Autism

Three C's for Surviving COVID-19 as a Single Special Needs Parent

Three C's for Surviving COVID-19 as a Single Special Needs Parent

I had just dropped off my son after having him for the weekend, as it was my time with him, according to the parenting agreement with my ex-wife. I no sooner put the car in reverse than I heard the declaration on the radio during a COVID-19 briefing that all restaurants, cafes and bars were to be closed indefinitely. Children like mine don’t just “do better” with routines and structure, they require it. I want to share some ideas and perspective on this time as a new single parent of an autistic child and how I, and more importantly, we as a family still, are coping.

There is Room at the Table for Everyone

There is Room at the Table for Everyone

A sunbeam, streaming in through the kitchen window, rests on Joel. Light shimmers around him. As the music plays, he slowly looks around the table, looking each of us in the eye with his beautiful, baby blues. (Who says autism means no eye contact?!). His grin says it all: I have a gift for you! Please listen!

When You Find Yourself Asking God “Why?”

When You Find Yourself Asking God “Why?”

After months of pleading these questions and God not giving me an answer, I experienced a crisis of faith that scared me. Was God a good God? Was God even real? If He was, surely He'd be answering my questions and my prayers, right? One day while journaling my struggles, sorrows, complaints and whys, I felt strongly that God was telling me I was asking the wrong question.