Life W/Bella

Navigating Autism with Bellamy

[bellasmom2017]

I was proud of Bella this day. We went as a family to the Discovery Science Center and I was a little worried about her having a sensory overload. She was definitely over stimulated but she was able to control it and handled transitions from to room great.#momsofautism #autismawareness #momssupportingmoms (at Discovery Place Science) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNiZKECrmfH/?igshid=o7junmdv9885

[bellasmom2017]

We started ABA therapy a few months back and at first it was super overwhelming. Setting up the program and the list of things they wanted us to have but with support we were able to get a grant that paid for all of her ABA learning materials. So thankful🙌🏾 (at Greensboro, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMBFPYnr2ZU/?igshid=20ps68c3ke18

[bellasmom2017]

If you only knew the struggle with brushing her teeth a few months ago. I would literally have to hold her down to brush her teeth lol. So proud of my baby. 🦷🪥#autismawareness #autismmom (at Greensboro, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMBETNegbH9/?igshid=azodumcvobqk

[bellasmom2017]

She 💙’s her peapod. The compression is great for her sensory needs when she needs to calm down. Her ABA therapist loves it too, because when she is over stimulated we just put her in there for a few minutes and then she is ready to work. It is comes with a pump which makes it easy to blow up and it is extremely light weight. @harkla_family @aba_therapy @storiesaboutautism (at Greensboro, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLSJiPYLv7g/?igshid=1xtwb7cc6gfvr

[bellasmom2017]

I love how close they are. One of my biggest fears of autism is that I was afraid Bella wouldn’t allow people to be close to her. I’m so happy I was wrong. #autismawareness #autismfears (at Greensboro, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKII930rioE/?igshid=qssd593dihrm

[bellasmom2017]

Bella participated in pedicures this weekend. I was surprised at how calm she was and the level of engagement she had was amazing. It’s moments like this that lets me know she will be okay. #autismawareness #autismmom #autismfamily (at Greensboro, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJU6qmPLEX8/?igshid=1vs0t8rhd3jxt

[bellasmom2017]

Made this when the pandemic first started. #sensorybin can be so therapeutic for any kid especially kids with sensor needs. Supplies-Large plastic container, 3 packs of navy beans and a few toy dinosaurs. All from the dollar tree for less than $5. #sensoryplay #autismmom #sensorybins (at Greensboro, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CItpDjfrTCv/?igshid=1ni4vws27kq97

[bellasmom2017]

I knew Bella had Autism before the official diagnosis. This day we visited my grandparents back home and she loved riding this car. She was obsessed with it, she didn’t want to get out. While playing in it, my younger cousin pushed in her in a ditch(just playing of course) and she didn’t cry one bit. While everyone was panicking she was trying to get the car out the ditch to get back in it. Sometimes when you have Autism you underestimate pain. That is something I learned quickly with Bella. #autismawareness #autismmom #autismacceptance (at Elizabeth City, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIrfE83rIc_/?igshid=1xv46wnok7toy

[bellasmom2017]

🌻I didn’t know that having sensory needs was a thing before Bella. She loves to run and jump and spin. She is my daily teacher and I learn so much from her. She doesn’t talk but she says so much. 🌻#autismawareness #autismkids #autismmom (at Greensboro Arboretum) https://www.instagram.com/p/CImcSjqJxi-/?igshid=1x7ywqw8wzpjv

[bellasmom2017]

Mom needs her sleep😴

Chewable melatonin vitamins

Bella falls to sleep in about 30 minutes after taking 1

$7.99 at target

[bellasmom2017]

We tried the weighted vest on Bella when she was about 2.5 years old to help her when she becomes overstimulated. We tried for about two weeks and she wouldn’t keep it on. Paid $70 for it on funandfunction.com https://www.instagram.com/p/CIj82NSJdiV/?igshid=nbspm6zwf0sn

[bellasmom2017]

🧐I wonder what you are thinking about???💭 You are always in deep thought, I can’t wait for you to start talking. (at Cary, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIj6g0op9vT/?igshid=pfg11987275w

[bellasmom2017]

Sisters this close in age fight like cats and dogs. I love the relationship they have. It proves that kids with AU can have typical relationships and express appropriate feelings. This day was a good day for them. They were happy, and sad and frustrated with each other . Just like typical kids. #autismawareness (at Blueberry Thrill Farm) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIj6BjhpenI/?igshid=1e6it05ts6l22

[bellasmom2017]

One thing I’ve noticed about Bella’ having Autism is that when she is interested in something she becomes super focused. Almost like she shuts out the rest of the world. How many people wish they could just do that? ✋🏾it’s like she has a super power! #autismmom #autismrocks (at Rockin' Jump Greensboro) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIj5dLsJJCs/?igshid=139lj19xfs02d

[bellasmom2017]

Got this medical bracket for about $20 off Amazon. Shipping was about a month! 😔 https://www.instagram.com/p/CIj46hwp8GF/?igshid=1s54eu28fexwi

[bellasmom2017]

This is Bella with her big sister Amelia. She loves her so much. I remember how hard it use to be to take Bella to the park, having fear that she would run away and we would lose her. Thanks to therapy, it’s manageable now. We have more control now and a medical bracelet just in case. (at Millbrook Exchange Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIj4MtWJqx8/?igshid=ppn8j4azo1q4

[bellasmom2017]

This is Bella. She is 3 years old and she is my best friend. She is funny and sweet and has so much personality. She also has autism but that doesn’t define her, it just makes life a little different for her. (at Fredericksburg, Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIj3lQzJVSh/?igshid=j94xvd3y7tyl