Living on the Spectrum: The Connor Chronicles

Special Needs Ryan Gosling Friday

Flannery — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:00:07 +0000

Is it just me, or has this been a long week? Maybe it’s because the school year is ending and summer is starting, but it just seems like there’s angst in the air. Luckily I have Special Needs Ryan Gosling to look forward to on Fridays, courtesy of Sunday, from Adventures in Extreme Parenthood. So [...]

Of Mice and Boys

Flannery — Wed, 23 May 2012 10:00:04 +0000

I knew I couldn’t avoid the torture chamber known as Chuck E. Cheese forever. It was only a matter of time before the continuous television commercials seeped into Connor’s brain and turned him into a mindless, mouse-zombie. Also, every Saturday on our way to play group we pass a Chuck E. Cheese. And every Saturday, [...]

Special Needs Ryan Gosling Friday

Flannery — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:11:40 +0000

Hey girl (or guy), it’s Friday, which means it’s time to link up with Sunday over at Adventures in Extreme Parenthood for Special Needs Ryan Gosling! The great thing about this is that I don’t have to think too hard about writing a post, especially since it’s been a long week and the boy hasn’t [...]

Wordless Wednesday

Flannery — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:36:46 +0000

Fear and Loathing in the Bakery Aisle

Flannery — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:42:10 +0000

Connor doesn’t go grocery shopping with me often. There’s a reason for that and it’s because I like my sanity. But this weekend, I took him with me because hubs had to work. I psyched myself up and said “I can do this!” When I parked the car, I asked him “what are the rules [...]

Happy Mother’s Day

Flannery — Sun, 13 May 2012 05:01:50 +0000

None of the baby books I read prepared me for my son. In every way, Connor was…more. From the beginning, he let me know that he would do things his way. In his own time. And I learned that it was okay. And I realized how lucky I am that he is not ordinary. He [...]

Yet Another Instance in Which I Look Like a Crazy Person

Flannery — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:29:57 +0000

Although we’re back to using the drop-off lane at school in the mornings, last week I had to park and walk Connor in to drop some things off. His school has one of those big, shiny metal buttons near the front door that, when pushed, automatically opens the door. It’s meant to be used by [...]

You Can’t Punish Away Autism

Flannery — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:26:43 +0000

When Connor was little, I remember trying to implement time-out when he was naughty. See, Super Nanny said that you would have to put them back in the time-out spot, over and over, until they stayed, and you had to be consistent with it or they would never learn. For two solid hours, I repeatedly [...]

Special Needs Ryan Gosling, in a Pool!

Flannery — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:09:45 +0000

It’s Friday, which means it’s time for Sunday’s Special Needs Ryan Gosling photo. Be sure to check out all the other creative photo captions for Ryan, by clicking on over to Sunday’s site. This week, Ryan is gearing up for summer and enjoying the nice weather. Happy, happy Friday! .

Springtime. And Art.

Flannery — Wed, 02 May 2012 05:01:22 +0000

The wild, parasitic rabbit population in the neighborhood has exploded, and I’m itching my nose like a downtown junkie. The grass is already fading to a golden brown, and I’ve pulled out the extra strength deodorant. Yes friends, that must mean it’s springtime (springtime in Texas means 90 degrees)!! Judging from the artwork that’s coming [...]