Defeated by Autism: A Parent's Journey Through Unpredictable Toilet Training Challenges
Today, Autism has me feeling defeated. Toilet training an 8-year-old with profound autism is more unpredictable than the Frozen Ever...
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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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Breaking Brantley’s Bare Butt Habits
Over the past 6 years, Brantley has made a habit of stripping whenever he can. It's been a constant challenge – loving him comes easy,...
Sibling Dynamics: Nurturing Resilience and Compassion in Special Needs Families
Parenting a kid with profound special needs is overwhelming. But being a sibling to one is no cakewalk either. Brantley’s safety and...
ABA strategies turning the tide of toilet training
Years back, Brantley participated in an Intensive Behavioral Treatment Program rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. I...
Struggles of Toilet Training: Battling Autism, Biting, and Frustration
Toilet training a child with severe autism is kicking my ass. I’ve said it. This isn't our first time trying to toilet train Brantley -...
Discovering Gratitude in Unexpected Challenges: A Parent’s Journey with Autism and Toilet Training
Have you ever thanked the Lord for your child stripping off their clothes and using their bed as a makeshift toilet? I have. You may...
How a Safety Bed Transformed Our Journey with Brantley
I often reflect on what has made the greatest impact on our journey raising Brantley. Until recently, I believed it was sending him to an...
Setback in Toilet Training: Flu Strikes, But Brantley's Triumph Delayed, Not Derailed
Monday morning, I helped my 8-year-old step into underwear, a significant departure from the uncomfortable diapers he's worn his entire...
A Mother's Dream: Brantley's Voice Breaks the Silence, Even for a Moment
Brantley took my cup and smiled “I want a drink." His voice was so quiet and raspy. After taking multiple sips from my drink, my...
Riding the Storm: Navigating Brantley's Whirlwind of Energy and the Calm in Between
Brantley is usually a whirlwind, wreaking havoc wherever he goes. Instead of the roar of a tornado, our house resonates with the...
Breaking Down Brantley's Behavior: Navigating the Complexity of Autism
In our world of Autism, we're always encountering new behaviors. From tics to stimming to sensory or attention-seeking actions, it feels...
Preparing for Progress: Brantley's Journey from Diapers to Underwear
I bought underwear for Brantley, a decision that might seem trivial, but it weighed heavily on me. After nearly 9 years in diapers, we're...
Breaking Free from the Comparison Trap: A Parent's Journey with Autism
Everyone advises against comparing your children to others, but let's be real – we all do it. It's just human nature. Yet, it’s often...
Brantley's Birthday Puzzle: Navigating Nonverbal Clues to Fulfill His Wishes
Brantley has always danced to his own tune. And birthday parties to celebrate him have never been his jam. It makes sense really, he has...
Exploring Faith and Disability: A Journey of Hope and Trust in God's Grace
Each Sunday, our family attends church that practices believers' baptism—a symbolic act reserved for those who, after reaching an age of...
Navigating the Chaos of a Feral Tornado
Feral. That's the only word that comes close to describing Brantley's recent antics. Today, as we were let into Brantley’s school, he...
Navigating Parenthood: The Constant Questions of Support, Progress, and Love for Brantley's Journey
"Am I doing enough?" "Am I doing the right things?" "Is Brantley getting the right therapies?" These questions are a constant whirlwind...
Parenting a Nonverbal Child: Navigating the Puzzle of Communication and Care
Remember that brief window when your baby or toddler couldn’t communicate pain? How you would look for nonverbal cues to see if they were...
5 Insights for Parenting a Child on the Spectrum: Lessons Learned Over 8 Years with Brantley
Looking back on the past 8 years of raising Brantley, I've realized there's so much I wish I had known from the start. Here are five...
Legacy of a Mother’s Love: Nurturing Special Needs Children for Eternity
“Your motherhood will outlive you and live inside your children forever” What a testament to the impact of a mother’s love and care,...
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