8 Comments
Aug 22, 2023Liked by Robin LaVoie

Print autism on a narrow label and stick to your ID card. Or recreate that ID card with what you want printed, and laminate. Nothing is perfect--far from it in fact. I use terms like selective mutism; anxiety disorder or extreme anxiety; profoundly agreeable (the opposite of me). My eldest will agree with anything said when highly stressed. This occasionally terrifies me. I really like reading your work. I don't feel as alone when I do.

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author

Yes, thanks - I keep changing how I explain and where I stash all these cards (in my car, his wallet, bag, etc), and none of it is perfect. Thanks for reading, it really helps me feel less alone, too ♡

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Aug 22, 2023Liked by Robin LaVoie

We're not allowed to do this here (but I do it anyway) but I use a hole punch and punch the cards i want to keep together. Then use a tiny ring to hold them together. I've also used, over time, DVD cases for photo copies and have multiple cases or copies on hand. But I get your article isn't one of functionality but of the continuous weight of being this kind of mum.

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Great piece Robin.

It can be so frustrating when doctors complicate things by speaking so diagnostically - which often means cold-heartedly - about a persons condition. And I find it even more frustrating when people are pushed by bureaucratic institutions to prove the severity of their conditions.

Your piece covered both these issues (and much more) very well.

Also, I listened to the audio version for the first time - and I quite enjoyed the experience, you read out loud very well.

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Thank you! And thanks for listening, too - that ol' theatre work has side benefits ;) and I really enjoy playing around with the recording.

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What a challenging process! I wish we lived in that ideal world where people could just see and understand too. X

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Aug 22, 2023Liked by Robin LaVoie

So well said Ribbon!

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author

Thank you! ♡

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