Parenting stress is unlike other stress. Somehow, I manage to think more clearly — or not think — and get things done. I still need my wife to help sometimes, but I manage the basics when our children are involved. Earlier in the trip, I imagined the most panic I’d…
Category: Parenting
Life as a parent.
Podcast 0013; Season 01, Episode 13; July 20, 2018 This episode of The Autistic Me Podcast reflects on our summer so far, which has featured a lot of travel and enrichment activities for our daughters. In the podcast, I also explore my own prejudices and how we must overcome those through…
“How do you deal with parenthood?” I understand the question. Children are everything my autistic traits dislike: chaos, noise, arguments, dirt, smells, and much more. There’s one stressor after another. Every night I reflect on what I did wrong that particular day. There’s an endless sense that I could and…
Podcast 0007; Season 01 Episode 07; May 1, 2018 Our second episode on the IEP and 504 Plan processes. Seeking the legally required supports for children in our K12 system can be challenging. What can you request? How do you ensure a school provides the resources necessary for a student?…
Podcast 0004; Season 01, Episode 04; April 17, 2018 Daniel Sansing, MEd., specializes in literacy and second language studies. He is an Adjunct Instructor of English and a Writing/Study Skill Tutor at the University of Cincinnati, Blue Ash College. Daniel is also a husband, father, and an autistic individual. I am honored…
Podcast 0003; Season 01, Episode, 03; April 12, 2018 The Autism Connection of Pennsylvania has helped me and many other autistic individuals in the Greater Pittsburgh region. I wanted to have this podcast online Tuesday, but the 3400-word transcript required some time to edit. That was time well-spent, as you…
A list of blog posts and columns worth reading: Compliance / Social Skills / ABA / Indistinguishability Resources | Parenting Autistic Children With Love & Acceptance Applied behavior analysis (ABA) has evolved since it emerged in the 1970s, but I have still observed what I consider coercive techniques within the…
There are people I consider mental health hypochondriacs. They read a list of symptoms or personality traits and self-diagnose themselves with everything from attention deficits to autism disorders. If there’s a way to excuse a lack of success, self-control, organization, healthy relationships, and general contentment, these people will find it…