Living on the Spectrum: The Connor Chronicles

Have You Been Carly’d Recently?

Flannery — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:00:36 +0000

Carly Fleischmann is an amazing young autistic woman who has gained notoriety for achieving a “breakthrough” in her “severe autism”, learning how to communicate by typing on a computer. Most of us have already heard of Carly. We make it our business to keep up with autism news stories. And make no mistake, Carly IS […]

The Loss of a Child

Flannery — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:54:42 +0000

When the message went around last week that today was the day to post in support of Mikaela Lynch‘s family, and others who have lost children to elopement, I quickly responded that I would participate. Then I spent several days turning the subject over in my mind, unable to come up with a coherent idea […]

My House is a Death Trap, Part 2

Flannery — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:00:04 +0000

A couple of weeks ago we asked Connor to take the trash out. We like to say that this is part of teaching him independence and self-care skills, but really, we just don’t like to take the trash out. One thing we do when it comes to tasks, is we make it a game or […]

The Truth About Special Education in Texas, Y’all

Flannery — Fri, 10 May 2013 10:00:57 +0000

We’ve all seen the lists of things that other parents or family members shouldn’t say to an autism parent. In light of the fact that I’ve had four IEP meetings this year, I thought I’d put together a list of things that school personnel shouldn’t say to an autism parent, based on my experience this […]

My House is a Death Trap, Part 1

Flannery — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:26:22 +0000

Although the house is almost never completely clean and organized because of our busy lives, I don’t generally consider it hazardous to our health. But lately in seems that the universe is conspiring against me to see exactly how much more drama it can add before I finally relinquish control of my sanity. Several weeks […]

Bigotry 101

Flannery — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:00:12 +0000

In the autism world, there’s a word that is brandished about quite regularly, as a means of shutting down conversation. You’ve probably seen it. Bigot Before I go any further, let’s be clear about the definition of that word (you know I love my definitions). Definition of BIGOT : a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his […]

Are You Weird?

Flannery — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:00:26 +0000

One of the most common things we worry about as parents of spectrum kids, besides getting them the hell out of our house someday, is whether they will be able to fit in with typical peers. While we may not ever try to make them stop flapping or spinning because we respect them deeply, we […]

Poop

Flannery — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:10:45 +0000

Sweet, sweet Gwyneth. Sometimes I can’t help myself, and I pop over to her site, Goop, just to see what that saucy little minx is cooking up. As always, I can never relate to what she’s doing, seeing, cooking, or selling. Our lives are as different as they can possibly be, separated by more than […]

A Post Worth Revisiting

Flannery — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 01:45:27 +0000

One of the most powerful things I’ve ever read about being the parent of an autistic child, was a post by Kyra Anderson. So powerful, I printed it and it hangs above my desk so that when I’m having trouble getting my thoughts out, I can look at it and be reminded of the power […]

Opening Old Wounds

Flannery — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:00:29 +0000

There comes a point when you’ve made peace with your child’s diagnosis. You’ve got supports and therapy in place that work for you and your child. You’ve had the IEP meetings, and assured that your child is getting the help they need academically. The routine is in place, and things are moving along fairly well, […]