in April include animated smart-aleck Bart Simpson (born April 1, 1979) and heavyweight boxer Rocky Balboa (born April 6, 1946).

Related: The Parent/Child Astrology Compatibility Chart

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8 Easy Ways to Save on a Disney Trip This Year

by Melissa Heckscher

You might not need that Park Hopper pass after all

A Disney vacation may be on the top of many families’ bucket lists: But let’s face it: The “Happiest Place on Earth” is also pretty pricey.  Hold on to your mouse ears! There are a few tips and tricks that might make your Disney family vacation a little easier on your wallet. From taking advantage of “non-peak” days to saving on snacks and merchandise, here are the best ways to save at Disneyland and Disney World.

Disney Parks

Disney Savings Tip 1: Use Gift Cards to Save Money

Retailers like Costco, Best Buy, and Sam’s Club sell Disney gift cards at a discount. Deals vary, but you may be able to buy a $50 gift card for $45. Target’s Red Card gives customers 5% off of all purchases, including gift cards. Although these discounts may seem modest ($18 off a $360 3-day park-hopper at Disneyland, for instance), the saving can add up (that would mean a $72 discount for a family of four).

Be aware that many retailers limit the number of cards you can buy in a single transaction, so it pays to plan and purchase gift cards one at a time as soon as you decide to go to Disney.

Related: The Secret Target Hack That Gives Shoppers a Disney Discount

ShopDisney

Disney Savings Tip 2: Get a Disney Credit Card

Getting a Disney credit card means every dollar you spend will earn you Disney Reward Dollars to spend at Disney World and Disneyland. Cardholders also receive discounts between 10%-20% on merchandise, food, and tours. As a bonus, you can flash your card for access to exclusive photo spots around the park.

 

Melissa Heckscher

 

Disney Savings Tip 3: Buy Merchandise Beforehand

When you’ve got a gaggle of kids begging “Pleeeeeeeaase” for every doll, toy, and knickknack they see at a Disney park, it’s easy to end up with a stroller-full of stuff (and an empty wallet) by day’s end. But you can cut your kid off at the pass! Plan ahead by buying the things your kids will want… before they even know they want them. This merchandise pack from Amazon, for instance, has all the Disney park basics.  Here are some shopping tips to help you save:

  • Check the special offers section at the Disney Store online to save up to 50% on authentic Disney merch. Just visit Shopdisney.com and click on the “Sale” section to find items for way cheaper than you’ll find them in the park.
  • Buy your mouse ears on Etsy! According to DisneyFoodBlog, Disney Minnie ears now cost a whopping $39,99 inside the park! Save yourself the cash and buy your ears beforehand. Etsy has an amazing selection, with everything from sparkly ears to basic black, with prices as low as about $7 per headband.
  • Buy Disney duds at Walmart. From Frozen PJs to Star Wars sweatshirts, Walmart carries a big stock of Disney clothing and merchandise at prices way lower than you’ll find at the parks or the Disney store. Keep in mind: According to KrazyCouponLady, these items are made specifically for Walmart and may be lower quality than what you’d find at official Disney locations (but who cares if you’re only using them for a few park days).
  • Buy Disney costumes from JCPenney. With daily deals that slash prices in half, JCPenney has a wide array of authentic Disney Collection costumes, with most costumes selling for half-off, at $25.
  • If you’re headed for Disney World, go to the Character Warehouse Outlet store first. This is where Disney sends all of its merchandise after its first run—and it’s where you can find prices up to 80% less than what you’d see in the parks! The store sells everything from clothing and high-end Disney purses to toys, dolls, and those light-up bubble wands every Disney-bound toddler wants by night’s end.
  • In a pinch, you can get deliveries from places like Amazon and Target to your hotel. You may be able to find souvenirs for less and get them overnight.

 

Tripper Heckscher

 

Disney Savings Tip 4: Be Smart About Food

Those adorable Disney treats may be irresistible once you’ve got a few hungry little bellies inside any Disney park! Our advice: Pack your actual meals (Disney allows outside food into the park), and leave your spare cash for special treats like the mouse-shaped chocolate popsicles or caramel-covered apples that your kids really want. Note: There are some restrictions on what you can bring into the park, so be sure to review them before you go. Some other tips to save on munchies:

  • Eat breakfast in your room before you leave for the park. If your room has a small refrigerator, you can have a filling breakfast with bagels and spreads, cereal, and fruit. (Don’t forget to bring utensils or snag some from the park)
  • Bring a water bottle, and fill it up for free around the park. If you want to carry a water bottle around, you can get cups of water for free at food and beverage stands, although they tend to be small.
  • Skip the character meals (unless that’s a must for your family). Meals with Disney characters are magical, but not necessary to have a great trip. Stick to quick-service meals instead of sit-down feasts, and you will save a ton while still eating well. Some quick-service meals are large enough to share, especially with young children, so eyeball the portion sizes before ordering too much. If you absolutely must dine with the Disney characters, choose breakfast over lunch or dinner; it’s less expensive, according to this Disney blogger.

Related: All the Disney Recipes You Need to Make Magic at Home

Taylor Gregory/ Unsplash

Disney Savings Tip 5: Buy Your Park Tickets Right

Disney park prices fluctuate throughout the year, with holidays and school vacations usually meaning higher ticket prices. To keep those exorbitant prices at bay, plan your trip accordingly by following these tips:

  • Go off-peak.  Tickets at Disneyland, for instance, range from $104 to $179—depending on what day you choose to book (Spring Break and Winter Break are the most expensive times). If you are flexible about your vacation plans, you can save hundreds of dollars just by booking a trip during September vs. August.
  • Skip the “Park Hopper” pass. It may be tempting to buy a Park Hopper so that you can visit more than one park in a day. However, there is so much to do in each park this isn’t necessary to have a good time, especially if you’re there for more than one day (if you buy a three-day 1-park per day pass, you can alternate which park you want to visit each day).
  • Use (reputable) ticket sellers to get discounts. Pricing fluctuates, but there are discounts to be found through retailers like Get Away Today for Disneyland and Undercover Tourist for Disney World. Remember, if something looks too good to be true it probably is—so make sure you purchase tickets through an authorized retailer (NOT Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or some tantalizing website that looks too good to be true). There may also be discounts for certain groups, including members of the military, Florida residents, Southern California residents, and Disney Vacation Club members. Dig around a little to see if you qualify before buying.
  • Consider an annual pass. For frequent visitors, getting an annual pass may pay for itself. Not only will you get park admission, but you’ll get discounts on food, merchandise, and parking. You’ll also get access to exclusive merchandise and even some freebies. Unfortunately, annual passes no longer cover admission to both Disneyland and Disney World, even at the top tier, so you will need to choose which park you prefer to visit upfront. NOTE: Annual pass sales are currently paused at Disney World—and only the top tier of passes are available at Disneyland—but this may change, so keep checking the website to try to snag a pass. 
Snap/ Disney

 

Disney Savings Tip 6: Consider your Add-Ons Carefully

For some, photos are priceless and the value of a Disney PhotoPass or Memory Maker is well worth the investment. For those who don’t mind cell phone snaps or not being in every picture, it’s a better idea to save your money and spend it on something more meaningful for your family. Similarly, a Genie+ Lightning Lane pass will save you hours in line—but may not be necessary if you’re visiting during off-peak times.

Related: Everything You Need to Know about Disney’s New Genie Service

airbnb

Disney Savings Tip 7: Save on Hotel Rooms

If your Disney trip includes some overnights, you’ll be needing a place to stay. With costs ranging from about $200 to $600+ per night (with some rooms going well above $2,000 per night), your sleepover costs certainly add up. Here are some tips for saving while you slumber:

  • Choose a Disney “Value” hotel if you want to stay on-site. There is no denying staying at an on-site hotel that keeps you in the “Disney Bubble” throughout your trip adds to the magic (and saves you money in parking!). If this is a priority, be sure to look at the budget hotels, including the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, which has cabins as well as campsites that can accommodate tents and RVs. At Disneyland, the Paradise Pier Hotel is a more affordable way to stay on property while not paying premium fees.
  • If you do stay at a Disney hotel, try to make the most of your stay by taking advantage of perks, like adding a discount dining card onto your package if eligible. Disney hotels also offer transportation to the parks, which helps save on parking fees. You can also take advantage of hotels that offer unique experiences, such as views of nightly fireworks.
  • Save money by staying off-site. There are plenty of hotels and Airbnbs close to Disney World and Disneyland (like this Mickey Mouse-themed condo in Kissimmee!). Many guests prefer this option, as these spots have more space and some offer amenities like full kitchens.
  • Stay at a hotel with a free shuttle to the park. Don’t lose the money you saved by staying off-site on parking fees ($30 per day at Disneyland and $25 at Disney World). Instead, choose a hotel that offers free shuttles. These include the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress and the Best Western Orlando Gateway—or the Sheraton Park Hotel and the Desert Inn and Suites near Disneyland.

Related: If You’re Going to Disney World, a Good Neighbor Hotel is a Lifesaver

David Roark, Walt Disney World Resort

 

Disney Savings Tip 8: Plan for “Free” Time

Got a few days to spare? You can have a magical Disney vacation without spending every day in the parks. This can help you save a bundle. Check out free and low-cost activities near Disney World and Disneyland. Disney Springs in Orlando is run by Disney and is free to visit. While there are no rides, just walking around keeps you in the Disney bubble without paying for an additional day of park admission. In Anaheim, take a beach day for an inexpensive change of pace without losing those vacation vibes. You can also plan on spending a day just relaxing by the hotel pool in either location.

Related: Things to Do With Kids in Orange County

Pro Tip: Want a free ride without stepping foot into a Disney park? According to Parksavers.com, neither the Disney Monorail nor the Disney Skyliner (the massive aerial gondola that zips between hotels) requires a ticket to ride! Both offer a birds-eye view and enough of a thrill to keep kids giggling and grown-ups hanging on tight. If you time it right, you can even be on board when the Epcot fireworks go off!

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The Day the Tables Turned

By Jordan Lamping

Five years ago I became a teacher; five years ago I also became the mother to a son in heaven. On August 12th, 2016, I came home from my first new teacher workday. It was exhilarating and exciting, and for the first time in a long time, I knew I was exactly where I should be. I had no idea that a few short hours later, I’d find myself in the hospital in preterm labor with our first child. That same day, we lost our son Jaxon at only 21 weeks.

I found myself wondering how on earth I was going to go back into that classroom and teach a room full of 28 kids when I had just lost my own. Nevertheless, I did it only four short days later. And now, looking back, I know that that choice completely changed my life. I knew that was exactly where I was meant to be.

Fast forward to April 2, 2017, I found myself in the same space. In preterm labor, this time with twin boys. That day, we lost our boys Everett and Bryant. Again, nearly immediately after, I threw myself back into my work. Now here we were, struggling with what to do next. We wanted to be parents more than anything, and we knew we had so much love to give. So in January 2018, after 7 long months of bed rest, we welcomed our angel on earth, Maddox. And we were smitten.

Being a teacher is often a double-edged sword. You’re educated on child development just enough to be hypercritical of not only your work but also the work within your own home, with your own kids. Maddox was a spitfire from the day he was born. So independent, but so kind-hearted and eager to explore the world. I can also tell you down to the minute when I realized that something wasn’t right.

I was sitting in the viewing area at his very first swim lesson. I had convinced my husband to get in the pool with him (more like I lost at rock, paper, scissors), so I struck up a conversation with the mom sitting next to me. Her daughter was in Maddox’s class, and we had discovered that they were only a few days apart. Maddox nearly doubled her in size, but she had something Maddox didn’t; eye contact, pointing, talking to her mom, waving, blowing kisses. She had effortless interaction, and meaningful engagement. There we sat behind the glass, her receiving waves and kisses, and me desperately trying to have Maddox even look at me.

That’s when I knew.

We are blessed with the most incredible pediatrician, turned family friend, and within minutes of this realization, I had sent her a text message.

“I think Maddox has autism.”

Although no one around me was on board at the time, they supported me, and they listened, and I could never put into words how grateful I am for that.

The following month, Maddox turned 18 months old. We had speech evaluations, occupational therapy evaluations, and physical therapy evaluations. It was determined that my 18-month-old was currently communicating at the level of a 3-to-6-month-old. His repetition had also worried them to the point of needing weekly occupational therapy sessions, as well as speech.

The next few months were a blur, I never stopped. I googled, I tried finding Facebook groups, anything I could do to find even a glimmer of hope. And that’s where this journey of autism becomes lonely. Before this, I had no idea how broad this spectrum truly is. No two journeys are the same, and there is no one-size-fits-all description.

This past winter, we had Maddox’s first preschool evaluation to have his IEP written. Even though I had gone through the diagnosis and all the therapies, and all of the sleepless nights I spent worrying, this was the hardest for me.

For the first time, I was on the other side of the table.

I suddenly found myself trying to flip the switch from teacher to mom. I wasn’t advocating for accommodations for my students anymore, I was doing it for my own child. And although I had always had the greatest empathy for the parents of my IEP students, this was different. Now, we had something even greater in common. In that moment, I came to understand them better than ever. I understood why they were so passionate, sometimes to a fault, about making their child’s educational experience the best it could possibly be.

I can’t tell you how scary it is to send your 3-year old into a building with adults that you don’t know and who don’t know you. But I can tell you that it’s even scarier when your child can’t talk to you about their day, and they can’t communicate with you in the same way that typically occurs at their age.

Maddox’s diagnosis may have turned our world upside down, but now we fight every single day to turn the world right-side-up for him.

And although I had grown used to being the teacher at that table, I was now fighting to become comfortable and aware of my new place, on the other side of the table.

 

This post originally appeared on Finding Cooper’s Voice.

My name is Jordan Lamping and I am the mother of an amazing three year old son named Maddox, who was diagnosed with autism just over a year ago. I'm also a teacher, and the creator of The Other Side of the Table blog. 

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Whether We Want to Believe or Not, Words Have Power

By Marisa McLeod

 

Words. They matter.

I spent the better part of my post-high school academic career studying the written and spoken word and how those words matter.

I also have three children who struggled to find their voices. They have worked through intensive speech therapy to be able to find and use words.

The power of a word is not lost on me.

I teach my kids to think before they speak. Is it kind? Is it truthful? Is it necessary? If they can’t answer all of those questions with a yes then maybe they should think about saying whatever it is before they do.

This is why it bothers me so much when people say, “They are only words.”

Words have power.

The way we talk to people isn’t a reflection of them as much as it is a reflection of ourselves. The way we talk to and about our children becomes their inner voice.

I’ve had this on my mind a lot for a few months now. It seems like in our current culture it has become a social norm to be a “keyboard warrior” online and to excuse really, really awful behavior because “they are only words.”

I really got to thinking about this last night after what turned into a heated social media discussion, if we can call it that, with someone I respected. I generally try not to engage and avoid hot button issues—especially when I know the other parties aren’t particularly receptive to different points of view. I know it was 100% it was my fault for kicking the proverbial bee’s nest, but it was most certainly not a respectful discussion on either side. I am not too proud to admit it wasn’t a good look for either of us.

Follow me as I dig a little deeper.

It isn’t just the written word that matters. It isn’t just what we see each other write online that matters. It’s true that social media has empowered a lot of us to say things that we wouldn’t necessarily say to someone’s face and we should think before we type, but we also need to think before we speak.

The power of a word.

There have been moments in my life where words have been really influential on me: The words contained in the acceptance letter to my dream college. My husband asking me to marry him. My Grandmother’s marriage advice. My Dad’s wedding toast to my husband and me. The first time my children told me they loved me. Any time someone told me “You can’t.”

I also can think of moments where words didn’t just have an impact on me, but also on my view of the world or someone in it.

Once, after the birth of a new baby, some relatives came to visit and meet him. One of them had been wanting a baby of her own and working their way through the options. She mentioned how she was slightly discouraged because another family they knew had received another foster placement while she was still longing for her first. Her husband responded with a remark about how that child had autism and that family was able to get another child because they were willing to “take whatever garbage was thrown at them.”

Now, it was a passing conversation and the people involved probably don’t remember it, but I do. Six months later as my oldest son received an autism diagnosis, it resurfaced in my mind. It took up space and it lives there. Every interaction this person has with my child, his words come to mind.

A few summers back a new family moved into our neighborhood. My girls were thrilled to have more kids their age to play with. It was great at first. They played frequently and I was all for it until I started to hear the way these children were speaking. They were being mean to my girls and thinking they were funny.

Their words weren’t welcome and it was tough to navigate, but my girls learned they needed to speak up for themselves, but also to believe in themselves and they were worthy and capable of great things.

Around the time of my first son’s ASD diagnosis I reached out to the few mamas I knew with children on the spectrum. I was lost and looking for guidance. Out of them, most were encouraging, offered support, and gave some advice. One, however, told me to get over it and not make it about myself. She had nothing to offer and I would figure it out just as she had.

That stung and put a wall in our friendship. I often think about her words when I am sharing my perspective on our life with the spectrum. I hope should another mama ever come to me looking for a lifeline as I had been that I remember her counsel and offer better.

These are only a few examples of the power of words, but they were impactful enough to bear mention. They were said in passing and have an echo that remains.

Lately, this world doesn’t seem built for kindness. To have a soft heart or to admit your hurt almost instantly is met with more insult or a suggestion to “toughen up.” I don’t agree with that, but I am also not saying that we should all walk around in bubble wrap with fragile egos and tiptoe around people. But maybe, speak less and think more before you do.

Is it kind? Is it truthful? Is it necessary? If our answer is no to any of these questions, then maybe we need to rethink our words.

The old childhood rhyme “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” comes to mind. Maybe words can’t break a bone or cause visible damage, but words do in fact matter. Words can break and words can damage.

Words have power.

It’s up to you whether or not you use your words for good.

Choose your words wisely.

 

This post originally appeared on How Many Monkeys Are Jumping On the Bed?.

Marisa McLeod lives in Waterville, Ohio, with her husband and four kids. She's a Golden Girls, Disney, and organizational junkie. She can usually be found sipping coffee (or wine), watching reality television, or Pinterest-dreaming her next adventure. You can follow along with her on her blog How Many Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, Facebook, or on Instagram.

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5 Things I Wish I Had Known about Life with Autism

By Marisa McLeod

Autism Spectrum Disorder became a constant companion in our life one April day a few years back. I think back to that day and realize how naive I was and how unprepared for the journey I was. I wish I could go back to myself on that day with my tear-filled eyes and fill myself in on a little of what I’ve learned so far.

1. It is going to be OKAY.
It will be okay…whatever your version of okay looks like. It may be filled with therapies and mountains to climb and hard at times or it may be smoother with fewer interventions needed. However it looks, you will adapt and you will learn and you will grow. And you will be okay.

We’ve managed to find our stride and what works for us. And is it how I originally pictured life? No. But it is okay and we’re doing alright.

2. Self, please know that your child has not changed.
The world might look and feel a little different right now and that is okay, but your baby is still your baby. Both of my boys are on the spectrum and both of my boys are still the same happy, loving, and adventurous boys they were before a doctor ever uttered the diagnosis that felt like it changed everything. It really took me a minute or two to get that through my head, but it was a valuable lesson to grasp.

3. My child has autism, but it does not define him.
Autism is a part of my boys. It is simply one facet that makes up their whole. It doesn’t define them. They have autism. Autism does not have them. They are smart because they are smart. They are funny because they are funny. They are kind, loving, and stars in my universe because they are them and not because of or in spite of any diagnosis.

4. If you have met one person on the spectrum, you have truly only met one person on the spectrum.
Yes, there are some shared characteristics. Yes, there are common ways in which autism manifests itself in people. But, just like you or me or the person next door, all people on the spectrum are unique too. My two boys are very different and their autism looks very different as well. They are unique. Just because your cousin’s neighbor’s sister’s friend has a child with autism doesn’t mean you know my child or what they need.

5. Subject Matter Expert: My Kids
Just because I am a mother with two boys on the spectrum doesn’t mean I am a subject matter expert on autism. Shoot, I am far from it. What I am an expert on is my boys. I know what works for them. We’ve worked hard to make progress and to find the right diet of therapies. I know what makes my boys laugh or cry and I know when a situation is too much for them. Generally, I can see a meltdown coming from a mile away.

Autism looks different in both of my boys. What works for one doesn’t necessarily work for the other. We’re figuring it all out as we go. But you know what, we’re all going to be okay.

“Don’t give up! I believe in you all. A person’s a person, no matter how small!” — Dr. Seuss

This post originally appeared on How Many Monkeys Are Jumping On the Bed?.

Marisa McLeod lives in Waterville, Ohio, with her husband and four kids. She's a Golden Girls, Disney, and organizational junkie. She can usually be found sipping coffee (or wine), watching reality television, or Pinterest-dreaming her next adventure. You can follow along with her on her blog How Many Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, Facebook, or on Instagram.

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The Diagnosis That Confirmed What I Already Knew

By Courtney Mills

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. 

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Zoom Zone: San Jose Airport’s New Play Space

by Christine Lai

When was the last time you enjoyed a pre-flight coffee at the airport as the kids played in a safe, enclosed area and got some wiggles out before a flight? Never? Same. At San Jose Mineta International airport, that is now a reality. Zoom Zone, an interactive, educational play space created by the Children’s Discovery Museum in collaboration with the airport and sponsored by Zoom, is now open and ready to welcome young travelers. Read on for all the details and make sure to include time to check it out before your next flight! 

Located in Terminal B between gates 24 and 25, Zoom Zone is conveniently located across from Peet’s Coffee and next to Chick-fil-A. At 600 sq feet, it has just enough room for kids to discover all about flight and aviation through its five exhibits.

We went on opening day and got to play with kids spanning the age spectrum but the one exhibit that kids kept returning to was the Pin Screen. This signature experience at the Discovery Museum has been replicated here at Zoom Zone with its soft pins that can be pushed on both sides of the board, generating a 3D impression. 

In the center of the room is the Bird Climber, a slide structure that encourages kids to climb and slide or crawl under its feathers and wings. Tucked in the corner of Zoom Zone and demonstrating the mechanism of wings and flight is the impressive Kinetic Butterfly. The gorgeous wings flap when manipulated by turning gears and kids loved getting the view of the wings in action from below! 

A Plane Kiosk with its knobs, levers and steering wheel lets little ones imagine flying a plane—there’s even a bench for passengers so fasten your (imaginary) seat belt! The Alphabet Airplane exhibit has the entire alphabet on display while mimicking airplane window shades. Each letter corresponds to a city (L for London, T for Tokyo) that San Jose Airport flies to with a lovely city graphic underneath the shade. This gives little hands plenty of opportunities to get out the need to open/shut window shades and hopefully, along with letting out steam in the Zoom Zone, makes for a smooth flight! 

 

—story and photos by Christine Lai

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5 Ways the Expanding Role of Dad Is Helping Moms

By Stephen Gross

Fatherhood is an evolving role. The traditional role of the dad going off to work while mom stays home taking care of the kids has become less the standard today. Far more typical, is having both parents going off to work. So, it is not enough for dads to just bring home a paycheck, with mom doing that too. Dads need be more engaged and play an active role in their children’s development. This change has to do predominantly with a shift in our societal and cultural expectations of what a father’s role should be, as well as a desire from dads to have more involvement with the family.

When dad becomes an increasingly engaged and active partner, it benefits both moms and the children.

1. Sharing the Workload
Probably one of the most significant and welcome changes for moms is having someone else who can step in to lend a hand with some of the less pleasurable aspects of parenting. The day-to-day drudgery of picking up after the kids, changing diapers, doing laundry, cleaning the house, doing dishes, bathing the baby, getting up in the middle of the night for feedings, making dinner—I’m getting tired just listing them. Clearly, it’s just a little bit easier when there are two people sharing the chores. Maybe even mom can even get a chance to catch a few more Z’s or imagine this: do something nice for herself.

2. Understanding What It Takes
As dads help out more, or even take over the role of primary caregiver, there is a real understanding of how much work it really is. For the longest time, I believe most men have been blissfully ignorant, knowingly or not, of how much work and how exhausting it is taking care of the kids. Honestly, I had no idea how painfully tiring and mind numbing it could be until I had my own kids, and I became the primary caregiver. I had a corporate job most of my life and nothing compares to the work of caring for kids! It is not a nine to six workday—it never seems to end. I tell people that as a new parent I experienced a new level of exhaustion—one that is both physical and mental. So, all to say that it’s a good thing for dads to understand what moms have doing for decades—working their butts off.

3. Well Rounded Development
Studies have shown a correlation between dads’ involvement with their children and those children developing more resilience, higher self-worth, and increased sociability, confidence, and self-control. There is also a benefit of having two parents involved with the kids, as they see different opinions and personalities and how they can work together. Having parents with varied strengths, weaknesses, and points of view helps children grow up to be more well-rounded.

4. Expand Definition of Masculinity
Another positive to having a well-balanced role for dads is in its ability to show children a broader spectrum of male masculinity. A real man can do housework, comfort his kids, and even show affection to his children by hugging and kissing them. This also helps children to learn what a healthy relationship looks like, so when they grow up they will have the right expectation of what a well-balanced, strong, independent man looks and acts like.

5. Education
There is evidence of babies with higher IQs, improved language ability, and communication skills when dads are actively involved in caring for and playing with their babies. This academic boost continues for children as dad stays involved in their early school education, resulting in improved academic achievements.

Although there is still a lot of progress to be made, things are moving in a direction that is good for everyone.

—Stephen Gross is an award-winning designer who has received numerous honors for his work in advertising, branding, and retail. He is author of The Simplest Baby Book in the World. He lives with his husband, Vincent, in Los Angeles with their two adorable children, who are now ages two and three.

Stephen Gross is an award-winning designer who has received numerous honors for his work in advertising, branding, and retail. He is author of The Simplest Baby Book in the World. He lives with his husband, Vincent, in Los Angeles with their two adorable children, who are now ages two and three.

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Special Needs Is Our Normal

by James Guttman

It’s not that different. I know it seems that way from an outside eye, but it’s not. Raising a non-verbal child with autism may appear abnormal to others. In our house, though, it’s the most normal thing in the world.

I get it. There was once a time when I was raising my daughter and my son hadn’t yet entered my life. I know how I saw families raising similar children to the boy who would eventually join us. I remember pity and misunderstanding. In my mind, those in the position that I would unknowingly one day be in myself had been doomed to an incredibly difficult life.

When Lucas was born and eventually diagnosed, that incredibly difficult life never materialized. Sure, raising my non-verbal son is hard at times. Then again, raising my very-verbal daughter is hard at times. If you’re a parent to any child, on or off the spectrum, feeling that another parent has it hard and you don’t is a big assumption. To be completely frank, if you’re a parent and you don’t think that it veers into difficult territory now and again, you’re doing it wrong.

There are so many reasons why having a special needs child in my home isn’t some daily cause of depression. For starters, he’s great. My kid is great. He’s sweet and kind without any overly selfish or aggressive tendencies. Ironically, I credit a lot of that to his autism. His loves and enjoyments are for his own satisfaction. He doesn’t get joy in insulting others or fighting for his own things. He just goes with the flow. After Autism Awareness comes Autism Acceptance. In our house, we’re up to Autism Appreciation.

Then there’s the fact that normal is as normal does. This has always been our life and, to us, it’s normal. We have long searched for ways to better communicate with him. Thanks to picture boards and communication devices, we’ve been able to. I know when he wants pizza. I know when he wants to watch Raffi. We’ve unlocked many of the same doors parents with neurotypical children opened. It just took us a bit longer and the doors we found were partially hidden. 

The biggest reason it’s not so strange for my daughter and me to have a non-verbal child with autism in our house is that it’s not so strange to have a non-verbal child with autism in your house. It sounds basic, but it’s true. I’ve learned that the unique ways my son sees the world are like how the rest of us see it.

If he returns home after a long day of school and the television goes on with his favorite show, he begins cheering. Clapping and yelping with delight, my 10-year-old little man dances around the den; sporadically stopping to tap my chest with an expression that says, “Yo! Look! My show is on!” It’s adorable.

It’s also exactly what I want to do when, after a long day, I return home and my favorite show comes on. Who doesn’t want to jump around cheering? Who doesn’t want to tap everyone in the room so they see? In many ways, this action is exactly the one I, and many others, would take if it wasn’t for these darn social walls many of us have built since childhood.

He repeats sounds and movements that he enjoys. They call this “stimming.” We all do that too. In the case of many, that stim is a song “stuck in your head” or funny-sounding name. We click our pens and tap our fingers. People stim. So does my son. It ain’t no big thing.

Sure, there are some things he does that aren’t connected to me but, as paradoxical as that sounds, that’s actually another similarity. All of us have unique characteristics that no one else in our vicinity can share. We have quirks, habits, and personality traits that are one in a million. He does and I’d like to hope I do. We’re all special. Mr. Rogers said so.

At the end of the day, my kid is a kid. Autism might be a part of his personality, but it’s not his entire being. He’s his own person and that’s why we love him. The old saying might be that “if you meet one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” But the better saying would be, if you meet one person, you’ve met one person. It doesn’t get any truer than that.

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Replenish with Rainbow Light*

by Katie Lineberger
Partner Content

Sponsored by Rainbow Light

Busy, much? Moms have a knack for putting their own needs on the backburner when managing everyone else’s wellbeing. Good news: All it takes is one minute and one tablet to help nourish your body and get the day started off on the right foot. (Sure, you may not be able to find a matching pair of socks or your car keys… but we can’t win ‘em all.) Founded by women in Santa Cruz 40 years ago, Rainbow Light is a trusted brand of multivitamins (and more) for the whole family. But back to you, mama…

Red Tricycle readers can save 25% on their Rainbow Light order—just use code TINYBEANS25 at checkout!

Start Your Day with Some Self-Care

Create a morning routine that makes you feel good. Hydrate with a big glass of water and then take your vitamin (just like you tell your kids!). Rainbow Light’s Women’s One™ Multivitamin is a High-Potency Women’s Multivitamin that can elevate your daily wellness routine or help kickstart one! Made just for women’s unique needs—you’re getting a comprehensive spectrum of nutrients to support immune, brain, and bone health.* Ignore the dishwasher—take time in the AM to simply enjoy a cup of coffee before the kids wake up or zen out with some morning yoga or meditation.

Fill Nutritional Gaps

You’re not alone if lunch = a handful of crackers or your kiddo’s leftover mac and cheese. We all try to eat healthy and taking a quality multivitamin helps to fill in the gaps. Rainbow Light Women's One Multivitamin is formulated with 23 vitamins and minerals and offers clinically proven absorption of 7 key nutrients: vitamins D, B2 and B5, folate, calcium, iron and zinc. 

Red Tricycle readers can save 25% on their Rainbow Light order—just use code TINYBEANS25 at checkout!

Clean Up

Nope, not that kind of cleaning up—the laundry can wait! You can feel extra good about the quality ingredients in your multivitamin. Rainbow Light’s Women’s One multivitamin is made with fruits and veggies, it’s non-GMO and vegetarian. And the bottles are made from 100% recycled material, excluding colorant.

Red Tricycle readers can save 25% on their Rainbow Light order—just use code TINYBEANS25 at checkout!

 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

 

—Katie Lineberger

 

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