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 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.
Dave and Mercedes Rizzo discuss the importance of feeling welcome at Mass for special needs families.
Dave and Mercedes wonder what their daughter with autism thinks when her brothers go away to college and share strategies for keeping their family close.
Mercedes and Dave Rizzo reflect on the need to take an occasional respite when parenting a child with special needs.
Mercedes and Dave Rizzo reflect on their daughter’s special needs prom. Having thought that their daughter, who has Autism, would never be able to attend her prom, they were thrilled by the way the school made this occasion a special one for all who attended and for their families.
Dave and Mercedes fondly remember their daughter Danielle’s First Holy Communion, and what it took to prepare a child with autism for receipt of the sacrament.
David and Mercedes Rizzo discuss autism awareness and the everyday challenges that parents of children with special needs face, like trying to get home before their daughter’s school bus.
Dave and Mercedes Rizzo discuss Autism Awareness Month. Having a child with Autism has been challenging at times for their family but it has also been inspiring to see her progress and to discover that she is a valued and cherished member of their family and society.
David and Mercedes fondly remember Sister Kathleen (Aunt Kathleen), a Sister of St. Joseph, and her many years of service to the Church and the community.