Family Matters

"Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach."

- Tony Robbins      

One of the most common questions I get asked by other parents that have a child on the spectrum is about having more kids after an autism diagnosis has been introduced into the family unit.

I was recently asked this on my Facebook page and I wanted to give the response the weight it was due, so I decided to answer the question via my blog:

“So I'm trying to decide, when is the best time to have another child. My son is 2 and has ASD, and is our first. I think it'd be good to have another child for him, and I want them to feel close, but at the same time I don't want to take any of the attention he needs away from him. So I'm wondering if you might be willing to let me know what your opinion is on this subject?“ 

- Leslie D.

I don't know that there is a right answer to this question Leslie. It is something that as to be talked about between you and your husband at great length though. I can share with you my experience, and provide the disclaimer that I am not sure that what we did, nor how we did it was ideal. I am certainly not suggesting that our story be used as a blueprint, so please take what I am about to write for what it is worth... my flawed experience.

Caring for Military Kids with Autism Act

Please watch the following brief video:

Lets lessen the burden on military men and women by treating their families with the respect they deserve.

Please write your representative by showing your support in the passing of Caring for Military Kids with Autism Act H.R. 2288.

Also, please check out Rachel's blog Stimcity for blog posts written from the heart.

Thanks for everything you are doing Rachel and for your support of me. If there is one thing I have learned, from my advocacy it is that we are all in this together and the support from others who are dealing with ASD is amazing. We are family.

If you have not already, please take time to watch my videos, "Fixing" Autism and Autism Awareness with Nichole337 and share them with your friends.

To keep up to date with everying in Lou's Land, please subscribe to my blog. "Like" Lou's Land on Facebook and follow Lou's Land on Twitter

Giving Thanks

Ah… Thanksgiving; the day where most Americans will begrudgingly trek to some relative’s house that they really don’t want to be at, stuff themselves just short of exploding, watch football and if we are lucky… take one second out of their jam-packed day of gluttony and selfishness to be thankful for something… anything.

Most Turkey Days, I am ashamed to admit, I could qualify for all of the above. This year though… life is different. The veil of self-pity, selfishness, depression has been lifted… and boy am I THANKFUL!

I am thankful for my family. My folks are still around and my dad seems to be recovering nicely from his broken hip. My marriage has managed to survive another stress-filled year. My kids are happy and healthy. My father-in-law is still raising havoc at the age of 90! Things at work are going well too, I have a career doing something that I LOVE doing and have not felt like I have ever had to go to a “job”.

Usually that would round out the list. But 2011 has been different. The list is a lot longer, and it is time that some people got some praise and thanks.

Greatest Birthday Gift... EVER.

Since I can remember, I wanted to be a dad.

Most kids could tell you they wanted to be a baseball player, a veterinarian, a ballerina, a fire fighter or some other career goal. I had those too. Mainly stand-up comedian, SNL actor or radio personality were the things I wanted to do more than anything. Somehow I landed in TV, and I feel fortunate enough to never feel like I go to a “JOB”. However, professional aspirations aside, more than anything in life… I wanted to be a dad.

That opportunity finally happened on November 3^rd, 2005. Born exactly on her due date, my beautiful Bianca came into the world… on my 34^th birthday. When asked, “What was the greatest birthday present you have ever received?” most people have to think about it a little. Not me. Not only was Bianca the greatest gift I have ever received in my life, she continues to give and enrich it by teaching me to be a better man, husband and father every day we spend together.

Trick AND Treat

Yet another year of little ones dressed like everything from scary to funny, superhero to anti-hero, dead to undead and then the ones that you don’t know how to classify.

Bianca had a class Halloween Party, so my wife and I went to take pictures, help out and meet other parents of the kids in the room. I have gotten to know the kids pretty well since I volunteer to help with recess once a week, but I am not that familiar with the other moms and dads. The kids seemed to enjoy their pumpkin decorating and nachos. The cookie decorating was a particular favorite of Bianca because she got to eat a cookie, and because she inhaled every possible candy sprinkle she could find.