Dup 15q Syndrome

“I am different, not less.” - Temple Grandin
Celebrating my daughter today. Awareness means acceptance, advocacy, education, inclusion and empathy.

#AutismSpectrumDisorder #Disability #MightyTogether #Dup15qSyndrome

Dr. Amy Wheadon's latest blog is up! Learn an OT's perspective on four strategies to help you kiddos have a successful Halloween --> Sensory Strategies for a Successful Halloween — King's Day Out

#SensoryProcessingDisorder #Autism #Dup15qSyndrome #ADHD

Morning trail runs are the best. I needed to open my lungs and breathe some nature in. It does even more for me mentally than physically. What a wonderful morning. I hope you all can find a way to relax and reenergize. #MentalHealth #Anxiety #Depression #RareDisease #Autism #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #Migraine #Dup15qSyndrome #MightyTogether

My kid is on fire this morning. Flying through her schedule. High fives for her and for whatever you are accomplishing too. #Autism #Parenting #Anxiety #Depression #Dup15qSyndrome #MightyTogether #MentalHealth

Two weeks ago I wrote a post on LinkedIn about a special moment I had with my daughter during one of her trips to CVS, which we visit every day after her autism program (I shared it here too). To my surprise the post was viewed over 100,000 times and reached the CEO of CVS Health who took the time to leave a thoughtful comment.

But it gets better. Last night my daughter received a package filled with goodies from the CVS Pharmacy team and this handwritten note. Our team at The Mighty serves millions of people managing health challenges and disabilities and we talk a lot about the human side of health, about how healthcare should feel. It should feel like this.

Today Annabel will head into our local store with her new CVS cap on and we’ll have a nice story for the employees who always have a kind word for us. This team has become an extension of our community. Thank you, CVS. #Autism #Dup15qSyndrome #MentalHealth #Parenting #CVS

Most days when I pick up my daughter from her autism program, the first thing out of her mouth is three letters: “CVS.” She repeats them over and over. She wants to stop at the drugstore to pick out a treat, which just may be the highlight of her day. I give her a high five. “OK, let’s go to CVS.”

We pull up and park in a handicap spot. I feel a little guilty as I hang the placard over the rearview mirror because as slow as Annabel walks, she can get there. If I’m being honest, I park here because it’s 50 feet less space between the store and the car where she might drop and have a meltdown.

She paces the candy aisle, pointing at a bag of cinnamon bears and looking up at me, her way of asking me to tell her about the treat. Some days this selection process takes 5 minutes and others it may take 15. She has taught me patience. Today she selects a lollipop that fits within a plastic Baby Yoda figure. $6.99 for a $0.25 sucker. Ridiculous, but impressive marketing.

As we pay for it, she points to Baby Yoda’s brown eyes and says, “chocolate eyes,” which surprises me. “What color eyes do you have?” I ask. “Chocolate eyes,” she says. “What color eyes does daddy have?” Without hesitation she looks up with a knowing smile and says, “blueberry eyes.” This spark of imagination means everything. To see her light up brings joy, pride and love. This is why we do what we do. Parenting at its best.

(recent picture of Annabel at Atlanta's botanical gardens)

#Autism #Dup15qSyndrome #Parenting #MightyTogether #MentalHealth

The Mighty has come full circle for me. We built it for all of you but now I need this community more than ever.

We've all struggled during the pandemic, but it's been particularly difficult on kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities like my daughter. Losing therapy services, in-person school, routines and so much more sent her into a tailspin that she hasn't recovered from.

Several of our daughter's doctors recommended she attend a program at the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta for the next 3-6 months. A few weeks ago, I moved here with Annabel, leaving my wife and 3 boys back in Los Angeles.

It's already clear that this was the right decision, but it doesn't make the transition any easier.

Fortunately, the pandemic also taught us all how to become more resilient. We all had to find support in other places. For me, one of those places is increasingly The Mighty community.

Above you can see Annabel flipping through laminated photos of our favorite people back home. She finds comfort in them. When I can't talk to them, I know I can tap into my Mighties. I find comfort in you all too.

Thank you to all our writers, community leaders and partners for helping build this community. I'm so grateful to have genuine support in my pocket.

#Autism #RareDisease #MentalHealth #Anxiety #Depression #Dup15qSyndrome #MightyTogether