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Celebrating Each Other

Stylized photos of Will and Michael with Will's aquarium tank and a banner that says CONGRATULATIONS.
Celebrating others is an important part of being a family.

Here’s the background. Will went to a day camp at our local aquarium. He loved getting to be there every day, go behind the scenes and do creative projects based around the life in Long Island Sound. This particular summer, they got to gather specimens from the sound and create tanks for them in their classroom.

When Michael accomplished something or had something wonderful to share, we rallied around him and celebrated with him. Likewise, Mikey is included and welcomed when we celebrate other members of the family. This allows closer bonds and deeper connections.  Will had worked hard on his tank that summer and wanted to tell us all about it.

Mikey's journal entry from August 2,2013. "We saw Will's tank and classroom." Photos of Will with his tank, with Michael and with a fish he had disected.
Will was proud to show us all he had learned and accomplished.

On this particular day, Michael was really interested and enjoyed the experience.  That said, my husband and I were both there so if we had needed to take Michael outside, we could each still have a chance to celebrate Will, congratulate him and share in his joy. If you’re a single parent, it might make sense to bring an older sibling, a friend, an aunt or uncle along so that you won’t miss the fun if your special kiddo needs a break or just can’t do it that day.

If you don’t have anyone who can join, call ahead and ask if you can come a few minutes early or stay a few minutes late once the room is quiet and clear so that you can experience the special moment with your child.  

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Erica Mauro

About the Author

Erica Mauro is a mom to two teenage boys, Will who is neurotypical and Michael with Autism and cognitive delays. She holds a BA in Psychology from Colgate University and a Masters of Psychology in Education from Columbia Teacher’s College. Before staying home with her children, she worked as an elementary school teacher. For five years, she served on the Board of Directors of the Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation, a charity dedicated to enriching the lives of children with special needs. In partnership with her husband Dave, she aspires to parent by using daily life as an opportunity for therapeutic intervention, seizing on real experiences as opportunities to build skills and strategies for Michael in a joyful, loving home environment. On the tougher early days, she just tried to get everyone safely to bedtime and start fresh in the morning. *wink* 😉

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