I am thankful for all the people that have come alongside our family over the years because of Tristan. The list is too long to individually list names. Therefore, I am going to list categories:
family
God’s Grace Abounds — 3 Years Later
I was very surprised one of my post generated so many views. It was titled “100 Days of Grace.” It was a very emotional post about our family crisis with autism.
I could just resume the same post. I can’t believe it has been three years since transitioning our non-verbal 13-year-old son to a residential school three hours away. That means he is now 16!
Practical Tip #22 Chores & Special Need Children
A month after Tristan was placed in our family, we had early intervention therapists come to our home. Susan was Tristan’s developmental therapist. She came to our home weekly for two years. Susan and I spent a lot of time together. I clearly remember one of our chats. She would gently encourage me by saying, “ALL children need to do chores. A child needs to feel like part of the family. Special needs children must do chores.”
Not Feeling Accomplished? Try This!
I like to get a lot accomplished each day. At times, I do not feel like I accomplish very much. Sometimes a to do lists can feel overwhelming. This simple trick solves both challenges. I decided to make a list of all the things I did get done. A to done list.
If you are going to make a “To Do List” then make sure you also make a “TO DONE LIST.” You will be surprised at how much you really do accomplish!
Practical Tip #11- Doubles!
I have learned that life is easier when we have two of seasonal clothing items! 
Continue reading
Practical Tip #2 Make This House A Home
Okay…let’s be honest. Sometimes the little things for special need families can be a BIG challenge. After Tristan came to our home we realized how destructive he could be! Over the next few years we kept making our home, “Tristan proof.” That included, “un-decorating.” I remember vividly one Christmas Brian asking me what I wanted for the holiday. I explained how when I look back at some of our family photos I see our house looked like a home. We went on a mission to decorate functionally. To do so we had to be creative. First, we drilled holes through and screwed our pictures and wall art to walls like they do in hotels. That worked! Next, instead of full curtains in some of the rooms we put up sturdy hardware and just valences. Followed by fresh coats of paint. Finally, Brian painted a mural on the wall. This may sound simple but it really made a difference. How has your family tackled the challenge of destructive children?
The Practical Side of Autism 