Different, Not Less

This is FYI to all of my Autism parents. The state of NC just passed the ABLE bill that allows parents to save money for their disabled child without it effecting the child's medicaid and SSI benefits. This is huge! We need for SC to follow suit and pass this same legislation for our kids. You can contact all of our state government officials by email and ask them to support the ABLE act. We need to be able to save and invest in our special needs children's futures just as we would for our typical child's college or future.

I was told by one of my instructors that I seem to make everything in my life to be about Logan. So, I am back in school, driving 140 miles per day, have an unbelievable schedule, and my first thought of every morning when I wake up and at least 20 times throughout the day is about Logan. Has he taken his AM meds, is he ok, is he just vegging out on the recliner, is he calling businesses, he is praying for hours, is he drawing on his clip board, has anyone responded to his calls or texts, is he lonely, is he bored, is he happy, is he sad, is he safe, is he having a seizure, is he breathing....This is my reality!!! We don't choose Autism or Seizures they happen to the very people that matter most to us, our babies, children, adults and it is never going away. So yes, I am guilty and must apologize to the world that every thought process that I have on every day of my life has been about him. They are not all unhappy or feel sorry for me or him thoughts. Many bring a smile to my face and help me get through the day, but if my agenda, if you even want to call it that, I call it (unconditional love and concern) ever I do anything right in this world is to bring awareness, support, and unconditional acceptance and love to these unforgettable and all consuming people who like my son, have Autism then maybe I have accomplished something worth talking about...THEM!!!!I

I started this page, and unfortunately have not been able to do what I intended to do with it. I have a story to tell just like everyone else in this world. I just happen to have a topic that I am on a first name basis with...Autism. It is one that I sometimes wish I didn't know anything about, and yet, it seems to be the one thing constant in my life that I seek knowledge about. When I wake up in the morning it is there, and when I go to sleep at night it is there. I find it seeking me out in every situation possible. I have literally come into contact with Autism in every context of my life. Just yesterday, I was in Walmart and the lady behind me was struggling with her adolescent son. I watched as people stared and made their judgements. You could see it on their faces...why doesn't she shut him up, why doesn't she have better control over him, if he was my child he wouldn't be acting like this in public. I turned to her and simply said,"it's ok I have a special boy too". I began to help her unload her cart, so that she could deal with her son. She was weary and worn. She asked me my name and I gave her my number. I told her to call me parent to parent anytime. I meant it. I didn't just say it to be saying it, I truly want her to call. Not because I have all of the best advice, answers or techniques, but because like her, I get up to Autism and I go to sleep with it. You never know what someone in that check out line might be going through.

Facts about Autism En Español Did you know ... Autism now affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys Autism prevalence figures are growing Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability

What it is to Live, Laugh and Love | Blog | Autism Speaks This guest post is from Kaitlin Balmert, a loving sister of a brother on the autism spectrum with a story to share. ()

Logan's graduation portrait:)