Hi! My name is Kelly (usually I just go by Kel). I am new here and wanted to introduce myself. My oldest son, Brian, was diagnosed ASD last summer. He is 4 and currently attends an integrated pre-school. I also have a younger son, Jayson, who is typically developing and advanced in language skills. I am a stay at home mom. It is the most challenging, yet rewarding career I have ever had.

Over the past year, I left my husband of 6 years, moved home (upstairs from my mom & stepdad), and have since gotten divorced. My divorce was the best move for me and my children. Brian immediately began thriving upon our move. I don't think it was so much moving him away from his dad as it was moving him away from me and his dad together. There was no fighting, there was just nothing left between us. It is a long story.

I am in a wonderfully loving and supportive relationship with an incredible man. He was my first love and he is the love of my life. We were high school sweethearts. Now we are both divorced and each have 2 children which now makes a very big family. Since our relationship coincided with my divorce, you can imagine there are some very difficult emotions to deal with with my ex.

I am the chairperson for the Parent Advisory Committee for Special Needs in my school district. I kind of fell into the position (no one else wanted it). I haven't worked in 5 years and something like this keeps my skills fresh and lets me speak out on something I am passionate about. I get to meet people from the state department of education, work directly with the director of special needs in our school district, meet teachers and therapists that work in the schools and other parents who are going through similar issues and dealing with issues I have not even come across yet. I love it.

Things are hectic and busy in my life. I am happier in life than I ever have been. My boys and I are surrounded with love and support and we are thriving. However, this is also a very stressful time in my life as I am dealing with behaviors from Brian that I just need help and advice with. We are planning on blending our families over the next year...with 4 children and two exes to deal with, it makes it stressful. In the meantime, I am juggling dr's appointments, home therapeutic services, pre-school, my chairperson position and all the meetings that go along with that and my disabled mom downstairs - who I love more than life itself, but, can drive me absolutely insane.

Ok...I think I have written enough here. I hope to get on here as much as possible and hope to get to know you all!