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In Good Taste

07/05/2025

For someone with autism scheduling is critical. That is something that we deal with everyday and why Ross grabs Marla's planner to do a verbal review of what's on the agenda for at least the next two weeks. He absolutely loves to watch the fireworks and to miss them would be on the same level as skipping Christmas. One of the benefits that we enjoyed most when we moved here was the wonderful fireworks display that our subdivision put on each year. We didn't even have to leave home and enjoyed them from the comfort of our own backyard. Unfortunately, this year there was not enough money in the budget so the decision was made to cancel the show. No fireworks! Marla and I realized that meant we were going to have hit the road and find some somewhere else. Luckily for us, the City of Kingman and Mohave County were sponsoring a fireworks show at the local fairgrounds. We pulled into the fairgrounds parking lot at about 8:45 PM and about 15 minutes later the fireworks begin. The smile on Ross's face made the drive worthwhile. This is a great country to live in. I hope that you all enjoyed your Independence Day as well.

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04/02/2024

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World Autism Awareness Day 2024

Perspective: a way of thinking about and understanding; to obtain a wider or more informed view, to take a step back.

The year was 1987. Our son, Ross, was diagnosed with autism.

Nothing could have prepared us for the magnitude of an autism diagnosis. It was a foreign word. Only a couple of books from the library were able to give us a very grim overview of what lied ahead.

Many years spent thinking we could make everything better, that Ross’s autism would eventually disappear or the severity would decrease drastically.

We tried every new therapy or diet that was in the spotlight.

We didn’t know. We didn’t have the knowledge or perspective we have today.

Those were hard years. The searching, questioning, observing, analyzing, and learning what autism was and how to best help our son with the challenges he faced.

Would we do anything differently? No. Greg and I did the best we could with the knowledge we had at the time.

Thirty-seven years later, my knowledge and perspective has changed.

I’ve taken a step back, reflecting with the gift of a wider, more informed view.

The hardest days I thought would never pass; they did.

The life I had hoped and dreamed for does not look the same, but it turned out to be exactly how it was meant to be.

If you are new to your child’s autism diagnosis, or even several years down the road. Everything you learn today will carry you. Do all the things your heart is telling you. For one day when you reflect on the early years, you too can do so with little or no regret, knowing you did all you could with the knowledge you had.

Marla
Doin' Ok, Yeah - Navigating Autism