Virtual reality-based therapy for people on the autism spectrum has arrived, and it brings with it more possibilities for growth and learning for this segment of the population. Already in use in home, clinical and school settings, VR has proven to be an effective means of teaching social, behavioral, communication and other skills at which many individuals with autism are working hard to develop. Such skills can be practiced and reinforced as often as is warranted, allowing the learner to move forward at his own pace and in his own good time. And, as is often the case with technology-assisted learning, the process is engaging and fun.
The start-up company that pioneered this concept of bringing together VR technology and therapeutic content for those with autism and related diagnoses is a company called Floreo Technologies. Vijay Ravindran, the CEO and co-founder of Floreo, has a child with autism. A few years ago when he observed how strongly virtual reality technology resonated with his child, Vijay started to contemplate how VR could be leveraged to address the challenges his child was confronting at the time, and the vision of Floreo was born.
Today, Floreo offers a growing content library of more than 175 lessons which is available to parents, teachers and clinicians who work with and care for people on the autism spectrum. Additional content will soon be released for those contending with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and anxiety disorders, which often coexist with autism. Some of Floreo’s clients include the Sarah Dooley Center for Autism in Richmond, Va., the Manhattan Children’s Center in New York City, the Region 10 School Districts in Texas, the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities in Cleveland, Ohio and the California PsychCare behavioral health clinic in Chatsworth, Calif.
Why use virtual reality as a vehicle for the delivery of therapeutic content for individuals with autism? For starters, those who live in areas in which there are few if any clinicians experienced in working with people with autism now have access to the help they deserve as they learn and grow. The learner (an individual with autism) can work with the content in his own home under the supervision of a parent.
VR is particularly effective at helping the learner develop a skill within the context of the situation to which the skill is directly relevant. It does so by simulating real world environments in which skills can be practiced and refined until they are mastered. For example, modules that teach skills as to how to appropriately and safely interact with police take place in an animated setting that involves live, uniformed police officers who approach and talk to the learner alongside a city street.
Modules that teach social skills that are applicable to school environments involve interactions with animated kids sitting at desks or tables in a classroom with the teacher up front, schoolmates initiating conversations with the learner while walking down a hallway, hanging out by the lockers or sitting at a table in the cafeteria, etc. As the learner immerses herself in the virtual setting and interacts with the animated individuals, a supervising teacher, clinician or parent directs her through the exercise using written guidance which the VR software provides. The learner wears a headset while the supervisor works off a tablet. Both devices are synchronized to ensure that they are always working in lock step with each other.
Sensory sensitivities are prevalent among many on the autism spectrum. Accordingly, the animations and art Floreo uses in its simulated environments are simplified, allowing the learner to focus on the skill he is learning without distraction. Furthermore, each exercise is streamlined to emphasize a single objective, free of excess, keeping the exercise short, sweet and easily digestible.
If only this technology had been available to me during my formative years. Unaware of my spectrum profile (I wasn’t diagnosed until age 40) but acutely aware of my auditory processing learning disability, I could really have used the help back then. I would have immediately been drawn to virtual reality and enjoyed using it granted my passion as a young boy for all kinds of electronic gadgets, so my parents would have been spared of having to repeatedly tell me to practice the learning modules. Had I learned then from Floreo what I know now, I probably would have been spared of having to learn many of the social skills I eventually acquired the hard way, and I would have learned many of these skills sooner than I actually did.
One day growing up in New Jersey when I was haphazardly crossing a busy street on my bike, I literally came within just a few feet of being run over and probably would have had it not been for the alertness of the driver and the brakes in his car doing their job. I can’t help but wonder if this near-death experience, permanently seared into my memory cells, would have been averted if I had previously immersed myself in the Floreo learning module that teaches how to properly cross a busy street. I wonder how my social life in and outside of school may have played out differently if I had access to the social sense learning modules at the time. Would those clinical experiences of mine which fell short of expectations have had more desirable outcomes with VR technology in the mix? Without question!
It all comes down to the importance of people with autism and other neurodivergent individuals being given options as to how they can best learn and grow, and how they can access the help they may want in working to diminish or conquer particular challenges. The list of such options just got longer thanks to the advent of virtual reality and the work companies like Floreo has done in fusing this technology with skill-building content which many on the autism spectrum will find valuable.
SAM FARMER wears many hats, among them father, husband, musician, computer consultant, autism spectrum community contributor, and author of the new book, A Long Walk Down a Winding Road: Small Steps, Challenges, & Triumphs Through an Autistic Lens, which is now available on Amazon.
My son is 16. He is semi-verbal on the autism spectrum. He was diagnosed as severe. Sometimes he can speak a little. Sometimes he can’t. Sometimes he has good days. Sometimes he does not. There are hopeful moments. Like this year he is starting to trace letters for the first time ever! A huge milestone. We celebrate those achievements.
Once in a while, I send him messages from my phone and he sends me a sweet word back. Other times there’s silence. We are grateful for the times he has some language.
Sometimes it’s hard, like really hard, the hardest of hards and it hurts my heart and makes it so heavy. I worry for the future when we’re gone. Who will take over? Who will love him as much as I do but be able to bear this all too? Sometimes it’s confusing. Like when he cries and we don’t know why. Is he in pain? Is he sick? Is he just sad? He can’t tell us. We just guess and love our way through it all.
Sometimes he seems so capable and we’re like, ‘We got this! It’s not so hard after all!’ Then he has regressions. We watch as he slowly loses a skill that he worked so incredibly hard at. It just slips away. Sometimes it comes back. Other times we have to start from square one.
We change bedding almost every day. Sometimes, we need to change clothes during the day too. Sixteen years in. You can’t really call it ‘potty training’ anymore can you? It’s not about the laundry. It’s the setbacks after working so hard to overcome obstacles and difficulties. It’s feeling like you finally made it out of the baby stages only to go back again. It’s the regressions without explanations or reasons. It’s the constant ‘why’ without answers. It’s the starting over again and again. It’s going backward when everyone else seems to be going forward. Sometimes it’s everything at once. Beautiful, heartbreaking, hard work, celebrations, hitting milestones, regressions, starting over. It’s a constant roller coaster of emotions. But the one constant that will never change is our enormous love. A love so strong it carries us through.
Hi! My name is Laura and I'm a mom of two beautiful kids in Vancouver, Canada. I write a blog on Facebook called The Autism Ride, all about the ups and downs in life with our teenaged son on the spectrum.
My son Stalen is almost 6 years old and on the autism spectrum. His safety is my priority, always.
He has no sense of safety or danger. He elopes. He is a runner. He is an opportunist. As soon as he sees an opportunity he bolts.
When these incidents occur, his strength and speed are superhuman. He has crossed beyond the tree line into the woods on me a couple of times. He has unlocked the door once and gone outside—luckily into our fenced-in backyard. He has bolted across our front lawn with his toes touching the edge of the street just before I could catch him. He has even taken off inside a facility.
As he gets older, as he gets stronger, as more opportunities surface, the risk increases.
I’ve been thinking about safety so much lately as Stalen will be going off to school in a few short months. I’m not worried about him performing academically in school, I’m worried about his safety.
Have you ever lost track of your child, even for a second? You thought they were in one place but they weren’t. You yell their name and there is no answer. You begin searching frantically. You can feel the anxiousness in your every breath and the tight sickening feeling deep in the pit of your stomach. You’re about to erupt in complete utter hysteria. Panic.
You beg God desperately, pleading, ”Please let my baby be okay. I will do anything.”
There are no words to describe that feeling.
Just writing this makes me feel sick and my heart beats faster.
It’s been the greatest challenge of my life to keep my son safe these past six years. There is one rule that I live by: He doesn’t leave the house without me. I am always on. I’m always calculating his next move. This is the life I’ve adapted to, it’s immediate and natural for me to identify the safety risks and exits before I even realize the presence of others in a space.
My son also wears a Project Lifesaver radio-frequency tracking device, an alert me band that indicates he has non-verbal autism and has two emergency phone numbers. Every year I update and renew his information in the police vulnerable person registry where we live. I also notify our Project Lifesaver team each time we travel, and they issue a travel advisory to authorities in the area that we travel to.
We avoid large crowds. When we go out I dress him in bright colors so my eyes can find him quickly.
When we moved to our neighborhood two years ago, at every interaction with neighbors I remind them, “If you see my son outside without me, there’s something wrong—please help.”
I know we are doing all the right things. But, the problem with safety issues is that something can happen so quickly.
Despite all the precautions, in one second, in the blink of an eye, my greatest fear could come true.
I could look down, get distracted, accidentally let go of his hand. He could wriggle away from me. Someone could stop me for directions. My phone could ring. Someone may be in distress and ask me for help. He could get a door open when I go to pee. So many possibilities.
One second. In the blink of an eye.
I’m reminded of the risks and heartache almost every day when a photo shows up on my newsfeed or on my tv. When I look at the face of the autistic person that has eloped and is missing, I think of my son. I think of the close calls and near misses. I think that it easily could be him. I think of the family searching for their baby. I feel their heartache every single time. I think of that one second, blink of an eye, that may have changed their lives forever.
Like so many others, there is nothing I wouldn’t do to keep my son safe. I just hope and pray that what I am doing is enough.
I am a proud wife, ASD Mom, Step-Mom. At 21 months, my son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. He is 5 years old and non-verbal. I have become a full-time stay-at-home mom. I am 1000% focused on raising autism awareness and helping my son live a full and fun life.
My son Kanen is almost 3 years old, and from the first time I ever put a TV show on for him, well, he insisted it had to be a Disney movie. For the better part of the early years, I just thought he had remarkable taste for things. And I was delighted I wasn’t like the other mom’s suffering as they listened to Baby Shark and Cocomelon all day long.
It wasn’t until about six months after his second birthday that I understood why he was so particular about what he preferred to watch. Autism. See when you have a child on the Autism Spectrum, who is also non-verbal, the early years are quieter than what I figure they might be for others. And If I’m being honest, I’m not usually the type of mom who plops down with my child during screen time. I use that as the time to clean my house, wash dishes, do laundry. You know mom things.
But one lazy morning I decided to watch the Good Dinosaur with Kanen for the first time. It took me a few minutes into the movie to realize the dinosaur talked, but the young boy never did. By this time I was captivated. It hit home. And these are the 3 things a Disney movie of a non-verbal child and a talking dinosaur taught me.
1. “Love Needs No Words.”
This is a quote I’ve heard very often throughout this journey. It’s true, love doesn’t. My child could speak every word in the dictionary, or none at all and I will always love him for exactly who he is. Now I know what you might be thinking…Of course, I will! But will others? The answer is yes. I can’t tell you when or where, unfortunately, I don’t have a crystal ball for that. But I’ve heard stories from the moms in this journey that talk about their amazing non-verbal children making friends. So I believe it’s going to happen one day for my child and yours too. Communication goes far beyond verbal words. Friendships do too.
2. Look Out for Those Different Than You.
Even in the land before time, a young dinosaur like Arlo knew to look out for another that was unlike him. Another who had no words. Another who had no way of defending or protecting himself. Arlo had found a sense of pride to keep him safe because he knew he could communicate with others around him the way his friend couldn’t. A dinosaur showed me not everyone in life is living in a “doggy-dog-dog” world. Thank you.
3. Never Give Up.
Cliche huh? No, but really….Never give up. Even when life gets tough. I watched for nearly two hours a dinosaur never give up on his life or his non-verbal friend’s life. I’ve only seen that type of perseverance in my son and those like him. I hope one day they find a friend like Arlo. Maybe this was only a fictional Disney Pixar movie. Maybe Kanen has just taught me to look at life through a new lens. Regardless. I’m thankful for both.
Samira is a 25 year old single mom to a 2 year old son Kanen Arley. Her son Kanen was diagnosed with severe non-verbal autism in September of 2020, which inspired her to start sharing their journey through My Charming Arley on Facebook and Samirasstella on Instagram.
It’s no secret being a mom is hard. I think it once was a secret, but it isn’t any longer. Too many of us blabbing about it on the internet. I knew before kids it would be, but It’s a different kind of hard than I expected. Mothering is a paradoxical life event. An ability I was born with. A biological and worldly life calling I never doubted. It’s a weight though. A heavy life-altering load. It changes your identity, It consumes you in every way.
I have two kids. They are my everything. My oldest, Johnny, is five and on the autism spectrum. Something I wasn’t prepared for. I’m consistently trying to learn and grow, but it’s hard. There is no guide book given to the parent of any child, but especially a child with autism. We have a lot of ups and downs.
Everything in our life is off the beaten path. It’s hard to explain, but we have days, and sometimes weeks, where Johnny is more engaged and aware. He is still autistic and himself but it’s like he is with us more. He has more gains and wins. I’m not going to lie, it’s easier. It’s the time of hope and payoffs to all the hard work.
The other times that my husband and I usually compare with babies “Wonder Weeks”, he’s grumpier, temperamental, and sensitive. These weeks bad behaviors like spitting, screaming, meltdowns, rough nights, etc. become the norm. During these times I feel down, lost, and discouraged. The older he gets, the back and forth between these times get harder.
I should expect the roller coaster, but I always hope they will level out, and hopefully with us on top. On the hard days, I try to stay positive but doubt and worry swarm my mind. This week, it’s very hard. It’s hard not to internalize your child yelling at you, hurting you, and hurting himself. The worst is how I don’t know how to make it better for him. I don’t know why or what is causing it.
When you have a child you take on the responsibility for their life. It’s your job to raise, protect, and teach them. I’m trying my hardest to do those things but it wears on me. Right now it feels like I’m talking at the wall. Like teaching is off the table. It’s pure protection, planning, and defense. I need breaks from my child sometimes. Not in the cute hiding in the bathroom eating a candy bar way, but in the crying into my pillow wishing I had more endurance and patience way. A way that hurts my soul that makes me feel wrong.
I don’t know what I thought motherhood would be. I’ve taken on an enormous task I knew wouldn’t be easy, but I didn’t quite understand the effects. I don’t feel like my child needs to change or fit, but more like I’m the one that doesn’t fit. I should be strong and endure. I should be able to do what needs to be done. I should be able to stay calm in the storm. I do those things 90% of the time, but it takes a toll. Some days it breaks me a little bit. It’s my darkness, but luckily I know it will go. I’ll go for a walk and I will recenter myself and get back to it because I’m the mom and I love my kid.
Jaime Ramos, is a mom from Colorado. She's married to Isaac and has two kids, Amelie and Jesse. Jesse, her Johnny, is on the Autism Spectrum. She went to school to be a filmmaker, but now spends her days mainly as a stay at home mom.
Pictures, pictures, and more pictures. I’ve been taking pictures since I was nine and my parents bought me a camera for my birthday. This was before smartphones and the craze of capturing every moment.
I love it.
Sometimes after the exhausting bedtime routine I lay in bed and stare at pictures of my kids. Yes, the kids that I’m constantly with, the ones I just prayed would fall asleep and leave me alone.
Suddenly in the quiet and dark of my room, I miss them.
When I look at baby pictures of my son Johnny, who is five and on the autism spectrum, it’s a conflicting feeling that pulls at my heart.
I think about how cute and little he was, how I miss having a little baby, but it also feels like another time. The time before knowing something was different. Before knowing autism.
Back then there was so much hope. So many possibilities.
Life seemed so much more certain and typical. I feel like that now our whole world has shrunk in so many ways. Less people, less space, less certainty.
These pictures remind me of a simpler time, before I realized that those fussy nights would continue so much longer than they told us. Before he went from responding to his name some of the time to never responding. That the couple of words he had would come and go. Our world would become a constant back and forth of progression and regression. Back then I had no clue I’d be filling out hundreds of professional forms that refer to my child’s behavior as “odd” and “strange.”
I had no expectation of myself crying on the way home from soccer practice, nursery, and family events because my child would not participate. Sometimes he would scream and cry or hide in a corner the entire time.
I didn’t know the plans we had to do every sport and activity would turn into therapies and explanations. Explanations of him, us, autism.
Although, now that we are slowly turning the corner of acceptance I see more.
I can see that before I did not know how much I would learn. How it would make us better parents and people. I would have never known how different I would become. My patience, love, and acceptance of others has grown tenfold. All thanks to Johnny.
I did not know that our wins in life would mean little to others but the world to us. The first time Johnny said “Hi mom” so casually at four, I cried. The first time he jumped with joy about something, my heart burst. The day he finally got potty trained I felt the most relief I probably ever will. His smile could change the world.
Before autism, I did know how much larger my heart would become and how full it could be.
Most days are hard. There are meltdowns, frustrations, isolation, worry, and confusion. Then there are moments of amazing. The moments that keep us going. The little wins carry us through the weeks and months. Before autism, I did not know that was possible.
Jaime Ramos, is a mom from Colorado. She's married to Isaac and has two kids, Amelie and Jesse. Jesse, her Johnny, is on the Autism Spectrum. She went to school to be a filmmaker, but now spends her days mainly as a stay at home mom.
About two years ago my son and I were waiting in line at Walmart. He was sitting in the cart happily flapping and stimming as we waited. A lady, waiting in line behind us, started talking to him. When he didn’t respond I explained to her that he was non-verbal and on the autism spectrum. She immediately proceeded to thank me and tell me how great it was that I wasn’t ashamed to bring him out and about in the community.
I will never be ashamed that my son has autism. It’s one of the many parts of him that contribute to making him the amazing little boy that I love and adore.
No one could ever take over the space in my heart that he fills with his spins, squeals, smiles, jokes, and flaps. These things are mixed in amongst deep love, hope, and faith.
There is no room for shame here.
I’m not ashamed of autism and you shouldn’t be either because it’s not about a diagnosis.
It’s about the person.
My son brings so much more to this world than autism. He is smart, funny, charming, handsome, witty, kind, brave, loving.
I would hate for anyone to miss out on the positive bright light that he shines because they are consumed by the negatives.
Don’t miss out on something that could be amazing just because it could also be difficult.
Autism may look hard and challenging on the outside but he lives it every day from within.
Why would I punish him with shame for a life circumstance that he has absolutely no control over?
I will always take my son into the community. I will always encourage and support him. I will always hope for progress for him. I will always advocate for him. I will always walk beside him. I will always be his dance partner even when there is no music. I will always ensure that he is treated with respect and dignity because he is a human being and deserves to be treated as such.
As I watch this bright, brave boy climb mountains and shatter all the naysayers, I feel nothing but pride and gratitude because he’s mine and I am blessed beyond measure to be his Mama.
I am a proud wife, ASD Mom, Step-Mom. At 21 months, my son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. He is 5 years old and non-verbal. I have become a full-time stay-at-home mom. I am 1000% focused on raising autism awareness and helping my son live a full and fun life.
Whether you’re looking for the cutest summer swimsuit, gender neutral clothing or the best kids shoes, navigating the world of apparel can be overwhelming! That’s where some amazing women entrepreneurs come in, who’ve taken their experience as moms and turned it into sensory-friendly items, activity-based headwear and the cutest slippers-turned-shoes on the market. And that’s just the beginning! Keep scrolling to see the best and brightest clothing, shoes and accessories on the market––all created by moms.
mini + meep: Ethically & Sustainably-Made Organic Kids and Baby Clothes
We took one peek at the mini + meep shop and were blown away by the creative illustrations, positive messages and colorful palates of each tee, bib and onesie. Created by Asheville mama, Fay Grant, mini + meep's story dates back to 2014 when Fay was struggling to conceive and began painting artwork that would one day adorn her nursery. Fast forward to 2021 and Fay has donated over 40,000 meals to local children in need (they work with a local nonprofit to donate a meal for every order placed) and her online shop is full of products that are grown and sewn in the USA. mini + meep's line is made from all organic unbleached cotton and printed with eco-friendly, water-based inks. In fact, all of the artwork printed on mini + meep products are hand-painted by Fay from her home (which she shares with her daughter, Emmalyn) in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Rent-a-Romper: Clothing Subscription That's Good for You & the Environment
Founder, Lauren Gregor is all about making parenting easier, which is why she launched Rent-a-Romper in March 2020. We imagine starting her business on the precipice of a global pandemic wasn't exactly planned. But, this determined mom didn't let it stop her from helping to alleviate the mental load of moms who we all know have been burdened with so much since the beginning of the pandemic.
Gregor's Rent-a-Romper aims to make ethical and affordable clothing accessible to all families with her capsule clothing collections. Take the quick quiz and Rent-a-Romper will curate a capsule wardrobe just for your child. Wear the clothes as long and as often as you like, and then return the styles in the compostable self-addressed package when you're ready to size up or swap out styles. Simply log back in to Rent-a-Romper to designate what you'd like in your next capsule delivery. By opting for a service like Rent-a-Romper not only are you off the hook for shopping for clothes, but you're also helping the planet by opting out of the "fast fashion" trend, which negatively affects the environment. It's truly a win-win.
Tees That Take Your Kids on a Journey: Kids Living Loudly
We love the whimsical designs, bold colors and soft-as-a-baby blanket material of Kids Living Loudly tees. In fact, it passed the test of our toddler who is awful at transitions and much to our surprise, didn't put up a fight when we dressed him in his new Caden, the Silly Crocodile tee. He proudly wore it all day and we knew he'd be able to play and move comfortably thanks to the stretchy fabric that's made up of sustainable bamboo, organic cotton and rayon.
The husband and wife team behind the brand wanted to not only create tees that withstood rough and tumble play, but that also told a story and was meaningful to families. This means that each tee takes your kiddo on a journey. From the moment he opens the fun dino capsule box to the short story of your tee's character (each story is printed on wildflower seed paper which you can then plant), your child will be captivated. Check out all the whimsical designs here.
From bedtime routines to their lovey, kids need schedules and comfort to develop positive sleep habits. Beyond that—and what is sometimes overlooked—is the actual PJs they wear to bed. Lovey&Grink aims to send kiddos off to dreamland with their incredibly soft pajamas. Founded by parents Alexis, Seth and Becky, Lovey&Grink produces durable, breathable and soft pajamas your kids will be eager to sleep in. They developed their line after their four-year-old daughter complained that her PJs were itchy or made her hot at night. They decided to make their own after discovering that most softer pajamas were either expensive or prone to shrinkage.
Lovey&Grink start at size 12 months and come in a variety of playful prints like milk and cookies, vintage race cars and unicorns. PJs are on the thinner side, which we found perfect for summer or hot nights. Sizes run small so size up if you’re unsure which size will fit.
After the birth of her second child, Kristy Chong battled with the same “unmentionable” bladder leaks that most women do. Instead of shying away from it, she become determined to start her own brand that carried underwear that not only changed women's mindsets but also the planet. She set out to design and develop leak-proof undies using her patented Modifier Technology™. Now women, teens and even men can shop the Modibodi™ collection that is packed with a reusable, sustainable range of tops, singlets, period and sweat-proof undies and swimwear.
After giving birth to her second child, Jennifer Teixeira was discouraged with a lack of styles and fabrics that represented personality, style and practicality for her baby. Using her degree in graphic design from FIDM and experience working with surf brand Blue Hawaii, Teixeira founded Sweet Sweet Honey Hawaii in 2015, a mommy and baby apparel brand inspired by Jennifer’s grandmother and parents, who created aloha print patchwork blankets for special events and occasions. The Hawaiian-inspired brand is made of up cute tropical designs in lightweight fabrics that are easy to put on. In honor of the "aloha" concept, Sweet Sweet Honey continues to give back by donating premium swaddle blankets to local NICU wards and adopting eco-friendly practices with minimal packaging and plastic use.
Mom Keren Barash was underwhelmed when it came to finding a quality swimsuit for her daughter. Unwilling to compromise on quality, she was inspired to create her own line that would feature classic styles (with a bit of French inspo) that would offer sun protection, comfort and sustainability. While continuing to work full time, Barash took the better part of a year testing design, fit and finding the right manufacturing studio to produce the lineup for Bonbon Swim. The current line features one pieces and rashguards for girls made with protective and sustainable UPF 50 nylon fabrics that range in sizes from six months to five years. sizes 6 months – 5 years. Next season, the company plans to add new styles, larger sizes and boy shorts made from 100% recycled materials.
Andréa Bernholtz is no stranger to fashion. Her time with global lifestyle brand Rock & Republic helped form the idea for her new company, SWIMINISTA. Like most women, Bernholtz found it tough to find the best fitting swimsuit, so she set out streamline the design process and build a better suit in the process. Now the mom is producing a complete line of uber-comfortable swimsuits with a luxurious nylon fabric made from post-consumer plastics that come in figure-flattering tops, bottoms, and one-pieces can be mixed and matched. SWIMINISTA's online boutique also offers a personalized sizing guide and a “Try At Home” options where customers can choose a selection of suits to test out at home.
Shveta Sontakey and her sister in law were determined to uplift themselves through the first tough years of motherhood. Wanting to become more peaceful mothers and overcome feelings of defeat, Shveta started to educate herself on conscious and peaceful parenting principles. With a desire to create a stylish way to have affirmations and powerful reminders, she and her sister in law founded Sontakey Oath Bracelets. Now the duo sells gorgeous bracelets that are hypoallergenic, lead free, and tarnish-resistant pure stainless steel, with a thick overlay of 18K yellow gold. You can shop styles for men, women, kids and even babies.
Debra Schoenau began her career as a buyer for major department stores, but wanted to launch her own brand that incorporated feminine loungewear that could be worn everyday. Inspired by Brian Hyland's “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” song, Schoenau set out to create a brand that was just as cute. Since all of the products are manufactured in the English countryside on rare heritage knitting machines, the name Polkadot England was born! When it came time to expand her brand, her daughter Rachel Schoenau Doneger, came on board with her experience and millennial perspective. In 2018, they rebranded as a mother-daughter team, bringing the comfiest of fabrics in delicate designs that include camisoles, robes, tops and baby styles to an even bigger audience.
Amy Gabriel was a pediatric nurse who found herself at a crossroads, wanting a career change that would allow her to sew and create useful products. So in 2012, LippyClip was launched, selling uber useful holders for lip balms! After seven years of creating and sewing, Gabriel now employs a team of 13 women in her 100 percent women-owned and operated business. LippyClips are made in the USA, by women who work from home and who market, sew, package and ship product all over the U.S.
Dr. Shannon Davis PT, DPT is a mom to two girls from San Diego. When she found herself without enough hands to carry her kiddos hats plus entertainment when doing the family errands, she decided to combine the two, and Hativity was born! The patent-pending interactive headwear combines the must-have hat your littles need to protect them from sun, heat, and cold exposure and adds some fun. Choose from custom-designed Velcro patches that are interchangeable and include objects, characters and emojis. Parents can choose from summer or winter styles and patches in a variety of fabrics, too.
Frustrated with the trials of shoe shopping for her daughter, Fatma Collins founded Ten Little. The new lineup of PETA-Approved was created in collaboration with physicians and includes vegan shoes that support natural development and movement. Each pair comes with removable insoles that are printed with a fit indicator and puzzle-piece characters to teach kids to put their shoes on the right foot. Additionally, Ten Little uses a predictive data platform and will send parents personalized reminders when it’s time to size up, and will make individualized recommendations based on size, color, and season, and the ability to order via text. When you size up, Ten Little will automatically include a prepaid shipping label to donate your child’s outgrown shoes to Soles4Souls, an organization that provide shoes to people in need.
Cutting Edge & Affordable Jewelry: Hollywood Sensation
In 2012, Mary Hood was pregnant and held a job she didn't love. When she took the opportunity to stay home, she developed the idea for an online jewelry business to keep her overhead low. With only a thousand dollars to invest, Hollywood Sensation was born. Hood's business focuses on signature and handcraft pieces that are designed specifically for women. “We do more than just sell jewelry. Hollywood Sensation empowers every woman, from the workplace to the red carpet, and all while giving back to charity. Our runway-inspired collections and state-of-the-art packaging make women feel confident, inspired, and beautiful.”
When it comes to maternity fashion and what women really want—and need—during pregnancy and beyond, nobody knows better than a mom who has been there, done that. Ariel, founder of Frances M, discovered that when pregnant with her daughter she wanted something a little edgier, fashion-wise but still functional. So she took her sketches from the page and brought them to life. Her Frances M maternity line includes the Charlie Pant, Juniper Jumpsuit and the Poppy Skirt, all made with the pregnant and post-partum mama in mind. Ariel tells us, "Motherhood changed me in ways I didn't anticipate and I want to be part of that journey for other women. I believe in moms, and want them to feel their best everyday."
Uber Soft Hoodies Designed by Kids: TreeHouse Design Studios
Designed by kids and made by adults, TreeHouse Design Studios is not your average hoodie or trucker hat. Founded by mom of three, Gretchen MacIver, this company actually was born from an Instagram post of her daughter’s artwork. When Gretchen received an actual cash offer for her daughter’s painting, it got her wheels spinning. She realized how great it would be to showcase kids’ art screen-printed on long-lasting hoodies and hats, instead of throwing the creation in a box never to be seen again.
TreeHouse Design Studio aims to encourage kids’ creations. Their newest design—called “REESEscape” named for artist, Reese Fox—is translated onto a heather navy hoodie with a combo of screen printing and embroidery. The original piece used a combo of permanent markers and watercolors. Each hoodie is produced in downtown LA and includes an oversized name tag so kids can personalize their hoodies.
Whimsically Printed Swimwear for the Entire Fam: Cheeky Chickadee
Cheeky Chickadee
Busy mom of four Connie kicked off Cheeky Chickadee when her first daughter was little. The Australian brand is designed in Sydney and features hand-drawn animal prints on soft swimwear fabric in sizes newborn to eight. The family-run business was initially started as a way to create affordable clothes for kids that last and as a way to spend more time with her family. Five years later, Cheeky Chickadee not only features clothes for littles, but matching options for mom and dad, too!
A big sports fan and mom of three, Deni Sciano found herself attending a Dallas Mavericks-San Antonio Spurs game back in 2014, stuck in the long security line awaiting bag inspection and missing the start of the game. She was struck by a thought: why not manufacture clear bags, making it easier to get through security? In the time since, many professional sports have instituted clear bag policies, making her Score! Designs that much more in demand. Sciano believes that a clear bag can not only be a fashion statement but also a sign of team loyalty. In addition to meeting the guidelines for clear bags at stadiums, Score! also boasts purses and totes with team colors, the perfect complement to game-day style.
Like many mom business founders, the idea of her business, Little Sleepies, was born after Maradith noticed a lack of quality and functional sleepwear on the market after having her son in 2016. Sleepwear was either mass-produced and low quality or luxe with a hefty price tag. So, she took it upon herself to create accessible, functional and comfortable sleepwear for babies and kids. After tirelessly researching and testing fabric, design and fit, Little Sleepies was created. This line of sleepwear is awesome and different in a few ways: it features foldover hand and foot cuffs, turning any romper into a footie and back again. Parents and babes will also love the soft viscose bamboo fabric that's stretchable but won't stretch out, double zipper for late-night diaper changes, and the lack of snaps, buttons or interior tags. Check out their sweet styles at the link below.
As a working mom of two, Rola Amer found no time to shop for her kid’s wardrobe needs at traditional retailers and she couldn’t find any one online retailer that could help simplify the process of what her kids needed each season. She also discovered that her children’s sense of independence started as early as two years of age when they exert their will of what they want to wear each morning (aka wardrobe tantrums). That is exactly why she founded Choulala Box and the BLAST™Method as an easy and fun way for kids to learn all five categories of a wardrobe: (1) B for Bottoms (2) L for Layering Pieces (3) A for Accessories (4) S for Socks and Shoes and (5) T for Tops. When they know these categories and how they work together to create outfits each day, they will literally have a BLAST™ in dressing themselves to express themselves.
Mother of three Jacqueline Sacks watched her kids struggle with the daily routine of getting dressed and never feeling comfortable as most fabrics irritated her children’s eczema and sensory issues. Determined to find a solution, she developed a brand-new, proprietary method for softening fabric with a non-toxic enzyme dip. Using fabric spun from the pulp of beech trees and dyed with non-toxic dyes, Jacqueline created Saint Haven Soft™. The breathable weave supports body temperature regulation and is built without tags, buttons or the sorts of stealthy itchy seams that can drive anyone crazy. The San Francisco-based luxe essentials line launched late last year with styles for babies, toddlers, children and women.
When new mama Pallavi Golla was out adventuring with her son, she noticed that she remained cool in her activewear, but her baby was hot and sweaty. Unable to find safe and effective activewear for kids, Pallavi took it upon herself to create a line of clothes she'd feel confident would keep her son cool and comfortable. Fast forward a few years and one more kiddo later, and Lark Adventurewear is a favorite of parents everywhere. The collection features a natural, breathable fabric that keeps kids cool (we tested it ourselves!), is free of synthetic chemicals or fabrics, includes 50+ UPF and is made with eco-friendly bamboo. Sizes range from three months to four years old with styles like their popular footies, bodysuits, tees and more.
Check out the full collection and learn more about Pallavi at larkadventurewear.com.
Luxe Handbags That Last: Coral Chung
Coral Chung
As a busy working professional and mom, Coral Chung was tired of non-functioning designer bags that didn’t suit her lifestyle. So she co-founded Senreve, a brand that doesn’t force women to choose between a bag that looks good and one that works well. Within one year of its launch, Senreve’s most popular item—the Maestra bag—has sold out more than six times and has become a staple on the arms of many powerhouse females including Jessica Alba, Sophia Bush, Greta Gurwig and Gabrielle Union.
When you are a three-time cancer survivor and working mother, the word strong doesn’t even begin to describe you. Jill Johnson is all of those things, and she’s also an entrepreneur whose successful jewelry business, Jilco, has been donating to organizations like Children’s Cancer Research Fund since 1989. But true to her tireless spirit, Jill wanted to create something more, and AWE was born. AWE is a jewelry company that honors and celebrates an individual’s triumphs, and the AWE Medallion has become a universal symbol of strength, hope and resilience. The design, which is the anchor of all the items, is four teardrops that represent blood, sweat and tears (of sorrow and joy) of every survivor’s journey. 20% of every sale goes to one of four national charities.
What if you could go full-on leisure but still look stylish (and we’re not talking about pajama jeans)? Two moms, Bianca Gates (CEO & Co-Founder) and Marisa Sharkey (President and Co-Founder), figured out how! Together they founded Birdies, luxe, cozy flats that are big on style. When they couldn’t find shoes that merged comfort and fashion, they decided to create their own. Not only do they come in beautiful designs with on-trend colors and features like tassels and leopard print, they’ve also got cushioned, latex insoles; are lined with satin or faux shearling; and rubber soles for indoor/outdoor wear. Uh, pretty much perfect!
“As people who love to travel and are always on-the-go with our kids in tow, we became frustrated with the dull, inflexible carrying options available to us,” said Lisa Hom, co-founder of Kaleido Concepts. So she and Anita Yuen invented something new: an origami-inspired line of transportable products—backpacks and totes—that are as attractive as they are efficient. Hom, previously the CEO of Parasol Co. and the VP of Product Design at Kiwi Co. and Yuen, Product Director at Google, make an impressive team. But more impressive are the little extras: the products are lightweight (most only way a few ounces), durable, can be folded into a pouch and tucked away, have ripstop fabric and YKK Zippers. Plus they work with artists: Ashley Goldberg, Kelly Ventura and Carolyn Suzuki have all come up with unique designs (Pink Breeze, Black Swan and Naval Tidal).
Founded by two women—Veronique Vicari Barnes and Wells Nathan—who have years of friendship and creative collaboration between them, once they both had children they started thinking about what was lacking in the marketplace. They decided to design a line of clothing that they would want their own children to wear and Ice Cream Castles was born. Wells, with a FIDM and RISD fashion design background, had previously launched a women’s clothing line, and Veronique is the founder of her own line of jewelry. Together, they capture vintage designs, magical elements and plenty of whimsy in their clothing line for kids. The Fall 2017 collection includes retro ski style mixed with sweet graphics, all in comfy styles and designs. Our only question: when will they come in grown-up sizes?
Sharon Blumberg, the mommy brain behind Chooze, always loved and embraced her young daughter’s creativity, especially when it came to fashion. And her kiddos signature look? Mismatched shoes. But the wearing of two different shoes can create balance issues and discomfort, which is why Sharon, along with her husband Marc, launched Chooze—a company that sells perfectly mismatched shoes! Since their launch in 2011, they have expanded to include clothing and accessories for kids, too, but their genius shoes are still the signature look. Sandals, sneakers, boots and more in a huge variety of colorful and whimsical patterns will delight your kiddos. You can also “chooze” your cause when shopping: they’ll donate a portion of all profits to one of five charities you can select from on the site.
Founded by two moms—Galyn Bernard and Christina Carbonell—who braved kids clothing shopping for more than 12 years and had grown beyond frustrated by the poor quality, slogan- and sequin-heavy options out there. They wanted the basics in bright colors at affordable prices and they knew other parents did too. Both veterans employees of Diapers.com, the two have created a brand that is both recognizable and classic, bright basics that have been rated highly by moms around the world. Primary is an excellent clothing line for kids on the autism-spectrum or kids with sensory sensitivities: you will not get a box full of itchy, ill-fitting items that your kid won’t wear. Most recently, they've launched a line of cozy PJs that are comfy for sleep and so soft, you'll wish they came in your size!
Who knew? The Youth Poet Laureate sensation who wowed us during President Biden’s inauguration contends with speech and auditory processing challenges. Never would I have thought this while listening to Amanda Gorman’s truly memorable performance that day. This is a quintessential example of how one’s passion for her art is more than enough to rise above a diagnosis, inspire others, and be remembered. It also illustrates that where a deficit exists, there are ways to compensate for it.
In addition to the auditory processing disorder, which had been diagnosed when she was in kindergarten, Amanda Gorman has speech articulation-related challenges which make it difficult to pronounce certain words and sounds. Consequently, she learned how to read later than her peers and depended upon special accommodations in school which is commonly given to students with disabilities. But once she learned how to read, she began to immerse herself in books, started to write her own material, and discovered how adept she was at these pursuits. An appearance at the Library of Congress, the publication of her first book of poetry, and being named the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate would soon follow.
When I first read about Amanda’s auditory processing disorder, I felt an even greater sense of admiration for her than when I previously watched her recite “The Hill We Climb” during the presidential inauguration ceremony. I thought the extent of my admiration that day could not be exceeded considering the absolutely stellar performance she had delivered and the emotional impact of her words. I was wrong.
It takes a great deal of courage to reveal one’s vulnerabilities, and when they come to light, the wow factor that already surrounds an exceptionally talented person is elevated to a whole new level. The true strength of that individual surfaces when what had been overcome along the road to glory becomes known. If this kind of story is not inspirational, then I don’t know what is.
As I’m sure is the case with many, Gorman’s ascent into the public spotlight resonates quite strongly with me. Her narrative and mine share a few significant commonalities. I, too have been contending with auditory processing challenges which stem from an early childhood learning disability diagnosis in auditory perception as well as from an autism spectrum diagnosis that would emerge decades later. I too needed special accommodations in grade school and resisted a few of these, including an offer to take the SAT’s untimed, which I promptly rejected because I insisted on being evaluated on the same terms as my fellow classmates. Amanda admits to having refused extra time on tests as well. We both found ways to compensate for our challenges, enabling us to achieve our unique definitions of success against all kinds of odds. And, both of us have not been afraid to open up about our struggles.
Love who you are and be who you are, at all costs. Doing so entails acknowledging and accepting not merely your strengths but also your hardships, and addressing those hardships on your terms, in your own way and in your own time, so as to move forward. Once you commit to this kind of philosophy, the sky’s the limit. Gorman is clearly a case in point. Greta Thunberg is another, referring to her Asperger’s diagnosis as “a superpower.” And of course, there are countless others turning adversity into triumph every day, eager to make substantive contributions to society but who have not yet been given the opportunity to do so. An immeasurable accumulation of untapped potential rests with these people, potential that is waiting to be realized and on which our world and our future arguably depend.
Let Amanda Gorman and the spirit behind her poem “The Hill We Climb” be an inspiration not only to the country but, on an individual level, to those who share her struggles and to everybody looking to better themselves. Let at least some of the poem’s more meaningful words and ideas sink in and encourage us to greater things: “dream,” “never be permanently defeated,” “step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid,” “rise,” “brave,” and “the new dawn blooms” come to mind. America’s metaphorical hill to climb is steep, to say the least. Too much anger, divisiveness, violence, inequity, and disease. Not enough peaceful coexistence, decency, unity, and normalcy in the way we remember it pre-COVID. Gorman has shown that she can climb her own personal hill by working through an auditory processing disorder and speech processing challenges en route to newfound fame, remarkably, as a poet and a performer. So, too can we dig deep and climb our own individual hills, by confronting whatever adversities stand in our way. We become stronger as a result. Our collective strength as a nation becomes that much greater as we all climb the hill Amanda Gorman envisions us climbing.
SAM FARMER wears many hats, among them father, husband, musician, computer consultant, autism spectrum community contributor, and author of the new book, A Long Walk Down a Winding Road: Small Steps, Challenges, & Triumphs Through an Autistic Lens, which is now available on Amazon.
It’s been four years since my son Stalen was diagnosed on the autism spectrum. He was 21 months old. I remember he was wild in the room as we waited for the doctor to come in and speak with us. He was throwing toys and picking crumbs from the carpet. He was pulling single plastic gloves from a box hanging on the wall. I was trying to hold myself together with strict composure but could feel the lump in my throat and the anxiety deep in the pit of my stomach.
The doctor calmly told me that Stalen was being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. I didn’t hear anything else even though I kept looking at the doctor and nodding and he kept talking. After a minute or two, he asked me if I had any questions. I smiled weakly and said no.
I had to sign a confirmation of diagnosis form which is forwarded on for services. My hand trembled as I wrote my name. I was so shook I didn’t even date the form like your supposed to. I took Stalen and high tailed it out of there.
I couldn’t wait for the solace of my vehicle. I remember the strong smell of a man’s cologne in the elevator. I was close to breaking. I remember fumbling through my purse for change for the parking pay Center. Ugh! Why do I always carry so much unnecessary crap in my purse?!?!
Finally, in the car, I grabbed my sunglasses even though it was a cloudy day in January. I wanted to conceal the tears slowly rolling down my cheeks. I looked in my rear-view mirror and there he was…my sweet baby. My whole world, in his own world. He was smiling, and staring off out the window. Oblivious to it all.
I took three exhilarating deep breaths. I felt them in my toes. Those minutes in that doctor’s office had completely drained me to my core, I was attempting to refill my tank.
I had known for a couple of months without a doubt that he was autistic. But I had also known forever that he was amazing.
At that moment, things were different but really the same.
I was still me and he was always him.
There was no more wondering, it was confirmed. We were going to get the supports and services we so desperately needed. He was my little boy to love and nurture and teach things to. I knew he would do it all, but he would just do it in a different way-his way, in a different time and space.
I didn’t know much about autism.
I didn’t know what the future would look like.
I didn’t have all the answers but hoped for clarity over time.
I was completely certain of only one thing though. On that day, I knew my son just like I had known him from the very moment he took his first breath into the world.
I knew he needed me and I knew I needed him and that was enough for me to start the car and take us home.
I am a proud wife, ASD Mom, Step-Mom. At 21 months, my son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. He is 5 years old and non-verbal. I have become a full-time stay-at-home mom. I am 1000% focused on raising autism awareness and helping my son live a full and fun life.
