MomSense: Encouragement for Parents of Special Needs Children

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mom·sen·se (mɒm sens) noun 1.  practical motherly intelligence that is sensible or reasonable 2. a mother’s mental discernment, realization, or recognition  – She has momsense.  OR She used her momsense to determine that something was amiss.

What if, you weren’t able to participate in regular social activies (story time at the library, swim classes etc.)?  What if your child wasn’t comfortable outside of you home?  What if he or she made remarks in such a way that people look at you strangely?

For parents of children with Special Needs, these are regular occurances.  Today, we hope to open your eyes to what moms of Special Needs children go through so that we can be more supportive as a community to encourage these families.  We also are excited to share some wonderful Scottsdale resources for families with Special Needs children so that you can meet other families like yours.

Laurie E. is the mom of two precious teenagers – a daughter (16) and son (14).  Her son has Autism, William Syndrome and MMOR.

Laurie’s Momsense comes from the school of tried and true experience.  It has always been hard for her family to participate in most of the community events offered for families (like Easter Egg Hunts or even a night at the movies).  Her son has a very difficult time adjusting to most settings outside of their home.  It can be very uncomfortable for strangers to see a young man 5’10” act like an infant. 

Public awareness about Autism, Laurie says, has helped with acceptance and understanding.  (Who couldn’t use more of those?)  With the school “Buddy Programs”, it has allowed many kids to work very closely with some of the most precious children. These programs help teach children compassion and patience and help them understand the differences there are among all children.

It is sometimes very isolating on the families dealing with these special needs children.

Laurie’s advice:  Don’t fall-out of friendships and community, but enfold yourself into it.  Scottsdale Bible Church offers a wonderful special needs program from childhood through adult which offers O.F.F. Night, talent shows, fall festivals and summer camp.  She has found support through the church family.  She calls them her “life line.”  They feel especially supported by their friends and sees them as a true blessing. 

“Although, life is a challenge every day, we have had the opportunity to care for and love one of the most precious of precious.  We have learned some of life’s most treasured things including unconditional love, patience and dependence on God.”
~ Laurie E.

Two Resources for Local Mommies of Special Needs Children:

{1} Free Positive Behavior Support workshop for parents May 4th

Click HERE for a flyer highlighting this workshop presented by Raising Special Kids. It will be held the evening of May 4th at 6:30 – 8:30 pm in Scottsdale Airpark.

Who is this workshop designed for? For parents of children with disabilities and/or special health care needs.

To register, please contact Raising Special Kids • 602-242-4366 • www.raisingspecialkids.org

{2} Sensory Friendly Movies at AMC
A brief description from the Autism Society of America:
In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing – in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

Next viewing is May 22nd of Shrek: Forever and After at 10:00 am. 

Two theatres in the Phoenix area are :
AMC Mesa Grand 24. 1645 S. Stapley Dr., Mesa 85204
AMC Deer Valley 30. 3033 W. Agua Fria Fwy., Phoenix 85027

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About Laurie E.:

How many children do you have? 2
What are their ages? 14 & 16
What is your favorite thing about being a mom? I love caring for their daily needs. I am so privileged to be able to stay home with them.
What is your least favorite thing about being a mom? Not being able to be as spontaneous as I would like to be.  HOMEWORK!
What do you know now that you wish you knew before becoming a mom? I would have read more with them.
What drains you? Clutter
How do you recharge? Cleaning, cooking, hiking and reading a good book. 
Where is your favorite place in Scottsdale to go with your children? My kids always seem to enjoy a shopping/lunch Modern Steak (ask for the inside patio table) located in Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. Paradise Bakery for cookies.
Where is your favorite place in Scottsdale to go with your spouse? We enjoy a nice dinner out at Mastro’s.
Complete this sentence: I can’t believe I’m a mom because… I am still a kid myself.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Hi Steph,
    I am an Occupational Therapist that is providing multi-sensory training to kids with special needs in a camp style setting in Scottsdale. We have had great success with improving fine and gross motor skills, sensory integration & balance and strength training. We are able to see significant improvement in just 4 weeks. We have openings for kids ages 3-11 from 9-11 Monday thru Thursday mornings. This program is making a difference!

    Please check me out on the web at Gym5.org and call or email me with any questions.

    I want to give your kids a Free Trial Class JULY 7! Some of our special visitors are miniature and regular sized horses to ride and other animals along with rhythmic training.
    Thank you for your time,
    Jacqueline Fox

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