One of my pieces out today in the Washington Post. I hope the kids aren’t sick of being my muses . . . But today–totally appropriate.
One of my pieces out today in the Washington Post. I hope the kids aren’t sick of being my muses . . . But today–totally appropriate.
Shell Tells 
Thanks for your story on twin siblings. We have the same situation — our daughter is a college senior, graduating with honors in May, while her twin brother with cerebral palsy and high functioning autism can only dream about going to college. Unfortunately there may not be a program that is a good fit for him when it comes to post-high school education. He just wants to be like everyone else his age, and reading about his peers and their college experiences on Facebook is heart breaking!
LikeLike
This is truly ironic. I just returned from a fundraising concert benefiting a new program at the University of NC/Greensboro. I don’t know what your son’s cognition is like, (or the severity of his CP) but this might interest you:
Beyond Academics is a private, nonprofit human services agency dedicated to supporting and
instructing young adults with intellectual disabilities who hope to advance their education after
high school. Life coaching and support are provided on campus, in collegiate housing
complexes, and in the community in partnership with UNCG. Beyond Academics at UNCG is
North Carolina’s first progressive and inclusive higher education site in a university community
for young adults with intellectual disabilities.
If it’s not a good fit, they might be able to guide you to a program that would work. Best of luck, and congratulations on your daughter’s honors! It sounds like you have wonderful kids.
LikeLike
Thanks for your story. Very interesting. Are your twins identical or fraternal? It is indeed a mystery to me why autism affects boys so much more.
LikeLike
Thank you for reading. My kids are fraternal twins. I believe the reason autism affects more males than females is genetic. Females aren’t as vulnerable to genetic mutations, probably because they have 2 X chromosomes. When Josh was first diagnosed I remember hearing, “Females are stronger than males.” I guess sadly, there’s some truth to that.
LikeLike
Just read your article for Siblings day and woah! had a moment there… I have 18 year old boy/gril twins. My daughter is finishing her first year away at college (Montreal Canada) and her twin brother is severely impacted by autism and mild epilepsy. I felt like I could have been reading my own thoughts there for a bit. Can’t wait to forward this to my daughter for her to read – she will get such a kick out of this!
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing this with me, Karen! I truly hope you’ve recuperated from the shock of college, and that your son is doing well. And please give my best regards to your daughter!
LikeLike