Author: Papa Cheeks

An overgrown man-child and connoisseur of geek culture, Papa Cheeks is striving to raise his two sons to become more responsible, self-actualized men than himself. So far they are not cooperating.
Parent

Having Himself a Merry Little Autistic Christmas

“What should we get the boy for Christmas?” Another year, same phone call.  It’s not an unusual question to get from grandparents, whether your kid is autistic or not.  Of course with my neurotypical boy, the answer’s easy:  anything Power Rangers, Lego, Spider-Man, Harry Potter, or Black Panther-related is going to be a hit.  With my autistic boy, though?  That one’s a little tougher. Part … Continue reading Having Himself a Merry Little Autistic Christmas

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I’m A NT Parent, Not An Enemy To The Autistic Community

I’m a firm believer that you can’t advocate for a group without letting the very people you’re trying to support lead the way. My son is the autistic one. He calls the shots (in his own way). I’m just the support team. I’m well aware that there are things he goes through that I’m most likely never going to be able to identify with, even … Continue reading I’m A NT Parent, Not An Enemy To The Autistic Community

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When You Feel Like You’re Failing

I’d love to be able to say that I can go any significant amount of time without feeling like I’m completely failing as a parent.  Some of it is depression, some of it is anxiety, and a lot of it is simply the fact that I can’t give my family everything that I wish that I could. Expensive vacations.  A huge house.  Top of the … Continue reading When You Feel Like You’re Failing

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Parent

When Your Child Is Diagnosed Autistic – First Step

Maybe you saw it coming.  Maybe the idea never even crossed your mind.  Either way, your child has just been diagnosed.  So where do you start? By taking a deep breath, and not doing anything. Don’t start reading pamphlets.  Don’t start calling therapists.  For the love of God, DON’T GOOGLE. Go home and take a moment to remember everything you knew about your baby the day before.  … Continue reading When Your Child Is Diagnosed Autistic – First Step

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parenting

Too Little Or Too Much?

  It’s not unusual to question if you’re doing enough when you’re raising an autistic child.  Part of that is just general anxiety.  The other is worrying over whether or not the reason he or she isn’t making the progress you’re hoping for because you’re not giving them enough time, therapy, guidance, etc.  It’s hard to benchmark as well, because every autistic child is unique.  … Continue reading Too Little Or Too Much?

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LEGOS Up The Nose, Or We Could Have Just Been Pet People

On today’s episode of “We Could Have Just Been Pet People”… Last night, as I was getting ready to head out to a parent/teacher conference for his big brother, SOMEONE (having decided his father didn’t have nearly enough stress in his life) SHOVED A DAMN LEGO UP HIS NOSTRIL. Not just a little bit up in there, either. DAMN NEAR UP TO THE SEPTUM. Now … Continue reading LEGOS Up The Nose, Or We Could Have Just Been Pet People

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