The Smile That Hid Autism
“Look at that smile; no autism here.” I can still feel the wave of relief that washed over me when our pediatrician said those words. She...
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WELCOME!
We are the Smith Family. We get a lot of questions on what life with Brantley, our 8 year old who has complex behaviors and developmental disabilities is like. So why not take you on our parenting adventure?
We invite you to come along with us as we tackle the trials and triumphs of special needs parenting. We hope that you will join us as we laugh a lot, cry a little, pull our hair out sometimes and love on our wild little man.
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When Silence Speaks: Imagining the Words Brantley Might One Day Say
Before Brantley’s last surgery, the anesthesiologist came in to ask him a few routine questions. When I explained that he was nonverbal,...
Autism Isn't the End: How Brantley Showed Me the Power of Progress, One Step at a Time
The weight of the word "autism" hit me like a ton of bricks when Brantley was first diagnosed. Every milestone I had envisioned for him...
Navigating the Daily Battle: A Journey to Kitchen Safety for Autistic Son
Imagine having a child who is a danger to themselves, a child who truly can’t help their impulses to eat everything, to feel everything....
How Having a Child with Profound Autism Changed Me: Embracing the Person I’ve Become
Having a child with profound Autism has changed me. I didn’t realize it, until years ago when my husband said something that pierced me...
Facing the Unspoken: The weight of missing substantial communication
In the earlier stages of Brantley’s Autism I struggled to imagine a world where I wouldn’t hear my sweet boys voice. A world where I...
Bittersweet Farewell: Brantley’s First Miracle League Baseball Season Ends with Joy and Reflection
Brantley's first baseball season with the Miracle League came to a close last weekend, marking the end of a chapter I’m sad to see end....
Advocating for Acceptance: Embracing Children with Autism and Celebrating Differences
My nine-year-old, Brantley, has Autism. While it seems like everyone knows someone with Autism, Brantley's form isn't widely...
From Christmas Wish to Pedaling Triumph: Brantley's Journey to Riding an Adaptive Bike
When Brantley was just 5 years old, he used his speech device a few days before Christmas to ask for a bike. Despite Santa already having...
Autism Triumph: Crafty Nine-Year-Old, Redefines Independence with his Ingenious Wardrobe
Brantley, my nine-year-old with profound Autism, is one sharp cookie. People are often taken aback by the idea that someone non-verbal...
Brantley's First Sleepover: A Unique Triumph Over Autism Challenges
Brantley, my nine year old with profound autism, had his first sleep over last night. It wasn’t like most kids first sleepovers. It was...
Dining Out with Purpose: Raising Autism Awareness Through Outings
Today we did our part to spread Autism Awareness. I think it’s a coincidence I put on an Autism shirt this morning. As we left my son’s...
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