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The SITS Girls

The Secret to Success is Support

I’m Just That Way

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Dani from I’m Just That Way and That’s Just Me describes herself as “A sassy mother warrior from Los Angeles raising a very sweet little girl with Autism in the Midwest”.

How long have you been blogging and what inspired you to start?
It’s been a little more than 2 1/2 years now. I grew up in Los Angeles and now I’m living in the Midwest. So, at first, it was a way to show my friends and family back home what life was like here (look, it snows here! tornado sirens! cider mills!). Then it took on a life of it’s own!

You write a bit about your little girl who happens to be Autistic, what can you share with us about that?

My daughter, whom I call Little Bird has Autism. I talk a lot about life with my gorgeous, sweet, fabulous little girl who just happens to have a disability. Giving people a little glimpse into this life promotes awareness and (hopefully) compassion. People with Autism are just like everyone else- sometimes just a little flappier!

What advice do you have to offer mothers who are just now receiving the same diagnosis?

Don’t hide it! Reach out, find others in the same boat. You are not alone. It’s not always pretty, but together, it gets so much better!!

Does your family read your blog? How supportive are they?

My family is awesome. They do read my blog and I’m pretty sure they fight over who gets to be my #1 fan!

In what way have you benefited most from blogging?

I’ve made so many friends through blogging. I’ve had the chance to meet a few in real life, too. It’s quite cathartic putting all your “stuff” out there for the world to see. After months of not talking about it, I recently shared that I’m going through a divorce. The support I’ve received from people everywhere is so great and even overwhelming (and yes, sometimes even a little creepy!).

 

Other popular posts from I’m Just That Way:

Shedding Some Light: “That’s when she kinda mumbled “Seems like a lot of kids have Autism these days. I’m glad I don’t have that. I’ve got enough problems…”
Me Too: “Last week, I read about people who keep their child’s autism diagnosis a secret, or choose not to tell people.”
Where I’m From: “I’m from Los Angeles and Russia and Ireland and Brooklyn, avocados, Nathan’s hotdogs, and matzoh ball soup.”

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Molly says

    Dani, I love your courage, spirit and sassiness! Blogs that raise awareness and compassion around differences are so needed in the blogosphere – skate on with your mother warrior self. Going to check out the goods now…

  13. The BabbyMama @ IKHIBF says

    I’ve visited this blog before and it’s great! And I look forward to looking again 🙂

    I wish my family wanted to be my fans, but lately they haven’t even been reading *sniff*

  16. amber says

    Thanks for sharing a new blog…I have a friend whose son has recently been diagnosed with Autism and I’ll be sure to pass on the link! Amber 🙂

  24. dramaqueensmum says

    I love the header. It’s fun making friends through blogging. I’m hoping to meet some soon in person. I’m heading over to check out your site now.

  25. almostsinglemom says

    as a mother of a special needs kid also- good job being open about it- if more people are open more of us will realize that we are not in this alone, no matter how much it seems like it at the time!

  26. Amber says

    My son also has Autism so I know how that goes.

    I’m impressed she can do the splits! If I tried to do that, I’d break something.

  27. Alethea says

    My son has a little boy in his class who has autism. This is our first personal experience with the disability, and I have to say, it’s been wonderful teaching my 6-year-old that children are different and that’s okay. That little boy has been an amazingly positive influence in shaping the character of my son.

  29. Brandie says

    Love those pictures – what a pretty lady inside and out! Today I posted some new monograms designed for the holidays. It’s never too early! Check them out!

  31. Drink Your Greens and Minerals! says

    Little Bird is beautiful. The two of you look to be very close. I’m sorry to read about your divorce, but love that you have a supportive family. -Family, friends, blogging…sounds like you have a strong support system to help you get through it all. God bless you and Happy SITS Day! I look forward to visiting you site.

  33. Lynn says

    Count me along with Cheryl D as one of the bloggers that have met Dani in person. She is an awesome and smoking hot mother warrior MWILF! So glad to see her getting her SITS…on her birthday yet. Don’t forget to with her Happy Birthday along with Happy SITS Day!

  37. donna dorrane says

    Congrats on being the ‘featured blogger’ for today. Just checked out your blog, Luv the “Where I’m From” post.

    I know so many people who forget or want to forget where they came from, as well as their heritage and ancestry. But it’s so so crucial to who you will become later on in llife. Great post. I would luv to share this on my blog as well.

  43. Leslie says

    Of the limited experience I have with families with autistic children, they are the most loving, kind and charitable people. Thank you for opening up, and I look forward to learning more about your family!

  47. Jessica says

    I love your “Me, too” post. I’m a “talker” too that way. Two of the closest friends I made when I moved out to the Northwest were those in whom I confided that I was having trouble conceiving, and so were they. We formed a bond that has lasted for years because I was willing to share what was happening. I think we’re all glad you are, too!

  48. Cheryl D. says

    I love Dani’s blog! She writes from the heart. I was also lucky enough to meet her once and had a great time! Happy SITS Day, Dani!

  50. Jamie G says

    Wow, I love your blog!

    And I love that you call yourself a “mother warrior!” I remember when Jenny McCarthy came out with the same title on her book. I thought, “That is genius! Why didn’t I think of that!?” Because the mother-child bond is the most powerful human bond in the world.

    You are so blessed to have such a precious little girl. And your daughter is lucky to have a warrior mom like you.