The Other Reality Television

Autism-Ribbon_thumbWe all know about reality television, but for many of us there is another kind. Sometimes, you watch an otherwise fictional show and it hits home so hard it feels like someone is kicking you in the stomach. I am a big fan of the show Parenthood on NBC. The show has a phenomenal group of actors and most of the story lines over the years have been wonderful and extremely powerful. I started watching the show when it began back in 2010. The storyline of Kristina and Adam and their son Max really hit home. Their son was struggling in school with behaviors that nobody understood. During the pilot episode the audience watched as Max was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Their immediate and extended family had a lot to learn, need to adjust, and  make changes for their new reality. Suddenly this television show was attempting to thrust autism awareness into the public eye.

I sat with tissues each and every week seeing bits and pieces of Max in my son. Even more painful, I saw the frustrations of Adam and Kristina and their battles with the educational world, including IEPs. I understood their pain when their extremely smart son was being held back academically because others did not understand him, his behavior, and the struggles he had just doing things that we take for granted each and every day.

Then, in June of 2012, we finally got the diagnosis I had assumed for many years and professionals kept going back and forth on. My son is also an Aspie. I am the proud autism advocate who suddenly was watching Parenthood differently when the 2012-2013 season began. As we went into meetings where I was now the parent and not the teacher, I saw things very differently. The Mama Bear that you often see in Kristina Braverman was alive, kicking, and fighting in me. Like this fictional family, so many special needs parents have to battle each and every step of the way to get things for their children. Too many times, behaviors are not understood and the kids are not helped with coping strategies, social skills, and just punished for what is perceived as bad behavior. I wish I could say it has been different for us, but it has not.

Last night, Parenthood was a hard one for me to watch. It seemed like my day was taking place on the television screen. With tears in my eyes, I understood the feelings from both of the mothers that were fighting for their autistic children and their rights. It reminded me that I have to keep pushing, moving, and fighting for my son. If TechyDad and I don’t do it for him, nobody will and he has the right to be who he is, be better understood, and get a proper education. While I may often seem and feel like THAT parent, I am an advocate standing up for my child and I will not stop.

Are you a fan of Parenthood? I would love to know your feelings about the show, especially if you can relate to a specific storyline. To those autism advocates out there, keep pushing and know that you are not alone.

It's Me

Some of my other posts about autism:

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Magical Disney Parade Memories

No matter how many times I go to Walt Disney World, something new and amazing always happens. Perhaps I find a Hidden Mickey, watch a parade from a new spot, or dine in a different restaurant. It keeps the magic alive and makes my family want to go back for more to add new memories to our #DisneySide. Growing up I recall seeing The Main Street Electrical Parade and being captivated. I remember being upset when it left Walt Disney World and went to California. Then, I was able to watch it a few years ago through the eyes of my children. It was a fantastic experience. What is your favorite Disney parade moment?

Disney's Electrical Parade

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It's Me

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Tuesday Tales – The Creature From My Closet Series

It was like lightning stuck me when I was working at the book fair at school a few months ago. A book on one of the shelves caught my eye. I immediately look a photo of it to send to TechyDad, and started to check it out on my phone. What I found was that The Creature in My Closet was a series of books by author Obert Skye. The book sitting on the shelf was actually the second book in the series, so I opted not to purchase it at the time. When I went home that evening, I showed NHL the photo of the book, along with the other two books online.

The Creature From My Closet Series by Obert Skye

My reluctant reader was begging me to get the books to read. When The Creature in My Closet: Wonkenstein arrived, my fifth grader could barely be pulled away from the book. I actually had to tell him to stop reading a few times because it was time for dinner, time to go to school, or go to bed. For what I believe was the first time, NHL got up in the morning and went right to reading his book. Before I knew it, he had finished Wonkenstein and was ready for the second book Potterwookiee (Harry Potter meet Star Wars). Over winter break, I was amazed to see my kiddo devour the second book. He begged me to get the third book in the series. While waiting for it, he went back to another series that is a spoof of characters that he enjoys. It is hard to explain what the series is about and why I really want to read it as well. Here is a video with the author that will make you understand why kids of all ages will enjoy.

Yes, what is not to love about books that combines Willy Wonka/Frankenstein, Harry Potter/Chewbacca, and Pinocchio/Dracula. NHL is finishing up Pinocula right now and he mentioned that a fourth book is coming out. He is right. In September 2014, Katfish will be released. Can you guess what combination of characters is coming?

Book 4 announcement inside Pinocula

If you guessed Katniss from The Hunger Games and Ariel The Little Mermaid, you would be correct. I really, really, really need to catch up so I can talk with NHL about these books and be ready for the next book release later this year.

What book has your child read recently that you want to read? As always, Tuesday Tales is all about sharing our love of books. Please let me know what you have read recently. Be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else.

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Must See Movies 2014

I love going to the movies with the kids, but finding ones that work for everyone is not always easy. Thank goodness Disney animated movies are still something that our entire family enjoys. I suppose you can say they help us to show our Disney Side a bit more when we are away from Walt Disney World. We started the year by going to see Frozen and everyone fell in love with Anna, Elsa, and Olaf. I mean what is not to love about a snowman who craves spending time on a beach.

FROZEN - Walt Disney Pictures

Of course, as the Polar Vortex moved into our area we stayed home keeping warm for a day while listening to the amazing soundtrack. There is something extra powerful about being inside and asking the kids Do You Want to Build a Snowman? Or perhaps thinking of In Summer as we sat under layers of blankets to keep warm.

I have a lot of catching up to do on movies that came out in 2013. Still, I am looking ahead to 2014 and new releases have me marking my calendar to head to the theater. Three that I am most excited about are Muppets Most Wanted, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Maleficent.

2014 Movies

So what was your favorite movie of 2013 and movie are you most interested in seeing when it is released in 2014?

It's Me

Disclosure: I wrote this post because it is always fun to talk about movies. I receive emails from Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and their future releases were inspiration for this post. As a long time Disney fan, I love sharing items on The Angel Forever and no compensation was received.

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Disney Letter S

It is time to celebrate the Disney via the alphabet. It is always a lot of fun to look  back at magical memories in terms of a single letter of the alphabet. When looking for “S” items I decided to stick with some familiar faces. Stitch, Sulley, Simba, Storm Trooper, Sarge, and even a photo of me in elementary school with Smee. What are some of your favorite Disney Letter S items?

Disney Letter S

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It's Me

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