Carly lives in Strongsville with her husband, Bill, and their two sons.

How are you and your family dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic?

Although the pandemic has been challenging, we have taken the time to reconnect but also to set boundaries and learn to take time to ourselves.

What do you do to relax?

Yoga, watch TV, spend time in nature, date night.

What else would you like to tell us about yourself?

I'm also a kindergarten teacher and I like to learn strategies to use with my own children as well as my students.

What benefits has Connecting for Kids brought to you and your family?

I learned about NEON from the Connecting for Kids Facebook group. Before things shut down, I attended several events, including the resource fair and a behavior speaker

Which have been your favorite Connecting for Kids resources?

I like the Facebook groups and live events, especially the Speakers Series.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself the day we got the diagnosis I would say...

You can do this. No matter what happens your child with special needs will be ok and you will be ok.

What I worry about most…

What my son's future holds. Will he be able to drive? Go to College? Hold a job? Live on his own?

The hardest thing for me to learn was...

To be vulnerable, to share our diagnosis and story with family and friends. I kept it a secret for a long time and just shouldered it all alone and I wish I would have reached out for help sooner.

Do you have any recommended resources such as blogs, websites, or books that we can share?

I love finding books to read to my children and students to explain coping strategies. Some of my favorites are the Julia Cook books and the What Should Danny Do series.

Is there anything else about your journey that you would like to share with other parents?

My son has epilepsy and ADHD. He also struggles with gaining weight.