The Gift of Communication

It is well worth the wait. + Join my Group + Events

My oldest son FaceTimed me yesterday.

Now I know that seems like a pretty normal, everyday thing. But what if I told you it was the first time, he’s ever called me. Or anyone actually. See phones aren’t really his thing. They don’t make all that much sense to him.

Cooper is autistic.

At age 3, we received his diagnosis. They called it Severe Nonverbal Autism. It felt like such a heavy label to put on such a small boy.

At age 5, they told us he would most likely never learn to speak. And I grieved spoken words while turning my energy to other forms of communication.

At age 8, he said mom for the first time. It took all of his strength and energy to make the three sounds. M. O. M. It was if he was plucking each sound from the sky. I had never in my life heard something so beautiful. Or seen someone work so hard to do something that most of us take for granted.

Recently, he turned 13. And while he isn’t a big verbal communicator, he asked us for a cellphone. Just like his younger brother.

I knew he wanted to put his apps on it…Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Nick Jr., and Amazon Prime. But I also had a dream when I watched him unwrap his very own phone on Christmas morning.

Texting.

Cooper can spell. He is very smart. I believe that he can learn to text. And to give us a glimpse inside of his beautiful world.

Always remember that nonverbal does NOT mean noncommunicative.

And yesterday, for the first time ever, a slice of that dream that I had dared to dream came true.

A name flashed across the screen. A photo of a boy in a green shirt. Yellow hair. Smiling ear to ear.

‘Cooper!!! Is that you?!’

A smile from a teenager. And then…

‘HHHH-IIII-EEE MMM-AW-MMM!’ (Hi mom!)

I immediately stopped what I was doing. And I let the tears fall freely. I didn’t bother to stop them.

He went onto make a train sound. And showed me his white board. The one with his hopes and dreams written on it.

Amtrak ride with mom.

A trip to California to see the dolphins and whales.

Two sleeps on the train.

Eating in the dining car.

He smiled big again.

And one more word.

‘BYE-EEEE!’

And he was gone.

I truly can’t believe it. My son called me on the phone.

I have never felt so lucky.

Thank you all for being here with us at Finding Cooper’s Voice.

Dear People,

I find January to be difficult. It’s dark. And grey. And my feet get wet when I walk outside. If you need a pick me up, come on over to my subscriber page for behind-the-scenes daily fun.

We also talk daily about harder topics. Aggression, medication, self-injurious behaviors, marriage, parenting and more.

The group is on Facebook, and it’s called Coop’s Troops. It’s a place to learn, listen, ask questions, engage, lurk, and give and get support. And it has significantly changed my life.

Come join.

And if you subscribe in the next few days, you could win an autographed copy of my book. I will pick 5 winners.

(If for some reason the link won’t work, visit my Facebook page, Finding Cooper’s Voice, and click the blue become a supporter button. See you over there! Say hi once your are comfortable!)

January 2024

THU18

January 18 @ 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Join me in Grand Portage, MN

Grand Portage Community Center 73 Upper Rd, Grand Portage, MN

Join parent and advocate Kate Swenson as she reflects on her family’s journey through an autism diagnosis, early intervention, and transition to school services, and the emotional toll these processes can take on a family. In this presentation she will discuss the transformation she made as not only a parent, but as a person, and the support that parents need from professionals, family members, and those within their community to help their family adjust to this new chapter of life.

WED31

January 31 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Coop’s Troop Book Club with Carrie Cariello

Join Kate and members of her supporter group for Book Club Discussion #1 of 2024. We will be discussing Carrie Cariello's Half My Sky. Carrie will be joining us as well to answer questions. Every month we choose a different book to read and discuss virtually. This is one of my favorite groups! Zero pressure. Just read, join us via zoom, and discuss. Carrie's book: https://a.co/d/huUQqMb This event is for members of Kate's supporter group. Anyone can join!

March 2024

SAT2

March 2 - March 3

Rising Moms Caregiving Retreat – Lake Geneva, WI

Lake Geneva, WI Lake Geneva, WI

I am so excited to announce that I will be the keynote speaker at Rising Moms Caregiving Retreat in Lake Geneva, WI on March 2 and 3rd. Are you a caregiver looking for a break? Join us for a rejuvenating retreat designed to help you recharge, connect with others, and improve your caregiving skills. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in educational sessions, relaxing activities, and connect with other moms who share similar journeys. Sign up for our retreat today and give yourself the break you deserve!

April 2024

TUE9

April 9 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Keynote Presentation with St. Mary’s County Public Schools Partners for Success in Maryland

Forrest Career & Tech Center 24005 Point Lookout Rd, Leonardtown, Maryland

Join parent and advocate Kate Swenson as she reflects on her family’s journey through an autism diagnosis, early intervention, and transition to school services, and the emotional toll these processes can take on a family. In this presentation she will discuss the transformation she made as not only a parent, but as a person, and the support that parents need from professionals, family members, and those within their community to help their family adjust to this new chapter of life. Tuesday, April 9th, 2024, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

October 2024

FRI25

October 25 - October 26

RISE Summit 2024 hosted by Puzzle Pieces in Kentucky

Owensboro, Kentucky Owensboro, Kentucky

Save the Date! I'm coming to Kentucky for the RISE Summit 2024 hosted by Puzzle Pieces Date: October 25-26, 2024 Location: Owensboro, Kentucky RISE stands for Redefining Inclusion, Support, and Empowerment, which is exactly what we hope to do at this conference. Who is RISE for? Any parents and caregivers of loved ones with disabilities. The Summit will emphasize a comprehensive perspective on topics relevant to families raising children or adults with disabilities, transcending specific disability categories.