Hey glad you’re back in this special Mother's Day stay home mom tribute! Last week, my guest writer Sarah left us with a cliff-hanger – the outcome of the first formal intervention her eldest boy had. Today, we continue from there with the rest of her testimony. (Also available in this podcast episode) "How long … Continue reading Ahead of Mother’s Day: One stay home mom and her special needs story (Part 2)
Today, I have the honour to introduce a new guest to my blog. Her name is Sarah Lee-Wong Mayfern, and she's both a great educator and a wonderful fellow stay home mom. (Click here and here for previous guests' posts on my blog) Like me, Sarah is a stay home parent. She has three kids, … Continue reading Ahead of Mother’s Day: One stay home mom and her special needs story (Part 1)
A recent incident reminded me that only a fellow stay home dad can truly understand another. One minute a fellow stay home dad and I were catching up over a cuppa to share our respective journeys minding our kids at home. The next minute I was bawling right there in front of my bewildered friend! … Continue reading How one fellow stay home dad emancipated me!
Yesterday was the last day of the week-long March school holidays, so we figured let's take C for a bus ride. Other than a forgettable morning hike up north three days ago, mired by sweltering heat and a less-than-scenic route, we had spent most of the week at home as the boys completed holiday homework … Continue reading Daily living with autism #4 — A bus ride to Neverland
Should a person with an invisible disability (PWID) like autism wear a visible identity label in public? So asked a forum contributor in the local dailies. In her letter that was published yesterday, Ms Amy LOH Chee Seen wondered if it would help to stick a label or some sign on a PWID. That way, … Continue reading Autism advocacy #2 — To label or not to label?
When it comes to helping those in need, I believe it boils down to these four words: Enabling. Empowering. Empathising. Embracing. How did I come to this conclusion? Well, two days ago I joined a nationwide focus group forum to contribute ideas for the new Enabling Master Plan (EMP) 2030. It was the last in … Continue reading Autism advocacy #1 — It starts with enabling
"Daddy, I don't want to go to school!" Words I haven't heard in a long while suddenly rang in my ears. Like some Back to the Future deja vu time loop! What's going on?! I turned around to see my youngest with a face already turning a steady red to match his tear-stained eyes. "Oh … Continue reading Daily living with autism #3 — School just got harder!
[An edited version of this post first appeared here] "No Lord! Not again! This can't be happening..." These words blazed across my brain like a lightning bolt out of the blue. Last Friday, the bodies of twin boys were recovered in a canal not far from a park and playground. (At the time of this … Continue reading A plea for caregiving fathers of special needs kids
When parenting a boy with disability, one constant concern is this: will he clear age-appropriate milestones in time? I'm no different. With my autistic son, it's always at the back of my mind, this fear he won't mature in time to enjoy what his neuro-typical peers take for granted. These could be things like confidently … Continue reading Daily living with autism #2: Surmounting milestones
Last week, I embarked on a two-month long training programme. The programme's meant to equip me as a 'befriender' or care buddy to other caregivers of children with special needs. Those who need not just the usual professionals like counsellors, therapists, doctors, special needs teachers, or social workers for their children; but also someone who … Continue reading Telling My Story of C’s Diagnosis
