A Letter to Mom from Your Daughter with Down syndrome

Dear Mom…

Parent ResourcesMacy GilsonJanuary 3, 2021letters to mom, down syndrome, nothing down about it, special needs parenting, special needs families, up syndromeComment

Nonverbal Does Not Mean...

Nonverbal means exactly what it sounds like; it refers to a person who is “not verbal,” meaning he/she does not produce verbal speech. Over time, this term has slightly twisted from its original and literal meaning and has come to hold a lot of misconceptions. Today I want to tackle some of these misbeliefs by sharing 3 things that nonverbal does not mean…

Speech/Language, Disability EducationMacy GilsonSeptember 21, 2020autism diagnosis, autism spectrum disorder, autism awareness, autism, autism community, autism parenting, autism speaks, nonverbal, nonverbal communication, AAC device, expressive language, receptive language, language development, language delay, special needs families Comments

My Instagram Fam | Disability Awareness

I have met so many amazing people through social media, so I have decided to start a new series on the blog called My Instagram Fam. I am constantly inspired by these accounts and I want to share them with you all today in the hope that you will be inspired, too! If you’re looking for some positivity and light in your social media feed, I strongly encourage you to follow these amazing accounts!

Social Media FavesMacy GilsonApril 14, 2020social media accounts to follow, disability, parenting, special needs families, special needs parenting, parenting advice, parent guide, advocateComment

Advice for New Parents with a Baby in the NICU

The holidays are a stressful time for many, but especially for those with a baby in the NICU. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or NICU for short, is a special floor in hospitals specifically for babies battling congenital disorders, birth complications, breathing or feeding difficulties, or other trauma. It can be overwhelming and intimidating for new parents, and even experienced parents. I asked some NICU survivor parents to pass on some advice and share their experiences so that those with a baby in the NICU this Christmas season do not feel so alone.

Parent Resources, Child DevelopmentMacy GilsonDecember 11, 2019NICU moms, NICU, NICU babies, advice, parenting advice, special needs families Comments

Ways to Make Halloween More Inclusive

Halloween is right around the corner! For most, October 31st is a fun day, filled with costumes, friends, and of course, candy! But, for families with different needs, Halloween can be tough. I am hoping to make Halloween more inclusive this year, and I hope you will join me. Keep reading to read about four ways you can make all of your trick-or-treaters feel included this year.