Life Advice

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Hearing Loss

Beautiful young woman wearing blue sweater over isolated background Trying to hear both hands on ear gesture, curious for gossip. Hearing problem, deaf

What did you say?  Can you repeat that?  Are you asking these questions on a daily basis?  I was asking all my friends and family to repeat themselves so often that it became noticeable to others and myself too.   Do you smile and laugh when talking in a group setting, but have no idea… Continue reading Hearing Loss

Respite Care

Sad child hugging his mother on brick background

Every special needs child needs you. Yet, I am always confounded by those who do not reach out to the parent of a child with disabilities. The reason could be considered unimportant, but it is essential to understand why someone would not help. Why do you think others are not lending a hand when a… Continue reading Respite Care

Respect Yourself

respect yourself phrase handwritten on the school blackboard

“Turn down the lights, turn down the bed, turn down the voices inside my head.”Bonnie Raitt Where do the voices come from? They come from negative thoughts that have stayed with me for a lifetime. My father called me Dummy and Stupid. My ex-husband would state, “I didn’t call you Stupid. I said what you… Continue reading Respect Yourself

Thank You!

When I think about raising my son Grayson on the Autism Spectrum, I think of all the people who helped me navigate the singular most challenging, rewarding, and meaningful life task. It may seem odd to call raising Grayson a task, but raising all children sometimes feels like the most overwhelming task you can take… Continue reading Thank You!

Mental Health

I am always excited about the New Year. Our tradition is to celebrate the New Year with hopes of positive changes. My New Year’s resolution is the typical improved health by exercising or, to put it more concisely, losing weight. Laugh Out Loud, and I needed to spell this out because it makes me laugh… Continue reading Mental Health

Alzheimer’s 

An unrecognizable health visitor and a senior woman in wheelchair with a present at home at Christmas time.

When December arrives, I think of my mother.  My mother’s birthday was December 7th.  I remember what it was like around the holidays when my mother had Alzheimer’s.  My mother, Bernice, looked like Edith Bunker from the TV program All In The Family. Bernice ran around our house as Edith did, catering to the head… Continue reading Alzheimer’s 

Take a Break

During the Holidays, we all feel like we need a break, but to the parent of a special needs child, it is your child that sometimes needs a break. The Holiday season brings everyone together. Holiday parties are a time for music, children running through the house, and families loudly talking over each other to… Continue reading Take a Break

Self-Care

I find myself at a crossroads because I have taken on too much. The many aspects of the business There Is No Normal .co overwhelm my brain and emotions. I am lucky I don’t feel too much stress even as the business grows. How is this possible? Exercise helps so much, especially stretching. Do you… Continue reading Self-Care

Autism – Why Am I Different?

Having a son on the Autism Spectrum has given me a better understanding of an Autistic person’s challenges from childhood to adulthood. It doesn’t matter what age your child is when they are being made to feel bad or awkward. But how do you answer the question, “Why am I different?” Some children notice they… Continue reading Autism – Why Am I Different?