Autism Acceptance

aac aba therapy asd atypical Autism Autism diagnosis autism family autism parent autism parenting autism spectrum disorder Autism Vocabulary autistic child bayley scales early intervention friendship fuctioning labels functioning labels high functioning Inclusion low functioning motherhood Neurotypical newly diagnosed nonverbal parenting parenting styles sensory sensory product special needs therapy
RSS

ABA Therapy: Pros & Cons

Since going public with Jackson’s diagnosis & our families journey, I’ve collided paths with LOADS of parents on the the beginning of their very similar journey with their kid. One of the most popular questions I get from these parents is “Do you feel ABA therapy is helping your child?” & without hesitation, I say “YES!” because I believe it is. I know it is!
JESSICA LIPSCOMB

Potty Training with ABA Therapy: Part 1

WHY START NOW?

I know there are a lot of things you’re supposed to look for when it comes to potty training prepping. But because Jackson has Autism, we’re looking for different clues of being ready. With his very limited communication, any indicators must be taken seriously so the fact that he’s showing discomfort & pulling at his diaper when he’s wet is a MASSIVE indicator. He’s letting us know he doesn’t like the feeling so clue #1.

JESSICA LIPSCOMB

What 6 Months of Therapy Has Brought Jackson

Can you believe we’ve already been down this therapy road for 6 months!? Just like parenting, the days are long but the time is flying by! Besides the mountains of paperwork & scheduling times, this has been pretty smooth & it makes it even better that we can see the results in Jackson.
JESSICA LIPSCOMB

Why Did We Get A Mini Trampoline?

I have to say, one of my favorite aspects of Jackson’s therapies besides him getting the help he needs is us as parents learning what he responds to. The most alarming one so far: trampolines. I knew J loved our friends trampoline at her house but never considered it therapy. Once he learned the action of jumping, there was no stopping him! Then his OT saw him bouncing a lot during one of their sessions & she brought it up to me. “Does he like jumping or the up & down movements? Have you considered a trampoline?” As soon as she said it, it’s like a lightbulb went off in my head.. DUH JESSIE!! Plus now I had a legit reason to get one for our household rather than just “I wan
JESSICA LIPSCOMB

Learning the Ropes, But Getting the Hang of It.

Alright. So I know I said a lot had happen between the last 2 updates but EVEN MORE has happen since. Matt & I are both learning A LOT - between terminology, communication amongst each other, goals for Jackson & just how the system works in general. The learning curve is real but we’re trying to remind ourselves that we are learning & we can’t be expected to know the rights & wrongs from the get.
JESSICA LIPSCOMB

Jackson Therapy Update

Ok so A LOT has been happening as far as Jackson's therapy. It's all still extremely fresh & new so Matt & I are still trying to wrap our heads around it but we understand it's part of our parenting & Jackson's childhood journey.
JESSICA LIPSCOMB

My Toddler Doesn't Communicate Verbally

I'm all about honesty, especially when it comes to this Motherhood journey. With Jackson being our first born, we are learning as we go. What works for all of us, what doesn't, & so on..

Little background - J has really only said "Momma" & "Dada". Occasionally "Bubba" but that's it. I'm aware other kids in his age range are speaking & verbally communicating more than him, however I was not concerned. I still am not concerned.

JESSICA LIPSCOMB

To the Parent of A Newly Autism Diagnosed Child

When we got concern at the 18 month wellness check for speech delay, it was a shock. Jackson had always been a chill kid with no signs of any negatives so to be told that he was ‘severely behind’ at a standard wellness check shook me to my core. When we received his Autism diagnosis 4 months later, it was incredibly overwhelming but also very calming. My husband & I had discussed this possibility to the ends of the Earth so to receive the diagnosis answered more questions than bringing more on.
JESSICA LIPSCOMB

Why We Decided to Have More Kids After A Special Needs Diagnosis

A while ago, I shared something someone else originally posted on their Twitter account. It rang so incredibly true & applied to many questions I’ve received as a Special Needs parent that I HAD to reshare it. Here it is below:
JESSICA LIPSCOMB

Different, Not Less

ONCE YOU ACCEPT THAT
YOUR CHILD WILL BE DIFFERENT,
NOT MORE OR LESS, JUST DIFFERENT,
THAT’S THE FIRST STEP.

WE RECEIVED A DIAGNOSIS OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER [ASD] FOR JACKSON ON FRIDAY. 

JESSICA LIPSCOMB

So Much More Than A Diagnosis

This Friday, we get Jackson’s results from his in-depth Autism screening through a private psychologist. Even though he’s not even 3 years old, there are specific tests to see where J would fall on the spectrum.
JESSICA LIPSCOMB