by Sonia Voynow | Nov 12, 2020 | Coping with Anxiety, Self-care for special needs parents
In a matter of weeks, the coronavirus has upended just about everything in our lives. So many things that we took for granted—our jobs, our health, the way our kids are educated, even the ease of getting together with loved ones—aren’t so certain anymore. And yet for...
by Sonia Voynow | May 15, 2019 | Coping with Anxiety, Seeing Your Whole Child
These days, as I try to envision an independent life for my adult son with autism, I am aware of two battling impulses inside me. On one side is the knowledge that I need to step back, to allow Noah to experience the world in his own way. But on the other side is a...
by Sonia Voynow | Aug 14, 2015 | Seeing Your Whole Child
When it comes to my son, who has autism spectrum disorder, I feel like I’m always navigating two paths simultaneously. On the one hand, I’m in project mode, eager to help him learn new skills. But when I am overly attached to therapy goals, I risk treating my son like...
by Sonia Voynow | Sep 11, 2013 | Empowered Parenting, Focusing on Strengths, Seeing Your Whole Child
About ten years ago, I had the opportunity to hear a speech by Temple Grandin, an icon in the world of autism. She holds a Ph.D., and is an expert in animal behavior, as well as an advocate for those on the spectrum. I don’t remember details from her talk, but one...
by Sonia Voynow | Dec 17, 2010 | The Art of Self-Care
Holiday time is usually no picnic for parents of kids with special needs. Our children often don’t do well with changing schedules and traveling. Friends and family members can be inadvertently critical or insensitive to our burden, and miss our child’s unique...