Patience, Love, and Hope with a side of Autism and Fishies

I'm currently on my work trip and will be gone for the next two days, so my anxiety is at an all-time high. Nico doesn't do well typically when I'm gone, so I have to do a lot of prepping in the days leading up to my trips. This includes filling out the "mommy away, mommy here” chart so he knows exactly when I am gone and when I will return, leaving him voice memos with our daily affirmations so my sister-in-law can play them each morning, dropping notes in his lunchbox with those same affirmations and a countdown until I return, and prepping his teacher weeks and days in advance so she can be ready for any meltdowns....

The Most Deserving I’m currently on my work trip and will be gone for the next two days, so my anxiety is at an all-time high. Nico doesn’t do well typically when I’m gone, so I have to do a lot of …

Wishing our family and friends joy, peace, and happiness this holiday season! Love, The Lunas❤️🎄🎁🍾🥂

...and those who understand. ❤️

Nico’s birthday was this week. It was the first birthday where he actually told me what he wanted to do for it. I have asked him how he wished to celebrate his birthday in years past, but he never quite made the connection to what I was asking. This year he finally did. He told me as clear as day: …...

The Release and Relief of Grief Nico’s birthday was this week. It was the first birthday where he actually told me what he wanted to do for it. I have asked him how he wished to celebrate his birthday in years past, but he never …

I spent Thanksgiving in Sedona, Arizona. It was one of the places from my childhood where I saw my parents the happiest. It felt like a magical place to me because of how happy they were. My parents were so in love with Sedona that my mom even said she would absolutely be retiring there and my dad agreed 100% that he would too....

One Magic Thanksgiving I spent Thanksgiving in Sedona, Arizona. It was one of the places from my childhood where I saw my parents the happiest. It felt like a magical place to me because of how happy they were. My parent…

I have always considered myself an optimistic person. I’m never overly optimistic though because I’m truly a realist. I understand that our expectations will not always match our reality, so I walk through life knowing that there will always be joy and sorrow, but they will never be equally doled out. In the last month and a half I have come to face the reality that life as I know it is inextricably changing and there is nothing I can do about it....

Go Easy on Yourself I have always considered myself an optimistic person. I’m never overly optimistic though because I’m truly a realist. I understand that our expectations will not always match our reality, so I walk…

My Nico is so intuitive. He has always been able to empathize with others’ feelings. He isn’t always able to communicate his own feelings in the appropriate manner—apologizing for hurting himself when he should be focused on his pain, crying when he should be celebrating a milestone, or laughing when something sad has occurred—but he knows exactly what others are feeling even if they aren’t outwardly expressing their feelings....

Intuition My Nico is so intuitive. He has always been able to empathize with others’ feelings. He isn’t always able to communicate his own feelings in the appropriate manner—apologizing for hurting himself w…

This is why you always search the water first!!! Our children gravitate to the water regardless if they have life-saving swimming skills or not. My heart aches for this family. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

Body of missing 9-year-old boy with autism found on shore in Red Hook, Brooklyn The desperate search for a missing boy came to a heartbreaking end overnight.

I’ve been thinking a lot about caregiving recently. It’s something that I feel like I have been doing in one way or another for as long as I can remember, and it’s given me a great sense of purpose my whole life. In the simplest sense, I started early with caregiving. Growing up, I took great care of many things. My room was always in pristine order....

Another Adventure Awaits I’ve been thinking a lot about caregiving recently. It’s something that I feel like I have been doing in one way or another for as long as I can remember, and it’s given me a great sense of purpose…

I love taking Nico to the trampoline park. He finds so much joy in jumping. He always has. He got his first trampoline when he was 2 years old, shortly after his diagnosis, and he used that tramp every single day until he outgrew it. I learned early on in his autism diagnosis that he had sensory processing issues and was considered…...

With Open Arms I love taking Nico to the trampoline park. He finds so much joy in jumping. He always has. He got his first trampoline when he was 2 years old, shortly after his diagnosis, and he used that tramp e…

Today is the anniversary of my Mom’s passing. June 27. It pops up every year and for a few brief moments I am catapulted back to that tragic day where I lost my Mom and felt her indelible imprint all at once. My mother was perfectly imperfect. She had a heart of gold, a fierce temper, a gorgeous smile, a wicked sense of humor, and a love that could move mountains....

Sponges Today is the anniversary of my Mom’s passing. June 27. It pops up every year and for a few brief moments I am catapulted back to that tragic day where I lost my Mom and felt her indelible imprint a…

"Nico is a true masterpiece. He was diagnosed with autism at 19 months old after my husband and I noticed his oral language had stopped increasing and he was no longer connecting with us when we tried interacting with him. So, we became proactive in working with Nico’s doctor to develop an early intervention plan that would support him on his autism journey. It hasn’t always been an easy one. Nico’s early years were filled with lots of meltdowns and sensory struggles. We, at times, felt like Nico would never talk or be able to enjoy anything outside of the safety of his home. And, not hearing our son’s voice on the daily was truly disheartening. But, fast forward 8 years and Nico is a thriving 3rd grader who can communicate his basic needs and wants, loves going on road trips with his family, has grown exponentially with the incorporation of ABA therapy, and has learned ways to be more connected with his family and friends. Nico is sweet and affectionate, funny and endearing, kaleidoscopic and unique. He is one of the many beautifully authentic faces of autism."

The purest kind of love. Happy Mother's Day! ❤️

Mother. Mom. Mommy. Mama. I’ve been called them all in these last 10 years and each time I hear my sons utter “my name” I mentally pinch myself because I still can’t believe I’m actually their mother. I didn’t grow up thinking about being a mom. I didn’t think about how many kids I would have or pretend to be the “mom” when playing with my dolls in my room....

Motherhood is Forever and Always Mother. Mom. Mommy. Mama. I’ve been called them all in these last 10 years and each time I hear my sons’ utter “my name” I mentally pinch myself because I still can’t believe I’m actually their mot…

I’m sitting on a plane heading to Indianapolis for a family graduation and my boys are sound asleep. Could it be because we woke up at 530am, or possibly because I slipped a little dose of melatonin in their juice…can’t be sure (tongue and cheek moment), but I am calm for the first time since I woke up this morning. …...

Landslide I’m sitting on a plane heading to Indianapolis for a family graduation and my boys are sound asleep. Could it be because we woke up at 530am, or possibly because I slipped a little dose of melatoni…

With Autism Acceptance Month soon upon us, consider adding some of these books to your library!

30 Best Children's Books About the Autism Spectrum While some of these books are written specifically for children on the autism spectrum, others are aimed towards siblings and friends. Either way, each of these 30 best children’s books about the autism spectrum provide a level of comfort and understanding that can only be achieved through a good ...

“One thing I always want to make sure people know about children and adults with autism is that they are tremendously empathetic and affectionate. They feel things very deeply. And although autism may present itself in ways that demonstrate disinterest or apathy, do not be fooled…autistic individuals see you, hear you, and feel you more than you will ever realize.”...

Somewhere in the Middle “One thing I always want to make sure people know about children and adults with autism is that they are tremendously empathetic and affectionate. They feel things very deeply. And although autism …

Keep moving forward.

I traveled home recently for a significant family funeral. It was not the ideal setting to be able to reconnect with family and friends who I had not seen in years, but it was a true silver lining in the midst of such sadness. I traveled alone which was hard because I would’ve loved my husband and kids to be with our family too, but it did allow me to focus on all the moments I was experiencing with total clarity....

Show Up I traveled home recently for a significant family funeral. It was not the ideal setting to be able to reconnect with family and friends who I had not seen in years, but it was a true silver lining …

This week I had a gut check. I was brought back to reality. I was told my son is not making gains academically and it has come time to consider a new educational path for him. I wasn’t shocked and knew it was coming, but what has become the most soul-sucking is the fact that I know Nico is brilliant. I feel it every time I sit beside him....

Pivot This week I had a gut check. I was brought back to reality. I was told my son is not making gains academically and it has come time to consider a new educational path for him. I wasn’t shocked and …

I feel it’s so appropriate to share this 📣shoutout📣 considering it’s Inclusive Schools Week and Nico’s school, Locke Hill Elementary School embodies everything it means to be inclusive and accepting of ALL learners! ♥️🤗💯

I was feeling a bit down yesterday because I felt like Nico wasn’t connecting the dots that it was his 10th birthday and that we had just spent the whole weekend celebrating him. I was worried that he would go to school and even have a rough day because of all the hoopla that he experienced this past weekend.

I did the fun birthday mom thing and got bday treats for all kids in his class, and even had Nico walk them in so that he was taking ownership of his own bday treats.

I walked out of school and trusted and believed that his birthday would be a good one because I love Locke Hill so much. After school I received the following text from his teacher and I broke down:

“Just wanted to tell you how happy your heart would have been today. The kids were so excited it was Nico’s bday. When he walked in the room he was a rockstar (and they didn’t see the candy right away lol). They sang him happy birthday without my prompting at our morning meeting. So many kids told him happy birthday. He is so loved.”

This. This. Right. Here is WHY I keep Nico at Locke Hill despite knowing he may continue to struggle academically and need a lot more support eventually. It’s because he is NOT just a number. NOT just a box to check off or a funding source. He is a 🦁Locke Hill Lion 🦁and a true part of his school.

My son MATTERS. His school teaches acceptance and understanding of all students’ special needs. It’s a happy place where my son BELONGS.

Not every child gets this when he/she goes to school and it is HEART-WRENCHING and EXHAUSTING for the parents. Our job, as special needs parents, is hard enough on the daily. We shouldn’t have to fight to make school a SAFE, HAPPY place for OUR children. It should be a given that it will be.

Thankfully, I don’t have to plead for Nico’s school to do the right thing. They just KNOW.

Work to make sure your child’s school is INCLUSIVE! Demand it because every child is more than just a seat at a desk. They all matter.

Thank you, Locke Hill for SEEING my boy for who he is and who he is trying to become. We adore all of you!

Nico turns 10 today. On December 6, 2012, the most amazing little person entered my life. From the start, he moved to his own beat and picked his own path. Came when he was ready, certainly not when I was…ha. Nico Raul Luna ushered in a whole new world for me and he has continued to give me a life full of joy, surprise, laughter, love, and hope every single day I am blessed to wake up to him....

10 Wondrous Years Nico turns 10 today. On December 6, 2012, the most amazing little person entered my life. From the start, he moved to his own beat and picked his own path. Came when he was ready, certainly not whe…

I was at a work conference recently and like many others I’ve done, I smiled all day long, shared my knowledge, talked ‘til my voice was practically gone, and worked diligently to grow partnerships with my school districts. Great times! I also enjoyed time with my work friends who I don’t get to spend nearly enough time with. We had some fantastic and much needed laughs that I’m still recovering from....

Laugh Loud and Often I was at a work conference recently and like many others I’ve done, I smiled all day long, shared my knowledge, talked ‘til my voice was practically gone, and worked diligently to grow partnerships…

I am finding that my life has become a juggling act lately and a new ball is constantly being tossed into the mix without much warning. I suppose this is what you sign up for when you become a (special needs) parent and work full time. I know I am not unique in my circumstances by any means. But, what I’m finding the most challenging is knowing when to pack up shop and drop the juggling act....

Marathon, not a Sprint I am finding that my life has become a juggling act lately and a new ball is constantly being tossed into the mix without much warning. I suppose this is what you sign up for when you become a (spe…

One of the key issues with Nico’s GI system is inflammation. His gut health is paramount to me and I have not found something that provides better ingredients than THIS! My WHOLE family now uses it! Give it a try!

Bio-Clear Detoxification Capsules Bio-Clear is a powerful daily detox supplement. Our formula leverages the natural power of broccoli to stimulate production of sulforaphane, nature's most powerful detoxification substance known to man. Bio-Clear contains a blend of patented ingredients and cofactors that work together to activate h...

The more we recognize that the autistic brain is kaleidoscopic and wonderous, the better off we’ll all be.

'Thomas & Friends' is getting an autistic train Children's TV show "Thomas & Friends" is introducing its first autistic character, in a bid to diversify on-screen representation.

Nico’s second grade year was not the smoothest and it definitely left much to be desired, so all summer long I was in panic mode deciding if we could withstand another traditional school year. When you start to think that homeschooling your child may be easier and more beneficial, it changes EVERYTHING. And since so much of our lives have already changed dramatically over these years since Nico’s diagnosis, more grand changes, like school options, bring on tremendous stress....

http://asideofgoldfish.com/2022/08/22/renewed-hope/

Renewed Hope Nico’s second grade year was not the smoothest and it definitely left much to be desired, so all summer long I was in panic mode deciding if we could withstand another traditional school year. When…