I have been getting so many messages about Stalen’s love for hockey and how going to games works for our family. I know so many families like ours live in isolation and want to find something that the whole family can enjoy together. Of course, every person with autism is different so just because Stalen loves it that doesn’t mean every autistic person will love hockey. Last year my husband suggested that we attend a local hockey game with no expectations and Stalen was completely mesmerized by it. The big screen, the team skating on the ice, the team mascot, all the sponsor logos around the i ..read more

Thank you to the Fredericton Riverview Ford Red Wings for including Stalen and making him feel so special. Stalen was invited to the dressing room after the game to meet his favorite hockey team and Jesse Campbell Magic. It’s an understatement to say that it was everything to him! He even told them a hockey joke and presented them with a copy of both of his joke books. This amazing group of men may not realize but they have left a lasting impact on Stalen just by greeting him, laughing at his joke, and showing him kindness. They play with heart both on and off the ice. Stalen cried when it was ..read more

I write a lot about inclusion-about how every one should be accepted, included, valued, and free to be themselves, receive equal opportunities and the importance of inclusion in all areas of life like school, healthcare, community, work and social. But, I don’t write a lot about what happens when someone is excluded. We are no stranger to exclusion and I know so many of you have experienced it also. As a realist, I know that we will encounter instances of it many times throughout Stalen’s life. As an optimist, I hope that by sharing his story, by showing the world ALL that he is, that we may h ..read more

I was startled awake at 3:45am this morning. I awoke to pure darkness. I had stayed up until midnight so it took me about 10 seconds to gather my bearings. It sounded like a large animal charging, maybe it was our German Shepherd Andrew or perhaps a moose. But, then I heard the familiar squeals and giggles of my 8 year old son Stalen. He burst into the bedroom running at full tilt and laughing. He was lugging his toy story pillow. He had clearly thought this out! He threw it into the bed and then jumped in after it. The giggles were louder and more intense now. I turned on a bedside light and ..read more

It’s here Pre-order your copy of Jokes Are For Everyone! Volume 2 which will ship on October 17 via Canada Post Regular Mail. You can purchase a copy, a signed copy, or a bundle with both joke books-all available at Stalen’s Way Gift Store (www.stalensway.com) The book will be coming soon to Amazon. This book means so much to us as it is dedicated to Stalen’s Nanny Vicki who recently passed away. Stalen was involved in every aspect of this book from choosing the colors, pictures, and jokes. As always, a portion of the proceeds will go towards local organizations and projects in our community ..read more

He is vibrant happiness. He is the smile of hope. He is more than any diagnosis, challenge, barrier or obstacle. In the face of a limit, he is the little boy who could. I hope that he reminds people of the potential of love and infinite possibility. That is Stalen’s Way ..read more

The words never get easier. They sting across my face as I read them, transcending from my eyes to my lips. “with severe impairment” There they are written as though they mean nothing and everything. The words that bring supports and services and perhaps an explanation that may present an increased understanding from the outside world. We see these words in reports, on assessments, in textbooks and in applications. They are rarely spoken outright because they imply huge limitations. Yet, give him an iPad and he can tell a funny joke, trace letters, count, make a playlist and text it to me, pur ..read more

This is my 8 year old son Stalen. He is autistic and non-speaking. He also loves books, the color blue, jokes and he has the best smile. He is an amazing boy. In March 2022, he got his life changing gastrostomy feeding tube. Since then he has been able to gain over 30lbs, stay hydrated, avoid hospital admittances, and take all of his anti-seizure medications through his feeding tube. He receives 4 full feeds a day which accounts for the majority of his daily nutrition. Since July when the #PSHCP a Government of Canada sponsored health care plan, changed from administrator Sun Life to Canada Li ..read more

The great back to school tree ..read more

What Does Autism Mean to Your Family Autism means a beautiful, brave, authentic, little boy who we love and adore. While we know that he is not defined by his autism, we also realize that it is one of the many pieces that makes him the amazing boy that we love. It is challenges, chaos, simplicity and love. It is no two days being the same. It is sleepless nights, belly laughs with the wind in your face, and everything in between-from the highest high to a crashing low, from basking in the sunshine, to sitting in the dark. All in the same day. As a mother, it means that my child is perfect just ..read more