Autism Awareness or Celebrate Autism?

April 2nd is autism awareness day all over the world. Just this week I read an amazing article written in 2017 and published on Huffpost about how we should bring awareness by honoring our own spectrum children instead of celebrating just the success cases. huffpost: Let’s start honoring people with autism by stopping the celebration…

Apply for scholarships

Its scholarship season! Are you looking at sending a preschool student to kindergarten next year or unhappy at your current school? Now is the time to apply for scholarships for next school year. The two largest scholarships for special needs students are McKay and Gardiner. Two income based scholarships are Florida Tax Credit scholarship through…

She’s here!

Those of you that follow our family journey, we are happy to announce that our family grew by one very beautiful baby girl! Vanessa Faye was born Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 1:43 pm and weighted 7 lbs and 12 oz. Photo credit:  Pierce Brunson Photography   We’ve never been one for family names but…

Scholarships for School

When deciding on a school for a typical child parents have a multitude of options.  Many parents use public schools but also use magnet and charter programs with in the public system.  Still traditional parents use private schools and home school options.  When trying to make decisions for my special needs child regarding school and…

You’re not alone

My message to you for 2019. As 2019 brings several huge events and major achievements, I want to focus on what I want others to know and learn from Ruthfulness this year.  This year, my story and journey of early intervention and autism will be published.  I’ve had to reread and relive the pain of…

Did you move your elf on the shelf?

only a few more nights! for me….   I never moved the elf in the house!  I never had an elf in the house! Why I don’t elf on the shelf….  I have enough commitments–  this time of year is one of my favorites because of how it is traditionally centered around family and kids. …

October is the month my son became verbal

Happy Anniversary to language! A year ago, my 5 year old (soon to turn 6) became verbal!  It’s been a year since we’ve seen a huge jump in language and speech.  I remember the days of one sound/syllable and so much quiet time from him.  I remember the blank looks on his face and the…

All Day VPK

Parents in Pinellas! Please read, call with questions, and apply immediately if interested in the all day VPK opportunity from the Early Learning Coalition.  When I saw the VPK all day option a few days ago, I was so excited to see a real community need being addressed.   The VPK voucher is for about three…

Growing Up Fast

I’ve been pretty quiet this summer because I’m been much more reflective of the level of growth from my son.  Although, we have our moments of struggle where we really see autism; we have seen so much growth.   I’ve had moments in the past when I thought that my son may not every talk to…

Moms, does it get any easier?

Does it get any easier raising and fighting for a child that has special needs? From my veteran fighting moms….please tell me it does! In my recent experience this school year, shifting from public to private, I would say that it is not easier; it is different. Ways it changed: no more IEP meetings no…