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 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.

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Featured Neighborhoods
Recent Entries by Jean Winegardner
  • Sensory friendly theater for special needs kids at the Kennedy Center

    Published 5:33 p.m. April 21, 2012

    For people with sensory sensitivities, a day at the theater can be impossible. Places like the Kennedy Center are making it possible for special needs individuals to take part.

  • Spotlight on: Garret Westlake and Disability as a Catalyst for Innovation

    Published 6:00 p.m. April 9, 2012

    Have we been operating from a deficit model of disability for too long? Garret Westlake thinks so and has created STEM Force Technology to prove it.

  • Special hockey for autistic youth is therapy on skates

    Published 9:11 p.m. March 27, 2012

    Special hockey for players with developmental disabilities is more than just a sport. It teaches sportsmanship, teamwork, friendship, motor skills, and so much more.

  • Squag: Social media for teens and tweens with autism

    Published 9:33 p.m. February 21, 2012

    Squag is a new platform that allows young people with autism to use their computers to reflect on their feelings and the things that are important to them.

  • Military families seek autism treatment through CMKAA legislation

    Published 11:04 a.m. February 5, 2012

    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.

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

    Published 9:28 p.m. January 22, 2012

    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."

  • Top Ten: Joys of parenting an autistic child

    Published 10:32 p.m. December 21, 2011

    You hear a lot about why it's hard to raise a kid with autism. Here are ten reasons it can be joyful as well.

  • Holiday gift guide: Books about autism

    Published 4:34 p.m. December 18, 2011

    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.

  • #Youmightbeanautismparent if you've seen this hashtag

    Published 12:41 a.m. December 5, 2011

    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.

  • ASAN Celebrates 5 Years of Self Advocacy

    Published 9:48 a.m. November 25, 2011

    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.

  • Flummox and Friends: Social skills programming for quirky kids

    Published 2:44 p.m. November 20, 2011

    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.

  • Focus on: Autistic author Jane Meyerding

    Published 4:20 p.m. November 8, 2011

    "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.

  • Autistics Speaking Day broadcasts autistic voices

    Published 12:49 a.m. November 1, 2011

    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.

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

    Published 10:00 p.m. October 11, 2011

    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.

  • Who should lead the autism rights movement?

    Published 12:44 p.m. September 30, 2011

    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.

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