Tag: Autism

Watch “Jada and Maya” on YouTube

On By dancingpalmtreesIn Autism, Autism Activism, Autism Activism Advocate, Uncategorized

Stephen and I have our own special sibling language. Kind of a modified sign language that Stephen uses to communicate with me when he has trouble finding words. 

Stephen is verbal and can give short responses. 

We know each other so well that speech is not necessary. 


Stephen can wash, dress and bathe himself. He also uses the bathroom on his own. My brother Stephen is a Blessing in every way. 

Watch “Biffin and Turner” on YouTube

On By dancingpalmtreesIn Autism, Biffin and Turner, Downs Syndrome, Teen invites twin brother with Down Syndrome to share the stage at graduation, The eyes of love - Griffin and his younger bother Turner (Down syndrome), Uncategorized

 

I can relate to these two brothers. My heart resonates with them. I feel the same about my brother Stephen. I am so Blessed and Thankful to have a brother like Stephen.  Yes we wrestled as kids!

Like Griffin and Turner we laughed as children and we are still laughing as middle-aged adults.  Stephen still loves to be near me and will come downstairs because he knows I’m camped out on the sofa while he has the bedroom. During times of stress Stephen will put his head on my shoulder. Ours is a bond that will last forever and I expect beyond this world and into the next. I see that same bond reflected with Griffin and Turner.

The van from Stephen’s Group Home Residence picked him up around 5:35. Sadness for me because the separation is so difficult to bear.  Time is precious and as you get older you know that your time on this earth is getting shorter.  So aging brings new priorities.

My hope and prayer is that Griffin and Turner will have many happy years together.

Griffin aka Biffin and Turner,

Love from DeBorah and Stephen

Love Lasts Forever

 

Biffin and Turner

 

DeBorahandStephen_Dec1961
Me and My brother Stephen December 1961

The eyes of love – Griffin and his younger bother Turner (Down syndrome)

 

 

 

Stephen attended both my High School and College Graduations. It meant everything to me for him to be there and share in my special moments.

 

Teen invites twin brother with Down Syndrome to share the stage at graduation

 

 

I Love You Stephen Vincent Palmer!!  ❤  ❤

 

Montreal 1970

Pizza Moments 

On By dancingpalmtreesIn Uncategorized

Well Stephen was not thrilled with the Honey BBQ Wings from Checkers so then I had to find some other food that Stephen would eat. Many thanks to Grub Hub. 

Stephen is a very discerning selective Autism Guy when it comes to food. Therefore I wind up eating food he won’t eat. Sigh…  Let the fat begin. 

Believe it or not Stephen stripped his pizza slice of the chicken and spinach topping but at least he’s eating the naked slices.  LOL! ♡ ☆ 

Stephen Palmer Rockin’ Out to Robert Palmer

On By dancingpalmtreesIn Autism, Robert Palmer, Stephen, Stephen Palmer Rockin' Out to Robert Palmer, Stephen Vincent Palmer, Uncategorized15 Comments

 

Stephen Palmer Rockin’ Out to Robert Palmer

The Super Sibs are together for the Weekend!

Sorry for the Darkness of the Video. We are inside the house and the sun has gone down.  I apologize for my terrible singing!

Tomorrow we will take some outdoor photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why I Call

On By dancingpalmtreesIn Autism, Autism Activism, Autism Activism Advocate, Stephen, Stephen Vincent Palmer, Uncategorized4 Comments

 

 

Yesterday I Spoke with Dixie from OPWDD (Office for People With Developmental Disabilities) in Albany. OPWDD Falls under the domain and jurisdiction of the New York State Governors office. I learned that services and programs for Autism/Developmentally/Intellectually Disabled New York State citizens is funded through the state but they get the bulk of their money from the Federal Govt.
The Federal Govt determines what and how much funding these programs and services receive. So for those of you who don’t believe that decisions the government makes won’t affect you. Well Think again. Today it is my brother Stephen and the people who reside at QCP Bellerose or go to the AABR Day Treatment Center.
Tomorrow even though you might not have a family member with Autism either you or someone you Love may get into an accident, suffer TBI Traumatic Brain Injury or you could have an illness that affects your cognitive and/or physical abilities. Truthfully the aging process will affect you in some way. The Bible says that the Outward man perishes day by day.Being a Christian will not protect you from illness or injury so that’s why you need to participate in the government process so you can get the benefits, services and programs you will need should your health decline. Barring death by injury or accident you will get older and your body will change as will your physical abilities.
November 2008 I had a minor stroke which affected the vision in my left eye. High Blood Pressure. I became a Pre-Existing condition. Fortunately for me I belong to a Union DC 37 and my workplace provides me with health benefits. Even the Health Insurance did not pay for everything but Thank God filing for bankruptcy got me out from under all those debts. Bankruptcy is a Blessing. As are Unemployment, Food Stamps, Soup kitchens and Food pantries. I know because I’ve had to make use of all these government programs. My brother Stephen receives SSI and Medicaid. One day if I live to be 65 I will receive Medicare. Yes we do need all these Blessings & Benefits and Yes it is the job of the United States Government to care for the citizens!  Don’t get it twisted!
So that’s why I call.  Don’t wait until it is too late and suddenly you or your family need the benefits and find they no longer exist.
If the benefits/Government Assistance don’t exist never will you after a while!