April 24, 2019
by Editorial Team
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During this month of autism awareness and acceptance, we are excited to announce our freshest new endeavor: The Oxygen Mask Podcast. A collaboration between CEA’s Executive Director, Beth Dierker, and Tera Girardin, author & photographer of “Faces of Autism,” the … Continue reading
March 22, 2019
by Beth
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In my last post, I shared research findings on two stress interventions for special needs parents that proved effective. One was a mindfulness program and the other a program based in positive psychology. I summarized the findings about the stress … Continue reading
February 2, 2018
by Shannon
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One of the most impactful lessons I learned from my wonderful Early Childhood Family Education teacher was that child development is a series of ebbs and flows, much like the tide. I have hung onto this rhythmic imagery as I … Continue reading
April 7, 2017
by Beth
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“You are your child’s best advocate.” How often have I heard these words uttered in affirmation, intended to empower? Before my child needed an advocate, I was just his mom. I carried him, nurtured him, and loved him so deeply. … Continue reading
August 10, 2016
by Tanya
4 Comments
Finding the right fit for your child with autism can go beyond school and therapy. It can mean redefining where home and community meet, intertwine and create spaces in which families can flourish. This decision is never easy, and is … Continue reading
May 9, 2016
by Shannon
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My knees literally gave out, and I sank onto the floor of the school hallway. My worst fear had been realized. My son was missing. I kept asking the woman at the other end of the phone, “What do I … Continue reading
April 23, 2016
by Beth
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My husband and I sat across the table from our early childhood special education team and my son’s beloved preschool teacher of two years. This nurturing, creative team had seen us through so much, and now they were preparing us … Continue reading
April 12, 2016
by Editorial Team
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You are invited to an evening full of food, drinks, and conversation. Each gathering will begin with dinner followed by time to talk about our favorite subject, our kids! Your experiences will help us focus our attention on how to best serve your family and our community. Please RSVP to one of the dates listed below. The Respite Group is a new organization created to meet the … Continue reading
February 1, 2016
by Shannon
3 Comments
For the past few months, I’ve been walking on eggshells around my son, desperately seeking ways to avoid setting him off while still ensuring that he “behaves.” It’s been tough to see old techniques useless in the face of his … Continue reading
January 22, 2016
by Beth
1 Comment
A Mother Jones article from the July/August edition really stuck with me. In it Katherine Reynolds Lewis asks, “What if Everything You Knew About Disciplining Kids Was Wrong?” It provides statistics that reinforce some of my worst parenting-with-autism fears, and it highlights … Continue reading
