: About Me

I've been writing for years and mainly I write as a personal way to vent out my life's joys (and struggles). I suppose that's why people keep a journal. It's almost like a free shrink but requires your own pen and paper, and some "me" time. I'm 37 (though still claim to always remain 29...yeah, that's got to change soon), and I have found myself writing more since the birth of my daughter Maddelyne. Because of her, I found that my shared writings have became more of an education to not only me, but others who share my similar interests. My daughter has Autism. Autism. I have to say that word solely sometimes and out loud just for the sake of saying it. Like the word Cancer. So...most of what I write about is living in the world of an autistic child and it has opened up many many doors to others who share in this experience. I'm also a step mother to two boys, one of who also has Autism. I have a full time job, am an educator, a volunteer for organizations, model, parent advocate, and mainly...a mother of three. Needless to say, life is far from boring! Having said that, it sounds like it could be a title to a book. However, the title I have for a book that I'm trying sooo hard to complete is "I Shall Not Rest." Quite honestly...I CANT! Rest? This mom can't recall the last time she had a nap, or took a bath, or watched a movie. But, I love my life, I love my kids and my guy does allow me "me time" and I'm so thankful for him. One thing that keeps me going in life, is knowing that he LOVES me. Genuine love, just like the kind we share with our kids. Life as I said is never boring, but it is difficult. Autism has changed so much of my life, but would I really want it any other way?

My passion is ...

Laughter

I know too much about ...

Autism and knowing b.s. when I see it.

My parents always told me ...

My mom: "Somehow things always work out one way or another." My Dad "Well, it's better than a sharp stick in the eye."

My childhood ambition ...

To just be happy I guess?

My favorite memory ...

Oh...there are so many...I dont think I have a favorite. I have old ones and recent ones, but I think I'd like them to remain just to myself.

Why I write ...

It helps me keep things in "tune" and helps others know "they're not alone"

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

I am listening to my daughter sing, my step son play a videos, their father saying "bye be back soon" as he brings the other one out shopping, and watching the snow lightly fall outside

My first job ...

I worked as a cashier at a drug store. I still remember how ugly the smocks were they made us wear.

My best moment ...

The birth of my daughter? Snorkeling in the Bahamas? Modeling the runway? Escaping my past? I dont know what would be my "best"

My inspiration ...

My family, my one true love, and other parents who can "break a sweat" without complaining!

Health & Fitness > Autism Why autism screenings are being recommended at younger ages

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Why are autism screenings being recommended at younger ages? It's simple. Look at the statistics! 1 in every 150 children by the age of three are diagnosed with an ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Last year the statistics were 1 in every 166. When my daughter was born in 2001, it was 1 in every 250. What will the statistics be in 5 or 10 years? Researchers know that Autism is a matter of genetics and environment. Kind of speaks for a LOT of disorders and diseases. But at such an alarming rate of increased cases of Autism, as a mom who eats, sleeps and breathes Autism, the statistics of auti...

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