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Autism Unexpected

Jean Winegardner never expected to parent an autistic child. She also never imagined the emotions, hardships and complete joy that would come with it.

Entries
  • The Caring for Military Kids with Autism Act would eliminate barriers to treatment for military families who have kids with autism. It would also allow soldiers' dependents to continue to receive treatment after retirement.Photo: Rachel Kenyon

    Military families seek autism treatment through CMKAA legislation

    The Caring for Military Kids with Autism Act would eliminate barriers to treatment for military families who have kids with autism. It would also allow soldiers' dependents to continue to receive treatment after retirement. Published 11:04 a.m. February 5, 2012 - Comments

     
  • As I search for the right educational situation for my autistic son, I think about a world that will accept him for who he is. I am looking for a place where he can be

    Autism: Finding a place to be "not even wrong"

    As I search for the right educational situation for my autistic son, I think about a world that will accept him for who he is. I am looking for a place where he can be "not even wrong." Published 9:28 p.m. January 22, 2012 - Comments

     
  • Looking for a book about autism to give as a gift or keep for yourself? We have you covered with suggestions for 15 of the best books out there.

    Holiday gift guide: Books about autism

    Looking for a book about autism to give as a gift or keep for yourself? We have you covered with suggestions for 15 of the best books out there. Published 4:34 p.m. December 18, 2011 - Comments

     
  • Twitter's unique way of bringing people together has created a strong sense of solidarity for many in the autism parenting community via the new #youmightbeanautismparentif hashtag.

    #Youmightbeanautismparent if you've seen this hashtag

    Twitter's unique way of bringing people together has created a strong sense of solidarity for many in the autism parenting community via the new #youmightbeanautismparentif hashtag. Published 12:41 a.m. December 5, 2011 - Comments

     
  • The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is five years old. The organization gathered last week to celebrate their cross-disability agenda, the progress they've made and the autistic community itself.

    ASAN Celebrates 5 Years of Self Advocacy

    The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is five years old. The organization gathered last week to celebrate their cross-disability agenda, the progress they've made and the autistic community itself. Published 9:48 a.m. November 25, 2011 - Comments

     
  • Flummox and Friends is a zany, live action comedy program designed to teach kids social skills. The only problem? It doesn't yet exist. Find out how you can help.

    Flummox and Friends: Social skills programming for quirky kids

    Flummox and Friends is a zany, live action comedy program designed to teach kids social skills. The only problem? It doesn't yet exist. Find out how you can help. Published 2:44 p.m. November 20, 2011 - Comments

     

  • Focus on: Autistic author Jane Meyerding

    "Mapping Charlie" by autistic author Jane Meyerding is a fun, engaging murder mystery. What's more, it's a fascinating glimpse into the life of a faceblind, autistic adult. Published 4:20 p.m. November 8, 2011 - Comments

     
  • Born as a reaction to a misguided autism awareness event, Autistics Speaking Day has come into its own as a bona fide movement in the autistic community.

    Autistics Speaking Day broadcasts autistic voices

    Born as a reaction to a misguided autism awareness event, Autistics Speaking Day has come into its own as a bona fide movement in the autistic community. Published 12:49 a.m. November 1, 2011 - Comments

     
  • For many in the autism parenting community, Steve Jobs' death feels personal. After all, the iDevices created under his leadership at Apple literally changed the lives of scores of children with autism.Photo: Associated Press

    Steve Jobs and the autism community: Round pegs in square holes

    For many in the autism parenting community, Steve Jobs' death feels personal. After all, the iDevices created under his leadership at Apple literally changed the lives of scores of children with autism. Published 10:00 p.m. October 11, 2011 - Comments

     
  • Seemingly natural allies, parent advocates and autistic self-advocates are often at loggerheads when it comes to discussing autism advocacy. A new series at the Thinking Person's Guide to Autism delves into the reasons why—and how both sides can learn to work together.

    Who should lead the autism rights movement?

    Seemingly natural allies, parent advocates and autistic self-advocates are often at loggerheads when it comes to discussing autism advocacy. A new series at the Thinking Person's Guide to Autism delves into the reasons why—and how both sides can learn to work together. Published 12:44 p.m. September 30, 2011 - Comments

     
AUTHOR
Jean Winegardner

Jean Winegardner

When Jean had her first child in 2001, "autism" was about the scariest word she could think of. Six years later when her second child was diagnosed with PDD-NOS, a form of autism, she was just happy to have a ...

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When Jean had her first child in 2001, "autism" was about the scariest word she could think of. Six years later when her second child was diagnosed with PDD-NOS, a form of autism, she was just happy to have a word to help him get the services he needed. Her autism journey has been full of tears, laughter, love and at least one attorney.

Jean blogs about her life with her autistic son, Jack, on her blog, Stimeyland. Her two neurotypical children, Sam and Quinn (one older, one younger than Jack), make frequent appearances there as well. Also at Stimeyland? Jean's quirky sense of humor.

She also runs AutMont, an events calendar listing autism-related events in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Raising a child with special needs is hard for so many reasons, but after living with Jack, Jean wouldn't trade him for anything in the world. Come along with Jean as she experiences the joys that come with parenting a special kid.

You can email Jean anytime at stimeyland at gmail dot com or follow her on Twitter, where, as "Stimey," she offers her world view in snippets of 140 characters or less.

Contact Jean Winegardner

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