David and Mercedes write and speak from a faith perspective as parents of a child with autism. They are available to speak, and have appeared on radio and other media. Visit DavidAndMercedesRizzo.com to learn more. Follow them on Facebook at Autism With The Rizzos. Authors of Praying For Your Special Needs Child, (Word Among Us Press) and Spiritually Able and The Adaptive First Eucharist Preparation Kit (Loyola Press).
Dave and Mercedes Rizzo highlight a special-needs religious education program that helps kids with autism transition into attending Mass with their families.
Dave and Mercedes share their recent experience of being on a college campus during freshman orientation, and having a twinge of sadness that their daughter with autism, who is the same age was not moving in too.
Dave and Mercedes Rizzo discuss how to greet people who have autism and limited language.
Dave and Mercedes Rizzo sometimes take their daughter with autism to a different parish so she can learn to be comfortable with attending Mass at other Catholic churches.
David and Mercedes reflect on family dynamics. Having a child with autism adds some extra humor!
David and Mercedes Rizzo discuss the sacrifices that special-needs parents often make, especially in regards to employment.
David and Mercedes Rizzo reflect on what it means to be a guardian for their young-adult daughter.
David and Mercedes Rizzo discuss Autism Awareness Day and share some challenges families face when a child has autism.
Dave Rizzo, the father of 4 teens and young adults, reviews Dr. Gregory Popcak’s book for dads, “BeDADitudes.”
David and Mercedes Rizzo share their son Colin’s insight as he prepares to enter law school, knowing that being the sibling to a child with autism helped prepare him for that role.
Dave and Mercedes discuss their faith- and hope-filled approach to the guardianship process for their daughter with autism.
Christmas can be a stressful time for families with children with special needs. David and Mercedes Rizzo share how they have learned to navigate holiday challenges with their daughter who has autism.
Dave and Mercedes Rizzo reflect on the importance of remembering that people with disabilities are created in the image and likeness of God.
Halloween can be fun but it can sometimes be a difficult time for kids with autism. David and Mercedes Rizzo’s 18-year-old daughter Shannon, who has autism, has learned how to enjoy this holiday.
This week we’re discussing Chapter 4: The Corporal Works of Mercy, from Divine Mercy for Moms, by Michele Faehnle and Emily Jaminet. This week, David and Mercedes Rizzo note that to offer service to those in need is to offer service to Christ himself.