Minute Vacations- May 2008

Judy's Minute Vacation for May 2008
New York City

In honor of the long-anticipated Sex and the City movie opening this month, plus my upcoming travel (and my birthday!), here are a few photos of the Big Apple from one of my recent trips, including one of my favs of a budding fashionista and her stylish mom!  (Carrie would be proud!).

Start spreading the (May) news....

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Do You Ever Wonder Why....? May 2008

DO YOU EVER WONDER WHY?...

So many parents today ramble on incessantly on cell phones while out in public with their children enjoying pizza, visiting the monkeys at the zoo, or shopping for Barbie and Ken at the toy store?

A lot of these conversations don't sound all that critical to me. I know, because unfortunately, I can often hear them. Is such casual chatting or even work talk really more important than those all-too -fleeting moments with our kids? Just what kind of message are we sending our children? Aren't they worth more than a phone call or text message?

How about we just say 'no' to technology for a few minutes each day and instead, really connect with one another face to face?  Just because kids are scarfing down salty french fries and double-pepperoni pizza, doesn't mean they're not hungry for your attention, too.

Just rambling...

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Judy Winter's FAV Quote of the Month- May 2008

"My religion is very simple-
my religion is kindness."
-Dalai Lama

JudyWinter.com

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

MySpace.com/judy_winter

I'm a Big Fan of...! May 2008

Here's my May 2008 gush...

I'M A BIG FAN OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS!

I love Special Olympics. That's why I profiled the organization and Timothy Shriver in my book. Few have done as much to improve the lives of those with special needs, specifically intellectual disabilities (ID), as has this terrific organization.

While others ignored their lives and their challenges, Eunice Kennedy Shriver took it upon herself to create a new world of experiences for those with ID in her own backyard. The lessons she began have impacted the world is ways too big for simple words. Suffice it to say, that the gentle seeds Shriver planted and nurtured years ago have blossomed beyond imagination worldwide. Thanks to her continuing, dedicated efforts and those of her son, Timothy Shriver and all the families, volunteers and athletes who refuse to let the perceived limitations of others limit them, this outstanding organization has changed millions of lives, and outdated perceptions, worldwide.

Thank you, Special Olympics, for the amazing work you do each day, and for the terrific example. For more information, visit: www.specialolympics.org.

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

The Human Side of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Much has been said and written about the challenges of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Much of that discussion has come from professionals, parents and organizations focused on research and cure, especially for autism.

In yesterday's Lansing State Journal (Gannett/lsj.com), writer Betsy Miner offered a rare look at ASD from the perspective of someone living with the diagnosis. Skillfully, and with heart, Miner interwove journalistic facts and focus without getting in the way of sharing one woman's powerful life story.

The resulting feature, 'Solving the mind's puzzle,' is a worthy read. Here's the link: http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008804270462

JudyWinter.com

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations

MySpace.com/judy_winter

Celebrating Earth Day 2008!

It's Earth Day 2008!

For information on how you can celebrate (and save) our planet, visit: http:/ww2.earthday.net. We all play an important role in healing the earth. I'm going to go hug some trees (among other things).

I love trees...and all nature.

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

TV Alert! CBS Airs Hallmark Hall of Fame's Sweet Nothing in My Ear

CBS will air the Hallmark Hall of Fame program "Sweet Nothing in My Ear" Sunday night at 9 p.m. ET.  The movie addresses the challenges facing parents with strongly differing opinions on how to raise their son after he loses his hearing.  It stars two outstanding actors, Marlee Matlin and Jeff Daniels.  

For more info visit: http://www.cbs.com/specials/sweet_nothing_in_my_ear/about.

It's getting harder for me to keep up on all this media coverage.  That's a good thing.

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

On the Road Again....

After a little breathing room this winter, it's time to again hit the road and spread the special-needs gospel, which means the blogging posts may not be as frequent as they have been lately. Here are a few highlights of some of my Apr/May professional gigs:

Talk/Signing: 'Rolling-Focusing on Ability', Project Advisor/WKAR-TV, East Lansing, MI.  This one is especially dear to me because I once worked at WKAR and had to leave the job I loved to meet my son's needs and ensure his future was brighter. That was tough for me, but a no-choice choice.  My involvement in this event represents a true full-circle moment.  It's a great station with terrific people. I'm proud to be 'back on board' for this one day. / http://wkar.org/more/article/451/rollingevent

Talk/Signing/Author's Reception: New Canaan Library, New Canaan, CT. / http://www.newcanaanlibrary.org/newsletter/authors_stage_schedule.htm

Interview on 'Live with Lisa' Radio Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT (recently featured on Bravo's The Real Housewives of NYC!)/ http://www.livewithlisaradio.com/

Off to NYC-for program/showing/review of the film 'Including Samuel' at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, part of the Sprout Film Festival which highlights developmental disabilities. / http://www.gosprout.org/film/info2.htm

Then home for a couple of days before heading off to one of my fav cities,  Chi-Town!  That trip will include indulging in deep-dish birthday pizza, and doing my best to boost the economy on Michigan Avenue!  If I run into Oprah, I'll say 'hi' for all of us!

I am also pleased to be featured in the April issues of Newsmax magazine ('Who I am Now') and MSU Today magazine, (http://www.msutoday.msu.edu/magazine/08spring.pdf) and recently completed an interview for a Chicago Parent piece on sibs (not yet released).  

Life is hectic, but good!  Hope the same is true for you.

An advocate-author's work is never done...

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Equal Granddoggy Time- Introducing Sir Griff

If you've checked out my blog, you've seen my photo of beautiful shelter Granddoggy Zelda. In the spirit of equal time (and cuteness!), here's my other furry joy, Sir Griff, the adorable, spirited, rescue Granddoggy Corgie, who's always looking for something or someone to herd! Photo courtesy of my talented photog daughter, Jenna, who's a wonderful, responsble pet owner. She makes me proud. They all make me smile.

I know, Griffy! I need to buy you more doggie treats....

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Simple Advocacy-Day Fourteen

CONGRATULATIONS!  

You've made it through Fourteen Days of Simple Advocacy!   

Let's count 'em down beginning to end:

-Tell your child that you love him/her, no matter how rough the day, complete with hugs.
-Educate yourself about your child's diagnosis.

-Express gratitude.

-Contact the media.

-Express yourself.

-Sit still.

-Spend one-on-one time with your kids without special needs.

-Learn the law.
-Laugh often.

-Focus on the present.

-Organize your child's records.

-Pay it forward.

-Call a family meeting.

Simple Advocacy-Day 14: (drum role, please!)

Count your blessings. I know, you hear this all the time.  It sounds trite, but it can be remarkably effective.   It's true that you do not need to look very far before you will find someone who has it worse than you do.  As I've traveled the country and spoken to countless families, I've been humbled, amazed, even brought to tears by the tremendous challenges many families lovingly take on daily, including parenting more than one child with significant special needs.  Counting your own blessings has a way of making everything seem just a bit more doable, and worthwhile.  It gets easier with practice.

So before your head hits the pillow this evening, take a moment to reflect upon your day.  Then, in your mind or in a journal, record one thing that your child accomplished today that made you proud, no matter how small it may seem.  Small steps now lead to bigger future gains.

Learning to live with gratitude is a powerful life lesson that can change the quality of your life, and that of your children.  Now, on to facing even bigger advocacy issues...  

Yes, you can!

JudyWinter.com

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Simple Advocacy-Day Thirteen

Call a family meeting. If you have a terrific extended family unit that supports your challenging parenting situation without being asked, consider yourself blessed. The reality is that many families lack such valuable support. But rather than fret and fume and hope people will step up and offer the support and understanding you need, call a user-friendly family meeting or group dinner and tell them. 

Most people can't read our minds.  Big surprise, huh?

Let everyone know exactly what you need and expect from them, while also hearing and responding calmly to their concerns. Help others better understand your child and his/her needs to help increase comfort levels and promote greater understanding and action.  If you wait for relatives to reach out to you first, you may be sorely disappointed. Just because someone is related by blood, does not guarantee they can or will offer the support you need.  Special needs often makes family dynamics increasingly complex, especially if key relationships are already strained.  But charity does (or should) begin at home.

So speak up and ask for what you need.  You might end up with some great new childcare offers for valuable time away, along with a renewed appreciation for the term 'family'.  That's a win-win for all.

It's amazing what a simple phone call can do....

JudyWinter.com

Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Random Rant-April 2008. Coulda? Shoulda? Woulda?

If there's one pesky little thing that drives my writer-speaker self over the edge, especially if I'm under deadline pressure or PMS-ing, it's regular, unacceptable misuse/abuse of simple language, especially by supposedly educated people.

This simple act upsets me almost as much as learning new technology. But not quite. For that, my usually mild-manned self has been known to loudly threaten to heave my computer off the roof of my house, along with a few naughty words.

Think of all the credit the tiny letter A gets that rightfully belongs to the word HAVE. That poor little four-letter word is ignored on a regular basis in daily conversations, the media, and over coffee and cell phone chats by otherwise stellar citizens! Over blueberry scones and foaming lattes, the letter A brazenly steals HAVE's thunder with no apologies for the blatant infractions.

Consider the following evidence of popular, daily language abuse by good folk not intending any harm.

I coulda...  I shoulda...  I woulda....

The word should be HAVE, people!  They should all be HAVE! (and not OF, either).

Could have. Should have. Would have. The rampant abuse is shameful.

This week, I challenge you to pay attention to how many times you, and those around you, are guilty of depriving the word HAVE of its rightful place in our language use (but don't ignore your kids).

I bet you'll lose count.

Now, don't even get me started on pronunciation of the word Of-TEN!!! (equivalent to fingernails on a blackboard!).

I shoulda rambled on about this important subject long ago.

Oops.

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Simple Advocacy-Day Twelve

Pay it forward. Whenever you find information on special needs that you believe could benefit others, pass it on. Networking and sharing valuable resources and updates is a great way for people to be kept aware of important, timely developments that may interest them and impact their children.

In the spirit of practicing what I preach, here's information about tonight's airing of the movie The Memory Keeper's Daughter on Lifetime (check local listings), complete with a review by my friend Gail Williamson, executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles, and mom to Blair, a talented working actor with Down syndrome.

For more about the book itself, here is the author's website: http://www.memorykeepersdaughter.com.

Be sure to give Lifetime your feedback about the movie, but first, consider sharing Gail's thoughts and the author's link!

Thanks, Gail!
_____________________________________________________________

"I enjoyed The Memory Keeper’s Daughter a Lifetime network original film to air on April 12th. Of course you don’t get time to watch the characters develop like you do when you read the book chapter to chapter, but the screenplay does a good job of representing the original story. The film, in my mind, would be rated PG13; there is reference to unfaithful married partners, not blatant and visual, but obvious; so it might not be a family film for your family. I suggest you watch it first and then decide.

Something very important to me is the casting of talent with Down syndrome and the portrayal of those characters. They were “spot on” in the film. The actors with DS did a wonderful job, I was so proud of them all and the casting directors who found them. The filmmakers did a wonderful job of showing the abilities and not focusing on the limitations of individuals with DS. It was a joy to hear all of the actors with DS speak clearly and see them truly act, playing someone other than themselves.

Have a box of tissues ready; you will need them.

On a scale of 1 to 3 chromosomes, I give it a 3."

Gail Williamson
Executive Director / Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles, Inc.
315 Arden Avenue, Suite 25
Glendale, CA 91304
818-242-7871 voice / 818-242-7819 fax
gail@dsala.org / www.dsala.org
______________________

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Simple Advocacy-Day Eleven

Organize your child's records. Keeping good updates, especially those involving educational and medical records in accessible, colorful folders or on your computer, helps you more easily put your hands on up-to-date information as needed. The goal? Stress reduction.

This simple act can prove especially helpful during unexpected hospitalizations, appointments with specialists who may not know your child, and during all those nerve-wracking school meetings, including IEPs, when stress levels are running high and accurate updates are critical.

This is one of those things in your life you can control.

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Magical Moments

RAIN

The rain taps gently on the skylight in my office, promising greener grass, budding trees, lush lawns, flirty laced tulips, lilacs and juicy worms aplenty for eager, proud Robins. The familiar seasonal cadence suits my reflective writer's mood well.

Fragrant cup of tea in hand, I forgo tempting e-mail and breathe in nature's annual rite of magic.

For the moment, I am content.

What makes you happy?

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Simple Advocacy-Day Ten

Focus on the present. By addressing your child's most pressing challenges well today, you can help build a more solid foundation for his/her future success. Most parents of kids with special needs quickly learn that it's too overwhelming (even scary) to look too far into the uncertain future, especially when their child has a particularly challenging disability.

Instead of freaking out over future unknowns, save your precious energy and stay on task.

Good rule of thumb? Bite off only what you can chew (take on) today. Facing today's most pressing tasks well, can and does help ensure brighter futures for all involved, while helping parents better meet their child's most immediate needs without burning out.

That's worth today's best effort.

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Chidlren with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Simple Advocacy-Day Nine

Laugh often! Rent a funny movie, indulge in your favorite television program, tell silly knock-knock jokes with your kids, but take time each day to laugh, even if only at the ridiculousness of your current demands.

At the very least, force a smile. Research shows that laughter is a great stress release that has positive impact on your immune system. and your attitude. Plus, it makes you more fun to be around.

So snort your little heart out. Your body and soul (and your family) will thank you.

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Marlee Matlin and DWTS!

After last night, here's my take so far on Marlee Matlin's weekly performances on Dancing with the Stars, a gig she makes look incredibly easy.

In a word, Remarkable!

You go girl!

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Spring Inspiration!

Whenever I write/speak about special needs and the law, however briefly (see last entry), I always feel the need to balance off the discussion with something slightly more enticing, like beautiful flowers!

It's a bit like cleansing the emotional palate after a heavy meal.

Enjoy!

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Simple Advocacy-Day Eight

Learn the law. Get yourself a good resource to have on hand that you can refer to time and again as needed to address a particular challenge facing your child (mine are well dog eared!). You can also access the Internet for lots of free info on this topic. Googling will help you find them fast.

If you want to purchase your own books, here's a great website to get you started. Wrightslaw.com, considered a forerunner in providing accurate, family friendly resources on Special Education Law, (and no, they aren't paying me to say this; but maybe they should!). Start slowly, and refer to your resources as needed, including for timely updates.

It's tough to advocate effectively for your child if you don't have at least a working knowledge of the the laws protecting their rights. But you don't need to become an attorney.

Although, there may well be days when you feel like you do.... 

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Simple Advocacy-Day Seven

Spend one-on-one time with your kids without special needs. Take a few minutes each day to connect with them and find out what's going on in their lives. Such actions can go a long way toward helping these kids better handle their challenging roles. Talk about their day, their hopes and dreams, their homework, and yes, their honest take on the daily challenges faced by their siblings and the family unit.

Ask them how they're doing. Don't censor their words, and don't interrupt. Instead, listen compassionately and without judgement so you can learn how to better meet their needs. Their voices need to be heard.

Never forget that these sibs deserve your best parenting, too.

JudyWInter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Simple Advocacy-Day Six

Sit still. Put down the cell, get away from the computer, stop talking, forget the laundry, and clear your mind. No doubt you're juggling a million different things with your child's schedule, appointments, meetings, research, and daily challenges. Your body and mind may be in danger of overload.

Stop.

Today, give yourself ten minutes to sit quietly, clear your mind and take care of you. Look out the window and observe the birds or budding trees in your backyard, sit in the warm sun, stretch, pet your cat or dog, slowly sip that cup of coffee, or just observe your breathing. You can even take longer in the bathroom, but close the door. The idea is to get away from your demands for a short while and add some much-needed balance and self care back into your life.

Your brain, and you, will appreciate the time off, however brief. Stop problem solving for a few minutes. The world won't end because you take some time for you, and you will most likely return to your challenges refreshed and better able to cope. It's not selfish. It's necessary to go the parenting distance.

Just be still.

Permission granted!

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

I'm a Big Fan of ...! April 2008

Here's my April 2008 gush...

I'M A BIG FAN OF JULIA CAMERON!

The multi-talented artist is perhaps best known for her bestselling book The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, but I find inspiration in her many books. A few of my favorites include: Transitions (which speaks especially well to my life right now), The Writing Diet: Write Yourself Right-Size (I love this fresh take on shaping up by healing emotions through words), and Some People Say that God is No Laughing Matter. 

Did I mention Cameron has a cool sense of humor?

No matter where I am on my life path as a writer or as a woman, Julia Cameron always manages to inspire and motivate me and get me back on the writer's path, while granting me sacred permission to be wherever I am on this challenging life journey (including having writer's bloc). I think she's a writer's best friend, but you don't need to be a creative soul to benefit from her wisdom and words, or the self validation (and hugs!) her pages provide. As long as she's putting thoughts into words, I'll be buying.

I'm a proud (and grateful) Cameron groupie.

Let me know how this remarkably talented woman has impacted your life.

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Simple Advocacy-Day Five

Express yourself! Having a child with special needs usually comes with a wide range of emotions that demand expression. Journaling or talking out your anger, frustration, sadness, fear and, grief (including with a professional if needed) are just two healthy ways to safely release your strongest feelings.

Such honest expression, including through the gift of tears, allows you to better move forward to embrace and love the child you do have. Carrying all that other stuff around robs you of valuable energy you need for the challenging tasks at hand.

Express away, and feel free to blast Madonna on your iPod as you vent.

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Reflecting on the 40th Anniversary of the King Assassination

On this, the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I invite you to pause and reflect on how Dr. King's work for equality and justice matters to all who value their freedoms, regardless of race. I hope you'll take time to read my past tribute to Dr. King on this blog dated January 20, 2008 entitled Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Day 2008.

I encourage you to visit the resources listed there to better understand Dr. King's work and legacy, and the value they hold for those who care about social justice today. I honor his life today by recognizing the remarkable and effective advocacy that resulted from King's bold commitment to serving as a relentless and compassionate voice for others. I am also reminded of the high cost of such advocacy. It's a reality I came to better appreciate as I fought for a better life for my son, Eric.

Dr. King's lessons in humanity and humility continue to impact my work on special needs issues today and are worthy of our reflection. We can all make a difference in this world. All you need is a dream. Right, Dr. King?

What's yours?

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Simple Advocacy-Day Four

Contact the Media. Inform print, radio/tv broadcast and other media (by phone, email or letter) that you approve of their coverage of special needs issues. Tell them about your child and why such coverage matters to you.

This is great opportunity to let your voices be heard, and yes, it does matter. The awareness and understanding created by such media efforts is priceless and far reaching. It often impacts your family, too.

Here are just a few examples of television programs currently doing a great job of including special needs: Way to go, ABC!

Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
Extreme Makeover-Home Edition (ABC)
Oprah's Big Give (ABC)
CNN (lots of autism programming, including on Larry King Live!)

You can also respond to local media coverage in your own hometown.

Special Note: Coming Up this month:

PBS-'Rolling,' a documentary about wheelchair users airing nationwide this month. Check local stations for broadcast times. Also, watch for the April airing of the PBS program “Hubert’s World,” which focuses on the triumphs and challenges of a man with cerebral palsy.

The Memory Keeper's Daughterr, based on the bestselling book and airing on Lifetime, Saturday, April 12th. (Down syndrome).

Here's the link to share feedback for that movie: http://www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/movies/memory-keepers-daughter


Write on!

JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Jenny McCarthy Drops the BS Word on Larry King Live!

Message boards are buzzin this morning about Jenny McCarthy's appearance on last night's Larry King Live and her sometimes emotional responses that included loudly hurling the the BS word. (I do hope her son wasn't watching).

I've often jokingly(?) warned others that when it comes to moms of kids with special needs, you don't want to unlease the beast within, believe me. There's nuclear power in there.

Here's my take on the whole brouhaha from last night. In the past, I've questioned whether, celebrity aside, Jenny McCarthy is the right spokesperson for autism (think clear understanding and presentation of the facts of the diagnosis and our obsession with celebrity expert culture). I still do. But one thing you can't take away from this gutsy mom, She's got people talking about and paying attention to autism, and she just took off the funny-lady gloves and turned it into a much-needed debate worthy of the seriousness of the topic.

Kids lives are at stake here and the numbers are escalating dramatically each and every day. With her outburst last night, I felt that for the first time, Jenny McCarthy seemed like just another frustrated, loving mom, not a celebrity. She seemed human, while finding out firsthand just how tough it is to impact real special needs change, even if blessed with coveted celebrity status that opens media doors and ensures interviews. The result was valuable coverage for a worthy cause we cannot ignore.

Say what you will about her approach (including questionable language use), but that kind of exposure is priceless. It was World Autism Awareness Day after all, and Jenny certainly got our attention. With that, came valuable attention for children and families who need our support now. She just needs to work a bit more on her advocacy skills and facts (and take some really deep breaths) if she's going to continue to have impact where it counts (think political circles). Many people lack full awareness of how politics (and funding) impacts real change at the highest levels. But I think she (and Jim Carey) are up for the task. So bring on the March on Washington, complete with Carey in costume!

Now, if the media would just expand on this heated discussion and include a wide range of special needs challenges facing millions of other families each day (along with more non-celebrity advocate interviews from those living the realities each day and well versed in the facts), I'd be more content, and less likely to release the beast within me.

Autism is important, and so are the challenges facing millions of children and families with many other disabilities worldwide. So enough with the same old questions and guests each time this valuable air-time is granted, (hear that: Larry and others). Mix up the discussion, the topics, and the guests, please!

Producers: If you're reading this rant, I'd love to chat more, and I promise not to swear.


JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Simple Advocacy-Day Three

Express gratitude. Take time to send a heartfelt note or card of thanks (snail mail, not email) to someone whose efforts have made a difference in your child's life, and your own.

Good karma has a way of returning to you when need it most.


JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Reminder-It's World Autism Awareness Day!

Reminder: Today is World Autism Awareness Day and that means major-media coverage and lots of other buzz on the topic, including on CNN. Check out my entry about this ground-breaking day below. Such coverage and discussion does help bring awareness to the bigger issue of special needs, allowing us to build on obtaining broader, much-needed coverage of a wide range of disabilities.

Imagine what could happen if we all joined forces for the overall cause of special needs? You and I can help make that happen. There is power in numbers, and in our voices, as this day helps prove.

Raise yours.


JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Simple Advocacy-Day Two

Educate yourself about your child's diagnosis so you are better prepared to face/address the challenges it may present you.

You might just help write some brand new statistics.


JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter

Introducing 14 Days of Simple Special Needs Advocacy

When it comes to special needs parenting, one thing quickly becomes clear. If you expect your child to have the best life possible, than you must become their best advocate.

Too often when parents hear the word advocate or advocacy they question their ability to be effective, citing time constraints, lack of knowledge and people skills, no confidence or lack of training and limited finances. They think that to be an effective advocate they must take on a big challenge in the outside world.

The reality is that many parents are just too overwhelmed or too pooped to even consider taking on such a big role. Many are just trying to make it through the next IEP, family gathering, appointment with the specialist or therapists, or survive the bedtime routine. They aren't up for saving the world, just a small piece of it.

So I want to simplify the word for you. Because sometimes, the most effective advocacy for a child with special needs begins with seemingly simple actions taken in the home, actions that go a long way toward improving a child's life, and your own.

I'm talking user-friendly advocacy that anyone can take on, the kind of valuable advocacy that changes lives, too. The kind that can help you take on the bigger stuff.

In the spirit of creating empowered parents who effectively advocate for their kids in the simplest ways each day, I'm introducing 14 Days of Simple Special Needs Advocacy. I hope these helpful, proactive reminders over the next two weeks will prove useful to you and your family throughout the year.

Afterall, April is all about rebirth and remarkable new growth after a long, dark winter...

Let's get started.

SIMPLE ADVOCACY-DAY ONE:

Tell your children that you love them, no matter how rough the day, complete with great big hugs. If he/she is touch sensitive, hug more gently and build on the effort each day.

Now that wasn't so hard, was it?


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