I imagine that many Floreo families across the US are preparing for what could be a once in a decade stormstorm. Such weather is also a reminder of how important it is to keep a close eye on our neurodiverse kids as they eagerly explore the snow. For me, this weather reminds me of the scariest hour of my life. This photo was taken ten years ago: January 22nd 2016. My autistic son, who was six at the time, was loving the foot of the snow that DC had just received. He’s a sensory seeker so he was in heaven. He had on my old snowsuit, which my mom had saved, and it fit him perfectly. I  even gave him a job -- shoveling. Right after I shared this photo on social media, we went to dig up our buried car on the street. He was shoveling one moment, but when I looked away to clear the front windshield, he was gone. Despite his blue snowsuit against the white snow, I could not find him. It was 4:30pm, starting to get dark, and the low that night was going to be 10 degrees F. Our neighbors started to help and for the next hour, we searched and searched. In my mind – absolute terror. If we didn’t find him before it went pitch black dark, we might lose him. Luckily, a neighbor spotted him on an adjacent block. My son later told me he walked off because he wanted to slide down a steep slope.

A big snowstorm can be a winter wonderland, and for all of us raising neurodiverse kids, I hope it delivers joy and connection. Such breaks from schedules, routines and expected weather can also lead to new risks, making it all the more important we as parents stay vigilant. My son, a thriving 16 year old, approved sending this out with the photo. He and I would like all of you to have fun and to be safe in the coming days.  At my house, we are expecting a foot of snow again this weekend. And this year, my son and I are excited to explore the snow -- and look out for each other.

Upcoming events

• Floreo 101 January 28 (virtual event)
• ATIA in Orlando January 29-31
• Enabling Technology Fair in Chattanooga, TN February 5