OK, so this is Blogger Idol and all and the assignment is a "Pay It Forward Friday" which I have been doing for like the last month and a half or so...so in this one, I'm not going to throw any extra cudos on the people who got me started, cause one's a judge and one's another contestant...they know who they are.
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| Why break with tradition? |
So my problem this week is picking five NEW blogs, ones that I haven't pimped out ever before. Granted, there are thousands of blogs out there...so it's not hard to find five...but five "worthy" blogs takes just a little more time than usual every successive week. I do find it a little humorous that the week I have to use a repost of my first PIFF, because I didn't have time to do a new one....it becomes the assignment for Blogger Idol.
This week I'm going to concentrate again on ASD blogs. These blogs inspire me, because often times I have been where these people are or I will be. Seeing the strength and determination of other parents in similar boats to me is inspiring and consoling. This community is growing at a rapid pace, almost as rapid as the epidemic. It's currently being diagnosed at a 1 in 90 pace...it's crazy.
1. Regarding Caroline
Caroline has a host of issues which are all on the Autism Spectrum. Her parents have been tireless workers in seeking out treatments and medicines and diets to help Caroline. On their site, they post and publish and advise on what they've learned, what's worked for Caroline, and where they're at as a family with Caroline. Caroline seems to make progress every day and that brings hope to parents everywhere that battle very similar circumstances with their own ASD children.
2. Neurotypical Mom
Carolyn tells the story of her son 'Z.' 'Z' is having a hard time dealing with his autism. He can be loud, violent, destructive and angry. She routinely gets calls home from school about his behavior. This is a heart breaking story...because the Cheerleader and I lived it for most of Noah's first year of school. I completely relate. She is amazing and strong and, remarkably funny considering the difficulties she has routinely faced. She is not only inspiring...she is awe inspiring.
3. Fighting Monsters with Rubber Swords
Rob Rummel-Hudson writes about his daughter Schuyler. He also is a huge proponent of special needs kids and fighting the horrible rash of bullying that is finally in the news on a daily basis. He has published several books and his posts are both heartfelt and often heart crushing. He is an incredible writer and inspires me to keep doing what I'm doing.
4. Dude, I'm an Aspie
Matt didn't learn he was on the spectrum until he reached adulthood...and then things started becoming a bit more clear to him. He has a great sense of humor about everything and is a very talented artist...or at least a very funny artist. He relays a point of view that is rarely seen...the adult perspective.
5. Seven Yuckmouths and Autism
Racer's mom is just like the Cheerleader. She doesn't mind swearing. She writes about autism and IEP's and how it effects her other six kids, herself and her husband. She's funny and witty and real...and really fun to read. Her boy Racer parallels our journey with Noah in a lot of ways and seeing how she has handled everything and SIX other kids puts us in our place all the time.
These are five blogs that I like a lot. They tell a spectrum of stories about kids and adults...on the spectrum...These are stories that speak to the frustration and elation of fighting such a innocuous diagnosis. Please go check these sites out...they'll be worth your time. You will fill you with a new understanding of an epidemic that is not going away.
Judges Comments:
"I have a nephew with autism, and it gets me really excited to see a large community of bloggers that are willing to share their experiences. It helps me understand more of when he is going through and also my SIL. These are amazing sites. Thanks for sharing them!"
Erica, from Good Job Momma
"One of my mentors, from way back when I first got into blogging, is the mom of an autistic child. She has been an outstanding cheerleader for families just coming onto the 'scene' and has set the bar high, in my mind, for what these families really need blogging wise.
You chose excellent sites and did a great job with their descriptions.
Way to give back! "
Allison Duncan, from SVALLIE.NET: The Nerd Connection
"Would you believe I have never read any of those blogs until tonight? And now, thanks to you, I have 5 more blogs to read and 5 more blogs my sister and boss (both who have kids on the spectrum) can read. Thank you so much! *Tips Hat*"
The Dude, from The Daddyyo Blog