Angelman Syndrome News Columns

September 16, 2021September 16, 2021

When a Big Win Blossoms From a Little Shopping Trip

Angelman Syndrome News Columns

Taking my 11-year-old Angel, Juliana to the store with me is a trip that always has the potential to lead to an unexpected or unwelcome adventure. However, I received a ... Read more

September 9, 2021September 9, 2021

A Simplified Back-to-School Plan Is Key to a Good Year

Angelman Syndrome News Columns

There’s a lot to do when it’s time to send the kids back to school. Like many moms, I work from a to-do list that helps me prioritize. As the ... Read more

September 2, 2021September 2, 2021

Staycations Beat Vacations for Easing Caregiver Stress

Angelman Syndrome News Columns

When raising a child with Angelman syndrome, life can be stressful. Taking vacations to ease that stress can sometimes have the opposite effect. Although my family doesn’t have picture-perfect exotic ... Read more

August 26, 2021August 26, 2021

Labels Speak for My Angel When She Can’t Chime In

Angelman Syndrome News Columns

Because many Angels are considered nonverbal, it is important for parents to get creative to help them communicate. My 11-year-old daughter, Juliana, is beginning to use her talker to communicate, ... Read more

August 19, 2021August 19, 2021

The Good, the Better, and the Best of This Year’s ASF Family Conference

Angelman Syndrome News Columns, COVID-19 Columns

The Angelman Syndrome Foundation (ASF) is a bedrock for both families who are newly diagnosed and those continuing their journey with Angelman syndrome (AS). Every other year, ASF hosts a ... Read more

August 12, 2021August 12, 2021

Proof Positive That Angels Can Benefit From Homework

Angelman Syndrome News Columns, COVID-19 Columns

Practice and repetition are important factors in helping Angels learn. My 11-year-old Angel, Juliana, completes Mom-appointed homework to reinforce what she learns at school. Homework also makes a strong connection ... Read more

August 5, 2021August 5, 2021

Embracing Change to Navigate the Quirks of Angelman Caregiving

Angelman Syndrome News Columns

In a special needs life, change is the everyday normal. This can be a challenging realization to embrace. But once you wrap your head around it, the winding path of ... Read more

July 29, 2021July 29, 2021

How We Kick Summer Regression to the Curb for Our Angel

Angelman Syndrome News Columns

I love it when my 11-year-old Angel Juliana attends summer camp. But I found out the hard way that too much of a good thing can change the course of ... Read more

July 23, 2021July 23, 2021

A Day in the Life of an Angel

Angelman Syndrome News Columns

First, she got her socks and shoes. Then her hat, Talker, and my pocketbook. When she handed her father the car keys, we knew she meant business. Maybe she’s stir ... Read more

July 22, 2021July 22, 2021

Can’t Find a Special Needs Product? Maybe You Should Create It

Angelman Syndrome News Columns

When raising a child with Angelman syndrome, run-of-the-mill products don’t always provide what you need. That isn’t always a bad thing, though. Not finding what you need could serve as ... Read more

July 15, 2021July 15, 2021

Is Water Fascination a True Trait of Angelman Syndrome?

Angelman Syndrome News Columns, COVID-19 Columns

Ask an Angel’s parent if their kid loves water and you may not get the answer you expect. Do most children love water? Probably. Are all Angels fascinated with water? ... Read more

July 8, 2021July 8, 2021

3 Ways to Make Early Intervention a Great Experience

Angelman Syndrome News Columns

Early intervention efforts for my 11-year-old daughter, Juliana, who has Angelman syndrome, were not greeted warmly in my house. I can admit that now. These early intervention services included in-home ... Read more

July 1, 2021July 1, 2021

For Our Family, Independence Means Our Angel Can Walk Outdoors

Angelman Syndrome News Columns

Independence is surely one of those things that can be taken for granted. In the U.S., we celebrate our freedom on Independence Day, July 4, but this time of year ... Read more

June 24, 2021June 24, 2021

How Caregiving Can Be Balanced With Everyday Living

Angelman Syndrome News Columns

Managing caregiving with daily living is truly a balancing act. There are personal responsibilities that must be met in addition to managing the details and care of another person. Another ... Read more

June 18, 2021June 18, 2021

When Angels Help

Angelman Syndrome News Columns

Alert the media! Not only did our angel get dressed independently this morning but she also put the lid back on the Play-Doh! For years, Jessie left a trail wherever ... Read more