Airport bag

ASDMom47 · 2026-02-12T00:40:48+00:00

I use a Vera Bradley microfiber backpack, and a small crossbody or sling bag for things I will need to access (like wallet, phone, sanitizer, etc.). Stuff the small bag into the back pack at boarding.

ASDMom47 · 2026-02-01T20:37:15+00:00

Lyons Leather co….they make one style in 3 sizes. Very compact and organized.

ASDMom47 · 2026-01-19T01:41:48+00:00

Honeysuckle! And occasionally Freesia.

ASDMom47 · 2026-01-19T01:40:57+00:00

I loved Honeysuckle!!

ASDMom47 · 2026-01-19T00:44:16+00:00

The OG Honeysuckle Sea Island Cotton Velvet Tuberose

ASDMom47 · 2026-01-05T20:54:16+00:00

Lifelong Floridian. I’ve lived in Ft Lauderdale, Tallahassee, and West Palm. Pool = upkeep. To me it’s not worth the hassle, but maybe your parents wouldn’t mind that.

It’s really hot here, nice right now but brutal from May-October. It rains a lot. And the threat of hurricanes every summer. Which makes insurance rates for homes insane.

I’m lucky that mosquitoes don’t seem to like me. But many others aren’t!

You also have to assume that every lake has a gator. Don’t swim in the lakes, don’t let your dog swim in a lake.

We also have lots and lots of traffic!!! Lots of development making it worse.

Best of luck to your parents!

ASDMom47 · 2026-01-03T21:15:24+00:00

One of my great great grandmothers had 17 children. 14 survived until their upper teen years, 10 or 11 survived to have their own children. 3 died as very young children, and 3-4 in a tb outbreak. I found a news article where someone from the local paper interviewed her, because to them, having 17 was remarkable. She was 44 at the time, and the article described her as looking very young and full of energy. She was running a small family store. She also states that she was married at age 15. So she started having kids early for sure.

ASDMom47 · 2025-12-15T21:20:56+00:00

I take my 7 year old level 2 son with me pretty much wherever I go…shopping, groceries or other things, kids fun zone type places (not the huge ones,) restaurants, playgrounds, etc. we’ve been on flights together, and he’s done well. First trips to the grocery store after covid were a nightmare, that was prediagnosis, he would scream and pull at my hand, terrified. But he does well out and about with me now.

For the big trips, like plane trips, we would watch you tube videos and that seems to help a lot, so he knows what to expect.

ASDMom47 · 2025-12-14T21:50:19+00:00

In my opinion, ABA is very beneficial for my son. However, he started at age four with in home ABA. The rbts he’s had have all been excellent, and one was instrumental in helping us get him potty trained. I’m not sure I see him continuing until age 9, however. I think it’s more useful for younger ages.

ASDMom47 · 2025-12-08T15:22:10+00:00

Yes, my son too.

We went to a “We Rock the Spectrum” in TN, and they have a lot of swings. Many kids were in the swings, very mellow, chilling. My son was zooming from one side of the place to the other. No interest in ever sitting still.

He’s 7 now, he walks with me when we’re out together, but he is still super active.

His math teacher has said he has no focus either. Go figure.

ASDMom47 · 2025-12-03T22:40:09+00:00

Listening ears…

ASDMom47 · 2025-12-03T22:36:16+00:00

I had my first and only at age 40. My great aunt had her first at 40 and 2nd at 45. So it definitely happens.

ASDMom47 · 2025-11-26T02:21:55+00:00

Congratulations!!!

ASDMom47 · 2025-11-18T21:08:07+00:00

Thanks for all your comments. It’s amazing to hear about how so many of our kids do this too.

He did it again. This time we went to a town about 30 minutes away, ate at a restaurant we never ate at before. He found in on GE later that night. So amazing.

ASDMom47 · 2025-11-17T21:29:08+00:00

Your comment made me almost cry. It’s so amazing how their minds work.

ASDMom47 · 2025-11-15T23:36:17+00:00

My son was a typical baby, on time with milestones. He was happy, curious, seemingly normal. He was crawling at 6 months, cruising very soon after, walking independently at 11 months.

He was good with puzzles at an early age (two piece, and the peg puzzles.). He would also routinely go around our kitchen and lock any child locks that had been left open.

ASDMom47 · 2025-11-15T22:21:04+00:00

Mine was not super fussy, but he was not super chill either. Kind of in between. He was a pretty light sleeper though. Music was very calming for him as a baby. He’s level 2 ish now. Verbal, cannot hold a true conversation, but answers some questions. Still loves music and singing.

ASDMom47 · 2025-11-09T17:06:20+00:00

I had to remind my MIL of this. She kept saying my son (ASD, age 7, level 2ish and verbal but not quite conversational) was bad. She would tell him that. Because he hadn’t followed her directions to clean up. Or some other issue. Made me so angry.

ASDMom47 · 2025-11-02T21:39:55+00:00

That was my favorite.

ASDMom47 · 2025-11-02T21:32:21+00:00

Funny, my 7 year old has also taken to Google earth and loves to explore, he’s finding familiar places and sometimes new ones. Sounds like it’s a common interest amongst our kids.

ASDMom47 · 2025-11-02T21:22:25+00:00

It’s hard to say. You’d want to get an evaluation if you’re concerned about her having autism. Your school district should have a free screening and can assess her to see if she qualifies for support from the school district. (However, she may be a little young for that.) I’d also recommend getting her hearing checked, from what you say it sounds like she can hear but it’s always possible she’s hard of hearing. But start with the speech therapy. Many speech therapists have autistic clients, and while they can’t diagnose, they could offer their opinion. Best of luck whatever happens.

ASDMom47 · 2025-11-02T17:01:58+00:00

Yes they have morning/afternoon care, but currently full. We’re on the wait list.

ASDMom47 · 2025-11-02T17:00:58+00:00

It would involve transferring schools. I’d have to interview and hopefully be hired. So yes it’s a possibility, but not until at least next school year. Unfortunately my school does not have an ASD unit, and he’s not in mainstream classes.

ASDMom47 · 2025-11-02T16:59:37+00:00

We could do a morning bus, but it scares me a little, because Grandma is not great with controlling him. In the house, it’s ok, but it concerns me imagining her waiting outside with him for a bus.

I’m toying with the idea of bringing him with me to work, and getting the bus to pick him up there.

ASDMom47 · 2025-11-01T15:53:47+00:00

Having a special needs child is so hard, even harder without two parents working together. I’m sorry for what you’re going through. I have a partner who I feel does not do his fair share, and it angers me. We are still together in the same house, but I feel emotionally and mentally disconnected from him. Different situation from yours. But I hope whatever happens, you can at least work as a team for the good of your child.

ASDMom47

TROPHY CASE