Like a lot of people who write about special needs parenting, I get asked for advice by new parents. Honestly, I’m a little surprised by this, since much of my writing, including the better part of my book, goes into great detail of exactly how poorly prepared I was, and probably remain, to take on the task of successfully raising a daughter with a disability. I like to think I make for a good cautionary tale, but I feel woefully inadequate to the advice-giving gig.
When I think about it, however, I do feel qualified to give one piece of advice. It’s the one I’ve had to make myself follow time and time again, and yet it’s also the one I’ve always been the least comfortable with. With apologies to delicate sensibilities, I share it with you now:
Forgive yourself when you fuck up.
Sierra Boehm on 11 Dec 13Register for this training The Montana Autism Education Project (MAEP) will be offering 22 hours of FREE online training in Autism Spectrum Disorders. This training is available 24/7 for 90 days. OPI continuing education units are available. Please visit this web page for more information and to request a subscription. REQUESTS RECEIVED AFTER DECEMBER 12 WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE GROUP WHICH STARTS IN LATE MARCH OR EARLY APRIL. A similar online training is available for the parents who have a child with an autism spectrum disorder. Interested parents should email ddoty@mt.gov with the subject line, "Online Parent Training" and include their town and the gender and age of their child. If you are interested in obtaining graduate credit please email ddoty@mt.gov for further information.
