My Autism Events Blog
New: Autism Family Photo Sessions
Spectrum is now offering family photos in an environment just for us. Calming and fun. We can do a magical fall or winter shoot with snow. 🍁 It’s not your typical photo sessions…. - we move on your time- it’s candid - meaning - we play!- transitions are easy- enjoy...
Spectrum Parents Playground
Sports for Autistic Kids in Hampton Roads?
There are a ton of sports for autistic kids in Hampton Roads. Believe it or not, we even have pickleball. As well as running, dance, gymnastics, soccer, and baseball. A skateboard club is in the works too! This is massive for our autism community. Just five years ago,...
People Treat Her Differently
I have to share about what happened yesterday! Cait made the dance competition team at her dance studio this year, and I was worried that she wouldn't fit in, but her teammates have truly accepted her! It was their first competition yesterday. On the stage, Cait...
Today Was Rough, But We Walked Away With A Win
The school wished to drop all services due to the fact that Lance has enough credits for a general diploma and he will be 18 next year. Lance has 1 more year of school and wishes to pursue an advanced diploma. So here we are in his IEP meeting and they tell us they...
You’ll Love This!
Help! Who else is feeling antsy? Like spring should be here already? Luck for you, my brain rarely shuts off!! GonnawannaSINGagin' - Karaoke More information Parents of Adults with Autism Web Chat More information March 2, 2022 Walking Into Your Best Self More...
Just Diagnosed
Everything changed at 18 months. First, Luna met all her milestones and never was delayed when she was an infant. I was in the process of changing jobs where I would work more hours, beginning college full-time, and moving and buying a house with my boyfriend, now...
Featured Upcoming Events – STOKED!
January 21, 2022 Monster Jam More information January 22, 2022 Teens and Adults (All Ages) with Autism Online Game Night More information Family Scavenger Hunt! More information FACT - Teen Time: Monster Jam (ages 13-18) More information FACT - Social Club- Monster...
Flapping Happy! New Events!
In-Progress Ice Cold Front Sk8 "The Chill Factor" January 14, 2022 @ 2:00 PM to 11:30 PM at Peninsula Family Skating Center-Newport News Virginia Adult roller-skating event celebrating the culture of African-American roller-skating....
Cole Said a FULL Sentence!
An amazing thing happened today which we don't hear all the time!!!! Cole said a full sentence clear as day: “I want to go home." AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!! May not sound like a big deal but it is SUCH A BIG DEAL!! He says many words but does not always say full sentences....
She Doesn’t Care About Thanksgiving Dinner
We left the house about 12:50 to walk down to Live Oak Cafe for our 1:00 reservation…that’s where our Thanksgiving dinner story begins, long story short, we still haven’t had dinner.(btw that in no way reflects Live Oak, their dinner was amazing and I look forward to...
Giveaway!!!! Santa Texts with Photos, Videos, and MORE!
Win Texts, Photos, and other Goodies from Santa! SIX (6) Families Can Win!! Have Santa Text Your Child This Christmas! Texts and photos everyday! Thirty Customized texts from YOU - SANTA! This is going to be so much fun!!! Fill out this form and the winners will be...
There’s NO Crying on Halloween
Finding the spectrum parents was one of the best things that happened to us on our Autism journey. For me, autism was very isolating. My kiddo is on the moderate to severe end of the spectrum. Having a group to go to for advice and support was something I didn't know...
Maersk Made My Kid Feel Like a HERO!!
Maersk Made My Kid Feel Like a HERO!! When we asked Gray what he wanted to be for Halloween, he said it had to be in line with his current interests. Going to the Eastern Shore all the time on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and our days on the beach at the bay he...
Upcoming Autism Events – Hampton Roads
October 29, 2021 Halloween Party at The Greene Turtle October 29, 2021 @ 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM at The Greene Turtle Let’s get together for a Halloween party at The Greene Turtle in Hampton! There will be music, karaoke, a costume contest, and more. There is a kids party...
Uncontrollable Fears that Keep Autism Parents Up At Night
What do autism parents worry about daily? ➖ Little to no support or encouragement from spouse or family ➖Helping my kids find their village ➖Providing the tools to help her succeed as an adult ➖My son is being included in activities with peers. ➖For me, support. For...
Autism Meltdowns & Artwork = Help ❤️
Kids are terrified and having extreme meltdowns, throwing things, and some are banging their heads against the wall. Autism is hard. Why? They cannot communicate their needs or feelings. Changes are too drastic. Routines are out the window. We all try our best to help...
Stop EVERY TIME for Ice Cream 😍
While they're young, collect precious moments. Treasure every tear-streaming giggle, every smile that lights up their face, and most importantly, surround yourself with simple pleasures. Go on a picnic, catch tons of sunfish, go blueberry picking, teach them how to...
The Kindergarten Principal who kicked me out of Public Schools
Let's start with me..I was a 4-year-old blond-haired, blue-eyed mess. I was that child….the child teachers rolled their eyes at….hair out of place, messy hand-me-down clothes, free lunch child from the projects, who was always dirty. I was pig-headed, street-savvy,...
Autism Mom Guilt
Oh, crap. My son got another array of questionable bug bites. How am I going to send him to school looking like this? How am I going to get away with another unexcused absence without him failing? 😣 He won't stop scratching at them and getting them infected, and CPS...
The Ultimate Guide to Upcoming Autism Events in Hampton Roads
"Thanks so much for planning tonight’s event. I almost didn’t do it and I really had to step out of my comfort zone since everything is so new and scary right now, but it was exactly what I think we all needed." -Stephanie Beggs, Spectrum Parents Mom Got an...
Are Milestones A Colossal Fail For Autism Families?
His First Words, And How It Healed My Soul
Today’s Activities
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Autism Mom’s Day MONTH
All of the following are in the works for Mother’s Day Month so keep MAY open! We are celebrating Mom’s Day the whole month of May! Contest to win a night with brunch at The Historic Cavalier Hotel & Beach Club! Comedy & Autism = Best Therapy EVER with Winston...
Temple Grandin ZOOMED with US
I wanted to say that getting to actually ask Temple Grandson questions was awesome. I have seen several recordings of her speak, but never been able to ask questions. That was really neat. - Stacey Berry, Autism Mom
We had a Blast Exploring the Eastern Shore
We had a blast exploring the Eastern Shore with friends!! We saw boats, shells, a freestanding fireplace, abandoned boats, abandoned houses, gardens and beach with cement ships!! The boys loved it and added bonus on way home we saw a whole pod of dolphins jumping out...
Move Over, Magic Mike
We like to PLAY. Giggle. Runaway. Go off-roading. Share our biggest fears. Be adventurous. Create incredible memories. Take tons of pics. Go Ice Skate with Super Hero’s. Ride in Santa’s Sleigh. Guzzle adult beverages at Autism on Ice. Hold each other’s hands. Go...
Despite Losing Our Minds, We Rocked 2020
Remember when we all thought COVID would be over by summer 2020? Yeah, right. The icing on the cake was when we went down to 10 people and forced me to think completely out of the box and go a little nuts. Jim Carrey Frustrated GIF from Jimcarrey GIFs Despite...
We Got The Deloreans!!!!! SAVE THE DATE
Be prepared to be wowed. We get to watch the Deloreans behind the scenes next Thursday, Jan 21st. So stoked. No make-up, costumes, just awesome music. From....Willoughby a.k.a. Billy Idol ???? “I always get a charge out of playing in this band," Willoughby said....