Billy Ray loved the Media

When I told Billy Ray that a reporter and a photographer were coming to talk about Mommie's book he was not impressed. "That damn book" is what he said just like every time we mention the book - probably mostly because it has taken so much of my time. However, when I told him they were going to take pictures of him that was another matter. He thought that was a great idea even as rotten as he has been feeling.

My husband tried to catch the reporter, Alandra Johnson and her photographer, Anthony, taking pictures of us but mostly got there backs. The one on the right shows Billy Ray watching Alandra as we talked in the doorway to his bedroom.

The next one shows that Penny Lane has a new friend. Larry did catch Alandra's smile at Penny. The dog seemed to want to hang close to both of our guests.

Actually this is not Billy Ray's first experience with the media. At 10 or so he played Challenger Little League and got the opportunity to play at Portland Civil Stadium. The media was there covering it. I am not sure he remembers that given all that has gone on since then but he remains a camera hound.

If you are reading this on Bend Blogs or live in the Bend, Oregon area, the article is expected to appear in the Bend Bulletin next Tuesday.

Until next time,
Peggy Lou Morgan
Amazon Blog
www.parentingyourcomplexchild.com
www.lighthouseparents.com
Yahoo Group

Comparing Notes - - Which Child is Harder

I was reading a message board last night where one parent was saying how much harder it was to handle her child with multiple physical problems than a child with ADHD or Autism. It is unfortunate that we have to compare our struggles rather than supporting each other.

Part of the problem is the difficulty of putting ourselves in the shoes of another parent because our children are so unique. For example, how does a parent who has multiple challenges with her child but doesn’t deal with sleep issues understand what the impact of living life sleep deprived for years on end.

I can see why a Mom who deals with the back pain and other issues from juggling a child to or from a wheelchair everyday to think that having a child with low functioning Autism might be easier. Unless she has experienced it will be difficult for that Mom to understand how hard it is when a child goes in meltdown while you are trying to get him or her to an important appointment.

There is no easy child with disabilities whatever the disability. We all have our challenges. Comparing notes doesn’t help.

Until next time,
Peggy Lou Morgan
Amazon Blog
www.parentingyourcomplexchild.com
www.lighthouseparents.com
Yahoo Group

Update on Billy Ray and The Trip to San Francisco

Thanks to those of you who sent email wanting to know how Billy Ray handled our absence and how the trip went.

Larry and I got home from San Francisco about 9:30 Saturday night. We were both exhausted.

As is somewhat normal for Billy Ray he was better for the most part (except for giving Keddie a hard evening last night) while we were gone. He does that when we leave him (which isn't often) - he is just enough insecure about our being gone that it stimulates him to stay calmer.


In fact when he started showing symptoms of ADHD at 4-1/2 to 5 years old the stimulation of being insecure going to the developmental pediatrician calmed him down so much it took her a long time to diagnosis him. Some don't change.

Poor Keddie. He had been somewhat wild before we came and home. On top of that the service dog, Penny Lane, was experiencing separation anxiety with so much going on (Larry had been back and forth to be with him Mom just before and after his stepfather's passing a week before we left and Billy Ray had been in the hospital for four days, then a week later Larry and I were gone for 3 days). Apparently she kept poor Keddie awake from 2 a.m.


The San Francisco trip went really well. I am posting several pictures for you. The top one is Anna who I met through the Children with Special Needs Group at Yahoo Groups. She and her her husband, Brad, drove a whole hour in California traffic. I was truly honored by that and thrilled to meet her. The second picture was taken during the discussion just before the book signing at Barnes and Noble - Fisherman's Wharf. The one on the right is of Larry with his oldest son, Mark, during the reception. You can recognize Larry - he's the one feeding his face. Anna is in the right of that picture.

I haven't had time to edit or even look at the rest of the pictures. I will add more later.

It was such a treat to have four of our 12 grandchildren there for the reception and book signing. Sabrina is blocked behind Anna in the above picture and I didn't find any of her at the book signing but I will include one of her playing the guitar below.


Unfortunately Grandpa didn't get really good shots of them at the book signing but I wanted to acknowledge their presence. One the left is Alena and Hans. The one below is Oren.



Mary Ortega of the Arc of San Francisco was wonderful and put on a great reception - including wonderful goodies enjoyed by all. Earlier she also took me on a tour of the Arc which I enjoyed very much. I met a lot of wonderful folks associated with The Arc both at reception and at the tour of the Arc. Oscar de la Rosa of Barnes and Noble, Fisherman's Wharf did an outstanding job of making sure we had everything we needed and the set up was great.

We started out the day with an interview at NBC Channel 11. I enjoyed it very much. Laura had clearly read the book as evidenced by her questions. I loved that and felt like it gave me a chance to get some of the things out that I wanted to say. Immediately after that interview we went to KOIT radio to tape a segement that will air sometime the end of May on their Positive Parenting Program. It is on Sunday mornings. If I find out the specific time I will let those of you in the area know.


Our long-time developmental pediatrician taught me to take time to enjoy the grandkids even if Billy Ray couldn't be always involved. That has been hard to me to learn. This time we were able to take two hours and go to Mark's house as we were leaving the area. His wife, Zaida had made a wonderful brunch and we enjoyed spending time with Andon (seen to the right with Mark and Larry and me) who is 2 years old and Sabrina who will be 11 years.

We loved watching Andon drive his little Gator like the one we use to have on our farm and listening to Sabrina play the guitar.


















It was exhausting but a wonderful trip. We are hope until Thursday when we leave for The Arc of Oregon Convention in Hood River.

Until next time,
Peggy Lou Morgan
Amazon Blog
www.parentingyourcomplexchild.com
www.lighthouseparents.com
Yahoo Group

Separation Anxiety

It is quiet in the house this morning. Hurriedly packed bags (done after Billy Ray went to sleep) are in the garage to be put in the car. I know something that Billy Ray doesn’t know yet… we are leaving him for a few days to go to San Francisco. I am excited about the possibility of meeting with many of you and yet torn about leaving Billy Ray for a couple of days.

I talked with his medical providers and both encouraged me to go. His case manager put it in prospective. He asked me if I had good care arrangements which we do. His regular support staff will be here during the day and our friend and consultant, Keddie, will be with him evenings and nights as well as being in charge of the situation while we are away. Tom said “that’s what good mothers do. They make sure their child has good care whether they provide it or not.” He’s right, of course. It is still hard.

It is not like I am jumping on a plane to go to New York (much as I want to so I can meet all the wonderful folks at AMACOM Books who have become like family while we worked on Parenting Your Complex Child). San Francisco is only one state below Oregon. I can be home in a hurry if necessary. So why am I feeling so guilty.

I think that it is because my identity has been so closely tied to Billy Ray. I wrote in my Amazon profile my favorite name is Billy Ray’s Mom. I’ve done a lot of things in my life but that role is by far the strongest.

I can’t speak for parents of children who don’t experience special needs but I assume there would be some preparation for the empty nest by the time a child is 23 years old. Mornings like this remind me that I am not as prepared as I think I am. I know that Billy Ray will have to go on to whatever we work through for him (my dream is that he will have his own home with support staff). It is probably good for him and for me that we are taking short times away from each other.

I will try to write you from the road so you all know how it is going.

Until next time,
Peggy Lou Morgan
Amazon Blog
www.parentingyourcomplexchild.com
www.lighthouseparents.com
Yahoo Group

Being the "Mean Mommie"

We can’t take Billy Ray to the restaurants on his schedule right now. For example, on Thursdays he goes to the LaPine Inn following his vocational activities. He also goes to Gordy’s Truck Stop and the Mexican Restaurant here (spacing the name this morning). He has established good relationships with these places and is welcomed even if he is not always calm and quiet.

When he was diagnosed with Diabetes we backed off for a bit but started taking him once or twice a week to the places mentioned. His blood sugar was stable and we were given permission by his medical provider to give him a couple of events, limiting sugar and fat to the degree possible and adding more medicine if necessary. It has had little impact on his blood sugar since we resumed doing that.

However, now with the pancreatitus almost everything he has at the various places has too much fat. I have to check on the Mexican food as I am not sure about the fat content in what he orders but Gordy’s and LaPine Inn are out for a while.

For example, the LaPine Inn makes homemade French fries that you would die for. Tim, the cook and Vicky the waitress do everything they can to accommodate his diet but their French fries are as they are. I talked to Billy Ray about having a veggie burger and salad but he is so resistant to the idea at home that we dare not take him. He is likely to go into a meltdown or worse because he can’t understand no French fries.

It is more than the food Billy Ray loves, but the relationships he has established. Billy Ray sees me as “mean Mommie” right now. Sometimes being a responsible Mom feels really bad.

Until next time,
Peggy Lou Morgan
Amazon Blog
www.parentingyourcomplexchild.com
www.lighthouseparents.com
Yahoo Group

Billy Ray is Amazing

Despite Pancreatitius, which is very painful, Billy Ray is anxious to maintain his activities. The rest of us would probably want to crawl back in bed – at least I would.

Overall he is doing well on adapting to his low fat diet. I think we are staying within the guidelines Dr. Masterangelo set for daily fat content though we are having to do substantial juggling.

This morning as I worked on magnets that say Adapt and Communicate to attach to the handouts from my presentation on Friday, I was thinking that sometimes I am more of a problem than Billy Ray. When he was diagnosed with diabetes I freaked because I thought I would never be able to adapt his diet to it. We have done quite well at that part. The low fat things is more of a challenge than the diabetic issues but he is adapting much better than I anticipated.

Once again, Billy Ray is my best teacher.

Until next time,
Peggy Lou Morgan
Amazon Blog
www.parentingyourcomplexchild.com
www.lighthouseparents.com
Yahoo Group

Coming to San Francisco

We are coming to San Francisco on Friday, April 21, 2006.

If you are in the NBC Channel 11 (KNTV-TV) you can watch my interview on The Bay Area Today. The program runs 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. but I am not sure exactly what time I will be on.

Reception at Barnes and Noble - Fisherman's Wharf 2560 Taylor Street, sponsored by the Arc of San Francisco at 6:30 p.m. followed by a book signing and discussion at 7:30 p.m.

Hope to meet as many of you as possible from that area.

I will try to do the blog from the road to keep you posted on my trip.

Billy Ray is a little better today. I will keep you posted on his recovery as well.

Until next time,
Peggy Lou Morgan
Amazon Blog
www.parentingyourcomplexchild.com
www.lighthouseparents.com
Yahoo Group

Adapting to Low Fat Living

We are home. Billy Ray was discharged from the hospital yesterday. He is still pretty irritable because he is having a lot of pain from the pancreatitus.

Adapting to the low fat diet is working reasonably well all things considered. In addition to reading the books I found at Barnes and Noble, Larry and I went to the store to read labels and get what we could find. One example is adapting for grilled cheese sandwiches – a favorite of Billy Ray. We make it on whole wheat bread with very little reduced fat mayo, no fat cheese and instead of margarine, I found a fat free cooking spray and topping called I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter. It is more like butter than those cooking sprays like PAM and it still has no fat. The bread is actually a little brown.

We took a look at his “usual” dinner that we had adapted to when he became diabetic. We had already switched him to brown rice from baked potatoes and garlic bread made from whole wheat and reduced fat margarine instead of white French bread. He always gets a chicken patty which says it has 12 mg. fat but he doesn’t usually eat but half of it anyway. I made grilled toast with the I Can’t Believe It Isn’t Butter spray, gave him half a chicken patty and brown rice.

Not bad adapting that much in just one day. I am proud of our progress.

There is one more reality to adapting Billy Ray to low fat diet - Mom and Dad have to change our lifestyle too. Forget about cooking our favorites like pork chops and chicken fried steaks. There is no way Billy Ray is going to understand Mom and Dad having what he can't have. We had to adapt to never having donuts or candy in the house when he became diabetic. The interesting thing about that was that I never really ate much candy and didn't miss it until I realized we couldn't have it in the house anymore.

It may take us a bit to catch up on our sleep so if I am not writing everyday please be patient.

Until next time,
Peggy Lou Morgan
Amazon Blog
www.parentingyourcomplexchild.com
www.lighthouseparents.com
Yahoo Group

Update on Billy Ray 4/12/06

We anticipate that Billy Ray will go home from the hospital today. He is eating a little bit and the lab tests indicate he is improving. I was hesitant about taking him home yesterday until we could get him eating solid foods. Dr. Masterangelo agreed.

Yesterday he had whole wheat toast with diabetic jelly instead of butter and seemed to enjoy. For his dinner we ordered as close to a low fat version of his "everynight dinner" (chicken patty, brown rice, garlic toast). St. Charles Medical Center had a boneless, skinless chicken breast and rice pilaf available and more whole wheat toast. He probably ate as much of that as he sometimes does at home (not much) but at least he tolerated some of it.

In my life, I have consumed far more hospital coffee than anyone would ever choose. I have to say that this hospital has the best hospital coffee I ever had. Thanks to St. Charles.

I am going to write about working with inpatient experiences in a separate blog post but tonight I want to thank a couple of people who made a difference in our stay.

Graveyard CNA Tom related to Billy Ray so well and constantly checked into see if I needed something. I felt comfort to go for a 10 minute stretch off the unit - especially the night Billy Ray was difficult most of the night, because of Tom.

Graveyard supervisor Dave made a special effort to work around his limited staffing to make Tom available for breaks to the degree possible. It helped so much.

There were others who were considerate and helpful. Thanks even if you aren't named. I will write more about what helped when I get Billy Ray home and can get on my own computer.

Until next time,
Peggy Lou Morgan
www.parentingyourcomplexchild.com
www.lighthouseparents.com
Yahoo Group

Time to Practice What I Preach

First a chuckle of comic relief - for any authors reading this post beware of giving your medical provider a copy of your book because he may quote you back to you (smile) and how can you fight your own authority.

We are having a bit of rough time with Billy Ray. He was admitted to the hospital on Sunday. Now we know that he has pancreatitus which is something that we have explored thoroughly but could never verify until now. This brings up many concerns in my mind:

1) Will be able to reduce the fat in his diet enough to deal with it without a) reducing the quality of his life (since eating is his primary joy in life) and b) he might become to aggressive to handle at home if refused certain foods.

2) It is believed the antibiotics he needs for his skin infections is a major contributor to the present situation. I said to his wonderful surgeon that if we didn't treat the infections they could be fatal (as I have been taught for years) but he informed me that so can pancreatitius. A Catch 22.

3) The behavior medication that has worked more consistently and for longer periods of time than any other has to be removed because it is known to cause pancreatitius. I believe it needs to be done and am advocting for it but worry that we will find something else to work as well.

Brice called me at the hospital and pointed out several of my own methods in the past that are documented in the book. He is absolutely right. We can worry a bit but hopelessness is not where we can get stuck. We look where we are and what can we do. We review the documentation and pick ourselves up to keeping adapting and doing what we have to do.

For tonight I am weary but when we take him home tomorrow or the next day. We keep going and adapting until we work through it. We can do this.

Until next time,
Peggy Lou Morgan
www.parentingyourcomplexchild.com
www.lighthouseparents.com
Yahoo Group

Celebrate Milestones

In reading Matchbox Kid this morning KC’s Mom was very excited about KC’s attempt to make sounds. It was fun to remember when Billy Ray was reaching developmental milestones. His deceased father, Raymond, used to say that because our special needs kids have to work so hard for each step they bring so more joy.

Raymond frequently compared his daughter from a prior marriage, Cathy, to Billy Ray’s developmental milestones. He said that when Cathy was little she crawled up on the bed and worked until she taught herself to tie her shoes. She just determined to do it and stayed with it. As he watched Billy Ray, Raymond realized he had taken Cathy’s milestones too lightly because they seemed to come easily to her.

All of us have small and large successes. Last night my stepson called me that my granddaughter, Elora, was torn up because she was selected for a track meet on the same day as my first book signing and presentation . Her selection to participate in this event is a great honor because they are only taking the best from her team. When I called her I told her that her track success in the track meet was just as important as my book signing. We agreed that while we couldn’t be there for each other we would think of the other and share when the events are finished.

It is so easy to stay focused on the next milestone for our kids that we forget to enjoy the present one or to recognize that others in the family are having things to celebrate too.

So here’s to you, KC and to you Elora.

Until next time,
Peggy Lou Morgan
Amazon Blog
http://www.parentingyourcomplexchild.com/
http://www.lighthouseparents.com/
Yahoo Group

Searching for Balance

Balance is hard to find in parenting a complex child. The needs of our children, especially those with special needs, can be so strong we may not recognize the degree we fail to meet our own needs. I was reminded of that yesterday in an unusual way.

It seems that we parents are as unique as our children, in terms of how we will handle taking care of ourselves.

Billy Ray’s long time developmental pediatrician tried for years to teach me to take care of myself. She used to say “you can’t serve from an empty bucket”. This makes great sense upon hearing it but putting it into practice has always been difficult for me.

Somewhere in my numerous boxes of books still unpacked from our move, is a book called Main Stay. I apologize that I can’t remember the author but I remember the book so well. One example, that I remember so well was the author describing pushing her husband in a wheel chair and everyone saw him but didn’t seem to know she existed. Her medical issues were less visible and unseen.

It can be that way as parents of children with special needs. Whether we walk through the door pushing a wheelchair or holding the hand of our complex child, the child is the most noticeable. We are unseen except in the context of parent. It is easy to forget who we are people ourselves.

On other hand, I have read books or talked to parents who seem to do such a good job of taking care of themselves the child with disabilities seems second fiddle. The balancing act between the healthy attitude of taking care of yourself and taking care of your child seems to be elusive point many of us fail to find.

I remember reading once that the best thing a Dad can do for his child is to love his wife. It seems to fit that an important thing a parent can do for a complex child is to love yourself. If you don’t take care of yourself you will burn out and not be able to take care of your child.

Until next time,
Peggy Lou Morgan
Amazon Blog
http://www.parentingyourcomplexchild.com/
http://www.lighthouseparents.com/
Yahoo Group

The Peace from Trust in Medical Providers

Another realization about the importance of the doctor-parent relationship came with Billy Ray’s medical procedure yesterday. I have written about Brice Stanley, PA-C and Dr. Michael Masterangelo, the surgeon who saved Billy Ray’s life last summer. See an earlier discussion about the benefit of parent-doctor relationships here .

The medical procedure yesterday involved putting a scope down Billy Ray’s throat to ascertain why he is choking more and more seriously lately. I was not particularly worried about that. He has been sedated for many procedures with no problems. However, I am terrified that he will ever have to have general sedation with use of the ventilator because of the incident last summer where he was not able to resume normal breathing and was on the ventilator for nine days following surgery.

On Tuesday, the hospital called to say there had been a change of plans and Billy Ray was going to have general sedation which can mean the ventilator. I panicked for a bit and called Dr. Masterangelo’s office. Almost immediately, I felt stupid because I realized how confident I am in “Dr. Mike” (as Billy Ray calls him).

There are risks involved in medical care of all kinds. It seems heightened for complex special needs children. Risks are frightening but not totally avoidable. Additionally, mistakes do occur in medicine as in any other profession. The news is full of information on mistakes made by medical providers. All of that increases our fear as parents.

In that momentary panic two things became instantly clear: 1) The risk of Billy Ray continuing to choke was great and reduces the quality of his life by taking the joy away from eating. 2) Dr. Masterangelo knows Billy Ray very well, is a highly competent surgeon and I trust him to do everything he can to mitigate risks.

The Anesthesiologist Dr. Masterangelo had chosen was wonderful and seemed to have more of an understanding of Down syndrome than we have experienced at times. He did not use the ventilator and the procedure went very well. It was a comforting experience for Billy Ray and for me to just trust the team. Had I continued to panic instead of relaxing in the confidence that Dr. Masterangelo would do everything to keep Billy Ray as safe as possible, Billy Ray would have picked up on my panic and it could have been a horrible time for all. Instead he relaxed too and did great.

When we have done all that we can to have a relationship with the medical professionals for our child and feel confident in his or her understanding and care for the child, we have to relax in that confidence. An incredible comfort comes with that acceptance and trust. I am so thankful to have that peace with the medical providers in Billy Ray’s life.

Until next time,
Peggy Lou Morgan
Amazon Blog
www.parentingyourcomplexchild.com
www.lighthouseparents.com
Yahoo Group

Billy Ray's Home from his Procedure

We are home from Billy Ray’s procedure today.  It went well with no complications with the sedation.  The surgeon did find several areas of that he biopsied. Biopsy report should be back mid next week.  

He needs to see an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist to check on nodules in his throat for possible surgery.  He found significant scar tissue in several other areas and biopsied probably 4-5 areas.  He found what thinks is bacteria so is testing to see what that is.Bottom line is he found several reasons for the pain BR is experiencing (causing the "communication by behavior").  They have tried numerous tests such as MRI's and Catscans and couldn't find it but it has continued.  Hopefully they will be able to isolate and treat it now.

Thanks for the comments and email. We are home.  I am off to take a nap while we still have support staff and will write more tomorrow.

Until next time,
Peggy Lou Morgan

What We're Doing

Billy Ray's favorite question is "what ya doing". I am going to answer that question for you, my blogger buddies, incase I miss a few days posts.

Billy Ray is having a medical procedure tomorrow.  They are going to put a scope down his throat to see why he is having increased choking.  It is planned for day surgery.  Billy Ray does have a history of problems with sedation so there is always risk but we have a great surgeon.

He could have a sore throat and need a little extra care so I may not write for a day or two after his procedure.

Additionally, we are very busy preparing for some traveling and speaking.  I am finding it a hard to keep up everyday with the blogs.  When I don’t write my blogger buddies email me worried that something is wrong with Billy Ray.  I will write most days but please don’t assume if I miss a day something is wrong.

The other thing that we are doing is getting forms put on the website that didn’t fit in the book or blank ones for you to download.  It is taking more time that we anticipated.  I will let you know when they are up.

Until next time,
Peggy Lou Morgan

Creating a Plan for Dealing with a Disaster

I shared a glimpse into my fear of being unprepared. This was probably intensified by years of having both a terminally ill husband and a complex special needs child. Raymond, Billy Ray’s deceased Dad, could be in emergency with a collapsed lung or some infection without warning. If I was behind on laundry, etc. that was a problem for Billy Ray who had issues with incontinence at that time Trips to the Emergency Room are discussed here . We also talked about anticipating your child’s stressors for example when the furnace goes out or weather problems occur.

In the media coverage of Hurricane Katrina, I remember thinking Billy Ray would never be able to handle the shelter situations pictured. It has haunted me for more months. That fear was intensified by the “breaking news” alert that keep coming into my inbox about terrorist threats and unrest in the world.

Whether from terrorist or natural disasters it seems vital that we come up with a realization plan for caring for our special needs children in emergencies. I did a search on Google for emergency preparations. There were multiple good articles with the concept. Hurricane Tips: Special Needs and Elderly is a very good guide to get your thinking started regarding preparation.

That having been said there is some adapting to preparation suggestions that would need to be adapted to Billy Ray. The first thing that stood out when reviewing the suggestions was their suggestion for having one month’s medications in a safe location where you could go to in the event of crisis. Depending on your medication insurance or state health plan the idea that you could accumulate that much extra medications is probably unlikely. For example, we are only able to fill Billy Ray’s medication 3 days before it runs out. You could begin saving a pill or two at a time but it would be difficult to accumulate 30 days a supply. Shooting for a goal of a week’s medications might be more doable.

I am in the process of creating a simple form to anticipate what Billy Ray would need. When I do that I will put it on my website and will let you know when it’s up.

It seems important to be prepared. At the same when day to day struggles are like they are for many of us it will be difficult to prepare. Even baby steps to prepare will make a difference in how well our children will adapt in such a disaster.

Until next time,
Peggy Lou Morgan
Amazon Blog
www.parentingyourcomplexchild.com
www.lighthouseparents.com
Yahoo Group

Autism is a World (the DVD)

Autism is a World is now available on DVD. It is a documentary about Sue Rubin's experience with Autism. I written about this documentary and Sue Rubin in several prior posts, including but not limited to, Low Functioning and High Functioning…a Mixed Bag and Using Other’s Experience to Adapt to Your Child.

We originally saw Autism is a World as a CNN Presents and recorded it. I have shown it to numerous people because it shows how I would like to create a life of his own for Billy Ray in the future if we can get him medically stable at some point.

Sue believes that facilitative communication changed her life. She felt trapped inside Autism until she was able to communicate this way. Several reviews of Autism is a World on Amazon mention the controversy about facilitative communication. There has been controversy relative to that approach. I have to admit some caution on my part about it. However, from watching Autism is a World several times and reading many of Sue’s articles about the method, it appears to work for Sue.

I do think we miss much of the benefit of the documentary if we get stuck on facilitative communication. Autism is a World is so much more than just about her communication method. Sue gives us a chance to understand from within similar to how Temple Grandin shares from within her experience. The beauty of that is that they have similar yet different experiences. Dr. Grandin is independent and Sue Rubin recognizes she will always need assistance.

With the help of her family and other support systems, Sue has not only created a life that works for her but is an important advocate to others.

Autism is a World is a great example of adapting to create a life that works for the individual. Further is a great tool for helping others to find greater understanding of what those on the Autism spectrum experiences.

Until next time,
Peggy Lou Morgan
Amazon Blog
Parenting Your Complex Child Website
Lighthouse Parents Website
Yahoo Group