Why I’m Embracing a Structure Free Summer for My Child

Why I’m Embracing a Structure Free Summer for My Child

We’ve finally made it to the end of the school year with two months of summer ahead of us. While some parents rush to sign their kids up for camps, activities and outings to fill the days, I’m embracing the free space. 

As mom of an autistic child, the school year is tough! It’s full of hurdles to navigate from sun up to sundown.

By the time summer rolls around we’re all emotionally and physically exhausted. There’s no mental capacity left to schedule more activities.

Embracing a structure free summer gives us all the break we so desperately need.

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Unleashing Confidence: Our Journey with a Service Dog

Unleashing Confidence: Our Journey with a Service Dog

Since she little, my daughter has gravitated towards animals. Over the years, she’s ridden horses, had dogs, raised ducks and helped at barns. While I knew the important role animals play in her life, I had no idea how transformative getting a service dog would be to her confidence and independence.

Our service dog journey began with a panic attack. Having panic attacks wasn’t new. But the location of the panic attack, touring a university campus on a high school field trip, was the catalyst our service dog journey.

This panic attack made our daughter realize she couldn’t go to university without a support animal. The campus environment is just too overwhelming – lots of people, different buildings and lots to process.

We had no idea how difficult it is to get a service dog.

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