I don’t think I was born a neurotic person. Rather, I believe that writing a 200-page dissertation, while making a baby and working, forced me to develop superhuman discipline skills. I wouldn’t be first person to say that their PhD dissertations made them crazy.

Years later, I still live my life with military precision. Some might call my methods “rigid” (Hello, Jonah), but I choose to think of my systems as highly effective. Lists, color coded calendars, and strict rules for life keep me moving ahead on my various personal and career goals. 

Raising kids is definitely a task that involves goals and lists, especially in our crazy suburban world of sports schedules and college applications. Add a disability onto that kid, and the job gets even crazier — IEP meetings, therapy schedule, doctor appointments, and long term planning. It’s a lot. Raising a kid with a disability sometimes requires the skills of Fortune 500 executive secretary.

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