Book Review: The Power of Intention

The Power of Intention – Gift Edition Learning to Co-create Your World Your Way By Dr. Wayne W. Dyer I was first introduced to Dr. Wayne Dyer many years ago through his public television broadcast of The Power of Intention. I found Dr. Dyer to be articulate, heart centered, peaceful and charming as he thoughtfully spoke his words, “Intention is a force in the universe, and everything and everyone is connected to this invisible force.” My...

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Donation Ideas

If you are considering giving to charity as this year ends... please consider local charities or ones that you know where the money is going. Many people ask if I support Autism Speaks... I do not. For the same reasons I do not buy pink ribbons and walk walks... I don't know where the money trail goes... well, I have my suspicions, but that is not for this post. WHO DO I SUPPORT?I support AWN and NZ... With these two organizations, I KNOW where...

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Product Review: Getting Into The Vortex

Getting Into The Vortex Guided Meditations CD and User Guide By Esther and Jerry Hicks Let me introduce you to Abraham. The first thing you need to understand is that Abraham isn’t a person. Yes, that is correct, Abraham is not a person. Abraham is what Esther Hicks accesses while inspiring and motivating others to live a more balanced life through the Law of Attraction. Abraham is an energy source that has had many different labels throughout...

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AWN: Crucial support to women, teens, girls and families on the autism spectrum

The Autism Women’s Network (AWN) offers crucial support to women, teens, girls and families on the autism spectrum... please take a moment today to read this and take action to let them know that not only does the autism community appreciate their efforts, but so do others. For the past several months I have posted a link on my Facebook and Twitter page daily for the The Autism Women’s Network’s chance to win a $50,000 grant to help females...

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Dr. Temple Grandin: Animal Behavior, The Autistic Brain and Inspiration!

Many people get excited about meeting their favorite rock star or movie star… not me, I wanted to meet a livestock behavior expert!! You may ask, ‘Why on earth would Alterna-Mom, a mid-west special needs mom, be interested in livestock behavior?’. Well, I am not. And yet, ironically I completely am. See, Dr. Temple Grandin isn’t just the world’s most famous animal expert and livestock rights advocate, Dr. Grandin has also won the hearts of the global...

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Share the Gift of Simplicity and Ease With Those You Love...

Black Friday seems to contradict what ‘The Holiday Season’ is all about. So, today I sit cozy and warm with my children while sipping hot tea and reflecting... Over the past 6 years, I have learned to never take anything for granted… and that includes Christmas morning. When you have a child who cannot comprehend why you allow a strange man in a costume come into your home in the middle of the night while you sleep OR have another child who...

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An Autism Christmas Poem: A Walk In Our Shoes

"Twas the Night Before ChristmasAnd all through the houseThe creatures were stirringYes, even the mouseWe tried melatoninAnd gave a hot bathAsleep early for Christmas?...an unlikely pathThe children were finallyAll nestled in bedWhen visions of ChristmasRan through my OWN headDid I get the right gift?The right color and style?Would there be a blank stareOr even, maybe, a smile?Friends & family comeBut they don't understandThe pleasure she getsJust...

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My Soap Box: Don't Pretend to Care via Your Product or Service

The more I think about the HollyRod Holiday ipad giveaway the more annoyed I become... why are they putting such income limits on it ($35,000 for a single income and $50,000 for a two income family ~ that is not a lot of money in the world of special needs) and why does my SLP have to be in control of the giftcard ... so we don't qualify... that doesn't mean we can budget this tool that could make a HUGE SUBSTANTIAL difference in my child's life....

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IQ tests are done... now what? (Homeschool, Resource Room, something more creative??)

A portion of the verdict is in… The psychologist called late last night (as requested) and said the IQ portions are done. Our daughter is testing at an early 3rd grade level, “…and that is being generous. It’s more second grade.” Although I am not surprised, as that was my assessment when we started homeschooling in the fall, I am feeling over whelmed.(Note: She is 11 years old; in the 5th grade ~ we started kindergarten at 6 years because we...

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2 Year Anniversary: Reflections on Autism

Today is the 2 year anniversary of Sahara’s formal diagnosis of Infantile Autism. I thought about writing about the huge accomplishments we have seen in the past 24 months… and let there be no mistake they have been huge!! We have left Catatonia in the dust!! Her speech, socialization, cognition, sensory, and every other facet of her being has exploded into this wonderful expression of life!! I am so proud of all of her hard work. ...Yes, we have...

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